Monday 17 September 2018

Wednesday, September 12th, 2018

Kobleve, Ukraine

Some Details

Much rain came.  We could just as well have paddled to thepandalhttps://www.instagram.com/p/BnpYFk1Aaij/?utm_source=ig_share_sheet&igshid=l3xidhvrkpst
Pandalmeans tent.  It’s huge and can accommodate thousands.  The festival, called Bhakti Sangama, draws leaders from all parts of the globe.  By leaders, I refer to Hare Krishna practitioners. The balance of attendees are all bhakti-yogis.

Although rain had come overnight, the day was clear and the sun burst through.  I was tempted to view the Black Sea, so my brahmacharimonk assistant, Arjuna Krishna, led me there at sunset—the only opportunity.  We’ve been busy.

The seminar went on again and again with a triumphant turn-out—maybe one hundred. The seminar is designed to establish standards and good regulations on kirtanperformance.  Other than the presentation, I gave on this topic, I was on the schedule for two chanting sessions.  Leading the chants in the main pandaland a smaller one—but still big—was an honour.  Oh, how everyone danced!  I'm sure someone filmed it.

It was rather fun teaming up with Ajamila again, with he on the harmonium and I singing, then we switched to him singing while I backed that up with dancing in the crowds.  The two of us are like cheer-leaders.

Actually, quite a few Canadian bhaktascame, seasoned devotees like Samir from Montreal and Guru Prasad from Ottawa, as well as some women from Toronto.  Even Bhakti Raghava Swami, who has a leg missing, showed up.  He’s like our Terry Fox—the runner who managed to trek Canada to the middle point.  Heroes!

May the Source be with you!
3 km.


No comments: