Open Heart Conversations: Bhakti Yoga as a Path to Awakening (video)
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By Rukmini Devi Dasi

Here is an Open Heart Conversation that took place with Radhanath Swami at the United Palace Theater in New York City last month. Urban Devi is about uplifting the sacred feminine, but sometimes there are men who have a more developed compassionate feminine side than many women. I hope you like this compassionate conversation. Continue reading "Open Heart Conversations: Bhakti Yoga as a Path to Awakening (video)
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Is our understanding of Krishna Consciousness coming under siege?
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By Su-gita Vani devi dasi

Back in 1922, H.H.Bhakti Siddhantha Saraswati Goswami Maharaj categorically told Srila Prabhupada that Krishna consciousness didn't have to wait for a change in Indian politics, nor was it dependent on who ruled. Krishna consciousness was so important-so exclusively important-that it could not wait. Whether in the Indian sub-continent or elsewhere. So, in this spirit, preaching was inaugurated, in very hostile circumstances, in communist Russia and also in south Africa where apartheid was at its height. Later, when the political climate changed in Russia and in south Africa, devotees continued to preach, taking advantage of the now-available freedom to preach. Continue reading "Is our understanding of Krishna Consciousness coming under siege?
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Rath Yatra – Rohtak, India (Album of photos)
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Rath Yatra - Rohtak, India (Album of photos)
Srila Prabhupada: The Hare Krishna movement is present in every millennium of Lord Brahma’s life, and the holy name is chanted in all the higher planetary systems, including Brahmaloka and Candraloka, not to speak of Gandharvaloka and Apsaroloka. The sankirtana movement that was started in this world five hundred years ago by Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu is therefore not a new movement. (Srimad-Bhagavatam, 2.7.15 Purport)

Nothing is higher than love
→ KKSBlog

(Kadamba Kanana Swami, 16 March 2014, Melbourne, Australia, Caitanya Caritamrta Adi Lila 13.80)

Krsna shows that ultimately, higher even than dharma (duty), is the love that exists between Krsna and his devotee. That is why in Kurukshetra, Krsna broke his vow. Krsna had promised not to fight, but when Bhismadev was about to kill Arjuna, suddenly he took up the wheel! Krsna shows that the love for his devotee is even greater than dharma. And it is this secret that Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu came to teach – developing a loving relationship which exists between a devotee and Krsna.

The article " Nothing is higher than love " was published on KKSBlog.

How the Bhagavatam reveals the conception of God
→ The Spiritual Scientist

How the Bhagavatam reveals the conception of God
[Srimad Bhagavatam class on 2.1.8 at Brisbane, Australia]

Video:

Podcast:

 

Podcast Summary:

The post How the Bhagavatam reveals the conception of God appeared first on The Spiritual Scientist.

ISKCON Scarborough – 9th Annual 64 round chanting day on Monday – July 1st, 2019 (Canada day)
→ ISKCON Scarborough

Hare Krishna!
Please accept our humble obeisances!
All glories to Srila Prabhupada!
All glories to Sri Guru and Sri Gauranga!


We are pleased to announce that our 8th annual 64 round chanting day will take place coming Monday - 1st July 2019 from 8 am onward.

We will have our regular Tulasi arti, guru puja and main arti as usual on this Sunday.

Scrumptious breakfast and lunch prasadam will be served on this day.

Every year several devotees take part in chanting 64 rounds at ISKCON Scarborough that takes place on CANADA DAY or the weekend of Canada day.

It is difficult to complete 64 rounds by ourselves at home. However, when we are in the association of other devotees, we get inspired and motivated to chant the 64 rounds.



Further details about chanting the 64 rounds:

When we chant 64 rounds, we chant over 100,000 names of the Lord!

• 1 Hare Krsna Maha Mantra(HKMM) = 16 names of the Lord - consisting of 3 transcendental words of Hare, Rama and Krsna (“Hare” is the internal energy of the Lord which is non-different from the Lord, “Krsna” means all attractive and “Rama” means reservoir of all pleasure).

• 1 round in a japa mala =108 Hare Krsna Maha Mantra= 1728 names of the Lord (16 names of the Lord in 1 HKMM X 108 times in a japa mala)

• 16 rounds = 27,648 names of the Lord (16 names of the Lord in 1 HKMM X 108 times in a japa mala X 16 rounds)

• 64 rounds = 110,592 names of the Lord (16 names of the Lord in 1 HKMM X 108 times in a japa mala X 64 rounds)



Why chant 64 rounds of Hare Krsna Maha Mantra?

Caitanya Bhagavat (by Sri Vrindavan das Thakur)- Antya Khanda- chapter 9 verses 116 to 125:

“As the devotees invited the Lord (Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu) to take His meal in their houses, the Lord took the opportunity to teach them all this topic.

When invited to take a meal, the Lord smiled and said, “First you should become a laksesvara [The word laksesvara is a combination of laksha (“hundred thousand”) and isvara (“master”). In common usage, it would refer to someone who possessed a hundred thousand rupees.].

“I take meals only in the house of a laksesvara.” Hearing this, the brahmanas became worried.

The brahmanas offered prayers to the Lord, “O Gosaani, what to speak of a hundred thousand, none of us possess even a thousand.

“If You don’t accept meals from us, then let our entire household be burnt to ashes.”

The Lord replied, “Do you know who is a laksesvara? He is someone who daily chants a hundred thousand holy names.

“I call that a person a laksesvara. I take meals in only such a person’s house, not in the houses of others.”

Hearing this merciful statement of the Lord, the brahmanas gave up their anxiety and became joyful.

“O Lord, we will chant a hundred thousand names. Please therefore take Your meals in our houses. It is our good fortune that You are teaching us in this way.”

All the brahmanas then began to chant a hundred thousand names everyday so that they could offer food to Lord Caitanyacandra.


Importance of Chanting the Holy names of the Lord:

Srimad Bhagavatam: 6.3.31:

Śukadeva Gosvāmī continued: My dear King, the chanting of the holy name of the Lord is able to uproot even the reactions of the greatest sins. Therefore, the chanting of the saṅkīrtana movement is the most auspicious activity in the entire universe. Please try to understand this so that others will take it seriously.


Caitanya Bhagavat Adi Khanda 16.94 – Namacarya Srila Haridas Thakur

“Even if my body is cut into pieces and I give up my life, I will never give up chanting the Lord’s holy name.”


Srimad Bhagavatam 11.5.32/Caitanya Caritamrta Adi Lila 3.52/ Caitanya Caritamrta Madya Lila 6.103/ Caitanya Caritamrta Madya Lila 11.100/ Caitanya Caritamrta Madya Lila 20.342/ Caitanya Caritamrta Antya Lila 20.10

In the age of Kali, intelligent persons perform congregational chanting to worship the incarnation of Godhead who constantly sings the names of Krishna. Although His complexion is not blackish, He is Krishna Himself. He is accompanied by His associates, servants, weapons and confidential companions.


Padyavali- Srila Rupa Goswami:

O Supreme Personality of Godhead, when someone desires to chant Your holy name, sins tremble in fear, the glory of material illusion faints unconscious, Yamaraja’s scribe Citragupta becomes happy and gazes at the chanter’s toenails with awe and reverence, and Lord Brahma prepares madhu-parka to worship him. O Lord, what more can we say than this?


Srimad Bhagavatam 12.3.51:

My dear King, although Kali-yuga is an ocean of faults, there is still one good quality about this age: Simply by chanting the Hare Krsna Hama-mantra, one can become free from material bondage and be promoted to the transcendental kingdom


Padyavali- Srila Rupa Goswami:

May Krsna's holy name, which is a reservoir of all transcendental happiness, the destruction of Kali-yuga’s sins, the most purifying of all purifying things, the saintly person’s food as he quickly traverses the path to the spiritual world, the pleasure-garden where the voices of the greatest saints, philosophers, and poets play, the life of the righteous, and the seed of the tree of religion, bring transcendental auspiciousness to you all.


We invite you, your family and friends to ISKCON Scarborough on 1st July (Monday) to take part in this auspicious event.



ISKCON Scarborough
3500 McNicoll Avenue, Unit #3,
Scarborough,Ontario,
Canada,M1V4C7

Email Address:
iskconscarborough@hotmail.com

website:
www.iskconscarborough.org

HH Tamal Krishna Goswami
→ Ramai Swami

His Holiness, Tamal Krishna Goswami, was one of the foremost disciples of his Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada. Srila Prabhupada once said; “I have many intelligent disciples but two are most intelligent, Ramesvara das and Tamal Krishna Goswami.

Goswami Maharaja travelled the world preaching Krsna Consciousness and where ever he went he would like to stay in touch with his godbrothers and godsisters. I was fortunate to have an affectionate relationship with him.

Recently, his disciples in Brisbane, celebrated the anniversary of his appearance and invited me to attend. I humbly accepted and was pleased to associate with them to honour Goswami Maharaja.

Bhagavatam tenth canto study 70 – 10.12.37-44 – If ecstasy pulls us out of our service, we need to pull ourselves out of that ecstasy
→ The Spiritual Scientist

Podcast

The post Bhagavatam tenth canto study 70 – 10.12.37-44 – If ecstasy pulls us out of our service, we need to pull ourselves out of that ecstasy appeared first on The Spiritual Scientist.

Upcoming Programs with HH Niranjana Swami and HG Madhavananda Prabhu
→ The Toronto Hare Krishna Temple!

This coming week, we are very happy to welcome HH Niranjana Swami and HG Madhavananda Prabhu to Toronto.

There will be special programs on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday evenings and a special Bhagavatam Class with HH Niranjana Swami on Thursday (June 27th).  We encourage you to attend as many programs as possible and take benefit of their association!

Wednesday (June 26th)  & Thursday (June 27th)  evening 6pm - Krishna Katha and Kirtan with HG Madhavananda Prabhu

Thursday (June 27th)  Morning - Srimad Bhagavatam Class with HH Niranjana Swami

Friday (June 28th) 6pm - Krishna Katha and Kirtan with HH Niranjana Swami


Harinama in Argentina (Album of photos)
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Harinama in Argentina (Album of photos)
Srila Prabhupada: “For one who wants liberation from the fruitive reactions of material activities, the chanting of the Hare Krishna mantra, or glorification of the name, fame and pastimes of the Lord, is recommended as the most perfect process of atonement because such chanting eradicates the dirt from one’s heart completely.” (Srimad-Bhagavatam, 6.2.12)

Завершение мурти Шри Лакшми Деви
- TOVP.org

Мы очень рады сообщить о завершении мурти Шри Лакшми Деви. Посмотрев фотографии ниже, вы сможете оценить сложность деталей и искусную роспись, которые только усиливают Ее трансцендентную красоту.

Это одно из большого числа мурти полубогов, на которыми сейчас работает наш художественный отдел и которые будут установлены в разных частях храма. В настоящее время мы также занимаемся росписью Господа Шивы. Мы уже нанесли грунтовку и начали прорисовку крупных деталей, таких как одежда и волосы. Другие полубоги также сейчас находятся на стадии покраски.

The post Завершение мурти Шри Лакшми Деви appeared first on Temple of the Vedic Planetarium.

The Completion of the Sri Lakshmi Devi Murti
- TOVP.org

We are very happy to announce the completion of the Sri Lakshmidevi murti. Through the photos you will be able to appreciate the intricate detail of the murti and the delicate painting work that enhances Her transcendental beauty.

This is one of many, many murtis of demigods the art team is working on that will be placed throughout the temple interior. Currently, we are also working on Lord Siva and have already applied the base and begun creating the larger details like his clothes and hair. Other devas are also presently being painted.

The post The Completion of the Sri Lakshmi Devi Murti appeared first on Temple of the Vedic Planetarium.

West Bengal Tourism Presents – Gaura Purnima Festival, ISKCON Mayapur
- TOVP.org

With the help of Sriman Subrata das from ISKCON Mayapur, the West Bengal Department of Tourism recently produced this video documentary of Gaura Purnima at ISKCON Mayapur. With the purpose of expanding the already popular Holy Tirtha of Sridham Mayapur, the birthplace of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu, which is currently visited by over 5 million pilgrims annually, this video will help to bring Mahaprabhu’s message to millions more, especially in lieu of the Grand Opening of the Temple of the Vedic Planetarium in 2022.

The below article about ISKCON Mayapur appears along with the video by the West Bengal Tourism Department on their Youtube Channel, WBTourism.

ISKCON is an organization founded by Srila Prabhupada, a Bengalee born at Kolkata, who at the age of 69 embarked on this mission of spreading the message of Krishna in foreign countries as per the orders of his spiritual master Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura. It follows the Gaudiya Vaishnab Tradition of Sri Chaitanaya Mahaprbhu. As a result of Srila Prabhupada’s endeavor, many foreigners across the globe got acquainted with the Vedic culture and Sanatana dharma. They adopted a Saatvic lifestyle as prescribed in the Vedic scriptures.

Mayapur ISKCON temple at Nabadwip, the birth place of Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, is the Head Quarter of ISKCON. It is one of the 20 sacred places most visited in the whole world with almost 5 million visitants/guests around the year!

ISKCON devotees follow a disciplined line of Gaudiya Bhagavata Vaishnavas and are the largest branch of Gaudiya Vaishnavism. Vaishnavism means ‘worship of Vishnu’, and Gauda refers to the area where this particular branch of Vaishnavism originated, in the Gauda region of West Bengal. Gaudiya Vaishnavism has had a following in India, especially West Bengal and Odisha, for the past five hundred years. Bhaktivedanta Swami disseminated Gaudiya Vaishnava Theology in the Western world through extensive writings and translations, including the Bhagavad Gita, Srimad Bhagavatam (Bhagavata Purana), Chaitanya Charitamrita, and other scriptures. These works are now available in more than seventy languages and serve as the canon of ISKCON. Many are available online.

Krishna is described as the source of all the avatars of God. Thus ISKCON devotees worship Krishna as the highest form of God, svayam bhagavan, and often refer to Him as “the Supreme Personality of Godhead” in writing, which was a phrase coined by Prabhupada in his books on the subject. To devotees, Radha represents Krishna’s divine female counterpart, the original spiritual potency, and the embodiment of divine love. The individual soul is an eternal personal identity which does not ultimately merge into any formless light or void as suggested by the monistic (Advaita) schools of Hinduism. Prabhupada most frequently offers Sanatana-dharma and Varnashrama dharma as more accurate names for the religious system which accepts Vedic authority. It is a monotheistic tradition which has its roots in the theistic Vedanta traditions.

TOVP NEWS AND UPDATES – STAY IN TOUCH

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The post West Bengal Tourism Presents – Gaura Purnima Festival, ISKCON Mayapur appeared first on Temple of the Vedic Planetarium.

From sky-diving to distributing Srila Prabhupada’s books
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From sky-diving to distributing Srila Prabhupada’s books.
Ragalekha Devi dasi: I had a difficult childhood. My twin sister and I were raised without a father, we never saw him. Mother died in early childhood, while we went to school. Since childhood, the Lord has led me through tremendous difficulties, there have been times when there was absolutely nothing to eat.

Politics, Social Organization and Bhagavad-gita
→ The Spiritual Scientist

Video:

Podcast:

 

Podcast Summary:

The post Politics, Social Organization and Bhagavad-gita appeared first on The Spiritual Scientist.

NASN May 2019 – North American Sankirtan Newsletter
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By Mayapur Sasi dasa

For the pleasure of Srila Prabhupada this report contains the following North American results of book distribution for the month of May 2019. North American Totals, Monthly Temples, Monthly Weekend Warriors. Monthly Top 100 Individuals, Monthly Top 5, Cumulative Countries, Cumulative Temples, Cumulative Top 100 Individuals, Cumulative Top 5 Continue reading "NASN May 2019 – North American Sankirtan Newsletter
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Tributes for our dearly departed Brahmananda prabhu
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By various devotees

Mahadevi Dasi: Over the last week, I compiled and edited about 30 tributes from our Godbrothers and sisters and those were read yesterday, as not many Prabhupada disciples are here in Vrndavana right now. For the last 20 years serving in Vrndavana, I've had the great pleasure of organizing programs to glorify devotees. How could we leave out Brahmananda prabhu, who was also like a brother and very dear friend to me, as well as Prabhupada's dear son.. Continue reading "Tributes for our dearly departed Brahmananda prabhu
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Bhagavatam tenth canto study 69 – 10.12.29-36 – Krishna fulfilled the desire of the gopas to have Agha’s body as a plaything
→ The Spiritual Scientist

Podcast

The post Bhagavatam tenth canto study 69 – 10.12.29-36 – Krishna fulfilled the desire of the gopas to have Agha’s body as a plaything appeared first on The Spiritual Scientist.

Thursday, June 20th, 2019
→ The Walking Monk

Gainesville, Florida

I Hardly Walked

I hardly walked.  It's too humid.  To compensate for the loss, I swam 3 kilometres in one of those fabulous springs that the area is known for.  After a lively morning program in Gainesville, one of the members of the facility called "Krishna House," took me to Ichetucknee Springs State Park.  

Now, what is so unique about these springs?  Here's what a brochure tells me: "Springs are amazing natural phenomenon where vast underground caves and caverns form to hold water.  They are the window into the health of our groundwater."

It was in the spring that Jai Chaitanya and I swam in—the Ichetucknee.  How refreshing!  While submerged to the neck, heavy rains came.  As we body-sailed with the traditional forward strokes, the current carried us. Massive fallen trees, we tried to dodge. One such tree became a perfect anchor for me to sit upon during a gayatri mantra break before proceeding on. No alligators live here, but there are turtles galore.

The swim did the trick and spared me from a sweat-bound walk.

In the evening, I was invited for a second visit to "Krishna House," this time to award initiation to Lucy. I spoke on 10.9 from the Gita, and soon after, we gave her the Sanskrit name, "Lalita Gopi.  The ceremony was completed with a great, happy kirtan.  https://www.instagram.com/p/By9KOiFAwP8/?igshid=nuve3u07lx2

Since her younger years, people have teased her with the term "I Love Lucy.”  Perhaps now, it will occasionally be "I Love Lalita."

May the Source be with you!
2 km walking
3 km swimming




Wednesday, June 19th, 2019
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Alachua, Florida

Speaking of Bears in Gator Country

Now that summer is around the corner, people already have plans for doing some serious summer camping.  At an evening program at the home of Nandini Kishori, there was a sizeable gathering of especially young boys and girls, all of bhakti yoga parents.  I was asked to share stories about my adventurous walks; the most intriguing one was about the grizzly encounter.  There was also the time when a brahmachari and I met up with a black bear, whom, we were not aware, had her cubs nearby.  She was munching on wild strawberries and I guess you could say we happened to be there at the time of her breakfast.  We were imposing on her leisure-time and she let us know about it. She got up on her hind legs looking tall, then she lunged forward on what is called a "bluff charge." We casually and respectfully moved out of her way and went down the trail.

The things that I learned from park authorities on the subject and personal experience with bears are as follows:  1) when you encounter a bear respect it and go backwards in a slow retreat   2) avoid looking at it in the eye   3) never run away as you are inviting the bear to charge   4) to fight off a black bear, strike it in the nose   5) play dead with a grizzly, head down with your hands to the back of your neck   6) carry bear spray and you may avoid #5   7) when walking through bear country make noise, let them know you're coming—or as I do, chant mantras audibly to warn them.

Those are some tips for those planning a wilderness trip of some kind.

May the Source be with you!
2 km


Tuesday, June 18th, 2019
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Niagara / Toronto

A Mind Reader?

Anytime a monastic guest arrives in Toronto, I feel a happy obligation to take him to the Falls, which is a mere hour and a half away.  Sundarlal, from Mauritius, made it here for the first time, and along with our driver, Nanda, we took a trip on what seemed like the first day of summer this year.  

Starting on foot near white water with its rushing and roaring, Sundarlal, like all newcomers, became amazed by the elemental power.  While we were observing the majesty, a man from Kentucky, also a tourist, came over for a chat.

“Buddhist monks?”

“Actually, Krishna! Hare Krishna!” I clarified.

The outgoing friendly chap, with sun hat and shades, declared he was a mind reader. With a Festival of India card, I gave him, he pressed it to his head and then recited the entire Mantra, found on the card.  “Hare Krishna, Hare Krishna, Krishna, Krishna, Hare Hare….”   https://www.instagram.com/p/By6fVxjgUeu/?igshid=1k6ohk7flkshl

“Magic!” we asserted. “Magic!”

He gave us a boost.

Now, everyone knows my passion for theatre of a transcendental nature.  I rarely see live theatre, although I produce plays with a spiritual content.  Stephen, Balaram, and I have all worked as a team on dramas.  To gain exposure, ideas, inspiration, etc., we booked ourselves tickets for a performance of “The Book of Mormon” at the Ed Mirvish Theatre in Toronto.  It was an entertaining experience.  The troupe was tight in their presentation.  The audience of 2300, all stood for a standing ovation. However,  much of the content was somewhat too vulgar for me. It was a learning experience.

May the Source be with you!
3 km




Monday, June 17, 2019
→ The Walking Monk

North York, Ontario

One Party Spoiled

They say two million people attended the big party today at Toronto’s Nathan Philips Square and the parade route along the Lakeshore.  That’s huge.  People were having a good time honouring the champion basketball team, the Raptors.

Unfortunately, there were three or four who came to spoil the party, leaving four people injured in a shooting, and others injured in a stabbing.  Not much is known about the offenders as I write this, but arrests were made.  We’ll hear more, I’m sure.  Just 3.2 kilometres north of the senseless tragedy, is our ashram.  I had every intention of staying away from the congestion even before hearing of the injuries. ( I wish quick recovery for the victims.) https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/raptors-parade-stabbing-suspect-images-1.5181040


The intent today, or rather, for tonight, was to visit some annual donors for our big (not Raptor big) Festival of Chariots.  That was cancelled out.  Our donors warned us,  “Please don’t come out tonight.  There’s too many shootings.”

The alternative was to go north to Shepherd in North York.  One of our girls, Lila Mayi, pre-arranged for a kirtan in Avondale Park.  Jai and I went via subway.  I was tired. We were late.  The kirtan had begun.  We could hear it.  We dashed over and plopped ourselves down on the grass and joined in.

The response was magnificent.  People came down from the highrises all around , curious about our sound.

What an assortment of demographics!  You have people from China, India, the Middle East, Russia etc. , all living around here as one happy family. It sure felt like that!

May the Source be with you!
5 km



Sunday, June 16th, 2019
→ The Walking Monk

Hamilton / Mississauga

Devil’s Punch Bowl

Two men fairly fresh from India, two from Canada (actual monks), and a young Ukrainian, hit the Bruce Trail trudging through mud.  The two Indians were enthralled.  “Green, that’s all that can be seen!” reflected one, who also added, “This is very, very, very nice!”  That was Venkat, from Andhra Pradesh.

The second one, Audarya, responded by sharing.  He held up his phone, filmed as he was walking through the green forest and shared a few steps with his wife and mother in India.  

Then there was Alexander from Ukraine.  He’s a pro at trekking the Bruce.  The terrain is not much different here from where he comes from.  

Finally there is Karuna and myself, both Canucks (slang for Canadians), who are passionate about this service, if you will.  Yes, we are doing ourselves a favour physically, and me, mentally.  On a daily basis, I deal with people stuff. It can be draining.  I keep my head above water by doing this walking. The people stuff or taking care of human-community needs has been going on for forty-five years.  The fact that I use walking poles proves my age.

It is Karuna, who is half my age, who is the helpful navigator of all our trips and has a love for this.  

So, we are all guys.  Happy Father’s day!  By birth we are meant to provide and protect Mother Nature.  This was my message to a group of bhakti-yogis in a studio rented space in Mississauga—a group called GEL (Gita Ethics Learning)—after the walk.  Whether you father kids or not, guys have a big responsibility to fulfil always.  By the way, we finished walking at the Devil’s Punch Bowl.  

May the Source be with you!
8 km