Toronto, Ontario
SUPPORT AND LOVE
Professor David Miller of the Department of History Studies at the University of Toronto explained to a small group of us monks about the years when he witnessed our monks working hard to establish ourselves. Just as we were about to sit in his classroom to teach of spiritual teachers, Madhavacarya and Chaitanya, and as students were settling in their seats, he brought us back to the 70's. At that time, he was teaching in Concordia University in Montreal when Krishna devotees found themselves in court. The issue was over distribution of spiritual literature and encounters with the police. Professor Miller had come to offer help in establishing a greater understanding between the authorities and the monks. When Prof. Miller went up to the stand to offer his historical perspective on Krishna Vaishnavism, the judge protested, "I am not interested in hearing this", dismissing the theologian's offer.
I was given a good hour to speak and expand on Chaitanya's life and life as a monk who sometimes takes long treks. The finale was a kirtan, chanting session, which students and teacher took to fully. I then invited Prof. Miller to attend our summer walking festival, Ratha Yatra, which he graciously accepted.
Anyone who has in the past stepped up to support the spiritual mission is very much loved by those devotees, and I'm sure, by their Lord.
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