Author Archives: H.H. Bhaktimarg Swami

Last Day On The Blitz

Calgary, Alberta

I went to bed by 10:30 PM the previous night. Before sleeping I offered a prayer to Krishna, “Please wake me up at 2 AM,” and that’s what happened.

I fit in a measly 3 km before we took to highways 7 and then 9 en route to Calgary. Our blitz through the prairies with our road show is on fire. We are moving. By 4 AM, we had, as planned, set the keys in the ignition for an 8 hour drive to Calgary’s Festival of Chariots. We made it just in the nick of time. The route was 8th Ave. This year’s procession was featured with a flat bed arrangement upon which sat our kirtan chanting group. This device worked wonders. It allowed our chanting group to conserve its energy instead of trying to play an instrument, sing and walk all at the same time, trying to keep at a steady clip.

Bhakti yogis love chanting. They’ll do it in a crowd or even when it’s relatively quiet like the downtown of Calgary today which has very little presence of pedestrians, at least on a weekend. All went well.

We put a tail end spin to the evening with more chanting at the house deck of host Radha Madhava. We also took some minutes with a talking stick method (a pink pen) to reveal our minds about the prairie blitz amongst our performers. One person, Philippe, expressed his realization that the culture our guru created is one that whoever we meet, that was devotional, open up their doors so graciously so that we could rest and eat. He mentioned that we were made to feel totally at home.

I think it’s a significant point. For many people their house is their home and it’s not really a home for others unless they invite you. As long as you see yourself as the steward to your place of residence then naturally you’ve captured the hospitality mood.

6 KM

On Broadway?

Saskatoon, Saskatchewan

I took to walking the scenic route near the university grounds in Regina around Lake Wascana before the ride to Saskatoon to Regina. Quite pleasant.

What is even more pleasant is spending the time with our travelling team, what a great bunch of guys. Here we are, an actual travelling road show, going from city to city doing our gigs. Each member is self driven. The mood is “We are part of a mission. We like that our guru, Srila Prabhupada, is pleased with our efforts.” Time is tight. Distances of travel are lengthy. Each new venue has its own glory and challenges. We do foul up sometimes. A mrdanga drum got lost in the previous place, oops! The person playing Krishna’s role has no pants to wear, they also got left behind. These are minor screw ups, believe it or not, they will be rectified. Upon hitting such surprises we are a group that becomes concerned and then innovates a change and solution. Our technical sound guy at Broadway Theatre is Jack, a lovely fellow, an old hippie with beard and all (that’s Broadway in Saskatoon by the way).

It’s day number 2 with my emcee duty. I’m rather liking it. It was a proud moment for me to introduce Chief of Police for Saskatoon, Clive Weighill, to the stage for a message. That took care of our ksatriya (warrior) guest. Then I called on Father David from the Holy Family Church to represent the local brahmin sector, a loveable person he is.

I hope they don’t mind me saying this but, by the ending of the show at kirtan time, officer Weighill along with his wife danced up something wonderful along with the rest of the audience. Father David also took in the dance moves in the narrow space between the stage and the seating. Jack also swirled around on his feet joining the crowd. The event could not have been much better participatory wise. I thank the Great Power under the prairie sky for the occasion of a topmost celebration.

7 KM

On Broadway?

Saskatoon, Saskatchewan

I took to walking the scenic route near the university grounds in Regina around Lake Wascana before the ride to Saskatoon to Regina. Quite pleasant.

What is even more pleasant is spending the time with our travelling team, what a great bunch of guys. Here we are, an actual travelling road show, going from city to city doing our gigs. Each member is self driven. The mood is “We are part of a mission. We like that our guru, Srila Prabhupada, is pleased with our efforts.” Time is tight. Distances of travel are lengthy. Each new venue has its own glory and challenges. We do foul up sometimes. A mrdanga drum got lost in the previous place, oops! The person playing Krishna’s role has no pants to wear, they also got left behind. These are minor screw ups, believe it or not, they will be rectified. Upon hitting such surprises we are a group that becomes concerned and then innovates a change and solution. Our technical sound guy at Broadway Theatre is Jack, a lovely fellow, an old hippie with beard and all (that’s Broadway in Saskatoon by the way).

It’s day number 2 with my emcee duty. I’m rather liking it. It was a proud moment for me to introduce Chief of Police for Saskatoon, Clive Weighill, to the stage for a message. That took care of our ksatriya (warrior) guest. Then I called on Father David from the Holy Family Church to represent the local brahmin sector, a loveable person he is.

I hope they don’t mind me saying this but, by the ending of the show at kirtan time, officer Weighill along with his wife danced up something wonderful along with the rest of the audience. Father David also took in the dance moves in the narrow space between the stage and the seating. Jack also swirled around on his feet joining the crowd. The event could not have been much better participatory wise. I thank the Great Power under the prairie sky for the occasion of a topmost celebration.

7 KM

Do More Of That

Regina, Saskatchewan

A young student from Toronto, Darshan, a young monk, Maha Mantra, and I headed north on Albert Street after a night rest and a flight that took us westbound. As we walked, we were spotted by several people and one of which pulled over her car intrigued by the novelty of devotee attire.

This one woman in particular, perhaps in her late 60s came out of her car and approached us, “I just wanted to ask, are you Hare Krishnas?”

“Yes, we are,” I replied. She just lit up and came back with:

“I remember seeing you in the 60s, you were into love and peace.”

“Well, we still are,” I said delighted by her thought. She then added a last statement, a suggestion.

“You know, you should walk more so that people can see you.”

“I’m really trying to do that ma’am, every day.” As I said this she made her way to her car and as she was going in that direction she no longer appeared like a 60 year old + person, but was a teen in her reminiscence. My two walking companions were rather stunned by the response of the public just because we were out there in Vaishnava attire.

Later this evening the same two companions would not be recognized by those motorists that saw us. Maha Mantra would be found in a tight, full bodied morphed burgundy suit, and Darshan would be covered in a rich blue hue body paint portraying Krishna; both on stage at the Royal Saskatchewan Museum for a Gita: Concise performance. In the lobby after the rendition was done, I had several people remark about my direction on the play, “You should do more of this,” and I came back with a, “Yes, most definitely we will.”

I want to thank Regina’s mayor for attending the program.

10 KM

Do More Of That

Regina, Saskatchewan

A young student from Toronto, Darshan, a young monk, Maha Mantra, and I headed north on Albert Street after a night rest and a flight that took us westbound. As we walked, we were spotted by several people and one of which pulled over her car intrigued by the novelty of devotee attire.

This one woman in particular, perhaps in her late 60s came out of her car and approached us, “I just wanted to ask, are you Hare Krishnas?”

“Yes, we are,” I replied. She just lit up and came back with:

“I remember seeing you in the 60s, you were into love and peace.”

“Well, we still are,” I said delighted by her thought. She then added a last statement, a suggestion.

“You know, you should walk more so that people can see you.”

“I’m really trying to do that ma’am, every day.” As I said this she made her way to her car and as she was going in that direction she no longer appeared like a 60 year old + person, but was a teen in her reminiscence. My two walking companions were rather stunned by the response of the public just because we were out there in Vaishnava attire.

Later this evening the same two companions would not be recognized by those motorists that saw us. Maha Mantra would be found in a tight, full bodied morphed burgundy suit, and Darshan would be covered in a rich blue hue body paint portraying Krishna; both on stage at the Royal Saskatchewan Museum for a Gita: Concise performance. In the lobby after the rendition was done, I had several people remark about my direction on the play, “You should do more of this,” and I came back with a, “Yes, most definitely we will.”

I want to thank Regina’s mayor for attending the program.

10 KM

Seeing The Dark and Light

Thunder Bay Ontario

Thunder Bay is an amalgamation of two once very prosperous cities Fort Arthur and Fort William. It was a prominent pulp and paper center and also a major port which funneled harvested grains being shipped east from their source, the expansive prairies.

Like all things in this world there is change and one geologist in this area told me of abundant gold deposits in the area just waiting to reminded, “It becomes an environmental issue in addition to the current price of gold,” he said. I guess that’s the reason for the delay.

I trekked along Simpson Street, an artery which early morning commuters take. Judging by the amount of closed stores, you can see that this section of town had seen better days. This is a drug dealing quarter I’ve come to know. These kinds of conditions stir up an uneasiness inside of me. It’s painful to know that people are in pain, struggling in a dark world. I wish that sometimes we could spin the clock back in time when morality was up, when the family was stronger, and a community was there to hold a person together.

A light rain showered on the area of Simpson Street, almost as if to cleanse what needed to be cleansed. That rain coupled with my meagre effort at chanting as soft as the rain, left me hopeful.

After the trek I sat under a cedar tree to read the latest Journal of Vaishnava Studies. Blessings came my way when a bird perched above unintentionally I’m sure, released a generous amount of dropping to hit the head, shoulder and thigh. It was an interesting way to punctuate the day.

7 KM

Seeing The Dark and Light

Thunder Bay Ontario

Thunder Bay is an amalgamation of two once very prosperous cities Fort Arthur and Fort William. It was a prominent pulp and paper center and also a major port which funneled harvested grains being shipped east from their source, the expansive prairies.

Like all things in this world there is change and one geologist in this area told me of abundant gold deposits in the area just waiting to reminded, “It becomes an environmental issue in addition to the current price of gold,” he said. I guess that’s the reason for the delay.

I trekked along Simpson Street, an artery which early morning commuters take. Judging by the amount of closed stores, you can see that this section of town had seen better days. This is a drug dealing quarter I’ve come to know. These kinds of conditions stir up an uneasiness inside of me. It’s painful to know that people are in pain, struggling in a dark world. I wish that sometimes we could spin the clock back in time when morality was up, when the family was stronger, and a community was there to hold a person together.

A light rain showered on the area of Simpson Street, almost as if to cleanse what needed to be cleansed. That rain coupled with my meagre effort at chanting as soft as the rain, left me hopeful.

After the trek I sat under a cedar tree to read the latest Journal of Vaishnava Studies. Blessings came my way when a bird perched above unintentionally I’m sure, released a generous amount of dropping to hit the head, shoulder and thigh. It was an interesting way to punctuate the day.

7 KM

No Obstacle Course

Thunder Bay, Ontario

People love Ganesh, the elephant-headed god. He’s adorable, a little chubby, accessible, exotic and full of good luck. Luke was selling Ganesh in his figurine form off the table at a stall. The Krishna Culture Festival of India in its 4th year running is going down the trail of continued success. I had walked Cumberland Avenue from Victoria Avenue, the location of our new meditation room/Indian Store, Sanskriti, to destination Marina Park to attend the fest.

My only real obligation, an agreement made with organizer Prem Kishor was to start the event with lighting a dhiya, a cotton ghee wick before milling around in the crowd. The flame represents the presence of God. Dignitaries from the city councils and other various VIPs also lit their wicks and then spoke. When the mic passed over to me, I mentioned that this program is staged to lift the body, mind and spirit.

The emcee was Jordan as was the case last year. Since that time he has become a lawyer. He showed up in smart looking kurta and jeans. Last year it was a kurta and shorts. As we sat down for a minute or two, the jeans at the knee revealed a hole. He joked after this discovery that the hole makes it all the more chic, and that if he were to have a pair of pants with paint splashes on it, it would be commercially a piece of top dollar clothing.

People came to check out the food, samosas even outdid Ganesh in sales. Books were also picked up, Chant and Be Happy, a pocket sized BBT book has the Beatles on the cover, along with our guru Srila Prabhupada. That was selling along with Gitas and cookbooks.

The volunteers, numbering at least 50, are newly arrived Indian students who were doing just about everything to cater to a Canadian crowd of ancestry from Finland, Germany, Italy, Ukraine, England, Quebec, and First Nations. I spent a good hour with a couple who fore-parents hailed from the swamp and muskeg up North. They were intrigued with the dance and music on the stage – traditional story telling about the pastimes of Krishna. The park provides a natural beautiful background of the Earth’s largest body of water, Lake Superior, and there we find the Sleeping Giant, a massive rock formation, which is according to legend, a retiring native chief, there to rest for a while. To one couple I met, typical fair haired Thunder Bay residents, who know something about deities from India, I remarked, “You’ve got your very own reclining Vishnu here.”

There was no beer served, no meat, and I don’t think anyone was missing what to some of us are taboos. All had a good time, all 5,000+, not bad for a city of 100,000 people. There seemed to be no obstacles. It is said that Ganesh removes hurdles on the path of devotion. That seemed to apply at the festival today.

8 KM

No Obstacle Course

Thunder Bay, Ontario

People love Ganesh, the elephant-headed god. He’s adorable, a little chubby, accessible, exotic and full of good luck. Luke was selling Ganesh in his figurine form off the table at a stall. The Krishna Culture Festival of India in its 4th year running is going down the trail of continued success. I had walked Cumberland Avenue from Victoria Avenue, the location of our new meditation room/Indian Store, Sanskriti, to destination Marina Park to attend the fest.

My only real obligation, an agreement made with organizer Prem Kishor was to start the event with lighting a dhiya, a cotton ghee wick before milling around in the crowd. The flame represents the presence of God. Dignitaries from the city councils and other various VIPs also lit their wicks and then spoke. When the mic passed over to me, I mentioned that this program is staged to lift the body, mind and spirit.

The emcee was Jordan as was the case last year. Since that time he has become a lawyer. He showed up in smart looking kurta and jeans. Last year it was a kurta and shorts. As we sat down for a minute or two, the jeans at the knee revealed a hole. He joked after this discovery that the hole makes it all the more chic, and that if he were to have a pair of pants with paint splashes on it, it would be commercially a piece of top dollar clothing.

People came to check out the food, samosas even outdid Ganesh in sales. Books were also picked up, Chant and Be Happy, a pocket sized BBT book has the Beatles on the cover, along with our guru Srila Prabhupada. That was selling along with Gitas and cookbooks.

The volunteers, numbering at least 50, are newly arrived Indian students who were doing just about everything to cater to a Canadian crowd of ancestry from Finland, Germany, Italy, Ukraine, England, Quebec, and First Nations. I spent a good hour with a couple who fore-parents hailed from the swamp and muskeg up North. They were intrigued with the dance and music on the stage – traditional story telling about the pastimes of Krishna. The park provides a natural beautiful background of the Earth’s largest body of water, Lake Superior, and there we find the Sleeping Giant, a massive rock formation, which is according to legend, a retiring native chief, there to rest for a while. To one couple I met, typical fair haired Thunder Bay residents, who know something about deities from India, I remarked, “You’ve got your very own reclining Vishnu here.”

There was no beer served, no meat, and I don’t think anyone was missing what to some of us are taboos. All had a good time, all 5,000+, not bad for a city of 100,000 people. There seemed to be no obstacles. It is said that Ganesh removes hurdles on the path of devotion. That seemed to apply at the festival today.

8 KM

Apurva and Me

Toronto, Ontario

Our cook Apurva just loves moving his feet after the morning arati. He’ll do it alone as he often times has to, but when I’m around it will be a routine question from him, “Are we going?” I don’t decline very often unless I’ve already tackled the sidewalk and put in some kilometres before the arati. So this morning we left for a jaunt in the Annex area.

Apurva came to me with a different question now, “Can you cook?” Meaning the noon cooking, a rather substantial amount which includes doing some preps for Govinda’s, our vegetarian dining facility open to the public. He knows I have a passion for culinary activities, and with all the aftermath of a 2 day intensive festival just behind us, he had become a bit short staffed.

Cruel as I was, I actually passed on this one, even though he came to me as a desperado. I committed the sin and felt the weight of guilt with initial apprehension. I should have sprung up in enthusiastic anticipation. It was short notice, I was caught off guard, and it met with a stunning mode. I really don’t like to let someone down, especially him, but I had to be honest about my availability. Fortunately we both got off the hook so to speak, when in the moment of ‘what to do’ a person volunteered. Apurva had a sigh of relief.

I like cooking almost as much as I like eating, in fact, I was flattered when at my last kitchen endeavour I put together a veg and spice concoction
and Apurva began tailgating me for the recipe. I say that with affection. The prep was tasty by the way, a squash and cauliflower combination.

In conclusion to this simple narrative I simply want to say that I really appreciate all that my god brother Apurva does, everything from his walking to cooking to being a stalwart at morning arati, meditation, studying , to orchestrating kitchen work and finally to being a good friend and always wanting to keep in the company of those who reflect an inkling of what is spiritual.

Thanks, Apurva, for being who you are.

12 KM

Apurva and Me

Toronto, Ontario

Our cook Apurva just loves moving his feet after the morning arati. He’ll do it alone as he often times has to, but when I’m around it will be a routine question from him, “Are we going?” I don’t decline very often unless I’ve already tackled the sidewalk and put in some kilometres before the arati. So this morning we left for a jaunt in the Annex area.

Apurva came to me with a different question now, “Can you cook?” Meaning the noon cooking, a rather substantial amount which includes doing some preps for Govinda’s, our vegetarian dining facility open to the public. He knows I have a passion for culinary activities, and with all the aftermath of a 2 day intensive festival just behind us, he had become a bit short staffed.

Cruel as I was, I actually passed on this one, even though he came to me as a desperado. I committed the sin and felt the weight of guilt with initial apprehension. I should have sprung up in enthusiastic anticipation. It was short notice, I was caught off guard, and it met with a stunning mode. I really don’t like to let someone down, especially him, but I had to be honest about my availability. Fortunately we both got off the hook so to speak, when in the moment of ‘what to do’ a person volunteered. Apurva had a sigh of relief.

I like cooking almost as much as I like eating, in fact, I was flattered when at my last kitchen endeavour I put together a veg and spice concoction
and Apurva began tailgating me for the recipe. I say that with affection. The prep was tasty by the way, a squash and cauliflower combination.

In conclusion to this simple narrative I simply want to say that I really appreciate all that my god brother Apurva does, everything from his walking to cooking to being a stalwart at morning arati, meditation, studying , to orchestrating kitchen work and finally to being a good friend and always wanting to keep in the company of those who reflect an inkling of what is spiritual.

Thanks, Apurva, for being who you are.

12 KM

Expand the Vision

Toronto, Ontario

One of my ashram chums, I guess you could say, Harakumar, conveyed that the series of islands where our Festival of India is held was a space for healing for the Huron Tribe (Nation) long ago. I can see that. With all that the organizers do to erect a weekend sacredness I’m willing to say that it is imperative to maintain the integrity and initial intent of the place. You have this karma free food, you have mantras, teaching circles, yoga, activities for engaging the kids, there is “wellness” all around you.

One attractive feature on Centre Island, the actual location of the Festival of India is a Sunday morning yagya (sacrifice). Two of our awesome monks, Hayagriva and Maha Mantra, received their 2nd initiations before the sacred fire that represents the tongue of Vishnu. They became awarded with brahmin duties. Before they received their sacred threads, I spoke from the view of chapter 8 from Bhagavad Gita. I want them to become brahmins who would embrace a very inclusive perception of what is Divine. In other words, I emphasize the point that as a brahmin priest, you do not see God only in a temple as verse 22 indicates, “Although He is present in His own abode, He is all pervading and everything is situated within Him.” Quoting our guru, Srila Prabhupada, he had this to say, “By His spiritual and material energies, He is present everywhere, both in the material and the spiritual universes.”

If we attempt to limit our vision on the Absolute and place Him in a box, then we check our spiritual progress. We want to expand our vision, if anything.

14 KM

Expand the Vision

Toronto, Ontario

One of my ashram chums, I guess you could say, Harakumar, conveyed that the series of islands where our Festival of India is held was a space for healing for the Huron Tribe (Nation) long ago. I can see that. With all that the organizers do to erect a weekend sacredness I’m willing to say that it is imperative to maintain the integrity and initial intent of the place. You have this karma free food, you have mantras, teaching circles, yoga, activities for engaging the kids, there is “wellness” all around you.

One attractive feature on Centre Island, the actual location of the Festival of India is a Sunday morning yagya (sacrifice). Two of our awesome monks, Hayagriva and Maha Mantra, received their 2nd initiations before the sacred fire that represents the tongue of Vishnu. They became awarded with brahmin duties. Before they received their sacred threads, I spoke from the view of chapter 8 from Bhagavad Gita. I want them to become brahmins who would embrace a very inclusive perception of what is Divine. In other words, I emphasize the point that as a brahmin priest, you do not see God only in a temple as verse 22 indicates, “Although He is present in His own abode, He is all pervading and everything is situated within Him.” Quoting our guru, Srila Prabhupada, he had this to say, “By His spiritual and material energies, He is present everywhere, both in the material and the spiritual universes.”

If we attempt to limit our vision on the Absolute and place Him in a box, then we check our spiritual progress. We want to expand our vision, if anything.

14 KM

Drumming It Up

Toronto, Ontario

When it’s humid and hot out the mrdanga drums don’t always play so well, especially the large side of the drum. It could end up being very slack. The djembe are, however, more hail and hardy, so I asked one of our resident monks to fetch my own, just in case the Bengali mrdanga drums are not up to snuff and are too few and far between.

My concern for music was to provide for the Festival of Chariots, this is kirtan, totally outdoors. And sound did bounce off the high rise walls quite successfully as the temple domed chariots rolled down Yonge Street. My voice was microphoned, drums played in perfect time. I couldn’t resist using an old tune from the 70’s sung by an African American, Dinanath.

In their royal ride, the deities of Krishna, his brother Balarama, and sister, Subadra, as usual, made a strong presence, each lavishly adorned on their respective chariot. Unique about this day is the walking that all the comers are obliged to take on Yonge Street as they yank simultaneously on thick ropes attached to one chariot.

Once reaching Queen’s Quay, the waterfront street, the procession culminates to merge with Festival of India held on Centre Island which is just a piece of heaven. Wish you were all here.

13 KM

Drumming It Up

Toronto, Ontario

When it’s humid and hot out the mrdanga drums don’t always play so well, especially the large side of the drum. It could end up being very slack. The djembe are, however, more hail and hardy, so I asked one of our resident monks to fetch my own, just in case the Bengali mrdanga drums are not up to snuff and are too few and far between.

My concern for music was to provide for the Festival of Chariots, this is kirtan, totally outdoors. And sound did bounce off the high rise walls quite successfully as the temple domed chariots rolled down Yonge Street. My voice was microphoned, drums played in perfect time. I couldn’t resist using an old tune from the 70’s sung by an African American, Dinanath.

In their royal ride, the deities of Krishna, his brother Balarama, and sister, Subadra, as usual, made a strong presence, each lavishly adorned on their respective chariot. Unique about this day is the walking that all the comers are obliged to take on Yonge Street as they yank simultaneously on thick ropes attached to one chariot.

Once reaching Queen’s Quay, the waterfront street, the procession culminates to merge with Festival of India held on Centre Island which is just a piece of heaven. Wish you were all here.

13 KM

Good Sweet

Toronto, Ontario

The Saskatoon berries in the neighbourhood have begun to dry up but the mulberries are just in full swing as far as ripeness is concerned. Apurva has discovered this most amazing organic dish that grows on trees of which there are many in a 1 km radius of our temple ashram. I was also surprised by the find of the plentiful number of them.

In this same early day trek I also lead Apurva to a patch of lamb’s quarters, a really delicious wild leafy green vegetable. It took little effort to harvest these guys to be used in a preparation, most likely, something called kitchory, as an offering to Krishna.

The whole day was laden with sweetness even after the discovery walk at 10 AM, a 12 hour kirtan chanting session commenced with mantra expert Dravida inaugurating it. It was total mercy that I was scheduled to begin the event. Throughout the coming hours many honey combed voices sounded out the name Krishna. Leading singers came from all over the place, including the US, Africa and Europe. The kirtan is an actual warm up for the next day, the annual Ratha Yatra. This time it’s the 41st in Toronto. It seems to grow in numbers each year, let’s see what happens tomorrow.

When I was a kid, I remember watching Jackie Gleason on TV and using his signature line, “How sweet it is” as the kirtan came to a close at 10 PM with a full house of arms in a surrendered pose. For those who were there, it was indeed, sweet – sweet like thick maple syrup.

9 KM

Good Sweet

Toronto, Ontario

The Saskatoon berries in the neighbourhood have begun to dry up but the mulberries are just in full swing as far as ripeness is concerned. Apurva has discovered this most amazing organic dish that grows on trees of which there are many in a 1 km radius of our temple ashram. I was also surprised by the find of the plentiful number of them.

In this same early day trek I also lead Apurva to a patch of lamb’s quarters, a really delicious wild leafy green vegetable. It took little effort to harvest these guys to be used in a preparation, most likely, something called kitchory, as an offering to Krishna.

The whole day was laden with sweetness even after the discovery walk at 10 AM, a 12 hour kirtan chanting session commenced with mantra expert Dravida inaugurating it. It was total mercy that I was scheduled to begin the event. Throughout the coming hours many honey combed voices sounded out the name Krishna. Leading singers came from all over the place, including the US, Africa and Europe. The kirtan is an actual warm up for the next day, the annual Ratha Yatra. This time it’s the 41st in Toronto. It seems to grow in numbers each year, let’s see what happens tomorrow.

When I was a kid, I remember watching Jackie Gleason on TV and using his signature line, “How sweet it is” as the kirtan came to a close at 10 PM with a full house of arms in a surrendered pose. For those who were there, it was indeed, sweet – sweet like thick maple syrup.

9 KM

Comparing Notes

Niagara Falls, Ontario

Bhakti Chaitanya Swami and I trekked along the Great Gorge. He liked it, it’s quite impressive. We even took to the aero car, a moving suspension unit that ski lifts you over a whirlpool of water. Who says that a monk can’t be a tourist and have some fun?

In all frankness we are far from being hermits. Our time together provided the opportunity to gain each other’s association. The exposure to the public is also good. Bhakti Chaitanya and I are both world travelers, although we travel in different directions and end up in different places. Generally we are always with people, formally, for meetings, and less so at festivals. Downtime is necessary, he just came from Siberia.

We compared notes. He said ticks are a big problem over there in Siberia. Many people die contracting fever from them. Also, Russian mosquitoes are huge and aggressive he said. He never heard of our vicious black flies that we have in Canada. The main principle is that there are many little vampires about in both lands in the raw of Siberia and Canada.

What about comparing the people? It seems that wherever there has been a communist regime, people are left with a curious mind, whereas capitalistic folks have become over stimulated. I leave it to you, the readers, to figure out who is who in this regards.

6 KM

Comparing Notes

Niagara Falls, Ontario

Bhakti Chaitanya Swami and I trekked along the Great Gorge. He liked it, it’s quite impressive. We even took to the aero car, a moving suspension unit that ski lifts you over a whirlpool of water. Who says that a monk can’t be a tourist and have some fun?

In all frankness we are far from being hermits. Our time together provided the opportunity to gain each other’s association. The exposure to the public is also good. Bhakti Chaitanya and I are both world travelers, although we travel in different directions and end up in different places. Generally we are always with people, formally, for meetings, and less so at festivals. Downtime is necessary, he just came from Siberia.

We compared notes. He said ticks are a big problem over there in Siberia. Many people die contracting fever from them. Also, Russian mosquitoes are huge and aggressive he said. He never heard of our vicious black flies that we have in Canada. The main principle is that there are many little vampires about in both lands in the raw of Siberia and Canada.

What about comparing the people? It seems that wherever there has been a communist regime, people are left with a curious mind, whereas capitalistic folks have become over stimulated. I leave it to you, the readers, to figure out who is who in this regards.

6 KM

Make It LightToronto, OntarioA day becomes light when a friend is in your company. That’s how I felt in the presence of god brother Bhakti Chaitanya Swami, a New Zealand native who had come to visit us for the first time in Canada. He delivered a bri…

Make It LightToronto, OntarioA day becomes light when a friend is in your company. That’s how I felt in the presence of god brother Bhakti Chaitanya Swami, a New Zealand native who had come to visit us for the first time in Canada. He delivered a bri…

Millions of WaysMississauga, OntarioMy theme for the marathon walk in southern Manitoba has been dubbed as “a friend-raiser, not a fundraiser.” Yet, today, for the sake of fueling, the coming Festival of Chariots financially, I took to raising cash, c…

Millions of WaysMississauga, OntarioMy theme for the marathon walk in southern Manitoba has been dubbed as “a friend-raiser, not a fundraiser.” Yet, today, for the sake of fueling, the coming Festival of Chariots financially, I took to raising cash, c…

What We DidToronto, OntarioBy the time I got freedom to make any kind of a jaunt on foot, torrential rains descended on the city. Thunder, lightening, “stay inside, keep safe,” went the little voice from within.Another rain came my way today – it was …

What We DidToronto, OntarioBy the time I got freedom to make any kind of a jaunt on foot, torrential rains descended on the city. Thunder, lightening, “stay inside, keep safe,” went the little voice from within.Another rain came my way today – it was …

Parents at the ParkMontreal, QuebecIt happened that on this 2nd day at Jeanne Mence Park that I met interested parents. It was also day 2 for our dramatical performance of Gita: Concise which was so rewarding, but it was parents that occupied my mind’…

Parents at the ParkMontreal, QuebecIt happened that on this 2nd day at Jeanne Mence Park that I met interested parents. It was also day 2 for our dramatical performance of Gita: Concise which was so rewarding, but it was parents that occupied my mind’…

TransitionsMontreal, QuebecAs I understand it, Montreal has the largest jazz festival in the world. I walked through it accidentally stumbling upon it on my trekking return from our Festival of Chariots. There are two different worlds here. The jazz…

TransitionsMontreal, QuebecAs I understand it, Montreal has the largest jazz festival in the world. I walked through it accidentally stumbling upon it on my trekking return from our Festival of Chariots. There are two different worlds here. The jazz…

Live on the road

Ottawa\Montreal

​I seem to live on the road. Today it was via a coachline called Greyhound en route to Montreal with a stopover in Ottawa. I like the front seat so even with transfer I managed to be up front and to get on with bus drivers on both legs on the trip.

​Each driver was passionate about his work. They were both cut from the same piece of cloth; determined to get passengers to their destination in a safe and respectful environment.

​“ Respect? “ as Aretha Franklin would sing it. Well there was one passenger who just didn’t get it. That passenger, with cell phone in hand, had a volume of voice that clearly indicated she felt she was the only person on the planet. There were at least three of us, including the driver, who had an eye-rolling session, annoyed by the woman’s self-centeredness. It was not just the loudness but the length of the conversation that got under our skin.

Enough was enough and the bus driver grabbed for the hand-held PA system, “ Attention ladies and gentlemen… “He went on with his message about RESPECT and so we were finally relieved until two hours later when session 2 began.

​Some people just don’t get it. Some folks have a passion for driving (as expressed before) but to the point of driving you crazy. Anyways, a mutual amiable communication became established with the coach driver and I over the ladies ignorance in addition for our passion for travel, and my version of it – pilgrimage. When not in conversation I would read, or chant softly with my beads as an aid or look out the window savouring the day when I can once again trek Highway 7 and be that pilgrim. How I relished that time, ten years ago, even the adventure and chivalry of defending myself of nasty deer flies. In the end, all was rewarding, all was gratifying.

Disembarking the bus and thanking the second driver of the day I left for the last moments on foot to reach, contemplating and appreciating the responsible work of the person who drives. Come to think of it, it’s Krishna who amongst other duties, takes the reigns of the horse and demonstrates an expertise behind the wheel, so to speak.

5 KM

Live on the road

Ottawa\Montreal

​I seem to live on the road. Today it was via a coachline called Greyhound en route to Montreal with a stopover in Ottawa. I like the front seat so even with transfer I managed to be up front and to get on with bus drivers on both legs on the trip.

​Each driver was passionate about his work. They were both cut from the same piece of cloth; determined to get passengers to their destination in a safe and respectful environment.

​“ Respect? “ as Aretha Franklin would sing it. Well there was one passenger who just didn’t get it. That passenger, with cell phone in hand, had a volume of voice that clearly indicated she felt she was the only person on the planet. There were at least three of us, including the driver, who had an eye-rolling session, annoyed by the woman’s self-centeredness. It was not just the loudness but the length of the conversation that got under our skin.

Enough was enough and the bus driver grabbed for the hand-held PA system, “ Attention ladies and gentlemen… “He went on with his message about RESPECT and so we were finally relieved until two hours later when session 2 began.

​Some people just don’t get it. Some folks have a passion for driving (as expressed before) but to the point of driving you crazy. Anyways, a mutual amiable communication became established with the coach driver and I over the ladies ignorance in addition for our passion for travel, and my version of it – pilgrimage. When not in conversation I would read, or chant softly with my beads as an aid or look out the window savouring the day when I can once again trek Highway 7 and be that pilgrim. How I relished that time, ten years ago, even the adventure and chivalry of defending myself of nasty deer flies. In the end, all was rewarding, all was gratifying.

Disembarking the bus and thanking the second driver of the day I left for the last moments on foot to reach, contemplating and appreciating the responsible work of the person who drives. Come to think of it, it’s Krishna who amongst other duties, takes the reigns of the horse and demonstrates an expertise behind the wheel, so to speak.

5 KM

Celebrate

Toronto, Ontario

​The Warped Tour is a music circuit of “ transy dancy ” type that moves around North America. There are the faithful fans of the tour that follow wherever the bands play. It’s a culture and a chunk of that culture are the Hare Krishnas. How so? Madhukari is the name of a Krishna monk who comes up from the States not to hear the concert but to distribute books on higher consciousness. He, with four other brahmacharis travel the circuit and came to town for an overnight stay at the concert before moving on to Buffalo. Followers of the Grateful Dead circuit were known as the Dead Hoods but you would never call these boys the Warped Heads because they are absolutely straight in their aim and mission.

​I was sitting down at an appreciation dinner for the former council members of our temple operations when Madhu walked in. He and his team are also praiseworthy for their austere lifestyle, travelling about with no real fixed address, no girlfriends, no restaurants, no meat, fish or eggs, no drugs or drinks. Sound blend?

​Not a chance! These guys are dead serious and they are loving life. They have picked up on the essence of monkism. Shining examples of renunciation. They resort to being celibate as much as they understood what it means to “ celebrate “.

10 KM

Celebrate

Toronto, Ontario

​The Warped Tour is a music circuit of “ transy dancy ” type that moves around North America. There are the faithful fans of the tour that follow wherever the bands play. It’s a culture and a chunk of that culture are the Hare Krishnas. How so? Madhukari is the name of a Krishna monk who comes up from the States not to hear the concert but to distribute books on higher consciousness. He, with four other brahmacharis travel the circuit and came to town for an overnight stay at the concert before moving on to Buffalo. Followers of the Grateful Dead circuit were known as the Dead Hoods but you would never call these boys the Warped Heads because they are absolutely straight in their aim and mission.

​I was sitting down at an appreciation dinner for the former council members of our temple operations when Madhu walked in. He and his team are also praiseworthy for their austere lifestyle, travelling about with no real fixed address, no girlfriends, no restaurants, no meat, fish or eggs, no drugs or drinks. Sound blend?

​Not a chance! These guys are dead serious and they are loving life. They have picked up on the essence of monkism. Shining examples of renunciation. They resort to being celibate as much as they understood what it means to “ celebrate “.

10 KM

Wheels, People and Numbers

Toronto, Ontario

I thought the figure was quite low and revealing. I took a walk and passed by the major police station for Metro Toronto on College St. The death toll for Metro Toronto involving motorists/pedestrians was 13 for the year 2012. It would not be a boasting number but it has already reached the figure of 13 for this year. Unfortunate because we’re only halfway through the year.

Fatalities involving vehicles and pedestrians is everyone’s pet peeve and I’m sure that in the days of horse and buggy collisions and death scenarios were also a reality in the good ‘ol days. In any event the numbers tell that we have relative safety. We all die by some means. The mortality rate is 100%.

Personally I’m looking forward to the summer events of Ratha Yatra and to being an eager participant in the Montreal version this weekend. Foot travellers, chariots and on wheels will be interspersed on streets this season. The chariots do not operate on motor power but by a rope that is sometimes strenuously and sometimes less so pulled by pedestrians of devotion.
Author Adi Sankaracharya writes in the famed song, “Jagannastakam”:

“When Sri Jagannatha (Lord of the Universe) moves along the road on His Rathayatra car at every step large assemblies of brahmanas loudly chant prayers and sing songs for His pleasure.”

The event is basically enchanting — full of charm and so little harm.

[For info. on the Toronto Festival of Chariots, contact www.festivalofindia.ca, or 1-888-535-FEST]

11 KM

Wheels, People and Numbers

Toronto, Ontario

I thought the figure was quite low and revealing. I took a walk and passed by the major police station for Metro Toronto on College St. The death toll for Metro Toronto involving motorists/pedestrians was 13 for the year 2012. It would not be a boasting number but it has already reached the figure of 13 for this year. Unfortunate because we’re only halfway through the year.

Fatalities involving vehicles and pedestrians is everyone’s pet peeve and I’m sure that in the days of horse and buggy collisions and death scenarios were also a reality in the good ‘ol days. In any event the numbers tell that we have relative safety. We all die by some means. The mortality rate is 100%.

Personally I’m looking forward to the summer events of Ratha Yatra and to being an eager participant in the Montreal version this weekend. Foot travellers, chariots and on wheels will be interspersed on streets this season. The chariots do not operate on motor power but by a rope that is sometimes strenuously and sometimes less so pulled by pedestrians of devotion.
Author Adi Sankaracharya writes in the famed song, “Jagannastakam”:

“When Sri Jagannatha (Lord of the Universe) moves along the road on His Rathayatra car at every step large assemblies of brahmanas loudly chant prayers and sing songs for His pleasure.”

The event is basically enchanting — full of charm and so little harm.

[For info. on the Toronto Festival of Chariots, contact www.festivalofindia.ca, or 1-888-535-FEST]

11 KM

July 1st

Ottawa, Ontario

July the 1st marks the birthday of Canada. It’s an opportunity for people to get together for a good time over smoothies or beer. And at the Nation’s capital at Parliament Hill much activity goes on attracting the secular and spiritual population.

Every year near the War Memorial we, “the Krishna’s”, set up a stage with speakers, microphones and awnings to accommodate our chanting sessions. I participate on a yearly basis. I make a point of it to come and to lead the chanting.

I believe it to be the liveliest event of the year for those of us who are delivering. What are we delivering? Answer: Mantra. How was it received? Phenomenally well. Very well! The public just lit up when they saw our party of chanters snake and smoke our way through the crowds.

Wherever there’s an opportunity, we will be there to sing the song and for you, the public, to dive in there with us and shake a leg. The slogan “all is one”, as the folks who prescribe to the philosophy known as “mayavad” would say, or as Dr. Bronner’s soap container would read on its label, with kirtan it is most appropriate.

Chanting unites. Happy Birthday Canada!

10 KM

July 1st

Ottawa, Ontario

July the 1st marks the birthday of Canada. It’s an opportunity for people to get together for a good time over smoothies or beer. And at the Nation’s capital at Parliament Hill much activity goes on attracting the secular and spiritual population.

Every year near the War Memorial we, “the Krishna’s”, set up a stage with speakers, microphones and awnings to accommodate our chanting sessions. I participate on a yearly basis. I make a point of it to come and to lead the chanting.

I believe it to be the liveliest event of the year for those of us who are delivering. What are we delivering? Answer: Mantra. How was it received? Phenomenally well. Very well! The public just lit up when they saw our party of chanters snake and smoke our way through the crowds.

Wherever there’s an opportunity, we will be there to sing the song and for you, the public, to dive in there with us and shake a leg. The slogan “all is one”, as the folks who prescribe to the philosophy known as “mayavad” would say, or as Dr. Bronner’s soap container would read on its label, with kirtan it is most appropriate.

Chanting unites. Happy Birthday Canada!

10 KM

“Best Use”

Ottawa, Ontario

It appeared like an endless bus ride, but it did end, like everything else.
I was also at the end of the line, practically the last passenger on the Greyhound destined for Ottawa. That meant little to no choice for seats; I ended up right next to the washroom. It didn’t smell so good being there.
“Make the best use of a bad bargain,” our guru Srila Prabhupada, used to say. This adage of wisdom can apply to most circumstances including the part that I have this body which is temporary and poses problems. Still this machinery, with its defects, can be a most useful tool in accomplishing my goals which should take me beyond the effort to just survive.

I looked at the bright side of things regarding the seating arrangement I had to settle for. I had the best seat for stretching my legs being at the end of the aisle. It even topped that over the leg room that the bus driver had. I should be a happy chappy.
For the use of time, I believe it was well spent going through final pages of the book “Radha-Damodhar Vilas”, which details the lives of two American monks, Vishnujana Swami and Jayananda Prabhu. It delineates the pioneering of Krishna Consciousness in North America during the late 60’s to the early 70’s. It’s a good read as far as outlining the spirit of the time through the testimonies of so many who lived through it all.

Those were enthusiastic, creative and do-the-needful times. We were “just kids”, you could say, but we were serious about our spiritual side. For some of us that mood endured.

3 KM

“We Are Jewish”

Toronto, Ontario

After doing a marathon and suddenly coming to a halt, or even a break (as in my case), it is easy to go through some withdrawal symptoms. I have been habituated to a 30 plus km daily jaunt. With a flight from Regina to Toronto eating up time and then an engagement with an “Evening of Bhakti” I then end up at the same juncture many times before. With no real physical activity today I am left destitute.

It’s quite simple to understand. I just can’t fall asleep even though it’s past midnight. What to do?

I’ve learned from the past to just get up and start walking. So I picked up my reclining self and went down the Yonge St. trail.

Two fellows approach me at the stoplight at Yonge & Bloor. “Are you Hare Krishna?”

“Yes I am!”

“Can you give us some truth, something to think about? We are Jewish, by the way.”

The light changed. We started walking. And I said, “Yes, essentially we are not these bodies. We are the spirit within the body. Establish who you really are first. You are not a machine (this body). You are the engine inside the machine.”

“That’s good,” said the one guy.

“We come from a Jewish background.”

“Jews and India get along. I go there every year,” I explained. “I have lots of friends who are Jews.”

“Yeah, well, we’re hated all over the world but not in India.”

“India has always been accommodating, especially the Hindu mindset. Tolerance, patience is taught.”

We then parted our ways as they took a different route. They know “our place”, our ashram on Avenue.
“Please come and visit us when you can.”

After a trek up and down what was a noisy street I returned back to the ashram and slept like a baby.”

8 KM

TouchdownSaskatchewan/Hwy 3/18I never feel like I’m in some major league,nor that I’m in theplayoff, but I believe I’m in a good team and that today we made a touchdown. With japa beads in hand and the maha-mantra on my tongue and lips, the milestone w…