DOVETAIL
TORONTO, ONTARIO
It was not an ordinary day at the temple. There were several international guests with us and included in the list a musician with a golden voice. Strumming his guitar was Atmaram, a Spanish devotee, who travels the globe doing the yoga circuit. What was arranged was a mini concert for Atmaram in the peaceful atmosphere of the temple. Although traditional mantras and bhajans were sung the more European contemporary stringed guitar was the instrument used to create tempo and rhythm as support to tamboura, sitar or vina. Such fusion of east and west can be most palatable to the ear.
Dovetailing is the word used by our guru, Srila Prabhupada, to describe the utilization of skills, talent, ability, wit, resources, etc. in the service of God. Wherever your strengths lie there is this golden opportunity to use them as an offering – a service.
For the Sunday open house program this principle of dovetailing was well channeled not only by Atmaram but also Keshav Sharma whose youthful enthusiasm and personal communication skills are applied as the mc of the event. Devotees who are inclined to perform pulled off a great drama. And it’s not for me to judge but if something is amiss in the program for instance our guest speaker was late, late, late and hence I volunteered to do the spontaneous thing standing in for him. Somehow I respond to spontaneity well and so I find myself in such circumstances. Perhaps that’s a skill and a way of dovetailing.
After our drama presentation of “The Witness” our actors were so pumped up with excitement that the only way of calming down was walking and so a spriteful walk became the method to escort one of our female brahmacarinis to the bus station for the midnight run back to Montreal. I got a chance, like so many, to dovetail a strong propensity in me – walking – once again.
10 Km
B L O G S P O T
Sunday, 14 June 2009
Friday, 12 June 2009
Saturday, June 6th, 2009
IT’S THE PROJECT THAT COUNTS
SATURDAY JUNE 6/09, TORONTO, ONTARIO
Many great moments of truth arise when I find myself conducting a play practice such as a session today on working out details for the drama “The Witness.” A person who I handpicked for a part ended up not being fit for the role. He was relieved when I suggested he consider another minor role. Initially I was reluctant to say something to him fearing he might feel rejected. Perhaps I would even hurt his ego. All went well after his internal tension and mine subsided and the truth of one’s niche was revealed.
Some actors are less co-operative and don’t take to direction as well as others. That’s normal in any facet of life or any sector of society. Sometimes it doesn’t matter how much you repeat an instruction the recipient is able but not willing to take the direction. These become great dramatical moments and they can be spontaneously explosive, rarely though in a devotional atmosphere. It has happened.
When it does your cast can freeze during such fireworks which are both special effects. You get both the animate and inanimate going on at the same time.
At such times the art of patience has its chance to manifest and when the dust settles one may be given the opportunity to unfreeze uneasiness and activate again what you are set out to do – to perform. After all, the show must go on!
The jumping into the rehearsal again, engaging in the project is what cures all. It’s the project that must prevail over ego, the mission that overrides everything. It’s not the actor but the entire cast that counts.
10 Km
SATURDAY JUNE 6/09, TORONTO, ONTARIO
Many great moments of truth arise when I find myself conducting a play practice such as a session today on working out details for the drama “The Witness.” A person who I handpicked for a part ended up not being fit for the role. He was relieved when I suggested he consider another minor role. Initially I was reluctant to say something to him fearing he might feel rejected. Perhaps I would even hurt his ego. All went well after his internal tension and mine subsided and the truth of one’s niche was revealed.
Some actors are less co-operative and don’t take to direction as well as others. That’s normal in any facet of life or any sector of society. Sometimes it doesn’t matter how much you repeat an instruction the recipient is able but not willing to take the direction. These become great dramatical moments and they can be spontaneously explosive, rarely though in a devotional atmosphere. It has happened.
When it does your cast can freeze during such fireworks which are both special effects. You get both the animate and inanimate going on at the same time.
At such times the art of patience has its chance to manifest and when the dust settles one may be given the opportunity to unfreeze uneasiness and activate again what you are set out to do – to perform. After all, the show must go on!
The jumping into the rehearsal again, engaging in the project is what cures all. It’s the project that must prevail over ego, the mission that overrides everything. It’s not the actor but the entire cast that counts.
10 Km
Friday, June 5th, 2009
Reception Problem
Toronto, ON
Toronto, ON
I had insisted that our group of resident men and women in the ashram take a crash course in hospitality. Sometimes you hear complaints from the public who visit for darshan (viewing the image of Krishna) or from those who wish to learn about Krishna Consciousness. They complain about an inadequate greeting or no greeting at all.
I had observed that some of our renunciants got either very busy with their services and therefore do not tend to the needs of the public who appear either in person or by phone sufficiently. Some of our monks living in temples tend to be very hermit oriented which ends up not being very compatible when your temple or ashram is frequently visited. Another factor to consider was the aging factor where in the case of our ashram in Toronto, one resident monk is in his seventies, one in his sixties and somewhat handicapped while others are moving up in their fifties. Most of our young monks are in Halifax. It is actually hard to pick from our selection a front receptionist.
So these are some of the services at hand.
Fortunately, our community is rich with bright-faced youth who have a good report in public communication. Perhaps we have hit on something there.
One of our ladies in her early thirties, Nitai Priya, who recently moved here from Vancouver, is a trained receptionist. She put together what we needed, a crash course called ‘Hospitality 108’. Over a few days starting yesterday, our in-dwelling monks are participating in an interactive and fun program to better be able to take care of public needs.
That’s a relief! Let’s see if reception improves.
6 Km
Monday, 8 June 2009
Thursday, June 4th, 2009
Solidarity
Toronto, Ontario
A brahmacari (monk) junior to me asked me the previous day if I would offer him some blessings to bow out of the morning sadhana, a standard ashram regimen, in order to concentrate on doing extra chanting on japa beads. Since the day was recognized as a day when one has an option to fast entirely including the abstinence of drinking water, this well-intentioned monk asked to be granted his special program. The fasting of grain is compulsory.
I had to frankly admit to him that although a complete fast is good, what was more important was adhering to the regular morning program in the good company of the other monastics. "This was the mood of our guru and we have an obligation to fulfil it." There is always a danger within the boundries of an ashram when individuals take too much independence. Solidarity is key in the smooth operation of a successful ashram. In many respects it is much like bootcamp. We are a unit. We eat together, work together, play together. Unity should be the theme.
On the same note I was invited to attend an evening dinner with a family of three- two parents and their teenager. Our talk over a great meal, centered on improving the communication amongst them. There was a ittle bit of "airing out" but it was all done with a view to increase understanding and listening. And as in all cases of even slight provocation, humility is always an ingredient to provide an excellent recipe for living peacefully.
7 Km
Toronto, Ontario
A brahmacari (monk) junior to me asked me the previous day if I would offer him some blessings to bow out of the morning sadhana, a standard ashram regimen, in order to concentrate on doing extra chanting on japa beads. Since the day was recognized as a day when one has an option to fast entirely including the abstinence of drinking water, this well-intentioned monk asked to be granted his special program. The fasting of grain is compulsory.
I had to frankly admit to him that although a complete fast is good, what was more important was adhering to the regular morning program in the good company of the other monastics. "This was the mood of our guru and we have an obligation to fulfil it." There is always a danger within the boundries of an ashram when individuals take too much independence. Solidarity is key in the smooth operation of a successful ashram. In many respects it is much like bootcamp. We are a unit. We eat together, work together, play together. Unity should be the theme.
On the same note I was invited to attend an evening dinner with a family of three- two parents and their teenager. Our talk over a great meal, centered on improving the communication amongst them. There was a ittle bit of "airing out" but it was all done with a view to increase understanding and listening. And as in all cases of even slight provocation, humility is always an ingredient to provide an excellent recipe for living peacefully.
7 Km
Sunday, May 31st, 2009
Superior Yogafest
Thunder Bay, Ontario
Insomnia clutched me once again so I hit the streets of the town to chant the maha-mantra and get that early start on the days prescribed number of rounds on the beads. By physically moving I would get a little fatigued and then eventually fall asleep.
A van pulled over. I was feeling a bit uncertain with a late Saturday night/overlap Sunday morning exchange with someone. The driver rolled down his window. I stopped.
"Whenever I see a monk I'm inspired to want to help. Do you need a lift somewhere?" asked the man with sincere intent. I explained my insomnia and my chanting. I would say he was appeased to have just met one of us "guys with the cloth."
Thunder Bay is not a big city but it does have a Casino. I ended up walking near it. People were clustered outside together talking in louder than normal volume, a symptom of drinking. Some of the talkers went on pause upon seeing me but then quickly resumed nocturnal wrangles.
Daylight sent all of our troupe on their feet and onto today's engagement- more practice and then the performance of "The Witness" held at Bora Laskin Theater. The drama was preceded by a presentation on Laughter Yoga and one chanting session by a hypnosis therapist. Thunder Bay's Yogafest had a line-up of unique presentors.
6 Km
Thunder Bay, Ontario
Insomnia clutched me once again so I hit the streets of the town to chant the maha-mantra and get that early start on the days prescribed number of rounds on the beads. By physically moving I would get a little fatigued and then eventually fall asleep.
A van pulled over. I was feeling a bit uncertain with a late Saturday night/overlap Sunday morning exchange with someone. The driver rolled down his window. I stopped.
"Whenever I see a monk I'm inspired to want to help. Do you need a lift somewhere?" asked the man with sincere intent. I explained my insomnia and my chanting. I would say he was appeased to have just met one of us "guys with the cloth."
Thunder Bay is not a big city but it does have a Casino. I ended up walking near it. People were clustered outside together talking in louder than normal volume, a symptom of drinking. Some of the talkers went on pause upon seeing me but then quickly resumed nocturnal wrangles.
Daylight sent all of our troupe on their feet and onto today's engagement- more practice and then the performance of "The Witness" held at Bora Laskin Theater. The drama was preceded by a presentation on Laughter Yoga and one chanting session by a hypnosis therapist. Thunder Bay's Yogafest had a line-up of unique presentors.
6 Km
Sunday, 7 June 2009
Saturday, May 30th, 2009
Not Welcome
Thunder Bay, Ontario
Boulevard Lake is a very popular body of water, spring fed, then dammed before its waters reach Lake Superior. The locals boat in it and runners and walkers circumambulate it. Our visiting troupe of actors and singers walked the hour trek while taking in the maha-mantra which is a commitment we have all made for life. I have been doubting the global warming theory for some time and today, like other recent days, are just below average temperature. Our Israeli members with us have come to understand the need to walk with some gusto.
The balance of our day was indoors at Lakehead University practicing for the drama "The Witness" the story of a walking stone deity. How fast this sacred image moved on foot is unknown to me but the lake does most definately express the power of a deity. We can draw no limits to the various ways in which the Divine can be manifest. This deity now stationary has His home in a town in Orissa, India. I had every intention of viewing this famous deity back in the ninties. Unfortunately there are limitations to viewing by the public! Because I was classified as "gauri" (white) I was not permitted to have darshan (a viewing). It was a bit disappointing after taking a 22 kilometer trek from Puri to get to the temple of the Shakshi Gopal deity and to be refused entry because of skin color.
You will find traces of racial discrimination in parts of India even if you are a full-fledged monk and you have the robes and the life-style to prove it.
If our guru, Srila Prabhupada, demonstrated such prejudice when he initiated his soceity in the sixties then people like me would not have stood the chance to develop and spread the consciousness of Krishna. He was open-hearted about those who were seeking. He gave people a chance.
6 Km
Thunder Bay, Ontario
Boulevard Lake is a very popular body of water, spring fed, then dammed before its waters reach Lake Superior. The locals boat in it and runners and walkers circumambulate it. Our visiting troupe of actors and singers walked the hour trek while taking in the maha-mantra which is a commitment we have all made for life. I have been doubting the global warming theory for some time and today, like other recent days, are just below average temperature. Our Israeli members with us have come to understand the need to walk with some gusto.
The balance of our day was indoors at Lakehead University practicing for the drama "The Witness" the story of a walking stone deity. How fast this sacred image moved on foot is unknown to me but the lake does most definately express the power of a deity. We can draw no limits to the various ways in which the Divine can be manifest. This deity now stationary has His home in a town in Orissa, India. I had every intention of viewing this famous deity back in the ninties. Unfortunately there are limitations to viewing by the public! Because I was classified as "gauri" (white) I was not permitted to have darshan (a viewing). It was a bit disappointing after taking a 22 kilometer trek from Puri to get to the temple of the Shakshi Gopal deity and to be refused entry because of skin color.
You will find traces of racial discrimination in parts of India even if you are a full-fledged monk and you have the robes and the life-style to prove it.
If our guru, Srila Prabhupada, demonstrated such prejudice when he initiated his soceity in the sixties then people like me would not have stood the chance to develop and spread the consciousness of Krishna. He was open-hearted about those who were seeking. He gave people a chance.
6 Km
Friday, May 29th, 2009
Dustin The Monk
Thunder Bay, Ontario
It was Dustin's birthday. He's one of our Halifax boys. He was employed serving drinks in a bar. He knew how to mix drinks but know he found out about mixing Krishna into his life. He shaved off his hair to be a monk. When you are Twenty one and still single you still have time to take in adventure. Since joining several months ago he has traveled with another young monk to certain regions of the States stopping at temples. In many ways he was becoming a man for all seasons by learning various devotional arts, the songs, philosophy, musical instruments.
When as a boy Krishna attended His school and learned sixty-four arts. For Him such skills began early in His life. In the case of Dustin it takes a greater amount of time to learn due to the compounded karma accumulated over lifetimes. Our desires bury us into dullness of consciousness. Like Dustin we are all ensnared by the illusions of the world.
At least Dustin was smart enough to pull out of the shadowy pursuits of this world. He is a bright young man and we are fortunate to have him in our troupe of performers at this weekends Yogafest. He is a great actor and dancer and picks up on things quickly especially in the area of co-operation and willingness to serve.
In the Gita it is said "yesam tu anta gatam papam..." If you have done something virtuous in the previous existence then that will bear fruit for the next existence especially in the conviction to move on in your spiritual life.
I believe this applies to Dustin.
Happy Birthday Dustin.
9 Km
Thunder Bay, Ontario
It was Dustin's birthday. He's one of our Halifax boys. He was employed serving drinks in a bar. He knew how to mix drinks but know he found out about mixing Krishna into his life. He shaved off his hair to be a monk. When you are Twenty one and still single you still have time to take in adventure. Since joining several months ago he has traveled with another young monk to certain regions of the States stopping at temples. In many ways he was becoming a man for all seasons by learning various devotional arts, the songs, philosophy, musical instruments.
When as a boy Krishna attended His school and learned sixty-four arts. For Him such skills began early in His life. In the case of Dustin it takes a greater amount of time to learn due to the compounded karma accumulated over lifetimes. Our desires bury us into dullness of consciousness. Like Dustin we are all ensnared by the illusions of the world.
At least Dustin was smart enough to pull out of the shadowy pursuits of this world. He is a bright young man and we are fortunate to have him in our troupe of performers at this weekends Yogafest. He is a great actor and dancer and picks up on things quickly especially in the area of co-operation and willingness to serve.
In the Gita it is said "yesam tu anta gatam papam..." If you have done something virtuous in the previous existence then that will bear fruit for the next existence especially in the conviction to move on in your spiritual life.
I believe this applies to Dustin.
Happy Birthday Dustin.
9 Km
Thursday, May 28th, 2009
A Troupe and a TripThurs
Baby lake, Ontario
Wherever I could squeeze in a jaunt I would, when our driver would gas up the rented van or he would stop at a store for juice and washroom break before proceeding the long journey. It took us seventeen hours to reach Thunder Bay.
Our group of eight were destined to this city to contribute to the cultural presentation of drama and kirtan at Sunday's Yoga Fest. It was a congenial group. We read the signs of places along the way and adored some of the names "Mom Lake," "Baby Lake" and then "Dad Lake" all three bodies of water come one after the other.
We caught a great glimpse of a bear. He stood in a frozen stare at us. A fox was more fidgety. It looked to be a half-bred with color grey and red. We treated ourselves to that coldest of all lakes, Lake Superior. A dip and bold swim strokes got lazy passengers blood moving. The vistas were stunning and 'new' for everyone but myself. Central Canada is a best kept secret and away from the world. So pristine it is. Half of our crew came from Israel. They now live in Toronto.
I guess you could say that all my passions are becoming fulfilled. I'm traveling. I'm with a group. We sing, dance, do drama and all of this on the platform of spiritual pursuit. It's about the most perfect set-up.
3 Km
Baby lake, Ontario
Wherever I could squeeze in a jaunt I would, when our driver would gas up the rented van or he would stop at a store for juice and washroom break before proceeding the long journey. It took us seventeen hours to reach Thunder Bay.
Our group of eight were destined to this city to contribute to the cultural presentation of drama and kirtan at Sunday's Yoga Fest. It was a congenial group. We read the signs of places along the way and adored some of the names "Mom Lake," "Baby Lake" and then "Dad Lake" all three bodies of water come one after the other.
We caught a great glimpse of a bear. He stood in a frozen stare at us. A fox was more fidgety. It looked to be a half-bred with color grey and red. We treated ourselves to that coldest of all lakes, Lake Superior. A dip and bold swim strokes got lazy passengers blood moving. The vistas were stunning and 'new' for everyone but myself. Central Canada is a best kept secret and away from the world. So pristine it is. Half of our crew came from Israel. They now live in Toronto.
I guess you could say that all my passions are becoming fulfilled. I'm traveling. I'm with a group. We sing, dance, do drama and all of this on the platform of spiritual pursuit. It's about the most perfect set-up.
3 Km
Wednesday, May 27th, 2009
Follow Policy
Toronto, Ontario
Recently four women came to join us in the ashram. Of course, the ladies have their own quarters on the west side of our building while the men ccupy the east side. There is no reason for one generation facing a particular direction other than male population being greater, with the count of 14 and the east side offering more accomodations. The women did not all come come to our door at the same time but showed interest all around the same time.
It is good news to have this addition to our membership. It does indeed enhance that family spirit. My woe is that there is not always sufficient personnell to train newcomers. Two of them work ouside and offer a donation as rent. They are taking advantage of the morning sadana before dashing off to their employment.
In this case also not much attention is given to the single fellow who resides now with us day.
It's lively when all residents are punctual for the early bird service at 4:30 am. Some deliquency is there and recently chronic slackness has been warned. Shape up or ship out. Ashram life means fun life, enriching life, but discipline must be a component here or otherwise the experience of some healthy transformation does not fructify.
It is a blessing to have the company of the new people as well as the 'were new people' (I don't want to say "old") relish the morning classes. Naturally not all ride the same level of enthusisam. It's all very individual.
I had contemplated the problem of lack of superiorism for new candidates. Some interested men who want to give monastic life a try are encouraged to go to our Halifax ashram where more personal attention is given. But what to do for those in toronto. When you think about it, it's the nicest problem to have. People wish to experience. We are not fully prepare!
Jarvis sreet was the route I chose to walk on, and the venue for my thoughts. The city councilers decided today that one lane on this heritage street will be marked as a place for trees, a wider sidewalk, pedestrian sidewalk and a section reserved for cyclists.
The city percieved that there was a problem and so they discussed, decided and made a poling rule firm. Not all people like the decision, especially motorists, but the decision was passed and everyone will have to follow. Rules in the ashram need to be better enforced. In the same way that city council's decision is final and all must follow.
8 Km
Toronto, Ontario
Recently four women came to join us in the ashram. Of course, the ladies have their own quarters on the west side of our building while the men ccupy the east side. There is no reason for one generation facing a particular direction other than male population being greater, with the count of 14 and the east side offering more accomodations. The women did not all come come to our door at the same time but showed interest all around the same time.
It is good news to have this addition to our membership. It does indeed enhance that family spirit. My woe is that there is not always sufficient personnell to train newcomers. Two of them work ouside and offer a donation as rent. They are taking advantage of the morning sadana before dashing off to their employment.
In this case also not much attention is given to the single fellow who resides now with us day.
It's lively when all residents are punctual for the early bird service at 4:30 am. Some deliquency is there and recently chronic slackness has been warned. Shape up or ship out. Ashram life means fun life, enriching life, but discipline must be a component here or otherwise the experience of some healthy transformation does not fructify.
It is a blessing to have the company of the new people as well as the 'were new people' (I don't want to say "old") relish the morning classes. Naturally not all ride the same level of enthusisam. It's all very individual.
I had contemplated the problem of lack of superiorism for new candidates. Some interested men who want to give monastic life a try are encouraged to go to our Halifax ashram where more personal attention is given. But what to do for those in toronto. When you think about it, it's the nicest problem to have. People wish to experience. We are not fully prepare!
Jarvis sreet was the route I chose to walk on, and the venue for my thoughts. The city councilers decided today that one lane on this heritage street will be marked as a place for trees, a wider sidewalk, pedestrian sidewalk and a section reserved for cyclists.
The city percieved that there was a problem and so they discussed, decided and made a poling rule firm. Not all people like the decision, especially motorists, but the decision was passed and everyone will have to follow. Rules in the ashram need to be better enforced. In the same way that city council's decision is final and all must follow.
8 Km
Saturday, 6 June 2009
Wednesday, June 3rd, 2009
A New Punjabi Lady
North York, Ontario
The last surviving Titanic victim, Millvinia Dean, of Southampton, England, recently passed away at age 96. Such was the news as sent by "The Associated Press." At two months old she was placed in a bag and put onto a life-boat while her father passed away into the icy water back in April of 1912.
Today i attended along with my assistant monk Bhakta Dustin, a funeral for a dear, dear Punjabi lady. If anyone knows this communitythey are tightly bonded and come together in great numbers to support each other. The lady's name was Amrita Prasher and four generations of family participated. As preists of their community we were invited to conduct the chanting portion of the ceremony. I was asked to lead the chant "Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya" in front of the coffin which was carried by Amrita's surviving sons.
What was unique about the procession was that along the way to the crematorium fireworks were let off. This display was a way of saying that Amrita led a happy and full life. Her departure was glorius. Even the funeral director found the fireworks as a rarity- a first.
Naturally there were tears and wailing went on, but for the most part a happy closure was put to the life of a very nice Punjabi lady.
North York, Ontario
The last surviving Titanic victim, Millvinia Dean, of Southampton, England, recently passed away at age 96. Such was the news as sent by "The Associated Press." At two months old she was placed in a bag and put onto a life-boat while her father passed away into the icy water back in April of 1912.
Today i attended along with my assistant monk Bhakta Dustin, a funeral for a dear, dear Punjabi lady. If anyone knows this communitythey are tightly bonded and come together in great numbers to support each other. The lady's name was Amrita Prasher and four generations of family participated. As preists of their community we were invited to conduct the chanting portion of the ceremony. I was asked to lead the chant "Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya" in front of the coffin which was carried by Amrita's surviving sons.
What was unique about the procession was that along the way to the crematorium fireworks were let off. This display was a way of saying that Amrita led a happy and full life. Her departure was glorius. Even the funeral director found the fireworks as a rarity- a first.
Naturally there were tears and wailing went on, but for the most part a happy closure was put to the life of a very nice Punjabi lady.
Tuesday, June 2nd, 2009
Toronto, Ontario
It has been my custom whenever someone new comes to the city to introduce them to one of the ravines of the city. It is always with beads in hand that we take on a trek through the tranquil greenery of urban madness. Today I took with me Dustin and Nitai Priya through one of the more challenging trails. Since they are my kind (nature buffs) I saw that they were fit for this very "physical" path.
It is the season of Ratha Yatra, the Chariot Festival. It has been my thirty-sixth year of the majestic wheels turning. The endeavor to host such a program requires funds. Part of the portfolio of a monk might be to fund raise but actually it is more like friend-raising. With a small car load of devotees we took to the suburban streets of Markham and made visitations to three prearranged homes. Our obligation was to sing and speak Bhagavat philosophy for a few brief moments. We also offered as gifts to those homeowners devotional subject matter and each place refreshments were given out of mutual love. Oh, yes, their donations would come and to deal with the practical aspect of things, a charitable donation receipt was given to the donor on the spot.
I thoroughly enjoy the making-friends part. The greatest difficulty always is being in a stuffy car en route somewhere. Foot travel is always superior.
5 Km
It has been my custom whenever someone new comes to the city to introduce them to one of the ravines of the city. It is always with beads in hand that we take on a trek through the tranquil greenery of urban madness. Today I took with me Dustin and Nitai Priya through one of the more challenging trails. Since they are my kind (nature buffs) I saw that they were fit for this very "physical" path.
It is the season of Ratha Yatra, the Chariot Festival. It has been my thirty-sixth year of the majestic wheels turning. The endeavor to host such a program requires funds. Part of the portfolio of a monk might be to fund raise but actually it is more like friend-raising. With a small car load of devotees we took to the suburban streets of Markham and made visitations to three prearranged homes. Our obligation was to sing and speak Bhagavat philosophy for a few brief moments. We also offered as gifts to those homeowners devotional subject matter and each place refreshments were given out of mutual love. Oh, yes, their donations would come and to deal with the practical aspect of things, a charitable donation receipt was given to the donor on the spot.
I thoroughly enjoy the making-friends part. The greatest difficulty always is being in a stuffy car en route somewhere. Foot travel is always superior.
5 Km
Friday, 5 June 2009
Monday, June 1st, 2009
Old Woman Bay, Ontario
Etched on the edge of a large cliff on the bay of Lake Superior is the image of an old woman's face. That's how the bay east of the lake got its name. The long drive from Thunder Bay lead us to a much needed break at the vista of natural elements- rock, water, sky, mist, and sun. Our troop of eight decided to experience a trail taking us through a woodsy terrain. Two of us opted for extra rest. On went the rest.
We came upon an ancient man-made depression in a section of well-worn boulders. It was formerly a site for vision-questing. While chanting softly on our beads we admired the diversity of green vegetation. The sweet smells of the forest excited our nostrils. We were also curious to see if we could spot a moose on the loose. At least one foot-print revealed that one of these largest of the deer had recently roamed this quiet trail. We were out of luck to spot one on this challenging path but there were no regrets. The beauty of sites and each other's sanga or company, compensated for it. We had to be content to have seen a fox, a bear, a beaver and ravens on this trip. After two hours of trekking over jagged and smooth rocks, roots, twigs, carpets of moss, dry and soggy soil we headed south via our van.
We had secured a copy of the Chronicle Journal and cheered upon seeing Krishna on the front page. Our actor/dancer Nitai Priya captured the attention of the photographer as he clicked and digitally framed Gopal, the walking deity from the play "The Witness." We cheered again to see more photos on page three with a supporting article. We relished in the thought of the great response from participants in the Yoga fest the night before. During this moment of happiness, lo and behold, a robust-looking bull moose dodged our vehicle and as if in a dance, dashed his way into the safety of trees.
6 Km
Etched on the edge of a large cliff on the bay of Lake Superior is the image of an old woman's face. That's how the bay east of the lake got its name. The long drive from Thunder Bay lead us to a much needed break at the vista of natural elements- rock, water, sky, mist, and sun. Our troop of eight decided to experience a trail taking us through a woodsy terrain. Two of us opted for extra rest. On went the rest.
We came upon an ancient man-made depression in a section of well-worn boulders. It was formerly a site for vision-questing. While chanting softly on our beads we admired the diversity of green vegetation. The sweet smells of the forest excited our nostrils. We were also curious to see if we could spot a moose on the loose. At least one foot-print revealed that one of these largest of the deer had recently roamed this quiet trail. We were out of luck to spot one on this challenging path but there were no regrets. The beauty of sites and each other's sanga or company, compensated for it. We had to be content to have seen a fox, a bear, a beaver and ravens on this trip. After two hours of trekking over jagged and smooth rocks, roots, twigs, carpets of moss, dry and soggy soil we headed south via our van.
We had secured a copy of the Chronicle Journal and cheered upon seeing Krishna on the front page. Our actor/dancer Nitai Priya captured the attention of the photographer as he clicked and digitally framed Gopal, the walking deity from the play "The Witness." We cheered again to see more photos on page three with a supporting article. We relished in the thought of the great response from participants in the Yoga fest the night before. During this moment of happiness, lo and behold, a robust-looking bull moose dodged our vehicle and as if in a dance, dashed his way into the safety of trees.
6 Km
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