Toronto/ Varadero
Back to Cuba
2019 was the year of my last
visit to Cuba. It was at the end of the year, December, and our retreat
destination, Hotel Memories, was decorated most elaborately. In its lobby was
sparkles and color, addressing the up coming year. There were these massive
number 2020, attempts, to put all attendees in the party mode. I recall
thinking that this might be prophetic as the year of greater vision.
Not long after the year 2020 set
in, when the calendar page flipped to January, everyone was talking about a
dreaded virus, corona. I was the least exposed to the media onslaught of this
new virus – a little naive, perhaps. At a devotional gathering in Milton, after
my talk, a woman raised her hand, and, in an anxious tone of voice, said “Can
you give us some guidance on what we should do with Corona, which is now called
COVID-19?” I thought she said the word Karuna, which means “mercy.” The
question sounded odd to me. Why do we have to be concerned about mercy or
grace? Isn’t that what we need in life; some compassion to see us forge ahead?
Let the mercy pour on. I was slightly embarrassed when I understood she was
referring to fear of the deadly virus.
Anyway, the virus came and it
turned the world upside down. Now I am returning to Cuba for a restart, here,
not on vacation, but for a visit to devotees of Krishna, who await us in
various locations after a long drought of association. The crew includes
myself, Vallabha Hari, Prana Gauranga, and Emile. We are a happy bunch.
May the Source be with you!
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