WALK AND SMILE
Winnipeg, Manitoba
Daruka and I trekked over the Arlington Bridge which spans over a remarkable network of railroad tracks as Winnipeg was and still is a major rail destination and intersection for decades. Daruka tells me that the iron bridge is rumored to have been structured initially to span over the Nile River but the purchasers wouldn’t accept delivery, so it came to Winnipeg from Birmingham. This may not be the actual history but you know how it is, people just love to hold onto romantic legends.
We were on our second visit for the day, the first was a monk’s brunch at an East Indian family's home. Then, after the Arlington stroll we reached the home of a Phillipino/ Indian couple for dinner with an exotic array of fruits. Our next walk through the hip Osborne Village district brought us to a Welsh woman, a Krishna devotee, who accidently injured her leg. There we were chanting at our third visit and then heard a recording of Il Volo’s version of the Charlie Chaplin composition ‘Smile’. Have you ever heard that piece? It’s stunning.
Our final walk was to our ISKCON Centre at 108 Chestnut Street, thanks to host Vrnda. With a professional opera singer and professional pianist we once again tackled the maha mantra:
Hare Krishna
Hare Krishna
Krishna Krishna
Hare Hare
Hare Rama
Hare Rama
Rama Rama
Hare Hare
It was the final visit and chant for the day. Daruka and I were smiling. Our guru, Srila Pabhupada, liked smiling and he also wanted his students to be both serious and happy. Here are the lyrics to ‘Smile’.
Smile, though your heart is aching
Smile, even though it’s breaking
When there are clouds in the sky
you’ll get by
If you smile through your fear and sorrow
Smile and maybe tomorrow
You’ll see the sun come shining through for you
Light up your face with gladness
Hide every trace of sadness
Although a tear may be ever so near
That’s the time you must keep on trying
Smile what’s the use of crying
You’ll find that life is still worthwhile
If you just
Smile
11 Km
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