Move to Encourage
Vancouver, British Columbia
In the lower mainland near the Fraser River's delta, you have this shifting land dynamic. The current temple in Burnaby was built on a bog. When the new temple will be constructed to accommodate a growing community, many pilings will be set deep in the ground to create a floating foundation. It is in this area of moving soil that I like to move. Just east of the temple you find an area of farms where I like to trek when I come to Vancouver. It's peaceful there even though the ground may be moving under your feet.
It was me, the monk, who moved out of duty and love, once I arrived from the morning walk, to go from person to person, pilgrim to pilgrim. It was one day before the Rathayatra (Festival of Chariots) soon to be hosted at Stanley Park. People oozing with bhakti (devotion), have come from various parts of North America to partake in the event.
You might call it the one minute management approach, or a kind of schmoozing, a sharing of ideas with peers. It was a time for hearing and giving suggestions for learning and educating.
Time efficiency was the key word (or words) to make a formula that worked. There was little time for everyone but there was enough time. When you are recognized as a leader in your community, the communication has to be relevant, warm, concise and meaningful. At these occasions of intensity, one is forced to use time wisely. You are dealing with future plans and people's lives, and responding to their needs and wants, their traumas, and their dreams; both physical and spiritual.
My moving was continued at Stanley Park, where the evening's kirtan was held. It was the same scenario for me. If I was to dub my service for the day, I would call it: "Encouragement!"
7 KM
B L O G S P O T
Monday, 23 August 2010
Thursday, 19 August 2010
Friday, August 13th, 2010
“Lonely People” Grows
Bellingham, Washington
It wasn’t exactly a grueling wait, a long hour with traffic crawling through the US customs, but it was a bit unnerving knowing that cooped up in a car gets you through slower than if you were to walk.
Our venue today was an old foundry converted into an artist’s community centre called “Anything Grows”. Harmony is the name of the kind woman who hosted us for our troupe’s presentation of “Lonely People”. Our facilitators are Trikalajna (people call him ‘Tree’) and wife, Sudevi. The centre reached full capacity, a modest seventy chairs. We received a standing ovation. People loved it. The follow up was kirtan, chanting , and optional event held in another room. Everyone came. They sang and danced giving their everything.
Here are the comments by our troupe about the drama:
Actor, Nitai: “The energy we gave out came back to us in the form of the crowd’s appreciation.”
Actress, Nitai Priya: “It was the best performance yet and one of the best crowds.”
Actor, Goura: “It was an intimate setting and everyone was so receptive.”
Sound person, Gillian: “The actors were amazing. Very comical.”
About the kirtan:
Nitai: “The audience filed into the back room of their own accord. All inhibitions faded out as the dance steps faded in.”
Nitai Priya: “We kept having to tighten the circle to accommodate the increase of eager participants.”
Goura: “It was hot in there but we didn’t care.”
Gillian: “People were absorbing the holy name. They were blissed out, man.”
2 KM
Bellingham, Washington
It wasn’t exactly a grueling wait, a long hour with traffic crawling through the US customs, but it was a bit unnerving knowing that cooped up in a car gets you through slower than if you were to walk.
Our venue today was an old foundry converted into an artist’s community centre called “Anything Grows”. Harmony is the name of the kind woman who hosted us for our troupe’s presentation of “Lonely People”. Our facilitators are Trikalajna (people call him ‘Tree’) and wife, Sudevi. The centre reached full capacity, a modest seventy chairs. We received a standing ovation. People loved it. The follow up was kirtan, chanting , and optional event held in another room. Everyone came. They sang and danced giving their everything.
Here are the comments by our troupe about the drama:
Actor, Nitai: “The energy we gave out came back to us in the form of the crowd’s appreciation.”
Actress, Nitai Priya: “It was the best performance yet and one of the best crowds.”
Actor, Goura: “It was an intimate setting and everyone was so receptive.”
Sound person, Gillian: “The actors were amazing. Very comical.”
About the kirtan:
Nitai: “The audience filed into the back room of their own accord. All inhibitions faded out as the dance steps faded in.”
Nitai Priya: “We kept having to tighten the circle to accommodate the increase of eager participants.”
Goura: “It was hot in there but we didn’t care.”
Gillian: “People were absorbing the holy name. They were blissed out, man.”
2 KM
Thursday, August 12th, 2010
Farmer Singh
Kelowna, British Columbia
I crossed Highway 97 leaving behind me suburbia and entered orchard land. What’s exciting about each new day and each new place is that there’s a new road to explore.
Down this windy rural route, A Sikh farmer on his tractor shouted, “Bhagavan ki jayho!” He recognized my cloth and felt that some good fortune had come his way. He stopped the tractor, turned off the engine, descended the machine and proceeded to greet me. With a high wire fence between us we talked as best we could, he is pure Punjabi and me in English with some attempt at miniscule Hindi.
The farmer was exceedingly excited. To see a Vaishnav monk on his turf was a first for him. After some communication I walked on until I came to a cul-de-sac. Upon my passing by the farmer’s cherry orchard once again the farmer, who identified himself as Singh, halted his tractor again to see me once more. This time he insisted he feed me but I couldn’t oblige as I had to return to Vancouver with my crew.
What I did learn from this encounter is that at the heart of Indian culture is this remarkable warm hospitality. It’s something we can learn from in the west. Of course, there is something to be said about the softness people of Indian origins have for the Sadhu (monk). Respect or reverence is to be commended and not demanded.
I hope that one day I can fit the shoes of a genuine sadhu. We certainly have to go beyond dress code and decorate ourselves with true quality.
I was happy to have met farmer Singh. I made a friend because I went for a walk.
8 KM
Kelowna, British Columbia
I crossed Highway 97 leaving behind me suburbia and entered orchard land. What’s exciting about each new day and each new place is that there’s a new road to explore.
Down this windy rural route, A Sikh farmer on his tractor shouted, “Bhagavan ki jayho!” He recognized my cloth and felt that some good fortune had come his way. He stopped the tractor, turned off the engine, descended the machine and proceeded to greet me. With a high wire fence between us we talked as best we could, he is pure Punjabi and me in English with some attempt at miniscule Hindi.
The farmer was exceedingly excited. To see a Vaishnav monk on his turf was a first for him. After some communication I walked on until I came to a cul-de-sac. Upon my passing by the farmer’s cherry orchard once again the farmer, who identified himself as Singh, halted his tractor again to see me once more. This time he insisted he feed me but I couldn’t oblige as I had to return to Vancouver with my crew.
What I did learn from this encounter is that at the heart of Indian culture is this remarkable warm hospitality. It’s something we can learn from in the west. Of course, there is something to be said about the softness people of Indian origins have for the Sadhu (monk). Respect or reverence is to be commended and not demanded.
I hope that one day I can fit the shoes of a genuine sadhu. We certainly have to go beyond dress code and decorate ourselves with true quality.
I was happy to have met farmer Singh. I made a friend because I went for a walk.
8 KM
Monday, 16 August 2010
Wednesday, August 11th, 2010
It Was Sweet!
Kelowna, British Columbia
I walked by the new golf course at Black Mountain. Formerly the location was a ranch which bred buffalo, a cross-breed of buffalo with domestic cattle, a first in Canada. The sidewalk I tread on was rather close to the perfect golf grass. A ball whizzed by the head at a speed I couldn`t see but hear. It was just a little reminder that anything could happen at any moment.
I contemplated that I wish to move with the same speed in my spiritual life. In my mind`s resolve I thought, ``Ìt doesn`t usually work that way.``
I met an elderly man from Delhi, Jagadish. He spotted my swami clothes and was curious. I trekked further on and was halted by a voice that said ``Hello!`` It came from a new and beautiful home on Large Ave. A man trailed down the driveway to say, ``You are the main guy in Toronto... I used to eat at your restaurant all the time.``
``I`m one of the guys, Hare Krishna!`` and a conversation ensued. This confirmed, ``When you are out, people will come about``.
Evening brought us to the downtown at a hotspot for pedestrian, tourists and free spirits. The place is called ``The Sails`` and we took to the grass as our seating. We plopped ourselves down for the old grassroots Hare Krishna thing including chanting with drums. A circle of hippies nearby were puffing at ganja. A number of them eventually came to our circle for an experience of another kind.
I found it rather compatible - us and them. Now we were one, enwrapped in the mantra. There was no problem communicating with them. Our language was kindness.
Nitai Priya made a remark, ``It was like Prabhupada (our guru) at Tompkins Square Park in New York.`` She was referring to the humble beginnings of Hare Krishna taking root in the sixties.
Yes it was and it was very sweet.
9 KM
Kelowna, British Columbia
I walked by the new golf course at Black Mountain. Formerly the location was a ranch which bred buffalo, a cross-breed of buffalo with domestic cattle, a first in Canada. The sidewalk I tread on was rather close to the perfect golf grass. A ball whizzed by the head at a speed I couldn`t see but hear. It was just a little reminder that anything could happen at any moment.
I contemplated that I wish to move with the same speed in my spiritual life. In my mind`s resolve I thought, ``Ìt doesn`t usually work that way.``
I met an elderly man from Delhi, Jagadish. He spotted my swami clothes and was curious. I trekked further on and was halted by a voice that said ``Hello!`` It came from a new and beautiful home on Large Ave. A man trailed down the driveway to say, ``You are the main guy in Toronto... I used to eat at your restaurant all the time.``
``I`m one of the guys, Hare Krishna!`` and a conversation ensued. This confirmed, ``When you are out, people will come about``.
Evening brought us to the downtown at a hotspot for pedestrian, tourists and free spirits. The place is called ``The Sails`` and we took to the grass as our seating. We plopped ourselves down for the old grassroots Hare Krishna thing including chanting with drums. A circle of hippies nearby were puffing at ganja. A number of them eventually came to our circle for an experience of another kind.
I found it rather compatible - us and them. Now we were one, enwrapped in the mantra. There was no problem communicating with them. Our language was kindness.
Nitai Priya made a remark, ``It was like Prabhupada (our guru) at Tompkins Square Park in New York.`` She was referring to the humble beginnings of Hare Krishna taking root in the sixties.
Yes it was and it was very sweet.
9 KM
Tuesday, August 10th, 2010
Okanagan Okay!
Kelowna, British Columbia
I`m in the heart of the Okanagan Valley, the heart of BC fruit-land keeping myself open for the miracles of the day. I`m here with our acting troupe for a devotional performance of kirtan chanting and drama, `Lonely People`.
The venue was Okanagan College Theatre. There was not an overwhelming turn out but the quality of people made the show all worth while.
And so what was the miracle... Nothing extraordinary but a small occurrence that you could not classify as cooincidence. With us came Gillian, a volunteer sound person for this weeks performances. She appears happy to take a week off from work from selling tires (as she hopes to get into studying medicine) and agreed to hit all our sound cues with appropriate volume levels.
She was only given an hour to learn everything from the script and use a CD which we found had cues mixed up - a difficult task. At practice time enough mistakes were there, and yours truly was convinced that flaws would haunt us at performance time. I prayed.
Patiently, Gillian applied herself and a perfect job was rendered.
That was the miracle. It was enough to reinforce faith. it wasn’t an extraordinary situation, but you felt that an extra hand had entered in backstage to help the situation - a hand that could not be seen but sensed. It happened in the night and perhaps because the bulk of our crew which was Goura, Nitai and I were faithful to sadhana in the early morning. Yes, we trekked Byrne Creek trail in Burnaby before leaving for Kelowna, chanting on our beads and sticking to this principle.
The only deviation was Nitai, who left the path for a bit - to explore - or as Goura put it, "He`s having his Tarzan moment" to which I responded, "He`s only 18..."
"Right, Maharaj," said Goura.
"Okay!" I thought.
Kelowna, British Columbia
I`m in the heart of the Okanagan Valley, the heart of BC fruit-land keeping myself open for the miracles of the day. I`m here with our acting troupe for a devotional performance of kirtan chanting and drama, `Lonely People`.
The venue was Okanagan College Theatre. There was not an overwhelming turn out but the quality of people made the show all worth while.
And so what was the miracle... Nothing extraordinary but a small occurrence that you could not classify as cooincidence. With us came Gillian, a volunteer sound person for this weeks performances. She appears happy to take a week off from work from selling tires (as she hopes to get into studying medicine) and agreed to hit all our sound cues with appropriate volume levels.
She was only given an hour to learn everything from the script and use a CD which we found had cues mixed up - a difficult task. At practice time enough mistakes were there, and yours truly was convinced that flaws would haunt us at performance time. I prayed.
Patiently, Gillian applied herself and a perfect job was rendered.
That was the miracle. It was enough to reinforce faith. it wasn’t an extraordinary situation, but you felt that an extra hand had entered in backstage to help the situation - a hand that could not be seen but sensed. It happened in the night and perhaps because the bulk of our crew which was Goura, Nitai and I were faithful to sadhana in the early morning. Yes, we trekked Byrne Creek trail in Burnaby before leaving for Kelowna, chanting on our beads and sticking to this principle.
The only deviation was Nitai, who left the path for a bit - to explore - or as Goura put it, "He`s having his Tarzan moment" to which I responded, "He`s only 18..."
"Right, Maharaj," said Goura.
"Okay!" I thought.
Monday, August 9th, 2010
There's the Blackberry and Then There's the Real Thing
Burnaby, British Columbia
I trekked along Marine Drive with beads in my right hand. I glanced over to the left to see something that always cheers me up. August is blackberry season. These deeply dark and rich juicy offerings of nature hang from their spiky stems demonstrating no limit to their generosity.
Tempted like crazy, my left hand stretched itself to reach one of those sweet and slightly tart berries. Then another and another. No feast transpired. I held myself back which I was proud of and knowing of their plentiful nature, I could pick up some more further down the sidewalk.
"Berries are a pigrim's delight - a privilege", I thought putting away any trace of guilt of greed. "Besides, they are free. Who wouldn't indulge under such circumstances? when walking Ireland two summers ago, these little guys came to my aid. They provided me the energy I needed."
And while all these wranglings went on in my mind and I outstretched once more with the left hand, I had a hard look at that hand. I flashed back to the summer of '74 at the Krishna communal farm near Moundsville, West Virginia, when I saw the graceful hands of our guru, Srila Prabhupada, playing on kartals (hand cymbals). He played in the most awesome way, totally skillful and artistic, not the usual one, two, three beat. He went rather fancy with the two cymbals releasing certain fingers at certain intervals of playing. His fingers were long and appeared divinely agile. It was the occasion of my second diksha (initiation) when a person is approved to taking to brahminical tasks. I was transfixed on the movement of his hands and now here at the blackberry bush I had come to recall that fine moment of a perfect vision. It was an inspiring moment.
I know many people who speak the glories of the blackberry gadget that you hold in your hand for communication. I will gladly stick with my juicy edible ones and stay with simplicity hoping for great moments.
4 KM
Burnaby, British Columbia
I trekked along Marine Drive with beads in my right hand. I glanced over to the left to see something that always cheers me up. August is blackberry season. These deeply dark and rich juicy offerings of nature hang from their spiky stems demonstrating no limit to their generosity.
Tempted like crazy, my left hand stretched itself to reach one of those sweet and slightly tart berries. Then another and another. No feast transpired. I held myself back which I was proud of and knowing of their plentiful nature, I could pick up some more further down the sidewalk.
"Berries are a pigrim's delight - a privilege", I thought putting away any trace of guilt of greed. "Besides, they are free. Who wouldn't indulge under such circumstances? when walking Ireland two summers ago, these little guys came to my aid. They provided me the energy I needed."
And while all these wranglings went on in my mind and I outstretched once more with the left hand, I had a hard look at that hand. I flashed back to the summer of '74 at the Krishna communal farm near Moundsville, West Virginia, when I saw the graceful hands of our guru, Srila Prabhupada, playing on kartals (hand cymbals). He played in the most awesome way, totally skillful and artistic, not the usual one, two, three beat. He went rather fancy with the two cymbals releasing certain fingers at certain intervals of playing. His fingers were long and appeared divinely agile. It was the occasion of my second diksha (initiation) when a person is approved to taking to brahminical tasks. I was transfixed on the movement of his hands and now here at the blackberry bush I had come to recall that fine moment of a perfect vision. It was an inspiring moment.
I know many people who speak the glories of the blackberry gadget that you hold in your hand for communication. I will gladly stick with my juicy edible ones and stay with simplicity hoping for great moments.
4 KM
Thursday, 12 August 2010
Sunday, August 8th, 2010
Step Up!
Toronto, Ontario
A planned walk with members of Urban Edge Yoga Studio was cancelled because of rain. In its place organizers set up an ad for talk about trans-country walking. It was my call as no one else in the studio had actually walked Canada's length and breadth- at least, not yet.
What I was trying to convey the most out of the talk was the need to go inward and to put mundane endeavours as not the priority. To quote one cyclist, a 65 year old man from Winnipeg whom I met in 1996 "It's people like you and I who can manage to do this." He was referring to monks and retirees who can give their time to such projects as taking the simple life seriously.
I suspected that in the studio the audience of about twenty were almost all singles. It's the singles who also have a better eligibility to execute feats such as trekking a vast land. In reality few people eligible or not step forward when such an opportunity arises. At least the listeners had the chance to dream away and perhaps swallow a small does of reality in the form of taking time for the self.
If individuality is at all important to a person then walking is the function that permits someone to be or see who they really are. The solitude and the happy rhythm that comes with walking and above all the "humbling" it invokes brings out so much of yourself.
So, the message was increased on the mobility and step up the humility.
10 KM
Toronto, Ontario
A planned walk with members of Urban Edge Yoga Studio was cancelled because of rain. In its place organizers set up an ad for talk about trans-country walking. It was my call as no one else in the studio had actually walked Canada's length and breadth- at least, not yet.
What I was trying to convey the most out of the talk was the need to go inward and to put mundane endeavours as not the priority. To quote one cyclist, a 65 year old man from Winnipeg whom I met in 1996 "It's people like you and I who can manage to do this." He was referring to monks and retirees who can give their time to such projects as taking the simple life seriously.
I suspected that in the studio the audience of about twenty were almost all singles. It's the singles who also have a better eligibility to execute feats such as trekking a vast land. In reality few people eligible or not step forward when such an opportunity arises. At least the listeners had the chance to dream away and perhaps swallow a small does of reality in the form of taking time for the self.
If individuality is at all important to a person then walking is the function that permits someone to be or see who they really are. The solitude and the happy rhythm that comes with walking and above all the "humbling" it invokes brings out so much of yourself.
So, the message was increased on the mobility and step up the humility.
10 KM
Saturday, August 7th, 2010
Kids and What They Are
Milton, Ontario
Children are innocent but they are not angels. I was asked to do a presentation for an hour to twenty-five camping kids. I moved them through a gallery of paintings depicting the life of Krishna. I was explaining the details of each picture. At one depiction three kids from the group had their attention diverted. One of them climbed on top of a table in the room while the other two leaned on. The table ended up collapsing during my presentation. The kids quickly cleared away from their.
I demanded to know who was responsible for the mishap. I didn’t raise my voice. I was careful not to demonstrate anger. Still there was no response.
Everyone there was well aware that this was not a mystical experience. Someone or somebodies were guilty of the incident. No volunteer came forward.
Being a monk and a life-long celibate I cannot claim to know all about children but one thing that does surface when dealing with such adorable kids is that they are innocent, frivolous but not pure. They carry over “stuff” from their previous lives. We cannot hold this against them. We were all there before.
We never did find out who was the culprit but the point is made. We are all born with some vice and we all have a chance to make good in this life attempting to alleviate anything in our character as adults.
I spent the afternoon at Kelso Lake at the Niagara escarpment with members of our Brampton community. A picnic is what it became with a walk added on. A steep climb on a trail made a baby stroller a challenge. Yes indeed it was a day with young families and kids.
5 KM
Milton, Ontario
Children are innocent but they are not angels. I was asked to do a presentation for an hour to twenty-five camping kids. I moved them through a gallery of paintings depicting the life of Krishna. I was explaining the details of each picture. At one depiction three kids from the group had their attention diverted. One of them climbed on top of a table in the room while the other two leaned on. The table ended up collapsing during my presentation. The kids quickly cleared away from their.
I demanded to know who was responsible for the mishap. I didn’t raise my voice. I was careful not to demonstrate anger. Still there was no response.
Everyone there was well aware that this was not a mystical experience. Someone or somebodies were guilty of the incident. No volunteer came forward.
Being a monk and a life-long celibate I cannot claim to know all about children but one thing that does surface when dealing with such adorable kids is that they are innocent, frivolous but not pure. They carry over “stuff” from their previous lives. We cannot hold this against them. We were all there before.
We never did find out who was the culprit but the point is made. We are all born with some vice and we all have a chance to make good in this life attempting to alleviate anything in our character as adults.
I spent the afternoon at Kelso Lake at the Niagara escarpment with members of our Brampton community. A picnic is what it became with a walk added on. A steep climb on a trail made a baby stroller a challenge. Yes indeed it was a day with young families and kids.
5 KM
Tuesday, 10 August 2010
Friday, August 6th, 2010
Movement of Feet
Toronto, Ontario
There’s an optimism in the air. Humidity is down and so is the heat brought down to a comfortable 24 degree Celsius. That means feet are happy too.
I can tell you, though, whose feet are not happy. It’s those that don’t move.
Despite injury two actors in our troupe, Gaura who got slice in the foot by the villan’s knife, And Nitai, who sprained his ankle on top of his sore knee, are just that troupers. Nothing stopped them from moving forward with a splendid performance at Meadowvale theatre . All other leg work was executed quite well. There’s two chorus line sessions in the drama, “The Eigth Boy”. A demon dance in addition to cowherd boys wrapping and break dancing to the joy of eating sweets puts the drama into a kind of musical classification.
The theatre got filled holding a capacity of a modest four hundred seats. It was a performance appreciated by all. One highlight was Montreal’s Boris Michel who came to be the jolly bhramin and later a notorious wrestler to challenge Krishna.
It was yesterday morning that I saw the leaves on the trees perfectly still. The day before Boris and I walked to Rosedale park and took a break at a park bench. I didn’t exactly pray but wished that those leaves would dance by the force of a relieving breeze.
Today, Vayu, the wind God, did end his absence and made possible the movement of those leaves. And as they danced through hours until evening so did our actors move to the sound of music.
6 KM
Toronto, Ontario
There’s an optimism in the air. Humidity is down and so is the heat brought down to a comfortable 24 degree Celsius. That means feet are happy too.
I can tell you, though, whose feet are not happy. It’s those that don’t move.
Despite injury two actors in our troupe, Gaura who got slice in the foot by the villan’s knife, And Nitai, who sprained his ankle on top of his sore knee, are just that troupers. Nothing stopped them from moving forward with a splendid performance at Meadowvale theatre . All other leg work was executed quite well. There’s two chorus line sessions in the drama, “The Eigth Boy”. A demon dance in addition to cowherd boys wrapping and break dancing to the joy of eating sweets puts the drama into a kind of musical classification.
The theatre got filled holding a capacity of a modest four hundred seats. It was a performance appreciated by all. One highlight was Montreal’s Boris Michel who came to be the jolly bhramin and later a notorious wrestler to challenge Krishna.
It was yesterday morning that I saw the leaves on the trees perfectly still. The day before Boris and I walked to Rosedale park and took a break at a park bench. I didn’t exactly pray but wished that those leaves would dance by the force of a relieving breeze.
Today, Vayu, the wind God, did end his absence and made possible the movement of those leaves. And as they danced through hours until evening so did our actors move to the sound of music.
6 KM
Thrusday, August 5th, 2010
Monk Drunk on Drama
Toronto, Ontario
The major reason for my being grounded in one place for this stretch of time is to give my all to a drama production, “Krishna The Eigth Boy “. Many hours go into this hour and a half production. Rehearsals are intense and lengthy. Even in a spiritual setting, the temple room, undercurrent dramas may be at play between some of the actors. It’s nothing too serious that can’t be resolved. As director I have to think “the show must go on.”
You immerse yourself in service and try to encourage those working with you to do the same. You keep engaged. “An idle mind is the devil’s work shop.”
It is rather engaging, come to think of it, taking the initiative to produce a story about Krishna who remains one of the most mysterious persons you could ever read about. So multifarious are His pastimes that it’s difficult to fathom sometimes. So heroic are his deeds that He has to be perceived as someone beyond the human category.
To put His life story out there for the stage is a challenge but since the task has been executed for generations, especially in India, I know that I’m one of the modest directors amongst thousands to take a crack at it. What’s unique and fun about this version of His biographical doings is that it’s done in English with a strong contemporary flair.
My crew of twelve Actors, and three technical people are gifted and devotional enough that we can pull off a decent rendition on Krishna’s life. It is highly important for every member to give their best simply because He happens to be the most significant person in each and everyone’s life.
Between the morning sadhana, administrative duties and the high pressured rehearsals I do get breathing space by walking out of the building, choosing one of the ten directions and heading out on my feet only to make a loop and come back.
8 KM
Toronto, Ontario
The major reason for my being grounded in one place for this stretch of time is to give my all to a drama production, “Krishna The Eigth Boy “. Many hours go into this hour and a half production. Rehearsals are intense and lengthy. Even in a spiritual setting, the temple room, undercurrent dramas may be at play between some of the actors. It’s nothing too serious that can’t be resolved. As director I have to think “the show must go on.”
You immerse yourself in service and try to encourage those working with you to do the same. You keep engaged. “An idle mind is the devil’s work shop.”
It is rather engaging, come to think of it, taking the initiative to produce a story about Krishna who remains one of the most mysterious persons you could ever read about. So multifarious are His pastimes that it’s difficult to fathom sometimes. So heroic are his deeds that He has to be perceived as someone beyond the human category.
To put His life story out there for the stage is a challenge but since the task has been executed for generations, especially in India, I know that I’m one of the modest directors amongst thousands to take a crack at it. What’s unique and fun about this version of His biographical doings is that it’s done in English with a strong contemporary flair.
My crew of twelve Actors, and three technical people are gifted and devotional enough that we can pull off a decent rendition on Krishna’s life. It is highly important for every member to give their best simply because He happens to be the most significant person in each and everyone’s life.
Between the morning sadhana, administrative duties and the high pressured rehearsals I do get breathing space by walking out of the building, choosing one of the ten directions and heading out on my feet only to make a loop and come back.
8 KM
Wednesday, August 4th, 2010
Sit Or Walk
Toronto, Ontario
Some people prefer sitting down in the lotus position for chanting on their beads. I have heard the claim that this is the superior way to chant.
I cannot agree. It is one way. The master of chanting, Caitanya Mahaprabhu, explained there is no hard and fast rules for chanting. It is really a matter of preference and you do what works for you.
My preference is walking. I feel more comfortable with his scenario. It’s the oxygen, the elements interacting with you that are like nature’s support system. Walking while chanting is like dancing to music.
Srila Prabhupada, our guru, needed to walk of pace each morning and chant simultaneously. The walking was for health and the chanting was for purification. Or another paraphrase on this is-walking is for the heart and chanting is for the soul.
In any event it seemed to be a formula that worked for him. It is a method that is like killing two asuras (demons) with one stone. (I prefer not to use that “bird” analogy).
I’m certainly not adverse to sitting down and chanting. Perhaps that will become a reality for me when I’m 78. But for now this antsy monk prefers mobility over something sedentary.
The reason for this explanation is that certain japa (chanting) retreats insist on indoor mantra meditation. That is like a prison for me. My good father encouraged us to walk and hit those nature trails. In our youth my siblings and I started to appreciate the God element in the out-of-doors. Chanting and trekking are totally compatible. No one will ever take that away from me.
4 KM
Toronto, Ontario
Some people prefer sitting down in the lotus position for chanting on their beads. I have heard the claim that this is the superior way to chant.
I cannot agree. It is one way. The master of chanting, Caitanya Mahaprabhu, explained there is no hard and fast rules for chanting. It is really a matter of preference and you do what works for you.
My preference is walking. I feel more comfortable with his scenario. It’s the oxygen, the elements interacting with you that are like nature’s support system. Walking while chanting is like dancing to music.
Srila Prabhupada, our guru, needed to walk of pace each morning and chant simultaneously. The walking was for health and the chanting was for purification. Or another paraphrase on this is-walking is for the heart and chanting is for the soul.
In any event it seemed to be a formula that worked for him. It is a method that is like killing two asuras (demons) with one stone. (I prefer not to use that “bird” analogy).
I’m certainly not adverse to sitting down and chanting. Perhaps that will become a reality for me when I’m 78. But for now this antsy monk prefers mobility over something sedentary.
The reason for this explanation is that certain japa (chanting) retreats insist on indoor mantra meditation. That is like a prison for me. My good father encouraged us to walk and hit those nature trails. In our youth my siblings and I started to appreciate the God element in the out-of-doors. Chanting and trekking are totally compatible. No one will ever take that away from me.
4 KM
Tuesday, August 3rd, 2010
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
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
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