Spiritual Emission
Manuels, Newfoundland
My speculation and guess is that the water I see rippling over the rocks is very clean and pure. The abundant rain feeds this vein of water, the Manuels River, before merging into the salty liquids of Conception Bay, the ocean. Invigorating!
It was a good hike going along this river; much needed for me. The rains had been restricting and now, by 3 PM, the clearing of sky water allowed me full permission to enjoy a solitude of sorts.
By night, seagulls were in their flutter outside our window as they were during my hike. People had come together at Rikin’s condo which overlooks this awesome bay of water drama with the gulls flapping and screeching and currents tossing every which way.
We were focused, however, on sound descended from another world. It was part 2 of our Sadhana Bhakti presentation. Nitai Ram tapped fingers on the mrdanga drum ends to display a mini demo, and then we sang the song, Gaura Arati, to honour the luminary of mantra mastery, Chaitanya, the avatar saint who walked India in the early 1500’s.
We then spoke about the soul as our true identity, and of its function – service, and of inner peace derived from service. We talked of gossip and the negative things we get swept up in, and of a remedy, change the topic, recognize the glory in all and take to service, devotional service. We spoke of how we were all gulls before, in flight, on rocks, and on waters. But now we are humans, and we can do more than just squabble as the gulls seem to do. We owe ourselves and the world, a spiritual emission. In other words, whatever you’ve learned, share it.
We were comfortable hearing and chanting while couched in chairs in circle formation. So even the newcomers, if stiff and uptight in the beginning, became relaxed and relieved because the message gets home.
7 KM
Friday, May 17, 2013
Wednesday, May 15th, 2013
The Lotus Centre
Manuels, Newfoundland
Nitai Ram and I clearly stood out in our robes as we descended the escalators at the Toronto Airport. At the base of the stairs a curious woman was waiting to address us.
“Where are you from?” asked the white haired woman, assuming we would say we are stationed some place exotic or even mystical.
“Here in Canada,” I said.
“Oh, I thought you might be from Nepal where I met some Buddhist monks.”
We clarified our actual allegiance, and were happy to have met her.
Once we arrived at the Saint John’s Airport and made our exit, we were met by our host, Rikin, and were struck by a top sail gale as the automatic door opened. Rikin had lined up an evening program for us. He mentioned to Nitai and I that our topic of discussion would be sadhana bhakti. My evening actually did evolve; he drove us to the Lotus Centre downtown. I was unprepared on paper, and gave the topic not even a mental preparedness. I decided to wing it and asked very competent Nitai to help in the presentation.
With the faith based sentiment, I believe if you kick start everything with chanting, things will naturally flow. Nitai Ram played beautifully on the mrdanga drum, as I led the singing, and attendees responded. Participation was great. I began to vocalize some thoughts that came out of inspiration.
“What we just did was perform kirtan. The pronunciation is ‘keer-tan’, like the word ‘ear’ with a ‘k’ in front of it, and not ‘curtain’, which is something you drape in front of a window. The group resounded in laughter, and from there Nitai and I basically laid out the components of sadhana bhakti yoga as we are accustomed to. It involves japa chanting, recitation of a daily mantra, and discussing it as a way to deepen our understanding of it, the ritual to honour the sacred green Tulsi plant, and a song for protection called the Narasingha prayer. It was evening and Nitai and I walked the group through basic morning sadhana (spiritual workout) as a way to suggest a transcendental day starter. The group seemed delighted. Several of them took home with them japa meditation beads.
0 KM
Manuels, Newfoundland
Nitai Ram and I clearly stood out in our robes as we descended the escalators at the Toronto Airport. At the base of the stairs a curious woman was waiting to address us.
“Where are you from?” asked the white haired woman, assuming we would say we are stationed some place exotic or even mystical.
“Here in Canada,” I said.
“Oh, I thought you might be from Nepal where I met some Buddhist monks.”
We clarified our actual allegiance, and were happy to have met her.
Once we arrived at the Saint John’s Airport and made our exit, we were met by our host, Rikin, and were struck by a top sail gale as the automatic door opened. Rikin had lined up an evening program for us. He mentioned to Nitai and I that our topic of discussion would be sadhana bhakti. My evening actually did evolve; he drove us to the Lotus Centre downtown. I was unprepared on paper, and gave the topic not even a mental preparedness. I decided to wing it and asked very competent Nitai to help in the presentation.
With the faith based sentiment, I believe if you kick start everything with chanting, things will naturally flow. Nitai Ram played beautifully on the mrdanga drum, as I led the singing, and attendees responded. Participation was great. I began to vocalize some thoughts that came out of inspiration.
“What we just did was perform kirtan. The pronunciation is ‘keer-tan’, like the word ‘ear’ with a ‘k’ in front of it, and not ‘curtain’, which is something you drape in front of a window. The group resounded in laughter, and from there Nitai and I basically laid out the components of sadhana bhakti yoga as we are accustomed to. It involves japa chanting, recitation of a daily mantra, and discussing it as a way to deepen our understanding of it, the ritual to honour the sacred green Tulsi plant, and a song for protection called the Narasingha prayer. It was evening and Nitai and I walked the group through basic morning sadhana (spiritual workout) as a way to suggest a transcendental day starter. The group seemed delighted. Several of them took home with them japa meditation beads.
0 KM
Wednesday, May 15, 2013
Tuesday, May 14th, 2013
More Smooth
Toronto, Ontario
While visitors from Montreal where enjoying the company of Visesika and his wife, Nirakula, and chanting on their meditation beads in the comfort of the temple room, four of us chose the wonderful openness of the outdoors while chanting in motion. We took to the ravine at 5:30 AM, walking a good pace. The trail is lined by the white flowered garlic mustard plant.
The discovery of this wild edible by my three companions was childlike for them. The one couple from North Carolina loved their salads. They now found a new ingredient.
Emily, from Montreal, who was also with us, is a young dead ringer to Mona Lisa. I swear. She looks facially like, I mean she is the splitting image of DaVinci’s painting. It is interesting to see that most classic visage be there with you in real life – and moving.
The walk was a bit long and hard for the others, but it was a breeze for me. It’s this very path that became my training ground for cross-nation walks.
What a pleasure it was then to sit down after the walk in the temple singing a bhajan, devotional song, with 30 other devotees. We sang aruna doy kirtan, the ultimate song about a life reality check. The message is something like, “We spend our nights and days uselessly wasting away time.” Then Vaisesika delivered a class that was, as usual, nectar to the ears. The message was about moving forward in life, depending on Krishna, etc. Nothing could be more smooth.
8 KM
Tuesday, May 14, 2013
Monday, May 13th, 2013
Talking the Walk
Toronto, Ontario
On Torstar News Service something appeared that advocates walking.
"In Toronto's wars over traffic and transit, Dylan Reid is a foot soldier. The walking activist is fighting to reverse our affair with the car and to return us to our natural mode of transportation."
Reid says he's doing it because, first, it's healthy for people, the city and the environment, and second because it can be fun and social. By walking, you can de-stress, bump into friends and neighbours, get to know your local merchants as well as attract more amenities to the area because you're not speeding past them.
My response: "Dear Dylan: Thanks! It's a worthy cause. I'm doing my bit but not enough I feel. Since I began my long distance walking in '96 by embarking on a cross Canada walk, I too advocated walking as the best means for human movement. Since that precious time when I kick-started a pilgrimage of sorts on April 12 at Beacon Hill Park on Vancouver Island to eventually reach St. John's, Newfoundland on Dec 8th, I've done the trek two more times. I'm actually in the middle of the fourth one.
The response has been good from media and the general public. I know that some of my own colleagues, now in their 60's have become inspired to do more walking because of what I do. They tell me so. Overall, I wish I could impact people more. I guess it happens by doing and also by talking about its benefits. I try to say that when you're a walker you're a rocker. I firmly believe that it's cool to walk and that when there's more walking, there's less squaking."
8 KM
Toronto, Ontario
On Torstar News Service something appeared that advocates walking.
"In Toronto's wars over traffic and transit, Dylan Reid is a foot soldier. The walking activist is fighting to reverse our affair with the car and to return us to our natural mode of transportation."
Reid says he's doing it because, first, it's healthy for people, the city and the environment, and second because it can be fun and social. By walking, you can de-stress, bump into friends and neighbours, get to know your local merchants as well as attract more amenities to the area because you're not speeding past them.
My response: "Dear Dylan: Thanks! It's a worthy cause. I'm doing my bit but not enough I feel. Since I began my long distance walking in '96 by embarking on a cross Canada walk, I too advocated walking as the best means for human movement. Since that precious time when I kick-started a pilgrimage of sorts on April 12 at Beacon Hill Park on Vancouver Island to eventually reach St. John's, Newfoundland on Dec 8th, I've done the trek two more times. I'm actually in the middle of the fourth one.
The response has been good from media and the general public. I know that some of my own colleagues, now in their 60's have become inspired to do more walking because of what I do. They tell me so. Overall, I wish I could impact people more. I guess it happens by doing and also by talking about its benefits. I try to say that when you're a walker you're a rocker. I firmly believe that it's cool to walk and that when there's more walking, there's less squaking."
8 KM
Sunday, May 12th, 2013
I Took to McCreary's Ridge
Moundsville, West Virginia
I took to McCreary's Ridge Road when the week-end's event came to an end. As usual the Festival of Inspiration was as it was set out to be - a program that lifts the spirit. I particularly liked, as part of the entertainment, the routine of Ekendra who is a stand-up comic, portrayed Yama Niyama, a Russian fundamentalist Krishna monk. He is out to condemn all non-believers and places harsh judgement on any left-wing devotion. He's dug a deep opinionated trench for himself and we, the audience, love the laughter he creates.
As I trailed along on that Ridge Road I breathed in a great air and relished a calm wind that was taking the trees for a dance. I reflected on the great performance our troupe executed. Our drama, 'Gita: Concise' went well. What was happening is that on the average every other motorist stopped (mostly festival goers) to offer a ride which added to the joy of the day. People are good at heart!
When you walk with the sky above you and the natural colours around beckon you to dream, I do dream. I thought of the dream of our guru, Srila Prabhupada, to make the world a lighter and brighter place, to discourage a world bent on "profit" and to make it more "godfit." Yes, "fit God in" was his message.
Automobiles moved slowly along that windy and pitted road and then one came, the one that was my ride. We were then destined for a seven hour drive back to Canada. On the way back our crew of passengers were speaking about that dream and I recalled that in Pennsylvania, the modest city of Butler was enroute. This was the place where our guru's dream to alter the world's ways began. He stayed and spoke formally at the YMCA in September of '65. Butler was his touchdown in America and the first place where his dream began to materialize in the western world.
We enthusiastically pilled out of the van and stood in front of the Y for a photo of that historic place. What a special spot!
6 KM
Moundsville, West Virginia
I took to McCreary's Ridge Road when the week-end's event came to an end. As usual the Festival of Inspiration was as it was set out to be - a program that lifts the spirit. I particularly liked, as part of the entertainment, the routine of Ekendra who is a stand-up comic, portrayed Yama Niyama, a Russian fundamentalist Krishna monk. He is out to condemn all non-believers and places harsh judgement on any left-wing devotion. He's dug a deep opinionated trench for himself and we, the audience, love the laughter he creates.
As I trailed along on that Ridge Road I breathed in a great air and relished a calm wind that was taking the trees for a dance. I reflected on the great performance our troupe executed. Our drama, 'Gita: Concise' went well. What was happening is that on the average every other motorist stopped (mostly festival goers) to offer a ride which added to the joy of the day. People are good at heart!
When you walk with the sky above you and the natural colours around beckon you to dream, I do dream. I thought of the dream of our guru, Srila Prabhupada, to make the world a lighter and brighter place, to discourage a world bent on "profit" and to make it more "godfit." Yes, "fit God in" was his message.
Automobiles moved slowly along that windy and pitted road and then one came, the one that was my ride. We were then destined for a seven hour drive back to Canada. On the way back our crew of passengers were speaking about that dream and I recalled that in Pennsylvania, the modest city of Butler was enroute. This was the place where our guru's dream to alter the world's ways began. He stayed and spoke formally at the YMCA in September of '65. Butler was his touchdown in America and the first place where his dream began to materialize in the western world.
We enthusiastically pilled out of the van and stood in front of the Y for a photo of that historic place. What a special spot!
6 KM
Monday, May 13, 2013
Saturday, May 11th, 2013
Quotes and Statements.
Moundsville, West Virginia
Here are some quotes and statements which support healthy and spiritually-cogent lifestyles. The source of these came from a very empowered guest speaker at the Festival of Inspiration.
"Without rules there is chaos".
"The world is changed by examples, not by opinions".
"If you are humble you will listen".
"Service is not a chore, it's a privilege - Mother Theresa".
"Action expresses priorities - Mahatma Gandhi".
Statement: "I don't believe in karma". Response: "It doesn't matter. It believes in you".
Statement: "If I eat meat I'll get stronger".
Response: "If you eat someone's brain does it make you smarter?"
"Do not be upset with the instrument of your karma - Srila Prabhupada".
"Moderation is halfway between discipline and disaster".
"No one dies from protein deficiency. Excessive protein causes death".
Question: "What do you do if you train someone and they leave?"
Response: "What do you do if you don't train and they don't leave?"
3 KM
Moundsville, West Virginia
Here are some quotes and statements which support healthy and spiritually-cogent lifestyles. The source of these came from a very empowered guest speaker at the Festival of Inspiration.
"Without rules there is chaos".
"The world is changed by examples, not by opinions".
"If you are humble you will listen".
"Service is not a chore, it's a privilege - Mother Theresa".
"Action expresses priorities - Mahatma Gandhi".
Statement: "I don't believe in karma". Response: "It doesn't matter. It believes in you".
Statement: "If I eat meat I'll get stronger".
Response: "If you eat someone's brain does it make you smarter?"
"Do not be upset with the instrument of your karma - Srila Prabhupada".
"Moderation is halfway between discipline and disaster".
"No one dies from protein deficiency. Excessive protein causes death".
Question: "What do you do if you train someone and they leave?"
Response: "What do you do if you don't train and they don't leave?"
3 KM
Friday, May 10th, 2013
True Identity
US/Canada Border
People say that since 9-11, when the New York Twin Towers came down, the world has never been the same. That might be true from a safety/security point of view, but really, there must have been a 9-11 in every generation. If not, then in every decade.
Personally, I’ve noticed more intense watchfulness when you cross the border into the US. At the Fort Erie/Buffalo Peace Bridge, Customs was only doing their job I guess when they pulled over our van to look further into 2 of our 5 passengers – one from Latvia and the other from the Congo. When we stepped into the official security waiting room, the 5 of us who were destined for a spiritual retreat in West Virginia, realized we weren’t the only travelers being sifted through . The room was full. Investigating people has so much to do with bodily identity, with no consideration for the soul. You can’t blame Customs for the territorialism that we all latch on to. In the name of patriotism, we strut about in this world with a false pride, thinking, “I am this body, and this body comes from the best land because I was born there.” This, of course, is downright incorrect information.
We held in our hands our individual passports to reinforce the myth that we are these bodies while two of us offered a PR form, Permanent Residents, which is another lie. Who is here permanently in this world? We witnessed one woman in the queue being called to the counter and then after the interview, sat down crying with tears rolling down her eyes.
Fortunately when our name came up over the loud speaker after a long line and wait, we got down to a greater truth. We were asked by a rather friendly personnel behind the counter and computer how we were all related to each other. “We belong to the same spiritual community, Hare Krishna.” The Customs officer seemed to know about us and that gave us a sigh of relief.
Even though we are truly not these bodies, we do have some identity and that is our connection to the Blue Mystic, Krishna. We gladly left the customs building and drove off to one of the most ecstatic events of the year, the Festival of Inspiration, which always reminds us that we are unmistakably happy spirit souls, and that is our true identity.
4 KM
US/Canada Border
People say that since 9-11, when the New York Twin Towers came down, the world has never been the same. That might be true from a safety/security point of view, but really, there must have been a 9-11 in every generation. If not, then in every decade.
Personally, I’ve noticed more intense watchfulness when you cross the border into the US. At the Fort Erie/Buffalo Peace Bridge, Customs was only doing their job I guess when they pulled over our van to look further into 2 of our 5 passengers – one from Latvia and the other from the Congo. When we stepped into the official security waiting room, the 5 of us who were destined for a spiritual retreat in West Virginia, realized we weren’t the only travelers being sifted through . The room was full. Investigating people has so much to do with bodily identity, with no consideration for the soul. You can’t blame Customs for the territorialism that we all latch on to. In the name of patriotism, we strut about in this world with a false pride, thinking, “I am this body, and this body comes from the best land because I was born there.” This, of course, is downright incorrect information.
We held in our hands our individual passports to reinforce the myth that we are these bodies while two of us offered a PR form, Permanent Residents, which is another lie. Who is here permanently in this world? We witnessed one woman in the queue being called to the counter and then after the interview, sat down crying with tears rolling down her eyes.
Fortunately when our name came up over the loud speaker after a long line and wait, we got down to a greater truth. We were asked by a rather friendly personnel behind the counter and computer how we were all related to each other. “We belong to the same spiritual community, Hare Krishna.” The Customs officer seemed to know about us and that gave us a sigh of relief.
Even though we are truly not these bodies, we do have some identity and that is our connection to the Blue Mystic, Krishna. We gladly left the customs building and drove off to one of the most ecstatic events of the year, the Festival of Inspiration, which always reminds us that we are unmistakably happy spirit souls, and that is our true identity.
4 KM
Thursday, May 9th, 2013
Everything’s Light
Toronto, Ontario
When a newborn comes into the home, it makes everyone light – before it gets heavy. I could see it in the eyes of Radha Mohan, the father, and Shyama Mohini, the baby’s mom. “It changes everything, doesn’t it?” I asked the parents of their new son, Govinda, indicating that full attention is now on the baby. In our tradition parents ask for a blessing from a local priest (brahmin), and that was one of my reasons for the visit. The parents became very generous; it came in the form of a great meal. The couple was happy.
I thought a lot about their future and the road that lay ahead of them. There will be bumps. The dad had jokingly expressed the son will be under peer pressure in the years to come, even though he’ll be trained spiritually at the formative years. The time now is critical. All the love that can possibly spill out should do so now.
Krishna is behind love. He is also behind hate, but He prefers love. A loving environment makes it so much more conducive to inner development and becoming a whole person.
It’s strange to see mundane love, the love of this world which is shifting all the time. It is ready to crack at any moment. It’s certainly not endless. Yet, if we look adoringly at our young child, that is about the closest you will get to touching the love for the Divine. There are no conditions there. That love is as natural as the seasons that are always encircling us. In spiritual love it is a perpetual love.
7 KM
Toronto, Ontario
When a newborn comes into the home, it makes everyone light – before it gets heavy. I could see it in the eyes of Radha Mohan, the father, and Shyama Mohini, the baby’s mom. “It changes everything, doesn’t it?” I asked the parents of their new son, Govinda, indicating that full attention is now on the baby. In our tradition parents ask for a blessing from a local priest (brahmin), and that was one of my reasons for the visit. The parents became very generous; it came in the form of a great meal. The couple was happy.
I thought a lot about their future and the road that lay ahead of them. There will be bumps. The dad had jokingly expressed the son will be under peer pressure in the years to come, even though he’ll be trained spiritually at the formative years. The time now is critical. All the love that can possibly spill out should do so now.
Krishna is behind love. He is also behind hate, but He prefers love. A loving environment makes it so much more conducive to inner development and becoming a whole person.
It’s strange to see mundane love, the love of this world which is shifting all the time. It is ready to crack at any moment. It’s certainly not endless. Yet, if we look adoringly at our young child, that is about the closest you will get to touching the love for the Divine. There are no conditions there. That love is as natural as the seasons that are always encircling us. In spiritual love it is a perpetual love.
7 KM
Thursday, May 9, 2013
Wednesday, May 8th, 2013
Scoring
Toronto, Ontario
I was trekking southbound on Yonge Street when I heard my name being called, “Bhaktimarga, Bhaktimarga!” I turned around and there was Billy.
He’s bearded now, I couldn’t recognize him in the beginning. Billy is well known in the city for his voice. For some, he is the subway singer. He composes his own songs and plays them on his acoustic guitar. They have these spiritual messages and overtones.
He decided to walk with me and then tell me of his current legal battle. This one, like all legal battles, is ugly. He asked if I could walk back with him and for me to listen to him. We reversed directions and went to an eatery where he left his backpack. A few minutes before when he saw me whizzing by the place, he was sitting at an eatery and then ran to catch me, and so now we are here in this place, run by a Muslim guy by the name of Sumir.
The hockey game on the screen revealed to me why the streets were quiet. People were indoors watching the Toronto Maple Leaf’s playing against the Boston Bruins, the semifinals. The game was intense. I stood by with Billy watching for 10 minutes. I never do this. I’m too much of a monk I guess, but as a friend to Billy I felt the need to share a piece of his world, which is right now a struggle for him.
We have chanted together before, he was once a guest at our ashram, and he had a fine spiritual experience.
The game was tied, Boston 3 and Toronto 3. As far as I can understand the game went into overtime. Then Boston scored and Billy’s heart sank for a moment, so did Sumir’s. I did admit I also got a little affected, but it was time to depart to continue my trek and to chant.
I feel that if Billy got more into chanting he’d be less obsessed with what he feels is injustice that’s come to him.
What to conclude?
Karma is a complex thing. Yes, there appears to be unfairness in this world. The legal system is corrupt, life is tough, but it’s temporary. We can cross over these hurdles. Take a spiritual recourse, that would be making a score.
7 KM
Toronto, Ontario
I was trekking southbound on Yonge Street when I heard my name being called, “Bhaktimarga, Bhaktimarga!” I turned around and there was Billy.
He’s bearded now, I couldn’t recognize him in the beginning. Billy is well known in the city for his voice. For some, he is the subway singer. He composes his own songs and plays them on his acoustic guitar. They have these spiritual messages and overtones.
He decided to walk with me and then tell me of his current legal battle. This one, like all legal battles, is ugly. He asked if I could walk back with him and for me to listen to him. We reversed directions and went to an eatery where he left his backpack. A few minutes before when he saw me whizzing by the place, he was sitting at an eatery and then ran to catch me, and so now we are here in this place, run by a Muslim guy by the name of Sumir.
The hockey game on the screen revealed to me why the streets were quiet. People were indoors watching the Toronto Maple Leaf’s playing against the Boston Bruins, the semifinals. The game was intense. I stood by with Billy watching for 10 minutes. I never do this. I’m too much of a monk I guess, but as a friend to Billy I felt the need to share a piece of his world, which is right now a struggle for him.
We have chanted together before, he was once a guest at our ashram, and he had a fine spiritual experience.
The game was tied, Boston 3 and Toronto 3. As far as I can understand the game went into overtime. Then Boston scored and Billy’s heart sank for a moment, so did Sumir’s. I did admit I also got a little affected, but it was time to depart to continue my trek and to chant.
I feel that if Billy got more into chanting he’d be less obsessed with what he feels is injustice that’s come to him.
What to conclude?
Karma is a complex thing. Yes, there appears to be unfairness in this world. The legal system is corrupt, life is tough, but it’s temporary. We can cross over these hurdles. Take a spiritual recourse, that would be making a score.
7 KM
Wednesday, May 8, 2013
Tuesday, May 7th, 2013
One But Many
Toronto, Ontario
The teacher wanted to know if we believed in monotheism, “Is there one God?” asked the instructor from Saint Mary’s Secondary School. She was standing there with curious anticipation in the center of our temple room with 2 co-instructors and about 30 grade 11 students.
“The short of it is,” I explained, “We have a word for God – Yogeshwara, which means he is the supreme mystic. Being mystical, “He is One but many simultaneously… “
I was given 30 minutes to do my presentation. Their school bus arrived late due to traffic (another good reason to forsake cars for using your feet).
“Doesn’t the old testament speak of God as a burning bush? There is no limit to God’s limitless manifestations,” I pointed out.
The students had the fortune to be interactive. They all chanted mantras at my lead, then threw flower petals at the icon of our guru, Srila Prabhupada. This was followed by Darshan, the viewing of our Krishna deities. “The most prominent feature to our culture, however, is the mantra meditation.” So I engaged the students in singing that best of mantras, “Hare Krishna.” They did so with relish. Their volunteered dance steps was a bonus for them.
Time zipped by. 30 minutes became 30 seconds. The teachers noted that as well. “Time flies when you’re having a good time.” I would take that a step further, when you enter a sacred space, it surely becomes like entering into a timeless zone. You are in an eternal atmosphere.
You can feel it.
7 KM
Toronto, Ontario
The teacher wanted to know if we believed in monotheism, “Is there one God?” asked the instructor from Saint Mary’s Secondary School. She was standing there with curious anticipation in the center of our temple room with 2 co-instructors and about 30 grade 11 students.
“The short of it is,” I explained, “We have a word for God – Yogeshwara, which means he is the supreme mystic. Being mystical, “He is One but many simultaneously… “
I was given 30 minutes to do my presentation. Their school bus arrived late due to traffic (another good reason to forsake cars for using your feet).
“Doesn’t the old testament speak of God as a burning bush? There is no limit to God’s limitless manifestations,” I pointed out.
The students had the fortune to be interactive. They all chanted mantras at my lead, then threw flower petals at the icon of our guru, Srila Prabhupada. This was followed by Darshan, the viewing of our Krishna deities. “The most prominent feature to our culture, however, is the mantra meditation.” So I engaged the students in singing that best of mantras, “Hare Krishna.” They did so with relish. Their volunteered dance steps was a bonus for them.
Time zipped by. 30 minutes became 30 seconds. The teachers noted that as well. “Time flies when you’re having a good time.” I would take that a step further, when you enter a sacred space, it surely becomes like entering into a timeless zone. You are in an eternal atmosphere.
You can feel it.
7 KM
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