Once a week I get to see godbrothers (go bros for short) and godsisters (I prefer no abbreviation here) on Zoom. These souls I have the greatest reverence towards. Many of them are pioneers of Krishna Consciousness. That makes them very special.
This call occurs every Wednesday. To me it’s administration day because the discussion involves amazing challenges that they take on. At least in my context of thought I perceive them as heroes because they tackle some overwhelming issues at times. You can say It’s dirty work. They discuss and plan through incredible hurdles.
Their age? Many of them are in their seventies so they are not the most photogenic looking folks but they possess beautiful hearts. They are a blessing, being children of the guru, Prabhupada, either through diksha or shiksa; initiation or being a good student respectively, or both.
What brings people to such an illustrious status is their great ability to share ideas, to listen to other’s ideas, come to a decision and consensus and then implement.
Although I’m part of the group, I cannot claim to be on their level of intelligence or surrender. I became part of the team by luck, by chance, by mercy. I am fortunate to be the observer of great minds coming together.
One of our members expressed an apprehension about cleaning but my argument on the point goes like this: “Our whole culture is about cleaning, whether it be the heart, your temple, your house or your car. As Vaishnavas we spend, or should spend, at least a small portion of our day in cleansing.” In the context of a traditional ashramor mandir (temple), cleansing becomes a major component. Monks give considerable time to clearing and cleaning, even if it means the backyard and front yard.
And why not do it?
Look at the marvelous workout it provides. Look at the outstanding therapy it offers. So, from the standpoint of body, mind, and spirit; cleaning, purging, ablution, washing, dusting, sanitizing and sterilizing are a big part of claiming success in life.
Our guru, Prabhupada, used to say that his guru (Bhaktisiddhanta) would have new monks wash pots. (That’s what I did yesterday due to shortage of staff. I loved it.)
There is nothing lighter and brighter to life than getting rid of clutter. Clutter, chaos and crap are easy to have fall in place, but it takes strong will and intent to remove that which blocks the way.
I recall, on my first Canada walk, a trucker carrying logs had lost control and the timber was strewn all over that portion of the TransCanada Highway. So I, and others (motorists), pushed them to the side so traffic could flow again.
I would like to bring to your attention the story of Chaitanya and his cleaning ecstasy program.
The museum of sacred arts (MOSA) of the ISKCON Villa Vrindavana temple has created a new initiative within the range of their general activities. Earlier this year we had published an article in which we showcased the new acquisition of sound sculptures and gongs in the museum. These instruments have been built and designed by […]
Adi Gadadhar Das was introduced to Krishna consciousness by Gaur Gopal Prabhu and Gaurānga Prabhu in August 1998 at the age of 18 years while studying at Grant Medical college and JJ Hospital, Mumbai. He completed the Bhakti shastri course taught by Caitanya Charan Prabhu. He received first and second initiation from HH Radhanath Swami Maharaj. He currently serves as the congregation director for ISKCON Atlanta. He is a physician and completed his medical training at Emory university. He serves as a Geriatric Hospitalist and lives in Atlanta with his wife Radhabhava Devi and two children Gopal and Maithili.
Source: ISKCON Mangalore Reference on Ekadashi from scriptures:The purpose of ekādaśī-vrata is that today we should not eat much usual food, grains. The actual prescription is fasting. Nirjala-ekādaśī. Nirjala means there are many devotees who does not take even water. Water, drinking water, according to śāstra, it is taking food. It is drinking of food or no food. We can take […]
Source: Tarak Mantra Music A video of our “Sound Journey” events at the museum of sacred arts (MOSA) in Villa Vrindavana, Italy. These recordings are a compilation of the monthly events we held at the museum during the summer of 2021.
The transfer of the murtis of Jaya and Vijaya, the two divine gatekeepers of the Temple of the Vedic Planetarium, to their permanent place at the main entrance to the temple is complete. These murtis were completed, painted, and varnished a few months ago and have now been moved to their permanent location. Work will […]
A Grand Welcome Ceremony will be held from October 14th to 15th to welcome Srila Prabhupada’s murti form to the under-construction Temple of the Vedic Planetarium in Mayapur, during Prabhupada’s 125th appearance anniversary year. The TOVP, ISKCON’s flagship temple, was set to receive its grand opening during the last quarter of 2022, and construction was […]
Surendra Singh, an engineer and ISKCON devotee, has distributed Bhagavad-gita As It Is, celebrated Janmastami (Lord Krishna’s appearance day), and practiced Krishna consciousness with fellow scientific expedition team members at the Indian Antarctic research station “Maitri.” Antarctica, the Earth’s southernmost continent, is home to the the South Pole. It is the world’s coldest, driest and windiest continent, […]
In a model similar to that of Gainesville’s Krishna House, thirty-five students from local universities are currently living and developing their spiritual lives at the Hare Krishna Training Centre (HKTC) in Nairobi, the capital city of Kenya. Meanwhile 10 to 15 each are staying at satellite centers in nearby Eldoret and Juja, while many more […]
Ekadasi is the 11th day of the lunar phase of the Moon. Indira Ekadasi is celebrated in the Krishna Paksha (waning Moon phase) in the month of Ashwin (September–October). Since this Ekadasi falls on the Pitru Paksha (15 days in the month of Ashwin dedicated to ancestors), it is also known as ‘Ekadasi Shraddh.’ This […]
On October 14 and 15 ISKCON will combinedly celebrate the Grand Welcome Ceremony of Srila Prabhupada’s new murti to the TOVP – Prabhupada Vaibhava Darshan Utsava. Prabhupada will now be personally present in the TOVP to inspire and direct us for its completion. This is Gaudiya Vaishnava history manifesting right before all our eyes, as predicted by Lord Caitanya Mahaprabhu.
Five abhisheka options are available to sponsor, four pure metal coins and the Sahasra Jal Abhisheka (Sacred Water Abhisheka) composed of water from 125 sacred rivers, kundas and sarovaras gathered throughout India. This abhisheka seva presents a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for every devotee to participate in welcoming Srila Prabhupada to the TOVP as your personal expression of gratitude to our Founder-Acharya for the priceless gift of Krishna consciousness he has mercifully bestowed on us.
The coin abhishekas are composed of very small 100% pure metal coins that will be touched to Prabhupada’s head, and are as follows:
Donors will receive the coin used in the abhisheka in beautifully designed coin cards (see images below) as a special heirloom to keep in their family for generations to come.
On September 1st, 2021 a specially designed and minted coin commemorating the 125th Appearance Anniversary of Srila Prabhupada this year was released by Indian Prime Minister, Sri Narendra Modi. This historic honoring of Srila Prabhupada, Founder-Acharya of ISKCON is most important for the future of ISKCON and humanity.
The Temple of the Vedic Planetarium has acquired 108 of these coins to provide to well-wishers and supporters who would like to own this coin as an heirloom in their family for generations, and also support the continued construction of the TOVP. In the video Braja Vilasa displays the coin along with the attractive box and sleeve it comes in, all shipped to you anywhere in the world.
The coin is available for $1,250 / ₹1,25 Lakhs / €1,250 / £1,250. A two-year installment payment plan is an option for long-term payments. That’s a payment of $50 / ₹3700 / €85 / £37 a month for two years.
A big surprise in August was the comeback of Lima, Peru. I haven't seen a score from Lima for quite some time. The devotees did 2,420 book points, which was a 999% increase for the same month from a year ago. I've distributed books in Lima many years ago. The people are nice, but they don't have much laksmi. Continue reading "WSN August 2021 – World Sankirtan Newsletter → Dandavats"
On the eve of a momentous event – the auspicious day of the official Welcome Ceremony of Srila Prabhupada’s new murti to the TOVP on October 14 and 15 – an important event happened: the transfer of the murtis of Jaya and Vijaya, the two divine gatekeepers of the TOVP, to their permanent place at the main entrance to the Temple.
These murtis were completed, painted and varnished a few months ago and have now been moved to their permanent location. Work will begin on the manufacturing of massive lotus-shaped concrete bases, which will be covered from the outside with exquisite sandstone from Jaipur. We hope that on the approaching celebration of the welcome of His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, all devotees and visiting guests will be able to receive darshan of Jaya and Vijaya in all their glory.
The best way starting the month of September after Janmastami celebration was to hear Kadamba Kanana Swami giving Srimad Bhagavatam classes in Croatia to nourish our souls and deepen our faith in Krishna. You can find all the links to the classes below. Why not listen to them all?
In mid-September, we celebrated the appearance of Srimati Radharani by honouring it with a half day fast, puspanjali (flower ceremony), and discussion on the glories of Srimati Radharani. On this day my mind was absorbed in thoughts of this loving relationship between Krishna and Radharani . This pure love that they display. In fact, Radharani is Krishna’s internal potency, whose sole purpose is to give pleasure to Krishna and therefore she serves Krishna with pure devotion to please Him. Thus, it is necessary for us to know the difference between love and lust, that we might understand Radharani’s loving mood.
While Kadamba Kanana Swami celebrated Radhastami festival in Croatia, he was initiating devotees in Brisbane and was participating in the festival in Durban on the same day. The following are just a few of the many quotes from Kadamba Kanana Swami which encourage us to approach Krishna through the mercy of Srimati Radharani, Krishna’s eternal consort.
Srimati Radharani is in the Maha mantra, present in the Hare. The word, Hare, representing devotional service.
(Durban, Radhastami Talk 02 – 2012.09.23)
The love of God is never a static experience but is an ever-increasing and ecstatic experience. Radharani is discovering Krishna’s unlimited qualities and this way her love is growing and the purity of that love is ever-increasing. And this is happening to everyone, we are experiencing the same thing. And by the mercy of Srimati Radharani we also develop our attachment and appreciation to Krishna, so our love is growing, but with tiny little steps…
(Radhastami in Mayapur – 2014.09.02)
Radhastami Archived classes
You can find some previously published Radhastami lectures below to listen to keep reminding ourselves about Krishna’s pastimes with Srimati Radharani.
After the wonderful Radhastami festival Kadamba Kanana Swami decided to fly to New York City in the U.S.A. to continue his humble service there. Hopefully, none of you missed the Mangala arati and the Srimad Bhagavatam with him from the ISKCON New York temple. If you did, it is time to catch up and energize yourself.
And the lecture on Srimad Bhagavatam 3.3.21 – 19 sep 2021
Kadamba Kanana Swami will stay in New York for a while, therefore, let us keep following his activities and try listen to his wonderful lectures. You can follow the Youtube channel of ISKCON NYC here:https://www.youtube.com/c/ISKCONNYCTV.
While sitting at a park bench, a curious soul came next to me. She is part Cree, part French, which makes her a Metis. She started talking even before an introduction. “I sometimes go to Govinda’s to eat.” That kicked off a conversation with loads of questions.
A section of the conversation was her appreciation of seeing regularly, before Covid, two monks, one handicapped, walking up and down Avenue Road routinely. “Please tell these two men that I’ve been seeing them, as I live on the same street, and they’ve inspired me with their walking and chanting.”
“I will,” I said as I’m now sure she’s talking about Dharmaprana and Dakshin, two of our elder monks.
My new friend asked about the chanting and so I gave her my mantra card which reads “Please try the following mantraand shine: Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare/Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare.” Translation ‘Oh Awesome Creator, allow me to be of blissful service to You and the world.’”
I explained that “Hare” refers to God Feminine and Krishna refers to God Masculine and Rama refers to the pleasure of serving the Divine Mother and Divine Father.
More questions came – many – and it was a pleasure to share from my side. As a follow up I invited this very sweet woman, a film-maker by profession, to any of our morning classes at 9:30 a.m.
There we went swiftly on our feet – Dhruva from Calgary, Satya from Montreal and I – down University Ave in the hospital district. Many of these establishments are renowned for their research on cancer, heart disease and children’s diseases. “Oh, and look, there’s Mount Sinai Hospital next to us,” I pointed out, “where two months ago I had my knee surgery.”
Our purpose for walking here was not necessarily to show the boys a haven for sightseeing. That the area is not. Rather, one of us, Satya, is involved in a feature film on the iconic silent-film star, Mary Pickford, and I thought to bring them to a monumental bust of the grand lady on University Avenue, right in front of Sick Kids Hospital. She apparently was born in a house at that spot. Funny thing is that she was highly admired as “America’s Sweet Heart” during the silent-picture era, but in fact her body was Canadian.
From a total perspective of a monk like me, I would just say that she was an entertainer and, as a service to humanity offered, joy to many. She is also documented to have an affinity towards spirituality in the form of a book, “Why Not Try God?”
Pious woman, indeed.
There was a time when God was important in people’s lives, in fact it was very prevalent in Protestant-dominated Toronto and that was true in 1892, when she was born.
Something special happens on Saturday with events that occur at Toronto’s popular High Park. I can’t confess to know all that goes on at this green piece of relief from Big City dynamics, but one thing is for sure – people come here for peace. The venue, in fact, is so sought after and relatively but serenely busy that traffic is closed here on holidays and weekends. Those of us who are chant-and-dance lovers make it a point to take full advantage of this wonderful spot every Saturday from 1-3 p.m.
Off of Bloor Street near Colborne Ridge we gather where people of tranquil minds funnel in and out and where an elderly fellow plays his sax from a park bench belching out tear-jerking classics like “Days of Wine and Roses.” I don’t know how long he sits there but to me he’s a permanent and welcoming fixture who gives to the atmosphere.
Heads turn and smiles project off the faces at the free flow of human limbs in a dance and chant tradition of monk Chaitanya, who is most influential to this day since he inaugurated this bliss in the early 16th century. It is so crazy to see that this tension-releasing program of love and tenderness goes on in many fine corners of the world.
I’m happy to hear and receive pics of devotees celebrating Krishna’s birthday in Antarctica. Perhaps the Beatles’ “I am the Walrus” was prophetic with the lyrics, “penguins chanting Hare Krishna.”
It’s that time again – time for another production. This one is called “The Embassy,” based on the script from playwright “Bhasa.” The story is an intense display of emotional clashing between Duryodhana and Krishna. Peace and aggression come together.
To pull off this theatrical assembly of sorts in the form of a short film takes much planning and physical work. The pieces to the puzzle will slowly come together on this second film project.
To execute this particular one we arranged to fly Dhruva, playing the role of the antagonist, from Calgary. I met him at the Rosedale Subway after his flight was completed. What a devotional chap he is. Apart from being a good actor there is a certain amount of commitment and reliability in his lifestyle.
We were also thrilled to see Satya arrive after a pleasant train ride from Montreal. Speak about “pleasant,” that’s him. In fact, in the role of Krishna one of the lines he delivers, sarcastically, to Duryodhana goes like this – “so much then for our own pleasantries, come now to my errand.”
And with our first evening on the set (Govinda’s Restaurant) our crew went through a test-run of lighting, framing and blocking. It all looks very promising with this new production. We have an excellent team with Michaela, Kusha, and Krishna Candra on the technical side. We see it as a service to humanity.
We had a nice discussion from The Gita,chapter 10, text 27, highlighting at least three representations of God. The chapter is entitled “Opulence of the Absolute.” Our Thursday Zoom group delved into the super horse Uccaisrava, the elephant, Airavata, and lastly the king.
The super horse was invoked from the event of the churning of the ocean of milk. The super elephant, Airavata, was also born from the churning. He became the chief among elephants and has Indra riding on his back. Indra is the god of rain.
The final mention of an opulence of God is the monarch, or the king, but not just any old kind could reflect the quality of the Absolute. In the purport Prabhupada qualifies the type of monarch referred to here. He references kings like Rama, Yudhisthira and Pariksit. These were outstanding leaders who promoted dharma, fair and righteous deeds. Where are such responsible lords of virtue to be found today? Are we to only see these as nostalgic figures? A meagre chunk of sweet history?
It has always been the contention of our guru, Prabhupada, to look to the future for pious monarchs. What makes good leaders, despite the dark world we live in is in the training, the early rising, the meditation and belief in the Superpower, the discipline, and the love for the earth and its residents, which include non-humans.
We had a nice discussion from The Gita,chapter 10, text 27, highlighting at least three representations of God. The chapter is entitled “Opulence of the Absolute.” Our Thursday Zoom group delved into the super horse Uccaisrava, the elephant, Airavata, and lastly the king.
The super horse was invoked from the event of the churning of the ocean of milk. The super elephant, Airavata, was also born from the churning. He became the chief among elephants and has Indra riding on his back. Indra is the god of rain.
The final mention of an opulence of God is the monarch, or the king, but not just any old kind could reflect the quality of the Absolute. In the purport Prabhupada qualifies the type of monarch referred to here. He references kings like Rama, Yudhisthira and Pariksit. These were outstanding leaders who promoted dharma, fair and righteous deeds. Where are such responsible lords of virtue to be found today? Are we to only see these as nostalgic figures? A meagre chunk of sweet history?
It has always been the contention of our guru, Prabhupada, to look to the future for pious monarchs. What makes good leaders, despite the dark world we live in is in the training, the early rising, the meditation and belief in the Superpower, the discipline, and the love for the earth and its residents, which include non-humans.
My walk to the shiatzu centre was a pleasant movement through the rain under an umbrella. It was a few minutes of contemplation. I find that rain often does that; heightens the pensive nature in us. As long as it’s not too long. I recall days on the marathon walks when a full eight hours was with rain and in the rain. Few motorists stop to talk. It’s just me and the rain, or rather Krishna.
That’s always the way to think of it. It’s Krishna.
Only today I contemplated on His devotee and his pureness. I’m speaking of none other than our guru, Prabhupada. What he had done for me and countless others is indescribable. Even to this day, years since he passed (Nov. 1977) he still impacts people through his publications, his temples and his devotees. He has and does change lives.
I came back from the shiatzu session feeling great, naturally. I felt even better that, when I arrived to the ashram, there was cooked asparagus waiting for me. That was done out of love by the donor, Sarthak, the cook, Dwarkanath and finally the stasher, Vallabha Hari, who knows I’m a sucker for this kind of green prasadam. Prabhupada, I thank you for prasadam.
Rain persisted throughout the day until about 7 p.m. when it was time for our evening stairway kirtan.
Miracles! That’s what we have to look for, sniff out for and seek out. We will find it.
My walk to the shiatzu centre was a pleasant movement through the rain under an umbrella. It was a few minutes of contemplation. I find that rain often does that; heightens the pensive nature in us. As long as it’s not too long. I recall days on the marathon walks when a full eight hours was with rain and in the rain. Few motorists stop to talk. It’s just me and the rain, or rather Krishna.
That’s always the way to think of it. It’s Krishna.
Only today I contemplated on His devotee and his pureness. I’m speaking of none other than our guru, Prabhupada. What he had done for me and countless others is indescribable. Even to this day, years since he passed (Nov. 1977) he still impacts people through his publications, his temples and his devotees. He has and does change lives.
I came back from the shiatzu session feeling great, naturally. I felt even better that, when I arrived to the ashram, there was cooked asparagus waiting for me. That was done out of love by the donor, Sarthak, the cook, Dwarkanath and finally the stasher, Vallabha Hari, who knows I’m a sucker for this kind of green prasadam. Prabhupada, I thank you for prasadam.
Rain persisted throughout the day until about 7 p.m. when it was time for our evening stairway kirtan.
Miracles! That’s what we have to look for, sniff out for and seek out. We will find it.
Coco is a household super dog at the Mississauga home of Pusta Krishna and Tejasvi. He is a 2-year-old full of energy who recognizes strangers. Well, when I went to visit the family, he singled me out, but soon got used to me. Unique about this fellow is that he loves prasadam, food blessed by Krishna. He was happy to lick my fingers clear after I completed my meal of asparagus tofu subji, salad and puris.
Smarta brahmans are an orthodox-type of priests and if any of them would see the eager canine licking in action they might be disgusted with me to have an unclean animal do this to me. I really have little care for their petty prejudices. Coco was a good sport who was relishing the finger-lickin’ good food. I saw his kindness as a service.
One more cool thing that happened today was when I visited godbrother Kaladev at his vintage clothing shop on Queen St. in Toronto called “Flashback Vintage.” Our local fashion expert is Vallabha Hari, from India, and he and I selected the clothes we needed for our film production, “The Embassy” to be filmed this weekend and released at the MANtra retreat this November. Kaladev was totally generous. Whatever we selected adding up to hundreds of dollars he just placed all in a shopping bag and said, “This is yours.”
It was rather stimulating sharing the spot by Zoom as part of a panel discussion with Vaisesika and Kalakanta, with Anuttama as moderator. We went for an hour’s duration on the topic “Books Are the Basis.” We took the time to reflect on something that is very foundational to our spiritual lives. Had we not the books to read we would be nowhere.
The angle that moderator, Anuttama, approached me on was how the books of author Prabhupada have formed the basis of my script writing. I am not a great playwright by any stretch of the imagination, but I do what I do for community theatre which is the harvest of the book’s contents.
Also foundational to Krishna Consciousness is the chanting of the supreme mantra, “Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare/Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare.” Serious members of this consciousness chant for a good two hours each day, which is a type of spiritual communication with the Supreme Person.
I caught Krishna Chandra on the camera chanting this maha-mantra on beads, as he makes it a priority to connect with divine powers. He sat there in his white dhoti in the lotus position allowing himself to be immersed in the mantra. He was connecting.
Staying with the Patel family in Bracebridge for a night and pursuing that morning walk by various falls on the Muskoka River is always inspiring. What could be more captivating than moving along a clean body of water in perfect weather (2 days left for summer) with the best people? Being in such a situation conjures up gratitude.
I am reminded of a beautiful purport from The Bhagavatam 11.5.41 telling us of obligation and appreciation. “Every ordinary conditioned soul is the recipient of innumerable benefits given by the demigods, who provide sun and moonshine, rain, wind, food and, ultimately, one’s own material body. In Bhagavad-gītā it is stated, stenaevasaḥ: one who does not reciprocate with the demigods by offering them sacrifice is stena, or a thief. […] When we wake up in the morning our mind is refreshed by the sweet singing of birds, and on a hot day we enjoy the cool shade and breeze of the forest trees. We are accepting service from innumerable living entities, and we are obligated to repay them. Āptameans one’s own family members, to whom one is certainly obligated according to normal morality, and nṛṇām means human society. Until one becomes a devotee of the Supreme Personality of Godhead, one is certainly a product of his society. We receive mundane education, culture, tradition and protection from the society in which we live, and thus we owe a great debt to society.”
It was a slightly cool but fresh walk in the air and my brains became chilled with the reflection of thoughts on indebtedness to nature and the Creator.
I look forward to Saturday primarily because in the afternoon we go to High Park for “the prime benediction for humanity at large.” That quote is from Chaitanya’s written testimony regarding chanting. Chanting is the way to approach the public for bringing about the best results.
Beginning at 1 p.m. a group of us are huddled near Colbourne Lodge for a chanting session where dancing took place, which really attracted attention. One woman was walking, stopped, came over and joined. She lit up. This happened to several people.
A father with his daughter was also magnetically pulled in and, when walking in our direction with his daughter in hand, didn’t see the curb, missed his step and balance. Two women were walking past us, but one stopped and began to snap her fingers to the beat of drums, her hips swaying. She was smiling. She suddenly realized her companion moved on some metres and then came to a halt looking disapprovingly to her dancing friend who then swiftly dashed off to catch up. People were loving the chanting. Some did.
Our kirtan group terminated with the train ride through the park. We enjoyed the scenery but couldn’t help ourselves to play our instruments for the last leg of the ride. Other passengers began to groove with us. It’s all full. The great monk, Chaitanya, said it right.
“Are you a Christian monk?” is what I heard when sauntering on Cumberland St. I turned around and stopped to see four young men looking wholesome and fairly clean cut.
I responded with, “A Krishna monk!”
“Oh! Hindu!” said one of the fellows.
“That’s the kind of little box theologians like to put our group in, but in truth we represent an ancient wisdom that dates to thousands of years. I was born and raised Christian but I added onto my life more information and ways of an enhanced experience.”
The four of them were keenly listening, which I found refreshing on a street of evening delights, like Yorkville. I continued, “It’s a life of self-discipline.”
“So, no drinking or partying?”
“I tried all of that.” I told them.
“You find your lifestyle improved?” they asked.
“Definitely, because we are addressing internal needs. In the current pop-culture there is this temporary stimulation. It’s all external with short-term benefits. You want to go for more depth in life. Explore the richness that life has to offer.”
Somehow these guys, although under a mild influence of some substance, appeared to really soak it up.
“What’s your name?” asked one of them.
“Bhaktimarga Swami. Some people translate it as ‘The Walking Monk.’
They laughed.
“That you are. We caught you walking and praying with your rosary.”
We offered each other the new handshake, the elbow bump, and I left them each with a mantra card.
I took a stroll to Yorkville where cafes are cool and people are too. For me it’s always interesting to see people’s reactions to some monk gliding through at an early night hour. The place is pretty harmless.
Two young men were passing in front of me. One looked back and spotted me. He touched the waist of his buddy and mildly moved him out of the way. He turned around and immediately got out of the way. “Make way for the monk.”
I passed by a man and his companion dog and said to his pet, “Now that guy (me) will pray for you.” I turned my head. He nodded.
One gentleman I met in the temple ashram area sells bouquets of red roses. He always greets me with a, “Hare Krishna.” Seems he’s been to our temple. On my turning left on Cumberland I saw him now for a second time. He actually was making a sale at the time. He said the same, “Hare Krishna.”
One younger Indian chap had a cigarette to his mouth and then removed it when he saw me coming down the street. On another street two Caucasians each had a cigarette and on seeing me sitting at a bench near the outdoor jazz band, kept smoking but nodded.
At the corner of Bay and Cumberland four young women, obviously from out of town, were lost and trying to determine where they parked their car. I offered, “Can I help you with directions?” Well, I guess they don’t see too many monks in their town. I was ignored, but that’s okay. A little dose of humility on a stroll can’t do any harm. May the Source be with you!
The weather these days could not be better. Though we were met by an exhilarating storm overnight, replete with lightning, thunder, wind and rain. Thankfully the storm settled down by the moment Krishna Chandra and I took to a stroll before dawn. We found an atmosphere of peace. The calm was incredible. Bushes, flowers, plants and trees were happy. They had a good bath. They were shining in a kind of splendour as the light reflected from city lampposts. It was indeed a wet look and most beautiful.
Sun rays broke through with the dawn’s appearance and my second stroll, a walk to shiatsu therapist, Carlos, revealed a dry foliage, but green. All seems pleasant for me and I feel blessed not only to be alive and walking limp-less, but I feel I have Krishna’s protection through doing the right thing; being in the right place at the right time. My appointment was for 3:15 p.m. Actually, I was a little early. I believe in the saying, “If you can’t be on time at least be early.” I find it helps to see God in the form of time, as the invisible avatar.
Time is important and, as a subject, becomes one of the prime topics in The Gita; one of five. One way to look at it is time being responsible for our birth, then death, then birth again. Time marches on and we, as independent entities, must decide how to use it.
By Vijaya Dasa
