Wednesday, 9 March 2022

Sunday, February 27, 2022

Halifax, Nova Scotia

Sunday Funday

Ryan and Daniel were kind to drive me around. Ryan brought me to the hospital once again to see Shyamesvari, a cancer patient, and her back-up partner, Savyasacin. Daniel took me to the seniors at Ramsgate to see retired professor Shankar. Both visits went well.

Angiras then brought me to the dance studio (not to dance, but yes in our own way) where our bhakti group meets weekly. Iskcon has a lively bunch at this location. Young families with some elders. I missed Corey, the unicyclist, but he’s been coming. I was also hoping to see Brian Crawford, who works for the city in the Child Protection department. Savitri is a sweet elderly Dutch lady, 76, who’s in hiding until Covid diminishes. Yogendra, a local school teacher, and family came. He plays a mean mrdanga drum.

There is a very positive presence of Indian families, all fairly new to the city. They want to hear and learn. What was unique about today’s presentation, based on the Gita’s 9.15, was having our Cleveland, Ohio, crew present on Zoom. The verse, along with its two previous verses, outlines the qualities of a topmost yogi or bhakta. It is implied that one is very dedicated, but how can this possibly be achieved? How will spotless purity become a reality for us neophytes?

The answer is in the texts themselves, especially in 13 and 14. Items, such as the points made, when applied can lead to success. 1) avoid delusion, 2) take shelter of divine energy, 3) keep busy in devotion, 4) praising the Supreme, 5) demonstrate conviction, and 6) taking a humble position.

By the way, the Halifax group is not afraid to dance. Dancing is not listed in the six, but it still counts.

May the Source be with you!


 

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