The nature of a Mahatma
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Hare KrishnaBy Gour Govinda Swami

“The Western world means countries where the people are gross materialists, who have no Krsna consciousness, no God consciousness at all. Therefore, who is able to spread Krsna consciousness among them? It is completely impossible, unless, krsna-sakti vina nahe tara pravartana, one is empowered by Krsna’s sakti and becomes krsna-sakti-pusta-parikara. That is guru-tattva. One who is sad-guru, sri-guru, a pure Vaisnava, sadhu mahajana is krsna-sakti-pusta-parikara. He is Krsna’s eternal associate. He is nourished by krsna-sakti. Without krsna-sakti no one can spread Krsna consciousness alone, by his own strength. It is impossible. Therefore, there is definitely no doubt that Srila Prabhupada was empowered by Krsna, empowered by Mahaprabhu. He had received the full mercy of Krsna, Mahaprabhu and the previous acaryas — Bhaktivinoda Thakura, Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati, and all other sadhu-mahajanas, who gave him full power.” Continue reading "The nature of a Mahatma
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Mamgachhi – Birthplace of Sri Vrindavan Das Thakura
→ Dandavats

By Chandan Yatra Das

Sri Vrindavan Das Thakura’s mother's name was Sri Narayani Devi. She was the daughter of Srivasa Thakura's brother. Narayani devi was only a 4 year old girl when Lord Caitanya Mahaprabhu revealed His divinity in the house of Srivasa, showing His true self to the assembled devotees there. In the Sri Caitanya Bhagavata it is written: "The golden moon, Sri Gauranga, revealed Himself as the soul of all souls. At that time He ordered Narayani to chant the name of Krishna. Although she was only 4 years old, she became mad with love of Supreme Lord. And crying, "O Krishna!" she swooned in ecstasy. As she laid on the ground in a trance of bliss, her eyes filled with tears, overwhelmed with divine love." Continue reading "Mamgachhi – Birthplace of Sri Vrindavan Das Thakura
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Monday, May 3, 2021
→ The Walking Monk

Room at 243, Toronto

At Canto 10

 

Once a month I connect with the Vancouver community, the first Monday. They are studying in sequence the Bhagavatam book and are in the section of canto ten where there is the meeting of the two great minds, Nanda and Vasudeva.

 

If one is not acquainted with these two it might be wise to do so. Both are great role models in the category of men, being of saintly character, but they both share a similar karma and that is to do with Krishna. The story tells of Krishna being fathered by Vasudeva mystically. Through the act of divine meditation Vasudeva impregnated his wife, the great lady, Devaki. The couple had become imprisoned by dictator, Kamsa. Shortly after the birth of the beautiful boy, Krishna, Vasudeva was able to carry the newborn baby and escape the cell to bring the child safely to the countryside in Vrindavan; to the home of Nanda during everyone’s nighttime sleep.

 

Without my expressing too many details, Krishna’s childhood pastimes were actually enacted in that household, making Nanda and Yasoda the foster parents, which, in a way, left Vasudeva and Devaki somewhere out of the picture. The imprisoned couple became deprived of parenting, however, as the epical history reveals, they learned detachment from this world early in their lives, which is what all persons (humans) should hope to achieve.

 

Back to Vancouver and we delighted in the virtual discussion with the group on the West Coast.

 

May the Source be with you!

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Sunday, May 2, 2021
→ The Walking Monk

Ramsden Park, Toronto

Noticing

“Have you done your count of steps today?” Asked the middle-aged couple who stopped to make sure about getting an answer. They were not demanding. They just wanted to strike a conversation which I really appreciated. Who doesn’t want to make new friends?

 

To answer my own question on that; here is what does tick me off. For instance, I was sitting on the park bench before this, chanting on my beads, and the following scenario happened more than once. The bench I prefer to sit on is rather high in elevation. The park has its high and low elevation points. I’ll be chanting and I’ll notice someone in the distance, someone who clearly spotted me. I’ll turn my head to them hoping for a smile or nod and usually (not always) they turn the other way. Just a glimpse of the eye would be so nice. It would be a chance to connect. For me it’s a real triumph when they do reciprocate. The atmosphere then becomes light. The chances of a second time encounter could then possibly mean talking.

 

That’s how it usually works. First see, then gesture, then talk, then friendship. It’s so nice when it gels this way.

 

Now, one fella walking with his wife started photographing me while I was on the bench and talking on the phone. Usually the person asks permission, right? Well, he didn’t. In any event, after he clicked a few times, he started talking. “I’ve been to your open house on Sunday. Govinda's Restaurant too.” So there you have it. He already made contact before. The ice was broken. To the first couple I answered, “Yes. I’m counting.”

 

May the Source be with you!

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Disappearance of Sri Vrindavan Das Thakur May 6th 2021
→ Mayapur.com

The author of Shri Chaitanya Bhagwat, Shrila Vrindavan Das Thakur, who was a dear devotee of Shri Chaitnaya Mahaprabhu and the disciple of Shrila Nityananda Prabhu, blessed and sanctified the dashami tithi in the month of Vaishakh by choosing to leave this earthly planet on this particular day. Shrila Vrindavan das thakur had taken birth […]

The post Disappearance of Sri Vrindavan Das Thakur May 6th 2021 appeared first on Mayapur.com.

H.H. Giriraja Maharaja Speaks Out – TOVP #GivingToPrabhupada 11 Day Matching Fundraiser
- TOVP.org

PRABHUPADA IS COMING! to the TOVP this October at the historic installation of his new murti commemorating his 125th Appearance Anniversary Year. His divine presence there will inspire and guide us to complete the TOVP. Giriraja Maharaja encourages all devotees to sponsor an abhisheka for this historic occasion.

To encourage a grand welcome for His Divine Grace that all devotees, man woman or child, can participate in, the TOVP has created a once-in-a-lifetime abhisheka sponsorship campaign, and from May 14 (Akshaya Tritiya) until May 25 (Nrsimha Caturdasi) the #GivingToPrabhupada 11 Day Matching Fundraiser will make this seva opportunity available. Ambarisa prabhu will match the first $150,000, and our goal is $1 million.

Mark your calendar now and sponsor one of five kinds of abhishekas starting with the Sacred Water abhisheka (water from 125 sacred rivers) for $25.

Visit the Fundraiser Page for more information.

 NOTE: The TOVP CARE COVID RELIEF program is donating $25,000 for ISKCON Mayapur and Bangladesh temples under the direction of Ambarisa prabhu.

 

TOVP NEWS AND UPDATES – STAY IN TOUCH

Visit: www.tovp.org
Support: https://tovp.org/donate/
Email: tovpinfo@gmail.com
Follow: www.facebook.com/tovp.mayapur
Watch: www.youtube.com/c/TOVPinfoTube
View at 360°: www.tovp360.org
Twitter: https://twitter.com/TOVP2022
Telegram: https://t.me/TOVP_GRAM
WhatsApp: https://m.tovp.org/whatsapp
Instagram: https://m.tovp.org/tovpinstagram
App: https://m.tovp.org/app
News & Texts: https://m.tovp.org/newstexts
RSS News Feed: https://tovp.org/rss2/
Store: https://tovp.org/tovp-gift-store/

In Honor of His Grace Pankajanghri Prabhu
- TOVP.org

A Message from Ambarisa and Braja Vilasa Prabhus

To All Devotees Around the World,

With heavy hearts we observed the peaceful passing of His Grace Pankajanghri prabhu yesterday. As one of the most critical personalities in the development of the Pujari floor of the Temple of the Vedic Planetarium, his absence is now deeply felt. Over the years (even decades), we have come to rely on his seniority, purity, and quality of devotion to Krishna as an example to us all.

Still, it is in the mood of separation that we remind ourselves of how important yesterday was. In truth, our association with His Grace Pankajanghri prabhu has not ended, but evolved, for now we may have him in our hearts forever as a Vaishnava who departed towards Srila Prabhupada’s service in the company of other Vaishnavas from around the world, surrounded by the chanting of the sacred mahamantra, on the banks of the most auspicious Mother Ganga, at the very heart of Navadwip Dhama, Sri Mayapur. There is no more glorious, auspicious, or ideal departure than that of His Grace Pankajanghri prabhu, and even in his passing he is teaching us to always remember Krishna and never forget Him.

At the TOVP, we shall continue to uphold Pankajanghri prabhu’s teachings and standards in deity worship as we prepare for the unprecedented shift of Sri Sri Radha Madhava, Sri Panchatattva, and Sri Nrsimhadeva into Their new temple. What we have learned from Pankajanghri prabhu will serve as a legacy to all future pujaris, and now more than ever we ask all devotees, donors, friends, well-wishers and colleagues to come together to honor his memory in kirtan and prayer from the safety of your own homes.

All glories to His Grace Pankajanghri prabhu!

Srila Prabhupada ki jai!

Your Servants,
Ambarisa das and Brajavilasa das

 NOTE: The TOVP CARE COVID RELIEF program is donating $25,000 for ISKCON Mayapur and Bangladesh temples under the direction of Ambarisa prabhu.

Click below to view the entire video of Pankajanghri’s prabhu’s Final Journey

 

TOVP NEWS AND UPDATES – STAY IN TOUCH

Visit: www.tovp.org
Support: https://tovp.org/donate/
Email: tovpinfo@gmail.com
Follow: www.facebook.com/tovp.mayapur
Watch: www.youtube.com/c/TOVPinfoTube
View at 360°: www.tovp360.org
Twitter: https://twitter.com/TOVP2022
Telegram: https://t.me/TOVP_GRAM
WhatsApp: https://m.tovp.org/whatsapp
Instagram: https://m.tovp.org/tovpinstagram
App: https://m.tovp.org/app
News & Texts: https://m.tovp.org/newstexts
RSS News Feed: https://tovp.org/rss2/
Store: https://tovp.org/tovp-gift-store/

Vrndavana Das Thakur
→ Ramai Swami

Srila Vrindavan Das Thakur was born four years after Mahaprabhu took sannyasa.

His mother was Sri Narayani Devi. She was the niece of Srivasa Pandit. 

Srila Vrindavan Das Thakur describes how his mother received the mercy of Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu when she was just four years old. He told Narayani to chant the name of Krishna. She became mad with love of God and started crying, ‘O Krishna!’ she was filled with divine love.

Very often she would receive the remnants of Mahaprabhu’s meal. Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu liked her very much. By the mercy of Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu the incarnation of Vyasa (the writer of the Vedas/Vedic scriptures) came as Srila Vrindavan Das Thakur in the womb of Sri Narayani Devi.

His only thought was Sri Sri Gaura-Nityananda. The father of Srila Vrindavan Das Thakur most probably died while his mother was still pregnant with him. Being without a husband his mother became very poor, and in the end she came to live in the house of Sri Vasudeva Datta Thakur, who lived in Mamagachi. There she used to help doing the household work. At this place Vrindavan Das started to study as well.

At the house of Malini Devi (the wife of Srivasa Thakur) Vrindavan Das used to play, and he grew up there. They use to take care of him and nourish him, just like one would take care of a valuable gem.

When Mahaprabhu left this world Srila Vrindavan Das Thakur was about twenty years old.

He was initiated by Sri Nityananda Prabhu. He was most probably the very last disciple Sri Nityananda Prabhu initiated.

Together with Nityananda Prabhu’s wife, Jahnava Mata, Srila Vrindavan Das Thakur went to the Kheturi Maha-mahotsava (the first Sri Gaura Purnima festival).

Srila Vrindavan Das Thakur wrote Sri Chaitanya Bhagavat. First it was called Sri Chaitanya Mangal. In this book he writes about the pastimes of Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu and His associates. Especially he wrote a lot about the early lila of the Lord.

An interview with His Grace Pankanjanghri Prabhu
→ Dandavats

By Kamala Locana das

We have a magazine of disciples of H.H. Niranjana Swami which name is "Mukam Karoti Vacalam". Once the theme of an issue was Deity worship, so we put together different articles about that including an interview with His Grace Pankanjanghri Prabhu. It was in 2011. This was a quite big interview with many interesting and important points, which, I believe, can be interesting and important to the readers of your site Continue reading "An interview with His Grace Pankanjanghri Prabhu
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PANKAJANGHRI
→ Dandavats

He was a fellow perceptively mellow He arrived with his brother to follow At the beck and call of Mahaprabhu In a land of mist and morning dew >From there on, it was all overRead More...
(This post has been viewed 132 times so far)

HG Pankajanghri Prabhu the Prahlad Maharaj of our time!
→ Mayapur.com

Lord Narasimhadeva Appears in Mayapur In ISKCON Sri Mayapur itself is an act of ‘Maya’ of the Supreme Lord. The story of how Lord Narasimhadeva came to Sri Mayapur Chandrodaya Mandir is really flabbergasting to know. The story below is reproduced ‘as such’ from the Mayapur journal based on experiences of HG Atma Tattva Prabhu […]

The post HG Pankajanghri Prabhu the Prahlad Maharaj of our time! appeared first on Mayapur.com.

We miss you dear Pankajanghri Prabhu!
→ Mayapur.com

We miss you Pankajanghri Prabhu! By Lord’s Grace, we put in the association of Guru Maharaja and the twin Vaisnava brothers in Sri Mayapur dhama! Of course, the Mayapur won’t be the same without Pankajanghri Prabhu! After Mangala arati, after performing the abhiseka inside Narasimhadeva altar, Pankajanghri Prabhu comes out and devotees sprinkle the tirtha […]

The post We miss you dear Pankajanghri Prabhu! appeared first on Mayapur.com.

5 devotees left their bodies from Covid in Iskcon Vrindavan
→ Dandavats



It is with great distress that we inform the entire devotee community about the loss that we have experienced in Iskcon Vrindavan. Vaishnava association is one of the most important limbs of devotional service and the greatest treasure of life, and losing Vaishnavas is the only irreparable loss that one can experience. Due to the ongoing outspread of Corona Virus, we have lost five wonderful devotees who were a part of our community in Iskcon Vrindavan.

Read More...

(This post has been viewed 437 times so far)

Lord Nrsimhadeva Reciprocates Instantly
→ Dandavats

By Pankajanghri das

Being labeled Lord Nrsimhadeva’s pujari in Mayapur, I have been asked to recount some stories in connection with Him, but unlike the sastras (scriptures), these “lilas” (pastimes) have no authority except for the testimony of the devotees who told them. In most cases there were no other witnesses. Although I am generally quite skeptical when it comes to accepting other people’s mystical experiences as truth, just too many things started happening recently, not to sit up and take notice. Continue reading "Lord Nrsimhadeva Reciprocates Instantly
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Pankajanghri Prabhu (4 min. video)
→ Dandavats

By Sukanthi Radha dasi

A song in glorification of our dear Pankajanghri Prabhu. The depths of your devotion are impossible to know, you live and breathe pure spiritual life. Simply by seeing you one's heart becomes satisfied. We deeply wanted you to stay with us, devotees prayed and try their very best, you will always remain as the swan-like man, so meek and so humble a kind friend to everyone Prabhupada's dear most son, you're a perfect gentleman you're a perfect example for all. Continue reading "Pankajanghri Prabhu (4 min. video)
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Letter from the GBC: HG Pankajanghri Prabhu Has Departed
→ ISKCON News

Dear Devotees,Please accept our humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada. HG Pankajanghri Prabhu, ISKCON’s most beloved Nrsimhadeva pujari, has departed from this world in Sri Dham Mayapur. Having joined ISKCON in the footsteps of his twin brother, HG Jananivasa Prabhu, in 1973, the two brothers dedicated their lives to serving the Lordships of ISKCON’s International Headquarters in […]

The post Letter from the GBC: HG Pankajanghri Prabhu Has Departed appeared first on ISKCON News.

Make the best of the situation!
→ KKSBlog

(Kadamba Kanana Swami, 12 March 2021, Simhachalam, Germany, Zoom Meeting)

Why try to control the material energy? Why try to manipulate it? Why try to force the hand of destiny? Instead, just take it as it comes. And under each circumstance, just make the best of the situation. And if we do so, then surely we will get the mercy of the Lord!

The article " Make the best of the situation! " was published on KKSBlog.

Please pray for HG Mahasrngha das ACBSP
→ Dandavats



Mahasrngha das is initially from the USA. He has been seriously ill from the Covid virus for 10 days now. He currently resides at Iskcon Jaipur temple. There is no hospital nearby that has oxygen. He is thus reconciled to departing this life, and has stopped eating. Please pray that his suffering is soon over - and if he is to depart this life, that his soul is comforted, and led to his next destination by the sweet sounds of the Lord's holy names.

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(This post has been viewed 375 times so far)

Saturday, May 1, 2021
→ The Walking Monk

Ramsden Park, Toronto

 

The Things I Saw and Heard Today

 

Before Zoom classes began I took advantage of the beckoning sun. I was sure this was not a singular thought. Sure enough the craving for sun, green-ness and crisp air was apparent. My favourite bench was available and only good things I could see. Hither and thither: walkers. A dog park replete with happy humans and canines. Men, women and children; black, white and brown. Not one person with a cigarette. Kids playing. Adults talking.

 

A relatively young dad was carrying a bundle of the gathered tree branches which had fallen from yesterday’s wind. His son, about five, pitched in, carrying a second but minor pile. Wood for a bonfire outside at their home? Or is it for their indoor fireplace?

 

A robin yanked out a fat worm, too big to swallow. He flew off. His neighbouring robin did the same pull and tug. This worm was smaller — very stubborn. It was a wrestle. The robin won. In it’s belly it went.

 

I was at my beads, fingering them and chanting while this went on.

 

One last short walk and I met the only person who approached me today. I was just about to turn a corner when I stopped for a voice that shouted, “Hey!”

 

“Yes?” I turned around to see a tall and strongly built but shabby-dressed fellow who wanted to know if I had any empty beer bottles for recycling. “Liquor bottles?” He then asked. “How about empty wine bottles you use in your services?” I was sorry to disappoint him. I kept walking. He went in another direction.

 

May the Source be with you!

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Friday, April 30, 2021
→ The Walking Monk

Ramsden Park, Toronto

 

It Dawned on Me

 

It was quite the humid day; cool to the feel. The wind was up and trees were dancing with their upper bodies while their trunks, as usual, were anchored stiff.

 

When my services were completed for the day, which included a Zoom chat with our Halifax crew and another on plans for our next film production, I took the opportunity to walk a stretch. It wasn’t long but it was…

 

The other day when I did a walk the length of Ramsden Park, I took a gayatri mantra break right next to the tennis courts. I realize something I hadn’t noticed about the maintenance of that facility. It was already dark and I heard two people, a couple, rummaging around in the court. They were talking. I presumed they were the last tennis players of the day but when they walked by me while I was on the park bench, I realize they were maintenance people. First she, then he, passed by carrying a load. She held a stack of tennis balls in her arms and as she passed by she gave a “Hi!” Because I gave a Hi!” Then he, dragging a baby carriage, for practical reasons I suppose, was taking the balance of paraphernalia back to a nearby storage. He also said, “Hi!” After I did.

 

It dawned on me that we just assume everything in this world is automatically there for the taking and using. We don’t realize that someone is in charge, set things up, maintaining the place and eventually may destroy and re-do the place. It must be the way of the Creator as well.

 

May the Source be with you!

2 km


 

Thursday, April 29, 2021
→ The Walking Monk

Room at 243, Toronto

 

Two Verses

 

While keeping indoors from ongoing showers, the real shelter for me for the afternoon was a Zoom call with our weekly Gita study group. We dove into chapter nine of this dialogue of a masterpiece. Krishna and Arjuna are communicating on an important subject matter.

 

Firstly, we examined text twenty-seven which is about the spirit of giving and doing all things in the right consciousness. “Do all things for me,” is Krishna’s direction, or, as I would put it, to offer everything to the Universe; implying the Creator. My choice of words depends on my audience. It’s easy to say “Do for God!” But if I’m speaking to environmentally conscious folks I might say “Do for the cosmos!”

 

Our group on the call are all Krishna-lovers and seekers, so using Krishna terminology is appropriate. I believe that all those on the weekly call are relishing it. The discussions are great. Questions and comments are a beautiful experience for participants. It only goes for an hour and I believe those who come on board, especially from more remote sections of the US or Canada, feel most connected.

 

In the verse that follows, text twenty-eight, was also a message to savour. It tells about Krishna’s character and how he impartially offers his assistance to all entities. The thoughts and remarks which came out of our discussion were on how in one verse He asks for His full attention and in the next He tells what He’ll do in reciprocation as His service to the individual. Yes, God (the universe) offers services.

 

May the Source be with you!

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Wednesday, April 28, 2021
→ The Walking Monk

Davisville, Toronto

 

David Drove

 

David drove me to the clinic for my vaccine. I told him to move along, that I’ll take the 4 km hike back. There I was filling out a form. The questionnaire was easy, especially when it asks, “Are you pregnant?” And the next one, “Are you breast-feeding?”

 

I proceeded to the queue and submitted. “Oh! I love that color! You made my day!” Said the woman at the medical desk. It was a short wait, a prick and I was off, south-bound.

 

I came to the Davisville area and the Beltline Trail. Hey, I know this park. I know people in the nearby high-rise. I called two of them. They were making their way down. While waiting on a bench I started talking to a young dad with his young daughter. Nice. Then, while waiting, a young woman came along.

 

“Are you a monk?”

 

“Yes!”

 

“I have some questions about spirituality.”

 

“Please!”

 

Then we talked. To capsulize, I suggested she probe into real identity. We are not these bodies. We are spirits. Then identify the function of the spirit. To serve! To appreciate all that’s around. To cultivate a relationship with the Source. Contentment will come back. Loneliness fades. But don’t mistake the machinery for the soul. There was more. She was happy. I was happy.

 

My acquaintances came by one by one. At a distance from each other we spoke. I got a ride back, masked. I got in 2 km today.

 

May the source be with you!

2 km


 

Tuesday, April 27, 2021
→ The Walking Monk

Room at 243, Toronto

 

Mayapura Meditation

 

When rain comes, as it does now as I write, it sets a mood for meditation. I was thinking about Mayapura in India as those raindrops hit the window panes of my room.

 

Mayapura has been bursting with energy, with so many pilgrims coming daily, families moving there to take up residence and a new temple arising. We get reports that while international travel has been slow, fueled by the virus restrictions, attendance from all over India has been good, especially during Holi/Gaura Purnima time in Feb/March.

 

Sadly, the aftermath of the big festival in March took its toll. Many residents and visitors became victim to Covid. One of the larger guest facilities, Bamsi Bhavan, has been turned into a clinic for the sick. That changes the mood right there. Utter caution and fear permeate the campus. It’s no time to play God and think you can transcend.

 

I contemplated on the peaceful morning; when walking and chanting on the trails through the mist becomes an absolute pleasure. That was pre-Covid. There’s this nice walkway with date trees dripping with sap, which is so excellent for enhancing the tranquil mind.

 

Is there a cure for Covid? Well, here’s something that helps. Our cook here in Toronto uses the following ingredients for tea: cardamon, bay leaves, cinnamon, jaggery, black pepper and ginger.

 

May the Source be with you!

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Monday, April 26, 2021
→ The Walking Monk

Ramsden Park, Toronto

 

That’s Hanuman

 

With his birthday yesterday I formatted a poem on this beloved hero.

 

That’s Hanuman

 

He has the power of devotion

Weather still or in motion

Assistant to Sri Ram

And his brother Laksman

A warrior, up to serve

A person of solid nerve

And of bodily strength

He would go to any length

To recover Rama’s princess

Circumstantially in distress

He came to her in small size

To take her back, no compromise

But she held to her principal

Though suggestion was irresistible

Ram was her only man to touch

Hanuman understood very much

Though a warrior, also a monk

His value would never ever be sunk

Only compelled to take her back to him

While Ram stood at the ocean’s rim

At first she took him as adversary

A monkey to trust is so contrary

On presenting Ram’s ring token

That gesture said more than anything spoken

The celibate warrior soared back to Ram

And told of her waiting for him to come

With club in hand the primate was up to attack

Rascal Ravan being doomed for a broken back

To the one we love, everyone’s man

In part an ape, that’s Hanuman

-Composed by Bhaktimarga Swami, The Walking Monk ©

 

May the source be with you!

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Sunday, April 25, 2021
→ The Walking Monk

Ramsden Park, Toronto

 

Meeting Hugh Smiley

 

Today I walked to a different park bench, plopped myself down and began chanting with the aid of my beads when a neighbor walked by and stopped. He has seen me around. Hugh Smiley is his name.

 

“So, you’re chanting? I chant sometimes. I learned it from the Park Avenue bowling alley in Montreal. It became a Krishna Centre.”

 

“Nice to meet you, Hugh!” I said this to the nice guy who became a Baha’i teacher living in South America for seven years on that mission. Hugh never forgot the pranam mantra to our guru, “Namah om Vishnu padaya...” since he heard it first in 1971. He also sang the invocation to the text Isopanishad right there in the park, “Om purnam adah purnam idaim...” He even delivered the translation, not verbatim, but close enough.

 

It was great meeting you Hugh.

 

“If you forget my name, it’s HUG with an H and SMILE, with a Y, if you can remember that.”

 

“And if you forget how to say my name, ‘Bhaktimarga Swami,’ just remember The Walking Monk, because it practically means that.”

 

I stayed on the bench reflecting on two good days of Zoom calls. Yesterday, a class on the heroism of Rama with a school in the UK, and an interview on the topic of “Mindfulness Versus Mindlessness,” with Vaishnavi Caran in South Africa. A few moments of pensive gravity set in, thinking about our temple’s breakfast cook. Davya Radha lost her husband to cancer yesterday. She needs our prayers and love.

 

May the Source be with you!

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Saturday, April 24, 2021
→ The Walking Monk

Ramsden Park, Toronto

 

I Spooked Him/He Spooked Me

 

He was fully, thickly-masked when he approached me at the park bench. His name is Indrajit and after talking to him for a bit I got the impression he was at least raised in Canada, judging by his speech.

 

“Do you have a minute?” He asked in the beginning.

 

“Sure!”

 

“Is this you?” He held up his phone for me to look at and I saw myself on a chair, indoors, talking to someone.

 

“Yes, that’s me all right!”

 

“I was just trying to look up “house warming” and this popped up. Then you walked into the park, The same person. What are the chances?” He asked.

 

“What do you want to call it? Coincidence? Divine intervention?”

 

He didn’t commit to either. He was just surprised. Our conversation ensued. It turns out he was a student, and now teacher, at Seneca College on the topic of special effects. He expressed his desire to take some of India’s epics and film them, animation or feature-film, with effects and to make it relevant as well as marketable to the general public, not just the Indian public.

 

I cheered him on for including everyone and, most importantly, to leave the message of virtue.

 

It was a great dialogue. He moved on to his friend in the park. I looked away for a second, grabbed my beads and my phone. I looked up. He was gone — vanished. Special effects? Divine efforts?

 

May the Source be with you!

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Friday, April 23, 2021
→ The Walking Monk

McPherson Street, Toronto

 

Gently Weeps

 

The sun captivated everyone. Motorists rolled down their windows to take in the good air as they moved along slowly; as is usual on a Friday afternoon. I had my window down also. I could hear pedestrians and music blaring from the autos.

 

One guy did it deliberately — had his music pumped up and loud — as he coasted along near our temple. It was “While My Guitar Gently Weeps” by George Harrison and the boys, the Beatles. I was actually having my lunch at the time and I had an additional tantalizer for the ears. This song was desert as it joyfully dragged on because the motorist was approaching a stop sign.

 

Quickly I scurried down after the meal, to meet Dharma on the temple floor. As is custom for most noon time aratis (rituals) Dharmaprana and I sing for the deities of Krishna. It’s a happy time for both of us.

 

Actual quality time came ever later when I ventured out of the building to take in the good air once again. People are fortunately strolling about. Those that don’t brave the out-of-doors may possibly be gently weeping, like George’s guitar, and for whatever reason. It could be because they are deprived of social interaction, or they may have lost their job due to Covid, feel cooped up, whatever. Perhaps a spiritual component is missing in life.

 

From the lyrics: I look at the world and I noticed it’s turning / with every mistake we must surely be learning / still my guitar gently weeps.

 

May the Source be with you!

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