Toronto, Ontario
Time Out for Sound
Dwarkanath is twenty-nine, and our youngest monk at the moment who is living in the ashram. He is a very talented young man who loves to play the sarod and sitar for Krishna. I asked him if his schedule allowed for some chanting in the park. This week has been designated as Holy Name Week, world-wide, and so I thought to carve out at least one hour for some chanting. We both made ourselves available at 1:00 p.m. We walked to Ramsden Park, sat on the grass, and started to chant right away.
First, Dwarkanath had to warm up with his instrument. That sound was enough to warm up hearts, as well. Park strollers couldn’t help but react to hearing something so celestial. The smiles that were shaped, and even someone’s throw of a kiss were indications of appreciation. The setting was so perfect. I’ve never witnessed a summer more conducive for weather, with its fair share of sun, rain and moon. Can’t complain about that.
Now Wednesday evenings are the time for kirtan in the temple. Krishna followers show up at 7:00 p.m for a two-hour session on chanting. It has been a successful program for some years now, giving attention to shabdha-brahman, sacred sound. Some really good chanting takes place, and it spiritualizes the atmosphere and touches the heart. It is no doubt transformational.
Isn’t there the need? Isn’t there a call from afar—from Chaitanya—that beckons us to start with a make-over of the heart?
May the Source be with you!
6 km
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