Tuesday 10 May 2022

Sunday, May 8, 2022

Niagara Falls, Ontario

A Day by the Falls

It has been recognized as the honeymoon capital of the world. Niagara Falls was an attraction for newlyweds for over two hundred years and it was Napoleon Bonaparte’s brother, Jerome, who was one of the high society folks, wed to Elizabeth Patterson from Baltimore, said to have started the trend.

My trip to Niagara was not to see lovers at the Falls, but rather to visit dear devotees, Vaishnava and Janaki, residents of the city, and it was from their home that I Zoomed a call to the group in Cleveland to talk of the glories of Mother’s Day. I love that group and have been visiting them for years.

From the Vedic perspective there are seven mothers to adore – one’s biological mother, the nurse or one who raises you, the Earth, the cow, the wife of the guru, the wife of the king, and the wife of a brahmana. It is also appropriate to mention the seven qualities listed in the Gita as feminine or motherly qualities – fame, fortune, fine speech, memory, intelligence, steadfastness, and patience.

I touched on these points also at the Fireman’s Park, in the building on the town’s outskirts. Not only did I speak of Moms, but also about the Lion Avatar, Narasingha. This popular deity is honoured by some through the week.

The kirtan, led by Vrkodhar, was joyful. At that time, chairs were removed, which made room for dancing.

May the Source be with you!

2 km



 

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