Author Archives: H.H. Bhaktimarg Swami

Friday, October 6th, 2017
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Milton, Ontario
The Start of Another One

Rajasuya, Ananta, young Gopal and I headed down the Bruce Trail, just a short 5 kilometre stretch of this long 840 km footpath, the oldest of its kind in Canada.  I guess you could say it’s an official start of another walk, one that I plan to tackle in spurts, by way of day walks.  http://brucetrail.org

In any event, off we went to the area of Lake Kelso, which, at the start by Old Bell School Line, was naturally adorned with red sumac.  We were greeted by a host of birds seeming to have a party.  These Canada geese made for a landing at a fish habitat, and at the base of a cliff along the Niagara escarpment. A frog, a snake, a squirrel, chipmunk and blue jays were also about to give us some companionship outside of our own inner circle.

Oh, and there were enough of those mountain bikers—seems to be a guy thing—who whizzed by, always with a verbal “Hi!” while they were getting ‘high’ on their adrenalin rush.  No doubt this trail has its ups and downs, rocky in places while roots of maples, oaks, and more are exposed, giving hiccups to a cyclist and less-so to a walker.

In fact, this kind of path is the best; not regular in its texture, not flat but bumpy.  You can’t get better than this.  There are look-out spots that offer awesome vistas.  It’s like being in a kind of heaven, really.

Oh Krishna, thanks for this day, for these companions and a most exhilarating place to be.

May the Source be with you!

5 km


Thursday, October 5th, 2017
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Toronto, Ontario
Turned 65

On past birthdays, I would take a trip northbound and explore abandoned fields, for walking with a purpose.  That purpose had much to do with seeking out apple trees yielding varieties of fruit that have been forgotten.  You’ll be surprised what kind of flavours were savored, and from thereof, I collected the seeds for a notable seed bank.

Well, today I didn’t leave the city, but rather took two Montrealers and one Calgarian down the trail by the Brickworks where I did my initial training for the extreme walking I do at times.  These companions had a sweet time.  At one residential front yard, we took a moment of solitude and literally “took time to smell the roses.”

What a birthday experience!

The evening was a bit more boisterous.  A planned party ensued.  It included chanting, a puja to guru, Prabhupada, a foot bathing—mine—some words of appreciation, a cake, more chanting, a gorgeous video produced by Abhidheya—also featured on YouTube, access   https://youtu.be/KnhcFHcYEj0   and the presentation to me of a new book for children called The Walking Monk, an illustrated book written by Anna Milagrits (aka Ananda Rupa Devi Dasi)  published  by Samhitapress, with pictures by Olena Yanko.

These last two were utter surprises that made the evening very special.

What a birthday celebration!

I also took the liberty of saying something to the crowd about achieving the proper aim in life.  “It is the lotus feet of the Supreme we must target, and not let loose and go ‘gun happy’ on innocent people”—referring to the recent tragedy in Las Vegas.

The world needs a calming and healing.

May the Source be with you!

8 km


Wednesday, October 4th, 2017
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North York, Ontario
Clean and Shine

My mind is most peaceful when things are clean, and so, gradually, I’m going about the ashram and mandir (temple) where I live, and addressing the accumulated dust, dirt, crumbs and misplacements.  There is so little help these days.  Few young men reside in the ashram.  They’re better off travelling anyways, which is what they are doing.  The few able ones who do reside with us are, for the most part, off at work or school.

I see it as a glorious service to pick up a broom, dust pan, then mop and water bucket and work away.  Naturally when visitors come by and they see a swami at labour, they may volunteer.  That’s also a good feeling for me—engaging others.  It’s about as sweet as seeing all the dirt wash away.  Therapeutic–it is.

I also had the good blessings to see siblings.  My sister Pauline is a hair dresser for the rich and she invited me to her home where Connie, another sister, and bro Jerry also happened to drop by.  Connie teaches.  Jerry’s a photographer.  The gathering was actually a pre-birthday party for me.  At this full moon, I’ll be 65.

Pauline checked out, online, Hare Krishna cake recipes and came out with something rather successful.

To get to her home, I took the subway to Sheppard and Yonge.  Then, not knowing which way and being greeted by an ominous dark cloud above, I asked for directions because the western sun was not visible.  It’s funny that people don’t have their directions quite right in their own city.  I was misled and went the wrong way through some rain, but that’s okay, I got some walking in.

May the Source be with you!

6 km


Tuesday, October 3rd, 2017
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Tilsonburg, Ontario
Most Welcome

Our morning class discussion was centered around a verse from the Bhagavatam, 10.20.20, which goes as follows: “The peacocks became festive and cried out a joyful greeting when they saw the clouds arrive, just as people distressed in household life feel pleasure when the pure devotees of the infallible Supreme Lord visit them.”

How then to improve our hospitality when people come to visit the temple and ashram? Visitors may not necessarily fit into the category of “pure devotee” but let’s give them the benefit of the doubt that their intent is good. People come on a daily basis for some comfort and serenity. How can we make their stay the most welcoming?

The simple answer that came from the group was to acknowledge their presence with:

1)    A smile

2)    Some words of welcome

3)    Offer some prasadam, even a small piece

4)    Inform them of upcoming sangas—gatherings

5)    Answer their questions

6)    Offer them literature, a take-home bit of information

7)    Inform them as to where they may find water and a washroom

This can be expanded upon, of course.

The demonstration of the above kindness came from Kelly and Ramachandra when Nimai took Wade and I on the drive to Tilsonburg at the Indigo Lounge.  In its yoga room, we met with local folks interested in hearing “Tales From Trails,” the Bhagavat philosophy, and some chanting.

It was nice to see the enthusiasm from the group, in terms of the good questions coming my way and the response to the literature, CD’s and japa beads we made available.

We felt most welcome.  Kelly’s final word was, “Let’s do it again!”

May the Source be with you!

0 km


Monday, October 2nd, 2017
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Toronto, Ontario
’Twas Awesome

It was a fast train, only four hours to get from Ottawa to Toronto. Once I arrived at the downtown Union Station, I decided, because it was an awesome day weather-wise, that I would walk to the ashram. Are you inspired?

I had my luggage with wheels and so I rolled it all the way for the 4.4 kilometres. I went north on York Street, and then through Nathan Phillips Square. I was captivated by a sculpture there. Suspended rather high was the image of a lion and a lamb looking fairly contented at each other.

Immediately I thought, “This is biblical. Now let me see….”  I began to speculate.  In truth, I should have read the plaque. This is a depiction of the heaven where there is no fear; prey and predator are one.  ’Twas awesome!

I looked up on Google some reference to the lion and lamb. Apparently the two sculptured animals are more to do with a representation of Jesus. The question is, “How should we understand the lion and the lamb passage?”

Answer: Typically, when someone is thinking of the “lion and the lamb,” Isaiah 11:6 comes to mind due to it often being misquoted. “And the wolf will dwell with the lamb, and the leopard will lie down with the young goat, and the calf and the young lion and the fatling together.”  The true “Lion and the lamb” passage is in the book of Revelation 5:5-6. Christ is both the conquering lion of the tribe of Judah and the lamb who was slain.  There are two aspects of the nature of Christ.

Anyway, it was cool to see a beautiful work of art, with some divine message behind it, in the downtown of a corporate-culture section of town.

May the Source be with you!

6 km


Sunday, October 1st, 2017
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Ottawa, Ontario
On Top of the Hill

The police officer, a female, approached us out of sheer curiosity.  It was Parliament Hill and our small chanting party had made our way to one of those historic sculptures with armed figures, representations of early settlers to the New World as well as some natives of the First Nations.  I had our group posed and interspersed with the sculptured heroes, ready to take a photo of our group holding our weapons of drum, tambourine and cymbals, when the police officer asked, “What are you doing?  We have groups coming up here protesting at times.  I don’t know anything about you.”  To me she asked, “Are you the leader?”

“Yes, I’m a leader amongst us—a visitor to Ottawa, but I can answer your question.  We are from the Hare Krishna group which has roots in India—an ancient tradition that pre-dates Buddhism and Christianity.  We represent peace.  We have no violent or aggressive intent here.”

Then Krishna Dulal, our drummer, added, “As a matter of fact, we come here every Sunday to share our music and spread the peace.  We have a free feast, vegetarian, at our Centre on Somerset.”

“What do you call yourselves?”

“Hare Krishnas!  Here’s my card.”  I pointed to the mantra. She accepted the card but refused our literature.

By now she was convinced that we were harmless.  I do believe she was more inquisitive for her own sake than just doing her job.  We shook hands and were on our way.  Dozens of cameras from tourists moved in.  People thought us to be colourful, after all.  We were.

May the Source be with you!

9 km

Saturday, September 30th, 2017
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Ottawa, Ontario
Different Ways of Walking

My fingers were walking over my mala—beads.  It is a life-long commitment I made to do those rounds—one hundred and eight beads on a strand to make one round—times sixteen.  A vow made to our guru, Prabhupada, it assists in keeping maya, life’s illusions, at bay.

My eyes were walking over words of recent history from the book Chasing Rhinos.  The contents are about a revolution in consciousness.  John Lennon’s song about revolution suggests change.  This evolution begins with a purging of the self.  I was sitting on a park bench, at Sandy Hill, reading.

My ears were walking over the sounds of the loud students at the game nearby.  They were happy sounds, but flavoured with the two words “like” and the “F” word.  This is so common.

My lips and tongue were walking over the savoury morsels of ‘dinner’, as Vinodini put it, actual prasadam, blessed food.  Inside the gymnasium of the community centre, participants also enjoyed this great potluck food.  And I always like the veggies best.

My senses were walking over the delivery of the presenters who were honouring a saintly lady who passed away recently—Guru Prasad’s wife, Vinodini’s mum.  Her name was Niranjani.  She was resilient and always soft and smiling.

Overall, I did some walking with varying instruments, all but for the legs.  Then time allowed five minutes on Highway 7 as Kasyap, the driver, was chanting his gayatri mantra.  To do gayatriyou walk your thumb over your fingers.  That’s the best way I can describe it.

May the Source be with you!

No reporting of km today.

Friday, September 29th, 2017
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Toronto, Ontario
The Clouds and Rain

One of our younger members, Rukmini, delivered the class today based on the chapter, once again, “Description of Autumn.”  The image of clouds keeps coming up in this chapter.  Clouds are viewed in both negative and positive tones according to Vedic thought.  The concept is rather classic and universal.

If someone says to you, “You’ve got your head in the clouds,” it’s referring to not being too attentive to the here and now.  It would not come across as a compliment.  Even if we hear the expression, “You’re on Cloud Nine,” it again implies that one is in dreamland or  spaced-out.

On the other hand, clouds can be so welcoming.  For instance, my August and early September found me in the desert in Utah and Nevada.  Just the hint of a cloud was such a relief when walking.

Today, many clouds formed over southern Ontario, but I got my walking in on the Danforth, in the Greek Village, after and before those clouds gave their shower.  Light rain is not a great threat, though, to anyone, and the mere sight of a cloud can mean so much good.  Plants and the earth love its by-product.

To me clouds represent ‘coolness’.  Already Danforth is a rather ‘cool’ street with its cafes and accessible people.  Several of the people greeted me with pranams and they most likely have some Greek blood in them.

Ah yes, Grece has had cultural ties with India for a long time.  The Greek god, Zeus, can be paralleled to the Hindu rain god, Indra.

I wonder how much the ancient Greeks knew Ram?

May the Source be with you!

6 km


Thursday, September 28th, 2017
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Toronto, Ontario
Something Came Up in the Class

I delivered the message, or class as we say, from the Bhagavatam, Canto 10, chapter entitled, “Description of Autumn.”  In the purport of today’s verse, number 15, an explanation is given of what is considered beautiful in a person of devotion; it is the quality of tolerance.  Those of us in the class dwelt on and discussed the topic for a few minutes.  Chaitanya likened tolerance to a tree….

Even the word ‘resplendent’ was used, to further enhance the quality of tolerance.  Generally, the mind of one devoted is focused and peaceful.  A strong wind may come to agitate and cause huge waves in the ocean.  Similarly, the forces of temptation may come to attempt an agitation within the mind of a meditator.  But he / she will not be phased.

There is definitely great beauty in the ability to overcome the agitation of desire.

Today, I took a two hour walk to the ravine, I know so well, at the Brickworks.  On both sides of me were well-anchored trees to remind me of tolerance.  A pond of water, very still, was also there to tell me to “keep calm.”

I interrupted the walk here and there to capture their physical aesthetics, but reflecting on today’s verse, I could appreciate the added beauty that such features of nature supply.  I clicked away with my cellphone’s camera and I’ve periodically glanced at the images even after I lodged myself into the space of our ashram.

Beauty is truly everywhere.  It’s in your own backyard.

May the Source be with you!

8 km


Wednesday, September 27th, 2017
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Owen Sound, Ontario
A Day of Worth

Garuda Vahan had been my support person on Canwalk #3 and was responsibly with me from British Columbia to the Manitoba / Ontario border.  It was he and I who had the encounter with a grizzly bear near Castlegar.  Well, it was time to pay him a visit in his town of Owen Sound, since his brother of two years his junior, Terry, just passed away. My good friend, Garuda, 70, needed a bit of consoling, being that the two brothers were close.

Nanda from Brampton drove me to the northern town that is Garuda’s home.  There, his son, Tulasi, also resides with him, in a well kept, old town hall, now residence.

Vida came along to visit.  She’s a young fire-spinner—who is very good at it—and friend of the family.

We all had great prasadam—blessed vegetarian fare—and kirtan, and then proceeded to walk to Hibou Conservation Area at the edge of Georgian Bay.  The water was populated by hundreds of geese and then sea gulls.  With intent to go for a refreshing swim, we plunged in and the water fowl moved over.  A few flaps of their wings did it.  They didn’t leave altogether.  It’s nice to think that perhaps they wanted our company nearby.

After days of a blazing heat wave in this part of the country, we now felt a drastic drop in temperature, but the waters were still warm.  Rajesh came in for the splash as well.

Our next move was a brief trip to Gopan’s house.  He’s been living like a recluse for years in a cabin in the bush.  Garuda arranged for us to visit him.  Gopan pulled out a massive, vintage, atlas and turned to the page for the USA.  “Mark the route you took across the U.S.,” he smoothly requested. I did, with a highlighter, after a meaningful hug.  I hadn’t seen the fellow for years.  For Gopan, Garuda and I, it  was a heart-felt day with spirit-brothers coming together.

May the Source be with you!

5 km


Tuesday, September 26th, 2017
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Toronto, Ontario
From Chasing Rhinos

After an evening walk through Belfour Park, I sat down to the excellent book, Chasing Rhinos With the Swami.  Here’s an excerpt when the first monks from America arrived in London after meeting with the Beatles.

“We had gone to the BBC-TV studios in London to videotape a pantomime of Radha Krishna Temple singing the Hare Krishna mantra, lip syncing the words to our record.  Top of the Pops broadcast every Thursday night for thirty minutes and, with twelve million viewers, it was the most watched show in Britain.  We didn’t have a TV set but on the very night Prabhupada arrived in England, the Radha Krishna Temple appeared on Top of the Pops as the third of seven acts.  On the same show were Crosby, Stills and Nash doing “Marrakesh Express’ and Bobby Gentry doing, ‘I’ll Never Fall In Love Again,’  George (Harrison) contacted the show and told us later that it was one of the highlights of his life to be sitting at home and watching the Krishnas on Top of the Pops.  He got a kick out of converting a gang of outlandish looking monks into rock stars.

Early the next morning, September 12, Prabhupada dives into his new surroundings.  Walking the magnificent grounds, through prized rhododendron thickets still in bloom, he points his cane at flowers and trees and things around us and makes flowing philosophical statements like, “Just see all these statues of so-called famous men.  Now they are covered with weeds, and no one remembers their names.”  The donkey, John keeps in a meadow, also became a topic for Prabhupada’s wise and often hilarious comments.”

May the Source be with you!

4 km


Monday, September 25th, 2017
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Toronto, Ontario
What People Said!

I have written before about people’s interesting reactions to the robes I wear when out in public, walking along the street.  Early this morning, I received some new responses.

It started with a man, quite intoxicated, on Bloor Street.  “Hey, are you with the circus?”

Then on Yonge Street, which becomes rajasically(passionately) vibrant, especially on a sticky, hot evening like tonight, when just about everyone’s out and about, “Oh monkeeeey!” said the woman and then apologetically retracted, “I mean monk.”  There’s a question of whether or not she’d had a few.

I do take pride in wearing my monastic clothes.  From all that I’ve read, our guru, Srila Prabhupada, held a fearless countenance as he walked the streets of New York.  He carried himself like “an aristocrat.”  Hayagriva, his first student, had said that of him after their first meeting.  I believe Prabhupada wanted us (his students) to dress smartly and not necessarily like an avadhuta, one who is uncaring about attire and behavior, yet renounced.

As I walk on Yonge, I have to keep in mind, upon recalling my early years on the street in a dhoti (lower garment), that if you walk over a subway vent, when the train underneath goes by, the hot wind suddenly shoots up.  It can be embarrassing when clad in a dhoti.

The finishing steps of my early night walk on Yonge were met with nods from several people.  One young fellow in T-shirt and shorts looked at my clothes from afar and as he got closer said, “Yah wanna trade suits?  I like it.”

May the Source be with you!

7 km


Sunday, September 24th, 2017
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Fort Erie, Ontario
Back to Kilometres

One good friend of mine, or shall I say, someone I know who’s a good friend to many, lives on the Canadian side of the border near the Peace Bridge in Fort Erie.  His name is Murali Krsna, aka Mark Griffis, and he has his home situated right on Lake Erie.  I looked him up and popped in for a visit, before proceeding on to Toronto.

The boys and I shared some time, prasadam and a swim with Murali and his life partner, Pundarik.  Murali wasn’t aware of my U.S. walk, what to speak of my completing it.  Now he is, and the congratulations came.  The swim was a thanks and this walking body of mine found it welcoming.

I credit Murali for being a walking companion back in ’96 when he and his son, Tyler, and friend, Malcolm, took to walking with me along the Niagara River.  It was a longwalk.  I managed to make it an 82 kilometre day on that celebratory one called Radhastami, in honour of the consort of Krishna and ‘ultimate’ Goddess.  There’s always a need for cheerleaders and walking buddies can make the best ones.

This final drive from Niagara to Toronto actually marked the official finish of the U.S. walking project.  It was a sweet gesture that the homebase community arranged two fabulous cakes after my talk from verse 2.16 of the Gita.  The ingredients were sugar and spice and everything nice, and the icing was creamy, with a dark outline of the U.S. of A. and footsteps in carob running across the nation from east to west.

I believe the entire community caught a piece of the action—that is, a piece of one of the cakes.  The author of the masterpiece was Systyna.

Thank you all.

“Om Tat Sat.  Thanks an awful lot!”  As Murali would say.

May the Source be with you!

6 km

Saturday, September 23rd, 2017
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Moundsville, West Virginia
So Much So Little

It was my first time attending a retreat of the Bhaktivedanta Medical Association (BMA) held this year at the location of the New Vrndavana country ashram.  When I was invited as a special guest, I was flattered.  I have no medical background and, thus, what qualifies me, really, for being at such an event?

In a certain amount of words, organizer Prasanatma from Omaha, expressed that leading a kirtan, giving a class from the Bhagavatamand participating in the discussions offers a healing dynamic.  He was just a gentleman for saying so.

What was discussed?  A number of relevant topics came up such as how to balance work, family and community with one’s spiritual sadhana (practices) and not “burn out,” which is a common theme nowadays at major world conferences.  “This is a reality,” expressed Prasanatma.  Surprising?  Or maybe not?  People are sick in greater numbers, more than can be imagined, and doctors as well as nurses are few.  Medical people are in super-high demand.  It puts a strain on them.

The attendees who came from places like Chicago, Detroit, Tulsa, New York, Columbus, Miami—I’m sure I’m missing a few—were just wonderful folks, very mature and brahminical.

The venue was the new yoga structure located by the lake where you have situated these towering figures of Chaitanya and Nityananda.  Yes, here we are in the gorgeous hills of West Virginia.  I and the boys were given Cabin #7 by that placid lake.  This atmosphere, and the fact that we didn’t drive for two days, truly gave us the rest we needed.  Too bad, but I got so little walking in.

May the Source be with you!

0 miles


Friday, September 22nd, 2017
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Moundsville, West Virginia
Back in West Virginia

For the second day of fall, I find the weather not bad.  I have no network available in these hills of West Virginia, but it feels like in the 80s Fahrenheit.  It’s humid, too.  The evening will likely be substantially cooler.  We used to call these conditions ‘Indian Summer’, but I heard that is now politically incorrect to say.  Is it true?

But just before reaching West Virginia at 12 Noon on the dot, our van pulled over in order that I could be part of a radio interview over the phone.  One and half months ago I was on live and in the studio with Frank and Taylor on KUSA FM 100, of AJB FM radio, and they had asked that I call them after my cross U.S. walk was completed.  It was merely a fun follow-up.

So I called and Frank introduced me to their listeners as the Walking Monk and told them how I had finished up the mission.  They asked for my comments and I opened up by saying there is a tradition among Hare Krishna monks to travel long distances on foot for inspirational purposes and then to share some enlightenment.

At the end of the interview, I summed up by saying that the spiritual component needs to be inserted in one’s life in  order to increase it in richness and happiness.  “In America we have everything, all facilities,” and I ventured to say that our participation in spiritual practice is weak.

The radio station is located in Price, Utah, and I expressed over the air that most likely Utah was the state I liked the most.  Frank and Taylor were happy about that.

May the Source be with you!

2 miles


Thursday, Sept 21st, 2017
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Sterling Heights, Michigan
What Is Genuine?

“Hey, do you guys want to distinguish reality from illusion, big time?” is what I said to Hayagriva and Marshall.  The phrase about “reality and illusion” may sound as a reference from the book Bhagavatam—the first verse.  What I was actually half-joking about was something more to do with the truth behind taste—real taste or flavour that’s organic and not GMO.  While we were parked at an abandoned lot off of I-80 for a break, I pointed at two apple trees, one a red delicious breed and the other, a golden delicious.

“Go and try some of these fruits, far removed from the artificial flavours at the grocery store.”  There was a slight hesitation before they moved zealously in the direction of the discovered apple trees, but once they went for the pick and the bite, they understood what I was talking about.  The experience of taking an apple locally-grown and free of pesticides is a taste worth experiencing—a genuine explosion of joy.

My team agreed with me that real flavour is what’s missing in our food today. https://instagram.com/p/BZTi5bDlpxt/

It was an energy boost.  We carried on driving.  And what a drive it was, starting from Omaha, Nebraska, en route to Iowa, Illinois, Indiana and finally Michigan.  We embarked upon our destination for an evening program at Ypsilanti.  I see new people here, Carl and Radha who are new-residents in the house called “Harmony Collective.”  For my talk some young folks came for the first time—Meena and Josh.  I wish them well in their spiritual endeavours.  I hope they return for more of the genuine experience of hearing and chanting.

Vivasvan and Ananda Rupa invited us to their home for a rest.  They still have the Ganesh deity that we found in the bottom of a lake in Massachusetts when commencing this U.S. walk.

May the Source be with you!

0 mi


Wednesday, September 20th, 2017
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Omaha, Nebraska
At Om-Maha!

“Do you speak English?” asked the young father of two kids active at the playground.

“Yes, I do!”  I said.

“Are they smudging?” he asked, referring to the two monks, my helpers, Hayagriva and Marshall.  They were sitting on the grass.  

I simply replied, “They are actually chanting.  It’s like sharing a peace pipe.  They are purifying the atmosphere with ancient Sanskrit mantras.  It benefits both the persons singing and those who are listening.”

“It’s very peaceful, soothing,” remarked the man, who identified himself as Andrew.  He’s been struggling with life, has been to rehab but has been straight and sober for two years and three months.  When he told me of this victory, I congratulated him.

“The chanting is something that grounds an individual.  Here is my card with the mantra on the back.  I just finished a cross-country U.S.A. walk and have been chanting a lot of it.”  I also gave him the book, On Chanting, and a second one, How to Make a Deal With the Universe, which I had an extra copy of and is authored by Rami Bleckt, a friend and bhakti yogi.   https://www.amazon.com/How-Make-Deal-Universe-English/dp/5990198752 

Andrew was most appreciative and I was pleased to have met him.  “Please keep in touch.” 

I had also been keeping in contact with another young father, Josh, who came over to the park—Westwood Heights—to see me.  He also partook of the apparent “smudge.”

More chanting took place in Omaha, in the company of Bhaskar, where we had gathered last summer as I was making my way on foot to the west.  It was a great day on wheels and in the park.  I managed, however, to squeeze in two miles on foot.

May the Source be with you!

2 miles

Tuesday, September 19th, 2017
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Cheyenne, Wyoming
Going East

Onward we go in our trusty 2006 Ford Freestar, ‘The Jaladuta Express’, eastbound on I-80 through Utah, Wyoming and the soon-approaching Nebraska.  We know little of what’s going on in the world.  We are in our own little transcendental bubble.  This is brahmacari–style living—simple, humble.  We like it that way.

Even though we are somewhat limited to a van, we have diverse things going on—japameditation, chanting, reading, naps and some time in the park.  It’s a break for us and our machine, ‘The Jaladuta’.

The capital city of Wyoming is Cheyenne, population 64,000, and it’s celebrating its 150th birthday, just like Canada.  We pull over at the Holiday Park, where a manmade lake is replete with deep red fish—maybe goldfish.  But that’s not how we busied ourselves.  The squirrels are particularly human-friendly, golden-bellied and gorgeous tailed.  The boys did the benevolent act of feeding the bushy-tailed creatures with peanut prasadam.  They went squirrely, both my assistants and the animals.

Now, all three of us are from the east.  We’ve never seen dust storms like they have here, where the sky turns brown and tumbleweeds and corn stalks are hurled through the air.  Visibility was poor.  It’s actually dangerous. https://instagram.com/p/BZRPDaclkoT/

When the term “the wild, wild west” is used, it just can’t only refer to tough cowboys with spurs and the roping and lassoing of cattle and horses.  It just might have something to do with the concept of weather.  It was beastly.

May the Source be with you!

1.5 miles

Monday, September 18th, 2017
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Salt Lake City, Utah
To Salt Lake

It is our first day of travel back to the east—a long twelve hour drive on Interstate 80.  No walking for me today.  The boys and I were on a tight deadline to make it to Salt Lake City.

The two-consecutive-no-walking-day program has me a little worried.  If it keeps up, I’ll gain weight again.  Currently my kurta (upper cloth) hangs loose on my torso and I’m kind of glad about that.  Future tailoring means a tighter knit with the kurta, if I stay thin.  Just a bit of discipline is required in the form of walking to keep pounds (karma) at bay.

While in the passenger’s seat, I get the chance to keep up with reading Chasing the Rhinos With the Swami, authored by Shyamasundar.  I’m in the episode where he met and spent quality time with George Harrison.  Marshall was in the driver’s seat and reminded me of a song by Geroge—“Any Road.”  So I played it from the phone.  Here are some of the lyrics:

“Oh I’ve been traveling on a boat and a plane

In a car on a bike with a bus and a train

Traveling there and traveling here

Everywhere in every gear

But oh Lord we pay the price

With a spin of a wheel, with the roll of a dice

Ah yeah you pay your fare

And if you don’t know where you’re going

Any road will take you there.

And I’ve been traveling through the dirt and the grime

From the past to the future through the space and the time

Traveling deep beneath the waves

In watery grottoes and mountainous caves.

But oh Lord we’ve got to fight

With the thoughts in the head, with the dark and the light.

No use to stop and stare

And if you don’t know where you’re going

Any road will take you there

You may not know where you came from

May not know who you are

May not even wondered how

You got this far.

I’ve been traveling on a wing and a prayer

By the skin of my teeth by the breadth of a hair

Traveling where the four winds blow

With the sun on my face, in the ice and the snow.”  https://youtu.be/kVxeLZyzswU

The song goes on.  It’s sweet.

The program in Salt Lake was sweet, too.  We chanted and gave a report of our walking travels up to San Francisco.  I asked if anyone knew about Tumbleweed, the kitten we found on the side of the highway, in the middle of nowhere and in the middle of the night.  We left her at Spanish Fork amidst the llamas back in August.

Thanks to the Sharma’s who opened their home for the program and Rasavilas for the accommodation.

May the Source be with you!

0 mi

Sunday, September 17th, 2017

Berkley, California
Don’t Mix

Bhagavad-gita, 13.22 states, “The living entity in material nature thus follows the ways of life, enjoying the three modes of nature.  This is due to his association with that material nature.  Thus he meets with good and evil amongst various species.”

The above divine verse is what I spoke about at the Berkley ISKCON temple, this evening.  It’s a favourite.  We have there another one of those endorsements for reincarnation and the subject of duality.  The superior energy, purusha, mixes with the inferior energy, prakriti, and then something happens—good and bad—through various life forms. https://instagram.com/p/BZL5sYwlP6i/

What does this mean, simply?  To stop the mixing we must extricate ourselves from such strong identification with this inferior energy which always changes and cannot be trusted.  One scholar, Chanakhya, said, “Don’t trust in asat, the temporary.  Trust in sat, the permanent.”  Krishna, the Source, is permanent.

I was happy to see Guru Das join us for the program in Berkley.  He is a genuine kind-hearted person.  Also Dilip Patel has been a real sweet soul to our party of cross-country travellers, giving us rooms in Pacifica.  Mandala is with us for the weekend and he accompanied me in the walk in 2015 and 2016.  I consider them all my “honey chiles.”

When I think about it, the Divine Intervener, Krishna, surrounds me with such amiable people.  I feel blessed.  Maybe one day I’ll identify less with the prakriti.

May the Source be with you!

0 mi

Saturday, September 16th, 2017
→ The Walking Monk

San Francisco, California
The Day After

Every day that is devotional is an exceptional day.  It was no exception today, the day after.

Chanting on my japa mala beads is always priority.  To achieve that, Guru das from Hawaii, and Marshall and I headed for the switchbacks located next to our motel, The Sea Breeze.  Great view—waves and air.

We also made our way to Lincoln Park, the place where the Lincoln Highway begins; to us a familiar road.  Rupa and Sanatana from Toronto head up a walk here.  At noon we met Guru Das, the original, at the first Krishna Temple location on the west coast.  Now a laundromat, it once housed the freshly carved Jagannatha.  We also entered the apartment that Prabhupada stayed at in ’67—fifty years ago.  Guru Das has no shortage of stories to tell.

We shifted to Bona Vista Park across from where those iconic deities of Jagannatha were sculpted by Shyamasundar.  We held kirtanand had the most scrumptious food, all grainless.

Finally, my Swiss friend, Navina Nirada, arranged for me to give a talk about travel adventures across the U.S.  So I did.  Then, I led the group, at this martial arts school at 640 Stanyan, in a kirtan and dance in front of the mirrors.  I was encouraging synchronized movement.  It was lovely.  When you see yourself in action through a mirror, it reveals much about your need to improve.  Mandala, from Ottawa, can vouch for that.

Yes, it was a perfect today—very devotional.  I even got some nominal walking in.

May the Source be with you!

5 miles

Friday, September 15th, 2017
→ The Walking Monk

San Francisco, California
The Last Steps, But Not

Well, it is done!

After a sensational trek over the Golden Gate Bridge, (and I love moving over bridges with a water flow underneath) with a mere 1.7 mile expanse, the last few steps on Irving Street to the Pacific were accomplished.  Dear friends, Vaisesika and Nirakula from San Jose, also came to join us for the last four miles from Masonic and Page to Irving and the Lower Great Highway, the path of the original Jagannatha Fest a half century ago.  https://youtu.be/pjn7c1uqhkU

When finally we pressed footprints in the sand to beeline our way to the ocean’s waters and offer our obeisances to that beautiful body of salt water, we took the opportunity to reflect on all the highlights of a collective six month trek.  I asked both Hayagriva and Marshall to add to the memories of our recent past as the small group of us stood with sand under our feet and an unusual sun above our heads.  It was a total of 3,550 miles or 5,713 kilometres.

The U.S. walk entailed spanning—and in some cases edging a corner of a state such as Michigan and Wyoming—the balance of Massachusetts, Connecticut, New York, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Ohio, Indiana, Iowa, Nebraska, Colorado, Utah, Nevada, California and Hawaii.  It also included a walk-through, at the pivotal juncture, Butler, Pennsylvania, where our guru, Prabhupada, spent an entire month in the city of his sponsors, Gopal and Sally Agarwal, before registering his cherished ISKCON, the International Society for Krishna Consciousness, in 1966.

We hope that Prabhupada is pleased with the walking endeavour—a pilgrimage, a padayatra.  I hope Krishna’s smile is broad.  Maybe Uncle Sam is also delighted that some seeds of bhakti (devotion) have been planted along the way.

May the Source be with you!

6 miles

Thursday, September 14th, 2017
→ The Walking Monk

San Francisco, California
1 Day 2 Go

We slept overnight in Richmond and woke up to a neighbourhood which didn’t look so appealing for walking in.  I’m sure there are good sections of the town.  Where to go then, to kill a little time, before hitting our official chalked-out trail?  I only have four miles to do today.

Spontaneously, we thought to go to the Berkley temple.  It wasn’t far for us to drive.  After all, these were the first Jagannatha deities of Krishna to grace America.  And it was these beautiful images that sit on the shrine inside the temple and were the main feature of a parade, primarily of hippies, that made the journey through the Haight/Ashbury district of San Francisco fifty years ago.  It’s an anniversary for sure.

While Hayagriva went to another area of the city to pick up a second Guru Das from Hawai to join us, Marshall and I participated in the temple sadhana.  I delivered a class based on the sankhya philosophy of Kapila and then we enjoyed a great kicharee—rice, dahl and veggies.

For some reason or other, I was hit by dizzy spells, broke into a sweat and turned pale.  This has nothing to do with nervousness in dealing with the soon coming finish line.  I’ve done touchdowns before.  When Hayagriva wanted to show me some Sufi, Whirling Dervish online, as a possible future approach to kirtan dancing, I suggested not to.  “I’ll get dizzy again.”

Dilip Patel graciously opened his doors, two rooms, for our accommodation—now with Mandala from Canada also joining us.  We were grateful.  The waves coming in strong at Dilip’s “Seabreeze Motel” served to ground us.  After weeks of desert dynamics, it’s great to see serious water again.

May the Source be with you!

4 miles

Wednesday, September 13th, 2017
→ The Walking Monk

Oakland, California
2 Days 2 Go

Our day began on top of the hill, or mountain, just as we had left it the day before.  The weather, however, posed a new front.  Yesterday it was sunny and fine, but this morning at 4:45 it was drizzly and breezy.  Anuttama, Hayagriva and I spiralled down by way of streets until we reached the lowest level of traffic.  No forests met us today, nor desert or countryside.  No hawk flew over our heads, which has been  a daily occurrence.  But homes and traces of the concrete jungle were now in our midst with the cloud cover persisting.

And that’s how it was all the way to the Oakland ferry dock.  It was but a quick seven mile trek before the barrier of the bay met with us.  Walking is not permitted on the Oakland Bridge over the bay but that was okay.  It was time to see Anibal, coordinator of the Antioch Senior Center.  There I gave a message, over the microphone, extolling the glories of pilgrimage to the 60 year olds and above.

Anuttama left for D.C. and the three of us were off to see Guru Das, student of Prabhupada and someone who had been in San Francisco during the “Summer of Love” and when Hare Krishna had its beginnings on the west coast.  At Stow Lake, the founder of ISKCON, Srila Prabhupada, used to go for his morning walks.  Guru Das told us that when Prabhupada made his visit here and an entourage would follow, he would speak about nature, as this area is like a piece of Vaikuntha—heaven.  “When he would get his massage, he would speak about history…  He also let me know that anyone can ‘rub oil’.  You go out and preach.”

May the Source be with you!

7 miles


Tuesday, September 12th, 2017
→ The Walking Monk

East Port, California
3 Days 2 Go

Anuttama and I had an early start catching trails through urban areas beginning with the Iron Horse Trail, Lafayette Moraga Trail, Huckleberry Trail and East Bay Trail.  This entailed some flat terrain but also considerable up and down foot experience.

When we went up, Anuttama remarked, “We’re using different leg muscles now!”  I concurred and just after saying that two deer bucks were seen at the top.  Our sudden appearance shocked the two.  One was bearing a huge set of crowning antlers.  We mutually fretted over the fact that this one, with the horns, was more or less locked in the narrow trail, fenced on both sides, and we happened to be in his path.  Fortunately, he pierced through the barrier in a very frantic way, otherwise we were seconds away from being gored had he charged our way.

At one point on the trail, we came upon a ravine.  The north side was dry with desert-like vegetation.  The south side was lush with ferns and many greens.  Intersecting that, within a tiny space, these two opposite eco-systems exist.  Some redwood trees were also on our trail dwarfing us like anything.  Humility is good.

Funny that also near the end of this glorious U.S. trek, the two of us actually got lost on the Huckleberry and East Bay Trails.  Their directions snaked about and switch-backed as the elevation rose.  We felt more and more like we were leaving civilization.  We were not in a panic, just a bit tired.

A well-deserved dip in the hot tub concluded everyone’s cherished experience, for all four of us.

May the Source be with you!

18 miles


Monday, September 11th, 2017
→ The Walking Monk

Walnut Creek, California
4 Days 2 Go

Who will ever forget the tragic plight of some three thousand people, who died when the infamous suicidal planes targeted the Twin Towers in New York in 2001?  Like the time President John F. Kennedy was assassinated in 1963, the world was put on pause again with the annihilation of the innocent people on 9/11.

This morning, Anuttama and I were walking and came by a war memorial of U.S. flags pegged into the ground to commemorate, in particular, the fire fighters who sacrificed their lives.  We both stood there and offered a prayer in remembrance of the 343 men whose lives abruptly ended.

The anniversary of this event represents both acts of cowardice and heroism.  We do not need to celebrate insanity but instead the duty of service, security and safety.  That symbol of the three S’s is indelibly marked on the police cars.

It was interesting that the only folks we had interaction with were the police.  Upon approaching the town of Clayton, some motorists called the authorities taking us to be prisoners from the local jail.  This of course has been a common theme on this U.S. walk.  People live in fear and suspicion.  Too many movies on the theme of crime.

What can be done?  We live in a world of human frailties.  Darkness is often prevalent, however, all souls are divine.  It needs to simply be cultivated because the blanket of illusion is so very thick.

May the Source be with you!

16 miles


Sunday, September 10th, 2017
→ The Walking Monk

Concord, California
5 Days 2 Go

It is my great pleasure to have my dear friend, Anuttama, from D.C., join us for a few days.  He has been a cheerleader for me since I started marathon walks in ’96.  Finally, he has come to walk a walk and see me get close to the finish line.

We were off to a late start—9:00 a.m. and we tackled Camino del Diablo—The Path of the Devil—a windy, paved road through soft-ridged mountains.  Anuttama admitted to me that he saw, for the first time in his life, a coyote, on this day.  To see olive groves in an American setting was a first.  We were also delighted by trees producing various nuts as we moved along in what is clearly ranch country.  It was hard for me to extract any notion of Satan being in our midst.  Pure pleasure of walking in the sanctity of the outdoors with a decent foot partner became my experience, although it was a tad on the hot side (99° Fahrenheit).

Our accommodation was in the Motel 6 in a city called Pittsburg and naturally we took advantage of the pool for loosening up stiff leg muscles.  There we met Steven Styles of Sacramento, who describes his former way of being, somewhat like that of the devil.  Luckily or by “the grace of God,” as he put it, he had gone through a transformation for the better.  Our dialogue, while in the pool together, was a productive meeting for two human beings and worth the encounter.

Whether on the road with someone, or in a pool of refreshing water, you always try to make the most of any event.  Make everything a God experience.

May the Source be with you!

10 miles


Saturday, September 9th, 2017
→ The Walking Monk

Byron, California
6 Days 2 Go

Frankly, we have a tough time finding good walkable roads in northern California.  It’s a dangerous undertaking.  Marshall and I tackled Hwy 4 and in the dark.  No shoulder and practically a steep slope that falls into a ditch.  I’ve complained about it before.  There are few alternatives.  We try our best.  I imagine it will get more restrictive as we approach the Bay area.

We rushed to the park in Jackson for an arranged meet, promoted highly through Facebook, and the newspaper.  The overwhelming response by people in this area, was quite typical.  I will copy a sample of one person’s letter after we conducted a chant and a talk which included some of our conscious values.

“I attended your meet at Deitert Park in Jackson, California on Saturday, September 9, 2017.  I would like to thank you and your support team for sharing your life and adventures with me.  I found you and your life fascinating.  Journey safely…”

We spoke about ethical things, spiritual things and the message that Krishna told Arjuna, which is totally relevant to today’s world in which an individual becomes despondent about obligational duties.

The thirty or so folks who came were nodding at my suggestion for a car-free day in America.  Oh they were sweet.

One other sweet person I met yesterday was a Filipino priest, Pastor Edwin, of the St. Mary’s Parish in Stockton.  He knows about the Hare Krishna from his homeland.  It seems that Krishna is known.

May the Source be with you!

17 miles

Friday, September 8th, 2017
→ The Walking Monk

Stockton, California
7 Days 2 Go

“I heard from my daughter, here, of what you’re doing.  Congratulations!”  Handshakes with the tall happy man and his daughter.

“How do you maintain yourself or survive on the road coming all the way from New York?” he continued.  The news has caught on in the schools of the area.  “My daughter (of high school age) goes to the Seventh Day Adventist School.”

“I have a small support team consisting of two younger monks.  People offer water, donations and I confess to sometimes helping myself to the grapes in the vineyards around here.”

“Well, this is my land, my grapes (he points).  You can have all the grapes you want.  Here’s a donation (40 bucks, like yesterday).  I don’t have any water.”  Off father and daughter went.

It was in the afternoon that I, or we, were personally, as teachers, involved with some young folks, age six to ten, at the Hub Center in Jackson.  Hayagriva had lined up this engagement where I told stories of animal encounters along the road.  I also introduced mantra meditation.  It calmed them somewhat.  They were wired up.  I took them through some warm ups with voice exercise, and to the beat of the drum, with Marshall on kartals, we got everyone to dance.  Nice session!

More walking, and while in Stockton, in a more ghetto-type area, I met a young guy to whom I explained that I’m walking across the nation. 

“Hey bro, I’ll pray for yah.” He said.

Rachel did splendidly with her article on the front page of The Ledger Dispatch, a fat weekend edition with three photos and two pages of written material.

Rachel Norris, bless you!

May the Source be with you!

19 miles

Thursday, September 7th, 2017
→ The Walking Monk

Linden, California
Eight Days to Go

“I bet yah see God lots a times when you’re walkin’,” said the man in the park in Jackson.

“For sure.  In many shapes and forms.”  I was referring to the sounds, tastes, smells and textures that I experience, on a daily basis, of God’s various energies.  For instance, I saw God today in the form of a watermelon I found on the side of the road—Hwy 26.  It was right next to the pavement, on a vine, all by its lonesome.  Lying two inches from my feet with no proprietor to claim him.  I bent over, tapped him and determined that he was ready for harvest.  I always surprise the boys when I show up with a new item to use.

God came to me today, multiple times, in the manifestation of kindness.  Now that I’m in the fruit belt area, the shade of the mango groves sheltered me from a powerful sun.  Yes, I trekked through some orchards of ripe plums, pears and pomegranates.  God came as water (raso ham apsu… Check out the Gita 7:8), as money (40 bucks donation), as accommodation from Rachel, the journalist, and her hubby, Clayton.  Their six month old, Monroe, is adorable.

I also saw God in the form of a reporter.  Brian from The Linden Herald came in a cowboy hat when we met at the Common Grounds Café in Valley Springs.  The interview was terrific.  He told me he’s inspired to walk more and to make it more of a spirit promenade.

The boys and I also saw God in the co-incidence of meeting John, a retired mathematician.  We asked about the location of the town’s park.

“There isn’t any recreation like that here, but you can use my front shaded yard.  There’re chairs.  Use my kitchen.  Stay overnight.  I’ll get you something from the store.  Ah, I forgot my wallet.  Old age!”

May the Source be with you!

19 miles

Wednesday, September 6th, 2017
→ The Walking Monk

Jackson, California
Nine Days to Go

A message went out on Facebook that I was in town and so the response from people driving along was phenomenal.  Sheriff Davis, while on duty, came over to the roadside, saying he wanted to get a picture taken.  Naturally, I complied with the nice officer.  Jeffrey Hayes, a ranger with the forest department, offered congratulations, adding to that given from a list of security officers from the local casino.

I had trekked along the worse roads in the country—too narrow, no shoulder, traffic fast, ditch next to you.  Very non-pedestrian friendly.  That was Ridge Road.  One sympathizer, Michael, gave me a lift to the location of my brahmacaris(monks) to suggest an alternative.  The alternative wasn’t much better—the New York Ranch Road.

When I met Rachel Norris of the Amador Ledger Dispatch, she came right out and said it. “The worst roads in America!”  Confirmed.

What really lit up our day was our evening program.  For our morning jaunt, we noticed the sign “Dance” for a yoga studio in a plaza.  I suggested to Hayagriva that he should contact the shop.  Patti answered the phone.  On the same day, she managed to interest twenty people, including a family with two young sons, in our kirtan, on top of her usual “gonging” for the full moon.  After my session of talk and chant, Patti and partner, who hosted us in their home, took us through a “gonging” for relaxation.  It was a first for me to lie down and hear a continuous resonance from a massive, circular, metal apparatus. 

What a grounding effect that had!  Powerful!  Thank you Patti.  You made our day by lighting up our night.

May the Source be with you!

20 miles

Tuesday, September 5th, 2017
→ The Walking Monk

Pioneer, California
Ten Days to Go

The scent of sage is definitely behind us and currently the sweet fragrances of pine and cedar dominate in the Sierra Mountain range.  The road, Hwy 88, is extremely and wonderfully curvy, yet the ups and downs of the trail force different leg muscles to be activated.  I’m not as good on the downs—my brakes aren’t the best.

I mildly complained to the boys that I’m contending with the TT and the NS, the ‘terrible tilt’ and ‘no shoulder’.  Still, I find I must adjust mentally, but the motorists are responsible drivers, always making room for me.

One motorist, Randy, saw me on Monday.  Then he saw me again.  “Did you go all night?  Here!” He handed me some water and a bag of trail mix.

Another vehicle slowed down and came to a halt.  It’s a couple.  “Is everything alright?  Do you need water?”

“Surely!”  They give.

“Money?”

“It helps.”  They give $30.

“Some herbs?”  Something I’m supposed to smoke.

“I’ll decline.  Thanks!”

I met a rare walker, shirtless, a couple of marks on the arm and torso, a tattoo; the young guy is immersed in his mobile device.  We shake hands.

“Here’s a mantra.  Do you like walking?”

“It’s very therapeutic.”

I see a blue bird going from tree to tree.  I see and hear two dozen head of cattle, each one wearing a cow bell.  It’s nice.  The clanging is continuous.

I did not walk all night but rested with the boys in a motel room, and also relaxed in a hot tub—much needed for the legs—with Hayagriva also submerged to the waist while reading to me “Song of the Gopis,” from the book “Krishna.”

May the Source be with you!

20 miles

Monday, September 4th, 2017
→ The Walking Monk

Kit Carson, California
Where There’s Smoke There’s Desire

Smokey the Bear has been indicating to travellers, campers, cyclists and the rare walker that the danger of forest fires is at an all-time high in the area.  In fact, the town we are approaching, Jackson, is reportedly receiving smoke from several directions.  Both in the U.S. and Canada many trees, grass, buildings and people have been under threat this summer.  Strange, when back east there’s an overdose of water—rain.

I met a man today who has read the Bhagavad-gita.  He loves it.  He also asked what I get out of all the walking.

“Humility, appreciation for nature and life.  And seeing that Krishna is in all things.  Let’s say, I’m going in that direction.”

I met Ted from Idaho.  He’s a musician, a singer, a guitarist.  He told me he’d write a song about our meeting.

One man, collecting firewood, noticed me.  “Hey, I like those clothes.  Are they comfortable? … I’m a Satanist, by the way.  I also adore Shiva, Lord of destruction.  When the world goes, he’ll come to dance.”

A local couple also took interest.  They offered a ride.  You know the answer.  They expressed they’re having difficulty to have a child, so I offered them a blessing—fertility blessing, I guess you could say.  They really appreciated it.  He did mention, “I’m trying to keep out of jail.”

There were other people who showed love through questions.

I had walked today under the sun, the moon, the clouds and smoke.

May the Source be with you!

20 mi


Sunday, September 3rd, 2017
→ The Walking Monk

Silver City / Nevada City
Special Treats

Today was very exciting for our U.S. walking team because today we headed off to Nevada City for a showing of the new documentary, “Hare Krishna” by John Griesser, aka Yadubhara, a dear friend.  Shown in the NC Theatre at 7:00 p.m. for one unique night only, we were in the general area and had been waiting for months to cast our eyes on the screening of the life and contribution of Hare Krishna founder, His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada.

The theatre was practically full, good for such a small city I imagine.  The audience was moved.  I was.  For me it was fun to see fresh new footage released, such as Allan Ginsberg singing Hare Krishna with harmonium on a TV show.  The storyline was easy to follow, focused and captured quite expertly the human side of Prabhupada.  I loved the music.

In addition to film time, I managed to squeeze in time for a talk at the Satyachetana Ashram in Silver City.  Nice folks.  They asked us to stay—permanently.  Swami Puja, who lives on site, is a great host.

To meet that engagement in a timely manner I actually backtracked directionally into Nevada for ten miles which was the only distance I could cover today.  Between Nevada and some stepping around in California, most notably Nevada City, I met Chris from Jackson.  He used to hang around with Krishna devotees in the Haight Ashbury area in the ’80s while growing up.  He spotted me on the highway and got quite enthusiastic. He pulled over and wanted to offer me a gift.  “Do you smoke weed, cause that’s all I got to give yah?” he asked innocently.

And on the main street of Nevada City, after leading a kirtan chant, a young woman approached me, expressing interest in our culture.  She introduced herself as Lana Turner (like the actress).

May the Source be with you!

10 miles

Saturday, September 2, 2017
→ The Walking Monk

Gardnerville, Nevada
To Dog and To God

“Doggonit?” people might say.  “Has the Swami gone to the dogs?”

At Fuji Park, Carson City’s west end, green grass and tree facility, it was arranged by Lorraine, who belongs to Dog Rescue, to have a dog blessing.  She saw me on the road the other day, and asked if I could do something like this.  The event, which involved a pooja, a talk from the Gita, and a kirtanwas meant to include local dog lovers and their pets.  On short notice, about fifteen dogs came with their owners, of course.  Many of these puppies to mature animals were saved from abusive situations.  Lorraine’s dog came from Iran. 

For the pooja ritual, all paraphernalia was supplied by Anavadyangi, who has been an actual angel in arranging our food and accommodation.  I used incense, a ghee lamp, water, local herbs and a sage smudge.  Ana blew a conch and the ceremony began. 

In a surrendered mode, participants chanted.  They also noticed their dogs were so passive.  It was magical, although hot—like an inferno—even under the shade of the trees, even with a picnic setup and cool coconut drinks. 

To escape the heat, once the dog blessing was over, the two brahmacharis (monks) and I went to the library.  Indeed, our bodies were chilled and our minds relaxed, until it was time for the second round of the day at the walking site—now Highway 88—and into a whole new state.  California, here I am!!  And this is the final one, my fourteenth state.  Yahoo!!  Hare Krishna!!

May the Source be with you!

20 miles

Friday, September 1, 2017
→ The Walking Monk

Carson City, Nevada
A Biker Pulled Over

A biker pulled over on Highway 50.  Seeing my drooping dhoti, he could not see my feet while walking, and thought I was barefoot, so he stopped out of concern.

“I’m Freddy, Fast Freddy.  Some call me FF. I’ve also been called FFF.  Guess what the extra F stands for? I’m a musician, originally from New York.  I thought you might need some help.”

From those opening lines of introduction, we chatted and became friends.  I also came in contact with a local.  Wolf is his name.  He offered a ride, but as usual, I had to decline.  With both new friends, we got to talking about spirituality and humility.

“Spirituality is what the ego likes the least,” said FF.

Also a lovely, young blond lady stopped, when we were in the thick of traffic, and presented me with some water.  “It’s great what you’re doin’! Jesus. I love you. Amen!”

Some nurses, from the University of Nevada School of Nursing, saw me in my robes, walking along with Marshall.  “Can we interview you?”  There by the roadside, the question came.  “What are you doing?” 

“Promoting the walking culture; the culture of introspective walking—prayer, meditation on the feet…”

At the Dayton Senior’s Centre, our team met with visitors during their lunch.  Great company!  Teri Vance, from the Nevada Appeal news, was there to interview us as well.  Conveniently, I invited her to tomorrow’s dog blessing for noon at Fuji Park in Carson City.        https://www.facebook.com/dogtownrescue/posts/10155674362259337  https://www.facebook.com/groups/218848094884152/permalink/1173521062750179/

It appears that Adam Robertson’s article came out in the Lahontan Valley News.  That’s why the blond lady came by on the road earlier.  http://www.nevadaappeal.com/news/lahontan-valley/simple-living-and-high-thinking-through-walking/#

Another bright spot, in the day, was timing it so that my dear old buddy, Adi Yajna, a tour bus driver, stopped in town for an hour’s break.  I hadn’t seen him in years.  It was a sweet exchange, and it’s always a high point in the life of devotion, when you have some moments with a bhakti-yogi

May the Source be with you!

20 miles

Thursday, August 31st, 2017
→ The Walking Monk

Dayton, Nevada
A Fort, A Lady and Some Heroes

I veered off the hectic Hwy 50 for a slightly divergent, more peaceful stroll along a parallel Fort Churchill Road.  Much to my surprise, I came upon the historic old fort, now looking like ancient Roman ruins.  I was intrigued to see this wonder at the side of an old dirt, meandering road, beside the Carson River.

The fort, like a number of American structures, was built—this one in the 1860s—to protect operations from so-called “Indian” raids.  I have a hard time with that one.

Nevertheless, I found peace on this road.  I also had the pleasure to plod along on some parallel roads in the Dayton suburbs where wild horses roam free.  You can say I was, in one sense, following the horse-poop trail, and then, there they were, grazing at a nearby open lot—stallions, mares—a whole community of them.  Their tails were just lovely, shooing flies off their beautiful bodies.

Then, I had no choice but to hit that crazy Highway 50 with my umbrella—for protection from the sun—to accompany me.  And as a relief, I had an appointment with Carol from the Comstock Chronicle  at the Black Coffee Shop.  I had juice.  I didn’t really have a formal interview with her.  It was more of a conversation that seemed to have no end.  We spoke about issues upon which we most definitely agree, and almost forgot about the walking purpose.  However, we stuck to the general topic of dharma, basics of life.  It was most gratifying.  Reporters, broadcasters, policemen—I love them.

May the Source be with you!

20 miles

Wednesday, August 30th, 2017
→ The Walking Monk

Stagecoach, Nevada
Not Exactly Galloping to Stagecoach

Highway 50 splits.  Our route is 50 proper, also known as Carson Express (check Kit Carson).  The Lincoln Highway and Pony Express also merge into this one.  I passed a major lake, Lahontan, on my left, and entered an area as dry as a bone.  A sign warns traffic—and walkers I suppose—“Dust Hazard, Next 4 Miles.”

Okay!  Let’s see!

With less sleep last night, at times, I feel like I’m dragging myself.  The early rise is for following the motto: “Beat the heat!”  Also, I was booked for a talk at the Silver Springs Senior Centre for 10:30 a.m.  Lovely people!  Good listening and good sharing!

It doesn’t always go totally smoothly in places.  When the three of us came to the centre in Fallon, after an okay to come and mingle, a supervisory person denied us, saying, “You may not call it soliciting, but we do!”  Of course, that was not our intent at all.  Speaking on “Tales from Trails” was our sole agenda.

And there’s more of that kind of rejection at times.  When Hayagriva made a personal visit to KVLV AM radio station, which is located in a private older home, seven barking and growling dogs cornered him in the foyer. The broadcaster interrupted his weather report on air to tell him, “We don’t do interviews.”

The greatest reception comes, by far, from the motorists.  For instance, when I was trekking at a busy hour, I was thinking, Few younger folks care for the notion of pilgrimage, what to speak of Eastern thought.  Just then a sprightly young man pulled over and expressed his personal interest in Eastern philosophies. 

And there was Loraine, who participates in dog rescue, and who was moved to tears of joy when she met me on the side of the road.  “It’s rare to meet someone spreading peace in our troubled world,” she said.

May the Source be with you!

20 miles

Tuesday, August 29th, 2017
→ The Walking Monk

Fallon, Nevada
When You See A Dragonfly

It was about two days ago that I saw my first dragonfly in some while.  Wherever you find those gorgeous helicopters, there’s likely to be mosquitos, and wherever you find those pests, you can be assured of the presence of water.

With that sneak preview of the town, Fallon, we witnessed a bike trail along a substantial sized canal.  Aha!  Water!  Flowing water!  And lots of it!  Perhaps the desert has come to an end?


It was most welcoming—the water.  The flow of traffic at Fallon was not so.  Nauseous!  Busy!  No matter how much trekking is done, where tolerance should be achieved, I would be the first to opt for a nearby, quiet, parallel avenue. https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fallon,_Nevada

“Hayagriva, does your GPS tell of an alternative road?  If so, I’ll take it!”  Hayagriva is quick to find one.  I consider it a blessing.

My second, or rather first blessing for the day, was the celebration of the birth of Radha, the eternal consort of Krishna.  For this we conducted a small puja—offering—in her honour at the home of “Motel 6” owners, Jay and family.  Annaiudyangi, with two great grand-kids, came, and some members of the local Hindu community also participated in our talk and chant.

I was then whisked off to meet journalist Adam Robertson of the Lahontan Valley News for a good interview session.

At intervals of the day’s activities, I was enjoying “Chasing Rhinos with the Swami,” by Shyamasundar.  It’s a great read about the early days of Krishna Consciousness in San Francisco.  Within these next few weeks, we will approach San Francisco and make that final touchdown.  There will be lots of water there—maybe mosquitos.

May the Source be with you!

23 miles

Monday, August 28th, 2017
→ The Walking Monk

Sand Mountain, Nevada
A Real Chief

He had that iconic or classic look of a wise Native American Chief, in fact he is a Native American Chief—Chief Johnny Bobb, of the Shoshone tribe, his long whitish hair, pony-tailed, frames his face.  He came out of his car and offered some prayers in his language because he understood from my walking purpose that I could use help.

“Just face the sun,” he said.  So I did, and then he tossed water in various directions saying prayers—mantras.

“What does it mean?” I asked after he was finished.

“May your legs and feet be strong.  May you be protected and be successful in your forward journey ahead.”  He offered me a sage brush stick for good luck.

That was so sweet.  I shared with him the maha-mantra.  I believe we had a mutual good wish for each other.  And while I met the chief, I pondered on the whereabouts of the balance of our party—Hayagriva and Marshall.  Apparently they were at Sand Mountain, a two mile long, six hundred foot high dune.  The support van’s wheels got stuck in that sand, which explained the delay. https://instagram.com/p/BYYXlWmlD7U/

With the sun blasting today at 100° Fahrenheit, my umbrella is necessary.  Mystically, objects to shield that merciless sun manifest.  A group of bikers speed by.  Accidentally, one of the biker’s goggle shades came rolling down to my feet.  They’re cool, with a strap.  Further down the road, I see three sets of sun glasses that were rejected and thrown in the ditch.  Hmm!  There’s three of us!

Despite the heat I believe to be smart with the feet.  Chase the right hours and dodge the inferno.

May the Source be with you!

25 miles