Richmond Hill / North York
Three Things
Monks have obligations. When someone in the community perishes, a monk participates in the send-off. Krishna Sharma, I'm guessing, was ninety. She resided in our ashram in the ’80s. I learned a few things from her in the kitchen. She could make a fantastic green banana subji. Her English wasn't totally terrific but we loved her attempt at it. Instead of saying "spaghetti," she would come up with "subghetti." We loved her. She was a real giver.
My experience is that family and friends at a crematorium are unsure of proceedings at the last rites, so I become a natural co-ordinator for her funeral—an emcee, you might say. We highlighted chanting. God bless her soul.
A second obligation executed today was a visit to the Caledon farm owned by Vishal and Yasomati. The couple have come up with innovation, especially in regard to the by-products of bull and cow. Their milk, dung and urine have miraculous properties, some which will even tackle cancer. We relished their butternut squash soup, very organic, very local—in fact, from the farm. Monks visit farmers.
A final obligation was to stop by at the home of a family. A second family joined. To get there I actually walked from Yonge and Steeles to Yonge and Sheppard, a perfect five kilometres. A couple, Bully and Amala, hosted a few of us for a kale and chilli supper. Renunciant people visit homes to try and inspire. This is a young couple and they are artists in music. Upstairs hangs a fine painting by Amogha Pandit on their wall. It portrays monk, Chaitanya, dancing with associates. Monks are meant to appreciate devotional artwork when rendered.
May the Source be with you!
5 km
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