Toronto, Ontario
Taking Off
The Vedas tell of vimanas, aircrafts of a high-tech nature. Aliens, gods and other extraordinary beings took advantage of such conveyances. Vishnu, the deity, rides on the back of Garuda, an eagle of immense size and incredible wing-span. There are also accounts of an influential mystic by the name of Shalva who maneuvered an aircraft the size of a city which would be manifested (vyakta) all lit up, and at times just appear to vanish in thin air.
Connor, age nineteen, from Edmonton, is on his first flight overseas. There is nothing wondrous about our special plane. It's metallic, clunky and cumbersome, not smooth like the Vedic vimanas. It's all excitement for him. I can understand. Back in 1978 I enjoyed my first flight to India which was novel in every way.
Pilgrimage is the purpose of our travel. We will be on a holy retreat to Mayapura, a vibrant city of Vaishnavas, devotees of Chaitanya, in the state of West Bengal. Many pilgrims will converge there. It will also be a break from the harshest and craziest winter ever.
While at the Toronto Airport, we met a great couple from Baltimore. Mahesh and Amrta were surprised to find a mature swami and a young Canadian on the same flight. They were all thrills.
Pray that our movement through the skies will be a smooth one, like the smoothies I just downed before line-up and take off.
Au Revoir!
May the Source be with you!
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