Friday, September 16th, 2016
Niagara Falls, Ontario
At the Falls
I spoke to the Nama Ruchi monks before we began to do
some kirtan, public chanting. Out of
respect for the famous falls itself, and the people who have come to view the awesome
waters rushing down, I said, “Take a few minutes to appreciate it, and perhaps see
it as a spark of Krishna’s splendour.” I
told them that I see it as God in liquid form.
Once photos were taken and time spent to absorb this
great wonder of the world, we set out on the streets where pedestrians were in
motion. Naturally, people are
anticipating something unique when they arrive at this tourist destination, and
they are coming from all over the world.
At the Hard Rock Café, from the stage, a musician, a
guitarist, welcomed us in. He heard our
vocalist playing the accordion and asked, “What key?” He took the note and played along with our
mantra. The customers seemed to enjoy
the sound from their tables and beer. I
found it interesting that it was an older crowd. Everyone deserves a chance to chant and, if
boldness will allow, to dance.
Out of all the people we encountered, perhaps the
most enthusiastic for singing and jigging were a couple of oriental elderly men
who took the prize. They were jolly good
in their gyrating. They wouldn’t
stop. They were so excited.
There is a following of devotees in Niagara Falls, and
it was lined up for us that we would lunch with time. A lot of output goes into pleasing the crowds. I’m starting to see how these men, the Nama
Ruchi group, are on a roadshow of sorts, and constantly on
the move. Their next stop is
Chicago. It’s a twelve hour bus ride for
them. Their visit to the Falls and
Canada was just too short.
May the Source be with you!
4 km
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