Toronto, Ontario
With Billy and Others
Billy was kind to let David and I off at the park just behind Ontario College of Art and Design University at 49 McCaul Street. There we executed what should be the “prime activity” for humanity at large, a phrase taken from the monk Chaitanya Mahaprabhu’s eight verses known as the Siksastika (pronounced Shikshastakam). These verses are instructive, and they set a tone for chanting, one of humility.
David and I chose a spot under a chestnut tree. A squirrel on one of its limbs kept sending pieces of nuts our way. I'm not sure if that was a compliment or an attempt at getting us out. We'll give him the benefit of the doubt.
Daven, a student of U of T, beelined his way to our chestnut tree. He wanted to hear our mantra, and most obviously wanted to talk. Majoring in mathematics doesn't disqualify anyone from being curious about spiritual subject matters. David and I stopped our chanting to communicate with Daven. We were careful not to push religion in his face; friendship first, then hints of spirituality. Such an encounter must be a space for lightness and safety. Daven reciprocated well. We left him with an invite to our Sunday open house, restaurant and the mantra. He was content.
It was then time to depart for me also. "I'll walk back," I told David while he took a lift from Billy. "It's my down time."
Before resting for the evening I called Billy in, then David, Victor, Jay and a new fellow, Dattatreya from Romania. We delved into the Bhagavad Gita. We had a lively discussion. https://www.instagram.com/p/B03BwTLAvC7/?igshid=1hibc5jryp5xu
May the Source be with you!
4 km
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