Thursday, October 23rd, 2014

Toronto, Ontario

Under Siege

“Under Siege!” read the headlines today.  The news from Canada’s national capital, the Parliament Buildings in Ottawa, received global attention.  For many countries it became the top story.  A gunman managed his way into the Parliament Buildings and fired away, killing one security guard, and in the process of his madness, lost his own life.  People are rather shocked that such a crazed person was able to enter the nation’s inner sanctum.

We live in very disturbed times.  It is a feature of the era of ignorance, kali.  In the case of the gunman who lost his life, apparently it was the shadow of irreligion that clouded the man’s consciousness.  Obviously he was not at peace with himself.  And once again the jihad notion gives religion a bad name. 

After I had heard the news from a friend who informed me by phone from New York, I felt a shake up feeling inside.  What was ironic about this sad day, however, is that many calls came in from people, but not to do with the tragedy in Ottawa.  The calls were actual inquiries about Diwali, the New Year.  This event commemorates Rama’s glorious victory over evil forces.  “When are we celebrating Diwali?” and “How are we celebrating Diwali?” people asked.  It was hours of this that I played telephone reception.  A good crowd came in the evening to chant, hear readings of the Ramayan, and partake in prasadam.

By the day’s end I could get out to walk to take time to reflect and perhaps even to redefine my take on this dual world in which we live.  On the one hand you have darkness and on the other hand you have something that lights up. 

May the Source be with you! 

5 KM