Author Archives: H.H. Bhaktimarg Swami

Wednesday, November 15th, 2017
→ The Walking Monk

Toronto, Ontario
Fresh New Body

Kaustuba from Ohio sent me a comic image of two monks.  One is the student, the other the master.

Student says humbly, “O Master, is it proper for a monk to use e-mail?”

Master answers, “Sure…as long as there are no attachments!”

I shared this laugh with the others in our room where we hold the morning class.  Today’s was a recording of our guru, Prabhupada, speaking from the Bhagavad-gita, 2.14, giving emphasis to the fundamentals of wisdom.

“The ultimate check is death,” he said in regard to the verse.  What is to be considered is the lengthy journey all souls traverse through, from one body to the next, until making good of life.  The verse is one of the strongest endorsements of the soul’s transmigration.

I recall in the summer of ’73, some months after I joined the ranks of monks in Toronto, how a few of my hometown friends sought me out in our humble abode at 187 Gerrard Road, in a rented house.  Bill Wicken was one.  He was one grade my junior in high school.  He was super curious to find out about life’s mysteries.  There was also Ted Van Grinsvan, a family friend, also eager to know what direction to take with this existence.

In both cases, I was making the point from this verse—the word of Krishna—that the embodied soul continually passes from childhood, to youth, to old age.  At death, the process continues.  The atma, soul, moves on into a fresh new body.

I don’t know if I convinced Bill and Ted of these concepts.  I wonder where they are now?

May the Source be with you!

0 km

Tuesday, November 14, 2017
→ The Walking Monk

Toronto, Ontario
What A Life!

I’m feeling a bit grounded just being in one place for two consecutive days.  It’s a good feeling.  With that is a sense of privilege as a resident of an ashram (monastery).  What an honour it is to live the life I am living, sometimes on the road and sometimes not in the field but in a safe home!

How fortunate I am to be that early riser and to live out that opposite kind of existence.  Like the verse from the Gita which expresses such uniqueness.  It is from Chapter 2, Verse 69:            

ya nisa sarva-bhutanam
tasyam jagarti samyami
yasyam jagrati bhutani
sa nisa pasyato muneh

            “What is night for all beings is the time of awakening for the self-controlled; and the time of awakening for all beings is night for the introspective sage.”

I was reflecting on this in the course of my evening walk just before I should have been in bed.  I was thinking, You lucky dog! You have a lifestyle that allows you peace and mental comfort!

The major pain I feel, frankly, is the conflict I see in others.  As I walk along Yonge Street, which at 9:30 p.m. is mostly a time for the young and a place for the young.  I hear quite prominently the two words “like” and “f—-” coming from the mouths of the pedestrians around me.  My ears have a hard time with those too-often expressions.  Again I think how blessed I am to have the uttering of God’s names in the environment I’m usually in.  In the ashram, no problem.  On the street, no problem also because I’m chanting in the course of my walking.

What a life!

May the Source be with you!

6 km

 

Monday, November 13, 2017
→ The Walking Monk

Toronto, Ontario
Getting the Best Food Out

Hardcore for Humanity: Life Giving Meals Funded by Hardcore, an article by Brittany Rudyck from Friday, November 10, 2017, for Beatroute http://beatroute.ca/2017/11/10/hardcore-for-humanity/ 

“EDMONTON – The connection between hardcore music and the Hare Krishna tradition can be traced back to ‘80s to bands like Youth of Today, Shelter, and of course, Cro-Mags. The tradition, once hailed by bands like the Beatles, caught the eye of those in heavy scenes around the New York area seeking a lifestyle free of intoxicants, animal products or liberal sexual lifestyles. Known by many as “Krishnacore,” the fad appeared to peter out by the early ‘90s, at least in mainstream recognition.  

Fast forward to 2017 in Edmonton, where Mattie Cuvilier, who has been a motivating force in the Edmonton hardcore scene for years, has been hosting Hardcore for Humanity since 2010 with hopes of raising money and helping the less fortunate.  

“We’ve worked with a number of different charities; it changes year to year,” explains Cuvilier. “The last two years we’ve been working with Food for Life. With this organization, it all goes to the food and can have a bigger impact. You can see it all at work. It’s an open book.” 

Guitarist/vocalist for Cruciferous, Johnny Jagajivan has a long and fascinating relationship with punk rock and the Hare Krishna movement, one that perhaps could be its own article.

Jagajivan has been with Food for Life since its Edmonton inception in 2014. The international non-profit food relief organization now serves meals once a month at Boyle Street Community Centre. 

“Food for Life itself is interesting with its history and ties to ‘80s hardcore,” explains Jagajivan. “I’ve been to all of the Hardcore for Humanity shows and played – I think – the second one.

We’re feeding 150 people with three hundred dollars and it’s a serious meal: rice, a dish called choley (also known as chana masala) which is chick peas and tomato sauce with Indian seasoning, a samosa, a salad and an Indian dessert with sugar, cinnamon and raisins.” 

Hardcore for Humanity serves this meal before the live music aspect of the event to be transparent and also to share the sense of community it hopes to foster. Adding the hardcore bands to the event is also part of Cuvilier’s dream of bringing the Edmonton local hardcore scene back to life. 

“This upcoming event has one of the most hardcore line-ups we’ve done in awhile,” he says.

“I wanted it to be about the charity but also about hardcore. Devoting energy to the scene in Edmonton and giving it space.”  

Enjoy a vegan meal with your family November 17 at the Sewing Machine Factory (Edmonton) at 7 p.m. The all-ages meal is a suggested $10 donation; all proceeds go to Food for Life. The show is 18+ and features performances byFeeding, Suffer Me, Cruciferous, and Underbite.”

Additional Note from the Walking Monk: Food For Life has been in operation by Krishna devotees and helpers since the ‘70s and was initiated by the Hare Krishna leader A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada.

May the Source be with you!

5 km

Sunday, November 12, 2017
→ The Walking Monk

Bragg Creek, Alberta
Wanting to See

Jagajivan and I were hoping to spot some elk, or maybe a moose.  The sign on Highway 762 reads, “Moose next 10 kilometres.”  Okay, let’s hope.  It’s early.  The sun’s not up yet.  It’s quiet.  We’re making no noise except for the gentle footsteps made on the road, and the snow laying on the pavement muffles any sound.

For me, sighting wildlife of the magnitude of moose, elk or caribou is auspicious.  It excites me.  It would not be like having a vision of a coming avatar, but it’s getting there.  Seeing an avatar, God Incarnate, would be Divine Darshan, a spiritual vision, a genuine God experience.

I guess I will settle for a viewing of His reps, the devotees.  In yesterday’s session of meetings, I had the pleasure to see all twenty-five of them, men and women with a mission, a focus on improving performance in life skills.

Prabhupada, our guru, compiled a statement on the seven purposes of his mission, ISKCON.  The first purpose addresses checking the imbalanced lives in which we live.  To clarify the point, most of us give little of no attention to our spiritual cultivation, rather we are focussed on the physical end of things.  To gain an equalizing balance, it is necessary to invest in the soul.  Two souls.  The one which is in the heart and a second one at the ends of the legs—spelled sole.  Heart and feet.

Well, we did not see wild ‘game’, as hunters would say, but we did see angels.  In fact, we spent hours with them—Krishna’s devotees.

May the Source be with you!

5 km


Saturday, November 11, 2017
→ The Walking Monk

Bragg Creek, Alberta
Remembrance Day

I recall my dad telling wartime stories of the Nazi invasion into the Netherlands (his place of birth), of loss of life, of mistrust, of curfews and scraping by on meagre means.  He was 20 and wasn’t aware of his future, whether he would live out the war or whether parents and siblings would survive.  It was a great time of uncertainty and fear, and you weren’t sure where your next meal was coming from.

Fortunately for the Dutch, it was a homeland of innovation and greenhouses, but still many folks in the cities did not have those commodities that the rural areas had. Rationing of food, living frugally and resorting to the tulip bulbs as food is a hard reality for post-war kids to wrap their minds around, what to speak of millennials and those in-between.

My description almost makes light of the gruesomeness of war but it is an inevitable reoccurrence within humanity.  On this day, Canadians honour Remembrance Day, a meditation for the soldiers who gave up theirs lives, and those who sacrificed in other wars in recent times, and to my mind, ancient times right up to the ancient epochs, including our Indigenous First Nations. The minute or more of silence designated for the lost lives and the wounded cannot suffice for the sacrifice done.  We are speaking of a countless number of entities—countless.

The red poppy has been the symbol of our fallen warriors for years now.  More recently the white poppy has come into use, and stands for the medics, chaplains, peripheral workers etc. who gave their all.  And with the hopeful coming-into-mainstream, the purple poppy, that acknowledges the innocent animals who perished in the cross-fire and on the front lines as part of the armed forces.  These images represent the truth of ultimate giving.

May the Source be with you!

5 km


Friday, November 10th, 2017
→ The Walking Monk

Bragg Creek, Alberta
A Soul is a Soul

Vincent and I took to the trail beyond Folk Tree Lodge.  Balance is the name of the bushy white dog who accompanied us.  Oh, he blended into the snow alright.  We could tell of his whereabouts by his bark.  The spruce around us also concealed.  The guy is friendly.

I’m just guessing it’s a he and made no effort to research the gender.  A dog is a dog.  A soul is a soul.  We are all souls for that matter.

The retreat at Folk Tree is a gathering of leaders from ISKCON Canada.  Same-gender relations was one topic we discussed.  The actual discussion surrounding same-sex persons began with a question.  “How do you, as a bhakti-yogi, a leader, respond to the query of acceptance of same-sex people versus rejection?”

The discussion led to this:  Regardless of one’s sexual orientation, everyone should have the opportunity to serve and love Krishna within an encouraging environment.  To advance the subject more, it was pointed out that those sexually active, whether hetero or homo, enwrap themselves in service to God and to the world.  The activity of seva, service, purifies, and hence, physical intimacy reduces.

With age and maturing we all tend to downscale on physical, or sexual, activity, unless of course you’re a monk and you abstain altogether.  That’s been my path all along and I’m totally at home with it.

At our retreat, more topics were held but that was one which is pertinent, in our modern times especially.  Let’s remember—a soul is a soul.

May the Source be with you!

7 km


Thursday, November 9th, 2017
→ The Walking Monk

Calgary, Alberta
A Bit About Dharma

It is the dharma of a sannyasi, a monk, to travel, and that is what I’m doing, but by jet.  Once arriving at my destination I schedule myself for some period to walk.  And this I did with the ‘Festa’ family, of Gaurachandra, Vani Priya, and Jagannatha, in what is now a winter wonderland.

Yes, that season of whiteness has set in and I don’t mind, provided I’ve got the clothing to cover.

Out in the east end of Calgary, we meandered through the streets and crescents to put in an hour of much-craved-for loosening of the limbs.  Some thought went into the weekend and the anticipated retreat with ISKCON Canadian leaders for brain/brahmanstorming sessions. 

We will ponder the following:

How do we vaishnavas or bhakti yogisbecome relevant in a very compacted, mundane and secular world?  How do we share the goods of Krishna Consciousness effectively so others will come to listen and observe?

Anyone who inherits the gift of Krishna, feels he/she has struck gold and then wishes to disseminate it.  I am of that mindset and those who will attend are also of that spirit.  There is eagerness.  I know them.

It is the dharma of a devotional practitioner to share the lifestyle.  Our guru, Srila Prabhupada, defined dharma as “occupational duty” and in the context of the soul, which is in essence what we are, the obligation or “duty” of the soul is to serve humanity, nature and the Creator.

My evening closed with a visit to the home of Bharat, where I read and discussed dharmawith other guests, eager recipients of tasty prasadam, blessed food.

May the Source be with you!

5 km


Wednesday, November 8th, 2017
→ The Walking Monk

Toronto, Ontario
Inspired

I am inspired by cleaning, as I’ve mentioned before, and today was one of those days to get down to business, roll up sleeves and pull up socks, by tackling the balcony of our temple.  It’s been a part of the building under major neglect, in my opinion, but I got the help I needed from Mahaprabhu, visiting us from D.C. and Bhakta James from Montreal.

I put to work several muscles, which may not get the full attention from the almost perfect exercise, walking, by bending, lifting and so on.  I don’t become very conscious of this until the end of the day when I feel not sore, but just great.

After seeing the result of the cleaning, and then hearing the chanting by the regular Wednesday youth who come to do just that—chanting—it is like heaven!  Usually you hear the melodies of ISKCON’s legendary kirtanleader, Aindra, being executed.  I do have fondness toward this American monk; I had lunch with him, chats with him and of course, sat in with him when he would lead a chant.  Well, I couldn’t actually sit, but dance in ecstasy along with a host of Bengali brahmacaris—monks.  It was a group effort.

This brings me back to the point of team work that goes behind the purification of a building, most notably the place where Sri Krishna is being worshipped.  I personally get enthused, very much, when thinking about the divine efforts of the ultimate monk, Sri Chaitanya, who excited his followers in the dust-gathering, water-splashing event of the Gundica Temple cleansing in Puri, India, some five hundred years ago.

May the Source be with you!

0 km


Tuesday, November 7th, 2017
→ The Walking Monk

Picton, Ontario
Twins Tweaking It

They are identical twins, bhakti yogis on top of that, and they recently acquired a 50 acre property with a house just off of Lake Ontario.  They are doing some organic things such as growing and harvesting carrots, tomatoes, peppers, melons, blackberries and also honey.

Sanatana, Rupa and I stopped by to see the farm and the young men, the twins, Dhyana Chandra and Graham, who are also the proud owners of Prema the Pig.  She is a big pig and works her snout by turning the soil on the property which is highly populated by red cedars.

We had lunch and enjoyed their apple cider, pressed on the spot, from the Empire variety of apples.  On the menu (and the two guys do offer their food, trained by devotees in Toronto) were sandwiches with their garden ingredients.  I asked Rupa to squeeze some of the blue-type berries that the red cedar yields, onto my avocado for the sandwich.  Apparently they are edible and they add a nice flavour.

In their home lives a ghost, an Asian woman wearing a hooded cape.  We didn’t see her but according to the two twins, she lives in one of the upstairs rooms.  In my opinion, ghosts are all around the world.  In fact, it could well be that she walked with me a stretch along the rural road.  It’s nice to have company.

The twins anticipate adopting more pigs for turning soil and fertilization purposes, in addition to showing love.

How did they, two identicals, get involved in Krishna Consciousness?  Through Craigslist, when the ISKCON Toronto Centre was looking for kitchen help.  It turned out to be a good arrangement.  They are mellow fellows with good ideas that are being implemented.

May the Source be with you!

5 km

Monday, November 6th, 2017
→ The Walking Monk

Ottawa, Ontario
Evening Trail

Determined, high-soaring and the ultimate team players are what Rupa, Sanatam and I heard and witnessed from the Canada Geese up above.  On that evening trail, when the sun was to bid farewell ’til the next dawn, without exaggeration, we saw thousands.  But surprising to us was the compass we used which revealed they were going into the northerly direction when it’s time to go where it’s warmer.

Also interesting was that the birds’ configurations in flight weren’t prefect V shapes.  Some flocks were looking more like forming a check mark and less like an arrow tip.

The curious minds that we upheld during the time of their honking caused us to question, “Do they only fly during the day?” because it was getting dark while on the trail between Embrun and Russell.  The answer to that question is, “They fly both in day and night,” as Google will tell.

I thought, “Well, this is just remarkable!  They are resilient.”

For the three of us, we felt as if we tapped into magical moments while standing under the moving masters of the air.  In fact the whole day was like a fairy tale to me.  From Toronto to Ottawa and then to Embrun, in that collective six hours, I spent time with Rupa, Sanatan and Shankar—who runs Govinda’s eatery—then K. Dulal, Mandala and a host of kids from the Montessori School, who are all like a band of angels.

I was in heaven even though it was perhaps the first real day of winter—or so it felt—as we walked on that evening trail beneath the flying feathered friends.

May the Source be with you!

5 km


Sunday, November 5th, 2017
→ The Walking Monk

Scarborough, Ontario
People

“People, people who need people,

Are the luckiest people in the world…”

The above lines, the beginning lyrics to “People,” sung by Barbara Streisand, come to my head on occasion when on foot, on the road—especially after I’ve met some.

It is sung by Barbara gloriously, with fullness of voice and feeling.  And because the experience of interaction with people can be so meaningful, fulfilling and complete in the course of the day, you just want to sing it out while in the countryside, or in a valley, perhaps, in full volume, and most likely when far away—from people.  https://youtu.be/fPlQ6EtArSc

Today, I mingled as well as presented—before many people—at ISKCON Scarborough, then the Hindu Prarthana Samaj and then ISKCON Toronto.  My presentations are to inform, and I was happy to see the reciprocation from the people with eyes wide open (except for the session when I asked for a deliberate eyes-shut in order to concentrate on mantra sound) and with responses of nods, smiles, gravity and laughter.

The topics for these people were “Down With Fanatical Spiritualism,” “Listen and Chant,” and “You Are What You Think About.”  All topics based on the science of the Bhagavad-gitaare messages for people—by people, especially the Supreme Person.  Krishna is the speaker of the Gita and my voice is merely an instrument meant to echo out…to the people and for the people.

May the Source be with you!

5 km

Saturday, November 4th, 2017
→ The Walking Monk

Richmond Hill, Ontario
Getting Around

Ontario proclaimed November as Hindu Heritage Month and the celebrations at the Vishnu Temple at Yonge and Hwy. 7 were the venue for this event.  I was invited.  Several mayors were present including those from Richmond Hill and I believe, Markham.  Other dignitaries were also there.  Principle organizer Lajput got up on the stage and mentioned my name twice in the capacity as his guru.  It was flattering.

But in reality, the real boost for me, at this event, was the kirtan that Godbrother Gaura and I led.  Gopal is an excellent drummer on the mrdunga, and Subal, our driver, is a happy dancer.  The projecting of mantras must be a flattery for God.

After the program, when back home, I had the chance to clean, or mop, the floors in the temple and ashram.  It’s always a heart-cleansing involvement.

That was followed by leading a discussion at Sacred Space, a weekly program for newcomers.  It was a good bunch of humans who turned out—meaning they had a sincerity of purpose.  One of the attendees brought up the subject of ‘evil’, questioning its origin and objective.  It is a classic topic for Man.  Generally I’ve found that if you’re a theist, it is a principle that can be accommodated.  When one is an atheist, even of the philosophical mold, one is left baffled with the reality of evil.  Theists tend to swallow the concept and can wrestle it down because they have someone to help them.  They have a Divine connection.

My final engagement for the day was doing a nighttime walk—west on Dupont, south on Christie and east on Bloor, before making the turn to Avenue Road, in Toronto.

May the Source be with you!

7 km

Friday, November 3rd, 2017
→ The Walking Monk

Belfountain, Ontario
The Milking Monk?

When I was a teen and living on the farm just outside of Blenheim, Ontario, my dad would wake me up at 5:30 a.m. to milk the family cows.  It was routine to tie her legs in order that she would not kick the bucket of milk over and cause a spill. Cows do that at times. When I read in scripture that Krishna, as a boy, had done so with His cows before milking, I found it so relatable.

I personally didn’t like it when a cow would kick and sometimes succeed in relieving herself and plopping a whole leg inside the milk pail with the white and foamy liquid content inside.  It, no doubt, ‘spoiled the batch’, so to speak.

Cows are generous in releasing their ‘liquid religiosity’, as our guru put it, but they do in fact sometimes kick.  I see many people are like this in their own behaviour.  There’s a kindness and goodness in everyone, however, there’s also a stubborn and sometimes cantankerous side to them.

After all, no one is perfect, except for you know who.

In my travels, whether on foot, flight or fleet, I come upon people who are a blessing and curse at the same time.  Of course, I must include myself.  I find it always helps to highlight the good side in an individual and dwell less on what is pejorative.  I prefer to think of a cow who bears charitable milk—and let’s assume here that it’s ahimsa milk; milk from a protected cow—rather than a cow who kicks, or is cranky at times.

May the Source be with you!

0 km

Thursday, November 2nd, 2017
→ The Walking Monk

Toronto, Ontario
Not Blue Suede Shoes

Tom from Windsor came to spend a few days at the ashram.  He’s good for the morning sadhana, a spiritual workout—chanting, japa and study.  Then by 9:30 a.m., he’s off to the library doing personal research.

I’ve been pushing the wet mop in the mornings.  If floors aren’t done daily, you’ll be assured of sticky black soles.  I know Prabhupada, our guru, loved cleanliness.  Also, the person who cleans feels clean.  It beckons shanti, peace.

Tom and I took evening walks these last two nights.  I have the chance to fly in the new pair of Kyboots, designed with Swiss technology and made in Italy.  Shoes like this don’t get any better.

My summer walking took its toll on my former ones, so it was time for them to reincarnate.  The pair of new shoes went out to explore various streets such as Yonge, Bloor and Davenport.

Tom noticed the city is changing and getting busier like the rest of the world.  To nature we can say, “Make way, the imposition is here!”  Condos are popping up all over the place, blocking the sky.  Stars, you won’t see.  Raindrops splatter on our chest, arms and head.  It is beautifully mild out.

My shoes are happy.  They are set out to do service.  They are helping me with posture and the knees.

I reflected on what Prabhupada said about health, that it is a priority in order to serve nicely.

I do recommend Kyboots as a way to get around. https://youtu.be/VkQS6xvjfgI

May the Source be with you!

6 km

Wednesday, November 1st, 2017
→ The Walking Monk

Toronto, Ontario
Surrender Begins

One person I recently met—a year ago—is Gordon Martin of St. John’s, Newfoundland.  He’s someone making great changes in his life.  He sent me a poem of his which addresses “Surrender.” 

Here it is.

Surrender Begins

Surrender begins like a fairy tale

in a distant land

Begins as a dream unknown

scares us shitless

Surrender begins

a blanket with nails

letting go no option

Hang on to the known

Even if that known

Is the darkest night

Even if that known

has dragged us through

the mud, left us naked in the street

Surrender begins with a whisper

A candle flicker

Dancing, embracing the darkness

that peers in so close

Surrender begins

With the mystery of an empty page

The words elusive the ink dry

Surrender begins

A map without borders

A voyage with no defined destination

Surrender begins

loneliness in a crowded room

fear, emptiness

Surrender beings

With struggle

And pleads

I stand now on the other side of surrender

Knowing it’s grace and power

Looking at those who cannot see

Surrender beings with love

With letting go

With saying yes to life

Surrender begins

With tears running down my cheek

With falling to my knees

Surrender begins

With holding hands

And hugs of understanding

Surrender begins

With grace and forgiveness

Surrender begins

In this moment

In this place

Here

Now

May the Source be with you!

Tuesday, October 31st, 2017
→ The Walking Monk

Oakville, Ontario
On Halloween

I picked up a pair of new shoes, Ky boots, compliments of Jagannatha Misra.  To acquire them, I took to the GO commuter train.  When going to the ticket wicket, I asked for a Senior’s Day Pass, my first time at taking advantage of reaching 65.  There was some disbelief that I was that age.  The ticket seller doubted.  I reached for my passport, but before I was able to pull it out, she said, “No! No! It’s okay!”

Thanks for the compliment, I thought.

There was also uncertainty in the looks of the passengers on the train, whether I was in Hallowe’en costume or not.  Half of them were in some kind of unique apparel.  When exiting the train, I asked a young man for directions.  I don’t normally use the train, and Union Station, to me, is a big and crazy network of people going every which way.

I received good pointers on where to go, and after that, the fellow asked, “By the way, are you an actual…?”

“Yes, I’m the real thing—a Hare Krishna monk.”

“Cause I was just in Tibet.”

“Our order is rooted in India where it all started–the notion of devotion.”

Grateful, he was happy to have met a monastic person.  I was happy to meet him, a new person, a new contact, perhaps, a new spiritual seeker, perhaps, otherwise why would he go to Tibet and widen his eyes at the mere appearance of a monk.  Well, let’s say I’m trying to be.  I feel as long as I’m regulating my life in abstinence with no meat diet, no gambling, and no substance abuse, while trying to do a meagre service, I’m in, somehow.

May the Source be with you!

6 km


Monday, October 30th, 2017
→ The Walking Monk

St. John’s, Newfoundland
Last Day in Newfoundland

It’s been good being with the Newfoundlanders.  We made awesome contacts with Brad, Josh and Justin who are local.  Paul is from Grand Prairie, and grew up there in a Hutterite community, most of his life.  Tinu is from Kerala, India, born Christian and now exploring a similar consciousness—more expanding perhaps.  It’s all good!

There’s the people and then there’s ‘the rock’ itself—the Island.


Hayagriva, Marshall and I trekked to the edge of the continent.  Cape Spear is the name.  It’s a spot I’m also familiar with.  It’s the ideal spot for marathon-anything, as a starting point. https://instagram.com/p/Ba7iYTZlfSy/

Incidentally, I’m not off on a major walk anywhere real soon—just little jaunts here and there.

We met Michael, a local, and a young woman from Scotland, who’s researching the frequent mishaps of whales entangled in fishing nets.  On her list of places are California, Vancouver, Cape Cod and now, Newfoundland.

We shared our brunch with the two, up at the peak by the lighthouse.  The Cape does attract tourists.  Everyone seems to capture a very good vibe from the place.  And much to our luck, there was hardly a breeze.  It does get frightfully cold at times.  When I came up here in 2002 with the film crew of the  documentary, “The Longest Road”, they wanted my hands in pranamsto the ocean and elements.  They took so many takes with the camera and me chanting mantras.  It was so frigid.  I swear those exposed hands felt like they were just going to drop off.

Our happy ending in the St. John’s area was here.  We chanted to the whales.

May the Source be with you!

6 km


Sunday, October 29th, 2017

St John’s, Newfoundland
More in St. John’s

Our U.S. walking party, comprised of three Canadian Krishna monks, hit the trail, the “Great Trail” at its start.  The longest constructed trail is this one with a distance of 24,000 kilometres connecting the Atlantic, Pacific and Arctic Oceans by way of a foot path.  Hayagriva, Marshall and I really just scratched the surface, covering a mere 3 km, and that was just the 3 km to get to the starting point, formerly called the “Trans Canada Trail. Mile Zero Km.”  It would take me just under two years to make that distance non-stop if I were to tackle it.  Mind you, I’m not unfamiliar with it.  I’ve taken to segments of it.

Today we made our second visit to the local Hindu temple to worship and to talk on the topic “The Rope of God,”  Highlighting the pastime of God as a child.  Krishna, as a baby, stands there shaking in fear and kajal, mascara, mixed with tears runs down His cheeks.  His mother is unhappy at His behavior and so she proceeds to give him a licking.  She gathers some rope nearby and after some struggle manages to tie Krishna to a wooden grinding mortar.  Her prescription toward correcting her son is driven by love, of course.

The above story is meant to invoke a parental feeling toward Krishna and to be charmed by Him.  It seems to me that the telling of the tale impacted the group.  By evening we held to a more yogic crowd at Meranda’s Lotus Centre.  It has been fifteen years since Meranda and I began the Sunday night chanting sessions.  It has been going strong ever since, thanks to her steady determination in maintaining such a worthwhile program. http://thelotuscentre.ca

Tonight’s session was a strong feel-good.

May the Source be with you!

6 km


Saturday, October 28th, 2017
→ The Walking Monk

St. John’s, Newfoundland
Messages and Mantras

Hayagriva, Marshall and I took an additional but short walk to Signal Hill, the famous location where the first-ever telegraph was received.  It was in 1901, on December 12th, that Marconi heard on his headset the wireless Morse codes sent from England on top of this hill some 2000 miles away.

We were fascinated by this piece of information, especially the boys who came here for the first time.  At the base of the hill is a Sea Centre which has interesting exhibits, one of which includes the event of the Titanic’s sinking.  In fact, the mighty ship that set sail in April of 1912 hit the ocean’s bottom at a depth of  2.4 miles, a mere 500 or more kilometres from the sight where we were walking.

A section of the exhibit showcases quotes from people like George Bernard Shaw, who in his own eloquent words, was highly critical of flaws made in the search attempt, or lack of it, for passengers aboard the vessel.  And there’s a quote also from Phillips who was receiving telegraph messages, warning of the dangerous ice and who responded to them with a “Shut up! Shut up! I’m busy…”

Newfoundlanders, though,  are indeed friendly.  You’ll be walking along, and someone who sees you will just break out into a conversation.  The sweetness of the islanders was also felt when we spoke at the Hindu Temple off Penny Lane in St. John’s.  People of Asian and Western stock turned up to hear from Chapter Six of the Gita on the theme, “The Mind—Best Friend or Worst Enemy.”

What truly came across as ‘friendly’ exercise was our chanting aerobics where all who attended got up on their feet, not to walk, but to dance to the beat of the drum and the cry of the mantra.

May the Source be with you!

6 km

Friday, October 27th, 2017
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St. John’s Newfoundland
To the Atlantic Edge

It’s a tight fit! I thought when we first saw Josh in his Spider-man outfit, all prepared for a Halloween party that evening.  He was our host for a presentation at the Science Building at Memorial University and, being a nursing student, it’s assumed he’s a caring soul.  He also mentioned his guru gave him the mantra, OM NAMO BHAGAVATE VASUDEVAYA.

The attendance was a bit down from last year, however, the folks who came were of quality.  It’s great to see some younger people come with questions.  Stephen and Justin were among them.  And Miranda, seasoned, wise and experienced, is the ultimate yoga teacher, and she is like a sister to me.  She happens to be the daughter of renowned artist, Gerald Squires, whose studio we’re staying in.  Gerald passed away last year; bless his soul.  Many of his works are of religious themes.  Good stuff!

I said a number of things and talked about the world of mass destruction and how walking for me, personally, has offered spiritual solutions to mundane problems.  One item that resonated with this group of individuals who all have yoga connections was, “It’s better to give, than just be.”

I was happy to be in Newfoundland, to reunite with my marathon team, Hayagriva and Marshall.  We plan a weekend of talks, walks and chants, all of which began with tonight’s gathering.  One person wanted to know if I’d seen God on any of the walks; my frank answer to that was, “Yes, through the conduit of nature, and people giving their heart.”

May the Source be with you!

5km


Thursday, October 26th, 2017
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Kirkland Lake / Toronto
Two Planets

Brothers Jaya Gopal, Vyasacharya and the younger Kaushal—all of Gujarati stock—are up north in Kirkland Lake for the business venture of securing another motel.  I’m not sure how many that makes.  All I can say is the Patel Motel Regime goes on marvellously.

They were kind to have me come to this town, which is nothing shy of a seven-hour drive from Toronto, the city that now has the status of “never sleeps.”

The four of us took to the peace of the north by exploring the local ski trails.  No skiing for us, though, just walking.  None of us were really prepared for the wetness of the trails.  I had on my ‘Keen’ sandals and the others had donned their dress shoes.  It didn’t matter.  We were taking in the shanti (peace) of the place, with birch and spruce trees as our company.  There was a raven up above, the sound of a Blue Jay, and the occasional bushy-tailed squirrel scurrying along.

The series of trails just behind the new ‘community sports complex’ looped about and offered enough upward and downward slopes that any concern about the damp chill of the morning quickly dissipated.  Kaushal, the more recent arrival from India, was the first to notice that we heat up when our strides are going up.

A lake nearby and the plentiful presence of water gave the feeling that there was no shortage of H2O around us.

“This is not like Gujarat.  India is drying up,” said Vyasacharya.

Jaya Gopal and family, Chandrika and son Nitai, then drove me to North Bay through the countryside of Chief Grey Owl.  I loved it!

I arrived in Toronto, then Union Station, and then wheeled my luggage back to the ashram.  What a contrast!  The hustle and bustle of the city set against the earlier musical of nature!

May the Source be with you!

8 km


Wednesday, October 25th, 2017
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Kirkland Lake, Ontario
To the North

Air Canada Jazz Flight 8837 landed in Timmins at 13:24 with me as one of the passengers.  Snow was descending but dissolving before it hit the ground.  Late October chill has begun and I came equipped with a light brown coat from Duluth Trading Co., a comfortable coat, compliments of Paurnamasi from Cleveland.

Vyasacharya was waiting to greet me and from there we drove to Kirkland Lake, population 10,000, a gold-mining town.  I walked through Kirkland Lake and Timmins on my first pair of crocs in 2008.  I recall meeting a ‘Born Again’ Christian woman in Kirkland Lake.  I couldn’t have a real conversation.  I remember trying to say that each and every one of us have been born multiple times and will continue to filter through many more bodies until we get it right.

Vyasacharya’s family, the Patel clan, is purchasing the Comfort Inn and I have been invited for a blessing of the deal.  His bro, Jaya Gopal, drove north to meet us for the blessing—a simple chant—but before he arrived I had the chance for a walk through the town once again.

I met a minister of the Spiritualist Church.  He introduced himself as a reverend for thirty years and was going to e-mail me his name.  I found it interesting that he has family who are Krishna devotees in the U.S. and has been following the growth and changes of our movement since its inception.  His residential locations have been Vancouver, St. Petersburg and now Kirkland Lake, where he is currently a major librarian.

Because of my robes, which are unusual for Kirkland Lake, I drew the attention of another man, someone from the First Nations.  He introduced himself with these words, “I’m not sure if I should say, ‘Namaste’ or not?”  He had the greatest grin.

“Namaste is perfect!” I said.

May the Source be with you!

5 km


Tuesday, October 24th, 2017
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Toronto, Ontario

Damodar

It was a plenty-good day. Lots of cleaning. Also spent time with a Buddhist monk and had dinner with him at the home of a Mauritian couple, Hari and Krishna Katha.

Overall, it’s a great month known as Kartik, when Krishna devotees celebrate the pastime of Krishna as a youngster, helping Himself to butter, and the consequences that follow. In temples and ashrams, we sing this song. (Translation by Kala Kanta of Gainesville.)

Damodarastaka

After you steal butter, Your earrings dance and shine

As you flee Your mother in Your Gokula pastime.

Though You are all blissful, all knowing, ever-new,

Greatest of controllers, Your mother controls You.

She shows You the stick and she binds You by the waist,

You shudder and sob and Your pearl necklace shakes.

As You rub Your frightened eyes, tears roll down Your face,

Ropes of her love bind You in Your mother’s embrace.

Relishing Your childhood activities like this,

You plunge Your devotees in deep oceans of bliss.

Though many revere You, by love You are subdued.

Again and again, Lord, I bow down before you.

Although You give freedom, I don’t ask to be free,

Nor do I want anything You should offer me.

I only request that Your sweet childhood pastime

Ever be enacted in my heart and in my mind.

Curly hair encircles Your face of blackish-blue.

Kisses make Your cheeks look like red bimba fruit.

May this sublime vision be all that I can see.

Any other treasure has no value to me.

Damodar!  O Vishnu!  O Lord beyond compare,

Be pleased with a soul sunk in oceans of despair.

Uplift and protect me with glances from Your eyes;

Shower Your compassion like rainfall from the skies.

Two sons of Kuvera were cursed to stand as trees;

You gave them the chance to become Your devotees.

My Lord, will You offer the same blessing to me?

I don’t want to merge with Your identity.

Although in Your belly the universe is found,

Your mother’s effulgent rope has Your belly bound.

I bow to that rope and to Radha, Your most dear,

And those sublime pastimes in which You appear.

May the Source be with you!

4 km

Monday, October 23rd, 2017
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Brampton, Ontario
Went for a Walk

I went for a walk with Savy and Ben through some autumn, forest trails. It was nice. The sunrise was phenomenal. We were chanting on our beads, a real special form of yoga, you could say.

All was good except for one thing that truly irks me when I’m in an area like the far reaches of Brampton.  It’s that urban sprawl. It manifests like a monster and consumes everything in its way. What were once  farmer’s fields, forests and open valleys, have now become the invasion of greedy creatures.

All forms of wildlife, including the coyotes, possums, raccoons, birds and the like, are forced to leave their domain to make way for the world of automation, huge homes, and square malls with low-quality food, clothes, utilities and what have you. It is a sin that its growth goes the way it does. In the end, you have a civilization of coldness.

I’ll say it again, that I have great feelings of ambivalence when in the burbs. Progress? Digress maybe. I know people have to live somewhere, but why not develop real communities which include local gardening and the presence of animals.

I will cease my cursing now, and reflect on our guru and his magnanimous contribution to the world.  Srila Prabhupada is remembered today on the anniversary of his passing.

Before 1965, there was no knowledge of Krishna. He brought Krishna to the world, and we can take it that Krishna brought Prabhupada to the world.

May the Source be with you!

8 km

I surrender!


Sunday, October 22nd, 2017
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Toronto, Ontario
The Country, The Cemetery

After a talk and a chew at the ISKCON Brampton Centre, Vishal so kindly drove me to his farm in Caledon. He has two horses, a pony, one Guernsey cow called Durga and a small herd of gir cows, a breed from India.

Locals say to Vishal and family, “Oh, you’re the people with the camel-like animals!”—referring to the hump they have on their backs. People come by all the time, quite amazed at the very different and very gentle creatures. Well, Manu, the young bull, is rather feisty. He’s handsome like a prince though.

I indeed relish being in the country, and what is quite the fascination for me, is that running through Vishal and Yasomati’s property is the Trans Canada Trail. We couldn’t resist taking to it, even just for a stretch. As we headed south, our ears were tantalized by the sound of bagpipes.

What would someone be doing with Highlander sound out here?

Next to the trail, beyond multiple trees, was a man playing the calming sound of a Scotsman’s delight, and in a cemetery. “Amazing Grace” was one of his tunes, played as he paced through the rows of tombstones. It seemed like he was honouring the dearly departed. Vishal, Yasomati, her mom and myself  sat there on the grass savouring the sound. Vishal and I saw it as a perfect spot for chanting our gayatri mantra. As we did so, a flock of Canada Geese flew overhead, which contributed to the calmness and wilderness of wonder.

May the Source be with you!

7 km


Saturday, October 21st, 2017
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Milton, Ontario
God’s Rope

Most shamefully, I did very little walking today. Cleaning–yes–lots, in fact. I trekked on the main street of Milton after participating in a Diwali program at Grace Anglican Church for a group of devotees of South East Asian origin. I gave the talk and shared in leading the kirtan.

It’s actually a new Krishna community shaping up. We are expanding. We are growing.

In the meantime, Kevala was conducting his monthly “Evening of Bhakti,” at our downtown ISKCON centre in Toronto, to a more Western crowd. Different audience. Same message.

The message for this month, known traditionally as Kartik, is the exciting time of reflecting on a rope, and not just any rope.

When I was a teen, a post-war baby-boomer, people of our generation were spooked by the work of Alfred Hitchcock, the film director. He was a master of suspense. I was a fan. One of his suspense movies was a 1949 film called, “Rope.”  I need not give an account of the murder story, but it involves a rope. You can guess how that rope was used.

I joined the Hare Krishna movement and became a monk and hadn’t seen a film in years. In the fall of 1973, six months after I joined, I heard about a rope—God’s rope. It is a pastime that involves Krishna as a young child. He would be a bit menacing at times. To exercise a touch of discipline, His Mother, Yasoda, bound her young child to a wooden, grinding mortar and the rest is to be read about. She made the use of a rope.

It’s a charmer of a story.

May the Source be with you!

4 km

Friday, October 20th, 2017
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Toronto, Ontario
The Hill and the Fest

We had a grand festival in honour of Govardhana Puja, which is a meditation on Sri Krishna’s strength in the lifting of a massive hill. It was this time last year, that along with a small group, I circumambulated the actual hill which is located a relatively short three hour drive from Delhi. It was a walk that surprised us. Anticipating few pilgrims would be trekking its length and breadth during the night, we discovered that the crowds, indeed, were out. We commenced at 9:30 p.m. in order to avoid a congestion of pedestrians, as well as the heat of the sun. It looks like others had the same idea in mind.

If I’m not mistaken, it was Purnima, the full moon, and that apparently attracts many.

In Toronto, we don’t get quite the same numbers, as in India, for an event like Govardhana, which is the name of the hill. Still the attendance was great, or at least good. I gave the talk and a chant. We had prasadam—quite delicious. A major feature was a hill constructed of halava, something young kids are more prone to relish because of its sweet content.

People were in an awesome mood at the temple, as were the walkers whom I met on the walking trail today. Perfect temperatures with the sun on my face made it what it was—a stroll to remember.  Optimism was totally in the air. https://instagram.com/p/BagZ_F_Fz11/

Now, the only thing about this evening’s event which hit a sour note was that one of our visitors had his good pair of shoes stolen. Ouch! That hurts to hear. Fortunately, we got the thief on camera. This will be pursued.

May the Source be with you!

10 km

Thursday, October 19th, 2017
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Toronto, Ontario
Fire!  Fire!

I wasn’t sure whether or not jet lag got to me when I arrived at 7:00 a.m.  I attempted to sleep after that fifteen hour flight from Mumbai but I wasn’t feeling particularly groggy.  “To feel groggy is to feel drunk, tipsy, weak or dazed,” according to the dictionary.  That describes it.

Guess what I did? Some walking!

Ramesvara was with me.  We checked out the ravine in the Don Valley Park.  Nice day!  Smiling faces were what I saw.  Then we came out of the ravine and made a crossing at St. Clair bridge, when we saw some smoke ascending from below. I bent over to see the source and there we spotted right below us a homeless man trying to put out fairly substantial flames that were consuming his clothes and rags.  Another local woman, a pedestrian also peered down to see this display.  I phoned 911 immediately and was directed to the fire department.  Within seven minutes they arrived and pulled out their power hose.  The homeless man (and lady-friend) emerged onto the street level and walked away.  The flames were put out.

That was some excitement for the morning.  But it wasn’t over.  Ramesvara headed for home.  I continued trekking through the park and there I met Silk, who recognized me from twenty years ago when she did an assignment for her anthropology class from the Krishna conscious point of view.  Silk had five companions with her and of all things, a fire, lit by hardwood log pieces.

“What’s up, Silk?”

“This is a city approved fire, a sacred one, to give attention to the youth suicides amongst our native people,” she said.

What a coincidence; today, Diwali is being celebrated in Canada–the festival of flames.”

May the Source be with you!

8 km


Wednesday, October 18th, 2017
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Indore, India
Diwali Day

Our meetings are over.  God-brothers / sisters are now dispersing, going to their respective lands.  We will meet again in February to carry on with our on-going dreams for attempting to improve on our own initiatives.  I use the word ‘dream’ because the world as we perceive it is rather topsy-turvy, going in a direction that is many-branched.

Really, it’s a scary world, and it’s sometimes hard to envision some level of harmonious interaction between men / women and nature.

At least here in Indore, Madhya Pradesh’s largest city is rated as the cleanest one in all of India.  Kamalaksha, of Indore, drove me around for a second installment of theatre-costume shopping.  I could see through the vehicle’s window that it’s true.

Another piece of good news, of hope, is that in the capital, Delhi, fire crackers have been banned.  Being Diwali, the festival of light and the New Year for many in this land of dharma, there has been a concerted effort to put a halt to the noise and air pollution from the noise-makers.  It’s a step, isn’t it?

In the ultimate aim toward improvement in the world, whether it be within India or outside, there is the need for humans to reach out and help each other.  Sri Chaitanya, the great luminary of the early 16th century, had these long arms that he extended up into the air, summoning Krishna and surrendering to Him in the form of kirtan.  He reached out to all He met and enthused a culture of Supreme praise, not self-praise.

On this Diwali day celebration I had the good boon to speak to a crowd at Kamalaksha’s apartment.  They wanted to hear about some of my walking ventures which, in my experience, is always a good way for reaching out.

May the Source be with you!

5 km



Tuesday, October 17th, 2017
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Ujjain, India
The Seasoned and the Young

I’m always amazed by the sacrifice of the other older monks, swamis, brahmacharis and grihastas (householders).  When we meet, we discuss what is relevant.  Part visionary, part strategic and part problem solving would be the categories of topics that we go over.  Meetings can be long but they are important.

I was requested to give an extra class, in Q and A format, to the younger men.  The room became filled with souls of the ashram.  Their hearts were also filled—with questions.

“How do you stay enthusiastic?”

Answer simplified:  “Stay in the company of those who are zealous.  It is contagious.”

Second answer:  “Just do it.  Pondering too much is hesitation.  Act more, think less.”

“Can you clarify the difference between principle and detail?”

Answer: The overall principle is sweet surrender.  All the little steps taken to get closer to perfection are the details.  The principle or concept is the same for everyone.  The approach varies.  One example is Arjuna was to surrender to Krishna, but his approach was as a ksatriya, protector, and that is not for everyone.  Someone functions as a moralistic mentor, someone as police, someone as a producer of goods, someone as a physical labourer.

“Can you tell us of one of your walking experiences?”

Answer: I detailed my encounter with the grizzly bear.  They liked that one too.

I also learned one thing from those monastic students.  When they go out in public, they wear white.

“Why?” I asked.

“Because although people respect the saffron, they don’t want to see their sons become renunciants.

May the Source be with you!

6 km

Monday, October 16th, 2017
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Ujjain, India
One of My Heroes 

My actual walking while in Ujjain is the pacing I do in the corridor of the guest house I’m in or the circumambulation on the walkway around the temple.  This second location is interesting enough.  I begin pacing and one person joins me, then another and another… In this way it builds up to the point of an army.

Someone said I’m the Pied Piper.  Another exaggeration came from a sannyasi (swami), a godbrother.  “If you stayed in India for a while, you’d have millions of disciples!”  That was flattering, as he was referring to the hundreds of people who cling to the kirtan/chanting led in the evenings.

My response was, “The chanting belongs to the One whose name we are referring to.  It is Krishna’s name and it’s good to see people hooked to the practice.”

When Lokanath Swami leads, it also draws the crowds.  He can go on forever.  If I can also say something else in his favour, he is a committed walker.  It is he who began the padayatrasthroughout India and the world.  He told me that his padayatra (festival on foot) has been going on since the ’70s.  Every five years, the group returns to the same spot, referring to the rotation they follow.  His presentation also includes chanters and deities carried by two oxen.  He’s definitely one of my heroes.

Now from the morning class, I noted a few good points.  Yoga is defined as ‘equality’.  “Wit” comes from the Sanskrit vid (knowledge).  And “that” comes from the Sanskrit tat (something real).

May the Source be with you

8 km


Sunday, October 15th, 2017
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Ujjain, India
Have You Ever…?

Have you ever walked through traffic in a tightly congested, city marketplace in India? You basically must dash and dodge your way through the crowd of people, scooters and cars. Cows are the least part of the problem, but they are there. Don’t think of standing still to avoid the mechanizations. You’ll be forced to move one way or another and at different speeds from stop to start.

I thought that Ujjain was a smaller city. Yes, it is, but it’s a half-million population crammed in tight quarters, and during Diwali, it makes it feel like you’re in China. On top of that, with things coming at you from all directions, you’ve got sounds of engines, bells, whistles and car horns, all mostly at a higher pitch. It’s quite the contrast from Ely, Nevada, during the U.S. walk, when one morning I found myself in the midst of three hundred bikers all revving it up with their roaring Harley Davidsons. There the sound reached your gut.

Anyway, I was out in the streets, practically holding hands with Kamalaksha from Indore, shopping for possible drama costumes. At one point in the circle of commotion, I wondered if it was worth the endeavour. Finally, we found an outlet where theatre-wear was in stock and I managed to pick up some cheap costumes that I can adjust when I get back home.

In Ujjain, I’m really happy attending meetings with fellow monks. The sanga (company) is worth my stay here. They are my brothers.

What sets me apart from them is that I’m a drama swamiwho has to have his tools to work with.

May the Source be with you!

10 km

Saturday, October 14th, 2017
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Ujjain, India
Getting Around

Bhakti Caru Swami is the host of our sangha meetings and he arranged a special treat for his visitors.  This morning we were bussed to three sacred places. The first was the popular temple of Maha Kaleshvara, where the Shiva Linga is adored.  Second, we were bussed to Ram Ghat by the Shipra River. Here Ram came, thousands of years ago, to honour the last rites of His father. Finally, we were taken to the school where Krishna and His brother, Balarama, were formally educated. It is called the Sandipani Muni School. Tucked away in a fertile green area are the well-maintained grounds of this location of worship.

I took a fancy to the cows who are well fed and hitched to trees in their pasture. I could see they are handled with love as many entities are in India. Relationships and love are very valued in this great land, but you also see neglect of some sectors of society. Poor folks don’t always have an option of schooling.  Neglected is the environment, like most places on our precious planet. I was remarking to Bhakti Chaitanya Swami while we bus-rode back, how trucks and cars make up the landscape and villages.

Fortunately, our meetings are held in this more decent and smaller city, unlike Mumbai, Delhi or Kolkata. It makes for a conducive space for contemplation. And the temple, well, it’s real pretty. On this Saturday evening, I was asked to lead the song in reverence to Damodara, Krishna as a child. The follow-up kirtan chant, was quite explosive.

May the Source be with you!

   8 km

Friday, October 13th, 2017
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Ujjain, India
Feet to Forest

It was a frivolous moment but one that flared up naturally after hours of rather formal meetings.  My door was open.  I had guests over, when two monks, actual buddies, came inside.

Sivarama Swami, one of them, looked down at my feet and remarked, “Those are the feet that did all those miles.”  I could see what was coming.  Both he and B.B. Govinda Swami impulsively grabbed my right leg.  Sivaram Swami took that foot and gave it a love bite.  He passed it on to B.B. Govinda Swami who then gave it a big kiss.  All was done in good fun.  A little embarrassed, I was, but I was happy they came to bring a phase of light-heartedness to the evening.  My guests had a good laugh at the casual nature of it all.

Who said monks can’t have a little fun?

I did have the good fortune to speak with my Russian monk friend, Bhakti Vijnana Goswami, who is suffering from insomnia, but is now improving.  He said over the phone that the compounding of administrative responsibilities had taken its toll.  “For over four months I wasn’t getting any sleep,” he said, but now he’s on a slow recovery, thank God.

The opportunity also came up, yesterday, for me to deliver the Bhagavatamclass.  The verse was regarding the Pracetas, yogis who had meditated, submerged in water, and when they came out of their trance they saw the world around them in thick tree cover.  From their yogic power, they invoked from their mouths fire and wind with the intent to deforest certain areas.  Some, the god of the moon and herbs, protected and challenged them.  I received compliments from the class.  I felt quite dreamy after that.

May the Source be with you!

6 km

Thursday, October 12th, 2017
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Ujjain, India
Foot Care

With a few minutes available in Room 112 of the Guest House, I gave some attention to my feet.  With a rasp-like instrument I managed to take off dead skin, much like a pumice-stone effect.  I also utilized my nail clippers to carve away at semi-soft skin, especially at the tips of the toes where the attention is most needed.  After this procedure, I took to a good soaking in lukewarm water in a basin with some of the local salt dissolved inside.

I have to be kind to these feet.  They have done a tremendous service this summer in carrying me across the western part of the USA.  “Service your feet,” is what I say.  It is a form of devotion.

I took additional dead skin off after the soak, clipped the toe nails and felt as though I had new feet.  It felt so great on the marble floor of the temple of Radha MadhanMohan.  It was like I was gliding over the surface with my clean new feet.

I do have a sister who specializes in pedicure.  As a swami, I generally don’t have physical contact with the opposite gender, even though they may be kith and kin.  I will give hugs that are momentary, especially if it is a newcomer, as I just want to encourage the ladies toward devotional life.  I never thought to ask Rose Ann, my sister, and I will refrain from such a request, to aid my feet.  Also, there are usually young men around to help the elders in the matter of foot care.

The same type of stricture should apply to women who choose a life of bhakti.  Women will help each other in an interdependent fashion like in a nunnery or a convent.  There are not too many facilities like this for women, from what I’ve seen.

In my travels, I see how people really care for their cars.  The same type of spirit should apply in the case of one’s feet.

May the Source be with you!

5 km

Wednesday, October 11th, 2017
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Ujjain, India
Got A Call

I was studying the reading material given to me when I received a call from Winnipeg, Canada.  It was Daruka on the other end of the line.  He had been my support person one and a half trips across the country.  He and his good companion, Billie the parrot, had been a great back-up team, but it was Daruka, now on the line, sounding not so good.  He’s currently in the hospital recuperating from his third auto accident since 2014.

Each incident was the other guy’s fault and each time it’s like a message from on high saying, “Maybe your driving days are over.”

One thing that is for sure is that there’s some bad carma here and I really feel for Daruka who has done so much for the walking mission, and is overall a good-hearted person.  He’s needing prayers.  He’s asking and I’ll deliver, and I’ll ask right now for others who know him, or may not, to reach out for his wellness.  He said this time his thigh got jammed between the driver’s door that was banged inward, and the steering wheel.  The door had to be cut through in order to free him.  He’s in pain and can’t walk right now.  He’s bedridden.

I recall in our travels together numerous times when I would be a harsh critic toward the automobile culture.  It would sound like a curse to Daruka whenever I would express something pejorative on the topic, but now he admits perhaps the remarks were highly realistic.

Nevertheless, the whole thing is traumatic for him as much as it is physically challenging.  He and I travelled tens of thousands of miles together.  No such collision.  Now it’s getting too repetitive.  Please pray.

May the source be with you!

5 km

Tuesday, October 10th, 2017
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Ujjain, India
Happy Rain…

Happy rain has been falling from the sky.  It’s a cleanser, no doubt. Walking is somewhat restricted to pacing my room—room 112 in the guest house. I’ve been good, attending meetings, and on time. Our body of leaders, approximately thirty-five to forty, are mainly discussing more effective and efficient ways to manage and make good decisions.

Ujjain is that place where five millennia ago, Sri Krishna took His education as a boy. I’ve been meditating on what I am learning at the meetings. The information is valuable. There’s good stuff here—a bit of an overload. I’m now 65; most of my comrades are 70 or approaching. Because I’m human, I am retaining not all of what’s being said or being handed out to me as take-home material.

I’m learning pastimes for sure.

I’ve been sitting under an AC unit, directly. Everyone else is stuffy in our conference room.

Both in the morning and evening, I’ve been asked to lead kirtan. Taking a hold of the microphone and moving from my lips to my legs offers me a break from the sitting routine.

My assistant is a native of Bengal—Suta Goswami Das. He is someone to be proud of. He really is helpful and I’m thinking to get him to come to Canada with me. We could use someone like him to not only assist me but to spend time in cultivating the spiritual lives of immigrants of Indian origin, along with being an inspiration to young locals. May it come to pass.

May the Source be with you!

5 km

Monday, October 9th, 2017
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Ujjain, India
Back to India Again

Back home, Rajasuya had kindly arranged for me to avoid chaotic traffic conditions by taking a sleep stay somewhere in Mumbai. He booked me into the airport Niranta Hotel to save time and catch quality rest. He also arranged for me to get escorted through the airport to security and my gate. What a breeze!

“No Rahul, let’s walk the stairs,” I said after he pushed the elevator button, “I’ve got to get some walking in.”  He agreed and executed the typical waggle of the head. But he didn’t understand my logic. Oh well.

There at the gate, I met Bhakti Vaibhava Swami of Germany. That’s nice! I thought. Then we were driven from Indore to Ujjain. While passing through green and countryside, I mentioned to my comrade monk that I’m not much of a ‘meetings’ man, referring to our purpose in reaching this destination. Our mid-term sessions are annual and I go out of a sense of duty. When I said that it’s worth the while because we get to see other leaders of the mission and enthuse each other, he remarked, “I feel the same way.” He implied that the sanga, the association, is key to our spiritual success.

We arrived at the temple/ashram and were greeted by a second chanting party—the first was at the Indore Airport.  A slew of young brahmacharis more or less carried us along, escorting us to our quarters by way of the elevator.  Oh well, the stairs were short.  We just had one floor to go.  Both the Swami and I had kichari and sambar before we calmly moved our way into the conference room.  There we stayed for a while until it was time for a short break, lunch, before hopping into a second sedentary session. No walking, and no theatre practice for the Walking Monk today.

May the Source be with you!

1 km within the airport, only.

Sunday, October 8th, 2017
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Mumbai, India
The Little Ones On Board

My flight from Toronto to India was direct, no stopovers.  Hallelujah!  But not all passengers aboard Air Canada Flight 046 were happy campers.  It seems that on any airlines taking you to Mother India, there are going to be lots of babies.  It becomes well known during the descent of the aircraft.  The mouths of the little ones become so obvious.  They might be classified as ideal meditation crashers.

Personally, I love the sound of those future leaders.  The crying is simply a voice that says, “I’m coming and I’m coming to impact you.”  With every new generation, we can anticipate major contributions along the way, in addition to compounding an already crazy world.

In fact, we live in the age of Kali according to our Vedic teachings.  It’s a time of dark thinking and doing.  On the bright side, members of this malevolent time can know that through quiet meditation, or even a happy boisterous one, as in kirtan, that a redeeming and uplifting experience can be felt.

I’m ever so grateful to my guru, Prabhupada, who came from India to the west to make the kirtan or chanting investment.  While going through customs, after landing in Mumbai, I had my preoccupation in japa, chanting on the beads.  Believe me, the queue is long and I don’t have to bear as much anguish like others.  I noticed at least the babies in Mummy or Daddy’s arms are also quiet now.  May they use their potent lung-power as a dovetailing to spiritual practices down the road.

Yes, the human voice is made for kirtan.

May the Source be with you!

0 km


Saturday, October 7th, 2017
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Brampton, Ontario
Verse 3:14

At the home of Yogender, I chose to speak from the Bhagavad-gita, 3:14, to a study group who are enthusiastic to learn of the book’s unbounded wisdom.

The verse reads, “All living beings subsist on food grains which are produced from rain.  Rains are produced by performance of yajna (sacrifice) and yajna is born of prescribed duties.”

I also read a portion of the purport by our guru, Prabhupada, wherein he explains, “Food grains or vegetables are factually eatables.  The human being eats different kinds of grains, vegetables, fruits, etc. and the animals eat the refuse of the food grains and vegetables, grass, plants, etc.  Human beings who are accustomed to eating meat and flesh must also depend on the production of vegetation in order to eat the animals. Therefore, ultimately, we have to depend on the production of the field and not the production of big factories.”

Such logic of dependence, delivered by Krishna in the verse and by His devotee in the purport, would lead anyone to believe that the human diet naturally is herbivore-based.

Most of the listeners at Yogender’s are already committed vegetarians based on tradition and/or choice,  but hearing this extra piece of information offers an additional reinforcement, a stamp of approval toward the case of a plant-based planet.

We had a delicious meal including flavourful veggie burgers.  After the program, I took a solo walk through the various loops and trails at Sugar Maple Park where the colourful fall giants, the trees express, by their very prowess, that plants and trees are our best physical friends in so many ways.

Now I’m off to India, via Air Canada, to Mumbai, Indore, and Ujjain.

May the Source be with you!

5 km