Thursday, July 14th, 2011

Being Together

Toronto, Ontario

A group of us monks processioned our way to the Multi faith Centre at the University of Toronto for a unique convergence of groups. All groups are asked to bring their song and so we practically did that. Lyrics with translations were to be emailed ahead of time. This our group did. We forwarded the great mantra called the maha mantra which goes as follows:

Hare Krishna, Hare Krishna,

Krishna Krishna, Hare Hare,

Hare Rama, Hare Rama,

Rama Rama, Hare Hare

Our translation:

“O beautiful Creator, please allow us to joyfully engage in service to You.”

At 7 pm all groups mingled, brake ice and got to know each other. Then Matt, the facilitator introduced the Jewish group who sang “Hine Ma Tou”. And we all did so with them. We stood up and swayed with them arm in arm.

Next the Bahai group sang “Here Am I” with a harmony of soprano, baritone and alto. Each person there took their chairs to sing out with one of the three inclinations. We stood and sang in full participation.

Next we sat to the tune of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” with Prof. Narale a Hindi bhajan that he wrote. Finally Matt invited our ISKCON group to sing the maha-mantra. This three word combination of sacred names was executed with ease by all. All there sang, clapped, stood up to dance and to form a modest version of a Congo-line while chanting.

The Bahais sang one more up-beat gospel piece and that then finalized the program. It was great for establishing a potent camaraderie. Our group of monks were on fire to continue singing our song. We did so for a return journey back to the ashram.

7 Km