Wednesday, October 14th, 2009

TIMELESS SANDS

Mumbai, India.

Motor rickshaws line the street parked with their drivers fast asleep cuddled and curled by themselves in each and every four foot length back seat. The rest of their bodily frame juts out of the vehicle, an arm or a leg. I don’t know how they do it nor how comfortable their sleep could possibly be. But, of course, this is the land of yogis, the land of agility and stretchability and perhaps the reason why out of all ancient culture, this one (Dharma Culture) has survived the longest. India in that sense IS incredible as the billboards read.

These rickshaw wallas (guys) work hard during the day and they make cab their bedroom at night. It seems an austere life.

By the sea traditional fishermen haul in their catch-the-fruit of the sea while up above at all hours state-of-the-art aircraft soar in the air over this water called the Arabian Sea.

One permanent fixture of the beach at Juhu is a tractor and hitched to it is a wagon for hauling garbage. Each morning as early as 2 AM young men collect the debris left by humans the previous day and all this under police supervision.

The real special feature of this beach which comes alive with people between 5 and 6 AM is that our Guru, Srila Prabhupada, took his morning walks here for many a day in the seventies. That’s what makes these sands highly favourable for stepping on. It is an opportunity that I’m taking advantage of daily.

When it is time for footwear to be cast off after a meeting or after a trip for walking on Juhu’s sands inside the ISKCON shoe stall, a very dedicated man slots your shoe in a small cubicle. This man is gifted with a good memory. As soon as he sees you coming he remembers your pair of shoes and he has hundreds to deal with. He pulls them out and sets them down ready for use.

If you have read “The Mahabharat” you will know that at the time of the Rajasuya sacrifice Krishna Himself sat by the entrance of the ceremonial hall and saw to the foot care of guests. That demonstration of service is quite amazing and so is this simple shoe man amazing because he is servicing some great people at the retreat.

7 KM