Ottawa, Ontario
Chanting at the Capital
Happy Birthday Canada!
It’s an annual trip I make to the
capital city of this country – a country of pluses and minuses. Canada is a
place where we can exercise our practice of higher consciousness. While leading
kirtan, my Godbrother from Montreal, Laksminath, used his time on the
microphone to express that, “We have the freedom to express outwardly our
appreciation for the Creator.”
Both Laksminath and others
(including myself) took the lead on the kirtan at our usual location by
the Rideau Canal, a mere two-minute walk from Parliament Hill. It is a
walkthrough space so some participants enjoying the whole birthday blast got a
little frustrated, but for the most part folks were exceedingly happy for what
they saw and heard.
Vallabha Hari moved through the
crowd that was watching the crowd that was dancing and chanting. Sometimes, the
two crowds merged. Some questions lodged and statements directed towards
Vallabha Hari were:
“We believe in Buddha, but this
is so nice!”
“What is the meaning of this mantra?
Is it from India?”
“These books are great. I like
this one ‘Easy Journey to Other Planets.’”
Vallabha explained that “The Hare
Krishna mantra is universal. This is non-sectarian. It is for everyone,
as you can see.”
A sudarji, a Black woman, an
Italian woman, Hindus, Christians, yogis, Muslims – all were enwrapped in the
joy of a national birthday party at the site of the chanting group.
May the Source be with you!
4 km
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