Sunday 28 November 2021

Wednesday. November 24, 2021

Montreal, Quebec

Sweet Etiquette

We had such a sweet time with sadhana in the morning. Thanks to our guru, Prabhupada, who brought a morning program into our lives. It starts at 4:30 AM with singing. We are swaying. We are playing our instruments. Three hours later, we sit for a grave discussion on the book Bhagavatam.

This morning we dwelt on the beautiful story of the Dwarf Avatar and his encounter with King Bali. Bali was a generous type. He had all the protocol down, just right, when the very tiny Vamana came to his presence. It started off with the phrase “svagatam,” which means welcome, or in this province you say “bien venue.” Bali then offered kind words, some praise and a seat that was comfortable. His etiquette was perfect.

Anyway, we were a happy batch of devotees relishing the warm and yet reverential exchanges of these two souls together. Breakfast followed with fruit and kichari. Yummy!

When I arrived at the Montreal train station, I was greeted by a VIA Rail attendant. She could have been trained in the school of Bali. I could see her smile beyond her covid mask as she spoke, “Comment allez-vous?” which means, “How are you?”

Knowing I’m an Anglophone with language she continued, “You are Hare Krishna?”

“Oui!”

“The world needs more people like you; to enlighten.”

She continued with her sweetness and made sure I was in the proper queue, destined for my home. I witnessed the perfect behaviour. It was great.

 

May the Source be with you!

4 km


 

 

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