Planet ISKCON – Page 570 – Websites from the ISKCON Universe

Thursday, November 8th, 2018
→ The Walking Monk

Russell, Ontario

I Like Trains

Much as I like walking, I also like taking the train. I suppose I did have some choices on how to get to this bedroom community of Ottawa. One option was catching a ride with other commuters going from Toronto to our Canadian Leaders Sanga. Walking was not an option. It would take me at least two weeks to get to Russell. Out of the question.

I like the train because of the ample leg room. Scenery is nice. I see a gorgeous trail running edge-wise along Lake Ontario. It is mouth-wateringly tempting. https://www.instagram.com/p/Bp-4OszA7SG/?utm_source=ig_share_sheet&igshid=109ehdkcksobj

I also had my peaceful moments. I enjoyed reading from Mukunda’s book, where he describes the recording of the maha mantraat the studio on Abbey Road, London, when George Harrison insisted there be some multiple voices to support the main singer, Yamuna, who had that golden voice. George was practical. He brought in some secretaries, agents and janitors, whomever he could grab, to create a greater volume of sound. It was spontaneous and it was teamwork. I love the book, Miracle on Second Avenue.

Okay, so I arrived at Ottawa’s Via Rail Train Station, where Mandala, one of my support persons for the U.S. walk, picked me up, and then dropped me at the arts building in Russell. There, a group of us conducted a Govardhan Puja, which is done in India. The story, in short, describes how young Krishna raised an amazing rock. The Herculean feat is honoured all over the planet on this day. He executed the feat long before the invention of the train.

May the Source be with you!

5 km

Wednesday, November 7th, 2018
→ The Walking Monk

Toronto, Ontario

D Day (Diwali Day)

After a few glorious hours of Diwali calls from people, and dealing with people in general, it was time for a walk, some fresh air,, and a head clearing before the evening influx. Diwali is indeed a big deal for a lot of people. It’s the New Year for some. It’s a fun fest. It’s family-and-temple time. It commemorates enlightenment over darkness—Ravana.

I escaped with my coat and beads in pocket to Bloor Street, then up to Christie. There, many eateries, pubs and cafes dominate. I passed by Home Hardware, Dollar Plus, and some ticky-tacky shops and such. There is also the Poop Café, and it is popular. Ever time I take a peek the place is more or less packed.

I got my break.

Then evening came upon us. Diwali lovers started to trickle in. They came with anticipation. Will there be diyas(ghee lamps) to light? Will there be something exciting in the atmosphere? A talk perhaps? Some kirtan chants maybe?

There were no set plans to address a fair-sized group of people. There they were, mostly young folks and some children.

Okay then, Lila Mayi and Hitesh were there for the regular Wednesday chanting. We went to the mic, started singing, and said some words about the importance of chanting. The group responded. We even formed a circle, a huge one, and encouraged a dancing movement. The doors to the deities opened, and I leapt out to get things cooking in the kitchen for the crowd. It was successful. Team work works.

May the Source be with you!

6 km

Tuesday, November 6th, 2018
→ The Walking Monk

Brampton, Ontario

Mouth and Feet

Leaves were swirling in the air and the winds were fairly high, compared to most days, as I was footing my way along Dupont. Kate and Gaurachandra had dropped me off at one of the malls along Dupont where they would pick up fresh ingredients for constructing some wraps.

“I’ll walk back to the ashram from here,” I said. https://www.instagram.com/p/Bp4R5xogTqW/?utm_source=ig_share_sheet&igshid=ki6otktdx29p

While walking, I was contemplating the visit I had just made to my dental clinic in Brampton, where some ‘teeth work’ was done. These mouths and teeth get satisfied with a good veggie wrap and so many other edibles. They are also used for communication—of good messages, hopefully.

I also reflected on the series of verses from the Gitathat our morning group has been reading. For instance, Chapter 3 Verse 11, which I read to the others at 5:00 a.m., goes like this in the purport: “By performance of sacrifice, one’s eatables become sanctified, and by eating sanctified foodstuffs, one’s very existence becomes purified; by the purification of existence finer tissues in the memory become sanctified, and when memory is sanctified one can think of the path of liberation, and all these combined together lead to Krishna consciousness, the great necessity of present day society.”

So there you have it. Our mouths are meant for sanctified food (prasadam) and it puts us in a better place. Thinking of food, I decided to make a neighbourly stop at the corner of Dupont and Bathurst, in Toronto, at the ‘Annapurna Restaurant,’ just to say hello. Out of the pot-washing back room emerged Patrick, whom I’ve known for years. He pulled away and walked a few blocks with me, through the swirling leaves. Nice guy. It’s always a bit hard to maintain cohesion, though, when talking. Bless him.

May the Source be with you!

5 km

Gita 01.37 Consciousness that is contaminated becomes conquered and covered
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Bhagavad-gita verse-by-verse podcast

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Living Name Retreat at New Vrindaban
→ Dandavats

Imagine a magical setting where you can immerse yourself, without any distractions, in Krishna’s presence. The idyllic, tranquil countryside of New Vrindaban, away from the noisy and fast-paced city, is the ideal place to unwind and connect with nature, yourself, and Krishna through the holy names.

Written by Rukmini dd