Toronto, Ontario
Corona and Karuna
I was invited to ‘Kirtan Toronto’ in location—Richmond and Spadina—at
the residence of host Rikin (aka Rasheshvara Madhava) to conduct a
chant-and-chat session. He told me it
would be a small gathering, I guess with corona consciousness in the
atmosphere. I took Corrado with me. We volunteered to walk from the ashram. Outdoors is a relatively safe way to go.
It just so happens that Chinatown is in between these two
points. What did we see? Well, not the crowds you normally would
see. Restaurants were relatively
empty. A popular bakery we passed by was
quiet. The two shop owners were leaning
on the service counter talking. All
those shops that carry knick-knacks had very few customers in the aisles. I would say it wasn't exactly a Ghost Town on
Spadina Avenue, but it sure was not its usual bustling self.
We arrived at Rikin's and had a meaningful kirtan
along with a vegan meal. Pierogis were
on the menu. When we talked, we spoke
about the power of community, and how important it is for we humans, who are
social animals, to bond together for strength, in times that are good and in
times of trouble. We identified that
togetherness is essential for our well-being, even if it is recommended that,
in the current situation, we stay two metres away from each other.
The scare of corona is really a call for karuna, which
literally translates as mercy or compassion.
Let's take the corona challenge as an opportunity to value each other
more and show some more RESPECT.
May the Source be with you!
8 km
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