Wednesday 16 November 2022

Friday, November 11, 2022

Mississauga, Ontario

To the Burb

Rain had dominated the sky; not a major wash out, but a pleasantly quiet, meditative send-down of moisture. Umbrellas become popular on such days. I put mine to good use with small errands in the downtown area of T.O., which is where I actually live.

But for the evening I was destined for the suburbs, to Mississauga to be specific. To get there, the plan was to take the subway train. As I entered the east-west line of the subway at St.George Street, I was met by a TTC (Toronto Transit Commission) agent. I asked him about the charge to get on the train.

“Are you a senior?” he asked.

“Yes, I am.” There’s a discount for us guys. Thank God!

Furthermore, this chap was trying to be funny.

“Do you monks listen to jokes?”

“Oh yes!” I informed. He went on to tell a monk joke which I really didn’t get. Then he asked where I was going. I told him, “Mississauga.”

“Why do you punish yourself? I used to live there.” Of course, he said that all in jest, but I didn’t find it too amusing. I did appreciate his liveliness though.

I threw my coins – $2.30 – and proceeded to the train. It was a good ride; no traffic jams, which Toronto is notorious for. Nanda met me at the Islington station and drove me to the home of Pusta Krishna, where we met with several families for a regular Gita Chat. Our evening was one of food, kirtan and then discussing several verses from Chapter Two of The Gita, which ran the common “Do not lament!”

May the Source be with you!

4km


 

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