Saturday, 20 June 2015

Saturday, May 30th, 2015


Saturday, May 30th, 2015
Edmonton, Alberta

Bear and Embrace


The community was excited.  New deities were installed.  The murtis, or deities of Chaitanya and Nityananda graced the shrine.  For the instalment of the deities, there was the use of ghee, milk, flowers, grain, yogurt, juices, and other substances.  This is called snan, a bathing process.  It is a procedure that is common in the bhakti tradition, and it was enjoyed by all. 

Part of the procedure required my standing.  I've come to some realization that I'm not a stander.  I like to sit (not always in the lotus position, but by chair).  And, of course, walking is just fine.  Standing is not my forte.  I took today's ordeal of standing while pouring substances as a sacrifice, which is not bad for a monk to execute.  The ceremony was beautiful, it extended for what seemed like hours.  

The Evening

All of White Mud Drive was an exit the group took via vehicle.  We parked, then entered along a trail by Fort Edmonton along that vibrant river way, the North Saskatchewan.  

I would say most emphatically, that it is highly necessary for every human being to make nature connections every day of your life.  Whether you are a corporate person locked in a concrete jungle, or a man of the cloth, meaning a priest orpujari, do connect with nature because it is the spirit of God that you contact.  It offers a balance.  Make the day complete with some work, some ritual, and some recreation.  It is what I consider holistic, or, whole-istic, living.  It is there for all of us to take advantage of.  Drop the phobia for rain, cold, heat, and wind.  Bear it and embrace it.

May the Source be with you!

8 km

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