Brampton, Ontario
New Sacred Space
What sent me to Brampton today was the opening
of a new home in the northwest end, in a truly urban-sprawl part of the
city. Manish and Deepa are the happy
owners of this new place, on a new street, with new mud all about. Yes, there’s been rain, but today’s sun seems
to shine on the house and the proprietors.
I arrived at noon, after the havan ceremony, a fire ritual, which was
conducted by a brahmana priest. In attendance were a lot of new faces.
My role was the usual—give a holy pep talk
and lead in some kirtan. I had youngsters sit in front and parents
behind. It was a bit tough trying to
capture the attention of one boy, about seven, as he was immersed in his device.
Overall, the technique works rather well—keeping children in the front
and actually focusing my message on them.
Parents love the interaction I encourage.
Buying a new or second-hand home is fairly
common within our community. This one is
medium in size. Some of them are monster
homes; imposing large ones.
One local person said, “This location is at
the very edge of Brampton’s limits,” indicating ‘development’ is a true
phenomenon. I mentioned wildlife from
the area are being pushed further and further away. Bears were once here. Cougars also.
They’ve been long gone. So much
for coyotes, fox and other native and glorious creatures. “Expect the skunks to hang around.” With that, Manish had a good laugh.
“Manish, please make your home a sacred
space for chanting, spiritual reading and welcoming people.”
May the Source be with you!
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