Friday, May 22nd, 2009

Calgary, Alberta

YOU CAN CHANGE

When you are a sannyasi (monk) in the tradition of India, you could get spoiled rotten with the delicious meals offered to you. In the suburb housing development called Monterray, I am hosted by a Fijiian couple, Radha Madhava, Swasti and their two daughters. Their idea is to kill the swami with kindness. At each meal (3 a day) a feast of prasadam is provided.

I must insist on two meals. The number of preps offered are about an eight course for dinner and lunch. I must insist on a 50% cut down. Of course, their generosity is all done out of love. Like anything, one can go overboard in the love department just as much as we hear about excess hate in the world. At least the food is in excess. My tummy can only handle so much. Better that we churn out some food for the needy (which this family does).

I read with interest an article about the confessions of Canada's former leader of the Ku Klux Klan who renounced his abhorrent views. In the eighties, James McQuirter, KKK orchestrator in Canada, was very active in denouncing anyone non-white. For his setting 'hate' fires by burning crosses and drumming up allies of intolerance, McQuirter eventually got arrested for murder conspiracy.

What's interesting is while he was in prison, he had a change of heart. He now looks at his past with shame and disgust. He explains that he is a living example of someone who can change.

The story is encouraging for anyone who wishes to give up bad habits. We can change!

11 Km