Hamilton, Ontario
Shall We Dance?
I fail to understand why some
folks just don’t dance when the drums are beating. I know it can be early for
some at 4:30 am when we, the temple residents, attend the chanting session for
what we call mangal-arati. This translates as the “auspicious service.”
This “service” entails a ritual of viewing plus a chanting session to
accompaniment of musical instruments. The drum is a major feature, and how
someone playing or listening to good beats does not dance, simply puzzles me.
Personally, I like to be present,
where I can see a sway of the legs, torso, and arms; maybe even the head.
A small group of us made our way
to Hamilton, when tolerance was tested due to jammed up traffic. We eventually
arrived at the Sookham Restaurant for happy chanting. The group of locals that
came demonstrated happy feet. That’s the way it’s supposed to be. To make the
traditional kirtan complete, dance is necessary. Hamilton scored high in
this area.
Then it was time to depart for
Toronto, which these days has 90% youth attending. I was asked to lead the
singing. I had four powerful mrdunga drum players around me. They were
good, however, apart from sound, movement was lacking so I encouraged each one
of them to step up with dance. I don’t expect anyone to be Fred Astaire, Gene
Kelly or Michael Jackson but at least “cut the rug” by making some energetic
effort. By the latest arti, at 8 pm, the swaying and gyrating were in
full swing.
May the Source be with you!
0 km
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