Sunday, November 3rd, 2013

Leaving Impressions

Toronto, Ontario

Nature likes to show off and leave an impression.  I wasn’t the only one to notice.  There were lots of outdoor enthusiasts strolling through Chorley Park and the adjoining ravine as I was.  Sunday, today, was sunny, revealing rusty-red and glowing-yellow trees.  People took their time to absorb by ambling along or taking a seat on a log or clicking their cameras to register something worthwhile.

If I could just dwell on this theme of impressions then I will share.

Today is Diwali, the festival of lights, the New Year.  At this time you can take a fresh look at you.  It’s review time in addition to living in the moment through a unique celebration.  There’s colour, sounds, and great tastes.

Diwali is a recall of King Ram’s homecoming at the optimistic times of Treta Yuga.  After 14 years of a fateful exile.  Ram returned to the kingdom of Ayodhya along with his wife, Sita, brother, Lakshman, and a whole set of new friends, a simian race.  They were greeted very regally.  They were so much missed and loved.

A few days prior I had been asked to see what I can insert for the festival held at the temple, so quickly, in a matter of three days, we pulled together a presentation of monologues, excerpts from a recent book, ‘Rama Smarana’, produced by Krishna Ksetra.  The delivery of the reading and miming by actors left an impression.  I’m usually set out to do that.  It is the veritable obligation of a monk to leave an inspirational spiritual impression.  I thought a bit about what fuels impressions and it seems to me the answer is other impressions.

At the program was our chief guest, city counselor, Kristyn Wong-Tam.  She wowed the crowd and then stayed on after her allotted time to chant with a few of us after feasting.  Here we have a very accessible person who’s a good listener and as a rep of the city she offered the various services that her post provides.  It clearly was not just an official visit, she happens to be an official who is really a friend.  We were impressed.  Let us all try to impress with a selfless cause.

May the Source be with you!

7 KM