Monday, February 26th, 2018

Toronto, Ontario

Happiness by the Railroad

I received a call from one of our members, in the area, telling me, “It’s our anniversary!”

“Congratulations, Nimai!”  I didn’t bother asking, “How many years?”  The number wasn’t so important but the occasion was.  Here’s a man who was recognizing the importance of a bond that was established with his partner, and the moment when the deal was sealed, when garlands were exchanged—and perhaps rings were given.  Marriage is a sign of great commitment, sacrifice and patience.  It is a time to celebrate when life becomes embellished with a garland of virtues.  After all, co-operation and compromise are symbols of love.

I was happy to hear of a proud anniversary and a happy marriage with two children, a boy and girl.

Overall, it was a good day.  For February, it couldn’t be better.  It’s like springtime.  Jay and I took to celebration as well.  We wanted to meet the sun, wind and air.  The street, the sidewalk, the trail and the railroad track were our foundation for an hour.

Did someone doubt the railroad track?  Yes, momentarily we hit the track.  I've taken to a few in the past.  With caution, they can be fun.  I wouldn’t encourage it, though.

In 1996, on my first Cross Canada walk, I felt I had no choice.  Near the town of Orillia, there is this busy casino.  The traffic was horrendous on this one, long weekend day.  With forest on both sides, I thought I would be hidden enough—tucked away I was.  It was a gorgeous walk.

May the Source be with you!

5 km

Sunday, February 25th, 2018

Toronto, Ontario

Guidelines for Leaders

I perused some of the letters written by our guru, Srila Prabhupada, on the topic of leadership.  Some phrases are worth sharing:

“Our leaders shall be careful not to kill the spirit of enthusiastic service, which is individual and spontaneous and voluntary.” –Letter 1972, December

“Everything should be managed in a nice way so that no one is dissatisfied and everyone keeps their health and energy fit for serving Krishna 24 hours.” –Letter January 1973

“We may forgive once, twice, but not more than that, we must take other steps.” – Letter December 31^st, 1972

“The point is that the women must be protected and it is the duty of leaders of our society to see that this is carried out.” –Letter February 19^th, 1973

“It should be our definite policy that nobody is ill-treated that he may go away.” –Letter August 22^nd, 1972

“Everyone should consider himself the servant of the other.  That will make management very nice.” –Letter August 16^th, 1976

“From time to time there will be disturbances…  Don’t worry about it, just go on chanting Hare Krishna and engage your energy for Krishna in the best way open to you.” –Letter August 15^th, 1967

“The principle should be that we utilize our talents for the service of the Lord.” –Letter August 29^th, 1967

“We should never sit idly and ask Krishna to do everything.” –Letter February 25^th, 1968

May the Source be with you

5 km

Saturday, February 24th, 2018

Toronto, Ontario

A Good Return

I was thinking how fortunate I am to have met Dr. Pain—aka Bilvamangal Krsnadas—in India.  He really fixed my ailing knees.  I felt rather “back to normal” when trekking toward Cabbagetown, this afternoon.

There was another experience that I came upon which enhanced my joy.  When turning a corner at Yonge and Davenport—near the Canadian Tire store to be exact—I heard a sound that is rare in the city.  It was the shrill sound of a hawk coming from above.  I stopped and turned and looked up, and sure enough, there was not one, but two hawks, soaring at the level of the towering tops of buildings.

I had never seen, or heard, these fellows in the downtown before.  Perhaps they are coming back and asserting themselves, in a way, getting back to normal business.  Hawks, falcons, eagles and osprey used to dominate these skies until pesticides were used in the environment.

Amala Ratna, our local hero, who sees to the healthy growth of the exotic and sacred tulasi plants, mentioned to me, at a program tonight, that such fowl and numerous other forms of wildlife are making a return.  I’ve been observing the movement of foxes and their sounds for three decades in the city ravines.

In a talk I gave at the program, I expressed that these are good signs.  While we spoke also about the recent tragedy in Florida, of yet another set of homicides—the killing of innocent students—nature is making a turn for the better in some areas.  After all, you just can’t dwell on negativity all the time.  Life isn’t totally grim.

May the Source be with you!

5 km