Sunday, December 25th, 2011

Dreadlocks, Books and Mantras

A La Mar, Cuba

It doesn't seem to matter how calm are the ocean's currents, waves tend to leap over the Malecon sea wall and leave a slippery sidewalk. Joining me today on the slip 'n slide were Janardan, Das Avatar, Muni Srestha, and Santiago. We passed by security guards and with a nod, smile and salute, continued walking. My robes remain to be a curiosity, even for couples leaning on each other at this Lovers' Lane. It hits them with a dose of reality I guess. And since I prefer to expose my japa beads instead of keeping them in a bead bag (the last time a boy mistook it for a money bag and ran off with my 38 year old beads), it seems to quiet the street party goers, at least, momentarily. Perhaps it reminds some of them of church.

Off to A La Mar, our community went for a spiritual happening. It turns out it was Rastafarians and us, making music and matras at an outside residential street. We worked seperately and then merged together. Neighbourhood kids were very inclined to get in on the fun, but it was Iksvaku's father, Devaraj, 87, who stirred up the most excitement in the weather's comfortable low 20's temperature - Celsius that is.

In Cuba, music always permeates the air; an upbeat Rumba genre. I understand the government is down on hip hop music. Lyrics tend to denounce 'authority'. It looks like our style - kirtan, is accepted for now. People came forward to purchase Bhaktivedanta Book Trust literature and carry home with them mantra cards.

Early evening was spent at one household where devotees asked of details about the ten famous avatars. I only covered two in fine detail as that's what time allowed. Devotees were curious to know where to find such information as they wanted to know more.

We did come up with a system to keep in memory the 10 avatars, unless you know the Jayadev song quite well. There are 4 animal avatars (fish, tortoise, boar and lion). Then there is the avatar that by behaviour defended animals - Buddha. There are 3 avatars with the name Ram - Ram, Parasurama and Balaram. Finally there's a brahman - Vamana and the ultimate ksatriya - Kalki.

At least, this is one way to remember the list.

13 Km