Tuesday, October 1st, 2019
→ The Walking Monk


Regina/Saskatoon

Why the White Wrappers?

While Toronto was getting twenty-nine degrees Celsius, Regina received a temperature of plus one, but the coolness suited me fine.  No sweat! It was perfect for a brisk walk along a quiet country road through Regina’s east end, which led to Victoria Avenue, past a new and already popular Costco store.  Costco is the epitome of box-store culture, but I like the fact that now trees line the entrance lane.  I asked the two work persons, “Why the white wrappers around the trunks?”

“To keep the jack rabbits from eating the young bark,” said the one fellow, a First Nations’ person.

“Sounds fine to me.”

Then, at 8:00 a.m, I encountered the hustle and bustle of Victoria Avenue with its roar of traffic.  Ramesh picked me up at the point where I reached my five kilometre target.  I was then dropped off at the ISKCON Regina Centre on Retallack Street for a full day of service by myself.  I decided the temple room needed a tidying up.  I can’t handle clutter, so I rolled up my sleeves and went at it.

In the meantime, messages came in.  One of the texts read: “Visnu Tattva is dead.”  A godbrother who was a boxer/trainer and a one-time Mr. Fiji, when a body-builder.  He was a student/disciple of Prabhupada.  My condolences to the family.  He served well.

I was really content with the day, seemingly alone and reflecting on the previous evening’s meaningful meeting with the council members of the centre.  It’s great when things run smoothly.  They are breaks which are welcome through a rough terrain of things.

Finally, Vivek Joshi took me for a ride to Saskatoon to be of some service there. I’m impressed with the work of he and Amee.  They are growing a terrific sacred plant, the tulasi.  Their daughters showed off the luxuriant bush.

May the Source be with you!
5 km


Monday, September 30th, 2019
→ The Walking Monk


Regina, Saskatchewan

Around With Rounds

It was lively, the Sunday feast in Regina, with singing, dancing, feasting and good questions from a  philosophical point of view.  That was all last night, and after harvesting—with the compliments of the neighbours—all the tomatoes in their garden patch.  I noticed those red dynamos during my walk yesterday.  Because of the snow coming down, I urged my host, Ramesh, to haul them in, with permission, of course, before they froze and became frost tender.

The owner was a sweet woman, originally from Huntsville, Ontario, and the only person on the three-block extent of Green Turtle Road with a vegetable garden of any sort and kind.  “Take them all!” she said seriously to Ramesh.  Apparently, Ramesh knows her but not her name.  In any event, she demonstrated bhakti/devotion.

This should be the theme of all action—bhakti!  How can we tell the world this fact?

Today, the last of the month of September, Ananda and I ventured off to Wascana Lake, a man-made treasure in the heart of town, and near the legislature building.  I was informed that during the Depression years, the local men were employed dredging out this lake, which has a circumference of three kilometres.  Good job done!

Ananda had got his figures wrong.  He claimed our journey covered twenty-four kilometres on foot, around the lake and beyond.  He had been working in the morning (an electrician),  and then insisted on the walk which he does daily.  Since the regular trek around the lake and more, knee issues have been solved, his energy level has improved, and he gets time to put what we call ‘rounds’ on the japa mala beads for chanting the maha mantra.   https://www.instagram.com/p/B3EjVQCAkvX/?igshid=1nbsz0g1sg9v5

May the Source be with you!
8 km


Sunday, September 29th, 2019
→ The Walking Monk


Regina, Saskatchewan

Drugs Are Just Bad

I could not believe it, but it began snowing in Saskatchewan when I landed there just after 9:00 a.m.  I walked through some of the super-wet stuff on Green Turtle Road and later Victorian Avenue.  On the flight I saw more than one Indigenous person on board as passengers.  I love these people—the First Nations—who got such a raw deal and treatment from so many white folks.  In my walking through the wind and snow, I contemplated our Native Peoples, many of whom are struggling with drugs and alcohol.  I thought of the lyrics of the superb entertainer from the Cree Nation, Buffy Ste. Marie, who was born right here in Saskatchewan.  Before becoming a monk, I used to sing this song by Buffy, in my hitch-hiking days;  the lyrics are:

Cod'ine

An' my belly is craving, I got shakin' in my head
I feel like I'm dyin' an' I wish I were dead
If I lived till tomorrow it's gonna be a long time
For I'll reel and I'll fall and rise on codine
An' it's real, an' it's real, one more time

When I was a young man I learned not to care
Wild whiskey, confronted I often did swear
My mother and father said whiskey is a curse
But the fate of their baby is many times worse
An' it's real, an' it's real, one more time

You'll forget your woman, you'll forget about man
Try it just once, an' you'll try it again
It's sometimes you wonder and it's sometimes you think
That I'm a-living my life with abandon to drink
An' it's real, an' it's real, one more time

Stay away from the cities, stay away from the towns
Stay away from the men pushin' the codine around
Stay away from the stores where the remedy is found
I will live a few days as a slave to codine
An' it's real, an' it's real, one more time

An' my belly is craving, I've got a shakin' in my head
An' I've started heating whether my body said
Steady yourself with the grains of cocaine
An' you'll end dead or you'll end up insane
An' it's real, an' it's real, one more time

An' my belly is craving, I got shaking in my head
I feel like I'm dyin' an' I wish I were dead
If I lived till tomorrow it's gonna be a long time
For I'll reel and I'll fall and rise on codine
An' it's real, an' it's real, one more time
An' it's real, an' it's real, one more time ©Buffy Ste. Marie

This song is about the hazardous nature of drugs, intoxication and the like.  Stay away from it.

Thank you, Buffy.  https://youtu.be/d3bfqlTCHZk

May the Source be with you!
5 km

Saturday, September 28th, 2019
→ The Walking Monk


Brampton / Etobicoke / Mississauga

Full

"The Harvest Fest," which is what we called it, was a second annual little community event, and as the name implies, we feasted on our own garden goods.  The Brampton Krishna community took the initiative to do as the Italians and Portuguese do so well in the Greater Toronto Area—on whatever little bit of square inch of soil you have, plant some seeds and watch the magic of fruits and veggies take off.

Our group of experimenters and reapers of yummy results are practically all of South East Asian origin at this bash in the home of Murali Manohara.  Yes, we feasted.  It's all prasadam, blessed food, organic and delicious in the tomato/bean/kale/squash department.  Of course Indian techniques and spices were employed.  It all landed in everyone's tummies followed up by a swaying kirtan.  Well, we didn't all sway.  My drumming companion, Karuna, is still on crutches and can't move his right leg...much.

Karuna and I were driven to the Sierra building in Etobicoke, a condo highrise where Venkat lives.  Venkat is a young man who's helping me to tweak my seminar preparation for "Kirtan Standards."  He's helping tremendously.

The last of the day's agenda was a visit to the Gelda's residence in Mississauga for a chant and Gita presentation, to a grand turnout in a fair-sized, done-up, household basement.  I was not the only one offering words of encouragement.  A third generation millennial, Krishna Gelda, had his whole power-point up and rolling, as he presented a zero-waste initiative for Canadian households.  His passion for change is just admirable.  Vishal also got behind the mic to inform all about his cow protection program.

The day was full.  So were our stomachs.  https://www.instagram.com/p/B2_c0p-ADof/?igshid=1gs2lr5278i58

May the Source be with you!
0 km

Ganga Swells filling low lands around Mayapur
→ Mayapur.com

Towards the end of the rainy season during the months of August-September-October, the water levels of Ganga increases, filling up all the low lands around the banks. This swelling of the river is caused by excessive rain from up north and the release of large quantities of water from barrages. Due to the recently released […]

The post Ganga Swells filling low lands around Mayapur appeared first on Mayapur.com.

Sun Love Feast – Oct 6th, 2019 – Vedic discourse by Her Grace Prema Gaurangi Mataji
→ ISKCON Brampton


Chant: Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare 

Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare 

And Be Happy!!

ayur harati vai pumsam
udyann astam ca yann asau
tasyarte yat-ksano nita
uttama-sloka-vartaya

Both by rising and by setting, the sun decreases the duration of life of everyone, except one
who utilizes the time by discussing topics of the all-good Personality of Godhead.
 ~ Srimad Bhagavatam 2.3.17




11.00 - 11.15      Tulsi Puja
11.15  - 11.30     Guru Puja
11:30 - 11:55     Aarti & Kirtan
11.55  - 12.00    Sri Nrsingadeva Prayers
12.00 - 1:00     Vedic discourse
  1.00 - 1.30      Closing Kirtan
  1.30 - 2.00     Sanctified Free Vegetarian Feast

COMING UP AHEAD

 Pasankusa Ekadasi
Fasting.....................on Wed Oct 9th,2019
Breakfast................  on Thu Oct 10th, 2019 b/w 7:25am – 10:24am

Every fortnight, we observe Ekadasi, a day of prayer and meditation. On this day we follow a complete fast from eating and drinking. We spend extra time reading the scriptures and chanting the auspicious Hare Krishna mantra. By constantly ‘exercising’ our minds through regular japa we can train our senses to push the threshold of contentment.

ONGOING PROGRAMS


Vedic Education & Learning For Grownups
 Nectar of Instruction course - every Sat 9:30am to 12:30pm (Sep 7 to Oct 19)

ISKCON Brampton offers various courses and Seminars for adults. The courses take a personal approach to learning. It encourages the student not only to study thoroughly the contents of Srila Prabhupada’s books but also to clearly understand the philosophy and practically apply it. The course focuses on behaviour and character, nurturing students in appropriate Vaishnava values. Professionally designed and presented, it draws on the principles of Krishna consciousness and the best of progressive education. In this way, it is true to ISKCON’s heritage and at the same time relevant to its mission in contemporary society.

For further information, please contact HG Prema Gaurangi Devi Dasi @ premagaurangi.jps@hotmail.com



Sunday School

To register,contact us
Email:sundayschool108@gmail.com
Call:647.893.9363

The Sunday School provides fun filled strategies through the medium of music, drama, debates,
quizzes and games that present Vedic Culture to children. However the syllabus is also designed
to simultaneously teach them to always remember Krishna and never forget Him.
The Sunday School follows the curriculum provided by the Bhaktivedanta College of Education and Culture (BCEC).


Monthly sankirtan Festival(MSF)
“One who has life can preach, and one who preaches gets life.”(Previous Acaryas)
Every member of ISKCON should have the opportunity to make advancement in Krishna
consciousness by preaching.We encourage everyone to come out and participate and make
Srila Prabhupada happy.

Please contact:
Dharma Dasa- dharandev58@gmail.com-647.892.0739(Mississauga and Brampton regions)


The Mentorship Program

Please note that registration in the Mentorship System is now a mandatory requirement for all initiation requests at ISKCON Brampton.It

1.Facilitates  and nurtures devotees aspiring for first and second Initiation.
2.One-on-One personal follow up on a regular basis.
3.Systematic training to devotees in matters of Philosophy, Sadhna, Vaishnava behavior, etiquette, Lifestyle and attitudes.

To find details please click here


Gift Shop

Are you looking for some amazing gift items which are less expensive and more beautiful for your
loved ones for festivals or many other occasions??
Our boutique is stocked with an excellent range of products, perfect for gifts or as souvenirs of your
visit. It offers textiles, jewelry, incense, devotional articles, musical instruments, books, and CDs
inspired by Indian culture.We're open on all Sundays and celebrations marked in our annual calendar.

A Greek Orthodox Priest with an Interest in Vaishnava Theology
Giriraj Swami

In my recent travels an Orthodox priest came to meet me and attend my program. He wrote, “I have an interest in Vaishnava theology. I wanted to share with you how I am trying to work Vaishnava pneumatology into my sermons. I hope it is pleasing to Prabhupada. I truly look forward to meeting you and getting to spend time with you and ask questions.” The priest is a wonderful, compassionate soul, deeply influenced by Srila Prabhupada’s life and teachings, and I relished conversing with him and seeing him develop his spiritual—Krishna—consciousness.

Hare Krishna.

Yours in service,
Giriraj Swami

Srila Prabhupada’s Achievement and the Order of the Guru
Giriraj Swami

Today I heard a beautiful talk by Srila Prabhupada in which he spoke of the order of the guru and his own achievement:

“[Sanatana Gosvami] therefore said, krpa kari’ yadi more kariyacha uddhara: ‘I know that it is due to Your mercy that I have been able to give up my material position, as Your man. Now order me what is my duty.’ This is devotee, you see? Not that ‘Now I am free from family life, I have no responsibility. Now I shall take prasadam and sleep.’ No. You must be hundred times more active than in your family life. That is devotional service. Of course, it is not pride, but take the example of my life. I was retired in Vrindavan, and at seventy years old I thought that it was to be done: ‘Nobody did it. Let me try.’ So I came to your country. Today is the tenth anniversary. So at least from material calculation, if I would not have taken that risk . . . When I was coming, my friends and others said, ‘This man is going to die.’ ‘Never mind,’ I thought. ‘Death will come. Let me try.’ So this activity must be there. That is the begging of Sanatana Gosvami. He said, apana-krpate kaha ‘kartavya’ amara: ‘What shall I do?’ It doesn’t matter what is your age, young man or old man. You must execute the order of the Supreme Personality of Godhead, through parampara, Chaitanya Mahaprabhu and your guru. That is the real life of devotional service, to take some responsibility for working and execute it to your best capacity.

“In this connection, Srila Visvanatha Cakravarti Thakura has explained in connection with the verse

vyavasayatmika buddhir
ekeha kuru-nandana
bahu-sakha hy anantas ca
buddhayo ’vyavasayinam
       [Gita 2.41]

Visvanatha Cakravarti Thakura said that ‘My only duty is to execute the order of my spiritual master. I do not mind whether I am going to hell or going back to home. No. My only life and soul is to execute the order of my spiritual master.’ He has explained like that. So devotional service is a great responsibility, to execute the order of the superior. Then our life is successful.

“Thank you very much.”

—Srila Prabhupada, talk on Sri Caitanya-caritamrta, Madhya-lila 20.101, July 6, 1976, Washington, DC

Hare Krishna.

Yours in service,
Giriraj Swami

Braja Parikrama 2019 – Reminder
→ KKSBlog

One cannot come to Vrndavana by road, boat, train, plane or helicopter, one simply cannot. One can only come by pure devotional service, there is no other way to come…

The Braja Parikrama 2019 is a chance for you to immerse yourself (again!) in the pastimes of Krsna and his family, on the strength of the holy name and devotional service. The registration is still open until the 15 October 2019. Make sure you register soon as bus seats are limited. Use the button below to register or go to the special parikrama page for more info.

Register before 15 Oct 2019

Relive

Last year, we discovered places like the Nrsimha Temple, Dauji, Vyomasura’s cave and other places connected to Krsna’s pastimes. To increase your eagerness to join this year’s tour, watch this huge playlist of videos from Braja Parikrama 2018 that was recorded and compiled by Antardvip Dasa. If you cannot view the video playlist, please visit youtube.

Braja Parikrama 2018 playlist

Reread

Rukmini (along with Vasanti, Nara Nārāyaṇa, Harsarani and Chandrasekhara) have written a beautiful series of articles describing the travels and stories of the Braja Parikrama 2018. In nine articles, they take you deeper into the holy places of Braja, Vrndavana and complement the already outstanding videos.

Read all Braja Parikrama 2018 articles below or find them here.

Vrindavan Braj Parikrama – Day 1
Vrindavan Braj Parikrama – Day 2
Vrindavan Braj Parikrama – Day 3
Vrindavan Braj Parikrama – Day 4
Vrindavan Braj Parikrama – Day 5
Vrindavan Braj Parikrama – Day 6
Vrindavan Braj Parikrama – Day 7
Vrindavan Braj Parikrama – Day 8
Vrindavan Braj Parikrama – Day 9

The article " Braja Parikrama 2019 – Reminder " was published on KKSBlog.

Understanding the unborn’s understandings 1 – How can the embryo with an undeveloped brain speak prayers?
→ The Spiritual Scientist

[Bhagavatam class on 3.31.13 at ISKCON, Denver]

Podcast


 

Podcast Summary


 

Video:

The post Understanding the unborn’s understandings 1 – How can the embryo with an undeveloped brain speak prayers? appeared first on The Spiritual Scientist.

How to understand Krishna’s blessings – Mukunda Mala Stotra 1 – BULL acronym
→ The Spiritual Scientist

[Talk at Atlanta, USA]

Podcast


 

Podcast Summary


 

Video:

The post How to understand Krishna’s blessings – Mukunda Mala Stotra 1 – BULL acronym appeared first on The Spiritual Scientist.

How hearing the Bhagavad-gita raised Sanjay’s standard of longing
→ The Spiritual Scientist

[Combined Bhakti Vriksha class at Atlanta, USA]

Podcast


 

Video:

The post How hearing the Bhagavad-gita raised Sanjay’s standard of longing appeared first on The Spiritual Scientist.

Lucid Restaurant
→ Ramai Swami

About one and half years ago, Deva Gaura Hari, whom I have known for many years, worked hard to set up a restaurant at the mall in Murwillumbah. He named it, “Lucid.”

Since then, many people have come in to sample the fine vegetarian prasadam cuisine.

Although Deva Gaura Hari had invited me to come for lunch a few times, until now I hadn’t done so. However, I was so impressed by the layout, decor and menu that I instantly fell in love with it. Needless to say that Deva Gaura Hari very graciously looked after us with wonderful prasadam. Lucid Ki Jaya !

TOVP Design Popular at Durga Pujas in India
- TOVP.org

This is a pandal which was constructed in Kalyan, a city in the Thane District of Maharashtra, for Durga Puja, which was inspired by the TOVP.

Our model of the TOVP is actually used every year for the pandals in different places of India every time Durga Puja comes around, and we find that to be a wonderful preaching source for glorifying this vast project and Mayapur Dham as well. With each year the pandals are built larger and larger, and look more like the actual temple being built. This really shows how much they appreciate and are inspired by the TOVP, as well their love towards this magnificent project!

The post TOVP Design Popular at Durga Pujas in India appeared first on Temple of the Vedic Planetarium.

When duty is a societal construct, why can’t we just follow our heart’s calling without caring for society’s opinion?
→ The Spiritual Scientist

Answer Podcast

The post When duty is a societal construct, why can’t we just follow our heart’s calling without caring for society’s opinion? appeared first on The Spiritual Scientist.

How do we know whether we are in harmony with our true nature and God’s plan – what does harmony feel like?
→ The Spiritual Scientist

Answer Podcast

The post How do we know whether we are in harmony with our true nature and God’s plan – what does harmony feel like? appeared first on The Spiritual Scientist.

If we are to not make judgments, why is Krishna making judgments and taking sides in the war?
→ The Spiritual Scientist

Answer Podcast

The post If we are to not make judgments, why is Krishna making judgments and taking sides in the war? appeared first on The Spiritual Scientist.

Elephant Sculptures for the TOVP Main Entrance
- TOVP.org

As you come up the main staircase of the TOVP towards the temple room you will be greeted by two gigantic elephant sculptures standing side by side in front of an immense, 30’ tall, four column entranceway pillar.

There are two such pillars, each with two accompanying elephants and four interconnected columns. The elephant, hasti in Sanskrit, symbolizes wealth, strength, wisdom and royalty, and characterize the Vedic standard of abundance, along with cows.

Pictured here are the TOVP elephant sculptures in their current state of progress.

[See image gallery at tovp.org]

 

TOVP NEWS AND UPDATES – STAY IN TOUCH

Visit us at: www.tovp.org
Follow us at: www.facebook.com/tovp.mayapur
Watch us at: www.youtube.com/user/tovpinfo
View us 360° at: www.tovp360.org
News & Texts at: http://bit.ly/2ZB0xiONewsTexts
RSS News Feed at: https://tovp.org/rss2/
Buy from us at: https://tovp.org/tovp-gift-store/
Support us at: https://tovp.org/donate/seva-opportunities/

The post Elephant Sculptures for the TOVP Main Entrance appeared first on Temple of the Vedic Planetarium.

Friday, September 27th, 2019
→ The Walking Monk


Oakville, Ontario

Content Versus Discontent

The world is very much in a turmoil from discontented citizens on the climate change issue.  There was a big student rally at our usual chanting spot in Kensington.  Then there are serious talks about impeachment of the U.S. President who is in denial of any wrongdoings.  Closer to home, news has surged on the infamous killing of ten people—which also left fifteen injure—when Alek Minassian drove a van along a Yonge Street pedestrian sidewalk leaving a trail of death.

All are reminders of a gloomy globe, but on a perfect weather day.  At 20 degrees Celsius, we drove all the way to Oakville with windows rolled down.  I was in good spirits.  I had completed a chanting session at Kensington's Bellevue Square Park where Dan, our musician friend from yesterday, came back with fifteen bucks to purchase a softbound Gita.  Should he read it, I think he'll be on the road to a wonderful discovery.  https://www.instagram.com/p/B26jtoTgip2/?igshid=qfawy67w6mj6

Thank you Krsna Katha and Hari Katha for bringing me to the new home of Kasyapa Muni, whose birthday is today.  Friends came to his new home; a new family to add to our congregation.  Children were at least a dozen, and they sat there in front of me, with parents behind, in rapt attention.

I read the chapter, "Description of the Autumn," on analogous rendition of the fall season in people's lives.  You know, it's not all that bad.  Despite reflecting on the woes of the world, there are bright moments to contemplate on, too.

With our return journey back to Toronto, I insisted on Krishna Katha's dropping me at King and Spadina so I could “walk back to the ashram.  I didn't get a footstep in today."  One hour later and I retired for bed.

May the Source be with you!
5 km

Thursday, September 26th, 2019
→ The Walking Monk


Toronto, Ontario

SHOOT FOR THE STARS  ©Bhaktimarga Swami

Shoot for the stars
Go beyond Mars
Bow and bend low
Humble we go
Attentive to detail
Then you won't fail
Be that optimist
Not that 'I'm pissed'
Do not procrastinate
For virtue can't wait
For all, have regard
That, or be hard
To pull out a vice
Take some advice
Make a new friend
Loneliness will end
Always move forward
Reverse has no reward
Without determination
Expect termination
Life is so great
Step up to the plate

Written after and before a walk.

May the Source be with you!
5 km

Wednesday, September 25th, 2019
→ The Walking Monk


Toronto, Ontario

Walking and Seeing

My walking ventures are nothing compared to those of our guru, Prabhupada.  When I walk, I gawk.  I find things of interest and I like to link what I see, whether it be trees, buildings and people, and relate them to the universal creator, but I don't always succeed.  I'm certain he would have been fully seeing from the Krishna-centric perspective; all through the eyes of sastra, scripture.

In today's stroll, I came upon the stately home of George Brown, a Father of Confederation for Canada.  Okay then, now can I compare this historic structure to just one of the palaces we read about in regard to the ancient city of Dwarka?  I walked along Beverly Street, and there admired the first building the Krishna pioneers of Toronto used as a temple/ashram, a place of devotional service.

In the annex area, I passed by a massive shady tree whose branches extended over the street and also reached out to spread over three houses.  Nothing like the banyan tree that we read about in the Gita, on the upside-down world (Chapter 15).

I came to the church, St. Stephen of the Fields, went inside and used this appropriate space for japa meditation.  I believe that that is something our guru would do in the ‘60s in New York.  Just a few minutes presence there, and I moved on through the University of Toronto district.  Hmmm…  A place of learning?  How about reflecting on the city of Ujjain, in the state of Madhya Pradesh, India, which is the site where Sri Krishna took His education from Pandit Sandipani Muni.

It can be quite fun attempting to connect all that we see and do to the Supreme.  Let us try.

May the Source be with you!
5 km

Tuesday, September 24th, 2019
→ The Walking Monk


Toronto / Brampton

The Two Places Are One

Some people dress and act rather kooky.  At least that's the way it is at Kensington Market.  Personally I rather like the liberal nature of the place where today Karuna, Michelle and I rolled out our drum beats and mantras.  Daruka, who's visiting from Winnipeg, also delighted in the ‘free spirit’ of it all, and how people respond so favourably.  Folks in the neighbourhood range from the highly intellectual and artistic, to the intoxicated, and mentally unstable—all very equal from the spiritual perspective.  I mean to say that the range of karmic aptitude is very broad.    https://www.instagram.com/p/B21MNnPgPv5/?igshid=1irc9evc11nsg

We love it.

Then in the evening Daruka drove Karuna and I to Brampton and a community that you’ll find to be a trifle more conservative in a very positive way.  Brampton is one of those suburban communities which is populated largely by Southeast Asian folks, mainly from the Punjab.  I was invited to the household of Pusta Krishna.  It was his mum's birthday.  She is an amiable senior lady who fibs about her age.  "Sweet sixteen" is her determined position of Prithviin this regard.  Oh well, she still dances excitedly, like anyone in Kensington would do.  In the midst of cheering family and friends, she aroused us all.  https://www.instagram.com/p/B21Mq7DA4U5/?igshid=94hg6p7h1sf9

Daruka, who has been my support person for one-and-a-half-cross-country ventures was quite elated to be at the birthday, and prior to that, the wild and free Kensington.  Common to both venues was kirtan chanting.

It's good for all.

May the Source be with you!
0 km

Monday, September 23rd, 2019
→ The Walking Monk


Toronto, Ontario

Arc of Beauty

I turned to the sky and pointed in that direction, to the east, encouraging the couple who were arm in arm to: "Look behind you and above!"

They were startled like I was.  Most of us have seen rainbows before but this one was a stunner.  "Oh my God!" said the woman.  "Thanks for letting us know," said her man.

Newly-arrived Pariksit, and Nicholas and I had been conducting our kirtan when a beautiful summer shower (I know it's now autumn but...) came down upon us.  The sun shone in the western sky exposing each and every raindrop.  I knew we were destined for a rainbow.  Our chanting ceased.  We were getting moist and it was time for seeking shelter, so like two other guys we ducked under the kid's slide.  Then the rainbow appeared, the most intense and defined rainbow you ever could set your eyes on.

Now the rain halted.  People came out to do their usual business at Bellevue Square, which is to stroll or to sit on the grass and for some—smoke grass.  Those who were witness were astonished at the beauty of the arc which was doubled.

Rainbows always give people hope.  I'm not sure if they really register with birds and animals.  They usually don't last long, but fade in time, within minutes.  Like all things in this world, there is this temporal quality.

To get to this park, Pariksit and I walked.  We did the same for the return but only after a second installment of chanting.  The grass was hardly wet.  We were fine.

May the Source be with you!
6 km

Sunday, September 22nd, 2019
→ The Walking Monk


Moundsville, West Virginia

Points We Covered

For the final day of the second annual MANtra Retreat, we discussed varying topics, such as the place for men in the categories below.
1)      Affection
2)      Commitment
3)      Positive/realistic vision
4)      Open/honest communication
5)      Seeking guidance from superiors
6)      Authenticity
7)      Defining a sense of purpose
8)      Health
9)      Introspection
10)   Education
11)   Support/mentorship
12)   Love
13)   Protection

The above may appear to be a long list of lofty topics, but to narrow it down into some simple terms, a rather strong pulse of motivation was pulling our masculinity into the mode of goodness.  It was felt that our group of Krishna Conscious men need to spend more time in that mode of goodness and thoughtfulness.

The seminar was completed.  One last lunch was consumed before disbursing to our home destinations.

It was a rewarding retreat.  I was busy, and for the last night, I had an unprecedented eight hours of sleep.  Thank you Krishna.

May the Source be with you!
0 km






Saturday, September 21st, 2019
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Moundsville, West Virginia

Pursuing Ultimate Maleness

I cannot boast to have put my walking feet to work today.  Dancing—yes!  Regardless, I am somewhat attached, as any walker would be, to my footwear.  When I saw my sneakers missing from the shoe rack, I did not exactly go paranoid.  I was just concerned.  It was an innocent mistake, as it ended up being; an elderly gentleman, a pilgrim, with not the greatest eyesight, who was pacing nearby. He apologized.  No worries.

Bhuta Bhavana, is a young professional, who led us in a discussion on: The Three Modes of Masculinity.  We had looked at what it means to be a male under the influence of either goodness, passion or ignorance.  There is such a reality as masculine toxicity which is often projected through the filters of the lower modes—passion and ignorance.  It is in the mode of goodness that we can experience the ‘responsible male’.  The responsible male is the mode to aspire toward in building our character.

In the evening, artists presented entertainment along the theme of ‘negative versus positive maleness’.  A comedian by the name of Ekendra, from Syracuse, New York, had us in stitches with his portrayal of a fanatical monk from the Black Sea in the form of, "Yama Niyama Das Brahmacari."  His characterization had me moving laughing muscles which had been rather inactive.

So now, the reason for the lack of walking was due to my preoccupation in assembling the premier of our drama, "The Embassy."  Well, my actors, the boys, did well.  One respected member, Kripamoya, from the UK, after seeing the production said, "You've taken our theatre to another level."

May the Source be with you!
1 km


Friday, September 20th, 2019
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Moundsville, West Virginia

Real Pilgrimage

It was like a real pilgrimage—people moving together, on foot, with a spiritual purpose.  From the main temple in New Vrndavana, where the men's retreat was held this week, we commenced the kirtan chanting, and from there walked, bypassing the popular lodge, moving next to the lake where swans were plying over its waters, up the hill, and to the Palace of Gold.  The movement of pilgrims (this time, all males) was how I imagined it in the period of Chaitanya five hundred years ago, when walking parties were conducted with destinations of tirthas, sacred places.

When we reached the Palace, we entered and continued our chant in an uproarious way.  The joy experienced was boundless.  Following this was a great meal.  Lasagna was on the menu.  A great bonfire was started as night fell, when camp-fire stories were told of inspiring sorts.  We all sat on the grass, listening, laughing.  No mosquitoes.  But the daytime events were on par with the evening programs.  https://www.instagram.com/p/B2p8vawAjY6/?igshid=1vuflc5lu6iux

Break-out sessions were meaningful.  I sat in on the group that discussed the topic of affection in relationships.  This is a pertinent topic because in our spiritual community you have those people of a rigid mindset in this regard, who speak of detachment as the ultimate goal in life.  Others believe strongly in the more practical realm of affection and intimacy in a relationship.  This subject is of course, more applicable to the husband and wife scenario, and I'm a monk right?  Still it is necessary to speak about the accommodating factor under the controversial subject: illicit sex.

May the Source be with you!
3 km


Thursday, September 19th, 2019
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New York State / Pennsylvania

To The Hills

Our small crew of actors and myself, left for the hills of West Virginia, but in order for me to get some footsteps in on a  day that would be destined with hours on freeways, I said to Billy, the driver, in Toronto, "I'm walking down the street.  Pick me up!"

Through the rush of traffic on University Avenue I did swirl and dodge construction sites and people.  Then the temple car assigned to us for our destination, the hills of West Virginia, arrived.  I clocked my time and got a meager 3 kilometres in.

The drive was to Fort Erie in Ontario, then New York State, Pennsylvania, and finally the hills.  In Butler, Pennsylvania, we detoured.  It was my opportunity to bring Billy, Pariksit, Daniel and Nicholas to this place of pilgrimage.  Let me explain.

In September of 1965, our guru, Prabhupada, arrived here, and stayed for a month under the sponsorship of Gopal and Sally Agarwal.  "There is the home where the Agarwals stayed.”  I pointed to where it was in the downtown.  And about four blocks away: "Here is the old YMCA where he was accommodated for the time prior to his embarking upon his journey to New York with his mission."

In September of 2015, I had the good fortune to trek from Boston to Butler, and then to destination New York City, completed in mid-October.  It was a good walk, always with a companion.  The Pennsylvania hills on rural roads permitted me to exercise my biological brake system.  It was the jumpstart to a U.S. trek that I won't forget.  https://www.instagram.com/p/B2m79qdABJr/?igshid=23sx51ww9wez

May the Source be with you!
3 km

Wednesday, September 18th, 2019
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Toronto, Ontario

Isn't It A Pity

These body-builders were doing a serious workout at the corner of the park.  David, Michelle and I were nearby making kirtan rhythms which excited the guys.

"Keep going guys," was the message coming from them, aimed at us.  They found our mantraand drum beat the sounds needed to keep their biceps swelling and contracting.  Meanwhile people known to us joined in on our music circle.  Tyler came, so did Mandala.  Anthony is a newbie to us, but Vrndavana is not, as he lives just around the corner from our ashram.

It was time to disperse.  Our music stopped.  The company disappeared.  The muscles ceased pumping.  Michelle went home.  David and I left for the ashram.  I was in contemplation while on the stroll back.  Our group was happy.  Those in and around our circle were happy.  Will we stay happy?  Pedestrians were but not at all.

George Harrison's song "Isn't It A Pity!" came to my mind as I had heard it recently after years of being absent from that great song.  The lyrics follow and truly express the heart of a soft soul.

“Isn't it a pity
Now, isn't it a shame
How we break each other's hearts
And cause each other pain
How we take each other's love
Without thinking anymore
Forgetting to give back
Isn't it a pity

Some things take so long
But how do I explain
When not too many people
Can see we're all the same
And because of all their tears
Their eyes can't hope to see
The beauty that surrounds them
Isn't it a pity”.   https://youtu.be/eDrLTW_sesI

The song goes on.  If you listen to Nina Simone's version, one of her concluding lines are, "Everything's plastic."  I find that significant.  https://youtu.be/LLn3FT9BsRs

May the Source be with you!
4 km

Kartik Nabadwip Mandal Parikrama
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Kartik Navadwip Mandal Parikrama organized by the Mayapur Chandras is a small and intimate gathering of devotees travelling to various holy places hearing and chanting about the glories of Sri Sri Gaura Nitai and Their associates. The transcendental Sankirtan Movement is an everlasting phenomenon; Mayapur Chandras is simply here to facilitate. Going on Kartik Nabadwip […]

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A Devotee Is Not Afraid of Dying
Giriraj Swami

Today I heard a nice talk by Srila Prabhupada in which he said, “A devotee is not afraid of dying”—and explained why:

Here in the material world, padam padam vipadam. At every step there is vipada; there is danger. So don’t think that “She is dying” or “He is dying, and I shall not die.” Everyone will have to die. At every step, there is danger of dying. It is not that . . . Everyone has to die. So before that death we must become fully Krishna conscious so that ante narayana-smrtih. [“The highest perfection of human life, achieved either by complete knowledge of matter and spirit, by practice of mystic powers, or by perfect discharge of occupational duty, is to remember the Personality of Godhead at the end of life.” (SB 2.1.6)]

The end will come today or tomorrow or day after tomorrow. Nobody here will live. But the success is if we can remember Narayana at the end of life. That is success. Ante narayana-smrtih. We should practice that. Don’t bother about that “I shall die tomorrow. You are dying today, so I am better than you.” Nobody here will live. Everyone will die, and we must be prepared for death. And the devotee has no fear of dying, because if he is completely surrendered to Krishna, then he is going back to Him. Tyaktva deham punar janma naiti mam eti. [“One who knows the transcendental nature of My appearance and activities does not, upon leaving the body, take his birth again in this material world, but attains My eternal abode, O Arjuna.” (Gita 4.9)] Simply by surrendering to Krishna.

And what is that surrendering? Man-mana bhava mad-bhakto mad-yaji mam namaskuru, mam evaisyasi asamsayah [Gita 18.68]. Without any doubt. He is giving assurance. Four things only. Always think of Krishna. Man-mana bhava mad-bhakto mad-yaji mam. Anyone can do it. Everyone can offer Krishna patram puspam phalam toyam. [“If one offers Me with love and devotion a leaf, a flower, fruit or water, I will accept it.” (Gita 9.26)]

Everyone can hear from Krishna what is Krishna. Where is the difficulty? The difficulty is that we want enjoyment in this material world. That is the difficulty. Therefore it is recommended that akincananam mayi bhakti-bhajam. For a devotee there is no problem. He is not attracted by liberation or by Svargaloka or by yogic perfection. He is not at all interested. Bhukti-mukti-siddhi-kami—sakali ‘asanta’. They cannot get santi, because they want something. For bhukti, the karmis are working so hard. They want some material profit or go to the Svargaloka to enjoy more. This is bhukti. And for mukti, they are also undergoing severe austerities, penance, tapasya, for becoming one. Kaivalya sukha. Kevaladvaita. They are also working. And the yogis, they also work very hard. Yoga practice is not so easy. Dhyana, dharana, asana, pranayama, pratyahara, samadhi. It requires. . . And especially in this age it is not so easy. It was easier in the Satya-yuga. Krte yad dhyayato visnum. [“Whatever result was obtained in Satya-yuga by meditating on Visnu, in Treta-yuga by performing sacrifices, and in Dvapara-yuga by serving the Lord’s lotus feet can be obtained in Kali-yuga simply by chanting the Hare Krsna maha-mantra.” (SB 12.3.52)]

Samadhi was possible. Now it is not possible. Our bhakti-yoga is so easy, simply man-mana bhava mad-bhakto mad-yaji mam namaskuru—very simple thing. So we should take to bhakti, devotional service, and reject everything. Niskincana. That will make your life successful.

—Srila Prabhupada, talk on Srimad-Bhagavatam 5.5.25, November 12, 1976, Vrindavan

Hare Krishna.

Yours in service,
Giriraj Swami