Friday 4 November 2022

Tuesday, October 18, 2022

Rouge River, Toronto

Gems

Rouge National Urban Park is a real gem located in the east end of the city of Toronto. To my understanding it is one of the largest green spaces in a major city in North America. Recently there have been bear sightings in the area. Unfortunately (or fortunately) our group from the Bhakti Academy didn’t see any, although I did take home a tick crawling on my dhoti (lower robe).

This might be the last of our outings for the group this season before late autumn chills set in. For today the scenery is spectacular with the color so intense this autumn. Walking, as in taking a forest bath, is one of the best things you can do for physical and mental well-being. I believe it offers a nice balance to life and I encourage all bhakti yogis to take time in rural urban areas. Most people live in cities and so it is a great treasure to have nearby these national wonders like wild parks.

The walk, which was not long, was just great and so was my evening. The Zoom discussion from the Gita, verse 3.36 and 37, addressed the force that most affects us. Arjuna asked Krishna about the force that compels us to do wrongful things when our intent is essentially good. Krishna’s answer is that desire, which comes in various forms, is born of passion and then leads to ignorance. This is what slows down human progress. On Tuesday night, like all the Zoom groups I’ve plugged into, it was a joyous experience for me as always. They keep me on my toes, my working toes. The Zoom groups are precious stones.

May the Source be with you!

4 km


 

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