Author Archives: H.H. Bhaktimarg Swami

Wednesday, August 26th, 2015
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Wednesday, August 26th, 2015

Markham, Ontario

Accommodate the Mantra

I had been carrying with me a wedding invitation card for some days. I was in anticipation of being present at a fine Sri Lankan style event uniting one of the boys I’ve known and guided during his youth to a young woman from Madison, Wisconsin. Finally, fruition hit. The day had come and that was today. The temple on

Finch Avenue

played host to the marriage of Cowsigan and Apilasha. It took me a while to get his name down, Cowsigan. I would verbalize it and struggle with it for years. We had a shortened version for his name, Kausik. Now, seeing the actual name in black and white and on the invite card, it comes easier.

At the event, I was offered to speak to the crowd to give a message of blessings to the couple. I was introduced as the one who does marathon walks – pilgrimage. It was a golden opportunity to insert kirtan. The musicians present there were poised to play as I introduced the maha mantra to the crowd. When I say “introduced”, I’m rather serious about it. This crowd is accustomed to uttering mantras to Ganesh, Kartikeya, Sai Baba but the maha mantra, I’m sure it’s rarely touched in this mandir(temple).

Here is the immortal spiritual sound of the maha mantra:

Hare Krishna Hare Krishna

Krishna Krishna Hare Hare

Hare Rama Hare Rama

Rama Rama Hare Hare

I saw truly happy faces emerge from the execution of chanting this great mantra (our guru, Srila Prabhupada, considered that any ritual was complete when this mantra was included). I could see Cowsigan was joyous upon having that kirtan tossed into the colourful rites of his marriage. Oh, and I gave him a big hug after the chant. We have this word, purnam, in Sanskrit, it means ‘complete’. Whatever is your endeavour, simply accommodate the mantra and make everything complete.
 

May the Source be with you!

7 km

 

Sunday, August 23rd, 2015
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Sunday, August 23rd, 2015

Point Pelee, Ontario

I Shared

Gaura, my godbrother, and I shared a message with our weekend beach crew on the birth of Krishna, how the stars and planets lined up in such a way as to challenge regular orbital movement. As we spoke to our listeners, the waves from the lake’s water were lapping next to us.

We had set a picture of our guru, Srila Prabhupada, on a piece of driftwood and fixed it in such a way that it was held by spiralled broken branches. We were under good shade from a tree. But for a branch that hung over us with the silky webs of the tent caterpillar, all was perfect. It was our last hour of water and beach fun before rushing back for duty in the city.

Duty for me was connecting with the congregation in Toronto beginning with delivering a talk on how valuable it is to make a spiritual link through texts of Vedic origin. Before speaking, I spent a few minutes viewing, reviewing, and renewing my memory on chapter 7 of the Gita. Then I came upon verse 17. Therein, Krishna speaks of the importance of knowledge acquaintance. This includes knowing your true identity. After all, “Who am I?” is a question to be answered.

It is said that when you have endeavoured, even for lifetimes, to attempt to know the truth, eventually answers do come. Then the spiritual path becomes relatively easy. It also becomes so much more second nature to serve others devotionally when you have wisdom in your DNA or in your blood as a result of background endeavours.

After I spoke, several people came forward with their curiosities. One man asked, “Is Krishna real, or is He symbolic?” Fair question.

“Yes, He is real, and He can be understood as one who lives in His own abode. He is also known as the witness in the heart, and is the essence of nature.”

The man seemed content. “Thank you”, he said.
May the Source be with you!

4 km

Saturday, August 22nd, 2015
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Saturday, August 22nd, 2015
Pelee Island, Ontario

Happiest

“Summertime, and the livin’ is easy…” I always liked this musical piece and lyrics by George Gershwin. When I discovered kirtanthis piece couldn’t match up to it, although Gershwin’s genius is something to very much respect.

“The livin’” came easy to us today. It was a summer outing once again with a gathering of Krishna devotees from Cleveland, Michigan, Windsor, Toronto, and Brampton. A trip to PeleeIslandtook the shape of a ferry ride. Once reaching this peaceful piece of land out in Lake Erie we picnicked veggie style. We then swam, hiked, held kirtan, and danced to the point of hearts jumping. It was a meeting of sweet, sweet persons coming together. As the song goes, “One of these mornin’s, you’re gonna rise up singin’”. That spirit of upliftment was amongst us.

It would not be an error to say that the highlight of all our affairs today, including consumption of the pasta and bean prep, was the chanting on the return ferry. We chose up on the deck as our spot to chant, where passengers could browse and watch, tap toes, and move the torso to the sound of Sahil’s beats on mridanga and Gaura’s voice with harmonium. People were glued for that hour long redefinition of party-time.

Yes, indeed, when we reached the mainland, docked, and made our way to the parking lot, nearby, at a patio bar, people were also listening to music. But frankly, the sound fell on my ears as mundane. It was the live rendition of “Hey Goodlookin’ What You Got Cookin’” by Hank Williams. I took a moment of glad relief, feeling spared by kirtan. I could have been one of those people sitting at the bar, lonely, hankering for a sense of belonging had I not been captured by mantra. It was one of the happiest days of my life.
May the Source be with you!

7 km

 

Thursday, August 20th, 2015
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Thursday, August 20th, 2015
Toronto, Ontario

Beauty and Gone

It is to be highly appreciated when you go to a place, either inside or out, that improvements are made. It’s been weeks since I ventured off on foot to the Brickworks, an old brick factory. Adjoined to this facility are wetlands and vegetation growth with trails running in a meandering fashion. Trails are now widened to accommodate bikes. Another thing that’s new is that we have a statue of a fox that’s been erected on a pole reminding us of one of the common inhabitants in the area.

I came at evening time and hit those trails and then moved over to the cavernous old factory itself. I had been here once before when ukuleles had been played to the song, “Can the Circle Be Unbroken”, a popular spiritualist song by the Carter family. The crowd at the time was immersed in the song. It was like kirtan.

Tonight however, at dusk in the outdoors, a jazz band had made centre stage right near one of the factory’s facilities. Wining and dining went on and people were clad in their finest. I must say that the group of men playing the music were stellar performers. I was almost in tears to hear their beautiful music. It got to my heart and then it reminded me of something else that was beautiful. It was today that a very good spirit, Jatayu by name, passed on under peaceful circumstances. He was exceptional. He was not a soul from Clevelandbut a soul from God. Here’s my poem in his honour:
Another soul fought hard the fight

 

Before he made the glorious flight

A gentle soul, Jatayu had been

Scarce are such of his calibre seen

Sensitive, warm, and for all others

Seeing all as sisters and brothers

There, for service at the feet of Prabhupada

For family, friends, community, and God

An inspiration that is now in our mind

A Vaishnava of a very special kind
 

(Jatayu passed away at around noon-time today and he was a walking partner whenever I went to Cleveland.)

May the Source be with you!

8 km

Wednesday, August 19th, 2015
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Wednesday, August 19th, 2015

Bracebridge/Orillia

Statements

Our small group took a dip in LakeCouchiching in Orillia. We did some trekking back in Bracebridge where we were led to several waterfalls along the Trans Canada Trail. There really are treasures tucked away in these woodlands. A surprise awaits you around every corner.

The profound statements which I ended up sharing to our group at the Inn are worth repeating:

“The Supersoul knows everything in everyone’s heart. He knows everyone’s determination and everyone’s want.”

“What the devotee actually offers the Lord is not needed by the Lord for He is self-sufficient.”

“Not only must a brahmin be well qualified according to the requirements stated in scriptures such as Srimad Bhagavatam and Srimad Bhagavad Gita, but at the same time, he must be a devotee of Krishna.”

“Sudhama Vipra (a renowned devotee) realized that although Sri Krishna is unconquerable, He nevertheless agrees to be conquered by His devotees.”

“If by the grace of the Lord we get such opulence as material wealth, fame, power, education, and beauty, it is our duty to consider that they are all gifts of the Lord and must be used for His service, not for our sense enjoyment.”

The source is from Chapter 80 entitled, “The Brahmin Sudhama Blessed by Lord Krishna.”

 

May the Source be with you!

10 km

 

Tuesday, August 18th, 2015
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Tuesday, August 18th, 2015

Bracebridge, Ontario

In Muskoka

Summer seems to be approaching its end as far as heat is concerned. It’s usually at these times that I arrange for some outings for our ashramresidents. This time, Bracebridge was our destination for outdoor experiences. This meant some canoeing which we executed down the MuskokaRiver. Just like for anyone else, it’s important that monks and nuns have some chill-out time to. Someone may argue that our whole monastic life is chill. That’s true, but some diversity is necessary. I personally believe that some recreation must be given` paramount importance.

That being said, we did oar our way for a stretch, compliments of the Patels whose Riverside Inn is situated right at the dock of the cruiser “Lady Muskoka”. Swimming, being a Vaishnava sport, became obligation number two for today. And number three was a walk along the Trans Canada Trail near HighFalls.

Along with the Patels, we trekked a meagre 5 kilometres, which is nothing for this long network of pathways. When the Trans Canada Trail is completed in 2017, it will likely be the longest walkway in the world at over 23,000 kilometres in length. The millions of needles shed from spruce, pine, and cedar allow for a bouncy, spongy forest bottom. Surprising to me is the discovery of this trail which runs parallel to Highway 11. Had I known this in ’96 on my first cross-Canada trek, I would have likely avoided trekking on the highway.

We see this excursion as a pilgrimage. For our two day stay in Muskoka we had morning and evening sadhana in the Innwhere people came to join us for a chant and a read.

 

May the Source be with you!

5 km

 

Monday, August 17th, 2015
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Monday, August 17th, 2015

Toronto/Bracebridge

Grass!

It’s good to know that we can speak about it. Developers seem to consume it with their concrete. Fortunately, there’s some of the green stuff still remaining. Near our ashram we have a space of green just north of us – a park. Trees and grass are also kiddie-corner to our building. Then on the other side to the south of our limestone structure is a much more expansive space of green – another park. When you descend the stairs and cross the street, tucked away there is a little piece of heaven on Earth. It’s a blessing actually, wherever there is green I have the feeling that there is hope.

When I walked Irelandfrom Belfast in the north to the southern city of Cork, I had taken in so much of that colour. It was all pervasive but for areas of grey – the sky in multi-tones. In IrelandI was always reminded of Indra, the rain god, as much as I might contemplate Krishna. Krishna is very favourable to green and to grass. When he was young, he looked to the hill known as Govardhan as the source of grazing material for the calves He was responsible for. He’s known as Gopal, the friend of the cows and bulls. Thoughts of Krishna guiding His herd generates optimism. He must be telling us something like, “To the country we should be going.”

Well, that’s just what we did. One of our congregants by the name of Sai drove four of us ashram residents to Muskoka, north of the city, to the land of lakes, rocks, and green.

This morning when I walked through the grass picking up some dew on my shoes, I was reminded of this wonderful commodity and now that we have come to the northern region of Muskoka, the greenness offered again the most inviting coolness.

 

May the Source be with you!

3 km

 

Sunday, August 16th, 2015
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Sunday, August 16th, 2015

Brampton, Ontario

A Day

I took young Jagannatha to Philosopher’s Walk

A trail that consequently leads to no dock

For to philosophize may never come to an end

Unless you have a particular dynamic friend

One who teaches the way of love,

Of service, being meek and looking above.
 

I sat in the class that spoke of dying

Then received a call of sick man in bed lying

How many days in life can we count

How much karma can a person mount

Before he moves on to the greener field

When his negative attire can be peeled?

 
I was taken to Bramptonto speak about food

And the need to prepare it in a proper mood

The mode of being sensitive within

Curbing violence and reducing the sin

And showing thanks to the One who’s given

So that consciousness will then be devotionally driven.

 

May the Source be with you!

5 km

 

Saturday, August 1st, 2015
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Saturday, August 1st, 2015

Tenerife, Spain

Get the Language Down

There are these teaser clouds, dark and foreboding looking, that suspend themselves and cling on to the mountain tips. I say “teaser” because, while they look as if to deposit some much needed moisture, they end up just hanging there. Eventually they disperse, being blown over by currents of air. At least one feels a protection from the sun.

Many folks are here on vacation. The signs of it are everywhere. Beach towels hang over balcony rails. Eating and partying carry on for some until 7 am. Luggage wheels drag over interlocked tiles making that rattling sound to indicate the coming and going of hotel visitors.

For our little impromtu drama group, we stayed put for hours in the local HinduTemple rehearsing on their stage. It was tiring but rewarding. We got something accomplished. It poses a challenge to do the directing with my English parlance to Hispanic speaking folks. My Spanish is poor but to accommodate the actors and the audience-to-come we are working with a translated script in the Spanish medium.

For communication, language is so important. So I found it interesting that one of our attendees at our morning beach sadhana is from the neighbouring island La Gomera where a common whistling communication goes on. It is actually a language called Silbo and is designed to send messages from one mountain to the next.

Now all we need to achieve is a good communication with God and that medium is called mantra. Let us do so with a heart.

 
May the Source be with you!

4km

Friday, July 31st 2015,
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Friday, July 31st 2015,

Tenerife, Spain

Roundish Moon

I woke to the gorgeous view of a roundish blue moon reflecting on the Atlantic’s still waters. The window from our room at Hotel Playa Real reveals nature’s opulence. Though my roommate Hridaya Gauranga from Germanyinformed me that we are in the desert portion of the island Tenerife, there is an obvious richness here. I even allowed myself to get pleasantly lost in the barrage of evening displays- cafés, shops and bars – located on endless pathways by the ocean.

It was my freedom time. The air was cool in the evening. Daytime was too hot and for my own obligatory services (drama practice) during the day, certain needs and people power were lacking. We prefer to work in air conditioned spaces. Yes, things are great here in Tenerifebut a little laid back. It was annoying at times but as usual when practicing for a play we had our laughter times and light times to compensate for any shortcomings.

Patita Pavana, a Spanish-by-birth devotee of Krishna, had invited me for a second time to contribute to his festival on Sunday. Another chariot festival for me.

It was his idea that before we got serious with activity we head for the beach. There we enjoyed sadhana and a swim. Since it is a marked calendar day known as guru-purnima, one’s guru (or gurus) are remembered. I spoke from the Gita 4.34. The topic was the relevance of having a guru. Several members of the community came. I mentioned about the good fortune of having a guru in your life. “Every whale in the ocean has a mother and a father but a human on the earth can have mother, father plus a guru and Krishna”

That’s 4 people.

I’m grateful to have the fab four in my life. I wouldn’t exchange it for the world. I don’t believe I could have a better life. As long as I can walk, as long as I can talk, for Krishna’s sake, I’ll be where I want to be.

Now when the moon is full it can have a strong bearing of mental influence on the world but we can just take its appearance as a cue to chant an extra few mantras for protection’s sake.

 

May the Source be with you!

9 km

Saturday, August 1st, 2015
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Saturday, August 1st, 2015

Tenerife, Spain

Get the Language Down

There are these teaser clouds, dark and foreboding looking, that suspend themselves and cling on to the mountain tips. I say “teaser” because, while they look as if to deposit some much needed moisture, they end up just hanging there. Eventually they disperse, being blown over by currents of air. At least one feels a protection from the sun.

Many folks are here on vacation. The signs of it are everywhere. Beach towels hang over balcony rails. Eating and partying carry on for some until 7 am. Luggage wheels drag over interlocked tiles making that rattling sound to indicate the coming and going of hotel visitors.

For our little impromtu drama group, we stayed put for hours in the local HinduTemple rehearsing on their stage. It was tiring but rewarding. We got something accomplished. It poses a challenge to do the directing with my English parlance to Hispanic speaking folks. My Spanish is poor but to accommodate the actors and the audience-to-come we are working with a translated script in the Spanish medium.

For communication, language is so important. So I found it interesting that one of our attendees at our morning beach sadhana is from the neighbouring island La Gomera where a common whistling communication goes on. It is actually a language called Silbo and is designed to send messages from one mountain to the next.

Now all we need to achieve is a good communication with God and that medium is called mantra. Let us do so with a heart.

 
May the Source be with you!

 

4km

 

Thursday, July 30th, 2015
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Thursday, July 30th, 2015

Dublin, Ireland

Industrial Walk

 

My morning walk entailed a brief stroll through an industrial park near the hotel where I slept. To stay at Carltonwas compliments of Air Canadadue to their delayed flight.

It’s a little hard to appreciate the immediate surroundings of an airport in an industrial area but, so be it. At least I have a place to walk, to move my limbs and swing my arms. There was a sidewalk, some greenery, yellow flowers and roses to break up the concrete look.

Once reaching the airport for the flight to Tenerife, I asked for assistance regarding the new booking and a boarding card. A friendly chap brought me to the appropriate line up counter at Air Lingus. I asked the fellow the meaning of Air Lingus. I assumed it was Gaelic. As if the question had been asked before he came back with a quick response, “An air fleet”. Then I was curious about the logo. “A shamrock” he said, “it’s basically a weed.”

I then introduced myself as a dedicated vegetarian and a cook and that I might one day consider cooking the clover leaves mixed with delicious potatoes to assume a curry-like flavour. He was fascinated by the idea and added that people used to eat clover. The gentleman had to leave for his usual post but I wanted to ask him, “Did people eat clover in the war time when they were desperate or was it before spuds became a staple in Ireland?” Anyways, I was left in a void and my opportune moment for enlightenment was unfulfilled.

I received my boarding pass and sat down after going through security and then pondered more about the concept of “weed”. The word appears to be a verbal notion that’s imposed on a culture that has little basis of truth. To a vegetarian, an animal is a weed to one’s palate. It all depends on the criteria with which you value something. Take for example the burdock plant. It isn’t pretty. It’s given a bad wrap. If it grows in your yard or garden you probably want to root it out. But your opinion will change once you know of it’s invaluable medicinal properties as an incredible cleanser. Actually we are all weeds until we are educated, informed and enlightened.

I had eventually made it to Tenerifewhere I was greeted by loving devotees. Hmmmmm! What is a devotee? Someone who looks at the weed within and works to remove it.

 

May the Source be with you!

 

4km