WORLD DRAMA
Toronto, Ontario
Today was a return journey back to Canada by automobile from West Virginia, Pennsylvania and New York State. Before departing with the monks of Halifax, I received a flood of compliments from spectators of the “Eighth Boy.” Our crew had worked hard. We were a tight group and the play about Krishna flowed well from scene to scene. The hours put in paid off. I sat in the passenger’s seat content with the outcome of the previous night while enjoying the company of four monks with me who contributed to the success of the drama.
Jaya Keshava, an African American, played comic roles and dances. Monks Dustin and Dean danced to hip hop music as cowherd boys. And level-headed Jeff was our man on sound cues. We treated ourselves to a divergent trip to Niagara Falls. The Falls truly are a great wonder of the world.
Speaking of drama, the Queen Elizabeth Way, a major artery into Toronto, became blockaded by Tamil protestors. Emotions have been triggered within the community whose motherland, Sri Lanka is torn by civil war. My heart pours out to the Tamil community who are basically hard working people of a pious type. It is puzzling that such ethnic cleansing motives still exist in the modern age with the Tamils as the target.
When is the world not a drama?
When the blockade persisted, I insisted on walking back to the temple the rest of the way, to explore streets I never ventured to and time to think of the world of drama.
10 Km
B L O G S P O T
Thursday, 14 May 2009
Saturday, May 9th, 2009
The Culture of Wimps
Moundsville, W. Virginia
With a mud slide as obstacle course at my favorite walking route, I am restricted to walk the perimeter of the pond. It’s okay. However, the life of a monk is not always so simple. One can be very much in demand. It can be hard to have some time to yourself. Passersby seek attention, a glance, a blessing, words of advice. One is then obliged to reciprocate which takes time.
Sometimes individuals wish to share opinions. One very respectable gentleman at the “Festival of Inspiration” offered to say that the world is producing a culture of wimps. Apparently in the states some schools are looking to cancel physical education. Certain psychologists say it is too competitive and harmful to young people. The matter is being seriously considered. “Competition helps individuals learn to lose from time to time and that defeat establishes humility,” said the supporter of athletics.
I’m most inclined to agree. It is necessary to prepare our youth for the tough world. It is a sure sign of the times that any slight provocation can cause a weak person to cower and be unable to stand up to press forward. What to speak of resisting the sex drive and all kinds of drives originating from the other senses. We wonder if the words training and discipline will become obsolete. It doesn’t seem right that humans should turn into mush. Powder is the next stage.
Srila Prabhupada, our guru, encouraged competition and saw it as an asset for young men and women. He encouraged competition to engender the co-operative spirit among team players.
One highlight of the day was a presentation made by Ramesvara, a staunch member in the seventies, who made an exit for a time but has recently returned to the circle of devotees. He detailed an amazing historical event of when seventeen hard bound books were mandated to be published or printed as hard bound masterpieces including new plates or pictures for each volume. All this was to be completed in an unprecedented eight weeks. This was to be executed at the request of our guru. He was training our people at the publishing house to be strong and vigilant and to know what it is to be under pressure.
Pressure is inevitable and it comes to us uninvited. When first hearing of our guru’s request to speed up the publishing of the book Caitanya Caritamrta on the life and teachings of Chaitanya, the publisher remarked that it was impossible.
Prabhupada remarked, “Impossible is a word in a fool’s dictionary.”
4 Km
Moundsville, W. Virginia
With a mud slide as obstacle course at my favorite walking route, I am restricted to walk the perimeter of the pond. It’s okay. However, the life of a monk is not always so simple. One can be very much in demand. It can be hard to have some time to yourself. Passersby seek attention, a glance, a blessing, words of advice. One is then obliged to reciprocate which takes time.
Sometimes individuals wish to share opinions. One very respectable gentleman at the “Festival of Inspiration” offered to say that the world is producing a culture of wimps. Apparently in the states some schools are looking to cancel physical education. Certain psychologists say it is too competitive and harmful to young people. The matter is being seriously considered. “Competition helps individuals learn to lose from time to time and that defeat establishes humility,” said the supporter of athletics.
I’m most inclined to agree. It is necessary to prepare our youth for the tough world. It is a sure sign of the times that any slight provocation can cause a weak person to cower and be unable to stand up to press forward. What to speak of resisting the sex drive and all kinds of drives originating from the other senses. We wonder if the words training and discipline will become obsolete. It doesn’t seem right that humans should turn into mush. Powder is the next stage.
Srila Prabhupada, our guru, encouraged competition and saw it as an asset for young men and women. He encouraged competition to engender the co-operative spirit among team players.
One highlight of the day was a presentation made by Ramesvara, a staunch member in the seventies, who made an exit for a time but has recently returned to the circle of devotees. He detailed an amazing historical event of when seventeen hard bound books were mandated to be published or printed as hard bound masterpieces including new plates or pictures for each volume. All this was to be completed in an unprecedented eight weeks. This was to be executed at the request of our guru. He was training our people at the publishing house to be strong and vigilant and to know what it is to be under pressure.
Pressure is inevitable and it comes to us uninvited. When first hearing of our guru’s request to speed up the publishing of the book Caitanya Caritamrta on the life and teachings of Chaitanya, the publisher remarked that it was impossible.
Prabhupada remarked, “Impossible is a word in a fool’s dictionary.”
4 Km
Wednesday, 13 May 2009
Friday, May 8th, 2009
"Get Out! Get Active!"
Moundsville, West Virginia
Devamrita Swami delivered an excellent message at the annual "Festival of Inspiration" to attendees about action. His words sounded familiar like the echo of a God. In the Bhagavad-gita Krishna pulls his friend, Arjuna, out of a state of despondency and depression and encourages him into the mode of action. Krishna accomplished this through convincing words.
Our charismatic monk, Devamrita, used the same technique of sweet persuasion by identifying the problem of apprehension some of our people have to exposing bhakti. There is great truth in what he was saying. There has been a situation of low self-esteem amongst some of the members of the Krishna Consciousness society. With people living in such excess for some decades a complacency has somehow affected us all and for lack of a better word "contaminated" all sectors of society - even communities of faith and spirituality. You might call it an all-pervasive "evil" or a "product of darkness".
The encouraging words from Devamrita's mouth rang real for so many of us listeners. "People are eager to know." "The time is right" "Everything is favourable". These were the types of statements that expressed a sense of "strike while the iron is hot". There is a sensation of urgency arising from economic failure, disease, lethargy. Some change is wanting. That new wanting is bhakti, devotion.
In 1995 I felt a great sense of urgency - of what Devamrita was talking about. So I decided to get on the road with robes and meet people to tell them of this bhakti.
I circled around the pond in New Vrndavana in West Virginia reflecting on the need to get out and get active. Devamrita Swami hit it right-on.
Moundsville, West Virginia
Devamrita Swami delivered an excellent message at the annual "Festival of Inspiration" to attendees about action. His words sounded familiar like the echo of a God. In the Bhagavad-gita Krishna pulls his friend, Arjuna, out of a state of despondency and depression and encourages him into the mode of action. Krishna accomplished this through convincing words.
Our charismatic monk, Devamrita, used the same technique of sweet persuasion by identifying the problem of apprehension some of our people have to exposing bhakti. There is great truth in what he was saying. There has been a situation of low self-esteem amongst some of the members of the Krishna Consciousness society. With people living in such excess for some decades a complacency has somehow affected us all and for lack of a better word "contaminated" all sectors of society - even communities of faith and spirituality. You might call it an all-pervasive "evil" or a "product of darkness".
The encouraging words from Devamrita's mouth rang real for so many of us listeners. "People are eager to know." "The time is right" "Everything is favourable". These were the types of statements that expressed a sense of "strike while the iron is hot". There is a sensation of urgency arising from economic failure, disease, lethargy. Some change is wanting. That new wanting is bhakti, devotion.
In 1995 I felt a great sense of urgency - of what Devamrita was talking about. So I decided to get on the road with robes and meet people to tell them of this bhakti.
I circled around the pond in New Vrndavana in West Virginia reflecting on the need to get out and get active. Devamrita Swami hit it right-on.
Thursday, May 7th, 2009
"Stress Is Good"
Moundsville, West Virginia
Some people call this place "Mudsville". Near this very ordinary village is a popular retreat for spiritualists. Certain seasons, all except for summer, attract excess water which moves the soil. On day one of our stay here, japa walking enthusiasts joined me in a chant-and-walk experience in a valley road gradually making our way to a river at the base of McCreary Ridge.
Spring air and sunshine put an all-attractive spin on this impromptu event. Like all roads that we roam there are obstacles. In this case a serious mud-slide made it impenetrable. Oh! Some of our walkers gave it a try but if you had any interest to come out clean you would turn right around. Topsoil that shifted from rain exposed the dominant clay of the area.
We then did make that 180ยบ turn to eventually find the perfect nook softened below by fallen oak and maple leaves laden from the fall. Instead of the walk we settled for a sit-down. Next to us was a cemetery, ancient by North American standards. A local told us that buried here are the first European settlers intolerant of indigenous folks.
On this special day devotees of Krishna honour the avatar known as the lion/man incarnation. A renowned monk in the community, Radhanatha Swami, spoke about the particular qualities of saint Prahlad who became the exemplar of tolerance and calmness. Despite being a victim of severe domestic violence he pulled out of such turmoil unscathed and sought shelter of this incredible Lion God.
In these days of stress evasion those who are fortunate to read of the pastimes of this young boy can derive inspiration from hearing about stress tolerance. A Canadian author wrote a best-seller book "Stress is Good". Pressure pushes people to higher levels. This doesn't mean to say that abuse is encouraged but something called tapasya is. Tapasya is a self-imposed voluntary inconvenience. Austerity is the favoured life-line of the ascetics.
Prahlad went on to be a family man and a monarch. All the while that he ruled he never forsake the principle of tapasya, austerity. It made him a firm individual.
3 km
Moundsville, West Virginia
Some people call this place "Mudsville". Near this very ordinary village is a popular retreat for spiritualists. Certain seasons, all except for summer, attract excess water which moves the soil. On day one of our stay here, japa walking enthusiasts joined me in a chant-and-walk experience in a valley road gradually making our way to a river at the base of McCreary Ridge.
Spring air and sunshine put an all-attractive spin on this impromptu event. Like all roads that we roam there are obstacles. In this case a serious mud-slide made it impenetrable. Oh! Some of our walkers gave it a try but if you had any interest to come out clean you would turn right around. Topsoil that shifted from rain exposed the dominant clay of the area.
We then did make that 180ยบ turn to eventually find the perfect nook softened below by fallen oak and maple leaves laden from the fall. Instead of the walk we settled for a sit-down. Next to us was a cemetery, ancient by North American standards. A local told us that buried here are the first European settlers intolerant of indigenous folks.
On this special day devotees of Krishna honour the avatar known as the lion/man incarnation. A renowned monk in the community, Radhanatha Swami, spoke about the particular qualities of saint Prahlad who became the exemplar of tolerance and calmness. Despite being a victim of severe domestic violence he pulled out of such turmoil unscathed and sought shelter of this incredible Lion God.
In these days of stress evasion those who are fortunate to read of the pastimes of this young boy can derive inspiration from hearing about stress tolerance. A Canadian author wrote a best-seller book "Stress is Good". Pressure pushes people to higher levels. This doesn't mean to say that abuse is encouraged but something called tapasya is. Tapasya is a self-imposed voluntary inconvenience. Austerity is the favoured life-line of the ascetics.
Prahlad went on to be a family man and a monarch. All the while that he ruled he never forsake the principle of tapasya, austerity. It made him a firm individual.
3 km
Saturday, 9 May 2009
Wednesday, May 6th, 2009
Devotional Rehearsals
Toronto, Ontario
So much green vegetation sprouts out of the soil at this time of year. When the saffron sun of the morning peeks, the energy explosion of green becomes obvious. Black squirrels scurry everywhere. This morning a baby raccoon clung to his tree, holding on for dear life, not sure what to make of us strange creatures. It has nothing to do with our robes. It has to do with the fact that we are homosapiens. We are nothing to be feared.
For the evening, our acting cast for “The Eighth Boy” partook in an intense seven hour rehearsal. Being volunteers, it can be a real trying time getting everyone together but, our crew understood the urgency in preparing for the “Festival of Inspiration”. It ended up being a super tight team experience. At times like these, you can say that magic is real. When co-operation reaches optimum levels like this, it is practically not the material world anymore.
When attempting anything in this existence there is prone to be problems. During our practice, there were two intense moments where things were rolling on very well when suddenly, in the dark, someone accidentally tripped over the cable that ran our sound and lights. It was an occurrence that could have engendered cursing. But “No!” The level of synergy, harmony was such that we were determined to start again.
I admire the group that I worked with. They came at some level of inconvenience. They came without signing a contract. They came without receiving a salary or stipend. The fact is all members of the acting cast and technical crew have a heart. They have something special called bhakti, devotion.
It just so happened that a professional actor walked in to see me right at the moment that we started our first rehearsal run through of the play. It was a bit rough, as the group was “rusty”. From his perspective, everyone was doing just fine. Frankly he said, “You’ve got a good thing going here.”
“If that’s so, then it’s because of the intense desire to ‘give’. “I’ve got all these devotional people to work with,” I said.
3 Km
Toronto, Ontario
So much green vegetation sprouts out of the soil at this time of year. When the saffron sun of the morning peeks, the energy explosion of green becomes obvious. Black squirrels scurry everywhere. This morning a baby raccoon clung to his tree, holding on for dear life, not sure what to make of us strange creatures. It has nothing to do with our robes. It has to do with the fact that we are homosapiens. We are nothing to be feared.
For the evening, our acting cast for “The Eighth Boy” partook in an intense seven hour rehearsal. Being volunteers, it can be a real trying time getting everyone together but, our crew understood the urgency in preparing for the “Festival of Inspiration”. It ended up being a super tight team experience. At times like these, you can say that magic is real. When co-operation reaches optimum levels like this, it is practically not the material world anymore.
When attempting anything in this existence there is prone to be problems. During our practice, there were two intense moments where things were rolling on very well when suddenly, in the dark, someone accidentally tripped over the cable that ran our sound and lights. It was an occurrence that could have engendered cursing. But “No!” The level of synergy, harmony was such that we were determined to start again.
I admire the group that I worked with. They came at some level of inconvenience. They came without signing a contract. They came without receiving a salary or stipend. The fact is all members of the acting cast and technical crew have a heart. They have something special called bhakti, devotion.
It just so happened that a professional actor walked in to see me right at the moment that we started our first rehearsal run through of the play. It was a bit rough, as the group was “rusty”. From his perspective, everyone was doing just fine. Frankly he said, “You’ve got a good thing going here.”
“If that’s so, then it’s because of the intense desire to ‘give’. “I’ve got all these devotional people to work with,” I said.
3 Km
Tuesday, May 5th, 2009
An Interview
Toronto, Ontario
Because I know I will be spending a considerable time of the day in a sedentary fashion, I consciously plan some mobile time on my feet. There’s that need for balance. So that’s covered in the morning.
Today I was set for a documentary interview on the topic of “The Last Rites.” Keith, an independent film-maker, with assistant Dana, penetrated rather deeply with questions relating to the closure of life. But even more so, their questions diverted to all realms of Krishna Conscious activities. It was stimulating for me and for them.
After a three hour sit down for a glorious session, including a meal of bitter melon and veggie curry, it was time to stretch our legs and exchange appreciations. Naturally I’m content for the exposure and opportunity to speak on an old tradition that believes in a soul’s migration from one life form to another; when, at the time of expiry, the body is either cremated or left for burial.
Spiritual leaders have always taken the responsibility to care for this most critical stage in life, to see to a relatively peaceful exit from this world. When you think about it, it is such an important task. Methinks the rule of the priest is underrated these days.
6 Km
Toronto, Ontario
Because I know I will be spending a considerable time of the day in a sedentary fashion, I consciously plan some mobile time on my feet. There’s that need for balance. So that’s covered in the morning.
Today I was set for a documentary interview on the topic of “The Last Rites.” Keith, an independent film-maker, with assistant Dana, penetrated rather deeply with questions relating to the closure of life. But even more so, their questions diverted to all realms of Krishna Conscious activities. It was stimulating for me and for them.
After a three hour sit down for a glorious session, including a meal of bitter melon and veggie curry, it was time to stretch our legs and exchange appreciations. Naturally I’m content for the exposure and opportunity to speak on an old tradition that believes in a soul’s migration from one life form to another; when, at the time of expiry, the body is either cremated or left for burial.
Spiritual leaders have always taken the responsibility to care for this most critical stage in life, to see to a relatively peaceful exit from this world. When you think about it, it is such an important task. Methinks the rule of the priest is underrated these days.
6 Km
Monday, May 4th, 2009
Royal Decision
Toronto, Ontario
Monday is the day at the ashram where the residents sit down and, as attentively as possible, hears a recording of our founder speaking some message of truth. Today we were hearing a selected class Srila Prabhupada gave on Oct. 1/76. The topic dealt with a warrior’s option to kill or spare the life of a captured foe. Today’s story dealt with Arjuna, waiting for the consent to end the life of Asvattama, the son of Arjuna’s martial arts guru. Arjuna had held down Asvattama while making his decision after due consultation with his wife, brothers and Krishna himself. The final verdict was; the murderer of the Pandavas children, Asvattama, would live, considering how his mother would be distraught if she lost him.
These are the sensitivities that arise amongst the ksatriya or warrior class in the times of ancient India. Prabhupada went on to discuss the heinous acts of intrigue amongst royal members in the not so distant times in the family of Shah Johan, Auranzeb during the period of the Taj Mahal’s construction. Royal blood is often regarded as rival blood by someone from another kingdom. It becomes a different dynamic when an ambitious prince, for instance, extinguishes his own brothers and even holds hostage his father, feeling under threat of not gaining the throne.
Our guru expressed that so much mistrust exists in the world. On various occasions he explained that because of our bodily identity there is mistrust. There is always the fear of when will my life be taken or, for animals, when will I be eaten. Fear is pervasive in a world where one concludes, “I am this body.” This is, of course, a mistaken notion.
My walking today remained within the neighbourhood of bursting buds and blossoms that flair like royal egos.
5 Km
Toronto, Ontario
Monday is the day at the ashram where the residents sit down and, as attentively as possible, hears a recording of our founder speaking some message of truth. Today we were hearing a selected class Srila Prabhupada gave on Oct. 1/76. The topic dealt with a warrior’s option to kill or spare the life of a captured foe. Today’s story dealt with Arjuna, waiting for the consent to end the life of Asvattama, the son of Arjuna’s martial arts guru. Arjuna had held down Asvattama while making his decision after due consultation with his wife, brothers and Krishna himself. The final verdict was; the murderer of the Pandavas children, Asvattama, would live, considering how his mother would be distraught if she lost him.
These are the sensitivities that arise amongst the ksatriya or warrior class in the times of ancient India. Prabhupada went on to discuss the heinous acts of intrigue amongst royal members in the not so distant times in the family of Shah Johan, Auranzeb during the period of the Taj Mahal’s construction. Royal blood is often regarded as rival blood by someone from another kingdom. It becomes a different dynamic when an ambitious prince, for instance, extinguishes his own brothers and even holds hostage his father, feeling under threat of not gaining the throne.
Our guru expressed that so much mistrust exists in the world. On various occasions he explained that because of our bodily identity there is mistrust. There is always the fear of when will my life be taken or, for animals, when will I be eaten. Fear is pervasive in a world where one concludes, “I am this body.” This is, of course, a mistaken notion.
My walking today remained within the neighbourhood of bursting buds and blossoms that flair like royal egos.
5 Km
Tuesday, 5 May 2009
Sunday, May 3rd, 2009
Toronto, Ontario
When Antonio Banderas came to Toronto to shoot “Take the Lead”, a film based on a true story of a school teacher who took some ghetto kids and jacked-up their spirits through dance, he not only “cut the rug” but the movie producers tore up the rug to replace it for a good hardwood floor.
The two owners of this old ballroom located on floor 3 at 2 Carlton St. are two happy yoga teachers, a sister team, Cynthia and Kimberly. “This large room received a new floor,” they explained to me as we were talking about the success of this evening’s program. Where Antonio had strutted his stuff, we now conducted an entire bhakti program, which included chants by bhajan band “Gaura Shakti’, a talk about devotion, eating marvelous prasadam (veggie food) and ecstatic dancing by an entire yoga community. The floor was put to good use.
Deva Datta, whom I sometimes call the moody monk, was the principle organizer. He did a splendid job. Because of his powerful presence, a beautiful orchestration of mobilizing people took place. To the beat of the mrdanga drum, folks took to dancing like ducks take to water.
My morning was equally as exciting. I spoke to a group of Unitarians from Brooklin (not to be mistaken for the mammoth city in the U.S.) about the philosophy of Krishna Conciousness. From their gentleness and kindness I could appreciate that here were a group of brahmans. And I told them what I thought. “You are brahmans by nature and you know by your own inclinations that you are caring people. People are drawn to you for your strength of character. By the qualities that are outlined by the speaker of Bhagavad-gita, Lord Krishna, you are brahmans. And brahmans have an obligation to inspire others and to give.”
In any event I spent a day with brahmans and yogis. That’s good company.
7 Km
Monday, 4 May 2009
Saturday, May 2nd, 2009
Enjoying your Prema
Vaughan, Ontario
Walking territory was the grounds of the country’s largest university, Toronto’s downtown U of T campus.
A group of youth, brahmacaris and I observed the stop light at an intersection. Lit up was the upraised palm of the right hand. In the Vedic culture of India this is a symbol of a blessing coming from a superior. Usually divinities in the form of deities stand with the right hand palm extended for a benediction and often show a smear of red kunkum powder over that palm.
In any event, the image of the red stop image for a pedestrian took on a different meaning for us. When you really think about that STOP HAND, it is indeed a blessing for those who honour it.
My afternoon was time well spent, sitting as director to the drama “The Eighth Boy” in preparation for ‘The Festival of Inspiration’. It’s a great crew and my main choreographer, Nitai Priya, recommended using Michael Jackson’s foot stepping from ‘Thriller’ for our demon scene. So I said, “Yes, it should work.”
To put the demons within out of their misery, our head traveling monk, brahmacari Jaya Kesava, two more men and I headed for a gathering of the Prasher family, a very outgoing Punjabi group. The family has opened a massive room for puja, worship and bhajan, devotional song. We were invited to speak, sing and enjoy their great food.
The highlight of the day was speaking to a curious chap at the benediction hand.
“You guys are monks?”
“Yes, we are,” I said
“What do you believe?” he asked as he lit up his smokey cigarette.
In so many words I explained that our objective is Prema, love of the supreme. For some reason he held that word in his head. As he gestured to leave us he said, “Well, enjoy your prema!”
7 Km
Friday, May 1st, 2009
Striking Happy Cords
Toronto, Ontario
The cook in the pizzeria was reeling his dough in the air and thumping to our beat as we passed by. The two store attendants, with their chic clothes, suddenly lit up, looked at each other and broke into big grins as we passed by. The jeweler tossed a generous wave of the hand as we passed by. And the enthusiastic photographer took shots of us as she walked backwards on the street, accidentally falling into a back-roll but quickly springing back up into action.
These were just samplings of responses by people towards our chanting party on Bloor Street.
Organizing the chanting parties is Krishnadas, a devotee and successful family man, who arranges time for this sought-after activity. He and his godbrother, Dharmaprana, a monk at the temple, look forward to being the main core of the chanting group. Both are approaching 60 but are not discouraged by the energetic activity of chanting on the streets to the sound of Krishnadas’s drum. They welcome anyone to join in this joyful expression of the soul. We are very fortunate to have such mature men who demonstrate their loyalty to this chanting, which is normally the exercise of the youth.
We can credit Chaitanya, the early sixteenth century avatar, who introduced this light-hearted brand of spiritualism to the world.
4 Km
Toronto, Ontario
The cook in the pizzeria was reeling his dough in the air and thumping to our beat as we passed by. The two store attendants, with their chic clothes, suddenly lit up, looked at each other and broke into big grins as we passed by. The jeweler tossed a generous wave of the hand as we passed by. And the enthusiastic photographer took shots of us as she walked backwards on the street, accidentally falling into a back-roll but quickly springing back up into action.
These were just samplings of responses by people towards our chanting party on Bloor Street.
Organizing the chanting parties is Krishnadas, a devotee and successful family man, who arranges time for this sought-after activity. He and his godbrother, Dharmaprana, a monk at the temple, look forward to being the main core of the chanting group. Both are approaching 60 but are not discouraged by the energetic activity of chanting on the streets to the sound of Krishnadas’s drum. They welcome anyone to join in this joyful expression of the soul. We are very fortunate to have such mature men who demonstrate their loyalty to this chanting, which is normally the exercise of the youth.
We can credit Chaitanya, the early sixteenth century avatar, who introduced this light-hearted brand of spiritualism to the world.
4 Km
Wednesday, April 29th, 2009
What’s Your Shloka?
Toronto, Ontario
One very positive way to engage the mind and avoid distractions while walking is by reciting shlokas. The Bhagavad-Gita is a rich source of shlokas, verses rendered in the ancient Sanskrit language, the mother tongue of many European languages. In the Gita there are seven hundred couplets in Sanskrit, each carrying a strong message.
If you simply take a catchy phrase from one of these shlokas, so much is told about the realities of life. For instance, the phrase sookha dookha refers to the dualities of the world, meaning happiness and sadness respectively. A jazz band picked up on this perky phrase and decided to name themselves “The Sookha Dookha Band”.
Yam yam vapi smaran bhavan…(Gita 8.6) is a sweet sounding line that addresses reincarnation, “Whatever you are thinking of at death that state you will attain in the next existence.”
If it’s not the sound then the message is captivating. For instance, one of my favourite sayings from the Gita is Krishna’s commitment about support. He says about our shortcomings, “I preserve what they have and carry what they lack.” For one approaching spirituality in a sincere manner, there is a guarantee of a mystical backing. That is very reassuring.
There are different shlokas for different folks. What is your favourite phrase or verse (shloka) from the Gita?
Use it when walking. It’s powerful.
5 Km
Toronto, Ontario
One very positive way to engage the mind and avoid distractions while walking is by reciting shlokas. The Bhagavad-Gita is a rich source of shlokas, verses rendered in the ancient Sanskrit language, the mother tongue of many European languages. In the Gita there are seven hundred couplets in Sanskrit, each carrying a strong message.
If you simply take a catchy phrase from one of these shlokas, so much is told about the realities of life. For instance, the phrase sookha dookha refers to the dualities of the world, meaning happiness and sadness respectively. A jazz band picked up on this perky phrase and decided to name themselves “The Sookha Dookha Band”.
Yam yam vapi smaran bhavan…(Gita 8.6) is a sweet sounding line that addresses reincarnation, “Whatever you are thinking of at death that state you will attain in the next existence.”
If it’s not the sound then the message is captivating. For instance, one of my favourite sayings from the Gita is Krishna’s commitment about support. He says about our shortcomings, “I preserve what they have and carry what they lack.” For one approaching spirituality in a sincere manner, there is a guarantee of a mystical backing. That is very reassuring.
There are different shlokas for different folks. What is your favourite phrase or verse (shloka) from the Gita?
Use it when walking. It’s powerful.
5 Km
Tuesday, April 28th, 2009
Muddy Trail
Toronto, Ontario
We slid and got wet and muddy. The base of the ravine became the passage for late April rain as we, a group of five monks, marveled at this concept. You have earth which grips. You have water which flows. You combine the two and you have a slimy, slippery substance which causes one to slide. It seems to be a spring texture.
We met an elderly couple on this slippery trail. With binoculars in hand, they were immersed in a popular hobby – birding. They told us they had viewed several species. Spring does that. It invites a vast array of our feathered friends. Birds flock like crazy during this season.
The couple expressed that they are lovers of these creatures. They complimented us for our food which they had dined on at our temple a while back.
I relished today’s trek like anything because of the good signs, including the muddiness and especially the good company. They were young men interested in developing there spiritual life. The setting is perfect. Buds are bursting on trees on this forested Old Milkman’s Lane which passes by the former brickworks factory and edges by Mount Pleasant cemetery.
I’m a sucker for these trails. Whenever I see a forest I immediately think, “Oh, here’s a place where I can chant, a place where it becomes easy to adjust our consciousness to a better state.”
7 Km
Toronto, Ontario
We slid and got wet and muddy. The base of the ravine became the passage for late April rain as we, a group of five monks, marveled at this concept. You have earth which grips. You have water which flows. You combine the two and you have a slimy, slippery substance which causes one to slide. It seems to be a spring texture.
We met an elderly couple on this slippery trail. With binoculars in hand, they were immersed in a popular hobby – birding. They told us they had viewed several species. Spring does that. It invites a vast array of our feathered friends. Birds flock like crazy during this season.
The couple expressed that they are lovers of these creatures. They complimented us for our food which they had dined on at our temple a while back.
I relished today’s trek like anything because of the good signs, including the muddiness and especially the good company. They were young men interested in developing there spiritual life. The setting is perfect. Buds are bursting on trees on this forested Old Milkman’s Lane which passes by the former brickworks factory and edges by Mount Pleasant cemetery.
I’m a sucker for these trails. Whenever I see a forest I immediately think, “Oh, here’s a place where I can chant, a place where it becomes easy to adjust our consciousness to a better state.”
7 Km
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)