Renfrew newspaper article part 2

August 10, 2007 - The Renfrew Weekender - Page 15
Monk finds growing tolerance in third cross-Canada walk
Continued from Page 13
During his walk, Swami performs a form of mantra meditation.
"It really focuses the mind," he said. Even when the weather is less than accommodating and the body is aching, "it helps keep you in a happy frame of mind," he added.
Through its moments of strain, the walk aids in personal growth and the unpredictable weather helps with tolerance, he said.
Walking across the country makes one appreciate the country and its natural beauty, he said.
Swami particularly enjoys being so close to wildlife, although he’s had a couple of close calls with some large animals.
He said the walk has also increased his appreciation of people across Canada. He’s noticed that people are becoming more tolerant.
They are more accepting now of him then they were in his first crossing in 1996, he noted. "I think people are opening up … the world is opening up to new ideas.
"People are pretty good … many stop to talk, curious about what I’m doing," he said. "I find most of them very friendly … and that softens me up too."
Vis was raised a strict Catholic, but changed his beliefs and name almost 35 years ago when he adopted the monastic life.
He, like many in the 1960s and ‘70s, was influenced by Eastern philosophies publicized by music groups such as the Beatles.
"I became attracted to this lifestyle and enrolled as a monk in the Hare Krishna movement back in 1973 when it was hip to be radical, daring and different," he says. "I admit that being a monk is not everyone’s calling, but it is mine."
As a celibate monk, Swami has evolved as an instructor of bhakri-yoga and mantra meditation, basing his teachings on the Hindu text Shagavad-Gita.
While comfortable with his vocation, Swami isn’t set on having others see things his way and encourages people to celebrate their diverse approaches.
However, he urges people to seek out paths that enrich their lives.
"I believe that collectively working on our inner strengths is one of the ways to heal a society that beckons for improvement," he says. "Let’s face it, we have an abundance of social issues on the table, and there are a lot of lonely people out there."
He believes that society’s problems stem from lack of commitment and a "vacuum of virtues."
"So I have come to believe that there are spiritual solutions to material problems," he says.
Swami says his cross-country tours are a way of gaining personal inspiration from Canada and its people.
In 1996 he went the way of a pilgrim and crossed this country from west to east on foot.
While travelling through eastern Ontario, he stayed close to the Great Lakes.
In 2003, he completed the circle by walking from Cape Spear, Newfoundland back to Vancouver Island.
At that time, he travelled along Highway 7 through Perth and Carleton Place.
He shared his unique experience and fond memories of his 16,000-km trek in The Longest Road, a National Film Board documentary detailing the history of the people who shaped — or were shaped by — the Trans Canada Highway, the world’s longest continuous maintained road.
He likes diverting from the major highways. After a stop in Renfrew, he headed out Bruce Street to make the trek to Arnprior along River Road.
He has divided his third cross-country trek into two parts. Last summer, he walked from Victoria to the Ontario border.
This summer he is completing the walk, with his trek to end at Cape Spear.
He said he recommends the marathon walk to people who have time on their hands and want to get in touch with their inner selves.
However, a walker should be in good shape before they start, he cautioned.
He sticks to a strict vegetarian diet and is accompanied by a support vehicle, driven by Doug Kretchmer of Quidamvideo Productions.
In the eastern Ontario segment of his walk, he was accompanied by Yamuna Jivana, a Hare Krishna devotee from Cuba.
For more information about the walk or to make a contribution, check out the official walk website at www.thewalkingmonk.org.
The Walking Monk, Bhaktimarga Swami, looks down the Bonnechere to the Ottawa River from the Horton boat launch Saturday. He found walking along the historic river inspiring.