Are You Civilized?
Orlando, Florida.
Someone might call themselves a human being but it doesn’t mean that they are civilized. With students from UF in Gainesville I read a passage from the Bhagavatam (1.9.26).
“One cannot be called a civilized person without acquiring the preliminary qualities:
1. not to be angry
2. not to lie
3. to equally distribute wealth
4. to forgive
5. to beget children only by one’s legitimate wife
6. to be pure in mind and hygiene in body
7. not to be inimical toward anyone
8. to be simple
9. to support servants or subordinates
These principles as outlined by King Bhisma offer the backbone to a civilized community. The discussion that followed the reading was really wholesome and allowed those university students to look outside of the fishbowl.
The balance of my day was primarily in attendance on a presentation at the ISKCON Orlando Centre. Everyone Knows Orlando. It holds a civilization shaped around a happy mouse. That’s rather incredible. At least Mickey has always been perceived as a moral mouse for the most part. My dear monk friend, Trivikrama Swami, who’s pushing for 69 years to have been on this planet, confirmed the popularity of Disney World. “There are more hotel accommodations in Orlando than any other place on earth” he said.
Anyways my presentation in the late afternoon was about self-discipline and that it was a human being’s obligation. Refering the book, Bhagavad Gita 2.67 which states that anyone of our senses can lead us astray as a swift wind could move a boat over water in an uncontrollable way.
Bhisma’s list is an anchor for people. He draws a line between what is civil and what is not. It’s a good criterion.
8KM
B L O G S P O T
Tuesday, 7 December 2010
Sunday, 5 December 2010
Saturday, December 4th, 2010
Sweet and Sticky
Lacrosse, Florida
A sugar cane stick is something that is sweet wherever you bite. So is literature sweet when virtuous or meant for the soul.
Saturday mornings in the community, Alachua, is the time to read and comment on the relishable pastimes of Sri Chaitanya, father of the holy name. I read and remarked on the relationship between two outstanding saints, Nityananda and Advaita. It was very personal and sweet.
To roll on the theme of “anti-sour” I was whisked away with the Gainesville group to a Sugar Festival after the class. Someone had told me that entertainer Madonna had a tour called “Sweet and Sticky”. Frankly, for a monk, her concerts hold no interest for me and honestly I would opine that there is nothing sweet but only bitter about that type of showgirlship. The Sugar Festival is something very different.
A local couple, Radha Gopinath and Tapasvini, run an organic farm and their sugar cane harvest is on. I was an invitee; I noticed the volunteers for cane chopping were down to the last plants. The last three stalks were left when I was handed a machete. It was a flashback from my tobacco chopping days. (No, I never got into smoking.) Anyways, down they came. “Timber!”
The sweetness, however, came from the tasting. The cane stalks were juiced, then boiled to a molasses texture. Once exposed to the dry, sunny air, it turned into a type of toffee. These various stages of operation offered something for the tongue that was absolutely delicious.
Soup with garden greens and home baked biscuits was also the reward for coming. Some of that cane syrup was spread over the biscuit. What do they say? “Mama Mia!” It all went down so well.
The sweetest and stickiest aspect of the day, however, was not the substances that trailed down to the stomach. It was the sanga. Sanga refers to the food down-to-earth and up-in-heaven company. Saintly association!
12KM
Lacrosse, Florida
A sugar cane stick is something that is sweet wherever you bite. So is literature sweet when virtuous or meant for the soul.
Saturday mornings in the community, Alachua, is the time to read and comment on the relishable pastimes of Sri Chaitanya, father of the holy name. I read and remarked on the relationship between two outstanding saints, Nityananda and Advaita. It was very personal and sweet.
To roll on the theme of “anti-sour” I was whisked away with the Gainesville group to a Sugar Festival after the class. Someone had told me that entertainer Madonna had a tour called “Sweet and Sticky”. Frankly, for a monk, her concerts hold no interest for me and honestly I would opine that there is nothing sweet but only bitter about that type of showgirlship. The Sugar Festival is something very different.
A local couple, Radha Gopinath and Tapasvini, run an organic farm and their sugar cane harvest is on. I was an invitee; I noticed the volunteers for cane chopping were down to the last plants. The last three stalks were left when I was handed a machete. It was a flashback from my tobacco chopping days. (No, I never got into smoking.) Anyways, down they came. “Timber!”
The sweetness, however, came from the tasting. The cane stalks were juiced, then boiled to a molasses texture. Once exposed to the dry, sunny air, it turned into a type of toffee. These various stages of operation offered something for the tongue that was absolutely delicious.
Soup with garden greens and home baked biscuits was also the reward for coming. Some of that cane syrup was spread over the biscuit. What do they say? “Mama Mia!” It all went down so well.
The sweetest and stickiest aspect of the day, however, was not the substances that trailed down to the stomach. It was the sanga. Sanga refers to the food down-to-earth and up-in-heaven company. Saintly association!
12KM
Friday, December 3rd, 2010
I HOPE!
Gainesville, Florida
Before the world arose I was alone, or seemingly so. 3:30 AM is a pin drop silence time for this university town. At least in the area where I walked for my own purposeful end- chant some mantras, lose pounds and karma- I passed by not one single soul. The odd car whizzed by on University Ave. That was before darshan (viewing of the Krishna Deity). A second trek, led by dear Godbrother Kalakantha, took us into campus grounds. This was a mix of mantras and tour-guiding. He showed me the outdoor sculpture piece known as “French Fries”, then a second one called “Potato”. More than anything I see a greater allegiance here to football than to spuds. Signs for cheering the Gators football team are everywhere.
After the walk I was introduced to John's parents, Rod and Pat from Miami, and then to Vicki's parents, Hank and Pat, of West Palm Beach. John and Vicki were to be initiated into the mission of Krishna Consciousness. It is somewhat of a rarity to have full parental participation at such a ceremony. I was moved by their presence. When Caturatma finished the priestly duty with the fire ceremony, parents were touched and expressed appreciation. John accepted an additional name of Jahnudvipa, a sacred place in India. Vicki accepted the name Vaikuntha Lila, in reference to the spiritual world.
Steps such as receiving initiation are steps toward going back home, back to the spiritual realm, the place from which we all hail from.
In the evening, the Gainesville Krishna House filled up with students. We relayed stories of walking on the road as was done the previous night. My anticipation with all of this is to promote pilgrimage. I hope it's working.
8KM
Gainesville, Florida
Before the world arose I was alone, or seemingly so. 3:30 AM is a pin drop silence time for this university town. At least in the area where I walked for my own purposeful end- chant some mantras, lose pounds and karma- I passed by not one single soul. The odd car whizzed by on University Ave. That was before darshan (viewing of the Krishna Deity). A second trek, led by dear Godbrother Kalakantha, took us into campus grounds. This was a mix of mantras and tour-guiding. He showed me the outdoor sculpture piece known as “French Fries”, then a second one called “Potato”. More than anything I see a greater allegiance here to football than to spuds. Signs for cheering the Gators football team are everywhere.
After the walk I was introduced to John's parents, Rod and Pat from Miami, and then to Vicki's parents, Hank and Pat, of West Palm Beach. John and Vicki were to be initiated into the mission of Krishna Consciousness. It is somewhat of a rarity to have full parental participation at such a ceremony. I was moved by their presence. When Caturatma finished the priestly duty with the fire ceremony, parents were touched and expressed appreciation. John accepted an additional name of Jahnudvipa, a sacred place in India. Vicki accepted the name Vaikuntha Lila, in reference to the spiritual world.
Steps such as receiving initiation are steps toward going back home, back to the spiritual realm, the place from which we all hail from.
In the evening, the Gainesville Krishna House filled up with students. We relayed stories of walking on the road as was done the previous night. My anticipation with all of this is to promote pilgrimage. I hope it's working.
8KM
Friday, 3 December 2010
Thursday, December 2nd, 2010
It All Began At the Campus
Gainesville, Florida
The fellow sitting next to me on U.S. Airways had to compliment us (meaning Hare Krishna monks). When he heard that Gainesville was my final destination for the day, he said, “In the early nineties you guys fed me every day while at university. The meals were great; the price was right - $1 per meal.” He mentioned to me that he is on his 150th flight for this year. I joked with him if he's targeting 200 flights for 2010. I asked him about the novel he was reading.
“Is the book 'Vicious Circle' about the wheel of birth and death?”
“It's my escapist reading. It's actually all about exorcism,” he said. He also alluded to needing to be in a world outside of his own. It was priceless what he had said. The real truth about living in this mundane world came right out his mouth. Trying to escape or exploring another world apart from our own are natural inclination. That's why fantasy is so popular. That's why people attempt to alter their state of consciousness. That's why some people in a more virtuous fashion seek spirituality.
I'm not sure that my flying friend has taken a path for spiritual growth but I would say that his spiritual journey began because of the fact that he ate meals of wonderful food we call Krishna prasadam. This is food surcharged with spiritual energy.
The Krishna Lunch program has been running for years (over 3 decades) at the University of Florida campus permitting a Friends of Lord Krishna culture to evolve.
For the Late afternoon Jagannatha Puri Dham, whose marriage I attended in Denver earlier this year, took me to trek around the campus. He brought me to the place where the monks of the early Krishna days - monks like Visnujana and Garga Mun i- had begun the mission here in North Florida. He also pointed out the grassy area where our guru, Srila Prabhupada, gave a talk to young students, seekers of the truth.
“To this day people remember Srila Prabhupada. They come to us to tell us,” said Jagannatha.
My final message is an appeal to readers for prayers in honour of a dear Godsister, Yamuna who is not doing very well with her health.
5KM
Gainesville, Florida
The fellow sitting next to me on U.S. Airways had to compliment us (meaning Hare Krishna monks). When he heard that Gainesville was my final destination for the day, he said, “In the early nineties you guys fed me every day while at university. The meals were great; the price was right - $1 per meal.” He mentioned to me that he is on his 150th flight for this year. I joked with him if he's targeting 200 flights for 2010. I asked him about the novel he was reading.
“Is the book 'Vicious Circle' about the wheel of birth and death?”
“It's my escapist reading. It's actually all about exorcism,” he said. He also alluded to needing to be in a world outside of his own. It was priceless what he had said. The real truth about living in this mundane world came right out his mouth. Trying to escape or exploring another world apart from our own are natural inclination. That's why fantasy is so popular. That's why people attempt to alter their state of consciousness. That's why some people in a more virtuous fashion seek spirituality.
I'm not sure that my flying friend has taken a path for spiritual growth but I would say that his spiritual journey began because of the fact that he ate meals of wonderful food we call Krishna prasadam. This is food surcharged with spiritual energy.
The Krishna Lunch program has been running for years (over 3 decades) at the University of Florida campus permitting a Friends of Lord Krishna culture to evolve.
For the Late afternoon Jagannatha Puri Dham, whose marriage I attended in Denver earlier this year, took me to trek around the campus. He brought me to the place where the monks of the early Krishna days - monks like Visnujana and Garga Mun i- had begun the mission here in North Florida. He also pointed out the grassy area where our guru, Srila Prabhupada, gave a talk to young students, seekers of the truth.
“To this day people remember Srila Prabhupada. They come to us to tell us,” said Jagannatha.
My final message is an appeal to readers for prayers in honour of a dear Godsister, Yamuna who is not doing very well with her health.
5KM
Wednesday, December 1st, 2010
Obligation to Sustain
Port Royal, Pennsylvania
The excessive rains of the entire night and morning kept me somewhat handicapped from walking to the local temple for morning sadhana (devotional mantra workshop). While Europe is being clobbered with snow, Pennsylvania is getting water. The Juniata River which borders a portion of the Gita Nagari farm rose to an overwhelming level, burying the bases of trees. Once the rains let up. I could explore a new country road.
This is a predominant agricultural land with the Amish community at the helm. Gita Nagari has the potential to be that model community that our guru, Srila Prabhupada had desired. Some members had just returned from a CSA meeting. CSA stands for Community (or Co-operative) Sustainable Agriculture. The meeting left members rather impressed with the various co-operative implementations going on to prepare for a better world based on people, land, and animals.
At the present pace of consumerism leaving environmental challenges it becomes encouraging to know that there are groups marching progressively forward with the rain towards sustainability. It is common knowledge that the current way of existence cannot be sustained; and that measures must be taken to befriend the environment. I wish like anything that the devotee community of Gita Nagari succeed in this regard.
My last presentation at the farm temple (as it has been a pleasurable consecutive classes I've delivered) was leading an enlivening kirtan (chanting session). One attendee said it was “highly creative”. We sang. We danced. We came together to remind ourselves of obligations to our Creator and Sustainer, Krishna.
“This kirtan,” I announced, “is dedicated to two people- Satsvarupa Goswami, guru and excellent writer of devotional sciences and secondly, Dadhi Harta, our dear Godbrother from Canada, tender of cows at the Saranagati farm in B.C. And who passed away from cancer.”
7KM
Port Royal, Pennsylvania
The excessive rains of the entire night and morning kept me somewhat handicapped from walking to the local temple for morning sadhana (devotional mantra workshop). While Europe is being clobbered with snow, Pennsylvania is getting water. The Juniata River which borders a portion of the Gita Nagari farm rose to an overwhelming level, burying the bases of trees. Once the rains let up. I could explore a new country road.
This is a predominant agricultural land with the Amish community at the helm. Gita Nagari has the potential to be that model community that our guru, Srila Prabhupada had desired. Some members had just returned from a CSA meeting. CSA stands for Community (or Co-operative) Sustainable Agriculture. The meeting left members rather impressed with the various co-operative implementations going on to prepare for a better world based on people, land, and animals.
At the present pace of consumerism leaving environmental challenges it becomes encouraging to know that there are groups marching progressively forward with the rain towards sustainability. It is common knowledge that the current way of existence cannot be sustained; and that measures must be taken to befriend the environment. I wish like anything that the devotee community of Gita Nagari succeed in this regard.
My last presentation at the farm temple (as it has been a pleasurable consecutive classes I've delivered) was leading an enlivening kirtan (chanting session). One attendee said it was “highly creative”. We sang. We danced. We came together to remind ourselves of obligations to our Creator and Sustainer, Krishna.
“This kirtan,” I announced, “is dedicated to two people- Satsvarupa Goswami, guru and excellent writer of devotional sciences and secondly, Dadhi Harta, our dear Godbrother from Canada, tender of cows at the Saranagati farm in B.C. And who passed away from cancer.”
7KM
Thursday, 2 December 2010
Tuesday, November 30th, 2010
A Trail Proposal
Port Royal, Pennsylvania
I have been trying to talk up a subtle storm to several members of the community, about establishing an exciting japa trail for in and around the property. In this approximate 350 acre plot of land you have a river, a creek, hills, flatlands, forests and fields. You have the Appalachian Mountain backdrop. There’s also an historic covered bridge and quiet winding roads graced with charming country homes that would be inclusive of a well planned trail.
Stave Priya, the young farmhand and I walked a portion of what could be a real attraction for pilgrims from the city. You could hold walking workshops and invite locals to come see nature from another perspective. The trail would be ideal for helping to reduce pounds of unwanted flesh. Stava had not yet been through the covered bridge so here was an opportunity. I suggested to plant a field of coniferous trees to add some diversity to the plant residents at the farm as long as ecology freaks don’t mind.
The trail can be designed for health and overall welfare especially used for the japa meditation aspect. One of the biggest attractions of the trail would be a visit to the temple, let’s not forget the barn and the cows.
The countryside here is stunning. “So, why not?” I asked myself. I asked Stava. A well maintained japa walking trail – forever! Little does he know that I’ve tried to stir up a trail hype in West Virginia community and the BC Saranagati. Why not dot the map with trails?
5KM
Port Royal, Pennsylvania
I have been trying to talk up a subtle storm to several members of the community, about establishing an exciting japa trail for in and around the property. In this approximate 350 acre plot of land you have a river, a creek, hills, flatlands, forests and fields. You have the Appalachian Mountain backdrop. There’s also an historic covered bridge and quiet winding roads graced with charming country homes that would be inclusive of a well planned trail.
Stave Priya, the young farmhand and I walked a portion of what could be a real attraction for pilgrims from the city. You could hold walking workshops and invite locals to come see nature from another perspective. The trail would be ideal for helping to reduce pounds of unwanted flesh. Stava had not yet been through the covered bridge so here was an opportunity. I suggested to plant a field of coniferous trees to add some diversity to the plant residents at the farm as long as ecology freaks don’t mind.
The trail can be designed for health and overall welfare especially used for the japa meditation aspect. One of the biggest attractions of the trail would be a visit to the temple, let’s not forget the barn and the cows.
The countryside here is stunning. “So, why not?” I asked myself. I asked Stava. A well maintained japa walking trail – forever! Little does he know that I’ve tried to stir up a trail hype in West Virginia community and the BC Saranagati. Why not dot the map with trails?
5KM
Monday, November 29th, 2010
Prepare!
Carlisle, Pennsylvania
Kids stay home from school today even though Thanksgiving is behind us. Hunting season has begun in Pennsylvania. The Amish get little involved in the cultural activity, so I’ve been told. The Krishnas abstain altogether.
Sounds of shot -guns can be heard from all directions so it is advisable to avoid a forest walk. I had made it a point to stick to the roads this morning for my daily trek.
The major chunk of today took me away from pastures and trees altogether. The peaceful plane was downtown. In the heart of university town, Carlisle, is an old movie house converted into a theatre. One small theatre company which we have unofficially labeled as “Swami Productions” held a 12 hour stint on stage for the filming of our comedy “Lonely People”. The subject is to do with the topic loneliness as a form of depression.
Time sped by so quickly. All my three actors bore some kind of illness, fever and what not, but like troopers, patience & tolerance prevailed. We all come prepared psychologically for the long haul. You will find that sufficient preparedness will always lay out certain expectations. It brings about realistic acceptance.
Let’s say a group of us were to go on a safari expedition totally unprepared through the meanest of Amazon jungle where you find deadly biting bugs, thick and prickly bushes, streams of man-eating piranhas, prowling jaguars, poisonous creatures and pythons, swamps and the most intense heat and humidity. How long would you last? But with a well informed scenario you have a better chance to deal with a tough situation.
In spiritual circles there are often discussions about preparedness for life and death. These topics of “getting ready” are found in the books we call Sastras, spiritual texts.
On that note I would like to announce the parting of a dear soul and friend, Godbrother Dadhi Harta from Saranagati British Columbia. He passed away from a heart attack over the weekend. He was a very, very gentle soul. We are going to miss him.
6KM
Carlisle, Pennsylvania
Kids stay home from school today even though Thanksgiving is behind us. Hunting season has begun in Pennsylvania. The Amish get little involved in the cultural activity, so I’ve been told. The Krishnas abstain altogether.
Sounds of shot -guns can be heard from all directions so it is advisable to avoid a forest walk. I had made it a point to stick to the roads this morning for my daily trek.
The major chunk of today took me away from pastures and trees altogether. The peaceful plane was downtown. In the heart of university town, Carlisle, is an old movie house converted into a theatre. One small theatre company which we have unofficially labeled as “Swami Productions” held a 12 hour stint on stage for the filming of our comedy “Lonely People”. The subject is to do with the topic loneliness as a form of depression.
Time sped by so quickly. All my three actors bore some kind of illness, fever and what not, but like troopers, patience & tolerance prevailed. We all come prepared psychologically for the long haul. You will find that sufficient preparedness will always lay out certain expectations. It brings about realistic acceptance.
Let’s say a group of us were to go on a safari expedition totally unprepared through the meanest of Amazon jungle where you find deadly biting bugs, thick and prickly bushes, streams of man-eating piranhas, prowling jaguars, poisonous creatures and pythons, swamps and the most intense heat and humidity. How long would you last? But with a well informed scenario you have a better chance to deal with a tough situation.
In spiritual circles there are often discussions about preparedness for life and death. These topics of “getting ready” are found in the books we call Sastras, spiritual texts.
On that note I would like to announce the parting of a dear soul and friend, Godbrother Dadhi Harta from Saranagati British Columbia. He passed away from a heart attack over the weekend. He was a very, very gentle soul. We are going to miss him.
6KM
Wednesday, 1 December 2010
Sunday, November 28th, 2010
Like That of a Dog
Port Royal,Pennsylvania
In the stillness of the countryside, sounds of the wild are so well defined. There's the hoot of the owl, the drill of the woodpecker, and more wild than wilderness is the hum of a generator. A skunk's influence appears to be in the Gita Nagari community year round. I remember him from last time. You can always envy such permanent residents.
Gopa welcomed me with a bark. He can be described as a Pennsylvania mutt who lost a leg during hunting season. He's as permanent as you can get for the life of a dog, pushing a decade and a half. He's friendly and loves a little affection. I won't forget hearing our Guru, Srila Prabhupada, say that love is demonstrated in everyone and by all living entities and specifically he spoke of the mother dog who has so much affection for her pups.
In the late afternoon, community members made their way to the temple for Kirtan and class. I was slotted to speak from the Gita. I asked friend, Tamal, what verse to select for a topic. "How about 9.11? It's powerful." He proffered 9:30 in reference to how to view a comrade endeavouring on the spiritual path, but who slips and meets a dark hour.
Everyone can relate to such a situation where maya (illusion) takes a stab at us. Our reaction or response to such weakness when it visits a friend is one of compassion. And when we become the victim we anticipate it when someone comes to our aid and understanding. You want to be able to reciprocate like that of a dog - to show some love. Who does not show signs of weakness? No one is exempt.
7KM
Port Royal,Pennsylvania
In the stillness of the countryside, sounds of the wild are so well defined. There's the hoot of the owl, the drill of the woodpecker, and more wild than wilderness is the hum of a generator. A skunk's influence appears to be in the Gita Nagari community year round. I remember him from last time. You can always envy such permanent residents.
Gopa welcomed me with a bark. He can be described as a Pennsylvania mutt who lost a leg during hunting season. He's as permanent as you can get for the life of a dog, pushing a decade and a half. He's friendly and loves a little affection. I won't forget hearing our Guru, Srila Prabhupada, say that love is demonstrated in everyone and by all living entities and specifically he spoke of the mother dog who has so much affection for her pups.
In the late afternoon, community members made their way to the temple for Kirtan and class. I was slotted to speak from the Gita. I asked friend, Tamal, what verse to select for a topic. "How about 9.11? It's powerful." He proffered 9:30 in reference to how to view a comrade endeavouring on the spiritual path, but who slips and meets a dark hour.
Everyone can relate to such a situation where maya (illusion) takes a stab at us. Our reaction or response to such weakness when it visits a friend is one of compassion. And when we become the victim we anticipate it when someone comes to our aid and understanding. You want to be able to reciprocate like that of a dog - to show some love. Who does not show signs of weakness? No one is exempt.
7KM
Saturday, November 27th, 2010
Some Awesome Achievements
Port Royal,Pennsylvania
I was trekking a country trail amongst the hardwoods. Trees were screeching above being tossed by forceful nighttime winds. Squeaky joints? Perhaps sounds of branches flexing? A type of chanting, I surmised. Depressions or pot-holes in the back road of the Gita Nagari community held water with the thinnest layer of ice on top. Careful to avoid any foot soakers, I engaged flash light in the left hand while the right bore japa (meditational) beads as I fingered them. It was 3:20 AM and a set of head-lights came my way. Closer and closer came the driver, ever so slowly. I anticipated it would be someone I knew. It was! Stava Priya (formerly Steve) of Baltimore is someone I had seen go through healthy transformations. He had stopped his car, come out and offered the traditional Pranams (hands joined) before reciprocating a hug. He was a brahmacari (monk) three years ago when I first met him. He moved from that position to become a "happy householder" as he puts it.
Why is he up so early? Is he a madman like me? Well Stava rises at 2AM to stoke fires to heat up buildings in the community including the local temple. Stava loves his work which involves milking four cows. Since arriving to Pennsylvania with his LA wife and newborn baby, his helpful nature has paid off to see improvements within the community.
His boss, Dhruva,is a workaholic and shares with Stava a passion for doing things country style, even in the direction of self-sufficiency. The farm is now certified as organic. The fall's crop yield gave 39 different veggies and herbs. A new fence is put up. The signage indicating how you make your way to various modest attractions has a fresh new look. A new tile floor adorns the cafeteria and public wash-rooms are now safe (no longer is there fear that floor boards around the toilet will cave in to the level below) .
Incremental improvements there are but like all communities there is the element of human nature to consider. Things are not perfect. It's not heaven. Wherever there are people there is inevitable disagreements. This is normal. It's always a work in progress. May the night-time winds attempt to blow away such blockages! And with a Krishna-centric spirit there is always hope.
7KM
Port Royal,Pennsylvania
I was trekking a country trail amongst the hardwoods. Trees were screeching above being tossed by forceful nighttime winds. Squeaky joints? Perhaps sounds of branches flexing? A type of chanting, I surmised. Depressions or pot-holes in the back road of the Gita Nagari community held water with the thinnest layer of ice on top. Careful to avoid any foot soakers, I engaged flash light in the left hand while the right bore japa (meditational) beads as I fingered them. It was 3:20 AM and a set of head-lights came my way. Closer and closer came the driver, ever so slowly. I anticipated it would be someone I knew. It was! Stava Priya (formerly Steve) of Baltimore is someone I had seen go through healthy transformations. He had stopped his car, come out and offered the traditional Pranams (hands joined) before reciprocating a hug. He was a brahmacari (monk) three years ago when I first met him. He moved from that position to become a "happy householder" as he puts it.
Why is he up so early? Is he a madman like me? Well Stava rises at 2AM to stoke fires to heat up buildings in the community including the local temple. Stava loves his work which involves milking four cows. Since arriving to Pennsylvania with his LA wife and newborn baby, his helpful nature has paid off to see improvements within the community.
His boss, Dhruva,is a workaholic and shares with Stava a passion for doing things country style, even in the direction of self-sufficiency. The farm is now certified as organic. The fall's crop yield gave 39 different veggies and herbs. A new fence is put up. The signage indicating how you make your way to various modest attractions has a fresh new look. A new tile floor adorns the cafeteria and public wash-rooms are now safe (no longer is there fear that floor boards around the toilet will cave in to the level below) .
Incremental improvements there are but like all communities there is the element of human nature to consider. Things are not perfect. It's not heaven. Wherever there are people there is inevitable disagreements. This is normal. It's always a work in progress. May the night-time winds attempt to blow away such blockages! And with a Krishna-centric spirit there is always hope.
7KM
Monday, 29 November 2010
Friday, November 26th, 2010
Bagels and cream cheese
Harrisburg, Pennsylvania
How accents change from place to place! I was driven from Toronto, to Buffalo, then flew to Boston to catch another flight to Baltimore, only to be driven to Harrisburg for a beautiful lunch at Tamal's, a friend. A last drive landed me near Port Royal in the state of Pennsylvania. At each stop you note variations of English. Fortunately, all people share the same air, clouds, sun, earth, water and space.
My few moments with these elements at the tail end of the day allowed me to tredge through plants and weeds, lightly hit by fall frost. Traces of human being was scarce in my private little valley of the day. Signs painted on trees nearby forbade entry. "No hunting! No trespassing! Violators will be prosecuted!"
Deer droppings and tracks do give away the fact that fur and hooves pass through here. I had also come to produce new tracks, making my mark over the soft and moist soil.
I reflected on my conversation with a retired Bengali couple at the Baltimore Airport. With little information about their own provincial hero, Chaitanya, they became curious. As they ate their bagel with cream cheese, I recited the song of Bhaktivinode who authored, "Sarira avidya jal..." I refrained from giving the translation which states that our tongues are uncontrollable. I didn't want to offend, only befriend.
As far as Chaitanya is concerned the couple were aware that he is the revivalist of many things, most notably he established the social gatherings of kirtan (chanting groups) which is now custom as tradition and which is currently experiencing a great welcome around the world. And these people do sing sincerity even though when you apply that anglo-lingo to Sanskrit it sounds a bit weird.
Rest assured one's utterance of sound is judged on the basis of sincerity of purpose and not pronunciation or accent.
3 KM
Harrisburg, Pennsylvania
How accents change from place to place! I was driven from Toronto, to Buffalo, then flew to Boston to catch another flight to Baltimore, only to be driven to Harrisburg for a beautiful lunch at Tamal's, a friend. A last drive landed me near Port Royal in the state of Pennsylvania. At each stop you note variations of English. Fortunately, all people share the same air, clouds, sun, earth, water and space.
My few moments with these elements at the tail end of the day allowed me to tredge through plants and weeds, lightly hit by fall frost. Traces of human being was scarce in my private little valley of the day. Signs painted on trees nearby forbade entry. "No hunting! No trespassing! Violators will be prosecuted!"
Deer droppings and tracks do give away the fact that fur and hooves pass through here. I had also come to produce new tracks, making my mark over the soft and moist soil.
I reflected on my conversation with a retired Bengali couple at the Baltimore Airport. With little information about their own provincial hero, Chaitanya, they became curious. As they ate their bagel with cream cheese, I recited the song of Bhaktivinode who authored, "Sarira avidya jal..." I refrained from giving the translation which states that our tongues are uncontrollable. I didn't want to offend, only befriend.
As far as Chaitanya is concerned the couple were aware that he is the revivalist of many things, most notably he established the social gatherings of kirtan (chanting groups) which is now custom as tradition and which is currently experiencing a great welcome around the world. And these people do sing sincerity even though when you apply that anglo-lingo to Sanskrit it sounds a bit weird.
Rest assured one's utterance of sound is judged on the basis of sincerity of purpose and not pronunciation or accent.
3 KM
Thursday, November 25th, 2010
We can start to live
Toronto, Ontario
Perhaps the most familiar verse from the Gita which Hindu folks relate to starts like this... Karmany evadhikaras te ma phaleshu kadacana... One guest from Gujarat, India, a doctor, began to recite the verse expressing the importance of duty. To put it in simple terms, this verse translates as, "One is entitled to perform his/her duty and not necessarily the results."
He said it with a smile. I took it that the verse was his life-line and I was happy to hear that he didn't prescribe to the tune so common with the entitlement generation. He is among the ranks of people who believes in work and earn. Of course, for some people it becomes a question of "how much?" At least the mood here is "I am a contributor first, an enjoyer second."
While in Jerusalem recently an Orthodox Jew who had accrued some Vedic wisdom said to me in an amicable way, "You have to follow your dharma (duty)." And Krishna strongly advised his warrior-friend, Arjuna, that rejection of dharma is sin; that it's evil.
I like the scramble of letters or rather the reversal of letters to the word "evil". Do not be evil, but live. So when we master dharma, duty or responsibility, then we really begin to live.
7 KM
Toronto, Ontario
Perhaps the most familiar verse from the Gita which Hindu folks relate to starts like this... Karmany evadhikaras te ma phaleshu kadacana... One guest from Gujarat, India, a doctor, began to recite the verse expressing the importance of duty. To put it in simple terms, this verse translates as, "One is entitled to perform his/her duty and not necessarily the results."
He said it with a smile. I took it that the verse was his life-line and I was happy to hear that he didn't prescribe to the tune so common with the entitlement generation. He is among the ranks of people who believes in work and earn. Of course, for some people it becomes a question of "how much?" At least the mood here is "I am a contributor first, an enjoyer second."
While in Jerusalem recently an Orthodox Jew who had accrued some Vedic wisdom said to me in an amicable way, "You have to follow your dharma (duty)." And Krishna strongly advised his warrior-friend, Arjuna, that rejection of dharma is sin; that it's evil.
I like the scramble of letters or rather the reversal of letters to the word "evil". Do not be evil, but live. So when we master dharma, duty or responsibility, then we really begin to live.
7 KM
Sunday, 28 November 2010
Wednesday, November 24th, 2010
A walk and a bow
Toronto, Ontario
My feet brought me to Bloor St. West into the heart of little Korea. Like the rest of the city this enclave is geared up for Christmas distractions in the window displays. I say “distraction” because I am in the ranks of many humbuggers who feel Christmas’ essence is gone. Spirit has been sacrificed for commercialism. The Jesus spirit is still a factor in many people’s lives though and I can very well respect that. Having just come from the holy lands of Jordan river, Jerusalem etc. I feel a stronger affection to him. I believe he did not teach sectarianism.
I spent part of the evening with a reverend who came to visit the temple. Here was a situation of shared spirituality. The reverend was keen to learn some of the techniques of bhakti (devotion), so I showed him the method of chanting on beads, explained the importance of offering one’s food and the value of eating only sattvic food. Upon departing form the temple room he saw me bowing in obeisance which inspired him to do the same.
“Is this the way it’s done?” he asked as he reverentially had all limbs meet the floor. We agreed to meet again after I returned from my next trip which will be to Pennsylvania.
The whole purpose for him was to enrich more what he already had. Admittedly so, I felt all the better too being in the company of a brahmin-type of person.
The day started with a walk and ended with a bow.
6 KM
Toronto, Ontario
My feet brought me to Bloor St. West into the heart of little Korea. Like the rest of the city this enclave is geared up for Christmas distractions in the window displays. I say “distraction” because I am in the ranks of many humbuggers who feel Christmas’ essence is gone. Spirit has been sacrificed for commercialism. The Jesus spirit is still a factor in many people’s lives though and I can very well respect that. Having just come from the holy lands of Jordan river, Jerusalem etc. I feel a stronger affection to him. I believe he did not teach sectarianism.
I spent part of the evening with a reverend who came to visit the temple. Here was a situation of shared spirituality. The reverend was keen to learn some of the techniques of bhakti (devotion), so I showed him the method of chanting on beads, explained the importance of offering one’s food and the value of eating only sattvic food. Upon departing form the temple room he saw me bowing in obeisance which inspired him to do the same.
“Is this the way it’s done?” he asked as he reverentially had all limbs meet the floor. We agreed to meet again after I returned from my next trip which will be to Pennsylvania.
The whole purpose for him was to enrich more what he already had. Admittedly so, I felt all the better too being in the company of a brahmin-type of person.
The day started with a walk and ended with a bow.
6 KM
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