Grass and Joy!
Vancouver, British Columbia
British Columbia has been unseasonably hot. The grass is parched. Some say the province is encountering a drought.
Well it appears the desert dynamic is over. With the procession of Jagannatha, the Festival of Chariots, organized by the International Society for Krishna Consciousness, the rains came. A serious downpour of the wet stuff hadn't been seen in quite some time. People peeked out of their balconies to find out what music would be playing outside as the procession moved horizontally while rain moved vertically. Three colourful chariots hit Beach Avenue for a three kilometer run to destination Stanley Park.
Then the sun broke loose. So did grassroots kirtana (chanting), djembes, mrdangas, and people dancing. A crowd swelled around the performers who ended up being anyone or everyone...whoever was caught up in the exotic sound. The excitement peaked and then ended when I was asked to introduce the stage's drama. From then on, it was a sociable time meeting people, hearing about their future dreams, sweet exchanges, counselling, and offering thanks and congratulations.
Finally, as the height of the day moved toward evening, it was time to slip in for hearing a mini concert by a group of talented youth, as they played their reggae/rock with devotional themes.
At wind down time, I decided to walk off the pleasant convergence of people, and have time to myself and the names of deliverance. My feet carried me along English Bay, and the sea wall path, to Science World, Main Street, Kingsway Avenue, and then to home.
Just to check that I was doing well with directions, it's always interesting to get different instructions as to where the next turn would be. I had to ask as I don't know my way well enough.
Life is much like that. We look for directions and when a strong consensus occurs then you know you're on the right track.
It was a good day. The grass is greener.
17 Km
B L O G S P O T
Wednesday, 12 August 2009
Tuesday, 11 August 2009
Monday, August 10th, 2009
Bellingham, Washington
Not much room or time for pushing legs today. I took a trip to Bellingham by car to see Nina who is 99 in a nursing home. The entire day saw rain which can pose a hurdle for walking. The car didn't mind being wet. Robert and friends and I drove to see his aging Mom. This was more important than to appear heroic by walking in the rain. I had warned Robert about my sleeping propensity when in a car - and the light snore that accompanies it. Playing passenger always drains me.
After an hour or so trip from Vancouver, we reached this rather liberal college town. At the seniors home, Nina had been waiting anticipating her son's visit. She didn't really expect to see a full-blown monk with him. She got real comfortable after a while.
Robert was eager to have her hear a mantra. It was the most charming thing to see a child-like innocence in her, especially when receiving a gift, a pair of hand cymbals to accompany our low-key chant.
Nina appeared frail but she's strong. With the chant that we had with her in a quiet section of the corridor, she appeared meek, but peaceful. Whatever incoherent thinking and talking that transpired was now relaxed. We continued the chant and could have gone on for so long but lunch was on and Nina needed nourishment. Well, she got it.
I predict she's got another five or ten years to go. Who knows? In the meantime, we all came out of the home richer in heart. And so did Nina. It was certainly worth the while missing a day on foot and just seeing Nina and learning from her even though her faculty powers are greatly diminished. I'll keep in mind the calm smile she wore and the funny straw hat she had donned.
Like everyone, she is a devotee of God and that certainly came through today. The sun (Nina) shone.
0 Km
Not much room or time for pushing legs today. I took a trip to Bellingham by car to see Nina who is 99 in a nursing home. The entire day saw rain which can pose a hurdle for walking. The car didn't mind being wet. Robert and friends and I drove to see his aging Mom. This was more important than to appear heroic by walking in the rain. I had warned Robert about my sleeping propensity when in a car - and the light snore that accompanies it. Playing passenger always drains me.
After an hour or so trip from Vancouver, we reached this rather liberal college town. At the seniors home, Nina had been waiting anticipating her son's visit. She didn't really expect to see a full-blown monk with him. She got real comfortable after a while.
Robert was eager to have her hear a mantra. It was the most charming thing to see a child-like innocence in her, especially when receiving a gift, a pair of hand cymbals to accompany our low-key chant.
Nina appeared frail but she's strong. With the chant that we had with her in a quiet section of the corridor, she appeared meek, but peaceful. Whatever incoherent thinking and talking that transpired was now relaxed. We continued the chant and could have gone on for so long but lunch was on and Nina needed nourishment. Well, she got it.
I predict she's got another five or ten years to go. Who knows? In the meantime, we all came out of the home richer in heart. And so did Nina. It was certainly worth the while missing a day on foot and just seeing Nina and learning from her even though her faculty powers are greatly diminished. I'll keep in mind the calm smile she wore and the funny straw hat she had donned.
Like everyone, she is a devotee of God and that certainly came through today. The sun (Nina) shone.
0 Km
Monday, 10 August 2009
Saturday, August 8th, 2009
Vancouver, British Columbia
2012
Do you ever meet Doomsday people?
Well I do. In fact, I have close friends who were convinced of a computer crash at the height of the Y2K frenzy...the turn of the century/millenia...the year 2000. There was fear of no provisions, such as food or water. The myth of the time was that the world would fall apart. When in Australia, and New Zealand, the New Year's lights flashed on, the world seemed as if to sigh in relief. Life was to go on. Perhaps someone up there had been laughing at us while some people cashed in on the hype...one of the greatest hoaxes of our time.
It was today that I met the latest doomsday scenario. It's the year 2012. The Mayan calendar marks it as a time for change. The events leading to it...mostly natural disasters, will ultimately reach a crescendo.
Such was the firm belief of a young Israeli woman, in Canada, on a student visa, while I was trekking along English Bay, near the tents of the Festival of Chariots. She first asked me about the festival, on the 13th...Krishna's Birthday celebration, which she had heard about from a TV ad. Then she revealed her concerns about climate change, the Earth being a living organism, and how we have disrupted and abused our planet. Of course I couldn't disagree and I offered the suggestion that we earthlings become more conscious and that we get on with some spiritual program.
I wouldn't necessarily agree that 2012, will be the confirmed date for change, whether disaster or renaissance. I can appreciate that some people need time lines (or more appropriately, deadlines) in which to work under. It's pressure of a certain kind. It's also interesting to see how people respond to prophetic warnings.
In the seventies, there was talk amongst some of our monks about a future World War...number three. With excitement they approached our guru about what action to take, and he responded with the advice to spiritually prepare yourself. He alluded to the point that doomsday can come at any time so one must be prepared for that critical time.
History tells of disasters which have caused much damage. The Vedas do give some approximate figures as to when an apocalypse is expected, but there is a long time to wait. We are looking at thousands of years from now. It's of course no excuse for being complacent about our spiritual obligation.
6 Km
2012
Do you ever meet Doomsday people?
Well I do. In fact, I have close friends who were convinced of a computer crash at the height of the Y2K frenzy...the turn of the century/millenia...the year 2000. There was fear of no provisions, such as food or water. The myth of the time was that the world would fall apart. When in Australia, and New Zealand, the New Year's lights flashed on, the world seemed as if to sigh in relief. Life was to go on. Perhaps someone up there had been laughing at us while some people cashed in on the hype...one of the greatest hoaxes of our time.
It was today that I met the latest doomsday scenario. It's the year 2012. The Mayan calendar marks it as a time for change. The events leading to it...mostly natural disasters, will ultimately reach a crescendo.
Such was the firm belief of a young Israeli woman, in Canada, on a student visa, while I was trekking along English Bay, near the tents of the Festival of Chariots. She first asked me about the festival, on the 13th...Krishna's Birthday celebration, which she had heard about from a TV ad. Then she revealed her concerns about climate change, the Earth being a living organism, and how we have disrupted and abused our planet. Of course I couldn't disagree and I offered the suggestion that we earthlings become more conscious and that we get on with some spiritual program.
I wouldn't necessarily agree that 2012, will be the confirmed date for change, whether disaster or renaissance. I can appreciate that some people need time lines (or more appropriately, deadlines) in which to work under. It's pressure of a certain kind. It's also interesting to see how people respond to prophetic warnings.
In the seventies, there was talk amongst some of our monks about a future World War...number three. With excitement they approached our guru about what action to take, and he responded with the advice to spiritually prepare yourself. He alluded to the point that doomsday can come at any time so one must be prepared for that critical time.
History tells of disasters which have caused much damage. The Vedas do give some approximate figures as to when an apocalypse is expected, but there is a long time to wait. We are looking at thousands of years from now. It's of course no excuse for being complacent about our spiritual obligation.
6 Km
Friday, August 7th, 2009
Burnaby, British Columbia
Contribution
Contribution! That word came to my mind, not in reference to finance, but more so to do with the skills and physical output that had been given to the world. I was just outside our Burnaby temple when, at least six of us alumni former monks came together at a sidewalk juncture. After a heartfelt exchange of words, I dwelt on the great services each of these Godbrothers contributed. One had succeeded in organic farming, another one in teaching, another one in running a tourist bus company, and yet another just by being a good dad and husband, what to speak of a host of other service contributions.
Each one of my buddies did not stay on as monastic persons like it was when I first met them, but they did their part to be the examples. It is unrealistic to consider that all persons will stay single for life, or in this case, as bachelors.
I do get asked the question frequently enough about the celibacy for life issue. It is so rare to find such a person. We do advocate good family planning.
But just to put the sex versus no sex topic to the side, my colleagues from the past, in their sixth decade of life, have lead decent lives which I really appreciate. Their position as role models in society is a tremendous offering, a great sacrifice, and a display of responsible living. I highly admire them for that. They have made their contribution. Bravo!
6 Km
Contribution
Contribution! That word came to my mind, not in reference to finance, but more so to do with the skills and physical output that had been given to the world. I was just outside our Burnaby temple when, at least six of us alumni former monks came together at a sidewalk juncture. After a heartfelt exchange of words, I dwelt on the great services each of these Godbrothers contributed. One had succeeded in organic farming, another one in teaching, another one in running a tourist bus company, and yet another just by being a good dad and husband, what to speak of a host of other service contributions.
Each one of my buddies did not stay on as monastic persons like it was when I first met them, but they did their part to be the examples. It is unrealistic to consider that all persons will stay single for life, or in this case, as bachelors.
I do get asked the question frequently enough about the celibacy for life issue. It is so rare to find such a person. We do advocate good family planning.
But just to put the sex versus no sex topic to the side, my colleagues from the past, in their sixth decade of life, have lead decent lives which I really appreciate. Their position as role models in society is a tremendous offering, a great sacrifice, and a display of responsible living. I highly admire them for that. They have made their contribution. Bravo!
6 Km
Sunday, 9 August 2009
Thursday, August 6th2009
That's the Spirit
Burnaby, British Columbia
When I come to stay at the Burnaby ashram I usually trek along Marine Drive to a trail under the Skytrain and back. Today I took to the farm land, a slight elevation down into the Fraser Valley. There I felt traces of nostalgia. It's a flat black plain with a rich growth of vegetables and fruits. It brings me back to my childhood, having grown up in rich southern Ontario soil.
A farmer came to the edge of his driveway to meet me, and walking partner for the day, Nipuna. The farmer gave a warm greeting and spoke.
"It's good to see you guys here. You should come more often, and more of you. It's all agricultural fields. This is your kind of place."
His words were like a divine confirmation. Maybe prophetic. It was as if God spoke, telling us that as monks, we should be in the countryside and behind the lifestyle of growing things.
We saw Chinese workers with broad sun hats weeding the fields, squatting the whole time, and plucking away at the unwanted plants.
I made a second trip to the area just to fulfill my commitment to a minimum daily amount of steps on foot; as well as my minimum amount of time chanting on meditation beads. It was eight hours after my morning venture. The workers were still there. This was impressive!
I never tire of seeing inspirational people while trekking; whether it be a road construction crew, guys repairing a bridge, farmers ploughing fields, or young men in military training walking over a steep gorge with a three rope bridge. When people work as a force in collaboration, it is a display of utter beauty,...the perfect concert.
Upon returning to the local temple and ashram, I saw the same dynamic happening there. In their amazing passion to run a smooth flowing Chariot Festival, devotees were moving as buzzing bees, working out all the preparations for the weekend's event. It's about harmony really.
It is what our guru, Srila Prabhupada, always called for. He called for the spirit of co-operation.
7 Km
Burnaby, British Columbia
When I come to stay at the Burnaby ashram I usually trek along Marine Drive to a trail under the Skytrain and back. Today I took to the farm land, a slight elevation down into the Fraser Valley. There I felt traces of nostalgia. It's a flat black plain with a rich growth of vegetables and fruits. It brings me back to my childhood, having grown up in rich southern Ontario soil.
A farmer came to the edge of his driveway to meet me, and walking partner for the day, Nipuna. The farmer gave a warm greeting and spoke.
"It's good to see you guys here. You should come more often, and more of you. It's all agricultural fields. This is your kind of place."
His words were like a divine confirmation. Maybe prophetic. It was as if God spoke, telling us that as monks, we should be in the countryside and behind the lifestyle of growing things.
We saw Chinese workers with broad sun hats weeding the fields, squatting the whole time, and plucking away at the unwanted plants.
I made a second trip to the area just to fulfill my commitment to a minimum daily amount of steps on foot; as well as my minimum amount of time chanting on meditation beads. It was eight hours after my morning venture. The workers were still there. This was impressive!
I never tire of seeing inspirational people while trekking; whether it be a road construction crew, guys repairing a bridge, farmers ploughing fields, or young men in military training walking over a steep gorge with a three rope bridge. When people work as a force in collaboration, it is a display of utter beauty,...the perfect concert.
Upon returning to the local temple and ashram, I saw the same dynamic happening there. In their amazing passion to run a smooth flowing Chariot Festival, devotees were moving as buzzing bees, working out all the preparations for the weekend's event. It's about harmony really.
It is what our guru, Srila Prabhupada, always called for. He called for the spirit of co-operation.
7 Km
Wednesday, August 5th, 2009
Call for Strength
Vancouver, British Columbia
Josh, my flying partner to Vancouver, is in some anxiety over his grandmother. Someone broke into her home in the middle of the night, tied her up and gagged her. What's worse, is that the culprit ran away with many of her valuables. This happened just yesterday in her Durban home in South Africa.
This type of occurrence is very commonplace in South Africa, which is a beautiful country with good souls. In recent years, it has become socially a tough place to live in. There are many horror stories there of people losing belongings due to theft and sometimes even losing lives. Josh lost his father five years ago. He was murdered in his own home.
He was a lovely man. I remember meeting him. He was deeply devotional. He was also a runner. Everyday he ran and participated in marathon runs. He was very much a community and family man. He very much reflected the South African spirit, the spirit of warmth.
When I was first introduced to South African folks years ago, I was told that they have honey coated hearts. People there are receptive to spirituality. They have a lot going for them, but they often find themselves living in a dark cloud of violence, disease and crime. You may be lead to wonder why these people have to go through this?
That question may be difficult to answer, but what we might gain from the observation of South Africa, is that there is no assured shanti or peace in this world. The challenges that come our way are an impetus to call for strength.
So call for strength Josh! Call for strength! Chant in the mood to call for strength!
5 Km
Vancouver, British Columbia
Josh, my flying partner to Vancouver, is in some anxiety over his grandmother. Someone broke into her home in the middle of the night, tied her up and gagged her. What's worse, is that the culprit ran away with many of her valuables. This happened just yesterday in her Durban home in South Africa.
This type of occurrence is very commonplace in South Africa, which is a beautiful country with good souls. In recent years, it has become socially a tough place to live in. There are many horror stories there of people losing belongings due to theft and sometimes even losing lives. Josh lost his father five years ago. He was murdered in his own home.
He was a lovely man. I remember meeting him. He was deeply devotional. He was also a runner. Everyday he ran and participated in marathon runs. He was very much a community and family man. He very much reflected the South African spirit, the spirit of warmth.
When I was first introduced to South African folks years ago, I was told that they have honey coated hearts. People there are receptive to spirituality. They have a lot going for them, but they often find themselves living in a dark cloud of violence, disease and crime. You may be lead to wonder why these people have to go through this?
That question may be difficult to answer, but what we might gain from the observation of South Africa, is that there is no assured shanti or peace in this world. The challenges that come our way are an impetus to call for strength.
So call for strength Josh! Call for strength! Chant in the mood to call for strength!
5 Km
Thursday, 6 August 2009
Tuesday, August 4th, 2009
The Comedian
Toronto, Ontario
Jack came back. It was his second day to the temple. He spoke about his childhood and his many years of growing up in Hollywood. He grew up knowing many entertainers. He acknowledged that the one person who is by far the greatest star is God, Himself. According to Jack, God is a humourist. He quoted Voltaire by saying that God is the greatest comedian who has an audience that doesn't laugh. Most people don't get His jokes.
I certainly wouldn't disagree that God creates, God destroys and maintains, but there is a richer side to this Prime Entity we call God; there's a playfulness in Him. Take the life of Krishna and observe the many areas where he displays his frivolity. That must be where we get our light heartedness from when we show it.
I took a meagre walk through Yorkville tonight as a way to get the legs going. It's been rather sedentary today, including an hour on the dentist's chair. Through this area (a mere stone's throw from the ashram) where chic boutiques and classy bars and cafes nab the tourists, it just came across to me that no recession stops folks, they appear seemingly happy here. But the Joke's on them. It's all rather superficial.
I hope Jack comes back. He can talk more about the greatest entertainer, but I'll converse a bout the main star - You Know Who I Mean. By the way, Jack is a bit of a comedian himself.
5 Km
Toronto, Ontario
Jack came back. It was his second day to the temple. He spoke about his childhood and his many years of growing up in Hollywood. He grew up knowing many entertainers. He acknowledged that the one person who is by far the greatest star is God, Himself. According to Jack, God is a humourist. He quoted Voltaire by saying that God is the greatest comedian who has an audience that doesn't laugh. Most people don't get His jokes.
I certainly wouldn't disagree that God creates, God destroys and maintains, but there is a richer side to this Prime Entity we call God; there's a playfulness in Him. Take the life of Krishna and observe the many areas where he displays his frivolity. That must be where we get our light heartedness from when we show it.
I took a meagre walk through Yorkville tonight as a way to get the legs going. It's been rather sedentary today, including an hour on the dentist's chair. Through this area (a mere stone's throw from the ashram) where chic boutiques and classy bars and cafes nab the tourists, it just came across to me that no recession stops folks, they appear seemingly happy here. But the Joke's on them. It's all rather superficial.
I hope Jack comes back. He can talk more about the greatest entertainer, but I'll converse a bout the main star - You Know Who I Mean. By the way, Jack is a bit of a comedian himself.
5 Km
Monday, August 3rd, 2009
Walking Is Relaxing
Toronto, Ontario
Jack was sitting on a park bench when I passed by him. “Can I ask you a question?’ He said before I could get too far away. I turned around and said, “of course.”
Jack was facing east looking at the sky opening up for the day. “Now I just saw a twinkling star. That must be Venus. And then you walked by. Now I don’t take anything as co-incidence.”
From there we entered into more dialogue until I left on the note of inviting him to our ashram for breakfast at 8:30 am. He agreed to come. And so he did come.
Jack is a free-lance journalist who likes to explore new territory which explains his curiosity with higher consciousness. After he spent some time with two of our committed members he was convinced about non-violence. On the spot he made a vow to be a vegetarian from that point on.
Part two of my walking affairs for the day lead me through green forest trails with my associate from Australia, Cameron. As we embarked on what was going to be a 15 kilometer hike a woman on her front lawn just missed us by inches with her water hose. She was apologetic but joked, “I almost gave you a baptism’. We laughed. And so the balance of the day was relaxed.
To reiterate my point more clearly WALKING IS RELAXING.
Cameron and I put on extra distance to the tune of 22 km. En route was a well-established cemetery. It was expansive enough. We got lost. Cameron was concerned that we find an exit before sun down and with a little prayer we managed to get back onto our track and back to the ashram.
24 Km
Toronto, Ontario
Jack was sitting on a park bench when I passed by him. “Can I ask you a question?’ He said before I could get too far away. I turned around and said, “of course.”
Jack was facing east looking at the sky opening up for the day. “Now I just saw a twinkling star. That must be Venus. And then you walked by. Now I don’t take anything as co-incidence.”
From there we entered into more dialogue until I left on the note of inviting him to our ashram for breakfast at 8:30 am. He agreed to come. And so he did come.
Jack is a free-lance journalist who likes to explore new territory which explains his curiosity with higher consciousness. After he spent some time with two of our committed members he was convinced about non-violence. On the spot he made a vow to be a vegetarian from that point on.
Part two of my walking affairs for the day lead me through green forest trails with my associate from Australia, Cameron. As we embarked on what was going to be a 15 kilometer hike a woman on her front lawn just missed us by inches with her water hose. She was apologetic but joked, “I almost gave you a baptism’. We laughed. And so the balance of the day was relaxed.
To reiterate my point more clearly WALKING IS RELAXING.
Cameron and I put on extra distance to the tune of 22 km. En route was a well-established cemetery. It was expansive enough. We got lost. Cameron was concerned that we find an exit before sun down and with a little prayer we managed to get back onto our track and back to the ashram.
24 Km
Tuesday, 4 August 2009
Sunday, August 2nd, 2009
A new Place
Scarborough, Ontario
Today was a day of great victory. A new centre for spirituality was born. On 3500 McNicol Avenue near Markham Rd. we held our first gathering securing an 1170 sq foot unit in this suburb of Toronto. It’s modest but it is a victory because in this dark age of self-centeredness a small band of people have put a dent into maya, the illusory world.
It will be a learning center for self-realization within the bhakti yoga standards as set by our guru, Srila Prabhupada. As guest of honor I had the opportunity to speak and so my topic had something to do with standards. Although the main core of the Scarborough founders had good intent the mantras chosen for chanting needed reviewing. Presedence had been set by our teacher. The focus must be on the great chant for deliverance. The Hare Krishna mantra on it’s own has enough body and frill that it doesn’t require much additional attempt at embellishment. All yogis accept this mantra as their favorite.
I think the group got the point. Many of them are of Sri Lankan decent . Coming to Canada in an effort to flee their warring nation. The more introspective folks took refuge of spiritual life under the pressure of need. The group here was full of smiles and they spiced up the event in pot-luck fashion. Everything was so tasty.
Another group from the downtown base, our youth, are shopping for yet another centre to open with the aim to reach out to students. I wish their endevour well. I firmly believe that it is God’s intent to expand consciousness in all directions- to put more spice into life, whether it be parsely, sage, rosemary, thyme. Well here we have it, at Scarborough. It’s only fair.
4 KM
Scarborough, Ontario
Today was a day of great victory. A new centre for spirituality was born. On 3500 McNicol Avenue near Markham Rd. we held our first gathering securing an 1170 sq foot unit in this suburb of Toronto. It’s modest but it is a victory because in this dark age of self-centeredness a small band of people have put a dent into maya, the illusory world.
It will be a learning center for self-realization within the bhakti yoga standards as set by our guru, Srila Prabhupada. As guest of honor I had the opportunity to speak and so my topic had something to do with standards. Although the main core of the Scarborough founders had good intent the mantras chosen for chanting needed reviewing. Presedence had been set by our teacher. The focus must be on the great chant for deliverance. The Hare Krishna mantra on it’s own has enough body and frill that it doesn’t require much additional attempt at embellishment. All yogis accept this mantra as their favorite.
I think the group got the point. Many of them are of Sri Lankan decent . Coming to Canada in an effort to flee their warring nation. The more introspective folks took refuge of spiritual life under the pressure of need. The group here was full of smiles and they spiced up the event in pot-luck fashion. Everything was so tasty.
Another group from the downtown base, our youth, are shopping for yet another centre to open with the aim to reach out to students. I wish their endevour well. I firmly believe that it is God’s intent to expand consciousness in all directions- to put more spice into life, whether it be parsely, sage, rosemary, thyme. Well here we have it, at Scarborough. It’s only fair.
4 KM
Saturday, August 1st, 2009
Like A Grape
Toronto, Ontario
I sometimes feel like a grape that’s been part of a cluster who wants to drop from the group for a while. The evening function was an appreciation dinner arranged for organizers of this year’s festival of Chariots. It went well. The association of people was sweet, the food was great. After a hectic day and evening I needed to wind down and leave the company of people. The thank-you’s had gone out, I felt I did my job giving my time out of duty and love. So I left walking for a bit with a no- sour grapes attitude.
On Davenport road I planted myself under a tree to chant my evening mantras (gayatri) when David, 31, spotted me and pointed, “I know you!”. Out of respect for him I temporarily ceased chanting my mantras and tried to remember him. “I’m the Grinch”, he said.
“Of course, I remember you, you were dressed as the Grinch who stole Christmas at Yonge and Dundas a year and a half ago.”
David had dressed himself up as the Dr. Seus character and went to the busy intersection moving to the recorded music, “You’re a mean one, Mr. Grinch…..”. He gave up that character and now makes money as a golden cowboy. He also remarked how our local monk Yajna does phenomenal, selling books on spirituality – books that people didn’t necessarily anticipate to buy. “He’s good at what he does. The muslims try to give away free literature and the Christians try to give away free bibles but your guy sells 50 books a day on the street. Like WOW!”
“Yes, He’s good”, I said.
Before I could get back to my gayatri mantra I realized David really relished our long talk which included him expressing that he and his buddy friend had dreamed of walking the whole country some day.
“It take six months Dave. If you want any tips I’ll agree to be your road guru. Any advice and I’ll give guidance. Of course the best way to undertake such a task is to chant while walking. “
David appreciated the advice and finally agreed we should terminate the talk. I went back to my gayatri feeling like the sweetest grape ready to go back to the ashram to join the cluster.
6 KM
Toronto, Ontario
I sometimes feel like a grape that’s been part of a cluster who wants to drop from the group for a while. The evening function was an appreciation dinner arranged for organizers of this year’s festival of Chariots. It went well. The association of people was sweet, the food was great. After a hectic day and evening I needed to wind down and leave the company of people. The thank-you’s had gone out, I felt I did my job giving my time out of duty and love. So I left walking for a bit with a no- sour grapes attitude.
On Davenport road I planted myself under a tree to chant my evening mantras (gayatri) when David, 31, spotted me and pointed, “I know you!”. Out of respect for him I temporarily ceased chanting my mantras and tried to remember him. “I’m the Grinch”, he said.
“Of course, I remember you, you were dressed as the Grinch who stole Christmas at Yonge and Dundas a year and a half ago.”
David had dressed himself up as the Dr. Seus character and went to the busy intersection moving to the recorded music, “You’re a mean one, Mr. Grinch…..”. He gave up that character and now makes money as a golden cowboy. He also remarked how our local monk Yajna does phenomenal, selling books on spirituality – books that people didn’t necessarily anticipate to buy. “He’s good at what he does. The muslims try to give away free literature and the Christians try to give away free bibles but your guy sells 50 books a day on the street. Like WOW!”
“Yes, He’s good”, I said.
Before I could get back to my gayatri mantra I realized David really relished our long talk which included him expressing that he and his buddy friend had dreamed of walking the whole country some day.
“It take six months Dave. If you want any tips I’ll agree to be your road guru. Any advice and I’ll give guidance. Of course the best way to undertake such a task is to chant while walking. “
David appreciated the advice and finally agreed we should terminate the talk. I went back to my gayatri feeling like the sweetest grape ready to go back to the ashram to join the cluster.
6 KM
Monday, 3 August 2009
Friday, July 31st, 2009
A Wish
Brampton, Ontario
After a lively evening of sat-sang (spiritual association) at the residence of a family by the name of Pandey, I asked my driver to drop me off at Lawrence Av. and Avenue Rd., so I could walk back to the ashram (monastery). It was 11pm. I needed to pick up some calamine lotion to address the rash that developed around my neck. I believe the itch is actually a heat rash and not a possible poison oak rash from my trip to North Carolina.
At one point along the route Avenue Rd. southbound becomes divided by a plot of land occupied by Upper Canada College, an all-boys private school and a very reputable educational institution. I decided to cut right through the middle of the property as a short cut. These early 19th century group of buildings do have their own charm. I managed to peer inside one of the corridors. The view invoked in me a stroke of envy.
I do wish that our ashram had the same appeal of neatness and quality of structured workmanship. Just to compare, it is a source of concern for me to look inside some of our ashram rooms and see the irregular furniture, that some rooms are not so tidy.
Furthermore some of the ashram dwellers don’t take the regimentation of temple life so seriously. The brahmacaris (monks) are saints but naturally some struggle is there to be more regulated. Not all enthusiasm is sustained on the same level.
My wish would be to have an immaculate well- laid out ashram with super serious students and an ashram with attractive rooms for guests who will come for retreats. I would like to see retreats that nuture all across the globe.
Upper Canada College inspired me. The only thing is that the science of the self is not part of the curriculum here and that is what makes our ashram superior.
10 KM
Brampton, Ontario
After a lively evening of sat-sang (spiritual association) at the residence of a family by the name of Pandey, I asked my driver to drop me off at Lawrence Av. and Avenue Rd., so I could walk back to the ashram (monastery). It was 11pm. I needed to pick up some calamine lotion to address the rash that developed around my neck. I believe the itch is actually a heat rash and not a possible poison oak rash from my trip to North Carolina.
At one point along the route Avenue Rd. southbound becomes divided by a plot of land occupied by Upper Canada College, an all-boys private school and a very reputable educational institution. I decided to cut right through the middle of the property as a short cut. These early 19th century group of buildings do have their own charm. I managed to peer inside one of the corridors. The view invoked in me a stroke of envy.
I do wish that our ashram had the same appeal of neatness and quality of structured workmanship. Just to compare, it is a source of concern for me to look inside some of our ashram rooms and see the irregular furniture, that some rooms are not so tidy.
Furthermore some of the ashram dwellers don’t take the regimentation of temple life so seriously. The brahmacaris (monks) are saints but naturally some struggle is there to be more regulated. Not all enthusiasm is sustained on the same level.
My wish would be to have an immaculate well- laid out ashram with super serious students and an ashram with attractive rooms for guests who will come for retreats. I would like to see retreats that nuture all across the globe.
Upper Canada College inspired me. The only thing is that the science of the self is not part of the curriculum here and that is what makes our ashram superior.
10 KM
Thursday, July 30th, 2009
Sacred Outing
Petroglyphs Park, Ontario
Petroglyphs refers to teaching rocks. It is the greatest concentration of ancient engravings set in marble stone in all of North America. Images of the turtle, thunderbird, serpent and more were carved in the crystalline rock hundreds of years ago by indigenous people who are telling stories.
To respect the spirit of the teaching rocks you are not allowed to take pictures or bring your dog into the forested sacred area. In the visitors centre I took note of a quote at one display:” To walk in beauty is to dream and dance in this road of the heart.”
Here’s another inspiring message from an elder:
What we are told as children is that people
when they walk on the land,
leave their breath wherever they go.
So whenever we walk
That particular spot on the earth
Never forgets us.
When we go back to these places we know
That the people who lived there
Are in some way still there,
And that we can partake
Of their breath and
Of their spirit.
I took some of the monk’s for a day’s outing to the teaching rocks to get out of the city, breed some clean air, swim in a pristine lake and touch this new but ancient realm of sacredness at the Petroglyphs.
In the evening we stopped at the home of a vaisnava family near Peterborogh. Our boys had a sportive time playing soccer. What followed was a great meal and a reading from “Krishna” Book (my contribution).
It was a day of minimal walking but, maximum bonding.
4 KM
Petroglyphs Park, Ontario
Petroglyphs refers to teaching rocks. It is the greatest concentration of ancient engravings set in marble stone in all of North America. Images of the turtle, thunderbird, serpent and more were carved in the crystalline rock hundreds of years ago by indigenous people who are telling stories.
To respect the spirit of the teaching rocks you are not allowed to take pictures or bring your dog into the forested sacred area. In the visitors centre I took note of a quote at one display:” To walk in beauty is to dream and dance in this road of the heart.”
Here’s another inspiring message from an elder:
What we are told as children is that people
when they walk on the land,
leave their breath wherever they go.
So whenever we walk
That particular spot on the earth
Never forgets us.
When we go back to these places we know
That the people who lived there
Are in some way still there,
And that we can partake
Of their breath and
Of their spirit.
I took some of the monk’s for a day’s outing to the teaching rocks to get out of the city, breed some clean air, swim in a pristine lake and touch this new but ancient realm of sacredness at the Petroglyphs.
In the evening we stopped at the home of a vaisnava family near Peterborogh. Our boys had a sportive time playing soccer. What followed was a great meal and a reading from “Krishna” Book (my contribution).
It was a day of minimal walking but, maximum bonding.
4 KM
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