Krsna Meditation
→ Dandavats

Krsna was very pleased with the atmosphere of the Vrndavana forest, where flowers bloomed and bees and drones hummed jubilantly. While the birds, trees, and branches were all looking very happy, Krsna, tending the cows and accompanied by Sri Balarama and the cowherd boys, began to vibrate His transcendental flute. When the cowherd girls of
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Some ecstatic symptoms
→ Dandavats

I just came back from traveling sankirtan, where many amazing encounters took place. The other day I went into a shop and first gave a small book, then The Science of Self-Realization, and then, when the lady gave a nice donation, also the Bhagavad-gita. The lady explained to me her spiritual transformation after her father
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Tuesday, July 19, 2022
→ The Walking Monk

Cherry Beach, Toronto

Getting Around

We were on our way to the Tommy Thompson Park, a shaded-in-spots trail where cyclists and pedestrians share the space, when a man on a bicycle stopped to ask if we had any drugs. His articulation was weak and so we had to ask him to repeat himself. We were still wet from the swim at Cherry Beach and in our swimwear, not recognizable as monks. With me were Emanuel, Karuna, Ryan, and Arjuna. We didn’t really come across looking like folks who take substance to get high. He was naturally disappointed when we couldn’t deliver.

We had also met two young Punjabi men who came out of the lakes’ water. Somehow or other, they could detect our identity. “Hare Krishna,” said the stockier one. “Back home I’m involved,” he said.

The devotional clothing that we normally wear, the dhoti and the kurta (or for women it’s a saree), is a trademark for Hare Krishna devotees. The night before, when I returned from my walk and was about to reach the ashram door, a neighbour walking his dog asked, “How are those robes in the heat of summer?”

“Oh! Very cool and comfy,” I said. I wanted to say more about the freedom those of us feel in our attire, but the gentleman was on his merry way. The kind of freedom is like the liberated mood of Narada. He moves about in light monks’ clothes, delivering to people the sublime sound of the maha mantra. We should be like him; travel about, hear from people and deliver Krishna in the form of sound.

May the Source be with you!

5 km



 

 

Monday, July 18, 2022
→ The Walking Monk

Rosedale, Toronto

The Group

“Do you believe in the same God as I do?” asked one of the visitors out of the “Encounter World Religions” with Brian Carwana. Naturally I said to the individual that there is one God for all, just as there is one sun that shines on us all, regardless of the place you come from; your creed, colour or gender. He seemed satisfied with the answer.

Brian’s group, which numbered fifty, loved chanting in addition to our philosophical explanations. I explained to them my own journey, about living on the farm and getting disenchanted by the meat that was showing up at the supper table at night. I think that impacted some of the folks when I said that we watched the animals give birth and watched the babies grow and then they became dinner.

Speaking of eating, everyone was fed and it was delicious prasadam; the magic touch of our cook Dwarkanatha.

I explained to the group about the weekend’s past festival. It was our biggest ever. The attendance was easily at 40,000 and all the booths were full of activity.

One woman asked if I could comment on any misconceptions the public may have had about Krishna Consciousness. So, I explained that in the ’60s we were a curiosity. In the ’70s and ’80s we were a cult. Now, we have been accepted as a culture. Surely the tradition has been around for thousands of years. Before departing, Gitaswere picked up as well as the recent release of “The Saffron Path.” Overall, it was a great visit.

May the Source be with you!

3 km


 

 

Sunday, July 17, 2022
→ The Walking Monk

Centre Island, Toronto

Swimming and Walking Through

It was my second swim-in-the-lake for this year – a personal milestone. And with me was Brihat Mrdanga and his associate, Arjuna. Their purpose was to scrape off, with water and sand, the caked-on-make-up from the play. I was submerging for the chill of it all. It’s been a long two days on Centre Island, and the quiet time is needed. When you are a swami, there are many demands from the public. Just by sitting at one spot, person after person comes to you.

In my teens, I worked in orchards and fields; harvesting. It is a little like that. After pulling tomatoes off the plants, you just see a new batch and they just keep coming wave after wave.

While walking from the south-end beach on Centre Island with the boys, we witnessed only fun things such as a grandmother swinging on a child’s swing (as if I didn’t do that). Then we saw a group of turbaned Sikhs hurling a football to catch as they went on back and forth, back and forth. I was also amazed at the number of people I saw with the traditional tilak marks on the foreheads, demarcating their identity as Vaishnavas, and yet I had never met them before.

Yes, this Festival of Chariots/Festival of India is drawing in the crowds. This weekend was the best ever in spirit and in numbers. I wanted to congratulate Sylvio who has been coming to our temple since 1984. He got initiated and has the name Satvik. Pretty good for a 72-year-old. We dedicated our drama today in honour of my Godsister, Urvasi, one of the first lady pioneers at ISKCON Toronto. She passed away today.

May the Source be with you!

5 km


 

Saturday, July 16, 2022
→ The Walking Monk

Yonge St. & Centre Island, Toronto

From Hiccups to Tears

We had hiccups. The sound systems weren’t working for the procession at the three chariots, however some of our young men visiting from other parts of North America compensated for this by their booming voices. The sheer crowds that ended on the south-bound journey on Yonge St were stunning. So, that was not the greatest issue as far as having a successful fest. On the street and on the island, there was record breaking attendance. I was surprised and, like others, was uncertain as to how the turn out would be in a post-pandemic situation. Lo and behold, more people came than ever before. It goes to show that we are all social animals. Perhaps a little like a pride of lions.

Speaking of which, our drama troupe, comprised of Bhakti Academy members, did a fantastic job. Once again, some problems with the mic. Is there a curse here? Otherwise, bravo to the troupe.

The annual fest has much to do with chanting and feasting. I enjoyed seeing the books sold at the book tent. My book, “The Saffron Path,” which highlights pilgrimage, was also moving like crazy.

The most unfortunate aspect of today was the news about the death of two good souls in the Donbass community; the result of a missile being launched at a building where they distribute prasadamfor hundreds of Ukrainian refugees. Their names are Krishna Tattva and Madan Gopal. Krishna, bless these great martyrs. I am in awe and tears.

May the Source be with you!


 

Friday, July 15, 2022
→ The Walking Monk

Centre Island, Toronto

Chain of Joy

“Now, let’s go for sharp, clean and crisp moves,” I said, directing the actors during our rehearsal. We had secured the unique location, a park, a fifteen-minute walk from the ashram, for the practice. I’m dealing with young volunteers learning the art of becoming audience friendly. The Chariot Festival, where the drama and so many things will be happening, is to be featured on Centre Island, where an approximate thirty to forty thousand people will come. That figure is based on pre-pandemic times, which was not so long ago. So, audience and crowds are the thing.

This morning was also the kick-start for a 12 Hour Kirtan. I have the honour to begin the chanting session. With a good amount of people sitting around, I felt a great support. The kirtan was strong throughout as leaders took turns. This is most encouraging, especially when you see the participation of all the young crowd.

When you are young you get enticed very easily. The party mode is very strong. You have so many options. It is just great knowing there’s an alternative – kirtan – which entails dance, song, music, food, and looking spiffy all for the pleasure of Krishna, or, in this case, Jagannath (which translates to Lord of the Universe).

I’m the lucky party animal. Last weekend was Montreal. This weekend is Toronto. Following that is Saskatoon, Calgary, and Edmonton.

It is a chain of joy.

May the Source be with you!