Saturday, June 21st, 2008

Saturday, June 21, 2008 - Toronto, Ontario, Canada

There is something that is more gratifying than walking and meeting people and that is processional chanting. Being that I will have little opportunity this summer for conducting chanting sessions in outdoor public forums, for instance on the streets, I decided to organize a kirtan for the evening. While playing instruments, drums known as mrdungas and hand symbols known as kartals, it is required to pace yourself at a speed slower than a normal walk. Our feet carried our group to the upscale district of Yorkville. Leading our procession on foot is a black retriever by the name of Teddy. He is a handsome dog with a fabulous bushy tail but most noticeable was that he was dressed up in a slick t-shirt with the maha-mantra( Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare, Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare ), printed on it.

All the participants were encouraged to chant in response to my lead while moving on foot. Smiling is essential. We primarily were party animals and not the bar drinking folks. For a lot of people drinking is a social opportunity, but I see it more as a social insecurity. Our Guru Srila Prabhupada discouraged intoxicant use for so many reasons.

I can proudly say that I haven't touched a drink in all the years as a monk which is 35 years now. Chanting is a higher taste. That was confirmed once again.