Durban, South Africa
Someone asked the question to today’s visiting speaker,
Jayadwaita Swami, “is it appropriate for Vaishnavas
(devotees) to keep a dog?”
The American monk responded, “In South Africa, yes.” The
monk continued to clarify after a boisterous laughter that
for security it may be necessary.
It had been a long glorious day of Ratha Yatra, three
chariots riding along the beach front of Durban, and ”Tha
Ramayana” play which was staged. All had gone well and by
the end 10PM I needed my time away “from the crowds”. I
had to think twice about a final walking installment for
the day, safety-wise, along Suncoast Boulevard. Once it’s
dark dubious characters come out. I did that trek, much
needed, and put a brief prayer out to Krishna for
protection. This mention about safety is not an
exaggeration. Every year when I attend the event here
someone from my drama crew encounters a mishap. One year
my marshal arts actor arrived late for a rehearsal because
when he went out the door to get in his car the tires were
removed. One boy playing the role of a demon just didn’t
come to practice because on his way he got mugged. This
year a young man helping us with choreography had to
cancel out because when his mother went to the bank for a
withdrawal she was followed and robed.
Related to safety: on the return home from the festival a
very devoted family collided with another car which
instantly killed both parties. This is tragic. We live in
a dangerous world.
One historical point noted about today’s event was
expressed by a dignitary that came to speak. “It was 1912
that India made an alliance in South Africa”. When I asked
one local gentle man what year Gandhi came to South Africa
he said it was 1912, one hundred years ago.
10 Km
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