Friday,
July 15th, 2016
Toronto,
Ontario
Move
and Not Move
The
day constituted more of a sit-down than stand-up or walkabout one.
It
was the normal 12 hour kirtan program
preceding the next day's Chariot procession, which became a highlight for those
of us living in the area and those who had come from far and wide.
As
is usual, I had the Good Fortune to kick-start the chanting event by leading
the chanting while all others responded. A half-hour time slot allows for
little time to build a crescendo of sound and energy, which would inspire
dancing. We normally start slow and easy
with the mantra and the support of mrdanga
drum, harmonium, and kartals (hand
symbols).
My
body is habituated to a good walk each day, but today, at least in the morning,
I was confined to the "lotus" sitting position. It was only in the evening, when B.B. Govinda
Swami took the lead, singing and gradually building up the tempo, that quite a
number of us took to the flight of our feet and moved about in some devotional
style of dance.
Yes
it was sweet, this use of the voice and other body parts. For me, I came to moving as if in a
walk-dance, and so it fulfilled my passion for trekking and dancing. Indeed in
my high school years at the dances, I used to show off a trifle with whatever
skills I could conjure up. If I was in
my teens now, I'm not sure I could muster up and execute the dance steps of the
contemporary approach.
The
event, the 12-hour kirtan was
sublime.
May
the Source be with you!
2
km
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