Wednesday 16 October 2019

Thursday, October 10th, 2019


Tirupati, India

We Arrived

We arrived at this magnificent temple. It is my third visit here.  Pulling up at 4:11 in the morning, is rather auspicious.  Our three hour drive from Chennai was long and drawn-out.  Speed bumps are found on major roads.  But we are here, at last—Victor and I.  Yes, here we are in the land of sweet sweat.  Security guards who are up all night don’t feel the heat.  They are enveloped in winter wear to address the night chill.  I don’t feel it, but they do.

Victor is a newbie here in devotional India.  Here in our accommodations, we crash—sleep.  After rising, we have darshan (deity viewing), and something to eat.  Then Victor tries his newly acquired bhakti attire, a dhoti (lower garment), and kurta (upper garment).  He looked downright spiffy, with a tilak marking on his brow. 

“The two stripes joined at the base and at the bridge of your nose, represent the liberating divine footprint of Krishna,” I explained.  But more.  “The leaf-like shape of this same earth (mud from Vrindavan) represents the sacred tulasi leaf.”  I added, “You look good.”

For some reason or other, I seem to resonate with the young monks in India.  They are looking forward to the kirtans I lead, and maybe some simple dance steps.  Seven of them just showed up for my much needed massage.  They divided responsibilities, each taking a limb.  Really, it was a laugh.  Victor was humoured, also.

These benevolent massage therapists and I chanted all the way through the session.  I don’t get this in the West.

May the Source be with you!
6 km




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