Author Archives: H.H. Bhaktimarg Swami

Toronto, Ontario

Rivers of People and Rivers of Water

In the course of a day I meet a good number of people, they show up at our temple ashram for a different number of reasons.  People come for darshan, viewing of the Krishna deity, some sample food at our Govinda’s, a vegetarian restaurant within the building, some people come to hear and learn from classes that we offer and from seminars on the bhakti sciences.  Others are volunteers who come to help with kitchen work, or cleaning, or maintenance work.  The numbers add up over a day’s stretch.

So I meet these great people, but I haven’t developed the skill to remember their names very well.  Today a walkers’ club came to eat at Govinda’s.  They are a seniors group and they come quite regularly.  One of the members has a daughter in Kelowna, BC, a place that was a stop over for me during this year’s Trans-Canada trek.  I met her daughter at that time, she is a staunch mother, wife, and devotee of Krishna.  As mentioned, I failed to remember the names, but I am taken by the small world in which we live – the world of knowing someone who knows someone who knows you, even if you’re a relative nobody from another part of the country. 

Of course, when you meet somebody who shares the same walking passion as you, you get excited.  It made my day to meet a person who has a love for pilgrimage.  I was also thrilled to hear from her that the Pan Am Games are coming to Toronto next year, and will encourage the building of a Pan Am trail, which is really a series of trails that will be recognized as a unique route beginning from the northern part of the Humber River, leading to Lake Ontario, and then going east along the waterfront, and then north on either the Don or the Rouge Rivers.  This is ecstatic news.

The winding down message which I slept on at the end of the day, after a gathering with our Brampton community where we indulged in the Gita’s words, was from 17.15.  Here, the verse talks about favourable speech:

Austerity of speech consists of speaking words which are truthful, pleasing, beneficial, and not agitating to others, and also in regularly reciting Vedic literature. 

May the Source be with you!

2 KM

Toronto, Ontario

Flashes in the Night

At long last the summer has come as we usually know it – hot and somewhat humid.  Sunlight hours are not the most conducive for hiking up and down streets.  You wait until nighttime when it cools down or take to early morning strolls. 

The city is teeming with energy.  Very close to our ashram, movie lovers are filling the streets for TIFF, the Toronto International Film Festival.  It’s a big one. 

It would be so nice, had there been the same passion for spirituality.  I believe the film industry and media in general, has done a fairly good job at downplaying the soul searching culture.  I say this sarcastically.  Exposing faulty habits by spiritual leaders has become a preoccupation.  There is some validity to this, however.  Our own guru would take the time to express what he felt about bogus people in the dress of religious garb and status.  People we sometimes refer to as ‘bhogi yogis’. 

At the same time, reporting should be balanced and highlight benefits of personal discipline and expression of humility.  We generally hear about the bad apples, but why not talk more about the good apples.  Yes, the balance of presentation is weak. 

We glamourize the night life of people in fancy dress, people we call ‘stars’.  They drive around in limos and take to parties.  They often enough detour fans with their sensuous lifestyles and rocky relationships.  They are not always the best role models.  It’s really a lot of tinsel flashing in the night.  What society needs is a boost of wholesome direction. 

May the Source be with you!

10 KM

Montreal, Quebec

Good Place and People

About 30 of us pilgrims walked, almost waltzed, down Prince Arthur in the McGill University area.  We stopped in front of one residence, by Sumir’s arrangement.  He functions as the coordinator of our chanting party today.  I objected to singing and drumming in front of someone’s home at 11 AM on Labour Day. 

“I know this is the building that Prabhupada (our guru) stayed for the summer in ’68, but I have some apprehension about us being in someone’s face.  Maybe people are still sleeping, it’s a holiday.”

Sumir assured me that it’s okay.  The front door to the handsome looking home opened, there, appeared a smiling woman.  She waved us in, so a small contingent of three entered and stepped in.  There we met the family that was expecting us.  Sumir explained to me, “It’s always on Labour Day that we do this.”

We met Matt, the lady’s husband, a cello player and teacher at McGill.  They are the home owners.  He’s also good friends with John McLaughlin of the Maha Vishnu Orchestra.  He asked us which year was it that our guru met John Lennon and company.  It was from the downstairs quarters that our guru lived here, and then spent time training six of his students in harmonium, mrdanga (drum), karatalas,  and voice, before dispatching them to England when they met the Beatles. 

“It was in around ’69,” I suggested to Matt. 

In any event, it was great to be in that spot.  The couple mentioned that they’ve been to the other three duplicates of their home which are all in an attached row, but, to quote them, “But no place has the same good vibes as this home.”  It was implied that a very special person had been living here. 

So after our visit, we continued the walk with kirtan on the grounds of McGill.  The security, lead by three people, approached our man in the front and inquired.  I guess the grounds do not permit assemblies of different kinds.  When they saw how harmless we were, and that we were ‘just passing through’, they let us off the hook.  They were taken by the good vibes.

May the Source be with you!

6 KM

Montreal, Quebec

Original Goddess

My embarrassing low tally for walking kilometres today was not fueled by a seemingly discouraging encounter I had on Saint Catherine’s, but by being busy in devotional service.  Also stacked on top of that was the hot and humid nature of the out of doors.  I was a tad bit intimidated, I’d say, during the sunny hours.  Then came the festival to honour Krishna’s eternal consort, Radha.  The day is called Radhastami.  She was born on this day. 

The Early Morning Encounter
 
At approximately 4 AM, I trekked with japa beads in hand while going west on Saint Catherine’s, when a  prostitute on a street corner made a proposal.  Naturally, I declined and told her that I have my goddess, Radha, whom I’m off to worship.  The lady was persistent and continued to walk by my side until about 2 blocks when we came about a second lady of the street.  Just to get her off my back, I suggested the two women get to know each other and make friends.  The suggestion did not sit well with either.  I picked up speed and left the two to mumble whatever they were saying the French medium, which I couldn’t well understand.  I turned a corner and paced back to our Montreal ashram into a more civilized atmosphere.  Frankly, I had enough with goddesses for the day, except for the Supreme One, who was honoured in style, in Her murtii form in the morning, noon and night.  I had the pleasure to speak twice today on the subject on the supreme balance to Krishna, and to highlight the great compassion She (Radha) has for souls who are struggling in this world.

May the Source be with you!

2 KM

Montreal, QuebecFor MontrealBefore I left for a quick flight to Montreal, I discovered some guy sprawled out on the outdoor stair landing of our ashram. No doubt the fellow had passed out or was fast asleep or something, a result of some intoxication.”…

Dundas, OntarioThere is One Thing There is one thing I would like to declare, unofficially; that those Johnny-on-the-spot outdoor toilets are perfect self-realization cubicles. I personally stepped into one of those purely to make a change in…

Toronto, OntarioDon’t You Know, We’re Eternal?I pulled out of the closet, my ’96 blue backpack with the logo “Cross Canada Walk” sewn on, before I embarked on a Bloor Street trek for two hours. This small pack provides enough space for overnight provis…

Montreal, Quebec

For MontrealMontreal, Quebec Before I left for a quick flight to Montreal, I discovered some guy sprawled out on the outdoor stair landing of our ashram. No doubt the fellow had passed out or was fast asleep or something, a result of some intoxica…

Dundas, ON There is one thing I would like to declare, unofficially; that those Johnny-on-the-spot outdoor toilets are perfect self-realization cubicles. I personally stepped into one of those purely to make a change into my swimming trunks f…

Don’t You Know, We’re Eternal?Toronto, ONI pulled out of the closet, my ’96 blue backpack with the logo “Cross Canada Walk” sewn on, before I embarked on a Bloor Street trek for two hours. This small pack provides enough space for overnight provisions …

Bracebridge, Ontario

Trees, Water, and People

I hit a few trails outside of Bracebridge with companion, Jay Gopal.  We had them all to ourselves.  The trees were with us though, only they did not walk.  We had red and white pines, cedar, maple, hemlock, beech, and more, which acted as our canopy.  True friends they are. 

At noon I embarked on the Lady Muskoka cruise, one that meanders the Muskoka River, and then to the lake of the same name.  “Tourists are down, ever since 9-11,” said one of the cruisers staff, “Americans don’t come as they used to.”  Anyways, water was all around and it was very tranquil, the whole 2 ½ hour run.  It was also my chance to connect with fellow passengers and make friends. 

Outside of forest and water, I had a great conversation with a Polish fellow who’s doing renovations at the Inn.  Being Polish, he declared his exposure to Catholicism, yet I found in him a sense of incredible openness.  He is currently reading Canto 7 of the book, “Bhagavatam”, and has immersed himself in the wisdom that tells of tall tales and deep philosophy.  He was enamoured by the self centred character, Hiranya Kashipu.  He talked and questioned long and hard, and I responded from the platform of Vedic philosophy, which he admitted, goes deep.  He did share with me some good material from Saint Augustine’s “The Confessions”:

In this life, which is said to be one long temptation, no one should be complacent… Restrain yourselves from the monstrous savagery of pride, from luxurious inertia of self indulgence, and from sham pretention to knowledge.
 
May the Source be with you!

9 KM

Bracebridge, Ontario

Eeking Out The Last Of Summer Fun

The summer break for kids is nearing its end.  Vacationers are wrapping it up as a creeping in chill hits our evenings.  In the forests where the oak tree flows with acorns, the squirrels ‘go nuts’ with harvest.  In truth, this is the summer that never was, as temperatures rarely reached normal heights.  But that’s okay, moderation in temperatures and lack of balminess is my thing, if I might say so, selfishly.

From the greater Toronto area, four families and I took off for an outing.  This I see as the spiritual leader’s obligation from time to time.  The motive or the motif is, “Get with your people”. 

Once reaching Bracebridge, a quaint town of 16,000, the majority of the group vied for going to Santa’s Village, a mini (and multi triple that) version of Disney nestled in the northern forest.  I first had to question my purpose in being in this kiddies’ domain.  Once entering, however, I could appreciate the neatness of the place, and an ambience of innocence.  I felt it was a safe haven compared to being in a convenience store which solicits sex through magazine covers which are for sale.  Now you have to remember, I’m a monk speaking here.  By the way, our kids really loved Santa’s Village.  The teenage boys, however, got stimulated only when we returned to our host’s facility, The Muskoka Riverside Inn, which has incorporated within its premises, a bowling alley. Excuse the inside joke – the ‘Hari Bowling” alley.  Yes, I took a crack at striking the pins.  I did pretty good if I might say so.

Finally, my turn for greater stimulation, a walk to two local waterfalls from along the Muskoka to Saugeen River, and to trails beyond, completed my adventure with the Patel dynasty, that are ever so good at securing motel/hotel establishments doomed to fail, and turning them into hopeful enterprises.  The secret is family power.

May the Source be with you!

6 KM

Toronto, Ontario

Two Directions As One

I had been preparing for the next day’s trip to Muskoka cottage country up north.  Preparatory work for me means two things, one, get my chanting, and two, get my walking in.  Packing is minimal.  I’m only staying overnight.  So the idea is get body and mind tuned up

I ventured through nooks and narrow streets.  I came upon a place I’d never seen before in the city where I live.  I particularly attempted to hit walkways situated away from traffic.  I trekked for the first time up the street from where I live, University Avenue, and trailed down on its gardened strip of the boulevard in the middle.  I was surprised to discover urban labyrinths.  All the while I was chanting except for two instances when I briefly stopped to gesture at a First Nations fellow who was quite drunk, yet he knew enough culturally to offer his pranams when seeing me. 

My next and final encounter was with two Caucasian chaps who did their best at saying “Namaste”.  Both of them, brothers, had been to India.  They spent some time there, then came back to North America only to experience a type of “subtle hostility” as they put it.

“Yes, India’s a place of physical chaos, but mental peace,” was our mutually agreed upon attitude about the country.  Neither communities, east or west, have the ideal situation as they stand on their own.  East and west should be able to find solace in drawing together the strengths from each side. 

So, let there be a marriage, a gorgeous celebration! 

May the Source be with you!

10 KM

Toronto, Ontario

Make Light!

I know some people who visit our ashram and who have challenges in life with imbalance. Whether on medication or not, I advise them to get more physical for their well-being. Such people do seek advice. They sometimes anticipate some spiritual counsel and surely I will deliver.  At the same time I will suggest physical accomplishments – the use of head to toe, the swaying of legs and swinging of arms. In short, the ancient art of walking works.

It is also in walking that one reaches a creative optimum. There are things you see, smell and wander over in the course of movement that helps to bring out the most in an individual.

Sometimes I meet folks who carry extra karma (lbs.-wise) and surely I will tactfully recommend walking. For the slim and trip, I’ll do the same – advise them that their obligation is to stay inspirational to others. “Please remember though, you are not the body. You are the spirit.”

For the youthful, anything to get them for free time from gadgets. “Walking beats all,” I say. To the elderly, well, in his seventies our guru, Srila Prabhupada went on his daily treks. That, along with daily massage boosted longevity. In his own words he said of an emergency doctor, “That was good advice.”

Anyways, what do you expect a “walking monk” to say to an audience of readers? The monk part is about chanting and healing oneself with the subtle flab that hangs around inside you.

“Karma is a heavy thing,” a friend said when he encountered life’s bumps. I agreed with him and said, “Let’s make it light!”

May the Source be with you!

9 KM

Brampton, Ontario

2^nd Annual

In between the two installments of trekking today, I had the pleasure to partake in Brampton’s 2^nd Annual Ratha Yatra at downtown Gage Park.  “When a teenager,” I told the crowd, “way before I heard the word ‘Krishna’, I relaxed at this very park at the gazebo in the shady trees.”  Ron Casir, a friend, and I, hitchhiked one summer throughout southern Ontario looking to find ourselves.  I never would have believed that I’d be in this spot again, bald and wearing robes, 43 years after my moderate hippie phase. 

Since then, the park has been spruced up (I still see the same spruce trees, though).  The area around has been built up.  After all, the world in which we live is always changing.  The mayor of the city, which is now at the half a million mark, showed up.  Susan Fennell seemed to be all smiles.  My god-brothers, Kaliyapani and Gaura, also came to lead in the kirtans.  A special feature, undisputedly, was the drama of “Little Big Ramayan”. 

The organizers were happy, expressing a double increase of attendance from last year’s modest 500, it grew to twice that size.  Our route for the standard procession was ‘in the round’.  Four revolutions on this circular sidewalk constituted the journey of joy as participants pulled the chariot by rope.

One local guy, James, who came for the bulk of the program, came to see me, offered the greatest handshake, saying, “Thank you, and please pray for me.”  I thought he was going to cry.  I believe he did, at least internally.  Tears were dripping on his heart, he had such a good time.  Then James asked a group of us, “Do you guys know the Beatles?” and one of our members, Vaishnava, sang, “We love you, yeah yeah yeah…”  James corrected him saying, “No it’s, ‘she loves you’.”  And my response to that was, “No it’s ‘we’, in relation to you and us.  We prefer, ‘we love you’”.  At that point, James got it.

May the Source be with you!

11 KM

Toronto, Ontario

The Good About Kali

Sad for me to hear from a family lawyer, who’s a member of our community, that few people remain content in their relationships.  In her own words, “People don’t seem to learn from their past mistakes.”  She indicated that whatever personal weakness that an individual may admit to, he/she will not make the endeavour towards correction, hence, the same short coming spoils the chance for a relationship to work the next time around.

Separation/divorce is rampant, and it’s a challenge that faces every community across the board, across the globe. 

When I saw a park bench in the course of today’s trek, a grafiti’d message sprayed on to the bench read, “Sick Earth”.  I wasn’t sure how to interpret that line because sick in today’s language means, ‘it’s cool’.  If we take it to mean that the world is malfunctioning or is dysfunctional, I think this would be a more accurate assessment.  Patience and tolerance of character we lack, and it is a sure sign of the times.  We say, in devotional circles, “We are in the Kali Yuga (age of darkness).”  People are slow to inner development. 

At the same time that we languish in the conditions of today, we can also recognize the true optimism of the current day.  In our discussion this morning, after I took my personal short but sweet head clearing walk, the few monks and I reflected on the Kali Yuga’s strongest feature.  The sages of Vedic tradition say that through song of the right sound one can encounter ultimate hope and peace. 

May the Source be with you!

4 KM

Toronto, Ontario

Just Yesterday

It was just yesterday that I submitted my yearly written words of appreciation to our guru, Srila Prabhupada, on his birth anniversary.  They are found in the form of a poem just below.  It was today that I trekked along the path that he took in June of ’76 along Taylor Creek, right here in Toronto. 

There are many moods projected about you,
Reflected in pics, so many, not few.
They are diverse colours of a true saint
That are captured by camera or brush with paint.
 
Moods of gravity, solidity, and weight
The serious look that defines the great. 
Moods of lightness, moments of humour,
Of laughter, jokes, and human candour. 
 
My favourite photos are of your smile, 
They inspire and push for the extra mile,
They lure and lock in an eager soul
Who’s on a search for the ultimate goal. 
 
You say, “The face is the index of the mind”.
The exterior can determine the kind. 
Dare I judge the face of your Divine Grace. 
Yet I presume purity rests at that place. 
 
You profile as a master, scholar, or king,
A general, a warrior, the spirit of Narasingh.
Paradoxically, you’ve shown your ability
To portray a servant in all humility.
 
There are images of you in reverent prayer. 
Those are the stills not really so rare –
Images of concern for us as we go
On a hobble or a crawl and move so slow.
 
I like the pics when  you enjoyed the play.
It was in New York at the end of one day.
Krishna eloped with a grand princess,
Rukmini, being the damsel in distress.
 
It was drama that brought you some delight
As actor princes put up a good fight.
Your viewing the play is precious indeed,
An impression that waters the bhakti seed.
 
There are action shots of your teaching and talking –
Action shots of reading and walking.
They are signatures, brands, trademarks –
Images that pull us out of the dark.
 
Grateful are we for those generous poses
That strike the heart like petals of roses.
One frozen moment of your deep contemplation
Leaves us with a piece for worthy conversation.
 
The Source is with you!
 
12 KM

Toronto, Ontario

It Is Custom

It is a custom, with me, anyway, to do this japa chanting walk in the dark after the fasting and feasting of Janmastami.  At 1:45 AM we went.  Churnley, Mohit  and I took to a blackened evening through the trees.  Churnley’s cell phone lit up some of the trail which edges along dry tree areas as well as cat-tailed wetlands in the lower Don River system. 

At one corner, we received some vision power from the moon’s casting, and there we caught a wave of wild flower scent that allowed our minds to travel to the drama we had just enacted before a full house at our temple.  Based on the pages of the book, Bhagavatam, the description of the eve of Krishna’s birth was one of total shanty (peace).  Planets were prominent.  All that was aromatic was present.  All that indicated prosperity, such as rivers full of flowing waters, breezes favourable, and stars apparent, were enhanced.  Whatever I had narrated from the script of “Blue Mystic” was delineating such details, at least in spirit, and was now duplicated in the very atmosphere we were moving through.  What a special day (evening, rather). 

Sleep was evident after a full day of activity and being on an empty stomach.  And now our full bellies were waddling down a trail for a two hour people-less stretch.  I told the two companions before the trek, the rule of this customary walk is “No talking.  Only chant.”  We are honouring our guru, Srila Prabhupada, because as of 12 midnight we celebrate his birthday – that’s festive day number two.  What can you do but continue the joy. 

May the Source be with you!

12 KM

Toronto, Ontario

His Birthday

It’s Krishna’s birthday.  On such occasions you often end up doing something that’s enjoyable.  Along with a dozen community members here, we chose to walk somewhat of an obstacle course just after our morning arati (early morning meditations).

Not all of this group were so highly prepared foot wear wise, because the trek was truly spontaneous for them.  We are also looking at participants that are mostly car bound suburbanites.  They were, however, troopers, excited by our chosen forest setting trail. 

“This trail will remind you of Vrindavan,” I said at the outset, “Krishna’s upbringing turf.”  We then blazed that trail at David Balfour Park, and then the Brickworks where I did my training for long distance walking. 

My pace was slower than usual just to accommodate the crew.  We went down a wiggly trail and let these troopers know that even in the heart of a fair sized city like Toronto, one can derive from it a peaceful greenery. 

Legs were sore (not mine), but smiles were preserved.  “That’s the spirit!”  I told the group.  “Now, we are going to enjoy a packed day of festivities.”  I also reminded them that it’s a full day fast.  Each one of these participants passed the test and had not passed out.  They achieved happy tolerance.  I gave a talk in the evening to a full house on the significance of Janmastami, the birth anniversary of Krishna.  Sitting in front of me was one of the participants, a woman who happened to slip and fall on the moist boardwalk segment of the walk.  She smiled away, though, like anything while I was talking, jubilant like one of Krishna’s peacocks. 

May the Source be with you!

8 KM

Toronto, Ontario

Good Thoughts for Robin

When going through the security screening at the Vancouver Airport, a monitor was reporting the news of the death of comedian, Robin Williams.  That’s sad.  He made a lot of people laugh.  God produced a very talented man in him.

When getting fetched at the Toronto Airport, greeter, Rajneesh, informed me how Mr. Williams gave up his own life due to depression.  That’s also sad.  It’s like the proverbial symptom of the sad clown.

It is well understood that life is tough and that there are hard circumstances to bear.  Many of us live a dual world with heaviness in the heart while we show a bright face.  To Robin we offer our respects and wish him a good chance in the next life.

News of this sudden departure caught my attention once again momentarily in the course of a cooling evening walk.  It brought my thoughts to the mode of prayer.  When I was just recently in Vancouver I was approached by someone who admitted to having a rocky marriage with a spouse.  The person asked that I please put prayers out for the relationship’s salvation.

Reassuringly I said, “Of course I will.”  Thinking of Robin’s going reminded me of prayer being important.  It usually means sending good vibes out there and a call for help.  It throws you into a wholesome dependency.  Now, just because I play a spiritual role doesn’t mean I’m the only one to enlist in this practice of prayers.  It’s for everyone.

May the Source be with you!

5 KM

Vancouver, British Columbia

Every Day

Every day of one’s life, one should ride on the power of a message.  Walking for me is down time, if not, up time, because you have opportunity then to elevate the consciousness.  I always try to have one of the many empowering statements of the Bhagavad Gita to dominate the day and to be with me when I’m moving my feet. 

Today’s verse came not so randomly, but was triggered  by someone’s question.  Verse 3.26 came to me like some divine dove that did dive down from the sky.  It’s about encouragement.  Here it is, along with the transliteration:

na buddhi-bhedaṁ janayed
ajñānāṁ karma-saṅginām
joṣayet sarva-karmāṇi
vidvān yuktaḥ samācaran

So as not to disrupt the minds of people attached to the fruitive results of prescribed duties, a learned person should not induce them to stop work, rather, by working in the spirit of devotion, he/she should engage them in all sorts of activities.
 
Here, the message is not to discourage people, but to encourage and inspire them in the spirit of devotion.  The task left to those who will take up this obligation then, is to ask ourselves, “What can I say or do to inspire service in others?”

May the Source be with you!

5 KM

Vancouver, British Columbia

Free Plum

“Free Plum” read the sign tacked onto the tree trunk.  I guess the reason for the singular and not the plural to the word ‘plum’ is that it must have been scripted by the tree’s proprietor who doesn’t have English as their first language.  I couldn’t’ find a plum during this morning’s walk at least from the branches overhanging by my walking path.  Those golden balls of juice were visible on the other side of the owner’s fence.

“There will be other opportunities,” I thought while in last for an organic fruit.  Who can blame me?”

Well, I did find another plum tree.  I helped myself to one delicious edible and moved on.  I trekked by more berry bushes, orchard gardens.  The smells emanating from the various growth was phenomenal.  The experience reminded me of a statement by Chanakhya Pandit regarding a dominant plant in a garden known for its fragrance and size and how in the illustrious dynasty of the moon, Sri Krishna had been born taking dominance.

You might say that it’s purely a coincidental situation when I was ear marked to give a class.  It just so happened that the verse from the ‘Bhagavatam’ was centered on the sun and moon dynasties and that Krishna shines through as the dominant person in that lineage.  Cool, isn’t it?

May the Source be with you!

12 KM

Toronto, Ontario

A Fight in the Tree

Fierce fighters they were.  One block from our ashram were a family of four ‘rascal raccoons’ as some people would call them.  They were cussing and snapping at each other off of narrow branches from a single tree.  It was 4 AM, they would not let up.  It was a real show, or rather, a show down.  It halted my short trek, it was a station break for me.  Entertainment at its best.

Seeing those guys lunging at each other was  a simple reminder that species outside of humans usually occupy themselves, in and amongst other things, with this kind of fare – fighting.  Oh, there are plenty of testimonies given by people of spiritual things that animals sometimes enact.  Some of those creatures demonstrate great qualities of benevolence and virtue, such as the dog’s loyalty, which is a far cry from what you find in many humans. 

A raccoon’s snarl, such as what I heard and witnessed when seeing those perfect rows of jaws jutting out, was a family feud performance.  It seems to be quite common amongst these guys.  I believe we all have aggressive little raccoons in our head. 

Aggression was probably the theme of our drama practice this evening.  As the director, I was bringing out the raccoon in everyone.  Aggression is what the scene calls for.  I applaud my tree friends, the raccoons, taking the lead in showing this passion.  The rehearsal was good.  By the way, you really get to know people when you ask them to surrender who they think they are and when they’re trying to be someone else.  Deep down inside we are humble entities and naturally take a service role.

May the Source be with you!

4 KM

Toronto, Ontario

Three Workers

I heard some talking going on from across the street and slightly above.  I turned my head as a natural response.  Three guys in hardhats at a construction site were looking right at me.  One was brown bodied, one was white, and the third was oriental. 

The brown guy offered pranams (palms together).  The oriental guy looked at the brown guy doing pranams and engaged in a smile, while the white dude who was standing in the middle did a little head toss.  I reciprocated with their responses which were triggered by my being there.  Whatever dialogue went on between the three of the workers, I was not privy to.  I know that the initial reaction from them was favourable and respectable. 

I went on my way towards my destination to a gathering of vintage Krishna folks, where we would enjoy each other’s bonding.  To the program, I, as usual, tend to take note of reactions from people.  Indeed, cyclists and pedestrians responded rather positively, apart from the three workers.  I see that greeting someone is a kind of service that people are obliged to indulge in.  There is that social need in extending neighbourly gestures.  Let’s face it, life can be extremely grim if it wasn’t for small traces of lightness that’s inserted within.

A “Good morning! “ “Hello!  How are you?”  Or just delivering a smile.  Maybe a “Namaste”, a “Hare Krishna”, go a long way to leading people towards improving the quality of life.  Of course, it really helps when you have a unique set of duds on that puts the thought of spirituality in the mind.  It makes the greeting that much more interesting. 

May the Source be with you!

7 KM

Madrid, Spain

Fast In and Fast Out

It’s a first for me in Madrid, we had a few hours to kill, so to speak.  No better place could be found, but any place where there’s devotion, right?  Arrival time to Madrid was early and a nice person, temple commander of this ISKCON Centre came for the pickup of a monk and his travelling assistant, Mohit, to that place of devotion.

It’s Europe, you know, so everything is tight in the developed part of the city.  Whether it be kitchen, bedroom, toilet, eating space, it’s tight, but smartly tight.  European architecture?  Beautiful! 

I gave a talk, had no time for a walk.  Temple is quaint, devotees sweet, time to depart.  Our car smashed into the door of a truck.  Quickly, Mohit and I had to switch to a cab. 

In fast forward, over the Atlantic, came the arrival into Canada.  We were greeted by a smiling Maha Bhagavat, a member of our Toronto community.  At his home, we munched on wraps.  Instead of a nap at his home, I vied for a stroll via Finch Avenue down on Leslie Street and then Eglinton Avenue. 

When I walk, I take it all in, I observe, I smell, I experience, I nod (to people), I notice the concrete, the grass, the apple and plum trees, the Rivers.  I see cracks in the sidewalk, and I see solid spots.  I see below me and above me and the front of me, especially when crossing the road.  I have no radio, no box in which to be crammed as in automobile.  I am free and I watch prisoners of cars go by me.  I’m free up to a point until I get picked up to get brought back home.  Then, it’s a different kind of freedom, because I’m with spiritual people.

May the Source be with you!

6 KM

Tenerife, Spain

Last Day

The last day’s visit to this extraordinary place in the Canary Islands was crowned with a ceremony.  Cuban born, Janardan, accepted his 2^nd initiation this morning.  He’s a smart young guy and has won a scholarship for mathematics at the University at Madrid, he’s studying and teaching.  His accepting the brahminical initiation allows him some privileges in our community.  In Cuba and in Spain, people love when he gives a class in bhakti yoga. 

Both Yadunanda Swami and I spoke on the importance of brahminical input into human society.  Some of the points made are as follows:

1)      A brahmin aspires to understand both energies of matter and spirit.
2)      A brahmin is a visionary and shares his/her vision, working towards an improved world.
3)      A brahmin is a guru for the community and acts as teacher, trainer, guide, coach, mentor (cheerleader, even) in the spiritual sciences.
4)      A brahmin always endeavours to be clean, honest and see through the eyes of wisdom (shastra).
5)      A brahmin may be cold with himself, as in being austere, but is warm with everyone else.

While I took personal time with Janardan before and after the fire ceremony to honour his achievement, there were other people who wanted personal dialogue, this I obliged.  It did consume the day.  Also a final stop at a gorgeous plot of land that is the future site of a temple and cultural centre.  Before the ride to the airport, a small assembly of devotees had last goodbyes while we were reading quotations and memories about our guru, Srila Prabhupada.  In a sense the day was not complete because I found no  minutes to put on some walking shoes and blaze a trail.  My feet felt antsy going on the plane.

May the Source be with you!

0 KM (I’m embarrassed)

Tenerife, Spain

Near the Top

We were near the top on the surface of the crater at the National Park of Del Teide Mountain.  The actual peak is at 3,178 metres, and as I understand it, it is the tallest elevation point in Spain.  Patita Pavana, our jolly and fearless leader, who runs the Tenerife Krishna centre, said this is where the latest Planet of the Apes was filmed.

A few of us from the local centre took to walking and to some steep hiking on the pourous rock of this most interesting volcanic area.  When the last active volcano leaked its lava, the residents of one town took refuge in a cathedral.  The red hot substance flowed down on either side of the building, which remained intact.  And hence, the sheltered believers were saved. 

The terrain is wild looking like the badlands of the US and Canada.  We were at this location at the most intense feature of the sunset.  The play of the sun’s colour, plus the array of volcanic sediments, was a feast for our eyes.  Fortunately the government conserves this upper portion of the mountain.  Either in your ascent or descent of the mountain, you can also see productive agriculture going on with grape vineyards and potato fields.  Wild fig bushes grace the side of the road. 

After this long day, and the late night festival of the previous day held at the downtown of Playa De Las Americas, our small group treated ourselves to seeing and exploring this gorgeous piece of Mother Nature and Father God. 

The Earth has beauty everywhere, but we were going ape over this special summit in the world.  I really aspire to walk up the mountain peak one day, as others have done.  I would chant all the way.

May the Source be with you!

5 KM

Tenerife, Spain

So How Was It?

If it wasn’t for the procession in the downtown of Tenerife, in honouring, once again, the Chariot Festival, I would have not got any walking in today.

So, how was that, anyways?  The festival?

Just great!!! 

The thump of the djembe saved the kirtan.  The traditional clay bodied mrdangas (drums) of Bengal don’t always have the power to deliver when the air in the atmosphere’s just not right.  Humidity works against the desired sound you want.  The ends on either side of the mrdanga gets too slack.  For the quieter bhajans done indoor, mrdangas are terrific, but I haven’t seen them work well for most cases for outdoor events.  Yadunandana Swami lead the chant.  Then I was given the mic to complete singing on the route in a rather densely pedestrianed area.  If I’m not mistaken, the rich come here, mostly from the mainland.  Though, we’ve heard that the recession has hit Spain really hard, and that the country has this high unemployment rate, this doesn’t really show in Tenerife.

But, back to the beat.  Any Latino blood seems to flow towards a rhythmic thump, and this was so obvious in the public’s response.  The public always looks for something new and different.  What else could you do besides sitting in a bar or café outside, or checking out a super Flamenco dance?  How about watching a bunch of Hare Krishnas jump to a thump?  I guess it’s entertaining for the casual tourist.  Not only watching us, but clapping and trying to sing is what we found people doing.  These are the symptoms that determine a good program.

Our stage show completed by 1 AM.  Everyone was tired, happily. 

May the Source be with you!

4 KM

Tenerife, Spain

Those Who Were Sleeping

Those who were sleeping outside in their camping wear woke up to the sound of our chanting.  A group of us were firmly planted by a cliff’s edge by the ocean, as were the Friday night party folks who were nestled in those sleeping bags.  The volcanic rock formations of unique configurations were the backdrop to our morning chanting and discussions.  A couple of fisherman came to us and really complemented us for our drumming and singing. 

Yadunandana Swami, a Spanish born, Barcelona raised boy, was my companion in leading the chant.  He’s ten years my junior, he’s clean and honest.  We made the trek from our flat at Club Paraiso, and along with Mohit of Calgary, hit our desitanation point where we met other local devotees of Krishna.   We chanted and talked.  The group wanted to hear of walking adventures I had, and so I obliged them before we dipped into those pristine waters at the base of the cliff where sea turtles do frequent.  At least at Tenerife’s water, you have multiple creatures.  It’s land that has less variety, so it seems.  I asked about wild game and locals say, “Rabbits are about the largest animals you’re going to get around here.  Next to them are lizards.”  I do see lots of doves and hear them quite amply. 

Life is laid back here and relaxed.  Personally, I was restless about my lost luggage, so with a ride, I went to the lost and found at the South Airport.   My lost luggage was found.  The queue for that lost and found stall consisted of grumpy travellers, as you can imagine.  Personally, I was relieved. 

I’ve learned that it always does good to stick your fingers in the bead bag and do some mantra chanting to cope with the agitation of all sorts and kinds.

May the Source be with you!

4 KM