Friday, July 28, 2017

Toronto, Ontario

Disciple

One exciting event that is going on in the ashram is what is called The Guru/Disciple Course.  The course prepares one for life’s mission and to accept someone more experienced than oneself as teacher, especially in the area of the science of the self.  It might be considered as somewhat of a psychology class.  The role of such a mentor or teacher is to bring the student to a higher state of consciousness and to an enhanced awareness of Krishna.  The course is designed to improve the quality of students (disciples) and the quality of devotional relationships.

An important element in being educated about life itself is to demonstrate a very balanced life.  In fact, a good teacher (guru) is one who teaches by actions through leading that balanced life. 

One interesting dynamic is that while there exist so many gurus, guru is one.  This simply means that many gurus are giving lessons but the teachings are the same; the teaching is one.  It is the same philosophy coming down since time immemorial.  Param para is the term which refers to disciplic succession. Some discipline is involved in learning. Discipline is a derivative of the word ‘disciple’. 

Now, when I took my evening walk, I met John.  It was like yesterday, though I hadn’t seen him since he had come around our ashram in the ’90s.  John said, “Yah know, instead of me accepting all religions as being the same, as I did when I used to visit you, I now believe in Jesus.”

“I appreciate that you follow that discipline and all will be fine.”

John protested, “it’s not a discipline.  ‘I am the way, the truth and the life…’” (John 14:6)

At that moment, I began to move away from John as I could see he didn’t understand how to be an inclusive and friendly disciple of Jesus.

May the Source be with you!

10 km

Thursday, July 27th, 2017

Hamilton, Ontario

Maha Mantra Week

I was asked by monk, Ekalavya, to say a word about the upcoming Holy Name Week, an annual global push for getting chanting more on the world stage.  I complied, but I let him know, as he’s a prime coordinator for this initiative, that I'm not in favour of the term “Holy Name,” but would rather speak about “Maha Mantra Week.”  He was okay with that if my message used that terminology over the internet.

My objection is that “Holy Name” sounds too Catholic.  “No discredit to the tradition.  I love it.  Was born into it.  Really, I would like to use the term that more clearly reflects our own tradition.”

“I’m fine with that,” he repeated.

He held up my Samsung and started to film.    https://instagram.com/p/BXFOApIlhSc/

So, there you have it, but only a portion.  Mt appeal to the public and more particularly the leaders of our Canadian yatra (community) is to prepare for the sharing of the great “Hare Krishna” mantra.  In full, it is “Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare / Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare.”  This is sacred sound.

By the way, I found no time to walk today.  I travelled to Burlington, Ontario from Toronto by way of the commuter Go Train and in the process of sitting there, I chanted this mantra, with practically no volume.  Just soft enough for my ears to benefit.  From Burlington, I was dined by my doctor at his home.  Jagannatha M. and wife, Saci, and I drove to Hamilton to look at a property for possible future consideration as an outlet or outreach spot for the Maha Mantra.

Please come up with ways and means to share the Maha Mantra.  September 9^th-19^th, 2017.

May the Source be with you!

0 km

Wednesday, July 26th, 2017

Edmonton, Alberta

Clearing the Mind Through Order

It was brief, walking the industrial park in the Mill Woods area and then the Little India section of shops, with masala smells in the air.  For any walk, short or lengthy, one of the principle reasons for stepping along is to get some clearing in the head.  Time taken indoors has its value, but it’s the balance which comes from being outdoors that seems to make a day complete.

I had spent some time in the morning relieving clutter and disorder in the temple room of the Radha Govinda Cultural Centre.  It’s actually tough for me to sit in the house of God and expect to chant peacefully when there’s even partial disarray.  My mind is cleared through “order.”  I confess my own personal room back home could use some love as well, but when people need to meditate it must be neat.  Getting chairs and plants in their place was what I modestly worked at.

There, now that’s better! I felt good after shifting items.

Upon returning from the short walk, I got a chance to see if my re-positioning of things was right-on.  Walking is great like that.  It gives you the space and time to re-assess things.  So I came back and saw the work done, including the opening of windows, allowing plants maximum light, and it was good.

I didn’t come to Edmonton to re-vamp this venue but necessity ruled my time.  A second short walk with three companions also allowed for a clearing of clutter.  When you see a weed, you may want to pull it out.  With the Lambs Quarters plants which Ekalavya and I spotted near the saree shop, we immediately took action.  Two healthy plants got yanked out and we felt great, because the leaves of the plants are better in the stomach than as the growth between the cracks of a sidewalk.  They got cooked up and they were absolutely delicious.

May the Source be with you!

4 km