Friday, November 19th, 2010

Presence

Buenos Aires, Argentina

Some night clubs are still going strong here at 6 or 7 AM. Dhruva and I accidentally stumbled upon some of these joints when some party goers were making their exit from a rave cave. "Hare Krishna!" screamed the happy bunch of girls who high-fived us. Some of the boys remained more sedate but didn't refrain from saying the same- "Hare Krishna!" I will bet you that Krishna Consciousness was the most popular religion on the street for at least two city blocks during the time we trekked through.

It's powerful. Presence means power. Wherever you go, stand, or walk you are likely to have influence and if there is no personal gain or hidden agenda you are likely to make a positive impact. At least, I would say the people we met became pre feliz (happy) more so than the effect that the booze and pot were having on them. Who knows, as they were parting for their individual beds, Krishna, or at least two of his monks might pop up as images from the mental mix up of their dreams.

Later in the day I again dwelt on the theme of the power of presence when a man from the community here, a journalist, volunteered as an actor for our play "El Testigo." Like the title, many people will testify what lasting impressions dramas have on their lives either by viewing or performing in it. The fellow told me that the story about a person having difficulty establishing a relationship due to the family objection is the story of his life. "It could not have come at a better time for me to participate in the play."

The story was close-to-home for our friend and the way his problem became resolved was adding Krishna. Allow Him to be present. Make Him inclusive. Permit Him to factor in. That makes the difference.

I was in a state of feliz knowing that the actor was benefitting from the lesson in the story as well as getting a few tips on stage acting.

5 KM