Huge Janmashtami celebration in the concert hall…
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Huge Janmashtami celebration in the concert hall “Russia” of the Luzhniki Stadium, Moscow, Russia (Album with 120 photos)
Srila Prabhupada: It is the practice of brahmanas conversant with the science to pronounce a Vedic mantra in the right accent. But even if the Hare Krishna mantra is not chanted properly, it still has so much potency that the chanter gains the effect. (Srimad-Bhagavatam, 4.13.27 Purport)
Find them here: https://goo.gl/qBoMO1

The cult of Krishna is growing in officially atheist…
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The cult of Krishna is growing in officially atheist China.
Hindustantimes.com: Numbers are difficult to compile and often anecdotal in nature, but the philosophy of love and devotion as symbolised by Krishna, one of Hinduism’s popular deities, is evidently attracting many Chinese in urban areas.
Last week, a large number of devotees celebrated Krishna Janmashtami, the day that marks his birth, across China in big and small groups, at yoga centres and among family members.
Celebrations were mostly marked by chanting of “Hare Krishna”, singing devotional songs, readings from the Bhagavad Gita and distribution of sweets including laddoos.
The day was also celebrated in the cities of Beijing, Shanghai, Chengdu, Shenzhen, Harbin and the province of Wuhan. (HT/Sutirtho Patranobis)
One of the larger celebrations was held at the International Buddhist Items and Crafts Fair in Dongguan city in the southern Chinese province of Guangdong. “At the Dongguan fair, we presented the murtis of Jagannath, Balaram and Subhadra as three international angels of auspiciousness and distributed 3,000 packages of sweets,” a devotee who identified himself as Gaudiya Das told HT.
“There were congregational chanting and we took the three murtis on a vehicle around the entire fair, distributing foods like laddoos, chapatis, sweet rice and even (traditional Chinese food) moon cakes,” he said.
The day was also celebrated in the cities of Beijing, Shanghai, Chengdu, Shenzhen, Harbin and the province of Wuhan, said Das, a trained practitioner of Bhakti yoga.
“It is not about any religion. You do not have to believe in Hinduism to celebrate Krishna’s birthday. It is like Christmas: the whole world celebrates, everyone is happy.”
Some of the organisers were from the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) group.
The Chinese like traditional culture and that’s why Krishna and His teachings are gaining in popularity, he added.
To read the entire article click here: http://goo.gl/PRc5jD

Monday, August 29th, 2016
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Monday, August 29th, 2016
Bancroft, Ontario

Daivata was determined to take me on the trails he had carved out.  When the weeds come up, he “whacks them back” and takes advantage of the trekking to do his japa (chanting with beads for meditation).

He also encouraged me on a nature’s trail as an alternative; a worn out trail made by deer.  It runs half-way along the slope of Daivata’s hilly property.  We noticed cedar seeds being dropped from trees by squirrels perched high above.  They will come down to pick at those green seeds, separate them from their twigs and then munch or harvest them as morsels of food.

“Look out!  Here lands another bundle of them.  Watch your head!” warned Daivata.

Both today and yesterday, we took advantage of the great, fresh water in our midst—a dip in Eels Creek and York River.  We were inspired by a group of young guys in their mid-teens, who had plunged into the Otonabee River off a bridge the day before.

I commended them for being “old-fashioned” by being out in nature.  That made them feel good.  Unfortunately, they’ll likely renounce the more natural ways when it comes time to get their driver’s licenses.

Our final destination for today was in Hastings at the country home of Fil and Sukhayanti.  Here, I will spend some time in a guest house nearby, to offer help in the garden and with the cows.  Two monks had also come to join me—Brihat and Nick.

We’re going to do just fine.

May the Source be with you!

6 km

The Emptiness in You
→ The Enquirer

Hunger in our mouths
Comes from emptiness in our stomachs.

Hunger in our senses
Comes from emptiness in our hearts.

The mouth can fill a stomach’s emptiness
But can the heart’s emptiness be filled through the senses?

The heart’s emptiness
Is best filled by her close friends: the mind and words.

If you hear the right words
And think about them deeply, feelingly.
You will never again go hungry.

Hear about All-Attractive, All-Delighting Krishna-Rāma.
And contemplate what you hear, deeply… feelingly.


Tagged: Emptiness, Hunger, Lust, Sense Gratification, Sensuality

ANU Preaching Program
→ Ramai Swami

imageFullSizeRender

Visnucaran and Sravaniya are originally devotees from Singapore but have been living in Canberra for over 10 years.

They are regular attenders at the temple and also run a weekly program at the Australian National University where they have kirtan and nice prasadam.

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Saturday, August 27th, 2016
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Saturday, August 27th, 2016
Owen Sound/Maple, Ontario

The Real World

The Hanna kids are the kind of kids I like for their naturalness.  Their grandpa, my personal peer and friend, Garuda Vahan, the support person for my third walk across Canada, has done a marvelous job training both boys and girls in a more hopeful lifestyle.

Along with the late Krsna Karuna, his wife, their own offspring got to know the true dimensions of life and they have succeeded in passing on those treasures to the next generation.

By two dimensions, I mean the best that the physical and spiritual worlds have to offer.  The kids were exposed to and walked nature trails, swam the fresh-water lakes all around, and to spice life up, got to know kirtan, the ancient practice of chanting and drumming, serenading the Divine.

We did a bit of that today with Garuda’s clan, and also with dear friend, Drupada.  With Nanda, Dharma, Manasi-Ganga (all of Indian origin), Nick and I drove north to this Huron Lake-bordered town of 22,000 to explore with those not-so-stereotypical Canadians for a 5.5 km walk and a swim at the beach.

I say “not-so-stereotypical” because most folks ride in cars and indulge in gadget playing.  This group in Owen Sound has a weekly sanga involving food and chanting, and going to the out-of-doors.

I have personally been encouraging our Indian devotees to go for the Canadian experience, and so as a result, a mentor of theirs from Mississauga, Raja Suya, took the group on their first camping trip to the Niagara Escarpment, not so long ago.  With tents to house them, the thunder, lightning and rain of the night put everyone to the test.  In the end, the outdoor eating the next morning, and the togetherness, compensated for the evening scare.

I would like to say to everyone, “Put on a pair of shoes, get out the door and experience the real world.”

May the Source be with you!

10 km

 

Sunday, August 28th, 2016
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Sunday, August 28th, 2016
Scarborough/Bancroft, Ontario

After

After a long absence from taking a step in the ISKCON Scarborough Centre on McNicoll, I had the deep pleasure to share company with this community of devotees.  Gracious as they are, they went out of their way to make a great meal, even when it’s not so easy to drum up preps for an Ekadasi day (every fort-night you have to fast from grains).  However, they came up with a feast.

The managers running this small unit, tucked away in a plaza, were apologetic.  “We’re sorry for the small turn-out.  There’s a big wedding going on which  most everyone was obliged to attend.”  Still, it was pleasing to see a fairly full house, where people came to listen to my talk based on Chapter 8, Verse 15 from the Bhagavad-gita.  The phrase that stands out in this verse is “this world is temporary and is full of miseries.”  It may seem like a negative remark coming from the words of Sri Krishna, but truth must be told.  He encourages us to move on to better places.

The plain unit which people refer to as their “temple” was now the place for me to take leave.  Daivata from Bancroft, a veteran Hare Krishna, who joined the culture in ’72 in Vancouver, had come to fetch me for a drive north and a visit to his rustic home and 16 acres of wilderness.

If readers haven’t picked up by now, I’m a monk, a rolling stone that moves and collects no moss.  Here outside the town of Bancroft is a slice of Vaikuntha (heaven) where what you consider “wild” is the norm.  A bear, a wild turkey, a wolf and a loon are occasional visitors to any side of the home.  Nothing to worry about.

“You can come and stay here when you want to be on a writing retreat and when Vishvadika, my wife, is in India for six months.”  Naturally I’m welcomed by this countryside couple any time, but to address what could be a lonely period, in the winter, for my devotee-friend, I believe I’ll take up the offer.

May the Source be with you!

0 km

 

Thursday, August 25th. 2016
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Thursday, August 25th. 2016
Toronto, Ontario

His Birth—A Draw

Many fans were rented, huge in size, ready to plug into sockets and then do their service of turning the air, and thus offer some relief to the thousands coming in on a hot, humid day.

Today is Janmastami, Krishna’s birthday.  It is a big deal and it draws the crowds, not only in India—the apparent place of origin for the big fest—but all over the world, where Lord Krishna stirs up excitement marking the day of His appearance.  Many people, as usual, attend the event of dance, drama, rituals, philosophy, food (unless you fast all day) and body heat!

When our building gets packed and the place becomes heated by humans in the month of August, it calls for AC or at least units that move the air.

I was absorbed for hours rehearsing the drama “The Witness,”a story based on a deity of Krishna who moves and walks to give testimony to a brahman priest.  Working with a crew of devotee-volunteers as actors, while running on an empty stomach (again, fasting), wasn’t so easy.  The sacrifice, rendered by the cast, paid off as we saw and heard the cheers of satisfaction at the end of the performance. 

It is a tradition that on Janmastami day, the followers of Krishna reflect and hear of Krishna’s acts of heroism.  It brings a whole amount of reassurance to those who take shelter of such mercy.  Krishna has fans, and then He has fans.

May the Source be with you!

5 km

Friday, August 26th, 2016
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Friday, August 26th, 2016
Toronto, Ontario

Offering to Guru

I’m taking the liberty to present here my written offering of something called “Vyasa-puja” or the honouring of the guru.  The contents include mention of last fall’s walk.

Dear Srila Prabhupada,

On a recent 45-day pilgrimage through the northeastern United States, I had much time to contemplate. It was a walk to express my utter appreciation to you, with 1,500 kilometres (932 miles) under my feet.

Formally, the trek was dubbed “Walking for Our Teachers.” My route took me from Boston’s Commonwealth Pier, where you first landed in America fifty-one years ago, to Butler, Pennsylvania, where you spent a good month, and then to New York City, where you began your mission, ISKCON, officially incorporating it in July 1966.

The society you initiated was a major milestone. The ISKCON Vaiṣṇava culture took hold, but not without trials and tribulations. Like a trekker walking the Pennsylvania mountain/valley terrain, over the last five decades, ISKCON has climbed and descended quite a few steep slopes.

In your endeavour to cement ISKCON within the modern world, you worked to make it a recognizable force grounded in culture and education, rather than merely another religion added to an already pluralistic world of faith. We shall now see how effectively we can continue to market the Prime Entity, Kṛṣṇa, and mold your marvelous  Society over the next fifty years. There is much work to be done.

If I may, I would like to present to you and to the society of devotees, my humble analysis of some of your contributions to the world, and what makes you unique.

The Cutting-Edge Guru

1. You pioneered the practice of kīrtana in the West, with emphasis on the Hare Kṛṣṇa mahā-mantra.

2. You introduced to the West the culture of bhakti yoga, an ancient devotional lifestyle, with emphasis on serving the Supreme Deity, Kṛṣṇa.

3. You wrote and published books and articles, and established the Bhaktivedanta Book Trust (BBT), presenting a scholarly Vedic library of writings on Eastern thought.

4. You established a worldwide spiritual mission registered as the International Society for Kṛṣṇa Consciousness (ISKCON).

5. You became a strong and early voice promoting animal rights, especially the protection of the cow and the bull.

6. You strongly promoted a nonviolent vegetarian way of life (and were perhaps the first teacher of Vedic cooking in the West).

7. You introduced to the West the Vedic consecration of food as prasādam.

8. You promoted a God-centered agrarian culture, a back-to-the-land initiative centered on the family farm, and an eco-friendly existence.

9. You initiated the world’s first large-scale program of sanctified vegetarian food distribution to the needy in Māyāpur.

10. You strongly spoke out against drug and alcohol consumption as harmful.

11. You boldly promoted the science of the soul’s transmigration (reincarnation).

12. You strongly challenged atheism and Darwin’s theory of evolution, and constantly promoted the principle that there is a God, and that He is a person.

13. You introduced to the West the ancient techniques of arcana or pūjā, honouring the Divine in His sacred image.

14. You promoted the anti-racist sentiment by propagating the all-inclusive philosophy that all souls are equal, and that, “We are not these bodies.”

15. You redefined the word party: Sing the holy names! Dance! Play music! Eat karma-free food! No intoxication! No lewdness! Serve each other!

Also, Your Divine Grace was a major positive influence on history’s most popular rock band, The Beatles, especially on George Harrison, who impacted a generation, if not more.

For all of the above, I offer you the utmost reverence and gratitude.

Begging to remain your humble servant,
Bhaktimārga Swami
 

Wednesday, August 24th, 2016
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Wednesday, August 24th, 2016
Toronto, Ontario

Krishna Still Popular

A man with shoulder-length hair and a goatee stood on the steps of a shop along Yonge St.  He noticed me while I was on my evening trek and said, “Hare Krishna?  You guys were really popular at one time.”

The remark hit me with mixed feelings.  Hearing the words ‘Hare Krishna’ is always sweet, unless spoken in vain or in a cursing manner, which is rare.  The statement, “were really popular at one time,” sunk my heart momentarily.  It seemed to infer that we were once loved but are now forgotten.

Indeed, we were a curiosity 50 years ago, and for some trailing years, as well.  I pondered the idea that once you’re established, you lose your lustre.  That was a painful thought.

I nodded to the fellow, kept moving and got the attention of three young people affixed to the steps on the next shop over.  They were aroused somehow by the presence of yours truly.

“I love the colour,” the woman said, referring to my dhoti and kurta.

“Yeah man, I betcha it’s comfortable as hell,” remarked another.

“Sure is,” I confirmed.

Then these two spokespersons and the third, just kind of lit up.  They stood and came forward, making me feel almost like a celeb.  I was popular, in other words—at least for a few seconds—with the three people fussing.

I tried to see if the guy with the goatee noticed how a Hare Krishna can still be a sensation.

May the Source be with you!

7 km

 

Tuesday, August 23rd, 2016
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Tuesday, August 23rd, 2016
Toronto, Ontario

I Was Concerned

I was very concerned for this little guy, a skinny skunk, who was about to cross the street.  Defensive instincts told him, “Not now!”  The head-lights of the car and the sound of its engine were enough to deter the little fellow from crossing.  After the vehicle passed, the skinny skunk did delicately bee-line his way over to my side of the street, bringing us close together.

“Not too close!”  I pondered.

Now, he was scampering about in an area away from green trees, grass and bushes, while on the search for food.  He took more to a concrete trail.  I felt for him and wanted to guide him to a safer zone, more away from traffic.  I would not let him cross Yonge St., known for its merciless motorists.

The skinny skunk could hear me chant and see me walking.  I was trying to guide.  He went on the defensive at one point, and abruptly stopped and lifted his tail, prepared to spray his essential oil.  I halted.  I could see the clear Vaisnava-like marking running along his back, commencing at his neck.

What a terrific reminder!  He’s making me think of Vishnu with that white striping.  After one long block of his finding no escape from human imposition—namely the attached buildings: a bakery, a bar, a software store and such—he made a turn to the right, to a residential green zone.

I was happy for him—the skunk.  But, I wondered why he was skinny.

May the Source be with you!

5 km
 


ECO-Vrindaban Board Meeting Minutes 07/24/2016
→ New Vrindaban Brijabasi Spirit

 

ECO-Vrindaban New Vrindaban ISKCON

ECO-Vrindaban Board Meeting Minutes 07/24/2016

Mission Statement: ECO-Vrindaban promotes simple living, cow protection, engaging oxen, local agriculture, and above all, loving Krishna, as envisioned by Srila Prabhupada, the Founder-Acharya of ISKCON New Vrindaban.

Participating Directors: Anuttama, Bhima, Chaitanya Mangala, Ranaka and Sri Tulasi Manjari

Advisors: Radha-Krishna, Vraja

Managers: Mukunda, Nitaicandra

1. Mukunda’s Monthly Report

  • The greenhouse that was outside the new boundaries of the Community Garden has been dismantled and many of the materials have been salvaged.
  • He helped build a fence to better contain the hay at the hay shelter next to the milking goshala.
  • He removed an old, obsolete and unsightly telephone pole next to the Deities’ flower garden.
  • He continues to help organize and chair the Village Association Steering Committee meetings.
  • He is preparing for the first North American ISKCON Farm Conference in Gita Nagari set for mid-August.
  • Mukunda contacted an Architectural/Structural Engineer, the County Health Department and Fire Marshal to understand any relevant fire, health and safety concerns. These meetings are scheduled throughout the next one month.

2. Nitaicandra’s Monthly Report

  • The main ox team, Hari and Priya, are working well together. Currently, they are pulling a chain and responding to voice commands without a lash. They will be part of the planting in the Community Garden next week by pulling a simple chain link drag to cover the seed.
  • Caitanya Bhagavat has been upgrading the Nandagram fencing.
  • The garden crew picked blueberries from the Bahulaban orchards (8 quarts).
  • Many quarts of mixed berries have been picked from the Community Garden (4 quarts per week).
  • Radish, salad greens, kale and Swiss chard harvest has begun.
  • Tomatoes, squash, and basil will be ready for harvest soon.
  • There have been some challenges with flea beetles, rabbits, and poor soil. Continuing to improve the soil quality by using soil building plants and manure will be an ongoing process.
  • Thus far, Vidya and her team have produced 8,000 marigolds with many more coming. The community garden is at around 2,000 marigolds
  • So far this season, we have had two Wwoofers guests and another will be coming this week.

3. Steering Committee Inclusion

The ECO-V Board is in favor of starting to include the Village Association Steering Committee members in the monthly “Joint Board” meetings between ISKCON New Vrindaban and ECO-Vrindaban. Concurrently, the Board requests the Steering Committee to set a date, within a reasonable time frame, for the vote to elect a New Vrindaban Village Council.

Prabhupada’s Palace Launches Campaign to Support Restoration
→ ISKCON News

Devotees at ISKCON New Vrindaban, West Virginia are in the midst of major renovations on Srila Prabhupada’s Palace. And they’re launching a campaign to help them continue restoring the renowned Smriti Samadhi, or memorial shrine to ISKCON’s Founder-Acharya, to its full glory. The effort is a labor of love, just as it was when devotees first started building the Palace in 1973, intending it as a residence for their guru, who expressed a strong desire to retire there and translate his books.  

Radha Damodar Das, One of the First Devotees in the Soviet Union, Is Gravely Ill
→ ISKCON News

In May 1983, Radha Damodara was arrested and imprisoned for his faith. While in prison, he had to work in dangerous conditions, which included using a poisonous glue. He also suffered from malnutrition. Nevertheless, Radha Damodar continued to follow the principles of Krishna Consciousness and to preach. His health suffered, especially his lungs. Today, it is the lungs that have been affected by a dangerous disease. 

​Gita 11.24 Repetition is not always rambling – it can be for stress or beauty
→ The Spiritual Scientist

Gita verse-by-verse podcast


Download by “right-click and save content”

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We must have some fun!
→ KKSBlog

(Kadamba Kanana Swami, October 2014, Mayapur, India, Siksastakam Seminar: Verses 1&2, Part  1)
radhadeshmellows_2012

Burning material desires may manifest in various ways. One way is that we think of sense objects. Another way may be that we do not think of sense objects – as devotees, we can come to a stage where we do not allow our mind to think of sense objects, so we do not think of sense objects – but then, the blazing fire of material desire manifests in dissatisfaction. And for a long time, we are dissatisfied. When a devotee is not happy it is dangerous because we need happiness. A devotee MUST be happy! This is very important.

We should not just ignore that, su-sukhaḿ kartum avyayam (Bhagavad-gita 9.2). Spiritual life must be joyfully performed; you must have some fun. It is important that everyone, not only the mahabhagavats – the topmost vaishnavas are having all the fun – and for everyone else, it is just duty, duty, heavy duty spiritual life; that cannot not last, for how long can one do so!? Then one will surely embrace the material energy so we must also cultivate some fun. 

Sunday, August 21st, 2016
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Sunday, August 21st, 2016
Vancouver, British Columbia

Having Friends

Two walks of mini-distance made the day.  Victor and I ventured to the Fraser River.  A quiet trail of minor obstructions shaped the adventure on this first walk.  A railroad track, no real issue, provided a change of texture on the feet.  And at one point, I rocked and rolled by way of a stone that almost sent me on my butt.

At another point, Victor and I, with utmost care, squeezed through those outreaching and thorny blackberry bushes.  They love to cling and tear at dhotis, our lower robes.

There are two road intersections to this track.  That’s also fine.  You look both ways before crossing.  The soul is directing or rather the super-soul is impelling.  Life is precious.  Death (by car) is superficial.  “You are eternal,” is the message.

Walk number two was the grand procession from Granville Bridge to 2nd Beach at Stanley Park.  The city gives us two lanes in which to crowd ourselves along the way.  The obstructions and clearances are the devotees themselves.  Yes, while the kirtan—chanting and drumming—carries on happily, you step on each other’s feet most likely.  At the same time, it is those same steppers—who nearly yank off a shoe—that are your well-meaning friends.

You can’t live without comrades, after all.  My simple observation at Stanley, after the procession, was seeing the occasional lonely person stand and stare at the fun.  Sadly,they have no friends.

May the Source be with you!

6 km

Saturday, August 20th, 2016
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Saturday, August 20th, 2016
Surrey, British Columbia

The Real Meet

It was advertised that The Walking Monk was to be at Zaklan Heritage Farm in Surrey at 13278 84th Ave.  It was a “meet and greet” between Noon and 2pm.

That was flattering, and I thank Lynne Murray for the promotion; but from my side, I would like to put a different spin on this charmer of an event.

I would say, “Meet and greet the plums and the grapes, the tomatoes (green-housed for starters), kale, chard, peppers, beets, corn. Be sensationalized by the colours, scents and tastes that are growing naturally.”  I mentioned only a few from the list of organic splendours on this ten acre wonder in the centre of urban,sprawling Surrey.

It was awesome meeting Douglas, who took a group of us around for a tour.  Chickens were fabulously fenced in, but by a fence that you could un-stake, shift over, and allow the hens to achieve fresher grass, and in return, some nitrogen from their manure is produced.

Douglas lives on the property.  He built a house that can also be shifted.  That’s nifty!

I always believed that a garden gives gold—produce you can eat.  The metal gold—you cannot.  Good food is the real gold.

As we left the good company of Doug and those inclined toward good food, and perhaps a different kind of monk who likes to make a “green statement” through walking, Doug prepared a bag of his best harvest for us.  It reminds me of something our guru, Srila Prabhupada, said, “When you give something from the garden that is real love.”

Thanks Doug!  Thanks Arlen!

May the source be with you!

Friday, August 19th, 2016
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Friday, August 19th, 2016
Burnaby, B.C.

Victor and I

Victor and I took a stroll near the ashram where Chinese and Punjabi farmers utilize every square inch of deep, dark, rich soil for produce.  We had just passed the garden centre, “It’s About Thyme,” when we heard the squeaking wheels of a grocery cart behind us.

Before turning around to confirm my guess, I thought, “Here comes a homeless person with his gathered wares.  Most likely he or she has a set-up called home, somewhere tucked in the bushes.”  Lo and behold it was a lost soul of sorts—a he—and he started talking.

“Are you guys Roman Catholic Priests?”

That was a first for that question.  At least, I’m often mistaken for a Buddhist, while fair-skinned Victor could be confused for a Muslim, with his white garb.  It goes to show that in our society of pluralistic faiths, not everyone sees the distinctions.

Our newly-made friend, John, looked in fairly-good physical shape, but you wonder how long before the elements or ‘habits made’ will wear him down.  I’m usually hit by compassion for people like John.  He probably could do better. Society likely has pushed him to the edge.  I do admire the simple life he’s chosen.

In the afternoon, Arlen came to pick me up for a talk at the Ram Mandir.  The topic was more exclusively “Tales from Wonderful Trails.”  I inserted Bhagavat philosophy and it was well received by all.

May the Source be with you!

6 km

Thursday, August 18th, 2016
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Thursday, August 18th, 2016
Surrey, British Columbia

On Joy TV

I was at the Toronto Airport in anticipation of securing my boarding pass at the machine.  I was just waiting for the person in front of me to complete their pressing the screen, so I could move forward, when an airport attendant, an Afro-woman, approached me to help expedite the process.  She smiled and stretched out her arm as if to ask for my hard copy details for the flight to Vancouver.  I handed them over.

“Where to?” she asked, her admirable braided hair tied behind her, and glasses gracing her face.

“Vancouver!”

She pressed along and asked something unusual.

“What sampradaya?”

Sampradaya means lineage in terms of spiritual tradition.

To her question, I replied, “The Brahma-Madhava-Gaudiya-Hare-Krishna sampradaya.”  I elongated the name with “Hare Krishna” as that is more identifiable for the public.  “And you?”  I asked.

“I’m with the Sri sampradaya.”  This I found most interesting.  Time didn’t allow for more discussion.  I was happy to share sacred words with another person.

After landing and having a decent sleep, I was driven to Surrey where the “Joy TV” studio is located.  Harpreet Singh, a member of the Sikh tradition, hosts the show.  Our topic was happiness.  “Despite technological advancement, we find a world which is wrought with people of unsettling mind.  Therefore inner joy is to be sought.  Outer joy is temporal.”

I also was able to highlight ‘pilgrimage’ and its benefits.

May the Source be with you!

5 km

Wednesday, August 17th, 2016
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Wednesday, August 17th, 2016
Toronto, Ontario

I Want to Give

I pondered the activities of the few days since I’ve come back from the U.S. walk.  I looked at the catching-up that had to be done.  I followed the program which begins at 4 a.m. in the ashram and appreciated the great privilege that it is.  I answered phone calls, tended to e-mails, Instagram, etc. and  planned a drama for next week’s major fest, Krishna’s Birthday.  I sat in a meeting for brain-storming, did some counselling, pep talks, and delivered classes.

What was missing?  What was not included in the life of a responsible Krishna monk?

“Of course!”  I thought.  An idea popped into the head.  “Hari Nama is what is amiss!!”

“Hari Nama” is the short term for public chanting.  It was an easy sell for the few ashramresidents around.  It appears it is not on the regular schedule for some reason or another.

Our small group of six meandered through the Annex neighbourhood,headed for destination Bloor Street, a block from the Bata Shoe Museum.  A patch of grass that forms a serene parkette became our asana(seat).  Once we got to drumming and chanting, we realized what had been vacant from our daily regimen.  It is this sharing of sacred sound that gives us life.

Not so long ago my Irish friend, Pragosh, told me about one of his favourite songs by Neil Young, born in this grand town, Toronto. “Heart of Gold.”  Interpret the lyrics as you like.  The song begins with, “ I want to live/I want to give.”

May the Source be with you!

5 km

Tuesday, August 16th, 2016
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Tuesday, August 16th, 2016
Toronto, Ontario

Night Nectar

There appears to be a more leisurely mood amongst people in the evening.  Philosophy, in its most fundamental form, can be somewhat more digestible before one retires for the night.  The following is what I encountered during my trek after sundown.

At Davenport and Bay, two young women came up to me and asked, “Can you tell me something?”

“Yes!  We are not these bodies.  We are spirits.”

At that point, a cab-driver whom I know, Uttamananda—my support person for May & June—honked his horn behind me to get my attention.  I was happy to see him.  I had a quick exchange and pulled back to give attention to the girls.

“So, that cab driver is the superior intelligence, the spirit.  The cab is a machine, the body.  The driver and that which he drives have to be differentiated.  You are the spirit, and the body is what you are driving.”  They expressed their thanks.

I moved on to amble by Bloor Street.

“Hi!” said the young fellow, “I’m Mathew. I’m an undertaker.  I meet people from different spiritual paths all the time.  When the bodies come to me, they are all the same.”  He and I had more to say.  It was profound.

Further west on Bloor, and another fellow began speaking, which encouraged me to stop walking.

“I read a book on Buddha.  It was deep.”

“Actually I’m a Hare Krishna monk,” I clarified. “We believe the body is different from the self.  You are a spirit, a power house.”

The fellow listened.  He called his buddy.

“Hey, listen to what the monk is saying.”  So I repeated my words.  The friend pulled off his hat, stroked his hair with his hand as if to digest my words.  I left them with that.

May the Source be with you!

6 km


Monday, August 15th, 2016
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Monday, August 15th, 2016
Surrey, British Colombia

The Walking Monk in Surrey with Tales from Cross-Canada Trails

I was slightly confused as to identifying which place to put at the top of the blog.  The origin of the article below, by Tom Zillich, comes as a pleasant surprise.  It’s Surrey, British Columbia, and it’s a buzz about the U.S. walk from the Surrey “Now” newspaper:

The last place you’d expect to find a guy nicknamed “The Walking Monk” is in a car heading toward Chicago.

So apparently Bhaktimarga Swami does not walk everywhere, despite the moniker he’s earned for hoofing it across Canada an impressive four times.

The Ontario-born Swami, who finished his last such trek in 2014, is currently halfway through a similar walk across the U.S., in another effort to promote a “more car-free, carefree lifestyle.”

This week, he’ll be in Surrey to attend a pair of events, and the Now caught up with Swami – known as John Peter Vis before he adopted a monastic way of life back in 1973 – via cellphone as he motored down an interstate in Illinois earlier this week.

“Yesterday was a momentous day where I stopped at the midway point in America, in Nebraska, and now I’m making a return journey back to Toronto, ultimately, my home place,” Swami explained in an interview on Monday (Aug. 8).

“It’s a pleasant day and we’ve had a great trip so far doing half of the U.S. The whole idea is to reconvene next spring and do the second half, the western part, heading west.”

Two decades ago, in 1996, Swami set out on his first cross-Canada walk as something of a 100th-birthday tribute to a mentor of his. Putting his “feet and heart together” that year, he started in Victoria and made it all the way to Cape Spear, Newfoundland, with many stories to tell.

“I’d always wanted to see Canada closeup,” he recalled, “because before I was a monk I hitchhiked or flew and took buses, things like that, but I wanted to see it the way it was done by the ancients, you know, the way you should do it, especially because it’s a kind of birthright for a monastic person to do this kind of thing.”

He enjoyed the “CanWalk” experience enough to complete three more cross-country journeys in years since.

“I went through a lot of pain, physical,” Swami admitted. “The biggest challenge of all is walking on an angle – it’s like walking on a beach. But nevertheless, everything else compensated for that (pain), including meeting fantastic people, meeting characters, being confronted by black bears, grizzlies, whatnot, and finally I became an addict; I like it, gotta do it again.”

His first coast-to-coast walk was documented in “The Longest Road,” a 2003 National Film Board of Canada movie about the Trans-Canada Highway.

While in the U.S. recently, a spell of hot weather prompted Swami, 64, to experiment with nighttime walking, starting at 9 p.m. and ending at 3:30 a.m.

“It was quite nice (in Omaha and other parts of Nebraska), you know, as long as you had a safe area to walk through, on trails, basically,” he said. “You’re not allowed to walk on the freeways, so the choices in America are a secondary highway or a back road.”

In Surrey this week, Swami will make an appearance at Ram Mandir (8473 124th St.) on Friday evening, Aug. 19, and is also scheduled to visit the market at Newton’s Zaklan Heritage Farm on Saturday, Aug. 20, from noon to 2 p.m.

Across Canada these days, he shares his “Tales from the Trails” at community centres, yoga studios, libraries, schools and other places.

“It’s always an adventure and you don’t know what you’re going to deal with on the day ahead,” Swami related.

“What happens when you’re walking is you start to appreciate the little things around you and everything becomes significant,” he added. “Those of us who are obsessed with the fast pace of life, we just don’t even know what’s in our midst. By walking, you pick up on fantastic details out there.”

In one photo of Swami, the Now noticed he wore a pair of Croc sandals, and asked about a possible endorsement deal from the footwear company.

“There was something happening there with Crocs, yes, on my third walk across Canada,” Swami elaborated. “They sent me a pair, and that was the best I could do,” he added with a laugh. “I found other footwear, though, that was superior, but I do resort to my Crocs once in a while just because they’re pretty lightweight.”

tom.zillich@thenownewspaper.com

May the Source be with you!

5 km

Surrendering to Krishna, Depending on Krishna
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Hare KrishnaBy Bhurijana Dasa

If the desire to serve Krishna is present, we will always be able to do some service, even if it is of a different kind. We always have something to offer others, regardless of the externals of our circumstances. If you wish to always appear strong or successful you lose the ability for transparency. By attempting success through the management of appearances, you lose freedom to be honest, you are unable to express needs, you must cover up your mistakes, you need to have all the answers, and you lose the freedom to be yourself. Be brutally honest. What wants and needs are present? Our motives may be admirable, pure, and worthy of action. At times they are self-serving, full of avoidance, and tainted by fear, impatience, envy, pride, or the desire to place everything under our control. What is compelling me to act? What pushes me to change the circumstances from what they currently are? Is Krishna’s purpose behind the desire to act? What purpose? Am I willing to be Krishna’s instrument with no strings attached? Continue reading "Surrendering to Krishna, Depending on Krishna
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Radhastami – Glories of Srimati Radharani (video class) by…
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Radhastami – Glories of Srimati Radharani (video class) by Vaisesika Prabhu.
From the Rik-parisistha:
“Srimati Radharani is always to be found with Sri Krishna, and Madhava is always to be seen with Radhika. One is never without the other’s company.”
From the Gopalottara-tapani:
“She is the embodiment of maha-bhava, or the highest transcendental ecstasy, and none of the other gopis, or cowherd damsels of Vrindavan, possesses Her excellent qualities. Radharani is therefore known as the most famous Gandharva.”
In the Padma Purana Narada Muni describes Srimati Radharani:
“As much as Srimati Radhika is dear to Lord Krishna, Her pond Radha-kunda is as beloved to Him. Among all the gopis Srimati Radharani is most dear to Krishna.
In his Sri Prarthana-paddhati [Stavamala], Srila Rupa goswami prays:
"O Queen of Vrindavan, O Radharani, Your complexion is like molton gold, Your doe-like eyes are captivatingly restless, a million full and brilliant moons wane before Your lustrous countenance, and a blue sari, having stolen the hue of a fresh rain-laden cloud, has enwrapped Your exquisite form. O Radha, You are the crest-jewel of all the dallying damsels of Vrindavan, fragrant and pristine like a budding jasmine flower. Your sublime form is adorned with priceless jewelry , and you are the best of all the charming and intelligent gopis. You are decorated with all wonderful excellences and surrounded by eight dedicated and beloved cowherd girls known as the asta-sakhis.
"The ambrosia of Your beautiful lips, red as the bimba fruit, is life-giving syrup to Krishna. O Radha, I am rolling on the banks of the Yamuna, my poor heart filled with anticipation, praying to You with all humility. I am guilty of being an offender, a rascal, a useless wretch-yet I beg You to kindly engage me in even the smallest service to Your lotus feet. O most merciful Lady, it will not become You to ignore this most distressed soul, for Your heart is always overflowing with compassion and love.”
Raghunatha dasa Goswami writes in the Vilap-kusum-anjali
“O Supreme Ladyship, Queen of my heart, Radha! Laksmi-devi the goddess of fortune does not possess even a drop of the beauty that exudes from Your exquisite toenails, therefore if You do not grant me the proper vision to perceive Your transcendental pastimes, then what use do I have for this life, which is burning in the fire of excruciating sorrow?
"O merciful Lady! Indeed, lately I am floating in a nectarean ocean of hope, and passing time in hardship and pain, but if You do not shower mercy upon me then this life, living in Vrindavan, and even Lord Krishna are all meaningless to me.”
“The Queen of Vraja is my mistress. O Lady mistress, O Radha, I am Your maidservant, but the flames of intense separation are incinerating my heart and I grow feeble from profuse crying. Finding no other means, I am therefore sitting somewhere in Govardhan and composing these verses in deep lamentation.
"O dallying damsel of Vraja, Sri Radhika, I am sucked into an ocean of grief and my condition is so miserable! Kindly send me Your mercy in the form of an infallible boat and save me from this whirlpool. Please give me sanctuary at Your lotus feet.”
“O Radha-kunda, pond of sublime joy, my mistress Srimati Radhika is always absorbed in divine amorous pastimes with her beloved paramour Sri Krishna on your banks, and you have endeared yourself to this Divine Couple more than anything else They cherish. Please, therefore, be merciful upon me and allow me but a moments vision of the object of my greatest adoration, Srimati Radharani.
From Brahma-Samhita
"I worship Govinda, the primeval Lord, who resides in His own realm, Goloka, with Radha, who resembles His own spiritual figure and who embodies the ecstatic potency [hladini]. Their companions are Her confidantes, who embody extensions of Her bodily form and who are imbued and permeated with ever-blissful spiritual rasa.” B.S. 5.37
Sri Chaitanya Charitamrita Adi Lila 1.6
Desiring to understand the glory of Radharani’s love, the wonderful qualities in Him that She alone relishes through Her love, and the happiness She feels when She relishes the sweetness of His love, the Supreme Lord Hari, richly endowed with Her emotions, appears from the womb of Srimati Sachi Devi, as the moon appears from the ocean.
The essence of the hladini potency is love of God, the essence of love of God is emotion [bhava], and the ultimate development of emotion is mahabhava. Sri Radha Thakurani is the embodiment of mahabhava. She is the repository of all good qualities and the crest jewel among all the lovely consorts of Lord Krishna.
Of these two gopis [Radharani and Candravali], Srimati Radharani is superior in all respects. She is the embodiment of mahabhava, and She surpasses all in good qualities. (Ujjvala-nilamani 2)
Her mind, senses and body are steeped in love for Krishna. She is Krishna’s own energy, and She helps Him in His pastimes.[Adi 4.68-71]
O Partha, in all the three planetary systems, this earth is especially fortunate, for on earth is the town of Vrindavan. And there the gopis are especially glorious because among them is My Srimati Radharani. (Adi Purana-Krishna to Arjuna)
Lord Caitanya appeared with the sentiment of Sri Radha. He preached the dharma of this age-the chanting of the holy name and pure love of God. In the mood of Srimati Radharani, He also fulfilled His own desires. This is the principal reason for His appearance.
C.C. Adi 4.238-272
Watch it here: http://goo.gl/q2HmYd

All India Padayatra Celebrates World Holy Name Week
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Hare KrishnaBy Acarya Dasa

Sankirtana is the heart of padayatra. Wherever we walk, whenever we enter a village or conduct house programs we chant the holy names with every soul in attendance dancing along with us. It’s not a surprise to us since we are traveling with sankirtana eka pitaro, the father of sankirtana Himself, Lord Caitanya. Lokanath Swami said, “Celebrating the ‘World Holy Name’ festival is like celebrating the victory of the holy names all over the world param vijayate sri- krishna sankirtanam [1]. The world is on fire, let us chant more and extinguish the fire of this material existence. So, propagate the holy names.” We took these words to heart and held different programs during these two weeks of ‘World Holy Name’ celebrations. Continue reading "All India Padayatra Celebrates World Holy Name Week
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George Harrison Festival in Liverpool 27th August 2016 (4 min…
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George Harrison Festival in Liverpool 27th August 2016 (4 min video)
Parasuram das: It was a simple event, Harinam on stage, 1,000 Chant and be Happy books, Prasad parcels for everyone. Every year the City of Liverpool puts on Beatle Week and this event was for George Prabhu. The hall holds 500 seats and there were two seatings. Sakshi Gopal Prabhu coordinated the devotee’s role in the event. The people of Liverpool love the Beatles (as everyone does) even the airport is called John Lennon Airport!
Watch it here: https://goo.gl/G8mdxe

Huge Bhakti Sangam Festival in Ukraine (Fotos)
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Hare KrishnaBy Singha Bhatta Das

The annual Bhakti Sangam Festival is surely the most amazing event on this planet, with so many Maharajas and preachers sharing their realizations in seminars, and the evenings are spent in most sublime kirtans. Each seminar block has six presentations running parallel in various venues. Since there is such a huge crowd of devotees many topics can be offered by a variety of speakers to suit everyone's needs and attractions. 103 photos from the opening day of the festival, morning program and evening kirtan Continue reading "Huge Bhakti Sangam Festival in Ukraine (Fotos)
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