Do devotees need to take care of their emotional health? (video)
→ Dandavats

By Chaitanya Charan Das

Do devotees need to take care of their emotional health? - The Monk's Podcast with Mahatma Prabhu. Healthy Devotees, Happy Devotees. It is no secret that our physical and mental well-being has a crucial influence on the quality of our daily life and our efficiency in devotional service. Continue reading "Do devotees need to take care of their emotional health? (video)
→ Dandavats"

Monday, November 14, 2022
→ The Walking Monk

Toronto/Atlanta

Back to Argentina

When I boarded Delta Airline enroute to Atlanta, as a stopover for Buenos Aires, I had a little chat with the flight attendant. I remarked that customs were so long and so slow. “Unacceptable!” I said.

Her remark, “It’s always like that here (Toronto). I love the city, but the airport…” And as she said this her eyes were rolling. I thought to lodge a complaint next time I had the chance, regarding an improvement in service that could happen at the Toronto Airport. Afterall service is everything in the regular world as well as in the world of bhakti, the spiritual. A big price tag is put on the ways of convenience.

When on the plane I had the pleasure to read from Satsvarupa’s book, Prabhupada, about the first Chariot Festival in San Francisco:

The report came back. “It was great! It was wonderful! It was a beautiful day, they said. And Swamiji listened, moved by his disciples’ descriptions of the celebration. Many hippies had joined the large procession. Mukunda, Haridasa, Hayagriva, and some of the women had been on the cart, and the instruments, including Yamuna’s playing on the harmonium had been amplified. Everyone in the streets had liked it.”

It’s always good to hear good news even if from the past.

In Atlanta, I boarded Delta once again to find myself in a middle seat. On either side was already seated an uncle and a niece. “Would you like to sit together?” I asked. “No, it’s okay”, they replied and ended up talking through me anyway.

May the Source be with you!


 

Sunday, November 13, 2022
→ The Walking Monk

Hamilton / Oakville

Shelter

This Sunday was exciting. Sundays usually are. One of the reasons is that I get very busy with people. Today, it was three locations, so that makes it three presentations. The theme for all these venues, in addition to chanting sessions and prasadam (blessed food), was the topic of “shelter.” The first gathering was actually in the Conference Room of ISKCON Toronto. There I presented a borrowed story about shelter and the nature of a cat or a dog. Perhaps you have heard it before?

A dog thinks, “Here is my master. He gives me shelter, feeds me, loves me and will do anything for me, and asks nothing in return. My master must be god.”

A cat thinks, “Here is my master who gives me shelter, feeds me, loves me and will do anything for me, and asks nothing in return. I must be god.”

The above story definitely received some resonating responses. The real essence of the topic was not so much to do with the difference between the two pets, but what it truly means to take shelter. We can think of a turtle whose shelter is actually its shell. There is this example in The Gita about the turtle who draws its limbs within its shell when there is danger.

We are all in danger of the attacks by maya, illusion, and so the ultimate protection is in humility, at the lotus feet of the Lord. Let’s face it, there are animal shelters, homeless shelters, women’s shelters, bomb shelters, etc. There should be. There are also maya shelters, offering protection from life’s illusions. Maya is hot, Krishna is cool. Let us go under His shade, His shelter.

May the Source be with you!

 


Saturday, November 12, 2022
→ The Walking Monk

Brampton, Ontario

The Kind and the Not So

Road rage is very much on the rise. On the previous night, while on the freeway, two drivers involved in a collision were almost at each other’s throats in a shouting match, blaming each other for the accident. They used unholy terms. Not surprising is that this overall “etiquette” on our roads is on the rise. Too many cars. Not enough roads. Levels of speed are up. More and more motorists cut each other off. Check out the words kama, krodha and lobha in the scriptures and where these traits lead us and a full-blown picture is created. I forgot to mention the frequency of honking. It’s bad!

This Saturday evening Vallabha Hari and I witnessed some nasty elements as we walked along Davenport, which was formerly The Ancient Trail, tread by our indigenous people. We had just participated in a beautiful night at Rita and Hatesh’s home. “Beautiful” because I got my asparagus. The chanting was lively amongst the ten or so families. We also enjoyed reading together from Hari Sauri’s Transcendental Diary about our guru, Prabhupada, and how he kept his cool as he arrived at the airport while customs officials carried on in a negative demeanor. I would give credit, however, to the customs people of today (the above-mentioned was in 1976, when he came through the Toronto Airport). While folks in the servant category these days are a little kinder, the people behind the wheel have become very rajasic (passionate).

May the Source be with you!

4km


 

Friday, November 11, 2022
→ The Walking Monk

Mississauga, Ontario

To the Burb

Rain had dominated the sky; not a major wash out, but a pleasantly quiet, meditative send-down of moisture. Umbrellas become popular on such days. I put mine to good use with small errands in the downtown area of T.O., which is where I actually live.

But for the evening I was destined for the suburbs, to Mississauga to be specific. To get there, the plan was to take the subway train. As I entered the east-west line of the subway at St.George Street, I was met by a TTC (Toronto Transit Commission) agent. I asked him about the charge to get on the train.

“Are you a senior?” he asked.

“Yes, I am.” There’s a discount for us guys. Thank God!

Furthermore, this chap was trying to be funny.

“Do you monks listen to jokes?”

“Oh yes!” I informed. He went on to tell a monk joke which I really didn’t get. Then he asked where I was going. I told him, “Mississauga.”

“Why do you punish yourself? I used to live there.” Of course, he said that all in jest, but I didn’t find it too amusing. I did appreciate his liveliness though.

I threw my coins – $2.30 – and proceeded to the train. It was a good ride; no traffic jams, which Toronto is notorious for. Nanda met me at the Islington station and drove me to the home of Pusta Krishna, where we met with several families for a regular Gita Chat. Our evening was one of food, kirtan and then discussing several verses from Chapter Two of The Gita, which ran the common “Do not lament!”

May the Source be with you!

4km


 

Thursday, November 10, 2022
→ The Walking Monk

The Beaches, Toronto

The Beach / The Farm

I couldn’t resist bringing my dear friend, Kalakantha, to the Beaches area of the city, not for a swim and certainly not for any gazing at scantily clad beach lovers. We are not like that and besides, it is much too cold for swimwear only. The favourable 19⁰ Celsius is, however, unique for this time of the year. The reason for any recommendation to invite him and members of the Bhakti Academy to the sand and sun was that, historically, it was at the Beaches boardwalk that our guru, Prabhupada, took a brisk walk in the summer of 1975.

It was so pleasant. One man playing on his drum-set in the outdoors had spread out in front of him several boxes of musical instruments – shakers, bangers and tambourines. As we strolled by, he gestured to grab anything and participate.

“On our way back”, I told him.

And so, we did. We took any old noise maker he had displayed before him and went wild with a kirtan to honour this special place; the boardwalk tread upon by a sadhu, holy man.

Another blissful aspect of the day was a drive – a super slow one, being in Toronto – to Caledon and the ahimsadairy farm called Gopal Goshala. Gathered there were all our members of the Tuesday night Gita Chat group. It was educationally ecstatic.

Before rest I took a moment to reflect on the next morning, November 11th, which is the veteran’s Remembrance Day. Peace to the freedom fighters.

May the Source be with you!

5km



 

Wednesday, November 09, 2022
→ The Walking Monk

Seaton Village, Toronto

Happy As Can Be

I am taking my daily dose of herbs in powder form. Called turmeric ashwagandha, it is marketed as golden milk powder or adaptogenic elixir. This superfood is helping to build some strength but it is definitely not everything. While still waiting for a report on more blood tests, I remain faithful to the walking culture that I am so much a part of. This regimen is keeping me going.

After a heartily greet with dear friend, Kalakantha, who’s visiting us and helping in overseeing our Bhakti Academy, I decided to take a stroll up Bloor St. It’s a mere 9⁰ Celsius; warm enough for me without a jacket, especially on an east-west street where the sun rays take a laser-like presence.

I like this street. It’s ethnically or demographically quite diverse. There’s the student crowd mixed in with everyone else, even up to the Korean section. Plenty of pedestrian activity happening, all with a purpose to reach a destination of intent whether it be work, recreation or purchase – some are happy, some are just scraping by with living. It is all a play-out of karma.

With my trekking I like to think I’m slightly different. I’m human, like all of them, but I notice very few who are meditative. I have my japa beads in my right hand. They get noticed. In some way I feel I’m in with them and aloof at the same time.

The sun began to make his descent so I turned back, zig zagging my way back to the ashram, happy as can be.

May the Source be with you!

6km


 

Tuesday, November 8, 2022
→ The Walking Monk

Don Mills, Ontario

Raccoon *On Cameron*

It was a special treat to have an interview hosted by Winnipeg resident, Pravasi Divya, a writer for newspaper Prabhasi India. She was keen to know about my entering into monkhood. In addition to that history, she was curious about the ultimate monk, Chaitanya, as well as my walking ventures. I hope she comes up with a great article that will enthuse its readers to get out of the comfort zone and cultivate more the spiritual side of life.

The evening’s Gita Chat also touched on the point of pulling out of our box, in the course of working on a project, and just going on a fresh-air walk-around-the-block and then re-convene.

The major highlight of the day came after lunch, when a trio from Minneapolis, Purneem Krishna, Anasuya and Gopika joined our weekly team for a stroll in a unique place. Taylor Creek Trail is the path that our guru, Prabhupada, trekked with his loving followers in June 1976. The creek is in a ravine full of trees and, of course, wildlife. Most notable was a frivolous raccoon who surprised us all with its bold and friendly approach.

We spotted him across the creek, which compelled Alex to make his way to our side of the creek. This cute raccoon placed its paws in the water, obviously to search for food, but then took a swim, heading straight for Alex. After coming out of the water, it shook off what was wet and took to greeting Alex in an unusual way. We captured it all on camera. Then it went on its merry way.

May the Source be with you!

5km



 

Monday, November 7, 2022
→ The Walking Monk

Halifax/Toronto

Abusive / Destructive

 

The world recognizes abusive situation physical, sexual, psychological, etc. This poem is directed more towards abuse in the home.

Why are we so cruel to each other?

And why should anyone even bother?

The world, full of secret darkness so covert

And undeniable aggressions so overt

Unsettle all souls of tender worth

And destroy the rights of one from birth

The chronic evil of domestic violence

Is killing millions of voices now left in silence

 

Victims are many in and out of the home

With a strike of the fist and a kick to break a bone

Such repeated action is simply brutal rage

Inappropriate especially for a so-called sage

Or a so-called guardian, or even a parent

When in truth such a person is a natural servant

For such a noble role is one of responsibility

Meant to offer an atmosphere of safe tranquility

 

Righteous people stand for wholesome relations

For supportive and well-being situations

And giving affection to deserving children

Respecting women, mothers of those kinderen

For the greatest social force is in strong families

Failing this, we are left with calamities

We must condemn the act of an abusive human

Because it is the epitome of a shameful scam

 

Let us provide real love in its proper direction

Where there is flaw, take immediate correction

Where there are words of reason, let us listen

Where there is sweat, may it then glisten

In the glory of duty and a second chance

For we must take a fresh moral stance

Where there is muscle be it a shield

For fixing hearts needing to be healed

 

Let us replace cruelty with solemnity

Anger and neglect, with patience and reflect

On commitment with a capital C

And make our dependants our priority

We must bother with social change

Until unwanted violence does unhinge

And when our tolerance level reaches zero

We can then declare society a crowned hero

 

Our aim is to please Krishna

Good behaviour will do it

-          Composed by Bhaktimarga Swami, The Walking Monk©

 

May the Source be with you!

5km


 

Sunday, November 6, 2022
→ The Walking Monk

Halifax, Nova Scotia

Sunday Funday

The current temperatures in some parts of Canada are unseasonably warm and out east, in Nova Scotia, we are enjoying the benefits of this favourable climate with 20⁰ Celsius in our midst. The situation compelled a number of us to absorb as much vitamin D as possible by hitting the trails that take us through hard and softwood trees, lakes and ponds and rocks at both sides, only to be interrupted by the occasional development site. For me it was a straight trek – fast but not furious trek – and I had a few amigos to accompany me along the way.

I really didn’t want to stop but previous arrangements and scheduling forced me off the trail. It was a pleasant disappointment.

Among today’s commitments of visitations, and a meaningful meeting, was a visit to the Vedanta Ashram Society, on Cork St. where my musical team, Mahadev, Annapurna and I engaged in kirtan, a speech and a rally of all attendees to get up off their feet to sing and dance. From there we mobilized our group to the ISKCON program at the Atlantic School of Theology.

Bhakti Prabhava Swami, who was there just a few weeks ago, went into the building, which is an actual church shared by three Christian denominations, and said, “This is first class.” I couldn’t agree with him more. It has great acoustics for kirtan. There is also an extra room for Sunday School, and it’s situated right next to the harbour so the view is wonderful.

May the Source be with you!

8km


 

Saturday, November 05, 2022
→ The Walking Monk

Halifax, Nova Scotia

What We Did in 20⁰ Celsius?

Our day started off with a trek along East River, running along New Glasgow, which happens to be a piece of the Great Trail. Ravi, Mahadev, Annapurna and I found ourselves at the downtown farmer’s market, and, like all such pooling of people, they are the most thoughtful folks around; anywhere. There we met Camilla, whom I’ve known for a good twelve years, and is a bhakti enthusiast. I also met with a local woman who came to our book launch at the library back in May, where she purchased The Saffron Path. She was quite happy to see us.

“I love your book. I read it and I now understand so much about you (the culture).”

That was nice to hear.

A second trail beckoned us to Point Pleasant Park, where the entire path took on the scent of a Christmas tree; spruce or fir. Here less damage was done to trees by the recent, infamous Hurricane Fiona. In New Glasgow we couldn’t believe how many were uprooted by that fierce wind. In any event we were united with Savyasacin and his three daughters who lost their mom to cancer this past spring.

Our final venue for today was at the “Therapeutic Approach,” on Quinpool, where yoga is taught. The place filled up fast. Attendees were on time and so were we. What can I say? The event was phenomenal and included the participation of all present in singing and dancing. It was definitely a redefinition of “Saturday Night Fever.”

May the Source be with you!

6km



 

Friday, November 04, 2022
→ The Walking Monk

Stellarton, Nova Scotia

A Bit on Foot / A Bit on Wheels

Ambarish and I took to the Chain of Lakes trail from Timberlea; a former rail and now trail path, when we came up with an idea. This particular trail connects with another one, which connects with several homeowners from our Krishna community. We are looking at relatively new subdivisions here and everyone is more or less dependent on the automobile. However, with a little bit of map exploration one could simply connect the dots and voila, now you have a new way of seeing each household on special days off or weekends. Perhaps call them Japa Walk Days. Instead of just Sunday formalities at the temple, why not enhance community interactive-ness by groups of devotees moving, in a wholesome way, through the back green trails of lakes, waterfalls and trees?

Let’s share the idea for this Halifax region. Brian Crawford, whom I have known for decades now, a retired child protection manager, took Mahadev, Annapurna and I to Stellarton, where the head-office of the Sobey’s food chain is located. It was five months since being there and we conducted an Evening of Bhakti program at Ravi Rawat’s home. We made good friends with Muriko, a yoga and martial arts instructor. He is new to the bhakti concept, which explores unconditional love for the Lord.

“Who is the Lord?” This was a question he had, along with another sincere one like, “Is Krishna superior to Shiva?”

“The Lord is He from whom everything emanates. The Source.” As for the other question, “Shiva is the manifestation of God who destroys when the world goes wrong. Krishna is the One who charms us and educates us through The Gita.”

May the Source be with you!

5km


 

Thursday, November 03, 2022
→ The Walking Monk

Halifax, Nova Scotia

Out with the Haligonians

The early morning began with the thickest fog, which caused a delay for Mahadev, Annapurna and I to fly to Halifax from Toronto. Once we arrived by Swoop Airlines at 11 am, the sky was clear and a brisk air was there to greet us at 3⁰ Celsius. Hurray! And Hare!

Our main engagement for the day was the book launch for The Saffron Path, at Halifax Central Library. All technical and facility arrangements were professionally executed for our opening kirtan chant, while my regular Thursday Zoom was set up for others out of province. The room filled up!

I told my stories and it was a tall, brown, good-looking man from South India who mentioned, after the presentation, that he liked the details of the redneck dynamic I went through in New-Brunswick in 1996, when a motorist rolled down the window and gave me the middle finger as his way of discriminating against my monastic robes.

“I felt insecure, but way-a-minute, he’s the one that’s insecure, so let me transfer my self-pity to empathy for that driver.”

Anyway, book sales went on at the end of the presentation. All liked the chant, including the drumming by local devotee, Mangalananda.

Programs held in libraries are usually for the thoughtful kind. I was happy for us because there were mixed groups of listeners, ethnically, and all were thoughtful.

May the Source be with you!




 

Narahari Sarakara Thakura Disappearance
→ Ramai Swami

 Shri Narahari Sarkar Thakura was born at Shri Khanda. Shri Narahari Sarkar Thakura participated in all of Shri Gaurasundara’s pastimes. Bhakti Ratnakara states: “Shri Sarkar Thakura’s glories are most uncommon. In Braja he is known as Madhumati, whose good qualities are unlimited.” 

One day, Nityananda Prabhu arrived at Shri Khanda and said to Narahari, “All right, we know who you are. So where’s the honey, Madhu’ ?” In Krishna-lila, Narahari is the sakhi Madhumati, whose service is to supply honey for Shri Shri Radha-Govinda and Their associates. So he immediately went to a nearby pond and filled a pot which immediately turned into honey of the most nectarean kind. Nityananda Prabhu and His associates drank from this pot to their full and unlimited satisfaction.

   Narahari dasa Sarakara was a very famous devotee. Lochana dasa Thakura, the celebrated author of Shri Chaitanya-mangala, was his disciple. In the Chaitanya-mangala it is stated that Shri Gadadhara dasa and Narahari Sarakara were extremely dear to Shri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, but there is no specific statement regarding the inhabitants of the village of Shrikhanta. (A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada. Chaitanya Charitamrita Adi-lila 10:78-79.purport)

Shri Narahari Sarkar Thakura was a very expert singer as well as poet. He has composed many songs about the pastimes of Lord Chaitanya and Lord Nityananda. He composed a Sanskrit work entitled Shri Bhajanamrta.

Grand Inauguration Ceremony of Sri Sri Krishna Balaram Temple in Vrindaranyam Campus
→ Dandavats

By Satish Babu (Sucisrava Das) Administration Department Bhaktivedanta Gurukula & International School Hare Krishna,Please accept our humble obeisances!   ISKCON Bhaktivedanta Gurukula and International School celebrated the Grand Opening of Sri Sri Krishna Balaram Temple for 5 days and its program highlights are as follows.   November 5 The New Temple opened its doors on November 5th and devotees came
Read More...

Sankirtana & Book Distribution
→ Dandavats

22 February, 1971 Houston My Dear Visnujana Maharaja, Please accept my blessings. I am in due receipt of your encouraging letter dated 1st February, 1971 and have noted the contents carefully. The pamphlet enclosed by you is very nice and I am translating it into Hindi. You have very diligently collected all the purports in
Read More...