Friday, June 28th, 2013
→ The Walking Monk

Touchdown

Saskatchewan/Hwy 3/18

I 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 was reached by completing on foot the province of Manitoba. We made a touchdown.

It was obscure. A mere simple sign on Highway 3 that indicates that we are now in Saskatchewan. All seems the same though from an external point of view. It's the same asphalt but the nomenclature changes. It's now highway #18.

To witness the event were the spectators themselves. What would not be a more appropriate group of viewers than a herd of bison, the provincial animal whose insignia is stamped on each highway sign. Nole, just east of Pierson, a village of 140 population, 6 kilometres shy of the border, a group of the beautiful beasts went to a stunned "freeze" when they heard my feet grip the gravel and then decided to go for an intermission from feeding. In other words, they turned their backs on me and went to the far reaches of the field. At least they demonstrated solidarity.

And get a load of this - less than one kilometre before reaching the finish-line, the border, two moose gawked at Daruka, with camera in position and Billie, the parrot on his shoulder. They went the way of the buffalo. "These are humans. Let's get outta here!"

As far as humans go, a good number of passers-by in mostly trucks of canola, wheat, cattle growers and oilfield workers, did stop and cheerlead in their own way. "Keep it up," they said.

So now Daruka and I were left to celebrate with strawberry milkshakes and then make a 3 hour drive to White City for an evening house program of CEC, chat, eat and chant.

20 KM

Thursday, June 27th, 2013
→ The Walking Monk

Bliss On The Trail

Melita, Manitoba

Daruka and I really relish tenting at camp-sites as a way to accommodate ourselves. We like the simple life and the slight roughing-it-up.

The daily showers and swim cleanses and provides water to the body, which it craves, being exposed to the open sun and wind. Furthermore, H2O soothes the stiff leg muscles which are engaged in repeated action.

The soles of the feet and around the ankles have become somewhat raspy due to dead skin forming. They are not exactly like sandpaper; maybe a little more like velcro and have a tendency to stick to the inner layer of my sleeping-bag, and, when changing into my dhoti (lower monk robe), the cloth tends to hug the feet. I applied pumice to the feet and that makes a difference; a vigorous rubbing.

Now for today's trek: I began at 4AM and practically shcoked the hell out of these guys working for the oil rigs. First of all, who walks in the remote prairie and at this hour? Secondly, the wind enhances a ghostly flow of the vestments.

But what a nice break it was walking a trail with no asphalt! Call it ecstasy where for a full 9 hours your soles get a free reflexology session, gently rolling over stones. And what a joy it was seeing and hearing these coots (mud-hens is the slang) for the first time in my life. And what humour and warmth it brought to my heart to view the puzzled look on an elderly prairie farmer's face in his pickup truck when he saw my alien-self.

Yes, it was the road less traveled (Road 12 North) but it was the short-cut and it saves me 20 kms had I follwed the silly highway.

By God (Krishna's) grace today I managed my old daily average of 40 kms. "Yahoo!" Better still, "Haribol!"

40 KM

REFLECTIONS ON ASKING EXCELLENT QUESTIONS
→ Gita Coaching

By Mayapur dasa - London

HOW MAY I SERVE YOU TODAY?

One question I sometimes ask Srila Prabhupada or Krsna in the morning is: 

How may  I serve today?

The first time I asked this question, some years ago, the whole day went by without any sign of service. After work, I went to temple for 9pm arti, but still nothing. On my way home, I walked past Leceister square (Central London). There, my attention was drawn to a man asking people around him “do you want this?” and he had this book that nobody wanted. So he consequently threw it in a nearby refuse bin before walking away. As the book flew into the bin, I thought I recognized the burgundy and gold cover but was not sure. So I went over and looked into the bin and was astonished to see a Srimad Bhagavatam. The book was still in very good condition and had not been spoilt by the contents of the bin. I picked it up, and fully understanding what Krsna wanted me to do, went to a friend’s house in Golders Green (North London) and gave it to him as a gift. I then went home peaceful, having accomplished my allocated service for the day.

IF YOU DON'T ASK
If you don’t ask, you don’t know.
If you don’t know, you remain ignorant.
If are ignorant, you suffer.
If you suffer, you must ask.
If you don’t ask …

THERE IS NO SUCH THING AS A STUPID QUESTION
When devotees hesitate to ask a question, they often describe it as a “stupid question”. This usually means they are afraid of appearing stupid, of  being embarrassed, of being rejected, of being ridiculed. This fearful mental disposition is a hurdle to learning.  Concerns about appearing stupid means concern for appearance, image or reputation is a bodily thing. Rising above these will widen opportunities for learning, happiness and fulfillment, for oneself and for others. In a group, it is the responsibility of the speaker/ trainer/ teacher/ lecturer, to create an atmosphere of trust, confidentiality as well as prompt attendees to make enquiries.

To ask a question is to demonstrate a desire to learn, but when in a group the questioner may become hesitant, thinking their question might not be relevant. There are two answers to this:
(i) the fact that you want to ask means the question is relevant to you. Therefore, ask.
(ii) If you are concerned whether your question is relevant to others, you have no choice but to ask to find out. No one benefits when you hold back a question. Neither you, nor others.

In my 12 years experience as a trainer in the business world, I can confidently say, those who overcome their fear and ask questions, often unknowingly open the doors of learning for others who were more shy to ask the exact same questions. I have seen this over and over. When that happens, the sense of relief is noticeable on faces and in the atmosphere of the room.
  
THREE CONSIDERATIONS: WHAT TO ASK? HOW TO ASK? WHEN TO ASK?

1. What to ask?

The injunction for the devotee is pariprasnena – to enquire. This means philosophical enquiries. The nature and depth of such  enquiries, I have observed, depends on how much one reads Srila Prabhupada’s purports. Without this, enquiries remain rather mundane – shall I get married or not? shall I do this service or not? how can I work out what is my varna? how do I resolve this dispute with that prabhu or mataji?  The nature of questions are indicative of the level of philosophical understanding.  The more devotees read, the more relevant and pertinent the philosophical enquiries and everyone becomes enlivened in Krishna consciousness.

MORNING CLASS

In Kali-yuga, there are no "sruti-dhara" students (one who can immediately remember everything).  When students carry books and notebooks into the class, it indicates they are serious about learning and remembering. In such an atmosphere, asking questions becomes an exciting experience. When students are left to listen passively, without books, without taking notes, without the governing principles of a typical class, they do not become excited about the knowledge, about devotional service or  about Krishna. How much devotees learn is noticeable by the nature of questions they ask during and after class. The result of excellent questions is amazing enthusiasm for Krishna and devotional service, and amazing happiness!

REFLECTIONS ON ASKING EXCELLENT QUESTIONS
→ GITA COACHING

By Mayapur dasa - London

HOW MAY I SERVE YOU TODAY?

One question I sometimes ask Srila Prabhupada or Krsna in the morning is: 

How may  I serve today?

The first time I asked this question, some years ago, the whole day went by without any sign of service. After work, I went to temple for 9pm arti, but still nothing. On my way home, I walked past Leceister square (Central London). There, my attention was drawn to a man asking people around him “do you want this?” and he had this book that nobody wanted. So he consequently threw it in a nearby refuse bin before walking away. As the book flew into the bin, I thought I recognized the burgundy and gold cover but was not sure. So I went over and looked into the bin and was astonished to see a Srimad Bhagavatam. The book was still in very good condition and had not been spoilt by the contents of the bin. I picked it up, and fully understanding what Krsna wanted me to do, went to a friend’s house in Golders Green (North London) and gave it to him as a gift. I then went home peaceful, having accomplished my allocated service for the day.

IF YOU DON'T ASK
If you don’t ask, you don’t know.
If you don’t know, you remain ignorant.
If are ignorant, you suffer.
If you suffer, you must ask.
If you don’t ask …

THERE IS NO SUCH THING AS A STUPID QUESTION
When devotees hesitate to ask a question, they often describe it as a “stupid question”. This usually means they are afraid of appearing stupid, of  being embarrassed, of being rejected, of being ridiculed. This fearful mental disposition is a hurdle to learning.  Concerns about appearing stupid means concern for appearance, image or reputation is a bodily thing. Rising above these will widen opportunities for learning, happiness and fulfillment, for oneself and for others. In a group, it is the responsibility of the speaker/ trainer/ teacher/ lecturer, to create an atmosphere of trust, confidentiality as well as prompt attendees to make enquiries.

To ask a question is to demonstrate a desire to learn, but when in a group the questioner may become hesitant, thinking their question might not be relevant. There are two answers to this:
(i) the fact that you want to ask means the question is relevant to you. Therefore, ask.
(ii) If you are concerned whether your question is relevant to others, you have no choice but to ask to find out. No one benefits when you hold back a question. Neither you, nor others.

In my 12 years experience as a trainer in the business world, I can confidently say, those who overcome their fear and ask questions, often unknowingly open the doors of learning for others who were more shy to ask the exact same questions. I have seen this over and over. When that happens, the sense of relief is noticeable on faces and in the atmosphere of the room.
  
THREE CONSIDERATIONS: WHAT TO ASK? HOW TO ASK? WHEN TO ASK?

1. What to ask?

The injunction for the devotee is pariprasnena – to enquire. This means philosophical enquiries. The nature and depth of such  enquiries, I have observed, depends on how much one reads Srila Prabhupada’s purports. Without this, enquiries remain rather mundane – shall I get married or not? shall I do this service or not? how can I work out what is my varna? how do I resolve this dispute with that prabhu or mataji?  The nature of questions are indicative of the level of philosophical understanding.  The more devotees read, the more relevant and pertinent the philosophical enquiries and everyone becomes enlivened in Krishna consciousness.

MORNING CLASS

In Kali-yuga, there are no "sruti-dhara" students (one who can immediately remember everything).  When students carry books and notebooks into the class, it indicates they are serious about learning and remembering. In such an atmosphere, asking questions becomes an exciting experience. When students are left to listen passively, without books, without taking notes, without the governing principles of a typical class, they do not become excited about the knowledge, about devotional service or  about Krishna. How much devotees learn is noticeable by the nature of questions they ask during and after class. The result of excellent questions is amazing enthusiasm for Krishna and devotional service, and amazing happiness!

311. Start to Start
→ 9 Days, 8 Nights

5 years ago, I was really wanting to do something for Srila Prabhupad (Founder – Acharya of the Hare Krishna Movement). I was living 2 hours away and barely had the association of devotees, the temple and the spiritually sanctified food. All there was as company were the books, the prayer altar and the chanting beads. And the ideas too. Somehow or another, I decided to put together a vegetarian cooking class hoping that this would please the crowd I was after as well as Prabhupada and Lord Krishna. What else could I do but give people, a chance to hear the holy name or associate with the Lord’s devotees or even honour the vegetarian food offerings. So, I carried out the project with the mindset – “I will do what I have to do with sincerity and every other outcomes will come from Their mercy. It’s not in my hands.”

You can read all about that Cooking with Chef Kurma adventure from 5 years ago here.

Guess what happened? 2 guests from that very program, got initiated (accepting a spiritual master) this morning ! The potency of spiritual endeavour, Krishna’s devotees and the Lord’s mercy, can change people’s heart and consciousness even if it takes a long time !!

 

The 2 guests – Craig and Adam became our friends over the years and very seriously pursued their intention to take their Krishna Consciousness life ahead. It was a difficult road for them taking into account the culture shock, the strict lifestyle and the new philosophy. But their keen interest and friendship with other devotees helped them get closer and closer to their spiritual master.

And now their real journey starts.  Like my own little start in preaching the glories of this movement, they too will have to go on with sincerity and faith. These 2 things are vital ingredients in one’s spiritual progress.

All the best Krishna Dasa and Balarama Dasa !

 


what is sin?
→ everyday gita

Verse 3.36: Arjuna said: O descendant of Vṛṣṇi, by what is one impelled to sinful acts, even unwillingly, as if engaged by force?

**I'd like to dedicate this post to two bhakti yogis - my father and Dr. Carl Herzig (Kalachandji Dasa). Thank you so much for sharing your valuable insights and realizations.**

Today's post was written in spurts...in fact, I started it yesterday! I knew I wanted to focus on the word sin when all of a sudden I realized, "I don't know what the bhakti yoga definition of sin actually is!!!" It served as a reminder as to why I started writing on the Gita.

This blog is a humble effort to make the Gita practical, relevant and understandable to those are reading it and/or are interested in - yoga, self-discovery and life. Well...that's one of the reasons why I write. ;) The other is so that I can continue to learn, grow and understand the Gita better so that I can become a better bhakti yogi.

That's why I'd like to preface this post by saying - this is just an introduction to the topic of sin. By no means is it a comprehensive and complete explanation.

Awhile back, I wrote a post on how each of us view words, situations and ideas based on our own experiences. Certainly, this holds true when one hears the word "sin". I'm sure that all of you have different definitions based on cultural context, religious/spiritual traditions, and personal opinion.

Personally, I've always found sin to be a somewhat vague concept and so I was curious to find out what the bhakti texts had to say. After hearing from two of my bhakti mentors and doing further research, I was able to distill it down to this:

Sins are impediments, in the form of attitudes and activities, that prevent one from experiencing their natural state of "eternal joy".

Now that might sound a bit simplistic to some and I would have to agree. However, it does help to shed a bit more light on the subject matter. An impediment is a hinderance or obstruction and that's exactly what sins do. Specifically, they impede us in two ways:

1) Prevent us from understanding that we are eternal souls.
2) Prevent us from connecting (i.e. yoga) with the Supreme.

So what are those attitudes and activities that prevent us from experiencing eternal joy? Let's start with activities first as they're a bit easier to tackle. Essentially, any activity that results in karma (whether good or bad) acts an impediment. Why's that? Because we don't always get the result of our karma in one lifetime. In order to receive that karma one needs to take on another temporary material body.

The solution is that we perform activities that result in no karma (akarma). This naturally leads us to the question of attitude. When one performs any action with the attitude of enjoying the result, one automatically receives karma. As we previously discussed when exploring the topic of non-attachment, when we perform our activities, all the while giving thanks to the Supreme, we incur no karma. It's not that one can't enjoy...don't get me wrong. It's about offering it to the Supreme in gratitude first; then we enjoy.

This is just the beginning of our exploration into the topic of sin, so stay tuned! Tomorrow we'll find out the answer to Arjuna's very interesting question - By what are we sometimes impelled to perform sinful actions acts, even unwillingly, as if engaged by force?

what is sin?
→ everyday gita

Verse 3.36: Arjuna said: O descendant of Vṛṣṇi, by what is one impelled to sinful acts, even unwillingly, as if engaged by force?

**I'd like to dedicate this post to two bhakti yogis - my father and Dr. Carl Herzig (Kalachandji Dasa). Thank you so much for sharing your valuable insights and realizations.**

Today's post was written in spurts...in fact, I started it yesterday! I knew I wanted to focus on the word sin when all of a sudden I realized, "I don't know what the bhakti yoga definition of sin actually is!!!" It served as a reminder as to why I started writing on the Gita.

This blog is a humble effort to make the Gita practical, relevant and understandable to those are reading it and/or are interested in - yoga, self-discovery and life. Well...that's one of the reasons why I write. ;) The other is so that I can continue to learn, grow and understand the Gita better so that I can become a better bhakti yogi.

That's why I'd like to preface this post by saying - this is just an introduction to the topic of sin. By no means is it a comprehensive and complete explanation.

Awhile back, I wrote a post on how each of us view words, situations and ideas based on our own experiences. Certainly, this holds true when one hears the word "sin". I'm sure that all of you have different definitions based on cultural context, religious/spiritual traditions, and personal opinion.

Personally, I've always found sin to be a somewhat vague concept and so I was curious to find out what the bhakti texts had to say. After hearing from two of my bhakti mentors and doing further research, I was able to distill it down to this:

Sins are impediments, in the form of attitudes and activities, that prevent one from experiencing their natural state of "eternal joy".

Now that might sound a bit simplistic to some and I would have to agree. However, it does help to shed a bit more light on the subject matter. An impediment is a hinderance or obstruction and that's exactly what sins do. Specifically, they impede us in two ways:

1) Prevent us from understanding that we are eternal souls.
2) Prevent us from connecting (i.e. yoga) with the Supreme.

So what are those attitudes and activities that prevent us from experiencing eternal joy? Let's start with activities first as they're a bit easier to tackle. Essentially, any activity that results in karma (whether good or bad) acts an impediment. Why's that? Because we don't always get the result of our karma in one lifetime. In order to receive that karma one needs to take on another temporary material body.

The solution is that we perform activities that result in no karma (akarma). This naturally leads us to the question of attitude. When one performs any action with the attitude of enjoying the result, one automatically receives karma. As we previously discussed when exploring the topic of non-attachment, when we perform our activities, all the while giving thanks to the Supreme, we incur no karma. It's not that one can't enjoy...don't get me wrong. It's about offering it to the Supreme in gratitude first; then we enjoy.

This is just the beginning of our exploration into the topic of sin, so stay tuned! Tomorrow we'll find out the answer to Arjuna's very interesting question - By what are we sometimes impelled to perform sinful actions acts, even unwillingly, as if engaged by force?

The Yoga of Ecology at Bluestone Farm
→ The Yoga of Ecology



The Yoga of Ecology blog originally began in 2008 as a chronicle of the spiritually inspired agricultural exploits of the Small Farm Training Center project at the New Vrindaban bhakti-yoga community in the foothills of the West Virginia Panhandle. I wanted to share the unique experience I was having not only of monastic life in the 21st Century, but also the experience of being part of a community and project focused on the ideals of "simple living and high thinking."

Inspired by the practical wisdom of bhakti-yoga scholar/teacher A/C Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, communities like the Small Farm Training Center were and are presenting a model of anticipation as we move from an unsustainable model of industrialized and commodified civilization to an ecologically sound civilization.

The waves of time has moved my own journey and the journey of this blog in new directions and vistas. I am now studying for my master's degree in eco-theology at the Union Theological Seminary in New York City, and once again I am drawn to the work of the soil, of the spirit within the soil, and to those people creating what has been coined by eco-theologians, including Larry Rasmussen in his latest book Earth-Honoring Faith: Religious Ethics In A New Key, as the anticipatory community.

These are sacred sanghas of individuals who are determined, courageous, knowledgeable, humbly setting themselves to the rhythms of our Mother Earth, showing us today the ways and means of harmony that will lead us to the cultural, ethical, and spiritual adaptation that tomorrow calls for.

I have realized that if I am going to be any kind of eco-theologian, eco-activist, eco-ethicist, or simple tiller of the soil, citizen of the Earth, my studies must include but not remain solely in the head-space. The Earth is the realm of the hands and heart, and with this understanding I have embarked this summer on a series of organic farm internships that will help me to learn the fine arts, skills, and meditations of grounded ecological life.

This is an experience that I hope will help me to overcome my nature-deficit disorder. In this mood, this blog will return this summer and beyond to a chronicle of experience in the communities I am serving in, as we share the bounties of our harvest that fill our plates and our spirit.

First, a brief word on what I mean by the the yoga of ecology. Having been a practitioner in the bhakti-yoga community for nearly a decade now, I have come to understand that the values of yoga, values that connect us, that yolk us, to the Divine are values that inherently create ecologically-sound lifestyles and communities.

Bhakti means devotion to the Divine, and this devotion, when it is the foundation of a spiritual community, creates an understanding of the boundless potential for spiritual grace and happiness that can only truly be found when we respect and understand the boundaries and spaces that Mother Earth asks us to live in. Devotion is a value which removes the dust from our heart, the dust of greed, envy, and selfishness, the internal pollution which manifests in the external pollution that wrecks our planet.

To farm, to till and love the soil, for the purpose of loving devotion to the Divine and to each other, is a form of yoga, and the soil also teaches us much about the true essence of spiritual values if we become tuned in enough to observe and listen.

I have spent the last three weeks in Brewster, New York, an hour north of the City, at Bluestone Farm and Living Arts Center, which is part of the Community of the Holy Spirit. From their website the resident Sisters explain a bit of their history and standing:

The Melrose house was established in 1961, in Brewster, New York, about an hour northeast of New York City.  In 2004, we began to pursue our interest in sustainable living by starting Bluestone Farm and Living Arts Center. Grown organically, the produce we cultivate and store (by drying, lactofermenting, and freezing) feeds us throughout the year. Over the last five years, the farm has come to include beekeeping, duck and chicken flocks, cows, maple syrup and honey production, and wine-making among other activities.

Together, we are engaged in weaving together our worship and our work, inspired by the writings of the late Thomas Berry, Brian Swimme, Ellen Davis, and Cynthia Bourgeault, among others. (Learn more about the "new cosmology" and the spirituality of farming.)

Sisters Helena Marie, Carol Bernice, Catherine Grace, and Emmanuel, of the order of the Community of the Holy Spirit, are the wonderful and wise souls who have devoted their lives to this project. They are joined by Resident Companions Rev. Matthew Wright and Jody Ballew, and for the past few weeks and months interns Katie Ferrari, Yanick Savain, Sarah Lucas, and myself. We are a small but determined group, happily set to explore a way of life which carries deep meaning, potential, and soul.

The voices of the Sisters and Companions explain the heart of their intentions and work:

Melrose is a biodynamic farm community...practicing the principles of permaculture and the religious life, we foster a mutually enhancing Earth-human relationship through prayer, ongoing reflection, manual labor, celebration and the arts. We hold a deep respect for creation as a primary revelation of God, and by sharing our work, worship, harvest and all we learn we model sustainable living, social justice and spiritual fulfillment in the context of local community and resilience.

We stand at the turning point. We are a small group of people who have transformed a yard into a farm to help save Earth. We do not mean to startle or preach; we mean to declare that with intention and the labor of love we will ease the damage done to our Mother Earth by civilization gone awry. We mean peacefully to weave our own strand into the web of life as it exists here and now in our neck of the woods.

We eschew any form of agricultural practice that shocks, destroys, or otherwise inhibits participation of all the species in the life of our farm. We recognize the rights of beings to their habitat. Thus we enjoin upon ourselves the patience, tolerance, and care needed to proceed mindfully through our days.

Working together, we will learn from one another how to care for our Mother Earth. Working together, we will walk naturally into the great creative rhythm of the universe. We mean our lives together to be our act of love for one another, and in love we are confident of redemption.

Here is a photo essay of some of my experiences of life at Bluestone Farm:


Our backyard, the Bluestone Farm

St. Cuthbert's House and the Farm

Jiffy, her daughter Mercy, and the milking shed where our beloved cow-friends give us gallons of fresh raw milk daily, which we drink and also use to make homemade butter and cheese

Resident Companion Jody Ballew hand-milks Jiffy. With the guidance of Jody and our "sacred cow-woman" Sr. Carol Bernice, I have already accomplished one of my main goals for the summer: learning how to milk a cow!

Sunset over the Farm


Freshly harvested strawberries and peas

Broccoli blooming

Katie and a ginormous kale harvest

The first gaillardia bloom

The caterpillar of the monarch butterfly

Sr. Helena Marie amongst the Margarittes

Matthew, Katie and myself displaying the spaceship kohlrabi

Matthew and our harvest of kohlrabi, collard greens, and snap peas

Cauliflower blooming

The omnipresent height of evolution: the weed. Farming is eternal. Weeding is eternal. If you don't like weeding you are in the wrong business

More to come in the days ahead, including the unique ways we incorporate our harvest into our worship and celebration life, and the magic of biodynamic techniques and cow manure.

For more, check out Bluestone Farm Fans on Facebook

The Yoga of Ecology at Bluestone Farm
→ The Yoga of Ecology



The Yoga of Ecology blog originally began in 2008 as a chronicle of the spiritually inspired agricultural exploits of the Small Farm Training Center project at the New Vrindaban bhakti-yoga community in the foothills of the West Virginia Panhandle. I wanted to share the unique experience I was having not only of monastic life in the 21st Century, but also the experience of being part of a community and project focused on the ideals of "simple living and high thinking."

Inspired by the practical wisdom of bhakti-yoga scholar/teacher A/C Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, communities like the Small Farm Training Center were and are presenting a model of anticipation as we move from an unsustainable model of industrialized and commodified civilization to an ecologically sound civilization.

The waves of time has moved my own journey and the journey of this blog in new directions and vistas. I am now studying for my master's degree in eco-theology at the Union Theological Seminary in New York City, and once again I am drawn to the work of the soil, of the spirit within the soil, and to those people creating what has been coined by eco-theologians, including Larry Rasmussen in his latest book Earth-Honoring Faith: Religious Ethics In A New Key, as the anticipatory community.

These are sacred sanghas of individuals who are determined, courageous, knowledgeable, humbly setting themselves to the rhythms of our Mother Earth, showing us today the ways and means of harmony that will lead us to the cultural, ethical, and spiritual adaptation that tomorrow calls for.

I have realized that if I am going to be any kind of eco-theologian, eco-activist, eco-ethicist, or simple tiller of the soil, citizen of the Earth, my studies must include but not remain solely in the head-space. The Earth is the realm of the hands and heart, and with this understanding I have embarked this summer on a series of organic farm internships that will help me to learn the fine arts, skills, and meditations of grounded ecological life.

This is an experience that I hope will help me to overcome my nature-deficit disorder. In this mood, this blog will return this summer and beyond to a chronicle of experience in the communities I am serving in, as we share the bounties of our harvest that fill our plates and our spirit.

First, a brief word on what I mean by the the yoga of ecology. Having been a practitioner in the bhakti-yoga community for nearly a decade now, I have come to understand that the values of yoga, values that connect us, that yolk us, to the Divine are values that inherently create ecologically-sound lifestyles and communities.

Bhakti means devotion to the Divine, and this devotion, when it is the foundation of a spiritual community, creates an understanding of the boundless potential for spiritual grace and happiness that can only truly be found when we respect and understand the boundaries and spaces that Mother Earth asks us to live in. Devotion is a value which removes the dust from our heart, the dust of greed, envy, and selfishness, the internal pollution which manifests in the external pollution that wrecks our planet.

To farm, to till and love the soil, for the purpose of loving devotion to the Divine and to each other, is a form of yoga, and the soil also teaches us much about the true essence of spiritual values if we become tuned in enough to observe and listen.

I have spent the last three weeks in Brewster, New York, an hour north of the City, at Bluestone Farm and Living Arts Center, which is part of the Community of the Holy Spirit. From their website the resident Sisters explain a bit of their history and standing:

The Melrose house was established in 1961, in Brewster, New York, about an hour northeast of New York City.  In 2004, we began to pursue our interest in sustainable living by starting Bluestone Farm and Living Arts Center. Grown organically, the produce we cultivate and store (by drying, lactofermenting, and freezing) feeds us throughout the year. Over the last five years, the farm has come to include beekeeping, duck and chicken flocks, cows, maple syrup and honey production, and wine-making among other activities.

Together, we are engaged in weaving together our worship and our work, inspired by the writings of the late Thomas Berry, Brian Swimme, Ellen Davis, and Cynthia Bourgeault, among others. (Learn more about the "new cosmology" and the spirituality of farming.)

Sisters Helena Marie, Carol Bernice, Catherine Grace, and Emmanuel, of the order of the Community of the Holy Spirit, are the wonderful and wise souls who have devoted their lives to this project. They are joined by Resident Companions Rev. Matthew Wright and Jody Ballew, and for the past few weeks and months interns Katie Ferrari, Yanick Savain, Sarah Lucas, and myself. We are a small but determined group, happily set to explore a way of life which carries deep meaning, potential, and soul.

The voices of the Sisters and Companions explain the heart of their intentions and work:

Melrose is a biodynamic farm community...practicing the principles of permaculture and the religious life, we foster a mutually enhancing Earth-human relationship through prayer, ongoing reflection, manual labor, celebration and the arts. We hold a deep respect for creation as a primary revelation of God, and by sharing our work, worship, harvest and all we learn we model sustainable living, social justice and spiritual fulfillment in the context of local community and resilience.

We stand at the turning point. We are a small group of people who have transformed a yard into a farm to help save Earth. We do not mean to startle or preach; we mean to declare that with intention and the labor of love we will ease the damage done to our Mother Earth by civilization gone awry. We mean peacefully to weave our own strand into the web of life as it exists here and now in our neck of the woods.

We eschew any form of agricultural practice that shocks, destroys, or otherwise inhibits participation of all the species in the life of our farm. We recognize the rights of beings to their habitat. Thus we enjoin upon ourselves the patience, tolerance, and care needed to proceed mindfully through our days.

Working together, we will learn from one another how to care for our Mother Earth. Working together, we will walk naturally into the great creative rhythm of the universe. We mean our lives together to be our act of love for one another, and in love we are confident of redemption.

Here is a photo essay of some of my experiences of life at Bluestone Farm:


Our backyard, the Bluestone Farm

St. Cuthbert's House and the Farm

Jiffy, her daughter Mercy, and the milking shed where our beloved cow-friends give us gallons of fresh raw milk daily, which we drink and also use to make homemade butter and cheese

Resident Companion Jody Ballew hand-milks Jiffy. With the guidance of Jody and our "sacred cow-woman" Sr. Carol Bernice, I have already accomplished one of my main goals for the summer: learning how to milk a cow!

Sunset over the Farm


Freshly harvested strawberries and peas

Broccoli blooming

Katie and a ginormous kale harvest

The first gaillardia bloom

The caterpillar of the monarch butterfly

Sr. Helena Marie amongst the Margarittes

Matthew, Katie and myself displaying the spaceship kohlrabi

Matthew and our harvest of kohlrabi, collard greens, and snap peas

Cauliflower blooming

The omnipresent height of evolution: the weed. Farming is eternal. Weeding is eternal. If you don't like weeding you are in the wrong business

More to come in the days ahead, including the unique ways we incorporate our harvest into our worship and celebration life, and the magic of biodynamic techniques and cow manure.

For more, check out Bluestone Farm Fans on Facebook

Wednesday, June 26th, 2013
→ The Walking Monk

Peace!?

Deloraine, Manitoba

“Oh Lord, help us to be masters of ourselves, that we may be servants of others.” - Sir Alexander Paterson

This quote amongst others is found at our little detour at Peace Garden in the Turtle Mountain District. The message resonates well.

Out here in the open prairie, there’s not much going on to entice your senses, there’s few and far between buildings. Most homes are set very far from the highway, which is my trail for walking.

And yes, peace. In two schools in Deloraine, and Boisaevaine students are hearing me say that I’m on a peace walk. I also introduced my team comprised of man and bird. PJRB radio also came over to the school at Boisaevaine for a separate interview. And Judy came from this Deloraine Newspaper at the Deloraine school. For the young students, me speaking about peace to them does not hold much interest, but it is a strong word that the teachers appreciate. They believe in it, it means a lot. When I had a few minutes with the principal, Mr. White, I asked about teenagers and drugs, and he remarked that it wasn’t too bad in the area largely due to the fact that people are somewhat isolated and are maintaining high family and spiritual values.

Ralph Waldo Emerson said of peace, “Nothing can bring you peace but yourself. Nothing can bring you peace but the triumph of principals.” In the Gita Krishna speaks about principals of freedom and how freedom and peace come from acknowledgement of the Supreme, and controlling the agitated senses.

So there is peace. Hard to find in this world.

Last night a major storm swept through Manitoba. Tree branches (and some huge ones) came crashing all around our tent as we were camping. We had to get out of there and search for a room. Then the news came that reported that a man in his tent got killed by a tree that landed on him in Falcon Lake, Manitoba. How unfortunate. Then after going for a swim in Adam Lake just to relieve the tension of leg muscles, before I knew it, my left foot found itself all bloody. A leach had discovered it to be delicious. The point being, where is peace and comfort in this world?

28 KM

Lessons on the road
→ Tattva - See inside out

Sitting on my desktop is a complete list of towns and cities in the UK. Some time back I resolved to spend a full day in each place, talking to the locals and leaving them with some thought-provoking literature as a token of appreciation. So far I’ve visited 204 different locations... only another 302 to go! Last week’s travels took me to Worksop, Daventry, Grantham, Huntingdon and Stratford-upon-avon. Every town has its flavor, and every day is unique. It’s quite a task to stop someone in their tracks, cut through the myriad of thoughts, penetrate the bubble of their life and begin a dialogue about deeper subject matter. Some people naturally tune in to the concept of ancient wisdom, while others are skeptical, uninterested and otherwise-engaged. Either way we always have a laugh, a smile and learn something from each other!

Amongst everything else I do in life, this simple and sublime activity is what I enjoy most. It reconnects me with my purpose. It’s where I feel at home. It’s a constant source of inspiration. I’m also appreciating, however, that the ‘not-so-inspirational’ activities in life are just as important:
  • Inspirational activities (what we have a natural affinity for) - keep us positive, enthused and fulfilled.
  • Challenging activities (what we fear and shy away from) – cultivate our internal growth, help us become prayerful, and are often humbling and grounding.
  • Necessary activities (responding to the “need of the day”) - fuel the priceless spirit of sacrifice, selflessness and genuine concern for others.
Each activity brings an indispensable ingredient to the table. It’s important to balance the three elements for wholesome spiritual progress.

PS: The next major project is a fleet of “traveling temples” that tour the length and breadth of the country! If anyone can help me get hold of a van / mini-coach please get in touch!

Lessons on the road
→ Tattva - See inside out

Sitting on my desktop is a complete list of towns and cities in the UK. Some time back I resolved to spend a full day in each place, talking to the locals and leaving them with some thought-provoking literature as a token of appreciation. So far I’ve visited 204 different locations... only another 302 to go! Last week’s travels took me to Worksop, Daventry, Grantham, Huntingdon and Stratford-upon-avon. Every town has its flavor, and every day is unique. It’s quite a task to stop someone in their tracks, cut through the myriad of thoughts, penetrate the bubble of their life and begin a dialogue about deeper subject matter. Some people naturally tune in to the concept of ancient wisdom, while others are skeptical, uninterested and otherwise-engaged. Either way we always have a laugh, a smile and learn something from each other!

Amongst everything else I do in life, this simple and sublime activity is what I enjoy most. It reconnects me with my purpose. It’s where I feel at home. It’s a constant source of inspiration. I’m also appreciating, however, that the ‘not-so-inspirational’ activities in life are just as important:
  • Inspirational activities (what we have a natural affinity for) - keep us positive, enthused and fulfilled.
  • Challenging activities (what we fear and shy away from) – cultivate our internal growth, help us become prayerful, and are often humbling and grounding.
  • Necessary activities (responding to the “need of the day”) - fuel the priceless spirit of sacrifice, selflessness and genuine concern for others.
Each activity brings an indispensable ingredient to the table. It’s important to balance the three elements for wholesome spiritual progress.

PS: The next major project is a fleet of “traveling temples” that tour the length and breadth of the country! If anyone can help me get hold of a van / mini-coach please get in touch!

I Stick To The Sim­ple Method
→ Japa Group

"I stick to the sim­ple method taught by Lord Cai­tanya and passed on by Srila Prab­hu­pada. The name of Krishna is not dif­fer­ent than Krishna Him­self. Some­times the Lord delib­er­ately taught false philoso­phies, but in any case they are not to be fol­lowed per­pet­u­ally. Only devo­tional ser­vice is the means by which to chant the holy name and ben­e­fit from its eter­nal proposition."

From Viraha Bhavan #166

Ensnaring The Eternally Free Soul
→ Bhagavatam By Braja

I am currently working on Chapter Five of Beautiful Tales of the All Attractive, Volume 2. The 19th śloka is too mind-blowing not to share immediately.

Srimad Bhagavatam 2.5.19

Ensnaring the Eternally Free Soul

[kārya-kāraṇa-kartṛtve dravya-jñāna-kriyāśrayāḥ | badhnanti nityadā muktaḿ māyinaḿ puruṣaḿ guṇāḥ ]

Nārada: Earlier you said that the universe is composed of five things, the root of which is “projected consciousness.” Now you are saying that the universe begins from three qualities of Nārāyaṇa’s energy. Are these two statements compatible?

Brahmā: Yes. These three qualities attract beings to project their consciousness into the universe. Thus consciousness, which has the capacity for eternal transcendence, binds itself to an illusory world.

Nārada: How do the three qualities attract the attention of conscious away from its potential eternal freedom?

Brahmā: By manifesting the five things I previously mentioned: objects of pleasure and the means for enjoying those objects.

Nārada: What are those means?

Brahmā: Senses, the ability to use the senses, and the intellectual inclination to do so.


Saturday Night Harinam (22 June 2013)
→ simple thoughts

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SATURDAY NIGHT HARINAM (JUNE 22nd 2013 – London)
****************************************
article by HG Bhaja Hari prabhu and video.your servant Para

Last night was especially wonderful for me – as I met an enthusiastic and very happy Chinese devotee who had travelled all the way up from Reading to distribute some Chinese editions of Srila Prabhupada’s books during the Harinam. She had with her Sri Isopanisad, Perfect Questions, Perfect Answers and quite a few other books that I could not recognise.

When she saw me distributing ‘Krsna the Reservoir of Pleasure’ she came over and introduced herself and showed me the Chinese books she had brought to distribute

Her name was Suan – and the way she pronounced it – it sounded exactly like SWAN.
I kept saying:

‘How do you pronounce your name ?’ and she kept saying ‘Suan’

and I kept saying ‘Swan? – Do you mean Swan – like Hamsa?’

It was quite funny – but – yes – you would have had to have been there.

Anyway I decided to swap Suan a copy of ‘The Science of Self Realisation’ for a copy of ‘Perfect Questions, Perfect Answers. I had the idea that I could distribute it to somebody in Chinatown when the Kirtan Party arrived there later.

It also got me thinking that it would be amazing if Palaka prabhu, (a very sincere disciple of Srila Prabhupada who has so far printed and distributed freely, all over the world, 2.3 million copies of On Chanting Hare Krsna) could arrange to print
a version of ‘On Chanting Hare Krsna’ in Chinese. It would be so blissful to be able to give them out to all the many, many Chinese tourists that now seem to be flooding into London. I am feeling very attracted to the Chinese people and their culture these days. While distributing the FREE ‘On Chanting Hare Krsna’ booklets every Saturday Night, when I meet Chinese people, whether they actually take a copy or not – they very often slightly bow their heads as a sign of respect – I suppose. Anyway – whatever it is – it feels right and courteous, and I find it very endearing.

Maybe, if we can’t get the ‘On Chanting Hare Krsna’ Booklets in Chinese, perhaps we can at least print up a small flyer inviting them to to chant Hare Krsna and visit our London Temple. Anyone has any ideas how to make this happen – give me a shout please.

The Harinam was very blissful. Last night Govinda prabhu was in fine voice and ecstatic mood. Maybe leading the kirtan WHILE simultaneously watching his two very sweet Vaisnava children, Tika and Raman, distributing hundreds of Srila Prabhupada’s booklets for the full 2 hours helped.

Anyway, Please enjoy this joyful little video – and PLEASE PLEASE come and join in EVERY SATURDAY NIGHT.

Your Samkirtan Party does NOT necessarily need you – but it really really WANTS YOU.

Please do not deny yourself the joy and pleasure of chanting the Holy Names in Public

O my Lord, Your holy name alone can render all benediction to living beings, and thus You have hundreds and millions of names, like Krsna and Govinda. In these transcendental names You have invested all Your transcendental energies. There are not even hard and fast rules for chanting these names. O my Lord, out of kindness You enable us to easily approach You by Your holy names, but I am so unfortunate that I have no attraction for them.
Siksastakam Verse 2 (Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu)

All glories to Srila Prabhupada !!!

Stonehenge Summer Solstice 2013
→ simple thoughts

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Stonehenge Summer Solstice 2013
By
HG Saksi Gopal Prabhu ACBSP

There were pagans and potheads
and Indian chiefs
There were druids and hippies
and mounted police

There were drinkers and smokers
and drummers galore
Who played on through the night
till their fingers were sore

There was dancing,while some stood
around on the grass.
Some huddled in blankets,
some shouted and laughed.

Some filmed the proceeding with
smart mobile phones.
As everyone gathered around
the great stones

That have witnessed the turning
on Salisbury Plain
Of season and century,
sunshine and rain

Witnessed chieftains and druids
and Celts offer thanks
Witnessed farmers and hippies
and soldiers in tanks

Have seen tourists and picnickers,
bikers in leather
And ancient oak avenues
pass into heather

Seen wars and invasions,
the triumph of thieves.
Have seen lovers and losers,
but who could believe

That the stones were now witness
to God’s holy name.
As the chanters in saffron
again and again

Sang their mantra and danced
to the cymbal and drum.
That the people here gathered
would eagerly come

To celebrate Krishna
Ram and Hare,
As they welcomed the sunrise,
On Midsummer’s Day!

Had they each felt their sanctity
somehow restored,
As each innocent celebrant
danced and adored

With a jubilant heart
and a gratified eye,
The rhythm and mantra
as old as the sky!

HARE KRISHNA they chant
HARE KRISHNA they pray,
KRISHNA KRISHNA they follow
with loud HARE HARE

HARE RAMA the song
HARE RAMA the hymn
RAMA RAMA HARE HARE
drumbeat and ring

of the karatel cymbals,
percussion of old.
The mantra of angels
that nurtures the soul

From the Lord’s Existence
below and above
Reuniting the spark with
the fire of love

Around and within us
if we could but see,
attuned to the river
within you and me

Some say we are energy,
spiritual light
a drop in the ocean
of endless delight

Being energy means we all
flow from the source.
And that means the
Original Person,of course

For the realm of transcendence
is where we belong.
Where each step is a dance
and each word is a song

So chant the vibration
Ram,Krishna,Hare,
as you greet the next sunrise
on Midsummer’s Day

Tuesday, June 25th, 2013
→ The Walking Monk

Towards Simple Ways

Boissevain, Manitoba

After my shower at the campsite in Kilarney I left Daruka for the extra doze at 4:10 AM. To exit I was coming around a corner and this creature almost collided with me. With the dimness of the hour I could barely see. Was it a fox? No. Was it a dog? No. When the creature who accidentally came at me in a kind of a gallop, he backed off and I could decipher the image, it was a tiny fawn. He then retreated and ran towards these trailers which seemed to startle him also and then he came back towards me, practically landing in my arms, and then once again retreated but into another direction and into the darkness, hopefully to safety. What a perkful way to start the day.

It was a long straight stretch on 30 KMs without really stopping. A couple of falcons came to see me, they were perched on a hydro post. An RCMP officer stopped to learn what I’m doing. “I’m walking for peace,” I told him.

“Good, I’m also working for peace,” indicating that it was his job.

Paul Rayner from the community newspaper, The Recorder, interviewed. He went quite in depth and knew of the power of kirtan having experience with it.

What Daruka and Billy did once more today was wave a wand of magic. Billy’s charms gained us a happy footing into a colony of Hutterites. The place was in Wokapa. It has a residence of 140 people who created their own village and infrastructure beginning in 1972. The school there wanted to meet Billy, Daruka, and their monk friend. As a result, we were invited to speak about trekking pastimes, and about Billy’s role in all of this. The kids were great as they sat in front of us, well behaved, boys in pants and suspenders, and girls in dresses and bonnets or headdresses.

There is something favourable to be said about pious God-centric kids. They are respectful and attentive to all we say. It is also not to be ignored, but I must mention their next door neighbours, the Freemans. They are not Hetterites, but eco-friendly family who are young and managing self sustainability. They use minimal machinery, in fact work horses are the modus operandi. We had the opportunity to meet with them. Their kids are home schooled and they do plenty of chores and playing. Tim and Kathleen are doing their own little miracles.

Our guru, Srila Prabhupada, desired this kind of life for our family community members. We should not stop trying.

32 KM

Monday, June 24th, 2013
→ The Walking Monk

Cotton and Cattle

Kilarney, Manitoba

Cottonwood fluff is shedding from the trees and manages to make its way all the way out to the open fields and even highways. On this highway, #3, we find something historic, it was once a major horse and cart trail in the late 1800’s for patrolling and surveying the land north of the 49th parallel which separates the US and Canada. This area’s now predominantly farm land.

One farmer’s fence had broken down leaving some of his cattle to go astray and land up in someone else’s pasture. I was there on the highway when several farmers were there to help and discuss strategy for the cattle’s return home. The farmer who owned the cattle was in despair, but he took a minute to talk to me, “So you’re walkin’?”

“Yes, across Canada.”

“For peace?”

“Yes, and as a pilgrimage.”

“You’re Hare Krishna?”

“Yes!”

“Well, that makes sense.”

A few more locals involved in the agri-business saw the small convergence of vehicles and people by the side of the highway. They also stopped. It was then that I could say more about walking for the soul. I kept it rather light. I let people know that it’s a friend raiser and not a fund raiser. I encouraged all the motorists there to please honk when they see me down the road, and see me they have, so they say.

“I can’t do that, the horn on my vehicle just busted”, said one guy jovially.

“Hey, fences break down, horns malfunction, these bodies break down, and I’ll walk ‘til I drop. That was a segue for everyone to move on back to work, back to catching cattle and back on to walking.

News has spread around about the walking Hare Krishna, even before the afternoon’s interview with Jay from The Guide newspaper. Many motorists stop to get their picture taken with a rarity, a monk.

33 KM

Presentation in Bahrain
- TOVP.org

Recently our head architect, Vilasini devi dasi, gave a presentation about the TOVP in Bahrain. The following is an account of her experience with the inclusion of her power point slides.

TOVP Presentation in ISKCON Bahrain – A Report

While I was making my plan to visit my sister in Bahrain, I received a call from Pawan Nimai Prabhu, my brother in law, ‘Can you do a presentation in Bahrain on the TOVP’? Soon enough after the blessed approval of Sadbhuja Prabhu, the TOVP Managing Director, I began scrambling for photographs and assembling events in the project chronology. This exercise brought back many memories during my service tenure with the TOVP and I feel very grateful and inspired to serve in the divine project steered by accomplished devotees.

The temple president of ISKCON, Bahrain HG Udara Kirti Chaitanya Prabhu, (disciple of HH Jayapataka Swami Maharaja) a very hospitable and humble devotee asked the presentation to be held on Friday evening on May 31st 2013. Almost around 150 devotees were present. HH Siddhartha Swami Maharaja who was visiting Bahrain at the time also gave his blessings. Coincidentally HG Deva Dharma Prabhu, a Mayapur resident, music teacher and a kirtan lover was also present, wherein he brought Mayapur to Bahrain through his heartfelt kirtan.

Devotees were greatly inspired and appreciated the magnanimous project. One of the devotees also wanted to make a calendar of the TOVP for 2014. Many expressed their amazement at the building structure and its aim to stand for 500 years. They were stirred by Ambarisa Prabhu’s and the TOVP team’s consistent dedication to Srila Prabhupada through the project.

I am grateful to:

  1. Pawana Nimai Prabhu for the co-ordination with temple management and the technical support.
  2. Kanai Priya Devi Dasi, my sister for back end support.
  3. Shree Laxmi Mataji (daughter of Udara Kirti Chaitanya Prabhu) for technical operation during the presentation.
  4. Chaitanya Hari Prabhu for the photography.
  5. Anup Shah, my husband for formatting the presentation and for his constant support through my service in the TOVP.

Presentation Synopsis – Ink to Iron:

‘Ink to Iron’ touches certain facets on the making of the Temple of the Vedic Planetarium from the perspective of one of its team Members. It brings to light the prediction of Nityananda Prabhu and how it has been kept alive until the current date. Vilasini devi dasi’s personal involvement in the project has led to several telling interactions with seasoned devotees, churning out realizations at various levels.

This presentation aims towards expounding this experience along with elucidating certain facts of how the TOVP took off from the ground to where the TOVP stands today. It also narrates the inspirational characteristics and qualities of senior devotees serving in the TOVP Board of Directors.

HAPPY OLD AGE
→ Gita Coaching

Because a devotee rigidly follows the instructions of Narada Muni, he has no fear of old age, disease or death. Apparently a devotee may grow old, but he is not subjected to the symptoms of defeat experienced by a common man in old age. Consequently, old age does not make a devotee fearful of death, as a common man is fearful of death.

When jara, or old age, takes shelter of a devotee, Kalakanya diminishes the devotee's fear. A devotee knows that after death he is going back home, back to Godhead; therefore he has no fear of death. Thus instead of depressing a devotee, advanced age helps him become fearless and thus happy.

SB 4.27.24 Purport

HAPPY OLD AGE
→ GITA COACHING

Because a devotee rigidly follows the instructions of Narada Muni, he has no fear of old age, disease or death. Apparently a devotee may grow old, but he is not subjected to the symptoms of defeat experienced by a common man in old age. Consequently, old age does not make a devotee fearful of death, as a common man is fearful of death.

When jara, or old age, takes shelter of a devotee, Kalakanya diminishes the devotee's fear. A devotee knows that after death he is going back home, back to Godhead; therefore he has no fear of death. Thus instead of depressing a devotee, advanced age helps him become fearless and thus happy.

SB 4.27.24 Purport