Venables Valley, British Columbia
Here and There
They are just short jaunts from the home of
Mahidhara and Nandini to the school in the valley. Every time I come to the village of
Saranagati, I make it a point to attend their morning program, where a dozen
children meet to greet the deities of Krsna-Balarama.
A recording of the song, “Govindam,” is
played, and each student brings forth, one by one, a small branch of a sapling
with blossoms, leaves, or both, to be presented to Krsna-Balarama. The item is offered with the right hand and
waved in a circular fashion, clock-wise, around the two forms, and then placed
by the feet of the two images as an offering of love.
When I attended school in rural
south-western Ontario, we stood up and sang the Canadian anthem, “O Canada.” There was also a period of time, when we
would stand in allegiance to the Queen and sing, “God Save the Queen.” My goodness, she’s been around for a long
time. Her coronation was in 1952, the year I was born.
Back to the students of Saranagati—I led
them in a song, “Nam Kirtan,” by Bhaktivinode Thakur, whose message is to
implore the soul to surrender to the Supreme.
No particular social status is required.
Anyone from any background, from any mood or attitude is encouraged in
the joyful submission through chanting.
So chanting I did, with the students. Eating lunch with the group was also included
and play practice of the presentation they will make in Vancouver this weekend.
I completed my blissful day with an extra
stroll to Yoginath’s home where we read about the contemporaries of Kirtan
King, Chaitanya.
May the Source be with you!
5 km
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