Author Archives: H.H. Bhaktimarg Swami

Monday, February 6th, 2017
→ The Walking Monk

Mayapur, India
Are You A Fly?
The message broadcast this morning read something like this:  “There is a fly and it is always going to the sore (or the infection).  Then there is the bee and it makes its way to the essence of the flower (to produce honey).  When you find fault in others consistently, you are like a fly.  And when you are one to spot the good qualities in someone,you are likened to the honey bee.  A Vaishnava (saintly person) detects the good in people.”
The message was quoted from Srila Prabhupada, our guru.

Being that Mayapur is a thriving community of Vaishnavas who adhere to bhakti yoga, there is a clear dynamic of relationship-building here.  You have people on an international scale, from all over the world.  You have generations of people–babies, teens, adults, and elders.

It is a town of 5000, I’m told, and growing.  We have our own unique culture here with houses, schools, temples and other facilities.  Neighbouring people from the local Hindu and Muslim communities come here for some employment.  The situation is such that most try to get along with each other, bringing to the table, so to speak, many strengths and qualities.

There have been some minor rifts in the past.  It is expected.  We are human.  But by and large unity must remain strong.  When you have the spiritual component it is possible.

May the Source be with you!

4 km

Sunday, February 5th, 2017
→ The Walking Monk

Mayapur, India
A Day

 

 

At the waking and walking hour of 3 a.m. the jackals howl and fog hangs thick in the air.  I’m on my way to the Samadhi temple for the 4:15 arati.  I see less of those unfortunate fellows–the sickly dogs along the way.

“Are they dying off?”  I wonder.  Stray dogs don’t have a master, after all.  They may be missing out.  At least for a human, playing and being in the servant’s role is a real plus.

After the arati I make my way to the Radha Madhava temple for more kirtan and hopefully, someone like Jambhavan of South Africa may be there to accompany me.  The pujaor worship of tulasi, the sacred plant, is a highlight, and I see Jambhavan is getting a big kick out of it. It is a chanting session with a focus on ‘holy green’, the tulasi herself.

Announcements follow, and today a quote from our guru, Srila Prabhupada, addresses the hazards of gossip.  Very profound.

Dogs don’t gossip.  They might bite but it’s less painful.  Humans are excellent at the art.  I question why there are no championships set up somewhere in the world.  More societies frown upon gossip and rumor-mongering but it often enjoys a healthy existence wherever you go.

To counter this tendency toward usage of the evil tongue, we are encouraged by Sri Krishna in the Gita to execute austerity of the tongue.  “Silence is golden,” seems to reflect His message.

There’s always a “Krishna Katha”–talking about what is divine.

May the Source be with you!

4 km

Saturday, February 4th, 2017
→ The Walking Monk

Mayapur, India
Drama Coming Along Like Magic

 

 

I’m getting around with lesson of a hobble.  From room to temple, to auditorium, to eating lounge and back to the room, services are being covered. 

What are those services? Presently we’re participating in hearing, chanting, reading, writing, and drama.  I’ll increase it to eating, greeting, smiling, encouraging, and sleeping, not to leave anything out.

I am spending considerable time teaching drama, as well.  I have a seven-year-old boy from France, Narada Muni, whom I’m training for a part in our play, “Mr. Puri.”  Yes, he’s young but he’s learning fast.

The whole assemblage is coming together like magic.  As usual, over and above the three or four people I’ve lined up, I have to scout and hunt for actors here on the grounds in Mayapur.

I met Narada Muni and his parents quite by accident on my first day here.  He told me he’s been watching my dramas on YouTube.  To his parents I asked, “Would you be interested in having your son audition?”  They went for it.

The next day I went to the Panca Tattva Hall to hear Bhagavatam class.  Near the end of the class, a young fellow headed for the exit; to do so, he had to pass through the crowd and by me.  He looked Hispanic and I could tell by the way he pleated the front of his dhoti (lower garment) that he’s an artist.  I set my hands to pranams.  He did so as well.  I grabbed those hands of his and set him down next to me.

“Do you do dramas, and do you dance?”

“Yes, I’m a professional.”

One thing led to another and he’s now on board.

May the Source be with you!

3 km

Friday, February 3rd, 2017
→ The Walking Monk

Mayapur, India
Meaningful Means of Transport
Some walking, some standing by way of ferry and some sitting by way of toto were my means of transport today.

To get to the local city, Navadvip (population 40 – 50 lakhs,) where I needed to pick up some supplies, you have to cross the holy Ganges River.  The wetless way to go about it, is by purchasing a two rupee ticket with which you earn a ten minute boat ride to the other bank.  The boat or ferry is a primitive-looking, gondola-like, rustic contraption with a motor that does the job.

I asked my friend Basudev, a Napalese native, what the sign in Bengali says that’s propped up in the middle of the ferry.

“This facility can reach maximum capacity at 250 passengers.  Smoking and drinking prohibited.”  That capacity was not reached on our passage.  Many bicycles and rickshaws—with their personal operators—filled up the space.  Some carried filled containers of milk which had cut straw, moulded inside, over top of the milk to keep it from splashing.

Usually on every ferry I’ve ever been on in the area, there’s always some passengers who carry japa mala (beads) for chanting.  And that usually means they are loyal to Krishna.  However, many folks in Bengal are goddess worshippers.  Saraswati or Durga are honoured in the spring, as in now.

A toto means of transport is a battery-operated, quiet and environmentally-friendly carriage that gets you around.  These I like.

Despite the presence of gout, it is now less painful and so I’m getting some walking in.  Thanks to  Keshava and Suniti for the excellent meal.

May the Source be with you!

3 km

Thursday, February 2nd, 2017
→ The Walking Monk

Mayapur, West Bengal
Attire

 

 

The other day, just before I left for India, I got out of a car to attend a devotional meeting when a motorist noticed me.  He hollered out some message that did not come clear but for three words. “Fix your dress…” was all I could decipher in reference to my robes.  The tone was slightly derogatory.

I thought that in Canada—a rather pluralistic society where residents see people in all kinds of attire—it was a bit surprising.  Anyway, “Thanks for the tip, Buddy,” I thought.  All was in order as far as my dhoti (lower robe) was concerned.

Now here in Mayapur, a town of thousands of people (Vaishnavas), you actually stand out if you wear pants.  There is an understood code of dress, in this land of comfy clothes which move at every dance step in kirtan, as much as they would move when outside in the blowing wind.

I’m staying in Room 1104 in the Isodyan Hall and adorning the wall is an ISKCON classic print of kirtan master, Chaitanya.  We could also credit Him with being the Father of Kirtan.  There in the print, He has arms upraised while draped in golden-hued cloth that falls in fine folds.  His associates are also clothed in a similar manner as they are captured in a frozen moment during an outdoor chanting session.

The picture displays a celestial moment of suspended and splendid movement.

I do see, as I’m walking (at a slow pace), pilgrims who have chosen modern attire, largely under the influence of Bollywood.  What to do?

May the Source be with you!

2 km

Wednesday, February 1st, 2017
→ The Walking Monk

Kolkata / Mayapur

 

 

Encounters

Luggage took forever to secure from the carousel.  Some of these planes are too big and passengers carry endless items.  It was not easy to acquire wheelchair help once reaching the airport in India.  I gave up on the idea.

While in the queue to re-check my luggage for a domestic flight to Kolkata, two families just jumped in front of me.  I was already running late.  I gave the intruders my temper.  I let them know, “I love India.  I love her people, but it’s this butting in that gives it a bad name.  Learn some manners.”

My offenders backed off.

Then I came to security.  I stood by the line ready for authorities to search me through the security checking arch.  Again, someone walked right in front, not recognizing I was next in line.  Well, I let him have it.  I am usually soft, but I became loud.  All security looked our way.  “Who do you think you are?  Bhagavan?”  I addressed the one who barged ahead.  “Stop this nonsense!”  I told him.

I met up with Pariksit, who’s in his early 20’s and one of my actors for our performance of the drama “Mr. Puri.”  The drive with him by cab to Mayapur was pleasant.  I calmed down.

Finally I was able to get quality—but slow—walking in on the grounds of Mayapur.  After two weeks of zero walking I feel somewhat liberated.  The pace is slow but it’s sure, and it’s barefoot.

Frankly, it’s glorious to be in sacred space.  It takes your mind off of pain.  I’m already on my annual mission of activism, trying to discourage the use of motor-bikes.  “This machine is bad for you and the environment” is what I said to three cyclists.

I felt good.

May the Source be with you!

2 km

Tuesday, January 31st, 2017
→ The Walking Monk

Amsterdam, / Delhi 
Born to Run

 

 

Biranchi Das ran a judo school for orphans in Odisha, India.  One four–year-old, Budhia Singh, joined his school and he saw in the boy a natural runner, and so began coaching him, hoping that one day he would become India’s champion in future world competitions.  One marathon began and the boy, Budhia performed an astounding feat (with his feet).  The marathon was a 65 km stretch, including the famous Jagannath Puri pilgrimage site.

Young Budhia ran the whole distance without stopping.  Only at the end (and, of course, the bulk of Odishans cheered him on every bit of the way) did he require some medical attention.  He was fatigued and dehydrated.

Budhia was a real morale booster for his people.  Not everyone, however, was behind the training.  The Children’s Welfare agency was opposed.  Biranchi became a controversial figure and was even arrested for training the child in a rather relentless way.

This true story also tells us that on April 13, 2008, Biranchi was murdered.  I was impressed by the story which captured my attention from the choice of films / documentaries you can watch.  Budhia is still alive, and just fifteen years old this year.  I’d love to meet him some day although I’m just a walker.

I saw the film on Jet Airways, on my way to India just now.  It’s called “Budhia Singh: Born to Run.” It was directed by Soumendra Padhi.  (Here’s a link to the film on YouTube.   https://youtu.be/3uQMLeNRjOU ). I was able to stay awake to watch it because the dark chocolate keeps me up, and I’m taking it to relieve the gout in my left foot.

May the Source be with you!

0 km

Monday, January 30th, 2017
→ The Walking Monk

Hamilton, Ontario
Cannot Repay
You can never repay those who enthused you in your early devotional life.  To offer a token to an inspirationalist, Visvakarma by name, I spent a good four hours with him in his home in Hamilton as a way to say “thanks.”  Oh, we went over plenty of territory as far as topics to discuss are concerned.  For me, I felt an indebtedness to him, the man who took the time at the college I attended to introduce me to bhakticoncepts.
You have to ask yourself, “Where would I be if someone didn’t show the interest and tell me I’m not the body, that my true identity is one of being a spiritual spark of life?  Where would I be if I was not informed of the form, personality and qualities of God?  Where would I be if I was not taught the ways of seva, service which was a new focus on a way of doing things?”

To such introductions and know-hows, I was given some direction as a twenty year old.  Tender moments they were.  Four other monks accompanied Visvakarma at that time of my encountering the Hare Krishnas.  There were Drupada, Dustadhura, Satyahit and Ayodhyapati, now known as Bhakti Brngha Govinda Swami.

It was on a Saturday evening near Christmas in 1972, when I came upon those strange but curious-to-me creatures with their unusual names from the Sanskrit language.  My impression was they were radical but happy.  And if my memory serves me well, it was during a stroll I took, that those five persons became a major component to my day’s discovery.  That meeting with them, changed my life forever.

May the Source be with you!

0 km

Sunday, January 29th, 2017
→ The Walking Monk

Brampton, Ontario
Chocolate?
Vladik is a Polish friend of mine who comes to visit, or calls me occasionally.  He likes to share with me new-found reading material that especially is provocative, or shall I say, introspective.  As a gesture of friendship he offered me two packets of the best European chocolate.
“Thanks so much, Vladik, you’re kind.”  In front of him I looked at the ingredients.

“I hope it’s okay?” he expressed with concern.

“Well, to be honest I rarely take chocolate.  It may have caffeine—something we avoid.”  I read away on the packaging, “whey powder, milk, nuts, salt, sugar, coffee even.  Boy oh boy!  This may not fly.  Anyways, let me google to see what some experts say about chocolate and how it affects the gout I have.”

From my android came the following: “Not only is chocolate a “miracle food” when it comes to gout prevention but it also knocks down the inflammation of an active gout flare…  Dark chocolate that consists of about 35% of cocoa is considered to be ideal for gout sufferers.  This type of chocolate is more bitter than the traditional sweet, milk or white…”

I was quite amazed by the info on chocolate and so was Vladik  and Vyasacharya who brought our Polish friend in the first place.  Vyasa immediately offered to go to a bulk food place.  He returned in minutes with the dark chocolate with practically few ingredients.  I indulged and took this food item as a natural medicine.

Does or did it work?  I’ll let you all in on the outcome.

May the Source be with you!

0 km

Saturday, January 28th, 2017
→ The Walking Monk

Brampton, Ontario
A Monk’s Saturday
I actually enjoyed doing more of those priestly-type duties today, such as attending a home blessing where I gave a message to the family and invitees.  I also visited a young couple’s home along with their newborn, Manjari.  A baby blessing.

There was also a spontaneous sanga, home visit.  It’s been two years since I last visited them.  A pleasant obligation.

Also I attended a set meeting.  One congregation had an issue with a member and a number of us sat to discuss, resolve and care for all concerned.  That was a very wholesome exercise and it was an opportunity for everyone to grow.

So, I travelled some turf, some distance, to get to the various destinations, but, unfortunately, none of it was executed with leg power.  I was driven everywhere.  It was practical in order to reach each appointment.

No high pressure involved in the above programs.  All went less formal and more casual and the one-on-one connections at some of the venues were really nurturing.

At one home where Manjari, the two-week old infant lives, a vast entree of food was presented.  It was temptingly rich and I had to courteously refrain from most of the items to address my gout issue.  I was proud of resisting, but felt bad for the host and cook who had set out to please.

Something to share:

“I have two doctors, my left leg and my right.” G.M. Trevelyan

“The best remedy for a short temper is a long walk.” Jacqueline Schiff

May the Source be with you!

0 km

Friday, January 27th, 2017
→ The Walking Monk

Toronto, Ontario
A Plug-In for Drama
We arranged for an appreciation party for those who acted and danced so well for our opening of the year 2017.  The production called “Mr. Puri” highlights the events of a monk who strolled into the sacred town of Vrindavana, where he met young Krishna.  So, with today’s blog entry, I’ll refrain from extolling the glories of walking, but copy a letter penned by our guru, Srila Prabhupada, to a student in New York.  It’s about the power of drama. (Dec. 22/1971)
“I am especially pleased to hear that our KC drama program is being developed by you nicely.  We have got unlimited stock for such dramas, so go on in this way, improving more and more, and Krishna will give you direction so that one day, very soon, all your dreams will come true and you will be acting our KC dramas on Broadway.  Everyone enjoys play-acting, only there is at present a dearth of proper material for elevating the general mass of people to the proper standards.  Practically, the whole world is going to hell.  There is no decency, no gentleman anywhere.  So we have to portray to the people of this fallen Age of Kali-yuga what is the right standard for their behavior.  When they see that, Oh, here is such nice activity, such nice people, they will automatically become changed, simply we have to engage their senses in the right taste.  So this drama-playing is very good presentation for attracting their attention and displaying Krishna Consciousness very beautifully. Make everything very simple, without too much fancy costumes, and the real message will come out very nicely.”

May the Source be with you!

1 km

Thursday, January 26th, 2017
→ The Walking Monk

Toronto, Ontario
1 Km, Hurray!
Luv and I walked to “Staples” the office/stationary store.  This encompasses one kilometre and not more.  This was a great victory for me considering the gout in my foot.
Truly I would like to put discussion of this concern to a close, if I could.  Drinking warm water, avoiding protein-rich foods, sticking to veggies and fruits and that little bit of exercise (for now) is my regimen.  The swelling slowly is diminishing.  Hurray!  Let’s see what happens when in India.  I leave on Monday of next week.

I just can’t resist sharing with you a response from a student of mine in Ohio, commenting on my gout situation.  Kaustubha sent this message.

“Heard you were off your feet for a bit so I thought I would reach out and try to give you a little laugh.  It’s topical in not only your ailment but also the general mood in the country (the U.S.).  Hope you get better sooner than later!  Haribol!

“Why didn’t the two feet get along?”

“They both thought they were right.”

Luv and I purchased a black board for writing the morning Bhagavatam verse on.  I don’t care for white boards.  Markers leave just that—marks.  But even the black board leaves much to be desired.  It’s flimsy, lacking strength and durability, like most items manufactured today.

The first verse the board has experienced has appeared.  What a great chapter entitled “The Childhood Pastimes of Krishna.”

May the Source be with you!

1 km

Wednesday, January 25th, 2017
→ The Walking Monk

Toronto, Ontario

Insert Kirtan

What do you do when you’re resting up your left foot wrought with gout?  You can’t go for that usual stroll down the street, burn calories, meet the elements and say “Hello!” to people.

The answer is real simple and it’s what our guru, Srila Prabhupada, and his predecessor teacher used to say. “Chant Hare Krishna!” in regard to good times or bad times.

I had the super-good fortune to partake in the Wednesday night kirtan.  Not widely publicized yet (and I don’t know what’s stopping the promoters from doing so) but it’s slowly catching on.  To place kirtan smack in the middle of the week is pure genius.  For many young enthusiasts of the kirtan culture, you no longer have to wait for a weekend experience.

Why is it so essential to engage in kirtan?  It may not suspend your aching foot but it will uplift your soul.  It takes your mind off of aches and pains and puts you in the happy zone.

In all frankness, chanting is something that can be applied in all circumstances, which is great, because at any given time a surprise will come your way, one that’s a harsh reality or one of exhilaration.  Chanting is something that tames the beast, the agitated mind.  It brings people together, satisfying a human need and the thirst for social intercourse.

If you haven’t already explored kirtan, do so and have a more easy-go out of life.

May the Source be with you!

0 km

Tuesday, January 24th, 2017
→ The Walking Monk

Toronto, Ontario
Favourite Song

It’s definitely one of my favourite bhajans (devotional songs) which we sang at 7:07 a.m. in the temple ashram.  It’s written by Bhaktivinod Thakur, and it’s called Narada Muni Bajay Vina.  The bhajanis about a travelling monk.

Here it is—the lyrics in English:

1)    When the great soul Narada Muni plays his vina, the holy name “Radhika-ramana” descends and immediately appears amidst the kirtana (chanting) of the Lord’s devotees.

2)    Like a monsoon cloud, the holy name showers pure nectar into their ears. Due to great ecstasy, all the devotees enthusiastically dance to their heart’s content.

3)    All the inhabitants of the universe become maddened upon drinking these intoxicating showers of divine sweetness. Some people cry, some dance, and others become fully intoxicated within their minds.

4)    Five-faced Lord Siva embraces Narada Muni and repeatedly shouts in ecstasy, while Lord Brahma dances very ecstatically and exclaims, “All of you chant ‘Haribol! Haribol!’”

5)    In supreme happiness, thousand-faced Ananta Sesa sings and calls out, “Hari! Hari!” By the influence of the transcendental vibration of the holy name, the whole universe becomes mad with ecstasy as everyone relishes the mellows of the holy name.

6)    The holy name of Sri Krishna has fulfilled all my desires by thus manifesting on everyone’s tongue. Bhakativinoda, the humble servant of the Lord, therefore prays at the feet of Sri Rupa Goswami that the chanting of harinamamay always continue in this way.

May the Source be with you!

0 km

Monday, January 23rd, 2017
→ The Walking Monk

Houston / Toronto
Advice
Rajasuya fetched me from the Toronto Airport, and drove me to Burlington to stop at a medical clinic to see Dr. Pandith.  Pulse and blood test was done.  I was weighed.  At 215 lbs I could do better in terms of trimming down.  You would think all the walking would do that.  Less food is most likely the answer.  Auala from Hawaii, sent a comment and now Dr. Pandith says the same, in addressing the excess uric acid which crystalizes and groups around the joints to create an inflammation, or what is known as gout.
I’m learning.

“It’s common among people of European stock,” said Pandith.

“That’s me—at least my ancestry.  I don’t recall my parents talking or complaining about it.”

“Fewer purine foods,” said Auala.  And so that’s what we have to go with.

“Watch the paneer and the dahls,” cautioned Guru Bhakti, back in Houston.  These are the opinions of the medical people.

When I got back to Toronto and the ashram, slick mrdunga player, Gopal, mentioned that the early morning (4:30 a.m.) sadhana is no fun if you can’t dance a bit.  That’s true, and imagine someone who’s been doing pilgrim marathons?  It’s hard for him to stand for any length of time.  My passion for exploring new trails hasn’t actually subsided.  I’ve always felt these walks to be like time with God.

But you have to do what you have to do.

“Retreat from the apparition.  Refresh.”  If I think in militaristic terms, “Regroup!  Regain strength and attack again.”

Go back for the challenge.

Be smart about it.

May the Source be with you!

0 km

Sunday, January 22nd, 2017
→ The Walking Monk

Houston, Texas
How I Was Treated
Since posting a photo of my feet on Instagram, I’ve discovered I have a lot of well-wishers.  Some are from the medical profession.  In looking at the gout which is attacking my left foot, recommendations—including prescriptions—are mostly of a diet-nature, ranging from juice-fasts to raw food, to putting restrictions on high protein foods.
I really do appreciate the care and attention coming my way.  Thank you!

Let it be known that it’s a first time for me on this discovery.  I admit to taking pain killers, antibiotics, and anti-inflammatory pills.  Without these I likely could not have gotten the rest needed.

X-rays show there is no bone fracture and from blood-testing the diagnostic reading has determined there’s an excess of uric acid in my system.  There was no warning that something like gout was about to visit me but somehow it’s arrived.  I’ll double check with my family doctor when I reach Canada tomorrow.

I need also to mention how hospitable the Houston community was in taking care of me, and practically the only time I took away from extra rest was to direct a play with the local youth.  I figured if I can’t walk these days, or sit down at the sometimes gruelling meetings, then I can at least get excited about something creative.

After a collective eleven hours of practice, the local volunteers of average age 15/16 were prepared (ready or not) for a performance everyone was pleased with.  We had fun.  The audience was lifted.  Even my foot was happy and painless after the show finished and the curtain was lowered.

May the Source be with you!

0 km

Saturday, January 21st, 2017
→ The Walking Monk

Houston, Texas

The Battle

Health is wealth.  I feel that, when getting some relief from malady.  Although not over pain in my foot, freedom is felt when I can deliver a director’s message on stage.

Yes, I can move a bit and even show our cast of ‘younglings’ how to march.

Our cast consists of twelve volunteers, ages pre-teen, teen and post-teen.  It’s working well. And the marching is about soldiers—those ready for a fight worth fighting.  It’s the two armies of the Kauravas and the Pandavas, and the battle is over restoring dharma and taming greed and envy.  The battle of Kuruksetra.

I have been unable to attend the long presentations of the leaders’ meetings because of foot pain, but moved into the same room for assembling a drama.  My mind was pulled away from foot, to the heart of what I love.

“Lights!  Camera!  Karma!”

Karma means action.  And when you link karma to dharma you have a chance in this life.

From the story of The Gita, we learn what this battle is about.  It’s about the Battle of Kuruksetra, about the self, about the way of the world, about destiny and what real love is.

I’m loving the directing.  It gets me out of bed.

May the Source be with you!

0 km

Friday, January 20th, 2017
→ The Walking Monk

Houston, Texas

Man Without Arm

I took a gamble and tried walking down the street to my accommodation, a long block from the temple.  That was a mistake.  Inflammation increased in the left foot and redness from the infection was enhanced.

I did go for a blood sample as well as X-rays.  Diagnosis is yet to come. While in the waiting room, the inauguration of Donald Trump was being broadcast on the screen.

The person driving me, Krishna Krpa, a lively human with a bhakti heart, mentioned that the same broadcast was on all channels.

“Really?” I said, and I meant it.

What really boosted my spirit, was that short but sour walk which I risked my health on. A hydro truck was parked on the side of the street where two workmen were doing repairs to the hydro lines above.  One of the fellows was missing an arm; let’s say half of one.  From his right shoulder down to the elbow, he utilized what was there, while the complete left apparatus acted in full swing.  He was moving a cable and wrapping it around his intact arm.  It was done with such expertise, I think he could probably do just about anything; even in his sleep.

“How’s it going?” I asked him.

“Great!” I think I heard him make a happy whistle.

“Mr. Upbeat. Mr. Nothing Gets Me Down,” I thought. “How about, Mr. Life Is Wonderful?”

His spirit reminded me of my Dad, and more-so, my guru, Srila Prabhupada.  It’s those kinds of people who inspire.

May the Source be with you!

0 km

Thursday, January 19th, 2017
→ The Walking Monk

Houston, Texas

Still Hurting

“No walking!” is the rule.  Inflammation has spread near the big right toe.  Xray and blood tests are to come tomorrow.

The continued pain persists but pain-killers are helping.  This is the low-light of the day.  The highlight was meeting seventy leaders from across North America, and also hearing and seeing presentations.  I  was driven to Govinda’s Restaurant to indulge in a low-carb, dairy-free lunch—part of the prescription.

One presentation worth attending was a report on Bhaktivedanta Book Sales for 2016.  Bravo!  The public responds to literature of a spiritual nature.  It is under the category of the North American public.  Secondly, we captured the first ten minutes of the 90-minute documentary, “Hare Krishna”—formerly called “Acharya.”  What a delight!

From my room, I was driven a second time to the temple complex, which includes Govindas.  At the Gauranga Hall, a gathering of youth were there to greet me for our first evening of practice of the drama, “The Gita.”  With my foot the way it is, and so little time to pull it all together, it could take a mini-miracle.

The youth were saying, as we were about to begin, “We could cancel since you are not well.”

“Let’s try.”

After a half hour into our practice, we all became immersed in the story and the intelligence behind the message of “The Gita.”

We concluded, “The show must go on!”

May the Source be with you!

0 km

Wednesday, January 18th, 2017
→ The Walking Monk

Houston, Texas

Big Toe Hurting

Anuttama and I, with umbrellas held up to stave off the pouring onslaught of rain, were dodging puddles on our way to early sadhana at 4:30 a.m.

“My God!” I thought, “Houston is usually as dry as a bone.  It’s been like monsoons all night.”

Here we were on a mere two-block walk, when I began to feel a creeping up of pain into my left big toe.  We made it to the temple after avoiding a near-flood-world.  An inflammation had started to occur.  Fortunately, Dr. Rao is in the room next to me and administered help with ice packs and also brought in another doctor from the community.

“It could be gout,” she said.

I looked it up and inquired online about better foods for this type of agitation with pain of an arthritic nature.  As you can imagine, sugar is a big culprit, along with nightshade veggies like potatoes, tomatoes, peppers, and eggplant.  Helpful foods are pineapple, turmeric, ginger and devil’s claw.  I’m missing a few points here on food.  Oh yes, bagels and pasta aren’t good, and barbecued anything is bad.  No problem for those of us on the veg diet.

The point is I’ll have to take care, and keep my left foot and leg raised when in a reclining position.  “Don’t walk today,” said Dr. Rao. 

Still, I went through some meaningful meetings, some involving pushing to promote female gurus in our society.  For if someone is qualified in a woman’s body, why not help the male gurus who can use the relief?  I felt less pain in the course of talking on that topic.  Kept me alive in the meeting.

May the Source be with you!

0 km

Saturday, January 21st, 2017
→ The Walking Monk

Houston, Texas
The Battle 
Health is wealth.  I feel that, when getting some relief from malady.  Although not over pain in my foot, freedom is felt when I can deliver a director’s message on stage.

Yes, I can move a bit and even show our cast of ‘younglings’ how to march.

Our cast consists of twelve volunteers, ages pre-teen, teen and post-teen.  It’s working well. And the marching is about soldiers—those ready for a fight worth fighting.  It’s the two armies of the Kauravas and the Pandavas, and the battle is over restoring dharma and taming greed and envy.  The battle of Kuruksetra.

I have been unable to attend the long presentations of the leaders’ meetings because of foot pain, but moved into the same room for assembling a drama.  My mind was pulled away from foot, to the heart of what I love.

“Lights!  Camera!  Karma!”

Karma means action.  And when you link karma to dharma you have a chance in this life.

From the story of The Gita, we learn what this battle is about.  It’s about the Battle of Kuruksetra, about the self, about the way of the world, about destiny and what real love is.

I’m loving the directing.  It gets me out of bed.

May the Source be with you!

0 km

Tuesday, January 17th, 2017
→ The Walking Monk

Miami/Houston

Depth

The best sleep followed by the best walk (at the Coconut Grove docks) took place  in Miami this morning.  I gave a class from the Bhagavatam, speaking on the qualities of the teacher (a brahman).  To quote the Gita, they are peaceful, self-controlled, austere, pure, tolerant, wise, versed in scripture, and dharmic (spiritually moral). [18:42]

They are qualities, I realized, that I must work on.

I flew to Houston to meet up with my bhakti peers/leaders of North American Krishna Consciousness. At off times—from meetings—I dwelt on further readings from the Gita concerning the twenty-four elements.

I was intrigued with the teachings of the Vedas—their depth.  To share: Gita 13:6-7:

“From all the authoritative statements of the great sages, the Vedic hymns and the aphorisms of the Vedānta-sūtra, the components of this world can be understood as follows. First there are earth, water, fire, air and ether. These are the five great elements (mahā-bhūta). Then there are false ego, intelligence and the unmanifested stage of the three modes of nature. Then there are five senses for acquiring knowledge: the eyes, ears, nose, tongue and skin. Then five working senses: voice, legs, hands, anus and genitals. Then, above the senses, there is the mind, which is within and which can be called the sense within. Therefore, including the mind, there are eleven senses altogether. Then there are the five objects of the senses: smell, taste, form, touch and sound. Now the aggregate of these twenty-four elements is called the field of activity. If one makes an analytical study of these twenty-four subjects, then he can very well understand the field of activity…”

There is so much in the above excerpt.

May you think about it!

May the Source be with you!

6 km

Monday, January 16th, 2017
→ The Walking Monk

Miami, Florida


Snap

I met a nice chap who said he went through a dark period several years ago.  He was suicidal, lost hope, and found it hard to move forward.  He visualized his coming funeral, imagining who would attend.  The people he saw were all those folks he helped in the past.  They came with gratitude and sentimental feelings.

It was seeing those people that invoked a “snap.”  The fog in his mind cleared. In self-reflection, it meant  he had placed “the other people” before himself, and that made a difference.


The above story touched me, and I felt I could put a checkmark in the box of the victory list.  The narration, as was told to me, was a blessing, as I could see he had counted his blessings.


For a year now, I have been walking quite often with a slight limp.  Since Suriname, I have been given attention in the area of the thighs. Stress points, which felt like speed bumps, have been worked on with massage.  Those volunteers who assist me in this need are really kind.  It’s taking a good amount of pressure to relieve the stiffness which is causing limping and a slowing-down of walking.  The massage is doing wonders.


We read in our Vedic literatures about massage therapy that is applied to those in need.  What comes to mind is Laksmi’s massage of her consort’s feet, and the comfort that a massage gave to Krishna’s elder brother.  It is a kind of service which has been with Indian culture since time immemorial.


I was not initially scheduled to be in Miami, but the opening of a new place in Fort Lauderdale was something I could not pass up.


May the Source be with you!


0 km


Sunday, January 15th, 2017
→ The Walking Monk

Plaisance, Guyana
By the Sea Wall
Meeting the wind, ocean, clouds and periodic sun is possible here at the sea wall.  Before daybreak, Rama Lila, Brihat and I took a trek along that important wall of power.  Keeping the splashy and muddy waves of the South Atlantic waters at bay, is this wall.
The sea wall is a popular location for the local fishermen.  They had their boats anchored, and were preparing to embark for a catch, with massive nets laid out ready for spreading in the water. 

I spotted at least two mongoose by the wall.  The mongoose was introduced to Guyana, as in Fiji.  The only difference is that in Fiji there are no cobras or snakes at all for them to eat.  The mongoose did, however, multiply like crazy on those Fijian Islands, where they have practically no predators except for humans.

Here, in South America, there’s no shortage of snakes.  Come to think of it, I feel like a snake who is shedding his skin.  The sun, in these last few countries of South America I’ve travelled to, is particularly intense, so guess what happens?  There’s a burn and then there’s a peeling of skin—actually a flaking dynamic.  This kind of thing happens to us “white” folks, and the sun doesn’t discriminate whether you are a monk or not.

Today was our last day of padayatra, and the cart with us chanters penetrated through the marketplace in Plaisance.  Merchants, vendors and shoppers really liked the sound of the sacred kirtan.  It added so much to the atmosphere, and under the blazing sun, the mantra did dominate.

This was the tenth year I’ve come for the Guyana padayatra.

May the Source be with you!

6 km

Saturday, January 14th, 2017
→ The Walking Monk

Better Hope, Guyana
Gets Better

With each passing day the padayatra just gets better.  More participants is one of the reasons for this.  People have more time on Saturday.

Our procession started at a gas station and we proceeded on from there along one straight and single road.  There were no turns.  The beat was strong and steady, coming from the boys on the mrdangas.  I commend them for staying on and playing.  The four of them who began on the drums showed their stamina.  There is something to be said about being steadfast.  It is considered a quality of a saint.

The marching along was also steady.  Now, I never saw the film, “Saturday Night Fever,” but I recall the Toronto Star newspaper, years ago, comparing the Sunday kirtan at the temple to the energy of the dancing in the film.  Mind you, our dances at kirtan don’t get sensuous, as I’m sure the dance steps likely were in the movie.

The culmination of our marching, drumming and chanting was in the village of Better Hope, at a Hindu temple.  The stage show highlighted drama, kirtan and talks by seniour people.

I’m one of them, I hate to say.  Yes, I do live in somewhat of a denial regarding age, but the truth is the truth.  For people in their 80’s or 90’s, I’m still a babe.  For the young guys on the drums, I’m sure I am perceived as old.

I never thought I would get “there” but I’m “there” at 64.

A gorgeous shower of rain came and forced all participants at the outdoor culmination, to gain the shelter of the tent.  It brought us close.

May the Source be with you!

5 km

Friday, January 13th, 2017
→ The Walking Monk

Enterprise, Guyana
A Certain Level

I hadn’t had a real chance to walk along the sea wall; the wall which keeps ocean water from flooding in.  Guyana is a country that is below sea level, like the Netherlands and about thirty more nations.  The canals were built by the Dutch when they settled here in the 1600’s.

Walking, today, entailed moving on and off of canal streets, which are part of a grid system in the Georgetown area.  Today’s padayatratook us through the actual village of Enterprise.  Sounds like the name of a spaceship.

Unlike the Star Trek “Enterprise,” our moving along was not a smooth sail through outer space.  Our cast, including the chanters and walkers who accompanied, had more than speed bumps to contend with.  Some of the roadways on the grid really need to be leveled off.  Potholes are quite substantial on some streets.  Maneuvering the cart and ourselves around these craters was necessary.

Even on Friday the 13th, you’ve got to find your way around hurdles.  The biggest hurdle is the Kali Yuga itself, an age of confusion and darkness.  You do see elements of some base qualities in Guyana.  There are the opulent homes, while some are rather dilapidated.

Again, the people are really sweet in their receptivity.  Smiles and waves really make the day.  I don’t know if there are that many places on the planet which respond en masse so favourably, to a procession coming down their residential road.

May the Source be with you!

5 km

Thursday, January 12th, 2017
→ The Walking Monk

Enmore, Guyana
Back in Guyana
Pom is the national dish of Suriname which was adapted from the Jewish community.  Extra features were added by the South East Asians with paneerand Indian spices.  At my request, they left out the standard ingredient, orange.  Thank you.  It was delicious as a savory of sorts.

Brhat and I finished our stay in Suriname and we flew to our next destination.  As we flew over the rainforest, it conjured up wonder in the mind.  The place must be teaming with energy.  The last time our plane descended, ready for a landing, a co-passenger said to me, “Look at those trees below.  Makes me think of Jonestown and drinking the Kool-Aid.”

I didn’t want to say to him that’s not the happiest reminder to come up with.  For me,Guyana means nice and simple people.  It means “get yourself ready for padayatra.”

Padayatra is the festival that is on foot, accompanied by drum beats and mantras.  A classy-looking cart with deities of Chaitanya and Nityananda, masters of the art of kirtan, are set inside.  The cart is pulled along the streets with a chanting band in front.  That’s where Brihat and I fit in.  He and I led some of the kirtansas we made our way through the residential streets,along canals in Enmore, through a prominently Hindu neighbourhood.

People are very responsive here.  They received small packets of prasadam from our walking crew and invites to the local pandal (tent program) to be held in the neighbourhood that evening.  It’s great to see people walking, singing, and giving out mercy.

May the Source be with you!

4 km

Wednesday, January 11th, 2017
→ The Walking Monk

Paramaribo, Suriname
Every Endeavour

The same small party of five who enjoyed the waters at Colakreek, yesterday, with perhaps the first ever kirtanwaist-high in water, was the same group who today trailed by the zoo in Paramaribo.

Santosh, in particular, wanted Brihat and I to experience and get a feel for the jungle that eventually connects to the Amazon.

“Alright then, Santosh, just keep us out of the sun as much as possible, because we white boys can only take the sun in small doses.  The shade.  Keep us in the shade,” I urged.

So we ventured through some thickets.  Mosquitoes are small here but voracious.  Other than that, there was little to worry about.  Always my biggest concern with forests is thorns, burrs, and things that tear and stick to clothing.

We put in an hour and a half along a trail through fairly tame jungle and then it was time for the zoo.

“Okay, guys, let’s check out what we all once were.” Meaning the bodies our souls most likely inhabited.

Jaguars and other wild cats of the region were on display.  Of course, we had to dwell on the piranha, the fish in the tank, and have a look at their dentures.  These guys are known to be an integral part of the Amazon.

An hour or so of animal gazing was enough.  Our real concentration as monks of an old tradition is to focus on humans.  And so part two of a Krishna Conscious talk to a larger group, today, had us dwell on verse 48 from Chapter 18 of the Gita: “Every endeavor is covered by some fault…”

Please check this out.

May the Source be with you!

7 km

Tuesday, January 10th, 2017
→ The Walking Monk

Colakreek, Suriname, South America
TBC: Taking Care of Business
At Colakreek, there are these sections in the creek where you swim in spring-fed tea-coloured waters.  Situated about an hour’s drive from the temple where Brhat and I are staying, we were lucky to be the only ones there as recreationists.
How can I justify some relaxation while having quite a portfolio to live up to?  Well, to answer my own question, I need the chill.  My leg muscles are as taut as trees in the resort.  Some exposure to heat, to water, and to sand is my big craving.  It’s my second day of this type of rejuvenation.  It’s just necessary,

The body is a guru and it tells you what to do.  Mine’s saying, “I need the elements and the human touch.”

Santosh (20), who was the bright boy to bring us here, had also given a good hour of leg massage.  There are so many tension points along the thighs.  I really needed help from this guy and he delivered. I’m so grateful.

I truly believe that my day was balanced to offset the recreation.  Sadhana, my chanting, some studying, some writing, and to top it off, some teaching at the end.

Followers of Krishna bhakti turned up for an evening presentation.  I indulged the crowd in two texts and ended in a discussion on morality.  This one word “morality” follows me every day.  Beyond the fun in the water today, the sun, and the relaxation, the thread that I always mentally zip-line on is what is right and what is wrong.  I’m not saying I’m a grand moralist in practice, but I’m quite busy measuring the moral or dharmic scale all the time in my mind.

May the Source be with you!

3 km

Sunday, January 8th, 2017
→ The Walking Monk

Port of Spain, Trinidad
The Special Stone
When you are a monk, people offer you gifts.  While in Montreal recently, I was given one.  On the outside of the plastic pocket it read, “Akhavan—Natural Volcanic Pumice Stone.”  Inside the clear plastic was a handsome, pitch-black pumice for scraping off dry, dead skin from the bottom of the feet.

How thoughtful and unique a gift!

At airport customs, it appeared somewhat irregular on the screen.  “Is this yours?” the officer asked, segregating my orange-coloured piece of baggage from the other, less eye-catching ones owned by passengers.  He inspected it, approved it and I was on my way to Trinidad.

In Port of Spain, at customs, I received a bit of trouble again.  My filled-out form was complete, but they wanted a contact number where I would be staying in the country.  The directory book, a Bhaktivedanta Book Trust publicationwhich I carried, did not include a phone number for the Longdenville temple.  To use the slang, “I was skunked.”

The female official was quite formal about it.  Straight-faced, she demanded “a contact.”

“We can look it up.  Do you have a phone directory?  God’s my contact.”

“We don’t have one.  Ask an agent in the airport.  Next….”

Fortunately a nice man, an official, looked up the number on his phone and I breezed through.  There at the arrivals was my dear friend, Agnidev, the well-known bhajansinger.  It was good to see him.  It was good to get my feet on the ground.  I can’t wait to use my pumice stone.

May the Source be with you!

4 km

Saturday, January 7th, 2017
→ The Walking Monk

Oakville Ontario
The Subject
I was telling a group of bhakti-yogis today about the main subject of our recent-most drama, “Mr. Puri.”
Mr. Puri is a light way of addressing Sri Madhavendra Puri, a man of 15th century India, who was your classic monk; one who roamed thousands of miles from one place to another.  Key places on his trail included Vrndavan in the north, Remuna in the east and the Malayan Hills, more to the south.

Also, to clarify his monastic-side, we hear from sources like the accounts of Krsnadas Kaviraj, that Madhavendra Puri travelled alone and with little.  Amongst his nominal belongings, he carried a small terra cotta pot which contained the most delicious kheer, (condensed milk).  The kheer was actually very popular.  After drinking that kheer the first time, Mr. Puri decided to break off a small morsel of clay and eat it as a prescription for his overall wellness.

For his personal deity, he travelled far and wide (on foot, of course).  One of his journeys took him to the hills to  fetch sandalwood, which has a powerful cooling effect when made into a paste and applied to the body.  He did have helpers to carry the supplies.  For the most part, he walked.  He walked a lot!  And this was done to please his deity and the people inclined toward devotion.

Madhavendra Puri was a very strong yogi, walker and devotee.  He is the subject of our play.

May the Source be with you!

3 km

Friday, January 6th, 2017
→ The Walking Monk

Montreal, Quebec
Review, Remind, Re-visit
I paid a visit to Advaita, who has this nice apartment with front angular windows just inches away from the pedestrian sidewalk on Pie IX Boulevard.  We chatted.  Whereas I remained single all these years, he spoke of his family life.  That venture didn’t pan out wholly successfully for him, but his devotions have remained rather firm.
He enjoys attending sadhana (spiritual workout) at the temple, a three minute walk away, and manages to catch the early 4:30 a.m. first session.  I applaud him for his determination.  In his late sixties, he relishes the sacred edge of life.  We both concluded that with the maturation of the body, there should be enhanced wisdom and increased feeding of the soul.

After the visit, I trailed north, looked at the fresh snow, the brightness of the sun and the impressive blue sky.  I became inspired to have more of that.  These elements of nature will not be just to glance at momentarily.  I will keep them company. The slush of yesterday and the ice of the day, prior, are history.  What a liberating feeling it was to take several city blocks.  And what to speak of addressing others on foot with a “Bonjour!”

Not all reciprocate, which is hard to comprehend.  Is life that grim that not even a peep of sound comes out?

In the evening, I facilitated a discussion on community development; the need is on how to establish deepened relations with each other.  Those who came for the chat were our own people.  The session was more of an in-reach as opposed to an out-reach.  With the assistance of a projector, we looked at the seven purposes of ISKCON.  Members of the Hare Krishna society would do well to review the direction we’ve agreed to follow. 

Reminders are for everyone.

May the Source be with you!

5 km

Thursday, January 5th, 2017
→ The Walking Monk

Montreal, Quebec
Definition of Hell

 

 

I would never make a good prisoner because if I was ever to become a jailbird, I would be confined to a small space where moving around is practically impossible.  That’s how I’ve felt these last two days when  the weather has made getting around super challenging.
Every year, just after New Year’s, harsh winter sets in.  Normally I’m not intimidated,but when rain and snow come down on a sheer ice surface where you drive or walk, you become very vulnerable.

“Where is there a walking track—indoors, of course?” I asked Krishna Dulal.

“I don’t know of any.  Will a treadmill do?”

“I was on a treadmill for a stress test the other day.  It was my second time on one of them.  It’s not my cup of tea.  I did well on the stress test, though.”

Well, the treadmill concept remained a concept.  The weather didn’t let up either.  I also got busy with people issues.  Walking, of any kind, when straight out the window and not the door.

Jail?  Well I do have some experience.  Before being a monk, I tried hitching a ride on a train in Calgary.  I didn’t know it was wrong.  I was naïve and a teen.  Got arrested.  Prayed to God right in jail.

After I became a monk, I was put in prison in North Carolina and Illinois with other brahmacaris(monks),for the distribution of our literature without a license.  It was okay.  We had each other.  Solitary confinement would have been torture.  Any place where you can’t stretch your legs is like hell.

May the Source be with you!

0 km

Wednesday, January 4th, 2017
→ The Walking Monk

Russell, Ontario
With Kids and Parents
I landed at the Ottawa Airport and my eyes opened to a wonderland of white.  The ground, and each and every tree limb and branch were prettied by that soft, ‘crystally’ snow.  After days of meltdown, and rain washing the pile-ups away, the snow now returned with a fresh layer.
I tell people I don’t mind the changes of seasons.  People are quick to condemn winter because driving, and even trekking, becomes somewhat restrictive.  My take on that is “reducing speed ain’t a bad thing.”

On the topic of speed, I was graciously hosted by Krishna Dulal and Vraja Bhumi, who run a school for Vaishnava children, and it being their holidays, a slew of fast-moving, fidgety kids were assembled in front of me.  Itwould have been good to know beforehand who my audience was, because when I saw the darlings before me, I knew I had to adjust my sails.

Krishna Dulal had expressed a desire for a mid-day ‘program’ and now I got to realize who the listeners would be.  Now, I love kids, and it’s a pleasure when parents are right behind them.  I’m tested by circumstance to see how much I can hold their attention, which could be ‘not at all’.  Story-telling, goofy and not so goofy moments, and helping them to follow along with chanting at different volumes and tones is what I occupied them with.  We implemented interactive-ness.

I know the Montessori method, which the school adheres to,encourages repetition of actions, and thatwe did. But I find introducing something fresh and new to a presentation also keeps everything lively and holds the interest.

Despite my methodology, I couldn’t succeed one hundred per cent in harnessing the senses of the little ones.  Essentially, they did have a good time hearing about Prince Dhruva, chanting with some frivolity, and acting out demonstrations of bhakti (devotional behaviour).

May the Source be with you!

0 km

Tuesday, January 3rd, 2017
→ The Walking Monk

Hastings, Ontario
The Need to be in the Country

 

 

There is nothing that beats going to the countryside, and better still, hanging out with a family of bulls and cows.  A small troupe of us made the drive to Govardhana Farms for the experiential slowing-down of things.  Fil and Sukayanti, a hard-working, serious couple, determined to make rural life work, hosted us for the lunch of the year, with their “beyond organic” tomatoes from their September harvest.  With the tomatoes, we had a reincarnated spicy, piping hot soup.

The couple’s darling twin daughters are up and walking after a year of human laps, floors and bed surfaces to offer them support.  The herd of thirteen bovines, plus looking after each other and the twins, is quite the load.  They are country bumpkins to a certain extent, but with the added sophistication of chanting and overall divine outlook.  Their spiritual life means a lot to them.  They rise early for daily mediations on the mantra before braving the chores.

We met Dr. Walsh, the local veterinarian, who paid a visit to nurse one of the bulls, sick with pneumonia.  The barn is a sure shelter for the guy and the rest of the group, comprised of Holsteins, Jerseys and more.

We stepped into plenty of plops; generous droppings of antiseptic substance.  Overall, our connection with these huge mammals offered us a fine form of therapy.  Rubbing the flabby skin under their necks is the fun and comfort they deserve.

Recently, someone in the city asked me, “What’s with the cows in your tradition?”—alluding to why they are so revered.

“One reason,” I said, “is, being in their company forces you to slow down.”

May the Source be with you!

7 km

Monday, January 2nd, 2017
→ The Walking Monk

Brampton, Ontario
Use or Lose
Gopal is a new student from India,who, in a matter of days, will enroll in and attend Centennial College.  He’s an expert mrdungadrummer.  I took him for his first-time-ever serious walk through Rosedale, just after a frenzied session in the kitchen.

Both of us assisted Subuddhi with her expert cooking, in an attempt to meet the demands of a glorious turnout of Govinda’s clientele.  Being still the holidays, a host of people decided to make Govinda’s their vegetarian destination for the evening, and all Gopal and I thought of was, “Help!” when the opportunity arose.  A stream of prasadam (sacred food) thus went from kitchen to dinner tables.

Many things get accomplished under pressure.  Our servers were pleased.  What can be said of team-work!

Gopal also accompanied me earlier on, along with Dhira, to a house warming in Brampton.  A family had moved into a new house in an area of urban sprawl.  Thisevent entailed a talk, a chant and a bite to eat.  As mentioned before, Gopal is good on the drum.  His flick of the wrist, on the two mrdunga drum heads, moves at such speed that it’s hard to detect a hand at the end of the arm.  Kirtanwas really enjoyed.

In the course of our ‘dark’ walk (meaning ‘at night’),I mentioned to him, “If you keep up your playing, you’ll always be expert.”  To which he responded, if walking is minimized in your life, you’ll even find our seven kilometre walk a burden.  This simple reminder of ‘losing it if you stop using it’ is hard-core reality, lest we forget that practice makes perfect.

Perhaps ‘perfect’ is a bit of an extreme word reserved for Bhagavan(God).  ‘Expert’ might do.

In any event, Gopal, teach your art to others.

May the Source be with you!

7 km

Sunday, January 1st, 2017
→ The Walking Monk

Toronto, Ontario
New Year’s Bash, Krishna Style

 

 

When the pictures on the wall hang crooked in the main temple room at our ashram, it simply means a big crowd occupied the space the night before.  Yes indeed, it was an attendance much like Janmasthami (Krishna’s Birthday).  Packed.  The pictures had swivelled.

How people find parking isa puzzle in my mind!  Parking is quite congested in the residential area we are in.  It does go to show something.  The festivals we pull off are quite attractive, even New Year’s.  In one way, we have transcendentalized New Year’s, and put a spiritual spin on it all.

How is that done?

Opening the year 2017, like any other, must have some features which draw the crowds.  First of all, the children from the community put on a marvelous presentation of a Krishna-centric nature.  Let’s face it, whatever kids do, it always melts hearts.  Secondly, a new drama was under the lights and on the stage.  Yes, the production “Mr. Puri,” scripted and directed by Yours Truly, was a devotional offering by cast and crew, highlighting the life of Saint Madhavendra Puri.  Lastly, excellent kirtan, led by godbrother Gaura and back-up drum enthusiasts,had the place on fire.

Honourable mention must go to the prasadam (sacred food), and charmer, Kevala Bhakti, the Emcee for the night.

In conclusion, New Year’s can easily be passed off as a mundane event (turkeys, booze and such) but if you allow spiritual rays to enter the mundane,then it all becomes highly spiritualized, taking on a new meaning.

May the Source be with you!

0 km

Saturday, December 31st, 2016
→ The Walking Monk

Toronto, Ontario
Culture of Confusion?

 

 

I decided to trek to City Hall for the New Year’s countdown while other enthusiasts from our community took the subway transit.  To gain access to the town’s city hall, you more or less have to walk several city blocks,as police have cordoned off areas to address the converging crowds.  No cars allowed.  I like that.

I arrived, before the rest of the crew, at the front of the Old City Hall, the usual rendezvous location for our kirtan.  Walking often gets you to places more directly and speedily in urban areas.

Now, it was five minutes to midnight, and all the kirtan chanters, our crew, showed up with marching–band drums, kartals(hand symbols) and harmonium.  Immediately, the head mic was handed to me.  I was to lead the chant.  And it was just before countdown.

At the New City Hall, right next door to us, the rock band playing completed their number.  There was a big surge of “Happy New Year” frenzy, and then the crowd dispersed, most of it ending up at our chanting spot.  It seems we’ve outgrown our ‘event within the event’.  Our speaker system, mics and so forth, don’t provide the “boom” there should be to throw out a broad net of happiness to the masses.  But police are usually content with our presence, and the chanting offers a peaceful moderating effect to the New Year’s hype.

One thing present is the overwhelming scent of marijuana in the air.  I find it interesting that so much research has been put into the successful campaign to discourage tobacco smoking.  Now, we are at the dawn of legalizing pot, and it seems odd that a new, and harmful-enough version of smoking will be lit up.

“A culture of confusion,” I would say.

May the Source be with you!

7 km

Friday, December 30th, 2016
→ The Walking Monk

Toronto, Ontario
Treadmill Monk
I only had to go across the street from our ashram to get to the clinic.  It was just a check-up, something advised when in the mid-sixties.  In particular, we wanted to find out how I do with a stress test and how my body (my machinery) responds to a walk on a treadmill at varying speeds.

This is the second time I walked on a treadmill. The first was when I took the same test ten years ago.  My doctor recommended I see where my cardio reactions were, and it was about time.  A popular peer, Bhakti Tirtha Swami, of Afro-American descent, passed away from cancer around then.  It rather surprised us that such a powerhouse of a monk would suddenly leave us.

I arrived at the reception of the KMH clinic after a minute’s journey (across the street on Avenue Road).  Very convenient!  What KMH stands for, I don’t know.  Krishna Mercy House?

The receptionist was sweet and took fancy to the fact that I live in the building where she can see people coming and going for their devotions.  She expressed she’s almost vegan and had come into our “Govinda’s Dining” once, and enjoyed the meal and the temple.  I filled out a form.  Mainly a signature was required.  I was transferred to another person, then another, then the doctor who directly observed my walking and pulse.  Results are yet to come.

It’s good to know where you stand!

Thank you Jagannatha Misra.

May the Source be with you!

Distance covered today?  Whatever the treadmill registered.