Forgive! Forget!
Toronto, Ontario
The sun and humidity continues to be brutal. It will be hard to forgive the actions of the sun which blazes and pulls moisture to be suspended in the air rather than leaving comfortable deposits on the ground. I was informed that at least 16 states in America have declared heat warnings.
I have learned to respect the relentless sun by dodging it like respecting the bear by staying out of it’s way. Even with walking I chose early morning or later evening as times for those daily ventures. I have come to that conclusion-“respect from a distance.“
If you have been “burnt” by the sun, as in sun burn then forgive and forget. To forgive is divine. What other option is there?
Two quotes from our guru, Srila Prabhupada on the subject of forgiveness are as follows:
“It is said that the beauty of tapasvi, or saintly person, is forgiveness.” (Srimad Bhagavatam 4.6.48)
“Ksama, tolerance and forgiveness, should be practiced; one should be tolerant and excuse the minor offenses of others.” (Bhagavad Gita)
Dealing with the sun is one thing but handling people is another. If we have committed a mistake and hurt someone don’t we wish to be forgiven? The benefit behind forgiveness is that it increases the opportunities for open-ness and communication. It takes off a heavy weight.
Two more:
“To get freedom from anger, one should learn how to forgive.” (Srimad Bhagavatam 1.9.27)
Whatever is done is done; the main thing is we must not carry grudges or continue to quarrel amongst one another.” (A letter)
4 KM
B L O G S P O T
Tuesday, 10 August 2010
Monday, August 2nd, 2010
Will Never Forget.
Toronto, Ontario
I was waling when I heard the scream.
“You so friggin’ scared us!” Yelled a young man from the moving car.
It was still dark as the sun hadn’t yet had the chance to poke himself over the horizon.
The voice was not alone. Others were with him hooting and hollering over who knows what. They were party-goers and in some way they were the scary ones being unpredictable under dear beer influence.
I remember the power of intoxication and being under it’s grip when in the late teens. I never went deep with it, thank God, and I never really wanted to become a victim. It was a social thing. Your were young, curious, and you wanted to live slightly dangerous.
When that party car turned it’s corner I had that chance to reflect on when my life turned when having met those bald-headed creatures in front of Boni-mart at Christmas time 1972. It was winter and dark. All shoppers had retreated to their homes being that stores were now closed. The baldies (Krishna devotees) were determined in their music making, a drum and hand cymbals. Their voices were loud over the still night. It was almost like “Silent Night” in the atmosphere.
It was that night that I received a handsome copy of the “Bhagavat-Gita”, which gave me enough reason to part with mild agents of mind alterations. I kissed those scary things such as weed and beer “good-bye forever!” And I would credit one of the monks, a native of Hamilton, Visvakarma by name, for handing me that golden treasure of a book.
I will never forget him for doing me that great favour.
10 KM
Toronto, Ontario
I was waling when I heard the scream.
“You so friggin’ scared us!” Yelled a young man from the moving car.
It was still dark as the sun hadn’t yet had the chance to poke himself over the horizon.
The voice was not alone. Others were with him hooting and hollering over who knows what. They were party-goers and in some way they were the scary ones being unpredictable under dear beer influence.
I remember the power of intoxication and being under it’s grip when in the late teens. I never went deep with it, thank God, and I never really wanted to become a victim. It was a social thing. Your were young, curious, and you wanted to live slightly dangerous.
When that party car turned it’s corner I had that chance to reflect on when my life turned when having met those bald-headed creatures in front of Boni-mart at Christmas time 1972. It was winter and dark. All shoppers had retreated to their homes being that stores were now closed. The baldies (Krishna devotees) were determined in their music making, a drum and hand cymbals. Their voices were loud over the still night. It was almost like “Silent Night” in the atmosphere.
It was that night that I received a handsome copy of the “Bhagavat-Gita”, which gave me enough reason to part with mild agents of mind alterations. I kissed those scary things such as weed and beer “good-bye forever!” And I would credit one of the monks, a native of Hamilton, Visvakarma by name, for handing me that golden treasure of a book.
I will never forget him for doing me that great favour.
10 KM
Monday, 9 August 2010
Sunday, August 1st, 2010
What sets us apart
Toronto, Ontario
A jewish friend of mine who is a professional counselor told me about a swami whom he recently heard speak. He said to his audience that humans are unique- they smile. Other forms of life don’t. “Animals don’t smile- only in cartoons, otherwise they don’t smile.”
My friend said that the swami was implying that humans have some obligations. Smiling is one of them.
And here is another obligation, rather exclusive to humans. Time and time again our guru, Srila Prabhupada , would speak and write about the sojourn of the soul through different species until reaching the summit- the human platform.
A verse from the Vedanta- sutra refers to this- “Athato Brahman-jijnasa”. “Now is the time to inquire about Brahman.” The word atha means that one who is intelligent, who has come to the point of realizing the basic frustrations of material life, is capable of making inquiry. It is stated that one should inquire from a spiritual master about subjects that are “beyond this darkness”. Our inquires should be about the transcendental worlds which lie beyond this universe. “(quote from the King of Knowledge).
We humans run the same track when it comes to doing as other forms of life –eat, sleep, mate, defend. Now it is identified what puts us apart from these other species. We go beyond. It’s a good enough reason to smile and feel some good fortune being a human. This does not give us license to over-power other humble species. If anything, we are then in a more protective situation.
Let inquiry lead to answers, answers to actions, actions to solutions. Improve the world and ourselves.
8 KM
Toronto, Ontario
A jewish friend of mine who is a professional counselor told me about a swami whom he recently heard speak. He said to his audience that humans are unique- they smile. Other forms of life don’t. “Animals don’t smile- only in cartoons, otherwise they don’t smile.”
My friend said that the swami was implying that humans have some obligations. Smiling is one of them.
And here is another obligation, rather exclusive to humans. Time and time again our guru, Srila Prabhupada , would speak and write about the sojourn of the soul through different species until reaching the summit- the human platform.
A verse from the Vedanta- sutra refers to this- “Athato Brahman-jijnasa”. “Now is the time to inquire about Brahman.” The word atha means that one who is intelligent, who has come to the point of realizing the basic frustrations of material life, is capable of making inquiry. It is stated that one should inquire from a spiritual master about subjects that are “beyond this darkness”. Our inquires should be about the transcendental worlds which lie beyond this universe. “(quote from the King of Knowledge).
We humans run the same track when it comes to doing as other forms of life –eat, sleep, mate, defend. Now it is identified what puts us apart from these other species. We go beyond. It’s a good enough reason to smile and feel some good fortune being a human. This does not give us license to over-power other humble species. If anything, we are then in a more protective situation.
Let inquiry lead to answers, answers to actions, actions to solutions. Improve the world and ourselves.
8 KM
Thursday, 5 August 2010
Saturday, July 31st, 2010
A step Into Heaven
Toronto, Ontario
Yonge St. was pouring with people. It was the evening of the previous day and after a plentiful hours of devotional services I decided to walk to the street that dosesn’t sleep. Accompanying me was Keshava Jr, who is 29. He ended his full day at the temple ashram with a walk to his apartment which happens to be off of Yonge.
Both Keshava and I were not aware that the street would fill as it did with pedestrians because of the annual Carabana, which attracts over 1 million people, the city is crawling with people (not like India though) and with police.
One officer on foot upon seeing us said, “ How are you this evening?”
“Fine”, I responded in passing.
I then halted, walked back to him and asked, “Why so many police?”
“ It’s because there’s extra people which means extra drinking”, he said.
A few more words of exchange concluded our dialogue and I carried on with Keshava walking. I thought about the drinking culture. It’s sad. And as I thought I saw extra cabs zipping by. Extra people, extra booze, extra cabs. What a culture? Drinking is a rite of passage for many youth. “That’s sad”, I thought. And here’s what comes out of all the fun- entrails rot, bad to foul breath, slurred speech, inability to walk, loss of hard earned funds, increased accidents, increased risk of violence etc.
After passing the evening having caught a glimpse of what’s to come I entered the temple room at the usual 4:30 am service called Mangal Aarti. There I witnessed a room rather full of people in devotional attire. They were chanting peacefully on their meditational beads. There were some young teenage boys who, had they not been here, could likely be pressurized to the modern version of the rite of passage. They are spared. I felt like I stepped into heaven.
12 KM
Toronto, Ontario
Yonge St. was pouring with people. It was the evening of the previous day and after a plentiful hours of devotional services I decided to walk to the street that dosesn’t sleep. Accompanying me was Keshava Jr, who is 29. He ended his full day at the temple ashram with a walk to his apartment which happens to be off of Yonge.
Both Keshava and I were not aware that the street would fill as it did with pedestrians because of the annual Carabana, which attracts over 1 million people, the city is crawling with people (not like India though) and with police.
One officer on foot upon seeing us said, “ How are you this evening?”
“Fine”, I responded in passing.
I then halted, walked back to him and asked, “Why so many police?”
“ It’s because there’s extra people which means extra drinking”, he said.
A few more words of exchange concluded our dialogue and I carried on with Keshava walking. I thought about the drinking culture. It’s sad. And as I thought I saw extra cabs zipping by. Extra people, extra booze, extra cabs. What a culture? Drinking is a rite of passage for many youth. “That’s sad”, I thought. And here’s what comes out of all the fun- entrails rot, bad to foul breath, slurred speech, inability to walk, loss of hard earned funds, increased accidents, increased risk of violence etc.
After passing the evening having caught a glimpse of what’s to come I entered the temple room at the usual 4:30 am service called Mangal Aarti. There I witnessed a room rather full of people in devotional attire. They were chanting peacefully on their meditational beads. There were some young teenage boys who, had they not been here, could likely be pressurized to the modern version of the rite of passage. They are spared. I felt like I stepped into heaven.
12 KM
Friday, July 30th, 2010
Traveler’s Help
Toronto, Ontario
Regarding decisions, I am in a management spot where I can decide who I would like to invite to Canada to help in the re-spiritualization of the place. We play host to a variety of traveling monks who give that real boost and leave behind a group of happy people as they sojourn to other territory.
One monk who is a swami from India but who learned of the essence of his own cultural background in Canada is Gopal Krishna Goswmai. He just departed for Montreal today by train. By car another monk from South Africa had arrived three days before to come and inject in our community an appreciation for the essential practice of chanting. His name is B.B. Bhagavat Swami. Twice a year we are also graced by the presence of an African American, Devamrita Swami. At my request he came to add his itinerary Vancouver and Ashcroft in British Columbia. His Charisma and pure power does excite those sincere seekers of the truth.
More over, we have a married person who is in spirit is renounced and dedicated to the mission of disseminating of devotional literature. He is an euphoric-type of person who sets a great tone wherever he travels. It is Vaisesika Prabhu and he makes routine trips to parts of the country.
We have others who travel to do the same as above mentioned. It was the genius of our guru, Srila Prabhupada, to arrange for this system of traveling mendicants and spiritualists to inspire in addition to having the local “grounded” servant-leaders to keep motivated by their pure stalwart devotion. Such a system is like rich blood circulating. Without such association you have a blood clot.
And that ain’t nice!
7 KM
Toronto, Ontario
Regarding decisions, I am in a management spot where I can decide who I would like to invite to Canada to help in the re-spiritualization of the place. We play host to a variety of traveling monks who give that real boost and leave behind a group of happy people as they sojourn to other territory.
One monk who is a swami from India but who learned of the essence of his own cultural background in Canada is Gopal Krishna Goswmai. He just departed for Montreal today by train. By car another monk from South Africa had arrived three days before to come and inject in our community an appreciation for the essential practice of chanting. His name is B.B. Bhagavat Swami. Twice a year we are also graced by the presence of an African American, Devamrita Swami. At my request he came to add his itinerary Vancouver and Ashcroft in British Columbia. His Charisma and pure power does excite those sincere seekers of the truth.
More over, we have a married person who is in spirit is renounced and dedicated to the mission of disseminating of devotional literature. He is an euphoric-type of person who sets a great tone wherever he travels. It is Vaisesika Prabhu and he makes routine trips to parts of the country.
We have others who travel to do the same as above mentioned. It was the genius of our guru, Srila Prabhupada, to arrange for this system of traveling mendicants and spiritualists to inspire in addition to having the local “grounded” servant-leaders to keep motivated by their pure stalwart devotion. Such a system is like rich blood circulating. Without such association you have a blood clot.
And that ain’t nice!
7 KM
Thursday, July 29th, 2010
Through It All
Toronto, Ontario
I struggle sometimes while moving on my feet. It’s not necessarily physical pain that I go through but a more subtle strain – the mind. I’m not unique in this. It is emphasized by Krishna Himself, speaker of the Gita. We are all “struggling with the six senses including the mind,” He states.
I do find walking most helpful when under the influence of anguish, something fuelled today by a decision made by an administrative committee. I couldn’t agree with the final vote made by my own peers. Such is life. You have to live with a decision made and hope for the best.
It is relieving to ponder a thing that may be of a taxing nature when you can get out of your living space, look at the sky, take in new air and receive new hope. It’s a real way to release the valve of the pressure within. You go out for that break, you walk and chant. You chant, “Hare Krishna Hare Krishna, Krishna Krishna, Hare Hare / Hare Rama Hare Rama, Rama Rama, Hare Hare.”
The anxiety may not dissolve completely but you come out as a stronger person and more able to cope.
It was comedian Milton Berle who said, “A committee is a group of people who take minutes but lose hours.” Bureaucracy appears to be that necessary evil that we much often persevere. Decisions need to be made after due deliberation. There is always a chance that decision can be reversed. And then again that new decision can’t please all parties. You learn to smile through it all.
8 KM
Toronto, Ontario
I struggle sometimes while moving on my feet. It’s not necessarily physical pain that I go through but a more subtle strain – the mind. I’m not unique in this. It is emphasized by Krishna Himself, speaker of the Gita. We are all “struggling with the six senses including the mind,” He states.
I do find walking most helpful when under the influence of anguish, something fuelled today by a decision made by an administrative committee. I couldn’t agree with the final vote made by my own peers. Such is life. You have to live with a decision made and hope for the best.
It is relieving to ponder a thing that may be of a taxing nature when you can get out of your living space, look at the sky, take in new air and receive new hope. It’s a real way to release the valve of the pressure within. You go out for that break, you walk and chant. You chant, “Hare Krishna Hare Krishna, Krishna Krishna, Hare Hare / Hare Rama Hare Rama, Rama Rama, Hare Hare.”
The anxiety may not dissolve completely but you come out as a stronger person and more able to cope.
It was comedian Milton Berle who said, “A committee is a group of people who take minutes but lose hours.” Bureaucracy appears to be that necessary evil that we much often persevere. Decisions need to be made after due deliberation. There is always a chance that decision can be reversed. And then again that new decision can’t please all parties. You learn to smile through it all.
8 KM
Wednesday, 4 August 2010
Wednesday, July 28th, 2010
Keep Away From the Spray
Toronto, Ontario
Before the morning song birds get a chance to serenade the coming day at pre-pre-dawn, a hissing is heard. As I pass by yard to yard of the residential neighbourhood water pressure makes that sound and spews out here and there H20 moisture in the air. They are the sound of man-made geysers set to water the lawns. They are sporadic with their initial explosion and then a spray follows often times imposing themselves onto the sidewalk.
If you are an early walker like myself and you trek such sprouting neighbourhoods then you must listen for the sound of the hiss and run in order to miss. If not, you get sprayed.
It’s better than getting sprayed by those guys you share the early morning space with – skunks. Boy, there are out there. Once I counted seven in a two block jaunt. They’re never together. They don’t herd, like cats. I have never been attacked by their odour, a scent something like that I find common in Bengal – mustard seed oil used on the body or the hair.
No, never have I had the pleasure of having skunk juice on my body. I have met others who have. And dogs. I hear they get hit all the time. Once while I was reading a book by our guru, Srila Prabhupada, and in the very bedroom he slept in when that evening a dog barked outside the window. I could not see him, but only hear him. “Ruff! Ruff!”
After a few seconds of that he converted from an aggressive bark to a screechy squeal, as he was retreating. Suddenly a strong odour poured into my room and I could understand the dog had received a generous spray of skunk perfume.
It was totally a spontaneous response, unlike the spewing of water which operate on timers. What did I learn today?
1) It’s good to be regulated. Be on time!
2) When a hissing comes, clear out of the way.
3) Keep a distance from a skunk raised tail.
4) Accept nature’s light-heartedness
7 KM
Toronto, Ontario
Before the morning song birds get a chance to serenade the coming day at pre-pre-dawn, a hissing is heard. As I pass by yard to yard of the residential neighbourhood water pressure makes that sound and spews out here and there H20 moisture in the air. They are the sound of man-made geysers set to water the lawns. They are sporadic with their initial explosion and then a spray follows often times imposing themselves onto the sidewalk.
If you are an early walker like myself and you trek such sprouting neighbourhoods then you must listen for the sound of the hiss and run in order to miss. If not, you get sprayed.
It’s better than getting sprayed by those guys you share the early morning space with – skunks. Boy, there are out there. Once I counted seven in a two block jaunt. They’re never together. They don’t herd, like cats. I have never been attacked by their odour, a scent something like that I find common in Bengal – mustard seed oil used on the body or the hair.
No, never have I had the pleasure of having skunk juice on my body. I have met others who have. And dogs. I hear they get hit all the time. Once while I was reading a book by our guru, Srila Prabhupada, and in the very bedroom he slept in when that evening a dog barked outside the window. I could not see him, but only hear him. “Ruff! Ruff!”
After a few seconds of that he converted from an aggressive bark to a screechy squeal, as he was retreating. Suddenly a strong odour poured into my room and I could understand the dog had received a generous spray of skunk perfume.
It was totally a spontaneous response, unlike the spewing of water which operate on timers. What did I learn today?
1) It’s good to be regulated. Be on time!
2) When a hissing comes, clear out of the way.
3) Keep a distance from a skunk raised tail.
4) Accept nature’s light-heartedness
7 KM
Friday, 30 July 2010
Tuesday, July 27th, 2010
Today’s Impressions
Toronto, Ontario
Today I absorbed in hearing and reading the things of the day that impressed me the most. David Ellis, a friend who occasionally visits the temple’s dining lounge called Govinda’s, relayed to me that he has begun a 9.5 Km run everyday.
I read in one of those small daily newspapers called “24 Hours” that according to a poll opinion amongst Canadians that 54% believe the Islamic burqas should be banned in the country with 73% of people in the province of Quebec agreeing so.
One thing I heard orally that didn’t necessarily impress me but stressed me is that two of our principle dancers in a soon-to-be performed “Krishna: The 8th Boy” drama had to bow out because of other commitments imposed upon them.
The thing which mostly grabbed my attention is a quote from a book, “Into the Mystical”, a recent release by a dear friend, Robert Taylor (aka Bhumadev). Here’s the excerpt about his own personal soul searching.
“I perceived, with exceptional clarity, that the self could not possibly be a product of matter – that I, the observer of the outer world, was in fact a pure conscious spiritual being inhabiting the ever-changing material frame. This is eloquently expressed by the Jesuit philosopher Teilhard de Chardin in his immortal saying, ‘I am not a human being having a spiritual experience, I am a spiritual being having a human experience.’ “
3 KM
Toronto, Ontario
Today I absorbed in hearing and reading the things of the day that impressed me the most. David Ellis, a friend who occasionally visits the temple’s dining lounge called Govinda’s, relayed to me that he has begun a 9.5 Km run everyday.
I read in one of those small daily newspapers called “24 Hours” that according to a poll opinion amongst Canadians that 54% believe the Islamic burqas should be banned in the country with 73% of people in the province of Quebec agreeing so.
One thing I heard orally that didn’t necessarily impress me but stressed me is that two of our principle dancers in a soon-to-be performed “Krishna: The 8th Boy” drama had to bow out because of other commitments imposed upon them.
The thing which mostly grabbed my attention is a quote from a book, “Into the Mystical”, a recent release by a dear friend, Robert Taylor (aka Bhumadev). Here’s the excerpt about his own personal soul searching.
“I perceived, with exceptional clarity, that the self could not possibly be a product of matter – that I, the observer of the outer world, was in fact a pure conscious spiritual being inhabiting the ever-changing material frame. This is eloquently expressed by the Jesuit philosopher Teilhard de Chardin in his immortal saying, ‘I am not a human being having a spiritual experience, I am a spiritual being having a human experience.’ “
3 KM
Thursday, 29 July 2010
Monday, July 26th, 2010
Plug Away
Toronto, Ontario
Some people do struggle with their spirituality. They are wet or dry; wet meaning immersed, involved or engaged in their God consciousness, and dry meaning there is a lull period in spiritual progress. This could be a time of inactivity or even a time which is referred to as the dark hour of the soul.
I invited J. Kay to walk with me north on Yonge Street to his job. He was talking about his entrances and exits and how he wants to overcome them.
Desire is very strong. If you want something bad enough you are likely to endeavour to that end. In Sanskrit the saying is eko bahunam yo vidadhati Kaman. The All-powerful One can fulfill all desires. The thing is He also has desires. If we are sincere in our effort to make spiritual progress and yet a small desire creeps in and starts to fester, the Lord in the heart favours your continual spiritual growth over your mundane wishes and as policy helps to fulfill that which is best for the individual.
“You keep plugging away, J. Kay. Drdha-vrata, or determination is what you have going for you. It is like the road. It points in a direction. It may meander but eventually it makes it to a final line,” I suggested.
Recently, a person saw me in the orange/saffron robes and asked, “Are you a member of the Dutch soccer team?”
“No!” I said, “I know they lost the game to Spain, but they were very determined, weren’t they?”
10 KM
Toronto, Ontario
Some people do struggle with their spirituality. They are wet or dry; wet meaning immersed, involved or engaged in their God consciousness, and dry meaning there is a lull period in spiritual progress. This could be a time of inactivity or even a time which is referred to as the dark hour of the soul.
I invited J. Kay to walk with me north on Yonge Street to his job. He was talking about his entrances and exits and how he wants to overcome them.
Desire is very strong. If you want something bad enough you are likely to endeavour to that end. In Sanskrit the saying is eko bahunam yo vidadhati Kaman. The All-powerful One can fulfill all desires. The thing is He also has desires. If we are sincere in our effort to make spiritual progress and yet a small desire creeps in and starts to fester, the Lord in the heart favours your continual spiritual growth over your mundane wishes and as policy helps to fulfill that which is best for the individual.
“You keep plugging away, J. Kay. Drdha-vrata, or determination is what you have going for you. It is like the road. It points in a direction. It may meander but eventually it makes it to a final line,” I suggested.
Recently, a person saw me in the orange/saffron robes and asked, “Are you a member of the Dutch soccer team?”
“No!” I said, “I know they lost the game to Spain, but they were very determined, weren’t they?”
10 KM
Sunday, July 25th, 2010
Detroit Hope
Detroit, Michigan
The major walking for the day was a back and forth pace in the Fisher Mansion, now a beautiful temple. According to one of the tour guides, Mr. Fisher, a major unionist for the auto industry, had this space as his ball room dance floor. While I am chanting in my pace the rest of our devotional drama crew was inside exploring hidden passageways in the building. “Let them explore”, I thought, “it’s a gem of a building. Let the ‘child’ come out of them. In a few minutes they (Nitai, Goura, Laghu and Nitai Priya) will take part in a fire ceremony for a first initiation.
The South Indian community shows real strength in numbers while there is a trickle of blacks and whites that come to savour in the joy of kirtan chanting. Today, Peter became initiated as Prthu Das. He has been coming for two years and has been expertly guided by Afro-American, Yugala Kishor.
Yugala tells me that he has been going down the street at the park by the edge of the Detroit River. Members of a gang meet there as the sun goes down. Bravely, Yugala comes armed with a mrdanga drum in hand. He sits himself down on the grass and starts his chanting. The gang members laugh – at first. Then Yugala talks to them. They are happy for the friendship. They intimate to him that they are saddened with the gangster image that has come their way. In fact, they reveal that they want to come out of it. When they hear Yugala talk about the science of higher consciousness, they become so hopeful.
I told Yugala that I would like to help him help these kids who at the moment are lacking in good positive extra-curricular activities.
There is hope for Motown.
0 KM
Detroit, Michigan
The major walking for the day was a back and forth pace in the Fisher Mansion, now a beautiful temple. According to one of the tour guides, Mr. Fisher, a major unionist for the auto industry, had this space as his ball room dance floor. While I am chanting in my pace the rest of our devotional drama crew was inside exploring hidden passageways in the building. “Let them explore”, I thought, “it’s a gem of a building. Let the ‘child’ come out of them. In a few minutes they (Nitai, Goura, Laghu and Nitai Priya) will take part in a fire ceremony for a first initiation.
The South Indian community shows real strength in numbers while there is a trickle of blacks and whites that come to savour in the joy of kirtan chanting. Today, Peter became initiated as Prthu Das. He has been coming for two years and has been expertly guided by Afro-American, Yugala Kishor.
Yugala tells me that he has been going down the street at the park by the edge of the Detroit River. Members of a gang meet there as the sun goes down. Bravely, Yugala comes armed with a mrdanga drum in hand. He sits himself down on the grass and starts his chanting. The gang members laugh – at first. Then Yugala talks to them. They are happy for the friendship. They intimate to him that they are saddened with the gangster image that has come their way. In fact, they reveal that they want to come out of it. When they hear Yugala talk about the science of higher consciousness, they become so hopeful.
I told Yugala that I would like to help him help these kids who at the moment are lacking in good positive extra-curricular activities.
There is hope for Motown.
0 KM
Wednesday, 28 July 2010
Saturday, July 24th, 2010
To and In Michigan
Novi, Michigan
It has been a good trip to Michigan so far. We are not anticipating any trouble. Our drama troupe had popped by to my memory lane. On the Canadian side we drove down Old Tecumseh Road, my first walking trail ever, to and from school. We stopped by that school which is still standing but no longer operational. St. Peter's Church, established in 1802 is right next to it and is still functional. We also took a break in Chatham, my birth place, and also a destination poinit for former African slaves and the end of the underground railway line. Jim Burgess, my bro-in-law, was manning his bookstore when we went in to do the human thing – see a relative – and with pleasure.
After the border crossing at customs (since 911 things arent' the same) we had practiced for today's performances at the Iskcon Fisher Mansion, then slept at the home of Bhakta Guru in Canton, Michigan.
The day did start with lightning, and its affiliate, rain. The Ratha Yatra festival got off to a wet start but with a dry invocation. The Mayor and city councilors participated with us indoors at the Novi Civic Centre. Monk, Romapada Swami and Bhaktivasudeva Swami with monkess Malati and I were all in a neat row. Overall, the festival was joyful, well managed by a great group of people.
At the end of the day, I felt something was terribly amiss. And that was that no walking other than the procession had occupied the day. So I was committed to trek for two hours towards the home of our host, Bhakta Guru. Sing Lung from Toronto took to my side. We were surprised by one thing, Michigan is relatively flat which is perfect for cycling and walking yet consistent ride-walks in these prim and proper residential zones are few and far between. A sidewalk will go two or three blocks and then abruptly end. It would manifest on the other side and follow the same pattern.
Michigan people are nice. The state is the bastion of the automobile but at present is not pedestrian friendly. I pray for the day when the whole globe can be a haven for pilgrims and their feet.
8 KM
Novi, Michigan
It has been a good trip to Michigan so far. We are not anticipating any trouble. Our drama troupe had popped by to my memory lane. On the Canadian side we drove down Old Tecumseh Road, my first walking trail ever, to and from school. We stopped by that school which is still standing but no longer operational. St. Peter's Church, established in 1802 is right next to it and is still functional. We also took a break in Chatham, my birth place, and also a destination poinit for former African slaves and the end of the underground railway line. Jim Burgess, my bro-in-law, was manning his bookstore when we went in to do the human thing – see a relative – and with pleasure.
After the border crossing at customs (since 911 things arent' the same) we had practiced for today's performances at the Iskcon Fisher Mansion, then slept at the home of Bhakta Guru in Canton, Michigan.
The day did start with lightning, and its affiliate, rain. The Ratha Yatra festival got off to a wet start but with a dry invocation. The Mayor and city councilors participated with us indoors at the Novi Civic Centre. Monk, Romapada Swami and Bhaktivasudeva Swami with monkess Malati and I were all in a neat row. Overall, the festival was joyful, well managed by a great group of people.
At the end of the day, I felt something was terribly amiss. And that was that no walking other than the procession had occupied the day. So I was committed to trek for two hours towards the home of our host, Bhakta Guru. Sing Lung from Toronto took to my side. We were surprised by one thing, Michigan is relatively flat which is perfect for cycling and walking yet consistent ride-walks in these prim and proper residential zones are few and far between. A sidewalk will go two or three blocks and then abruptly end. It would manifest on the other side and follow the same pattern.
Michigan people are nice. The state is the bastion of the automobile but at present is not pedestrian friendly. I pray for the day when the whole globe can be a haven for pilgrims and their feet.
8 KM
Friday, July 23rd, 2010
Better to Be Safe Than Have It On Your Saree
West on the 401, Ontario
I had contemplated the safety measures taken for our ashram dwellers. Bearing in mind that one of our senior monks from India, Aindra, had lost his life, a victim of a gas leak from a propane tank that fuelled flames, I questioned just how safe are our ashrams and temples.
In the 90's we lost a pujari priest to serious flames arisen from Diwali candles placed on the altar floor. A flame crawled up his dhoti and then it was all over. A young woman visiting from the States was cooking when the end of her saree caught on fire from the gas range at the stove. She survived but the burns were serious enough. I have heard of more fire horror stories in addition to this. In general more could be done to protect the people in such sacred domains.
We also hear of lives being lost to the waters of the Ganges. Almost every year a bather, one of our pilgrims, is swept away by the serious currents of this turbulent but holy river. Perhaps safe docks for bathing could be constructed or designated zones be established. What about life guards being engaged at least during heavy trafficked festival times.
It seems fire and water continue to consume our family. There is, however, another culprit or cause for the death of the spiritually bound and that is ourselves. How many death tolls have you heard of that have been the result of nighttime driving or over fatigue behind the wheel?
While we have our mantras to protect our souls, some time needs to be reserved to look at the practical end of things. Securing safety is a use of our God-given intelligence. There is no guarantee for security in this world but those who are thoughtful (sattvic) make an effort.
I would put this subject under "Devotee Care" and reserve some time to see to the increased safety of our monastic people, the deities and people in general.
0 KM
West on the 401, Ontario
I had contemplated the safety measures taken for our ashram dwellers. Bearing in mind that one of our senior monks from India, Aindra, had lost his life, a victim of a gas leak from a propane tank that fuelled flames, I questioned just how safe are our ashrams and temples.
In the 90's we lost a pujari priest to serious flames arisen from Diwali candles placed on the altar floor. A flame crawled up his dhoti and then it was all over. A young woman visiting from the States was cooking when the end of her saree caught on fire from the gas range at the stove. She survived but the burns were serious enough. I have heard of more fire horror stories in addition to this. In general more could be done to protect the people in such sacred domains.
We also hear of lives being lost to the waters of the Ganges. Almost every year a bather, one of our pilgrims, is swept away by the serious currents of this turbulent but holy river. Perhaps safe docks for bathing could be constructed or designated zones be established. What about life guards being engaged at least during heavy trafficked festival times.
It seems fire and water continue to consume our family. There is, however, another culprit or cause for the death of the spiritually bound and that is ourselves. How many death tolls have you heard of that have been the result of nighttime driving or over fatigue behind the wheel?
While we have our mantras to protect our souls, some time needs to be reserved to look at the practical end of things. Securing safety is a use of our God-given intelligence. There is no guarantee for security in this world but those who are thoughtful (sattvic) make an effort.
I would put this subject under "Devotee Care" and reserve some time to see to the increased safety of our monastic people, the deities and people in general.
0 KM
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