Author Archives: H.H. Bhaktimarg Swami

Wednesday, July 29th, 2015
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Wednesday, July 29th, 2015

Dublin, Ireland

 

Could Not Relish

 

I could not relish the activity of a walk through the trails of green Irelandtoday. The flight from Toronto, delayed by 3 hours, caused a number of passengers to miss connections. I was one of them. And so, in a way, we were held hostage in the Dublin airport. If pacing could have been done, I would have been happy. But for the sake of making new flight arrangements, I, along with others, stood in a 3 hour plus snail-pace waiting line. This was partly a brain-frying session and partly a patience-exercise. At the counter only one person did all the re-booking and that was done manually. I was wondering why in this technological world that we live in, can’t we now exercise smoother operations. That’s the material world for you.

I was really impressed with a couple in front of me for two reasons. Number one: they were extremely patient. At one enlightened moment the woman decided to dial on the phone the airline that brought us this far. She was then informed that you can just re-book over the phone and get it done in 2 minutes. Because they were just on the verge of being at the counter for assistance, they decided to go for the personal service route. Not for a second did they demonstrate disgust, at least externally, over their 3 hour 40 minute wait.

Number two: the second reason for feeling a connection with the couple had to do with a happy coincidence that, exactly one week ago, the couple spotted our two youth ministry buses parked in their neighbourhood in Winnipeg. I was there. We were preparing for our devotional show just outside the WestminsterUnitedChurch. The couple spotted our boys on the bus wondering what was going on? So I then explained to the couple the nature of our show. At that venue we conducted bharatanatyamdance, drama, and chanting of mantras. We were attempting to spread some good will and higher consciousness. All this came out after the long wait when we were being shuttled to a Hotel, a stopover, before our new flight timings. And it was a case of “small world”, isn’t it.

We will look out for each other the next time I’m in their neighbourhood.

 
May the Source be with you!

0 km

 

Tuesday, July 28th, 2015
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Tuesday, July 28th, 2015

Toronto, Ontario

Didn’t Miss

 

I missed the whole anticipated frenzy, madness and congestion that the Pan-Am games were predicted to bring to the city. Actually I wasn’t present during the time of the games, I was not in the city at all. And that’s the reason for my missing out. Residents of Toronto who did stay experienced a quiet scenario. Hotel owners, restaurant owners, cab drivers and all those people who normally benefit in their pockets from big events encountered a sleepy time.

Why?

Organizers for the Pan-Am games had a backfire because of their big campaign discouraging locals from driving or just getting in the way. And that was after a 2.5 billion dollar expenditure. This was apparently a big mistake and disappointment. Ticket sales to the games were down. People payed heed to the warning that traffic would be so jammed. The end result was that people stayed away. One person I spoke to said, “the city became a ghost town.” Or at least peaceful.

As far as the games were concerned there were lots of wins for America and Canada. They really came out on top. Being a spiritualist of sorts, I’m left to wonder at all of this. That so much energy goes into games; expend the same amount of energy or even a percentage of that time and resources on character development and human skills and then we can see the human race starting to fly. I say this and I’m sure you might agree that the science of virtue building is really lacking.

Sports is not necessarily a bad endeavour but we must find a place for the finer elements in life and seek that kind of WIN.

 
May the Source be with you!

0km

 

Monday, July 27th, 2015
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Monday, July 27th, 2015

Toronto, Ontario

Heatwave/Go to the lake

A heatwave has come and is here to stay for some time according to weather forecasters. To address it, I told Nick, “I want to go to the lake. Do you want to come?”

“Sure! How?” said Nick.

“We can ride the subway together. Take the lead, please. You know your way around better than I. Let’s go to the Beaches and the boardwalk where Shrila Prabhupada (our Guru) walked in ’75.” Nick was excited.

For someone who rarely “rides the rocket” (as people here say about the transit system), I found it rather novel and adventurous. Usually I like to walk to places and forgo paying for the “rocket” but today, well, the Beaches are a distance away. From Yonge Street Subway to

Queen Street

streetcar we went. Then we promenaded to the Beaches and then onto that 2.5 km boardwalk. At the end of the boardwalk we dawned swimming trunks and dipped into what seemed like icy waters. The swim was a 2 minute affair but it was worth it. It did the job. Back home onto sand and into devotional attire.

We then made the return journey to the ashram and all the while chanted on our beads. It always pays off to be out there for some exposure. At one subway stop while waiting for the train a young woman approached me, “Hi, remember me? I am Rakesh Bandhari’s daughter.”

Of course I remembered. Her dad flew in his private plane to the town where I was walking in 1996. Rakesh brought his young daughter with him to take a few steps together through the Victorian settlement of Brockville. That was a nice gesture. I felt so supported on that cool autumn day having these 2 companions with me.

I failed to catch the name of the now grown young female adult. Both of us were caught in the joy of collective reminiscence. It was sweet and it was an opportunity to exchange “Hare Krishna’s”.

Readers, please be out there and wear devotional clothing if possible. People will spot you. It excites the soul and they will come to you and question or comment.

 

May the Source be with you!

6km

Sunday, July 26th, 2015
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Sunday, July 26th, 2015

Calgary, Alberta

A Rewrite

I had been unhappy with my writing of the Gita portion of our drama, ‘Krishna Is’. I came up with a rewrite, so here it is:

Krishna is the deliverer of divine wisdom.

(Arjun observes army then collapses)

ARJUN:

Seeing those before me causes me to shiver.

To lift my bow is as though I had never.

Hairs stand on end, mind is reeling.

I’m confused; it’s new, this kind of feeling.

(To Krishna)

I just cannot fight.

There’s something here that is not right.

KRISHNA:

Arjun, you’ve lost your sense of duty.

A man of defense renounced a warrior’s beauty?

For the wise, there’s a different point of view –

Of eternity – no birth, no death- known by few.

Consider the world, which is full of duality.

Good and bad, is its only reality.

The major point is to not lament.

“The soul is forever”, that is my comment.

Moving through bodies from young to old.

From old to young, this circle does unfold.

ARJUN:

What is the force that compels one to do wrong?

If you could please include this in your song.

KRISHNA:

It is desire, born of passion – then wrath

That keeps us covered and obscures the path.

Perform your yoga, and your sacrifice

For the Creator, and then all will be nice.

ARJUN:

Yoga can be tried for controlling the mind,

But the mind is an instrument of a different kind.

I’m fine if asked to harness the wind,

But the mind cannot be anchored or pinned.

KRISHNA:

Begin the process; take it easy and slow.

In the end, there’s freedom; the soul will then glow.

ARJUN:

You are my teacher, mentor and guide.

It was no mistake to have you on my side.

I have come to consider about You there is more.

It’s Your cosmic form that I wish to explore.

KRISHNA:

The form is manifest when we have the eyes,

Otherwise there’s a tendency to despise.

I reveal it to those whose devotion is clear,

When friendship is firm I then come quite near.

It is surrender through service that is so sweet.

It is surrender that is illusion’s defeat.

ARJUN:

Oh Krishna, my doubt is now gone

I believe the fight should definitely go on.

KRISHNA:

Arjun, my song is old, but alive.

You have your free will, but now let Me drive.
 

May the Source be with you!

6 km

 

Saturday, July 25th, 2015
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Saturday, July 25th, 2015

Calgary, Alberta

 

Goodbye ‘Til Then

 

I calculated that it has been about a 6,500 km distance travelled by our two buses in 12 days. That’s also a lot of miles. If it wasn’t for a three day break in Torontoand if the buses had kept rolling then you could call it an ultra marathon. Nevertheless, it’s been a long journey. A good one. No insomnia of a serious nature. That’s victory.

Here we are, in Calgary, poised for procession on hip

8th Avenue

. The chanting begins after the usual smash of the coconuts to the ground by sponsors of the event.

8th Avenue

is basically a pedestrian zone and it ends up in the park next to the Armoury. This would be the place for our cultural presentation. It was to be a parting performance. I would be staying in Calgary for an extra day while the two buses move on to the States and YellowstoneNational Park.

Once we reached the park after a good hard pull of the chariot, I sat through a great pantomime presented by the Edmonton players. Then after a meal I began scurrying about readying everyone for the bus segment of the stage program.

“Where’s Sita? She does the makeup. Where’s everyone? Where’s the cast? Have they got their costumes on yet? We don’t want to be late.” These are the mantras milling through my mind. It’s become a fairly regular thing to say it out loud or in the mind during this intensive week.

Before I bid my goodbyes to the bus crew, I felt a creeping pounding to the heart because I developed a bond with these young people. Be they in their late teens or early 20’s, I really do see saintliness in them. I feel we are really like a family.

 

May the Source be with you!

5 km

 

Friday, July 24th, 2015
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Friday, July 24th, 2015

Saskatoon, Saskatchewan

A Chat With The Mayor

As a service, devotional service, intuition told me to keep the mayor in friendly conversation.  Initially I was told that Saskatoon’s mayor, Donald J. Atchison, would only be present for the opening ceremony of our mini Chariot Fest.  Well, he was present for that but then he decided to walk with us in the procession as well. 

Now, some colleagues might say that I was in maya (another phrase for sin) or offensive for not chanting along the way but I thought it was my duty to build relations with the gentleman before suggesting he do more than he’s already done. 

Our conversation was pertinent though.  I was telling him how I’ve been on the road, crammed on a bus so that opened the doors for him to talk about the hockey tournaments he was involved in and how he and the league would travel by bus.  Behind the driver, there were 8 seats in the front.  The balance of the coach line were bunks for sleeping, three tiered, and finally there was a toilet and a sink.

That sounded familiar.

I then asked him about the sport, hockey, itself and where it has gone in recent years.  Like many who love the game, he expressed that it has become very commercial and has lost some integrity.

“How can you justify to a normal person a player in the league earning 6 to 7 million dollars a year?”

Like hockey, which had its humble beginnings, everything starts with a sincere intent but it can become corrupted in due course.  I mentioned that even a spiritual community can have its beginnings with pure motives but somehow the integrity can become lost.  “That is so for every endeavour.”  The mayor smiled.  “So it becomes necessary to refocus,” I continued. 

Mayor Atchison walked with us for the length of the procession culminating at a park, South Saskatchewan River– a lovely spot.  He offered kind words on the stage wishing all well.  We appreciate his attendance.

Kasyapa Muni and his wife, Panchami, are the two real heroes of the event.  Running in its second year, the Chariot Fest attracted over 1,000 happy folks.

 

May the Source be with you!

3 km

 

Thursday, July 23rd, 2015
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Thursday, July 23rd, 2015
Regina, Saskatchewan

Under Attack

The naan bread, that was assembled like a sandwich, went flying in the air. It was half-eaten when the bee stung. He bit right on my nose. Another one got Jay Radhe on the lip.

There was a whole colony of these guys. After the stinging session, we relocated from the grass where we enjoyed (half enjoyed) the naan. I spotted some plantain growing there, grabbed for its leaves and rubbed the juices on to the nose. I’m not sure how Jay Radhe addressed her problem. Somehow we ended up inflammation free.

When do we not get under attack by something? News came to me that a student of mine here in Reginahad a case of food poisoning and ended up in the hospital. And then an email message informed me that another student from the States was diagnosed with breast cancer. Interesting world. It is full of siege, conflict, and conquest.

While on a trek through Regina, I came upon a juncture where Regina GeneralHospitalis located. Could this be the hospital of the food poisoned patient? I’m sure he would appreciate a visit by his guru. Unfortunately, I could not remember his legal name and so how was I to find him? I did go inside the hospital, sat by the entrance and waited. Perhaps I would see him come out of his room for a break.

Well, that didn’t happen but one patient did come forward after having her smoke outside. “Oh, what are you doing?” she asked.

“Travelling with a group of youth. I’m a monk, a Hare Krishna monk.”

“I’ve only seen monks on TV. The robes give you away. Are they comfortable?” she asked. Since she was in a patient’s gown, I offered her a ‘get better soon’.

One thing is for sure, we are always under attack.
 

May the Source be with you!

8 km

 

Wednesday, July 22nd, 2015
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Wednesday, July 22nd, 2015

Winnipeg, Manitoba

What a Venue!

There are 3,600 pipes to the glorious pipe organ set against the viewing wall of the WestminsterUnitedChurchin Winnipeg.  The city’s orchestra plays here in the worship area of this fine acoustic wonder.  Dan, the maintenance man, said of the organ that $250,000 was recently and decently sunk into its refurbishing.  Dan is indeed proud of the space.  He should be.  The building is a beaut, with all the pews still intact as well as stained glass depictions for windows.  A heavenly high ceiling contributes to the ambiance. 

And get this, this is the venue where we performed.  Hallelujah!  Hare Krishna!  Thanks to Vrinda Devi for arranging this place. 

The show went on – bharat natyam dance, a skit called ‘Under the Influence’, a drama ‘Krishna Is’, and a kirtan of ecstasy.  Thumbs up to Radha Vinod and Krishna Nanda of the UK for an excellent MC’ing job.  All went smooth.  And the true sign of success lay in the response. Yes, the audience got up to dance to the kirtan. 

I felt I had touched several worlds today.  When our buses pulled up to the YMCA for our morning showers, I perched on a park bench for a conference call regarding our mission in Cuba.  I felt I was in Havana.  I did meagre distance walking in Winnipegtoday but I was definitely there in its streets.  The kirtan took me to another world.  I was not in this world.  I may be able to vouch for others who may have felt the same way.

Let’s say we received some ruchi, some taste of the spiritual world.

Oh yes, back in the boys’ bus again.  After the show and after munching on samosas, we came back to the crammed quarters of a muggy bus.  It’s a relief when our conveyance becomes mobile.  It allows air to circulate inside while the windows are open.  And that’s the way the world is, you hop from inconvenience to convenience and back again.  There’s nothing you can do about it so you have to live with it and you might as well love it. 

 

May the Source be with you!

2 km

Tuesday, July 21st 2015
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Tuesday, July 21st 2015

Thunder Bay, Ontario

Everyone’s Heard About It

I decided to walk from our small temple on

Victoria Avenue

to the Marina Park where the Krishna Culture Festival of India was being staged.  I thought I might meet people along the way and share information on the event.  It would be like an invite. 

Was I surprised to see and hear the reaction, “Yeah!  I heard about it.”  “I’m gonna be there!”  “Wouldn’t miss it.”  “I come every year.”  “I came last year, but you ran out of food.”  “Yeah, I’m going over there to volunteer some help.”

Once arriving at the location, I saw Maduha, the coordinator for the exhibits, set up the marquees and displays.

My bus companions were absent.  I was told that all fifty of them were off for an Ultimate Frisbee game.  The manager of the festival, Dr. Jani (Prem Kishor), was busy like anything preparing for the mini Ratha Yatra that would start the whole festival. 

Three young boys, less than six years of age each, were playing on the grass.  They had been chatting about me I could see.  One of them came forward and asked an innocent question, “Are you God?” 

“No!  I’m a monk, I’m the servant of God.”

“Oh, okay,” answered the young boy who got distracted and then ran off with his friends to explore and see what the park and the day had in store for them.

The festival went well.  My guess is that 8,000 people came.  The mayor came.  Bruce, who heads up the Green Party in the area, also made his appearance.  There were others.

As usual, a good number of people who came with their fold out lawn chairs sat for hours to watch the show until the time to line up for the free food.  A formula for warming up people to Krishna Consciousness is effectively working, food, cultural shows, and kirtan. All have a magical effect on people.

 

May the Source be with you!

8 km

Monday, July 20th, 2015
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Monday, July 20th, 2015

Serpent River, Ontario

In The Serpent

 

“Know that all beautiful, glorious, and mighty creations spring from but a spark of My splendour.”   Bhagavad Gita 10.41 

It was from the above Gita verse that I lead a discussion with the 50 or so youths and bus drivers on the youth bus tour.  They were seated next to our annually visited SerpentRiverunder towering pine trees.  It was an appropriate verse that invokes appreciation for all that’s natural.  Chapter 10, in fact, is saturated with imagery of the unindustrialized world.   Entitled “Opulence of the Absolute”, a string of 42 verses inspire the out-of-doors experience. 

After the discussion, Manorama, our youth bus coordinator, showed himself to be quite the herbalist.  For one of the three walks that I undertook today, he lead the group down the trail helping everyone to identify hazelnuts, St. John’s Wort, Saskatoon berries, Blueberries, Yarrow, jewel weed, raspberries, ferns and horsetail – a whole community of plants.  It was quite astounding what contribution each plant makes with each of their various properties.  I could see that the group really enjoyed the physical and brain-stretching exercise. 

The termination point on the trail was an old iron train bridge spanning over the river.  My independent nature pulled me in a different direction.  Instead of taking the return trail I decided to take the river itself.  I decided I’ll swim it and against the current which was rather slow.  I decided at certain periods that I would also walk it as the water is shallow in places and that I would even crawl it by clutching on to the rocks underneath me when swimming and walking became tedious.  After some time the mission was accomplished.  To put a little Vedic touch to the endeavour, I plucked out one of those long stemmed water lilies and turned it around my neck as a garland.  My estimation of distance was just under two kilometres.  It is believed by local Ojibwe people that a serpent actually resides at the end of this winding and twisting river. 

On a yearly basis our buses stop here at the park, which has cascaded waters flowing at both ends of its perimeter, to give a chance for everyone to chill and then to prepare for a week of intense programs. 

On one other adventure, Pariksit, a 20 year old from India, and I ambled along near a quarry and as we were about to embark on a trail a local Ojibwe machine operator cautioned us, “Not a good idea.  Too many fast trucks going by here.”  He implied that it’s dangerous.  Indeed, the industrialized world, which you could say he represented, IS dangerous.  In the long run, so is the world of nature.  Therefore, our business as humans is to work our way to get out of this dangerous world all together.

 

May the Source be with you!

8 km

Monday, July 20th, 2015
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Monday, July 20th, 2015

Serpent River, Ontario

In The Serpent

“Know that all beautiful, glorious, and mighty creations spring from but a spark of My splendour.”   Bhagavad Gita 10.41 

It was from the above Gita verse that I lead a discussion with the 50 or so youths and bus drivers on the youth bus tour.  They were seated next to our annually visited SerpentRiverunder towering pine trees.  It was an appropriate verse that invokes appreciation for all that’s natural.  Chapter 10, in fact, is saturated with imagery of the unindustrialized world.   Entitled “Opulence of the Absolute”, a string of 42 verses inspire the out-of-doors experience. 

After the discussion, Manorama, our youth bus coordinator, showed himself to be quite the herbalist.  For one of the three walks that I undertook today, he lead the group down the trail helping everyone to identify hazelnuts, St. John’s Wort, Saskatoon berries, Blueberries, Yarrow, jewel weed, raspberries, ferns and horsetail – a whole community of plants.  It was quite astounding what contribution each plant makes with each of their various properties.  I could see that the group really enjoyed the physical and brain-stretching exercise. 

The termination point on the trail was an old iron train bridge spanning over the river.  My independent nature pulled me in a different direction.  Instead of taking the return trail I decided to take the river itself.  I decided I’ll swim it and against the current which was rather slow.  I decided at certain periods that I would also walk it as the water is shallow in places and that I would even crawl it by clutching on to the rocks underneath me when swimming and walking became tedious.  After some time the mission was accomplished.  To put a little Vedic touch to the endeavour, I plucked out one of those long stemmed water lilies and turned it around my neck as a garland.  My estimation of distance was just under two kilometres.  It is believed by local Ojibwe people that a serpent actually resides at the end of this winding and twisting river. 

On a yearly basis our buses stop here at the park, which has cascaded waters flowing at both ends of its perimeter, to give a chance for everyone to chill and then to prepare for a week of intense programs. 

On one other adventure, Pariksit, a 20 year old from India, and I ambled along near a quarry and as we were about to embark on a trail a local Ojibwe machine operator cautioned us, “Not a good idea.  Too many fast trucks going by here.”  He implied that it’s dangerous.  Indeed, the industrialized world, which you could say he represented, IS dangerous.  In the long run, so is the world of nature.  Therefore, our business as humans is to work our way to get out of this dangerous world all together.

 

May the Source be with you!

8 km

Sunday, July 19th, 2015
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Sunday, July 19th, 2015

Toronto, Ontario

Spirituality and Fun

I don’t think it would be an error to say that CentreIsland, situated in TorontoHarbour, is probably the picnic capital of the country.  People pack lunches or ingredients for assembling food, as in a traditional sandwich, or perhaps they get behind some kind of barbecue preparation.  There’s the iconic type of Canadian family that’s present on the island but there are many more newer immigrants that come prepared with perhaps halaled, koshered, prasadamed or blessed food dishes.  All kinds of races and ages of people come to the island. They gravitate to what is like a heavenly planet. 

For day two of our festival on the island there was no shortage of fun.  At the same time, the spiritual content presented at the festival held its own as well.  The question that arises in the mind of some people in regards to spirituality and joy being separate universes was something I momentarily pondered.  Should spirituality be merely a rigid practice?  

In the evening at wrap up time, myself, along with Bhaktivinode Swami, Agnideva (a soon to be swami) and three local monks, took the journey from the ferry dock on the mainland to the ashram via a van cab.  The driver hailed from Pakistan.  I took the front seat and after a handshake with the gentleman I began a conversation.  He definitely wanted to go ‘spiritual’ with the talk.

“Why did God create human beings?” he probed.  I offered him my answer from a Vedic perspective.  In short I expressed, 

“For enjoyment,” and also went on to explain that it is an opportunity towards enlightenment.  

“There are multiple ways to answer the question,” I said.  The cab driver, however, only wanted to accept one answer. 

“God created man to worship Him.”  From his response and attitude I detected some exclusivity.  I went on to stretch my point, 

“You may say ‘worship’ but I would give it another word, ‘love’ or ‘bhakti’.  1) God can’t demand, but suggest.   2) God demonstrates love in reciprocation.”

We arrived at our destination.  We shook hands once again.  My lingering thought on the matter was that when spirituality is too rigid, is not a joyful output and is not a two-way situation then I’m out. 

Further on, I reflected on the kirtans that I enjoyed on the island and also the swim with Agnideva.  I reflected on the inseparable, beautiful and spiritual human exchanges I had with people on the island today.  I felt complete. 

 

May the Source be with you!

8 km

Saturday, July 18th, 2015
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Saturday, July 18th, 2015

Toronto, Ontario

The Gracious Mayor

So, yes, John Tory stopped by.  We spoke a bit before his entrance on to the stage.  Of course, I slipped into our conversation the multiple walks I’ve done across various countries along with Canada, four times.  He was curious to know how and when I got into monkism. 

I told him of the natural proclivity I had towards spirituality and that my becoming a monk had something to do with the Beatles’ music after they spent time in India.  The mayor was then called to the stage, then myself.  Keshava, the overall captain of the festival on CentreIsland, suggested I say something first, so I spoke. 

“We are happy to have a mayor we like in our grand city.”  There was a big round of applause.  “I realized that although I am a world traveller I do indeed have a home and that’s Toronto.  I’ve been a Torontonian for 42 years.  Great city!”  And then I expressed to the audience, “Torontois such a great place of acceptance. “ 

Then John Tory spoke.  He picked up on the theme. “A place where people care,” he said.  He gave his word to visit our temple on Avenue Road.  We will graciously take him up on that. 

The Ratha Yatra, Festival of Chariots, draws all kinds of digs (dignitaries) and our guru would not be shy to say that cosmic gods are present at every big sacred event. 

It was a great day but it ended up slightly weird with the sun’s leaving to honour the night.  I met a fellow who I bumped into years ago while walking through a neighbourhood in Rosedale.  He claims that he’s liberated and he spoke very possessively along these lines. “You don’t need a middle man.  You already know everything.”  Now, I was not in a position to argue with him.  I was with a family and their children.  But my argument with him would be, “If no middle man is necessary then there’s no need for you to say anything at all if liberation comes naturally.”

May the Source be with you!
 

9 km

Thursday, July 16th, 2015
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Thursday, July 16th, 2015

Moundsville, West Virginia

Relief!

Night time travel since Monday on interstate highways leads one to believe that Americais a culture of trucks and cars, expansive roads, roaring engines and high-speed movement. Would this be the life of a trucker?  You might be wondering, “Is this life?”  It almost seemed that way to Kalyapani, a friend and one of our bus drivers, and I when looking at the distance we covered and seeing and hearing what is out there.  It wasn’t until we reached the quiet and green of NewVrindavanVillage just outside Moundsville that the flip side of the U.S.was revealed to us.

Of course, we’ve been here before.  You have the tendency to forget though that there are zones where deer and raccoons reign, where plants graciously crawl and explode in a silence that is sweet.

Everyone felt it.  The whole bus crew felt it.  It was a change to charm. A transition from transmission. What a relief!

I personally had a moment with Vrindavan Das, one of the managers, and it appears to me that he’s quite serious about setting up a large dinner banquet in Butler, Pennsylvania, the place where or guru, Srila Prabhupda , first started his mission in humble circumstances.  Set for October of this year, it will co-ordinate with my arrival, on foot, into the town.  For those not aware, it will be fifty years since the swami, our guru, came to Boston, Massachusetts.  All are welcome to join the walk.

 

May the Source be with you.

3 km

 

 

Wednesday, July 15th, 2015
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Wednesday, July 15th, 2015

St. Louis, Missouri

First Time

It’s my first time to St. Louis. We rolled in with our buses after a tough sixteen hours drive. At the first opportunity, I took to checking out the town on foot. I had other options. The youth were driven to the Arch, a high elevation point for viewing the surroundings of the city, farmland and planes flying low spraying the crops for bugs.

I went for walking the university grounds. The buildings are impressive. I love the sculptures. I ventured off to The Old Fox Theatre which I had been told about. The facade is adorable. Art Deco style? And people are friendly, like the guy in the Wal-mart who looked at me, looked again and said, “Hey man, you look like the Dalai Lama.”

Like anywhere in the world, every place is a scenario of mixed karma. Manoram, our youth minister for the Hare Krishna movement and who heads up this travelling tour, mentioned to me that the infamous Trail of Tears began here. In my mind’s eye I visualize a row of rejected natives who were forced to that trail during winter circumstances. Out of the 40,000 that were forced to head west for unfamiliar territory only 4,000 survived. I get angry thinking about it. I walked passed Monsanto Hall with inner rage enhanced. To resolve this emotion I must let go, knowing that this is the world as we know it. At least I can take pride in executing a happier walk then those poor folks took.

I had the pleasure to present ‘Tales from Trails’ to the community. I finished with a “When you walk, you rock!”.
May the Source be with you!

5 km

Tuesday, July 14th, 2015
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Tuesday, July 14th, 2015

Texas

 

Some Steps Inside

Somewhere off the interstate between Houstonand St. Louis our two bus-loads of youth from the US, Canada and Europehad a driving break. Let’s call this somewhere “Blue-collarTown”. In “Blue-collarTown” the main feature of the place was none other than the Wal-mart.

For shopping we went. I sponsored ice cream for the fifty-plus teens. Grocery supplies were purchased for the journey ahead.

One of the UKboys asked, “What is Wal-mart?” as we spun into parking position. I summarized it like this, “A big box that you enter. It has everything in it that is cheap and smells like plastic.”

The one big attraction for both boys and girls, their drivers and one monk was the air conditioning inside. The boy’s bus is one of the older school bus types which has open windows for its AC, which are minimally effective when the vehicle is in motion. The generator on the girl’s bus is malfunctioning. So we were totally happy to be in a cool unit; the Wal-mart. For me it was the only opportunity for a walk. So I began doing cycles along the building’s interior. I met a Wal-mart greeter several times over – a woman. I stopped for a second to explain my intent and her response was, “Oh, people do it all the time. They walk to feel chilled.” That was great because I was slightly uncertain about my intent.

In any event, embarrassment of any kind was now removed. I felt justified in my actions, put on three kilometres and became rather proud of the accomplishment.

While going for that walk it dawned on me that perhaps I’m executing a kind of Karma Yoga, the path where you offer your action’s fruits to God. Here I was, using my body, which belongs to Krishna, and offering it in His service.

 

May the Source be with you!

3 km

Monday, July 13th, 2015
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Monday, July 13th, 2015

Houston, Texas

 

Back In Texas

I have come to this city to connect with the 20thAnniversary celebration of the Krishna Youth Bus Tour. The celebration will be events and touring itself throughout North America. It is my 10th year hooking up with the crew. And what a joyous reception it was. Not for me but for the Lord! Minutes after I arrived at the mega ISKCON temple on

34th St.

I entered the room where the deities of Radha Nila Madhava adorned at Raj Boga (or high noon).While entering, I was approached by organizers of a much larger retreat, a youth sangha. “Can you show us some dance steps?” asked an eager three guys.

“Sure!” 

 

So we went at it.

 

The main chunk of the day, however, had me engaged in preparations for the main drama for our tour, beginning in Toronto. The piece is called ‘Krishna is… !’ Consisting of seven scenes, they are entitled:

 

  1. Krishna Is… The most humble being.
  2. Krishna Is… the Ultimate Protector.
  3. Krishna Is… the Giver of Free Will.
  4. Krishna Is… the Deliverer of Divine Wisdom.
  5. Krishna Is… the Subduer of Evil Forces.
  6. Krishna Is… the Performer of Divine Dance.
  7. Krishna Is… a Child
Practice went on. I had no time for walking, only limping through two airports. A challenged right knee is somewhat taxing me. I forge ahead.

 

May the Source be with you!

0 KM

Monday, July 6th, 2015
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Monday, July 6th, 2015
Toronto, Ontario
Sky Walkers Indeed
“Krishna was compared to Luke Skywalker”, said the woman who came with twenty-six other curious browsers as part of an Encounter group. The woman said she just finished a course on gods and super-heroes. Somehow the comparison was made between the two persons; perhaps because Krishna appears young and is from the countryside, as I understand is the case with Luke.

But I just prefer to talk about my experiences with these lay-members and clergy of some sort. Brian Corwoods leads the group of students, which turns over annually, of interfaith or multi-faith. Generally when Brian pops over his group has already been to a synagogue, church, mosque, or temple for the morning and after a visit to our facility they are off to see another faith group.

They were thrilled about the philosophy, participating in our kirtan and our Q&A as well as a meal at Govinda’sDining Room. It was a refresher for them, the experiential visit. With groups like Brian’s I sometimes get tempted to ask, “Which of the groups that you visit do you like the most?”

Brian had already briefed his people before reaching us. They were not surprised to hear about the soul’s transmigration. The statement made by Krishna in the Gita(Chapter Two) tells of the soul’s journey within one life, having numerous experiences through the eyes of a child, an adult and then through seniorhood. This principle of many lives within one body, reincarnations within one life-time is an interesting concept which I’m sure Luke Skywalker doesn’t speak about.

I had a rather complete day with Brian’s group and felt like I had many days within one, after which I went for a good 5 kilometre walk before “hitting the sack”. That makes my day most complete.
May the Source be with you!
5 km

Sunday, July 5th, 2015
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Sunday, July 5th, 2015
Vancouver/Toronto 
 
Welcome to the Material World
Fires have still not subsided. British Columbia is as dry as a bone. Its trees are under siege by flames. As Harold and I drove past the entrance to the valley where Saranagati Village is nestled you still find trees ablaze. “They are contained”, said Harold, meaning fire-fighters have the flames under control.
Once I got back up in the air headed for Vancouver, my co-passenger Dean Kop, a saw-mill business operator, and I noted the hazy skies of the mountains. This was not fog necessarily. It was collective dampness and smoke from accumulative brush fires going on all over the place. To me, it gives a glimpse of final devastation when the world is engulfed by the basic elements. You could visualize Shiva dancing away at the time of cosmic dissolution. This dance is not an expression of joy but, more so, a display of serious business, a display of ultimate passion. 
When the skies became a little more clear, Dean and I guestimated what the landmarks were below us. In the same way on my trip north the question was, 
“Would that be the Thompson River or the Frazer?”
“No, it must be the Frazer,” said Dean, “because it’s a muddy river.”  
The theme for today was that the world is on fire and that holds true for the insatiable desires of people. 
At the Vancouver Airport I met devotees who lovingly offered me pasta prasadam to consume along with legal documents to sign. All in the service… 
So, here you have it – the material world. Fire, desire, illness, etc. As our Air Canada aircraft was ready to take off for the air the fellow next to me pulled out the bag for collecting rejected edibles consumed from the seat in from of him. He vomited but did a real good job. Perfect aim! Not a splatter reached me. In Sanskrit the word for illness is vyadi. It means dis-ease. “Food poisoning” he called it, “from the night before.” 
Welcome to the material world. 
 
May the Source be with you.
0 km
      

Sunday, July 5th, 2015
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Sunday, July 5th, 2015
Vancouver/Toronto 
 
Welcome to the Material World
Fires have still not subsided. British Columbia is as dry as a bone. Its trees are under siege by flames. As Harold and I drove past the entrance to the valley where Saranagati Village is nestled you still find trees ablaze. “They are contained”, said Harold, meaning fire-fighters have the flames under control.
Once I got back up in the air headed for Vancouver, my co-passenger Dean Kop, a saw-mill business operator, and I noted the hazy skies of the mountains. This was not fog necessarily. It was collective dampness and smoke from accumulative brush fires going on all over the place. To me, it gives a glimpse of final devastation when the world is engulfed by the basic elements. You could visualize Shiva dancing away at the time of cosmic dissolution. This dance is not an expression of joy but, more so, a display of serious business, a display of ultimate passion. 
When the skies became a little more clear, Dean and I guestimated what the landmarks were below us. In the same way on my trip north the question was, 
“Would that be the Thompson River or the Frazer?”
“No, it must be the Frazer,” said Dean, “because it’s a muddy river.”  
The theme for today was that the world is on fire and that holds true for the insatiable desires of people. 
At the Vancouver Airport I met devotees who lovingly offered me pasta prasadam to consume along with legal documents to sign. All in the service… 
So, here you have it – the material world. Fire, desire, illness, etc. As our Air Canada aircraft was ready to take off for the air the fellow next to me pulled out the bag for collecting rejected edibles consumed from the seat in from of him. He vomited but did a real good job. Perfect aim! Not a splatter reached me. In Sanskritthe word for illness is vyadi. It means dis-ease. “Food poisoning” he called it, “from the night before.” 
Welcome to the material world. 
 
May the Source be with you.
0 km
      
 

Saturday, July 4th, 2015
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Saturday, July 4th, 2015
Ashcroft, BC

Suddenly, Fire!

Of all days for this to happen.  More than the usual number of planes were in the air.  They were dropping water bombs and chemicals.  A forest fire had started on the north end entrance to Venables Valley, the location where I was staying and also the place where the annual countryside Chariot Festival was to take place at noon today.  This fire dynamic, sourced from Mother Nature (or Father Jagannatha), turned everything upside down.

It was 11:00 AM when my hosts Harold, his good wife and a friend, Vyasapad, were told by police that any non-residents in the valley must leave immediately.  This red alarm got us thinking, “Two out of the four of us are in that category.  We’ve got to evacuate.”  Furthermore, Harold raised a concern in his mind that this wasn’t the first time people have had to evacuate.  In 2004, residents, which were about 100, had to honor a one week mandatory absence from the valley by authorities.

We were also informed that the bus from Vancouver destined for the festival was not allowed to enter the valley due to the spreading flames, while winds were unfavourably headed in the direction of everyone’s homes.  This was getting exciting.   Harold started to secure his essentials, packing his Krishna deities.  I recommended, “Why not get your legal documents and money together?”  And Vyasapad added, “How about some basic food to take with you?”

Harold was totally on board.  We gathered what we could to get in his car, what the car could accommodate.  We arrived at the festival site, hoping that the fire was under control.  There were mixed reactions about the police order from the residents but it wasn’t safe to stay.  The police then rolled in at the site.  Officer Phillips persisted, “Guests must leave.”

I asked him to announce that at our pavilion, so he did.  Managers of the valley from the Saranagati Village arranged then to send all the prasadam, food, to Legacy Park in the nearby town, Ashcroft.  It was a very wise decision.  That did the trick.  Everyone, including residents, converged at the park where the bus passengers were waiting.  The party went on in full force while fire fighters did what they could to contain the flames.  Harold set up his Krishna deities on the grass.  I addressed the crowd, “What does Jagannatha (our Father of the Universe) want?  Does he want a festival in a town and not in a secluded Valley?  Let’s explore the idea for the future.”


May the Source be with you!

6 km


 

Saturday, July 4th, 2015
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Saturday, July 4th, 2015
Ashcroft, BC

Suddenly, Fire!

Of all days for this to happen.  More than the usual number of planes were in the air.  They were dropping water bombs and chemicals.  A forest fire had started on the north end entrance to Venables Valley, the location where I was staying and also the place where the annual countryside Chariot Festival was to take place at noon today.  This fire dynamic, sourced from Mother Nature (or Father Jagannatha), turned everything upside down.

It was 11:00 AM when my hosts Harold, his good wife and a friend, Vyasapad, were told by police that any non-residents in the valley must leave immediately.  This red alarm got us thinking, “Two out of the four of us are in that category.  We’ve got to evacuate.”  Furthermore, Harold raised a concern in his mind that this wasn’t the first time people have had to evacuate.  In 2004, residents, which were about 100, had to honor a one week mandatory absence from the valley by authorities.  

We were also informed that the bus from Vancouver destined for the festival was not allowed to enter the valley due to the spreading flames, while winds were unfavourably headed in the direction of everyone’s homes.  This was getting exciting.   Harold started to secure his essentials, packing his Krishna deities.  I recommended, “Why not get your legal documents and money together?”  And Vyasapad added, “How about some basic food to take with you?”

Harold was totally on board.  We gathered what we could to get in his car, what the car could accommodate.  We arrived at the festival site, hoping that the fire was under control.  There were mixed reactions about the police order from the residents but it wasn’t safe to stay.  The police then rolled in at the site.  Officer Phillips persisted, “Guests must leave.” 

I asked him to announce that at our pavilion, so he did.  Managers of the valley from the Saranagati Village arranged then to send all the prasadam, food, to Legacy Park in the nearby town, Ashcroft.  It was a very wise decision.  That did the trick.  Everyone, including residents, converged at the park where the bus passengers were waiting.  The party went on in full force while fire fighters did what they could to contain the flames.  Harold set up his Krishna deities on the grass.  I addressed the crowd, “What does Jagannatha (our Father of the Universe) want?  Does he want a festival in a town and not in a secluded Valley?  Let’s explore the idea for the future.”


May the Source be with you!

6 km


 

Friday, July 3rd, 2015
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Friday, July 3rd, 2015
Kamloops, British Columbia

Back In B.C.

Sitting next to me on the flight from Vancouver to Kamloops was Shane from a northern city, Fort St. John. Shane, I learned, works in the oil fields.  I assume he was on a business trip. From thousands of feet up in the air we conversed while looking down out the window.  Basically we fell into a joyful speculation as to the names of the towns below us, “Was that the town, Hope?”  “Oh, could that be the Thompson River?” 

The vistas were stunning.  In elevation, we were above the bird’s eye view.  Even cranes and storks don’t fly this high.   

Then we got to talking about us, in other words, what is going on in each other’s life – beyond the oil fields, etc. We hit on the topic of walking.  Shane admitted to doing more walking lately.  Perhaps he felt he wasn’t doing enough before.  “It gives you time to think,” he said, “then you notice trees, the other creatures, nature, and you mix it all together.”  He was talking like a real advocate of pilgrimage now. 

Shane and I, along with the plane load of people, landed at quaint Kamloops Airport.  Shane and I parted and Harold picked me up and brought me to Saranagati Village where we took to trekking along a trail called the “Ratha Yatra Way”.   

On that trail, Saskatoon berries are abound – and mosquitoes in even greater numerical figures.  Our destination was a farm, owned and run by Bala Krishna, and a gathering of devotee villagers.  The meal that drew everyone was of local harvest and organic quality.  Thekirtan that followed was home performed, but the sound, the mantra, originated from the spiritual world.   


May the Source be with you!

6 km

 

Thursday, July 2nd, 2015
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Thursday, July 2nd, 2015
Peterborough, Ontario

Observations

It wasn’t really planned, but in an impromptu way our van-load of Krishna devotees decided to break up the five-hour drive to Toronto with a stop.  The city of Peterborough boasts having Trent University and Fleming College.  It’s a rather handsome downtown that we did stride through with our voices, drum and cymbals.  In my opinion, we were not in full gear and perhaps that’s one of the reasons for a more indifferent reception from the streets.

When we moved to a green strip along the Trent River system, the niceness of the town seemed to show itself.  Sometimes the soft approach gets more attention. We were sitting on the grass looking perhaps less intimidating.  It’s just an observation.

We also came upon Toby Tyler, who was originally from the US and who had met our guru, Srila Prabhupada, in New York in those very early days in the sixties. Toby runs a restaurant in the downtown and was so happy to see us at his eating place, the Electric City Gardens.

Life as a monk has its ups and downs like it is for anyone.  In my case, I worry for people’s lives.  As a mentor for some, I hear sometimes of the personal struggles. If it had not been for their adherence to Krishna Consciousness they naturally would be in a worse spot.  There is a lot of encouragement that goes along with the job.  Outside of the “worry” there is a pattern in this lifestyle of travel, fun, interaction, learning and realizations as we encountered in Peterborough.

May the Source be with you.

6 km

Wednesday, July 1st, 2015
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Wednesday, July 1st, 2015
Ottawa, Ontario

Big Party

The walk today went on more like a shuffle.  After a good long drive to the nation’s capital city, Ottawa, through some rain we were poised to chant at the usual designated spot close to the Parliament Buildings, approximately two blocks away.  For this first session of Kirtan rain did meet us, an incredible downpour at one point.  It was session two with the evening crowd where we got out of the sit-down stationary mode to move along through the crowds.

Actually you might say that a crowd within the crowd led the chanting party through the thousands, bringing some attention to the sound.  It was the dancers, the squealers and horn blowers that moved in front of us with exuberant energy that seemed to be sourced from some other planet.  Mind you, it may be an insert of a little alcohol that provided an explosion of power, a power that may crash the next morning.

There are nothing but dazzling moments on this day, of which included, at the top, a prasadam meal at Ottawa’s Govinda’s Restaurant.  Much credit for the good food goes to Shankar, aTrinidadian-born stalwart of bhakti-yoga.  He’s been running a steady operation for decades now, satisfying both a university crowd with the excellent dishes and a faithful crew of congregants that meet on Sundays.

Now, back to the second kirtan session, everyone is in the party mode and yes, everyone is out for some sparkle to behold in the form of jets speeding through the sky or listening to the hottest band from the grandiose stage.  Those who jump in to join our party within the big party were out for a good time – with a spiritual flavour to it.  Our communities from Ottawa, Montreal and Toronto merge together every year for the ultimate pow-wow.

May the Source be with you.

6 km

Tuesday, June 30th, 2015
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Tuesday, June 30th, 2015
Toronto, Ontario

Removal of Junk

Spider webs, mould spots, dust and crumbs had to be removed after the well-established Hare Krishna Sunday feast.  It was a cleaning that involved table- top, wall, and floor surfaces.  It began Monday morning, done sporadically until today. Yes, I partook and engaged others.  It’s a good feeling to get done because you care.  It’s your ashram and it’s your temple.

When asked by our head brahmachari, Karuna Sindu Das, to say a few words of inspiration at a small mid-day gathering, I mentioned to our crew, “Dirt, you must always see dirt – on the floor, the window sills, the wall.  Be concerned and act accordingly.”

Such applies to the heart also.  There is a lot of stuff inside it, stuff that needs cleaning.  The perfect way to know of your own dirt is through chanting.  It becomes more clear just what the stuff is and where it is hiding and in which corners.

After our meeting we ventured to Yonge and Bloor for a quick cleansing of the heart.  We stood, or rather swayed to the swing of the Krishna song. A young man by the name of Logan came over to us asking if we offer retreats.  I could see by his sincerity that he wanted a cleanser.  He went away with a book “Dharma” which our boy Nick presented to him.  That word dharma is like magic to peoples’ears these days because it sings of order, being grounded, peace and purging.

May the Source be with you.

8 km

Thursday, June 25th, 2015
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Thursday, June 25th, 2015
Halifax/Fredericton

Phase to Phase

Sundari’s mom passed away a month ago and so she invited a small group of family and friends for a small memorial service.  She and her dad, with origins from Trinidad, and the Hindu family had a clear idea what they wanted from Brhat and I, “Speaking about the soul’s journey and please do some kirtan”.

The circle of family and friends, we discovered, are from everywhere – the U.S., Bosnia, India, a few more places and even Halifax.  Quoting from the Gita, I had selected a verse from Chapter 2 beginning with dehino ‘smin yatha dehe.  “We are embodied first as a baby, then child, then youth, adult, elderly and finally a new form shapes as a baby again.  “The lesson being that the soul perpetuates despite bodily change and therefore emotions need not be extreme.”

It is apparent that a grieving time is necessary.  I could see that Sundari was happy at this state to have perhaps a closure to the event in the form of a message and a kirtan.

Kirtan also threw a group into a joyous state when after a four-hours-plus drive to Fredericton, Wade, Brhat and I made it to Mazerolle’s Gallery for a “Tales from Trails” happening.  Kirtan is new, if not fresh, for these attendees.  It’s not every day that you get to sing ancient mantras and physically move to the pulsating beat of a drum. 

Just across the street at city hall locals were clad in lime-coloured T-shirts in anticipation for raising awareness on the dreaded Lyme disease which is prevalent enough in North America. Good for them! I like to think that kirtan raises awareness towards the disease of me-consciousness and how we must get beyond bodily identification.  I am spirit that moves from one phase to the next hoping to one day get set free based on clean consciousness. 

May the Source be with you!

9 km

The Walking Monk 2015-07-13 14:28:00
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Thursday, June 25th, 2015
Halifax/Fredericton

Phase to Phase

Sundari’s mom passed away a month ago and so she invited a small group of family and friends for a
small memorial service.  She and her dad, with origins from Trinidad, and the Hindu family had a clear idea what they wanted from Brihat and I, “Speaking about the soul’s journey and please do some kirtan”.

The circle of family and friends, we discovered, are from everywhere – the U.S., Bosnia, India, a few
more places and even Halifax.  Quoting from the Gita, I had selected a verse from Chapter 2 beginning with dehino ‘smin yatha dehe.  “We are embodied first as a baby, then child, then youth, adult, elderly and finally a new form shapes as a baby again.  “The lesson being that the soul perpetuates despite bodily change and therefore emotions need not be extreme.”

It is apparent that a grieving time is necessary.  I could see that Sundari was happy at this state to have perhaps a closure to the event in the form of a message and a kirtan.

Kirtan also threw a group into a joyous state when after a four-hours-plus drive to Fredericton, Wade,
Brihat and I made it to Mazerolle’s Gallery for a “Tales from Trails” happening.  Kirtan is new, if not
fresh, for these attendees.  It’s not every day that you get to sing ancient mantras and physically move
to the pulsating beat of a drum. 

Just across the street at city hall locals were clad in lime-coloured T-shirts in anticipation for raising
awareness on the dreaded Lyme disease which is prevalent enough in North America.  Good for them! I like to think that kirtan raises awareness towards the disease of me-consciousness and how we must get beyond bodily identification.  I am spirit that moves from one phase to the next hoping to one day get set free based on clean consciousness. 

May the Source be with you!

9 km