Dead and alive.
Natanya, Israel
At 5 am right on the button, today`s set of troupers, Ekavirya, Vrikodar, Roman and myself set out at a beginning point of the journey on foot. It was a 24 hours convenient store just off of highway 2 near Rishpon, that was the finishing point from the previous day. We all had taken to resting late the night before, as the evening called for sat-sang (spiritual gathering). Yet that did not give cause to dampen any spirits for the early rise, shower, and then the drive to our starting point.
Our first hour was total confusion, a meandering through the curved streets of Kibbutz settlement. As the sun's lightness began to pervade we trekked along narrow trails atop cliffs, and then eventually made our way descending to the beach heading north to the city of Netanya. We met fishermen and runners and youth being primed for the army training. According to my companions the cleaning up of beach trash was a part of their training.
To the exclusion of this humble servant the troupers of today admitted to being out of shape and that our mere 18 KMs was a little hard pressed. No real complains thought. The reward for all the leg labor and a treat for me, the guest to Israel, was a dip in to the Dead Sea. After a good hour and a half on wheels, we arrived at a resort where Russians, Americans, Europeans, Asians and other tourists came for the therapeutic bath in this world famous mineral-dense body of water. Fish don't live in it, but humans flock to it for the buoyancy fun. And after time spent floating (careful to not submerge the head, the salts are intolerable for eyes and mouth) we did as every one else did - smudged the body with mud before a final rinse of real water.
The day`s experience with the elements was not a complete day until the heart could speak out about gratitude to our Guru, Srila Prabhupada. On this 33th anniversary of his passing we expressed what we could about the person who was clearly the cutting edge of a change in world consciousness. Due to his coming to the west, we now have all this marvelous people who have taken to ahimsa (non-violence), vegetarianism, karmic cognition and something else profound called prema (unconditional love for the Supreme).
People have come alive. Our indebtedness to him knows no bounds.
18 KM
B L O G S P O T
Thursday, 11 November 2010
Monday, November 8th, 2010
Om Shalom!
Ariel, Israel
My happy fate to walk Israel had been sealed when trekking the waterfront yesterday.
Today marks day 2. Ekavirya a soon father-to-be with twins, became my partner for today's walk. Our first hour was a hard pace. The momentum kept up until the last hour as we lost our bearings when beach ended and cliffs and fencing took over.
"Never trust a coastline", I concluded.
Our steady clip allowed us to pass hundreds of walkers, runners and cyclists, many of whom emerged from the affluent condos and hotels nearby. The best I could do as far as outreach is concerned was to send a big smile, offer a nod of greeting and an occasional utterance of "Shalom".
I am committed to my prescribed chanting on beads and, I could not interrupt that very often. Judging by the looks on people faces my robes were a surprise to them. The markings for an apparent cross country trail were obscured. Ekaviriya and I came upon this national park called "Apollonia". The edge of the park which is fenced off revealed ancient ruins. The Greeks were here. We then had to divert on to semi-desert roads. We were not in the city any longer.
I have to hand it to technology sometimes. If Ekavirya did not had a cell phone, we could easily been lost sheep. In the dry desert we noticed multitudes of white-shelled snails latching onto long green grasses they resembled cotton plants from a distance. I viewed some birds, new species to my eyes.
In the air you could smell the most aromatic wildflowers.
Finally we closed the curtains to the walking aspect of Day 2 with aloe vera drink, humus, olives, tahini, avocado salad and a local take on kichari (an Indian staple).
This brings me to this point; I see Indian and Israeli cultures to be so compatible. A friend back in Canada who calls himself "Mister Hinjew" (born Jewish and adapted to Vaishnava ways) once told me that young Israelis love visiting India. I asked, "Why?"
"Because India is a place where Israelis won't be judged", he said calmly.
It is unfortunate that there is all this bodily differentiations. In Israel you are Jewish or Palestinian or whatever, and you may not get along with each other.
Oh, when will that day come, when we identify as spirit souls?
I wish we could learn from the wildflowers that humbly co-exist.
16 KM
Wednesday, 10 November 2010
Sunday, November 7th, 2010
Why Not?
Tel Aviv, Israel.
After a restless night on El-Al airlines to Tel-Aviv, I finally hit-the-sac, so to speak, at the residence of a Russian household in a community called Ariel. It was not my intent at all to
give Israel a consideration as a walking venue. But when host Radhikatma downloaded a map of the country (I was curious to get a grounding of where I was) the seed of a pedestrian desire
sprouted.
There was some apprehension, of course, considering the political climate of the nation. Hey, but this is not Iraq or Lebanon, it's Israel. Why not go for an adventure? I talked it over with my host and also Vrikodar, another Russian, whom I first corresponded with, and we all got sold on the idea. So just to firm up the expedition, I asked to be dropped off in Tel Aviv, where the evenings program was going to be held, and along with 22 year old, Boris, we strode along the east end of the Mediterranean Sea, Israel's beachfront, for an almost two hour stretch.
There, beach lovers, mostly Russians again, enjoyed sand and water, while we ambled by them. Our time line for this venture brought us into the early night as we were clocked to make it
to the local Bhakti-Yoga center. We were greeted by a lively group, mostly Israeli and Russian Jewish Vaishnavas.
I was asked to speak about the significance of the day called Govardhan Puja. I began with a "thanks for having me" and then spoke about the uniqueness of the Krishna Culture, where all things are regarded as sacred - trees, plants, water, air, stones, people, animals, the sky and even hills. The last item led me to speak about one particular hill in Northern India, a hill called Govardhan and how Krishna, as a young boy, identified this outcropping of rock in a virtual flat terrain as extremely sacred.
As is done in many temples around the world a mock Govardhan Hill was made out of Indian sweets, and the lively group circumambulated its natural-looking structure. We received some flak from tenants below, a warning that my monk friend from America, Kavichandra Swami, foretold would happen.
I was made to feel right at home in Israel and I am looking for to the anticipated adventure ahead.
8 KM
Tel Aviv, Israel.
After a restless night on El-Al airlines to Tel-Aviv, I finally hit-the-sac, so to speak, at the residence of a Russian household in a community called Ariel. It was not my intent at all to
give Israel a consideration as a walking venue. But when host Radhikatma downloaded a map of the country (I was curious to get a grounding of where I was) the seed of a pedestrian desire
sprouted.
There was some apprehension, of course, considering the political climate of the nation. Hey, but this is not Iraq or Lebanon, it's Israel. Why not go for an adventure? I talked it over with my host and also Vrikodar, another Russian, whom I first corresponded with, and we all got sold on the idea. So just to firm up the expedition, I asked to be dropped off in Tel Aviv, where the evenings program was going to be held, and along with 22 year old, Boris, we strode along the east end of the Mediterranean Sea, Israel's beachfront, for an almost two hour stretch.
There, beach lovers, mostly Russians again, enjoyed sand and water, while we ambled by them. Our time line for this venture brought us into the early night as we were clocked to make it
to the local Bhakti-Yoga center. We were greeted by a lively group, mostly Israeli and Russian Jewish Vaishnavas.
I was asked to speak about the significance of the day called Govardhan Puja. I began with a "thanks for having me" and then spoke about the uniqueness of the Krishna Culture, where all things are regarded as sacred - trees, plants, water, air, stones, people, animals, the sky and even hills. The last item led me to speak about one particular hill in Northern India, a hill called Govardhan and how Krishna, as a young boy, identified this outcropping of rock in a virtual flat terrain as extremely sacred.
As is done in many temples around the world a mock Govardhan Hill was made out of Indian sweets, and the lively group circumambulated its natural-looking structure. We received some flak from tenants below, a warning that my monk friend from America, Kavichandra Swami, foretold would happen.
I was made to feel right at home in Israel and I am looking for to the anticipated adventure ahead.
8 KM
Saturday, November 6th, 2010
Leaving Mumbai.
Mumbai, India.
The entire night sounded like a war zone. The New Year Diwali festivities resounded throughout the city - explosions of fire works popping continuously and lighting up the night. I had never seen anything like it, as I peered out the window from the five story room I stayed in. The coloured meteors punctuated the dark sky.
And the powerful banging did not let up, when Ekachakra, my walking companion, and I went south and then north at Juhu Beach. Upon reaching the temple after a sweaty walk I learned of another passing - a devotee woman Devaki, from South America. She died as a result of an automobile accident.
Someone described her as a young princess, beautiful in body and spirit. Her husband I know well. Ekanath Gaura has our condolences.
This world is a place of death. In Sanskrit the word is "martyaloka". Life exists but it is always followed by death. In this way the wheel of action persists. In the Bhagavad-Gita this concept of life is underscored by Krishna when he says "one who has taken his birth is sure to die and after death one is sure to take birth again". (B.G. 2.27)
Death is all around and many of us are ill-prepared to deal with it. If you live a full life covering a span of perhaps 7 or 8 decades then you may be in a better position to receive death. Of course there is never a guarantee when it will happen.
I have wound up my stay in ISKCON Mumbai. The hospitality was incredible; the prasadam (sacred food) was a delight. The only thing that leaves me baffled is the arrangement for female
pilgrims who come for darshan (deity viewing). They are situated in the back of the room. This is something that I have not seen in a Hindu temple anywhere, what to speak of an ISKCON center. It certainly was not a standard established by our Guru, Srila Prabhupada.
I would consider this a very bad arrangement. It should be adjusted so that there is fairness and encouragement. My suggestion is that one half of a temple floor or even a third, be reserved for
the women, up close near the deities. The current system is unacceptable as far as I am concerned.
8 KM
Mumbai, India.
The entire night sounded like a war zone. The New Year Diwali festivities resounded throughout the city - explosions of fire works popping continuously and lighting up the night. I had never seen anything like it, as I peered out the window from the five story room I stayed in. The coloured meteors punctuated the dark sky.
And the powerful banging did not let up, when Ekachakra, my walking companion, and I went south and then north at Juhu Beach. Upon reaching the temple after a sweaty walk I learned of another passing - a devotee woman Devaki, from South America. She died as a result of an automobile accident.
Someone described her as a young princess, beautiful in body and spirit. Her husband I know well. Ekanath Gaura has our condolences.
This world is a place of death. In Sanskrit the word is "martyaloka". Life exists but it is always followed by death. In this way the wheel of action persists. In the Bhagavad-Gita this concept of life is underscored by Krishna when he says "one who has taken his birth is sure to die and after death one is sure to take birth again". (B.G. 2.27)
Death is all around and many of us are ill-prepared to deal with it. If you live a full life covering a span of perhaps 7 or 8 decades then you may be in a better position to receive death. Of course there is never a guarantee when it will happen.
I have wound up my stay in ISKCON Mumbai. The hospitality was incredible; the prasadam (sacred food) was a delight. The only thing that leaves me baffled is the arrangement for female
pilgrims who come for darshan (deity viewing). They are situated in the back of the room. This is something that I have not seen in a Hindu temple anywhere, what to speak of an ISKCON center. It certainly was not a standard established by our Guru, Srila Prabhupada.
I would consider this a very bad arrangement. It should be adjusted so that there is fairness and encouragement. My suggestion is that one half of a temple floor or even a third, be reserved for
the women, up close near the deities. The current system is unacceptable as far as I am concerned.
8 KM
Saturday, 6 November 2010
Friday, November 5th, 2010
A Brother Gone
Mumbai, India
My dear godbrother Purnachandra Swami, whom I first met at his flat on Soho St. in London, and who then was having severe health issue, passed away this morning. The announcement come after my walk at Juhu and a most lively arati service at the ISKCON temple. It was hard to hear the news about a soul who had contributed a substantial amount to the scholastic side of the Krishna Consciousness movement.
My last personal exchange with him was when he came to visit our different centers In Canada and I should not fail to mention that we strolled together to the army surplus store at Toronto’s Young St. to purchase for him on my recommendation, a pair of crocs footwear. I recall very well speaking to him about the role of guru in society and how the spiritual teacher could possibly be understood and appear more relevant. I always appreciated being able to talk openly about matters with him.
One fine day in Mayapur, in West Bengal, we took a journey with a couple from Eastern Europe to view these well forgotten ancient terra cotta temples. We spent a full day observing what were ruins of great Hindu and Vaisnava architecture.
I am sorry to hear he’s gone. When asked to lead a song “Damodarastakam” & to deliver the morning Bhagavatam message to the assembled devotees, I did so in his honour. He was a true friend. How soon we forget though! When asked to meet with students from Pune who wished to hear from me about my walking adventures, I agreed and in the delivery I feel I faulted by not thinking about my brother, Purnacandra, for even a moment. So forgive me for not remembering you more. Indeed you have my respect and love as I compile today this blog info. I am wrought with ego. I hope to see you in the next world.
8KM
Mumbai, India
My dear godbrother Purnachandra Swami, whom I first met at his flat on Soho St. in London, and who then was having severe health issue, passed away this morning. The announcement come after my walk at Juhu and a most lively arati service at the ISKCON temple. It was hard to hear the news about a soul who had contributed a substantial amount to the scholastic side of the Krishna Consciousness movement.
My last personal exchange with him was when he came to visit our different centers In Canada and I should not fail to mention that we strolled together to the army surplus store at Toronto’s Young St. to purchase for him on my recommendation, a pair of crocs footwear. I recall very well speaking to him about the role of guru in society and how the spiritual teacher could possibly be understood and appear more relevant. I always appreciated being able to talk openly about matters with him.
One fine day in Mayapur, in West Bengal, we took a journey with a couple from Eastern Europe to view these well forgotten ancient terra cotta temples. We spent a full day observing what were ruins of great Hindu and Vaisnava architecture.
I am sorry to hear he’s gone. When asked to lead a song “Damodarastakam” & to deliver the morning Bhagavatam message to the assembled devotees, I did so in his honour. He was a true friend. How soon we forget though! When asked to meet with students from Pune who wished to hear from me about my walking adventures, I agreed and in the delivery I feel I faulted by not thinking about my brother, Purnacandra, for even a moment. So forgive me for not remembering you more. Indeed you have my respect and love as I compile today this blog info. I am wrought with ego. I hope to see you in the next world.
8KM
Friday, 5 November 2010
Thursday, November 4th, 2010
I am married!
Mumbai, India
At such an early hour (3am) cricket near stop their sound at the dry edge of the beach. Each time I stride along Juhu’s sands I meet the same persons – the beach cleaners, a patrol unit, two men in a jeep, one or two fishermen, the same dogs, a colony of beach dwellers fast asleep. Only the sandpipers must be different as they scurry across before taking off in flight. The name is the same. I am speaking about the chant which goes along with my walking. Of all the mantras that exist, as the breathe of the Vedas, it’s this maha-mantra “ Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare / Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare” which is forever with this humble self.
I may not always be attentive to its glorious sound. I may not always enunciate its words so perfectly. I may not mentally offer it the respect it deserve. But the mantra has become my companion now for about 38 years. That’s a fairly big commitment.
I sat down with my dear friend Tamohara from Florida. We had lunch together. He mentioned he’s been married to the same lady for forty years. That’s an accomplishment. I had to ask myself, “ who am I married to ? “ that question might sound a trite bit silly to some people coming from a monk’s mind but truly I had to ask myself, “ who is my companion?”
The answer came at the time of the morning beach walk. “It’s the mantra, that is whom I am used to. And like in relationship sometimes my mood in dealing with my companion (whatever) it is sometimes hot and sometimes cold but there definitely is a companionship there. I can safely say that there will not be a separation as long as I can value that companion.
In conclusion I have this to say, “ It’s really nice to be married. “ And the next time someone asked me if I am married I will proudly say, “yes I’m married to a mantra.”
8KM
Mumbai, India
At such an early hour (3am) cricket near stop their sound at the dry edge of the beach. Each time I stride along Juhu’s sands I meet the same persons – the beach cleaners, a patrol unit, two men in a jeep, one or two fishermen, the same dogs, a colony of beach dwellers fast asleep. Only the sandpipers must be different as they scurry across before taking off in flight. The name is the same. I am speaking about the chant which goes along with my walking. Of all the mantras that exist, as the breathe of the Vedas, it’s this maha-mantra “ Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare / Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare” which is forever with this humble self.
I may not always be attentive to its glorious sound. I may not always enunciate its words so perfectly. I may not mentally offer it the respect it deserve. But the mantra has become my companion now for about 38 years. That’s a fairly big commitment.
I sat down with my dear friend Tamohara from Florida. We had lunch together. He mentioned he’s been married to the same lady for forty years. That’s an accomplishment. I had to ask myself, “ who am I married to ? “ that question might sound a trite bit silly to some people coming from a monk’s mind but truly I had to ask myself, “ who is my companion?”
The answer came at the time of the morning beach walk. “It’s the mantra, that is whom I am used to. And like in relationship sometimes my mood in dealing with my companion (whatever) it is sometimes hot and sometimes cold but there definitely is a companionship there. I can safely say that there will not be a separation as long as I can value that companion.
In conclusion I have this to say, “ It’s really nice to be married. “ And the next time someone asked me if I am married I will proudly say, “yes I’m married to a mantra.”
8KM
Wednesday, November 3rd, 2010
A man who changed
Mumbai, India
Haridas, now 60, was a very young man when he met Srila Prabhupada, founder of the Hare Krishna movement. He explained to me that he had known the ways of street life. It happened that a copy of the magazine, the official Hare Krishna periodical, “Back to Godhead” ended up in his hands. On one of the pages a picture shows the image of Srila Prabhupada. Haridas noticed the watch on the wrist of the swami in the picture. He had little or no knowledge of Vedic or Hindu tradition. His mind was fascinated in stealing that watch. According to the actual norms of the culture you never steal from anyone, especially from a holy man.
Haridas started to visit the Krishna community in Mumbai. It was quite an international mix in those days with especially American to lead the mission there. There were gatherings of people who would sit by Prabhupada to hear him speak, Haridas entered into those more intimate meetings. At one point Prabhupada noticed him and inquired about him. Haridas was quite frank. He was beginning to truly enjoy the company of the Krishna devotees and he was becoming somewhat softened by their presence, nevertheless he spoke his mind.
“I originally came here to see how I could steal your watch”, he said.
With no resistance Prabhupada removed his watch from his wrist and gave it to him. This came as a surprise to Haridas. From that point on Haridas really began to love Prabhupada.
He told me of how he needed to get a government form filled out and it required for the applicant to write out the name of his father. Haridas didn’t know his father. He asked his guru, Prabhupada, what to do? Prabhupada took the form and signed his own name saying, “I am your father.”
Prabhupada had noticed that Haridas at one time had a camera. (Whether it was stolen or not he didn’t relay to me). Prabhupada asked him to get serious about using his camera and to make films. He became a new person.
Haridas now heads up ITV film studios. I spent an hour and a half with Haridas. He’s a cool dude.
One additional remark, an appeal: My dear American friend Purnachandra Swami is in critical condition on life support in a hospital in Russia. Please join me in prayer for his well being.
9KM
Mumbai, India
Haridas, now 60, was a very young man when he met Srila Prabhupada, founder of the Hare Krishna movement. He explained to me that he had known the ways of street life. It happened that a copy of the magazine, the official Hare Krishna periodical, “Back to Godhead” ended up in his hands. On one of the pages a picture shows the image of Srila Prabhupada. Haridas noticed the watch on the wrist of the swami in the picture. He had little or no knowledge of Vedic or Hindu tradition. His mind was fascinated in stealing that watch. According to the actual norms of the culture you never steal from anyone, especially from a holy man.
Haridas started to visit the Krishna community in Mumbai. It was quite an international mix in those days with especially American to lead the mission there. There were gatherings of people who would sit by Prabhupada to hear him speak, Haridas entered into those more intimate meetings. At one point Prabhupada noticed him and inquired about him. Haridas was quite frank. He was beginning to truly enjoy the company of the Krishna devotees and he was becoming somewhat softened by their presence, nevertheless he spoke his mind.
“I originally came here to see how I could steal your watch”, he said.
With no resistance Prabhupada removed his watch from his wrist and gave it to him. This came as a surprise to Haridas. From that point on Haridas really began to love Prabhupada.
He told me of how he needed to get a government form filled out and it required for the applicant to write out the name of his father. Haridas didn’t know his father. He asked his guru, Prabhupada, what to do? Prabhupada took the form and signed his own name saying, “I am your father.”
Prabhupada had noticed that Haridas at one time had a camera. (Whether it was stolen or not he didn’t relay to me). Prabhupada asked him to get serious about using his camera and to make films. He became a new person.
Haridas now heads up ITV film studios. I spent an hour and a half with Haridas. He’s a cool dude.
One additional remark, an appeal: My dear American friend Purnachandra Swami is in critical condition on life support in a hospital in Russia. Please join me in prayer for his well being.
9KM
Thursday, 4 November 2010
Tuesday, November 2nd, 2010
A plug in for “Unity in Diversity”
Mumbai, India
I was given the pleasure to read before the assembled body of great souls to initiate the meeting for yesterday and I just wanted to share its message from our Guru Srila Prabhupada.
Dated 73-10-18
Delhi
My dear Kirtananda Maharaja,
Please accept my blessings and I beg to acknowledge receipt of your letter dated October 16, 1973 and I have noted the contents carefully. Next time you come to India, you must come to Mayapur in March, not only you but many others. Our Bombay affairs are almost settled by 90%. The conveyance deed is prepared and it will be signed within one or two days.
Now this displeasing of god brothers has already begun and gives me too much agitation in my mind. Our Gaudiya-math people fought with one another after the demise of Guru Maharaja but my disciples have already begun fighting even in my presence. So I am greatly concerned about it.
Following in the foot prints of Lord Caitanya Mahaprabhu: trnad api su-nicena taror iva sahisnuna amanina manadena kirtaniya sada harih “One should chant the holy name of the Lord in a humble state of mind, thinking oneself lower than the straw in the street; one should be more tolerant than a tree, devoid of all sense of false prestige and should be ready to offer all respect to others. In such a state of mind one can chant the holy name of the Lord constantly”.
We must always remember this verse and be as tolerant as the tree, as we execute the Krishna Consciousness movement. Without this mentality we cannot be successful.
Material nature means dissension and disagreement, especially in the kali yuga. But, for this Krishna Consciousness movement its success will depend on agreement, even though there are varieties of engagements. In the material world there are varieties, but there is no agreement. In the spiritual world there are varieties, but there is agreement. That is the difference. The materialist without being able to adjust the varieties and the disagreements makes everything zero. They cannot come into agreement with varieties, but if we keep Krishna in the center, then there will be agreement in varieties. This is called unity in diversity. I am therefore suggesting that all our men meet in Mayapur every year during the birth anniversary of Lord Caitanya Mahaprabhu. With all GBC and senior men present we should discuss how to make unity in diversity. That will make our movement successful. One section of men have already gone out, therefore we must be very careful to maintain unity in diversity, and remember the story in Aesop’s fables of the father of many children with the bundle of sticks. When the father asked his children to break the bundle of stick wrapped in a bag, none of them could do it. But when they removed the sticks from the bag, and tried one by one, the sticks were easily broken. So this is the strength in unity. If we are bunched up, we can never be broken, but when divided, then we can become broken very easily.
I hope this meets you in good health.
Your ever well wisher,
A.C. Bhaktivendanta Swami
10 KM
Mumbai, India
I was given the pleasure to read before the assembled body of great souls to initiate the meeting for yesterday and I just wanted to share its message from our Guru Srila Prabhupada.
Dated 73-10-18
Delhi
My dear Kirtananda Maharaja,
Please accept my blessings and I beg to acknowledge receipt of your letter dated October 16, 1973 and I have noted the contents carefully. Next time you come to India, you must come to Mayapur in March, not only you but many others. Our Bombay affairs are almost settled by 90%. The conveyance deed is prepared and it will be signed within one or two days.
Now this displeasing of god brothers has already begun and gives me too much agitation in my mind. Our Gaudiya-math people fought with one another after the demise of Guru Maharaja but my disciples have already begun fighting even in my presence. So I am greatly concerned about it.
Following in the foot prints of Lord Caitanya Mahaprabhu: trnad api su-nicena taror iva sahisnuna amanina manadena kirtaniya sada harih “One should chant the holy name of the Lord in a humble state of mind, thinking oneself lower than the straw in the street; one should be more tolerant than a tree, devoid of all sense of false prestige and should be ready to offer all respect to others. In such a state of mind one can chant the holy name of the Lord constantly”.
We must always remember this verse and be as tolerant as the tree, as we execute the Krishna Consciousness movement. Without this mentality we cannot be successful.
Material nature means dissension and disagreement, especially in the kali yuga. But, for this Krishna Consciousness movement its success will depend on agreement, even though there are varieties of engagements. In the material world there are varieties, but there is no agreement. In the spiritual world there are varieties, but there is agreement. That is the difference. The materialist without being able to adjust the varieties and the disagreements makes everything zero. They cannot come into agreement with varieties, but if we keep Krishna in the center, then there will be agreement in varieties. This is called unity in diversity. I am therefore suggesting that all our men meet in Mayapur every year during the birth anniversary of Lord Caitanya Mahaprabhu. With all GBC and senior men present we should discuss how to make unity in diversity. That will make our movement successful. One section of men have already gone out, therefore we must be very careful to maintain unity in diversity, and remember the story in Aesop’s fables of the father of many children with the bundle of sticks. When the father asked his children to break the bundle of stick wrapped in a bag, none of them could do it. But when they removed the sticks from the bag, and tried one by one, the sticks were easily broken. So this is the strength in unity. If we are bunched up, we can never be broken, but when divided, then we can become broken very easily.
I hope this meets you in good health.
Your ever well wisher,
A.C. Bhaktivendanta Swami
10 KM
Monday, November 1st, 2010
Get Smart
Mumbai, India
To access Juhu beach at the northern most section where overhead lights mark the way I meandered through several streets, but I ventured too far north and ended up where fishermen dwell, an area one grade up from a shanty town. Some rickshaw drivers led me to a narrow alley which was dark and moist. I could see rats scurrying about. That was fine provided I wouldn’t get bitten. Finally climbing down rocks to reach the beach I felt a little more safe.
At 2:30 am I found adventure but also peace. The waterfront is people-less and I can concentrate on chanting and walking. Well I thought it was quite. A young dog came after me barking fiercely. This was simply a deja-vous because last year an aggressive young dog jumped on my leg and left a tear in my dhoti (lower robe). It happened once again today personally I was torn between maintaining the dog as enemy by inviting fear or by befriending him. I will have to learn the fine art, I must plan. I must be smart to sustain a relatively undisturbed walk; I suppose I can apply what I learn during the day. In our meetings we are thought that SMART goals must be met, S stands for specific,
M for measurable, A for accountable, R for realistic and T for time based. Our guru Srila Prabhupada, so much wanted us to plan smartly the effort to spread the spiritual culture. Our task as leader is to come up with systems, systems that will manifest from though to documentation and then to be in the world of action.
In our meeting we keep mission in mind although there may be disagreement. Argument is often encouraged so long as it doesn’t hurt. Here again our guru encouraged “unity in diversity”. You can’t have unity without individual contribution.
If I was just to walk all day and contend with a small pup or dog my strategy would be so simple, but since life is more complex I will have to apply more details and live with that adventure.
10 KM
Mumbai, India
To access Juhu beach at the northern most section where overhead lights mark the way I meandered through several streets, but I ventured too far north and ended up where fishermen dwell, an area one grade up from a shanty town. Some rickshaw drivers led me to a narrow alley which was dark and moist. I could see rats scurrying about. That was fine provided I wouldn’t get bitten. Finally climbing down rocks to reach the beach I felt a little more safe.
At 2:30 am I found adventure but also peace. The waterfront is people-less and I can concentrate on chanting and walking. Well I thought it was quite. A young dog came after me barking fiercely. This was simply a deja-vous because last year an aggressive young dog jumped on my leg and left a tear in my dhoti (lower robe). It happened once again today personally I was torn between maintaining the dog as enemy by inviting fear or by befriending him. I will have to learn the fine art, I must plan. I must be smart to sustain a relatively undisturbed walk; I suppose I can apply what I learn during the day. In our meetings we are thought that SMART goals must be met, S stands for specific,
M for measurable, A for accountable, R for realistic and T for time based. Our guru Srila Prabhupada, so much wanted us to plan smartly the effort to spread the spiritual culture. Our task as leader is to come up with systems, systems that will manifest from though to documentation and then to be in the world of action.
In our meeting we keep mission in mind although there may be disagreement. Argument is often encouraged so long as it doesn’t hurt. Here again our guru encouraged “unity in diversity”. You can’t have unity without individual contribution.
If I was just to walk all day and contend with a small pup or dog my strategy would be so simple, but since life is more complex I will have to apply more details and live with that adventure.
10 KM
Sunday, October 31st, 2010
Expert Shifting
Mumbai, India
It is unusual to spring into action after an arduously long trip in the air but it seems to be happening for so many colleagues who have come from far and wide. And for me, well, I felt great, sitting down in ISKCON Mumbai’s banquet hall surrounded by such great souls. The care shown by devotees operating the place helped to make everything so stress free. I would not be perked up for the morning session had it not been for the four bramacharis (monks) who came at me the previous night for massage with excellent oil, the main ingredient being cow’s urine. “Four of you? That’s an over kill, isn’t it”, I asked. My slang didn’t exactly resonate with them yet they waggled their heads in the typical accommodating Indian style and proceeded to their task. Indeed I felt like the scare crow in ‘The Wizard of Oz’ who was being re-stuffed before seeing the wizard himself.
I had been given the honour on the previous night to lead the chanting session as part of the opening ceremony to inaugurate our annual meetings. Then I was asked to lead this morning the charming chant in honour of Krishna as a baby Damodara. After this morning’s class spoken by god brother Jayapataka Swami, an American born senior member of ISKCON, who two years ago in Mumbai suffered a serious stroke, I raised my hand during the question and answer session.
This senior monk physically went through hell so I was compelled to ask “How do you do it Maharaj? The ordeal you went through two years ago and your mind is clear your intelligence and memory sharp, How do you account for that?”
Jayapataka answered by saying “Blessings from all the devotees”. He skillfully avoided taking any credit and then started tooting any praises he could find in me as he was explaining his last trip to Canada and Toronto my home base. This is what a true monk will do, shift the attention away from himself and throw back to you.
This he did despite the speech defect he now contends with. He certainly demonstrated a saint hood by this technique. There is always something to learn.
10 KM
Mumbai, India
It is unusual to spring into action after an arduously long trip in the air but it seems to be happening for so many colleagues who have come from far and wide. And for me, well, I felt great, sitting down in ISKCON Mumbai’s banquet hall surrounded by such great souls. The care shown by devotees operating the place helped to make everything so stress free. I would not be perked up for the morning session had it not been for the four bramacharis (monks) who came at me the previous night for massage with excellent oil, the main ingredient being cow’s urine. “Four of you? That’s an over kill, isn’t it”, I asked. My slang didn’t exactly resonate with them yet they waggled their heads in the typical accommodating Indian style and proceeded to their task. Indeed I felt like the scare crow in ‘The Wizard of Oz’ who was being re-stuffed before seeing the wizard himself.
I had been given the honour on the previous night to lead the chanting session as part of the opening ceremony to inaugurate our annual meetings. Then I was asked to lead this morning the charming chant in honour of Krishna as a baby Damodara. After this morning’s class spoken by god brother Jayapataka Swami, an American born senior member of ISKCON, who two years ago in Mumbai suffered a serious stroke, I raised my hand during the question and answer session.
This senior monk physically went through hell so I was compelled to ask “How do you do it Maharaj? The ordeal you went through two years ago and your mind is clear your intelligence and memory sharp, How do you account for that?”
Jayapataka answered by saying “Blessings from all the devotees”. He skillfully avoided taking any credit and then started tooting any praises he could find in me as he was explaining his last trip to Canada and Toronto my home base. This is what a true monk will do, shift the attention away from himself and throw back to you.
This he did despite the speech defect he now contends with. He certainly demonstrated a saint hood by this technique. There is always something to learn.
10 KM
Monday, 1 November 2010
Saturday, October 30th 2010
Begin Now!
Mumbai, India
Because it is Saturday night and it is Juhu Beach you find many couples locked in each others arms standing by as soft wave after soft wave of ocean water spill over the hard packed sand. There are so many wannabe lovers as well. And there are those who have been there and done that.
According to eastern psychology we are all in love. As I walked along the evening’s draw for people, namely this Arabian sea in Mumbai, I simply began to appreciate that all of us who have hit the sand this evening and all those who happened to not be present to enjoy the sea breeze are in love. It’s a different kind of love from the flighty romance of youth.
If we can just grasp the concept that we are spirits full of eternity, full of cognition and full of bliss, and that we have this divine connection with the divine, then we can begin to come to terms with the real love between the two. There’s the soul and the superior soul and the warm involvement between the two. That’s solid love.
As I walk by singles and groups of people and in particular couples, I became aware of the before and after the Saturday night romantic embrace. There is much endeavor on the part of an individual to meet with another one. And after the hug there is the struggle to keep the fuel of love boiling or even to hold it on simmer. Cupid’s visit s are short, he is evasive and moves from person to person. The arrow’s potency is fleeting.
One couple became a little embarrassed upon seeing me in the robes. Perhaps they would admit that while there friendship between the two is important they believe that there is a Divine love that is superior.
It would be to everyone’s benefit to realize the ultimate relationship. If you haven’t started to develop it then begin now.
5 KM
Mumbai, India
Because it is Saturday night and it is Juhu Beach you find many couples locked in each others arms standing by as soft wave after soft wave of ocean water spill over the hard packed sand. There are so many wannabe lovers as well. And there are those who have been there and done that.
According to eastern psychology we are all in love. As I walked along the evening’s draw for people, namely this Arabian sea in Mumbai, I simply began to appreciate that all of us who have hit the sand this evening and all those who happened to not be present to enjoy the sea breeze are in love. It’s a different kind of love from the flighty romance of youth.
If we can just grasp the concept that we are spirits full of eternity, full of cognition and full of bliss, and that we have this divine connection with the divine, then we can begin to come to terms with the real love between the two. There’s the soul and the superior soul and the warm involvement between the two. That’s solid love.
As I walk by singles and groups of people and in particular couples, I became aware of the before and after the Saturday night romantic embrace. There is much endeavor on the part of an individual to meet with another one. And after the hug there is the struggle to keep the fuel of love boiling or even to hold it on simmer. Cupid’s visit s are short, he is evasive and moves from person to person. The arrow’s potency is fleeting.
One couple became a little embarrassed upon seeing me in the robes. Perhaps they would admit that while there friendship between the two is important they believe that there is a Divine love that is superior.
It would be to everyone’s benefit to realize the ultimate relationship. If you haven’t started to develop it then begin now.
5 KM
Friday, October 29 th, 2010
Never Bleak
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
You practically lose a day flying east, as I have on Etihad Airway. At take off time the individual screen in front of your seat promotes the life and culture at Abu Dhabi followed by a prayer from the Koran in Arabic. The flight was long but any day spent in the consciousness of Krishna can never be bleak.
One can always busy himself in chanting and hearing which is what I do on a plane. Reading, writing and I won’t lie, peaking at a classic film with historic content. As a dramatist I take some justification behind this. I have found it generates ideas for future productions, but I never go out of my way to see a film.
From my reading from Bhagavatam I noted the message from a section on canto 10 where the personified Vedas pray “Dear Lord it is imperative that the living entities be engaged in Krishna Consciousness, always rendering devotional service by such prescribed methods as hearing and chanting and executing your orders”. Chanting for me is life, without it I consider what we do in this world as a vacuum.
The Bhagavatam further on explains that the breath of life bears significance when the spiritual element is implemented. Otherwise such breathing is likened to the air moving within the bellows of a blacksmith shop. And in an earlier segment of the Bhagavatam comparisons are drawn saying the head ornamented with a head dress or helmet is only a heavy burden unless that head bows down to divinity. Similarly the legs, although in motion, when not used for pilgrimage purpose, becomes like immobile trunks of trees.
The Vedas recommend that all our faculty powers, our senses, our limbs were meant for the purpose of higher engagement. The message is “engage always with a divine purpose”.
0 KM
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
You practically lose a day flying east, as I have on Etihad Airway. At take off time the individual screen in front of your seat promotes the life and culture at Abu Dhabi followed by a prayer from the Koran in Arabic. The flight was long but any day spent in the consciousness of Krishna can never be bleak.
One can always busy himself in chanting and hearing which is what I do on a plane. Reading, writing and I won’t lie, peaking at a classic film with historic content. As a dramatist I take some justification behind this. I have found it generates ideas for future productions, but I never go out of my way to see a film.
From my reading from Bhagavatam I noted the message from a section on canto 10 where the personified Vedas pray “Dear Lord it is imperative that the living entities be engaged in Krishna Consciousness, always rendering devotional service by such prescribed methods as hearing and chanting and executing your orders”. Chanting for me is life, without it I consider what we do in this world as a vacuum.
The Bhagavatam further on explains that the breath of life bears significance when the spiritual element is implemented. Otherwise such breathing is likened to the air moving within the bellows of a blacksmith shop. And in an earlier segment of the Bhagavatam comparisons are drawn saying the head ornamented with a head dress or helmet is only a heavy burden unless that head bows down to divinity. Similarly the legs, although in motion, when not used for pilgrimage purpose, becomes like immobile trunks of trees.
The Vedas recommend that all our faculty powers, our senses, our limbs were meant for the purpose of higher engagement. The message is “engage always with a divine purpose”.
0 KM
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