"A Swami's Birthday"
Toronto,Ontario
Today was the birth anniversary of Rama, a prominent avatar and whose name we chant so regularly (as in daily). He is remembered through reading the Ramayana text, a fast until sunset and then followed by a feast.
Coincidentally it is also the birthday of one of my monk colleagues, Sivarama Swami. It is his 60th. It makes me feels like a baby (I'm 56). Maharaja, as his friends know him, came to visit Toronto where his mother resides. It was quite a fine celebration in the home of his childhood friend who also turned 60. Robert Lantos, an established film producer in Canada, had travelled to India with Maharaja and picked-up on the spirit of the place leaving the impressions that India does.
Bhakti Brnga Govinda Swami, another dear god-brother, also flew-in for the commemoration.
The program begun with the lighting of candles and a rabbi breaking bread and offering wine in traditional standard. Alternative arrangements were made for us monks.
In truth the two mothers of the birthday were honored. Family and friends came close and in some ways so did Moses and Krishna (through their respective devotees).
But a word about our birthday Swami, Sivarama is someone who has his feet firmly on the ground and with a tall stature opens his resonant voice commanding attention for what he says which is always soft, deep and very Krishna Conscious. He's a great example of saintliness.
I decided to walk from the Forrest Hill home to the temple at the time of departing for a measly.
2 Km
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