In Anticipation
Mayapura, W. Bengal
It was an early rise for me. I poked around with curiosity on the mind
with a meandering purpose on the legs. What new pathways should I find
on the campus this year? My apparent whim eventually led me to the
samadhi of our guru, Srila Prabhupada. It was 4 am.
I had this impassioned desire to lead the chant at arati (worship)
time. There was 10 minutes to go. I was clearing my throat in
preparation for this oppurtunity. I had observed from the day before
there seems to be no set schedule so let me jump for the chance. The
acoustics are phenomenal for vocals alone.
Another swami entered into this large cavernous room with domed
ceiling at elevation. The size and shape invokes a beautiful
reverence. I was prepared to sing in this heavenly space, but what if
my monk friend also wants to take the lead?
The pujari priest blew the conch with an uproarious sound. Three blows
is the standard number before the ornate doors open to reveal a divine
brass deity of Srila Prabhupada. The swami and I and three dozen more
pilgrims offered our prostrations. We all stood up and I, in
anticipation of leading, said to my dear swami friend, "How about if I
sing this morning and you take tomorrow's time slot?" When I offered
my suggestion I outstretched my arms gesturing to him. It seems that
he didn't hear me but did register my body language. As far as he was
concerned I was queuing him to lead. So he did - lead. And I ate
humble pie, as the expression goes.
7 Km
B L O G S P O T
Thursday, 16 February 2012
Wednesday, February 8th, 2012
Pranams and Dandavats
Mayapura, West Bengal
I was surprised when peering out the vimana (sanskrit for aircraft) that
there was snow on the airfield and as was announced over the PA, a frigid
-10 celsius. Then when departing for Kolkata, a devotee who was also so
incidentally taking the same flight from Delhi said that his home
near Florence, Italy, dipped down to -20. That seems to throw
Canadian weather into an almost tropical category.
"We're getting an in-the-plus these days."
Teaming up with friend Virabaha from L.A. we drove a hard one to ISKCON`s
adquarters from Kolkata. Once arrived there I showered and reunited with
one of our dramatist devotees, Goura, from Pennsylvania. We trekked down a
familiar path, a narrow walking trail sandwiched between two fields.
Hanging a left at Tarampura Road and past two gorgeous growing elephants,
we came to the Jalangi River, to make a right along hundreds of tapped
date-ras trees. This trail is a "no-name, no frills" path. It's "raw"
Bengal.
Some locals with the most incredible agility climb these trees before
sunset and by morning their earthen pots are full of nature's nectar.
This sacred land is where Sri Chaitanya roamed five centuries before and
where multiple sadhus (saints) converged to engage in kirtan (big time
chanting). Lest we forget to mention Srila Prabhupada among them. When one
comes to this pilgrimage site it's most appropriate to stop at his kutir,
hut. This is the place where the entire compound sprang from forty years
ago at the site of ISKCON's spiritual head quarters. Here is the
opportunity to lie prostrate in the dust and do what's called dandavats,
falling like a stick. With folded palms, pranams, we offer respects to all
that`s spiritual here, and that means everything.
6 Km
Mayapura, West Bengal
I was surprised when peering out the vimana (sanskrit for aircraft) that
there was snow on the airfield and as was announced over the PA, a frigid
-10 celsius. Then when departing for Kolkata, a devotee who was also so
incidentally taking the same flight from Delhi said that his home
near Florence, Italy, dipped down to -20. That seems to throw
Canadian weather into an almost tropical category.
"We're getting an in-the-plus these days."
Teaming up with friend Virabaha from L.A. we drove a hard one to ISKCON`s
adquarters from Kolkata. Once arrived there I showered and reunited with
one of our dramatist devotees, Goura, from Pennsylvania. We trekked down a
familiar path, a narrow walking trail sandwiched between two fields.
Hanging a left at Tarampura Road and past two gorgeous growing elephants,
we came to the Jalangi River, to make a right along hundreds of tapped
date-ras trees. This trail is a "no-name, no frills" path. It's "raw"
Bengal.
Some locals with the most incredible agility climb these trees before
sunset and by morning their earthen pots are full of nature's nectar.
This sacred land is where Sri Chaitanya roamed five centuries before and
where multiple sadhus (saints) converged to engage in kirtan (big time
chanting). Lest we forget to mention Srila Prabhupada among them. When one
comes to this pilgrimage site it's most appropriate to stop at his kutir,
hut. This is the place where the entire compound sprang from forty years
ago at the site of ISKCON's spiritual head quarters. Here is the
opportunity to lie prostrate in the dust and do what's called dandavats,
falling like a stick. With folded palms, pranams, we offer respects to all
that`s spiritual here, and that means everything.
6 Km
Tuesday, February 7th, 2012
Whatever It Takes
Brussels, Belgium
The long haul in flight from Brussels to Delhi became more tolerable
because of the company I had. Sitting next to me was a follower of a
prominent north Indian saint. What we really conversed about was the topic
of crime.
My new friend is a barrister-at-law in Birmingham, the U.K. Tarlowchan, 39,
massive and with two sons, spoke rather openly about his profession
including the fact that he just finished a case where he defended a man
charged for a heavy terrorist act. As a criminal lawyer he gets his share
of "sad stories" involving the actions of the weak human.
We are an incredibly complicated species that must acknowledge the need to
set standards in order to maintain a relative peace. Once you step off that
track, that line of just actions, then you are punishable.
Tarlowchan had not heard of the recent "honour killings" in Canada in which
a man, his wife, and the eldest son, were found guilty of killing their
three teenage daughters for being "too loose" or "too western". He did
mention to me that this phenomena has been an issue in the name of religion
in his own native land, the U.K.
We talked about capital punishment, an accepted Vedic principle, for proven
murder cases, and how the recipient becomes relieved of karma when
executed. Also in the laws of Manu, one of the many books of Vedic wisdom,
it is said that for a serious crime, one should walk with no return. Walking
purges.
Tarlowchan could not boast of walking too much and it's not that I'm saying
that all who walk are criminals. He spoke about snorkeling though, on a
trip to Egypt. His appreciation for God and the world multiplied when he
saw the wondrous and diverse nature of life in the depths of the sea.
What I say is dive, snorkel, run, walk, fly, do whatever is takes to get
closer to the Divine.
0 Km
Brussels, Belgium
The long haul in flight from Brussels to Delhi became more tolerable
because of the company I had. Sitting next to me was a follower of a
prominent north Indian saint. What we really conversed about was the topic
of crime.
My new friend is a barrister-at-law in Birmingham, the U.K. Tarlowchan, 39,
massive and with two sons, spoke rather openly about his profession
including the fact that he just finished a case where he defended a man
charged for a heavy terrorist act. As a criminal lawyer he gets his share
of "sad stories" involving the actions of the weak human.
We are an incredibly complicated species that must acknowledge the need to
set standards in order to maintain a relative peace. Once you step off that
track, that line of just actions, then you are punishable.
Tarlowchan had not heard of the recent "honour killings" in Canada in which
a man, his wife, and the eldest son, were found guilty of killing their
three teenage daughters for being "too loose" or "too western". He did
mention to me that this phenomena has been an issue in the name of religion
in his own native land, the U.K.
We talked about capital punishment, an accepted Vedic principle, for proven
murder cases, and how the recipient becomes relieved of karma when
executed. Also in the laws of Manu, one of the many books of Vedic wisdom,
it is said that for a serious crime, one should walk with no return. Walking
purges.
Tarlowchan could not boast of walking too much and it's not that I'm saying
that all who walk are criminals. He spoke about snorkeling though, on a
trip to Egypt. His appreciation for God and the world multiplied when he
saw the wondrous and diverse nature of life in the depths of the sea.
What I say is dive, snorkel, run, walk, fly, do whatever is takes to get
closer to the Divine.
0 Km
Wednesday, 15 February 2012
Monday, February 6th, 2012
On Want
Toronto, Ontario
Our morning talk to out resident group of monks involved the nature of
"desire".
Desire can be very consuming. Our want or our desire, ambition, is like
fire. Feed it something like wood and it will never be satisfied. It is
insatiable. It can destroy if we don't temper it.
Desire is a concomitant factor. It's in us. We come to this world with
it. Or rather it is that very thing that leads the jiva (the soul) to this
world. Without desire we basically have no life. It is so intrinsic to the
self.
Unfortunately, desires are many - too many to gratify. If you are on a
mission to try to fulfill all wants you will end up very fatigued because
they spur on action. Chasing all demands or catering to all the senses in
contact with sense objects is practically impossible to achieve. Therefore
it's recommended to identify a limited number and become satisfied with
that. Future lives may offer opportunities for additional fulfillment. Most
of us don't have strong enough backs to carry the load of ALL OUR DESIRES.
The supreme way to address desire is to align your wishes with those of the
Absolute. The young prince Dhruva aspired for an opulent kingdom but in
time he went through a purging and hence he resisted the colossal wishes.
Material acquisition ultimately becomes rather bland.
So what is it that the supreme Absolute wishes or desires if we are to
align ourselves? Well, for one, He wishes freedom for us. He wants us to
turn our backs on self-slavery. It is our nature to pursue gratigying our
bodies and yet, at the end we catch ourselves in a trap. LIBERATE!
The unwise donkey may behold a carrot that is dangling in front of him. He
works hard for that carrot which is always beyond his reach.
Perhaps you can think of yourself as a jackass trying to do "mission
impossible". But it is totally legit to wish for basics in order to keep
body and soul together. Anything mor might be considered "in excess".
Today I left for India. I'm going out of a sense of duty mixed with desire.
If you desire something strong enough you'll obtain it in this life, or the
next. Our patience will be tried.
8 Km
Toronto, Ontario
Our morning talk to out resident group of monks involved the nature of
"desire".
Desire can be very consuming. Our want or our desire, ambition, is like
fire. Feed it something like wood and it will never be satisfied. It is
insatiable. It can destroy if we don't temper it.
Desire is a concomitant factor. It's in us. We come to this world with
it. Or rather it is that very thing that leads the jiva (the soul) to this
world. Without desire we basically have no life. It is so intrinsic to the
self.
Unfortunately, desires are many - too many to gratify. If you are on a
mission to try to fulfill all wants you will end up very fatigued because
they spur on action. Chasing all demands or catering to all the senses in
contact with sense objects is practically impossible to achieve. Therefore
it's recommended to identify a limited number and become satisfied with
that. Future lives may offer opportunities for additional fulfillment. Most
of us don't have strong enough backs to carry the load of ALL OUR DESIRES.
The supreme way to address desire is to align your wishes with those of the
Absolute. The young prince Dhruva aspired for an opulent kingdom but in
time he went through a purging and hence he resisted the colossal wishes.
Material acquisition ultimately becomes rather bland.
So what is it that the supreme Absolute wishes or desires if we are to
align ourselves? Well, for one, He wishes freedom for us. He wants us to
turn our backs on self-slavery. It is our nature to pursue gratigying our
bodies and yet, at the end we catch ourselves in a trap. LIBERATE!
The unwise donkey may behold a carrot that is dangling in front of him. He
works hard for that carrot which is always beyond his reach.
Perhaps you can think of yourself as a jackass trying to do "mission
impossible". But it is totally legit to wish for basics in order to keep
body and soul together. Anything mor might be considered "in excess".
Today I left for India. I'm going out of a sense of duty mixed with desire.
If you desire something strong enough you'll obtain it in this life, or the
next. Our patience will be tried.
8 Km
Monday, 6 February 2012
Sunday, February 5th, 2012
This Guy..
Markham, Ontario
This guy had a powerful set of lungs. He was shouting at the top of his lungs. I admired him for his boldness. Unfortunately no one was paying any attention although there were quite a few folks milling around. As I zoomed along and then a little less so as I approached him I admit to being interested.
He was on a stand at the corner of Yonge and Dundas. A prospect for some acting role in the future perhaps.
I got within earshot of his actual words it became clear what was his purpose.
"It's not about Buddha. It's not about Mohammed, or Moses, or Lord Krishna or Vishnu. It's about Jesus." That's what he said. And as I passed by and increased speed for termination of interest, his voice appeared muddled. "He's on drugs," I concluded. The Jesus drug.
It takes all kinds of people to make up the world. Then I had to think of the people components that make up a spiritual community. For instance today was the birth anniversary of a very transcendentally eccentric personality, Sri Nityananda.
After two major functions held in his honour in both Markham and Toronto, some contemplation of Nityananda was inevitable especially when I passed by the extrovert.
Who is Nityananda? He just happened to be one of the forerunners of spreading the mantra culture in 15th century India. He was a major associate of Chaitanya, known as the Father of the Name. He was known for his daring feats which included wrestling with crocodiles, attempting to milk a bull and shouting in the mood of a young cowherd boy like those buddies of young Krishna in His rural setting.
One of the more notable pastimes involved his dealing with a particular tough audience. In his effort to attract people to chanting he successfully brough out the best in a pair of drunkards, Jagai and Madai, a stubborn couple of guys. They made a major life-transformational adjustment after gaining Nityananda's empathy.
When I thought about that it came to mind on my return trek on Yonge. The proselytizer was still there condemning the world that didn't subscribe to his sermon's message. Who knows? Someone out there on the street might take to the prescription and improve. I wonder how many times he said the name 'Krishna' in his spiel?
7 Km
Markham, Ontario
This guy had a powerful set of lungs. He was shouting at the top of his lungs. I admired him for his boldness. Unfortunately no one was paying any attention although there were quite a few folks milling around. As I zoomed along and then a little less so as I approached him I admit to being interested.
He was on a stand at the corner of Yonge and Dundas. A prospect for some acting role in the future perhaps.
I got within earshot of his actual words it became clear what was his purpose.
"It's not about Buddha. It's not about Mohammed, or Moses, or Lord Krishna or Vishnu. It's about Jesus." That's what he said. And as I passed by and increased speed for termination of interest, his voice appeared muddled. "He's on drugs," I concluded. The Jesus drug.
It takes all kinds of people to make up the world. Then I had to think of the people components that make up a spiritual community. For instance today was the birth anniversary of a very transcendentally eccentric personality, Sri Nityananda.
After two major functions held in his honour in both Markham and Toronto, some contemplation of Nityananda was inevitable especially when I passed by the extrovert.
Who is Nityananda? He just happened to be one of the forerunners of spreading the mantra culture in 15th century India. He was a major associate of Chaitanya, known as the Father of the Name. He was known for his daring feats which included wrestling with crocodiles, attempting to milk a bull and shouting in the mood of a young cowherd boy like those buddies of young Krishna in His rural setting.
One of the more notable pastimes involved his dealing with a particular tough audience. In his effort to attract people to chanting he successfully brough out the best in a pair of drunkards, Jagai and Madai, a stubborn couple of guys. They made a major life-transformational adjustment after gaining Nityananda's empathy.
When I thought about that it came to mind on my return trek on Yonge. The proselytizer was still there condemning the world that didn't subscribe to his sermon's message. Who knows? Someone out there on the street might take to the prescription and improve. I wonder how many times he said the name 'Krishna' in his spiel?
7 Km
Saturday, February 4th, 2012
Some Partners
Markham, Ontario
Within 24 hours I met two walking partners of the past, both members of our community in Toronto. Each one expressed to me the same thing. It is due to 'bad knees' that a serious trek with me will not be possible in the future, at least in this life.
I was sad to hear that they declined my offer when reconvening a fourth cross country walk for this spring. I enjoyed Makhan's company in '96. He's from Gujarat and was an avid tennis player - before - that is. Adwaita from Mauritius liked the trek when he joined me at different locations, almost at a whim, to be by my side and including his wife, Sita and their two girls.
Both guys have had physical issues. We're looking at them being in their sixties.
Mukunda Goswami, one of my favourite monks, and one of our guru's first American students, told me personally, "When I hit 60 many things started falling apart (in reference to his body)." When he told me that I had hoped that his statement wasn't prophetic nor that it applies to all at that age.
This year I'm going to turn 60. A big part of me says I'm still at sweet sixteen. Another part argues it. In reality, I'm neither one of these figures, nor am I this body. I'ts a relief to know that I'm not this aging model. I'm not sure when your machinery is considered 'vintage'. What a consolation it is knowing the soul is permanent and that I am the soul!
In any event the personality behind my former partners are irreplaceable and that's sad but new human flavours will happily make their way in when they will share some of their valuable life experiences with me. That's precious!
6 Km
Markham, Ontario
Within 24 hours I met two walking partners of the past, both members of our community in Toronto. Each one expressed to me the same thing. It is due to 'bad knees' that a serious trek with me will not be possible in the future, at least in this life.
I was sad to hear that they declined my offer when reconvening a fourth cross country walk for this spring. I enjoyed Makhan's company in '96. He's from Gujarat and was an avid tennis player - before - that is. Adwaita from Mauritius liked the trek when he joined me at different locations, almost at a whim, to be by my side and including his wife, Sita and their two girls.
Both guys have had physical issues. We're looking at them being in their sixties.
Mukunda Goswami, one of my favourite monks, and one of our guru's first American students, told me personally, "When I hit 60 many things started falling apart (in reference to his body)." When he told me that I had hoped that his statement wasn't prophetic nor that it applies to all at that age.
This year I'm going to turn 60. A big part of me says I'm still at sweet sixteen. Another part argues it. In reality, I'm neither one of these figures, nor am I this body. I'ts a relief to know that I'm not this aging model. I'm not sure when your machinery is considered 'vintage'. What a consolation it is knowing the soul is permanent and that I am the soul!
In any event the personality behind my former partners are irreplaceable and that's sad but new human flavours will happily make their way in when they will share some of their valuable life experiences with me. That's precious!
6 Km
Sunday, 5 February 2012
Friday, February 3rd, 2012
Get On With the Show
Toronto, Ontario
It would not be a speculation to say that many of us are just too mental these days. You know what I'm talking about - the airy fairy, uncertain, indecisive, yes-no-maybe genre, the mish-mosh spineless approach to things. We are talking about the fickle mind.
In the Gita the mind in its takeover on a human being (a clear conquest) is described as an adversary. There the mind is called 'cancala' or flickering. An image that hits home to illustrate its nature is like that of a flame on a candle that wavers by the wind. It's here. It's there. It's everywhere.
I took my evening walk on Yonge. Happily I met, by accident, three different acquaintances. I decided to stop in at the Blue God tattoo shop where there are more acquaintances. I expressed to one of the personnel there that I was in the middle of my religiously followed daily trek.
His remark (and I relay this amiably) was, "I was thinking about walking more. It will reduce some of this," at which he placed his hands over his rather robust abdomen. "I recently had pneumonia and so I lost eight lbs."
Laughingly I said, "Well, that's a great prescription for everyone - get pneumonia!
"You know, sometimes you just have to make a firm decision about something and JUST DO IT."
He then replied, "Usually I have to visualize myself doing something and take some time to dwell on that. It might take weeks."
I thought, OMG, forget about processing. JUST DO IT. When you know something is beneficial, JUST DO IT!
For many issues dwelling on anticipated things is just plain old procrastination. It's harmful.
Anyways, he took it very well. We parted on real good terms. Whether it's walking, or whether it's anything that's being kind to yourself and others, simply plan it out. How much time to put in? At what speed? Where? And so on and then GET ON WITH THE SHOW!
8 Km
Toronto, Ontario
It would not be a speculation to say that many of us are just too mental these days. You know what I'm talking about - the airy fairy, uncertain, indecisive, yes-no-maybe genre, the mish-mosh spineless approach to things. We are talking about the fickle mind.
In the Gita the mind in its takeover on a human being (a clear conquest) is described as an adversary. There the mind is called 'cancala' or flickering. An image that hits home to illustrate its nature is like that of a flame on a candle that wavers by the wind. It's here. It's there. It's everywhere.
I took my evening walk on Yonge. Happily I met, by accident, three different acquaintances. I decided to stop in at the Blue God tattoo shop where there are more acquaintances. I expressed to one of the personnel there that I was in the middle of my religiously followed daily trek.
His remark (and I relay this amiably) was, "I was thinking about walking more. It will reduce some of this," at which he placed his hands over his rather robust abdomen. "I recently had pneumonia and so I lost eight lbs."
Laughingly I said, "Well, that's a great prescription for everyone - get pneumonia!
"You know, sometimes you just have to make a firm decision about something and JUST DO IT."
He then replied, "Usually I have to visualize myself doing something and take some time to dwell on that. It might take weeks."
I thought, OMG, forget about processing. JUST DO IT. When you know something is beneficial, JUST DO IT!
For many issues dwelling on anticipated things is just plain old procrastination. It's harmful.
Anyways, he took it very well. We parted on real good terms. Whether it's walking, or whether it's anything that's being kind to yourself and others, simply plan it out. How much time to put in? At what speed? Where? And so on and then GET ON WITH THE SHOW!
8 Km
Thursday, February 2nd, 2012
Durjoy and Abe
Toronto, Ontario
I walked a young student from India in the direction of his rented apartment. It was a pleasant promenade east on Danforth over the Don River Valley. It is Durjoy's first time away from home as a student in a foreign country. He's a sincere young man who really does take to spiritual life well. He made a remark like, "I do chant on my beads every day. Do you recommend I do a mangal arati (morning ritual) every day before I leave for college?"
We walked through the 'Little Greece' section of Toronto. He says he likes the city. "It's so multicultural. Is it safe?"
"Fairly safe," I said. "Walking is always the safest way to go."
I trekked the one hour back that it took to get Durjoy to the Pape subway station (there's a Greek spelling for Pape on the road sign). Upon my return, I read an article about Abraham Lincoln, America's most popular president, and how he walked. His law partner remarked, "When he walked he moved cautiously but firmly; his arms and giant hands swung down by his side. He walked with an even tread, the inner side of feet being parallel. He put the whole foot flat down on the ground at once, not rising from the toe and with no spring to his walk."
Lincoln walked through the streets of Richmond, Virginia, shortly before the civil war ended in this southern state, which was life-threatening. He was a hated man there, as he was opposed to the south's stance on slavery. He symbolically walked through the town reflecting his own spirit.
And one more historically notable detail is that after he met Mary Todd in his younger years, it was on one of those personal or private walks that he paced back and forth to make a decision on whether to marry her or not. He finally resolved to have himself tie the know while walking the streets of Springfield, Illinois.
My conclusions regarding this great man's walking:
1) walking tells a lot about a person's demeanour
2) walking illustrates courage and bravery
3) walking is a safe way to travel
4) some of the most important decisions you make in life arise while walking
10 Km
Toronto, Ontario
I walked a young student from India in the direction of his rented apartment. It was a pleasant promenade east on Danforth over the Don River Valley. It is Durjoy's first time away from home as a student in a foreign country. He's a sincere young man who really does take to spiritual life well. He made a remark like, "I do chant on my beads every day. Do you recommend I do a mangal arati (morning ritual) every day before I leave for college?"
We walked through the 'Little Greece' section of Toronto. He says he likes the city. "It's so multicultural. Is it safe?"
"Fairly safe," I said. "Walking is always the safest way to go."
I trekked the one hour back that it took to get Durjoy to the Pape subway station (there's a Greek spelling for Pape on the road sign). Upon my return, I read an article about Abraham Lincoln, America's most popular president, and how he walked. His law partner remarked, "When he walked he moved cautiously but firmly; his arms and giant hands swung down by his side. He walked with an even tread, the inner side of feet being parallel. He put the whole foot flat down on the ground at once, not rising from the toe and with no spring to his walk."
Lincoln walked through the streets of Richmond, Virginia, shortly before the civil war ended in this southern state, which was life-threatening. He was a hated man there, as he was opposed to the south's stance on slavery. He symbolically walked through the town reflecting his own spirit.
And one more historically notable detail is that after he met Mary Todd in his younger years, it was on one of those personal or private walks that he paced back and forth to make a decision on whether to marry her or not. He finally resolved to have himself tie the know while walking the streets of Springfield, Illinois.
My conclusions regarding this great man's walking:
1) walking tells a lot about a person's demeanour
2) walking illustrates courage and bravery
3) walking is a safe way to travel
4) some of the most important decisions you make in life arise while walking
10 Km
Wednesday, February 1st, 2012
A Repetitious Tragedy
Toronto, Ontario
Before the automobile the earth belonged to pedestrians. The planet was a relatively safe haven for humans to travel. Well, that is no more.
The twentieth century changed all of that. Imagine what it was prior! Regrettably we can not reverse the tide. We have become addicted, spoiled rotten by these Frankensteins we call automobiles.
It was with much shock and grief to hear the news of three competent and virtuous souls that lost their lives while in an automobile that collided with a semi-trailer near Jacksonville, Florida. I had known all three of them.
It was but less than a week ago that I had Yadupati, one of the victims, sitting right next to me in a popular park in Gainesville. I was leading the chant at the weekly organic farmer's market. Half of our group was sitting on the grass. Yadupati was playing the mrdunga drum very expertly and enjoying it. Next to him was Tim. Tim was dancing. He was full of life, absorbed in the euphoria of sound. That probably was his last kirtan chanting in public.
Lastly, Nitai, a resident of New Vrindavan, West Virginia, and who was an artistic graphic whiz also got caught under the much larger machine, the semi-trailer. Remembering him with a perpetual glow in his face and being generous with me, having done gratis some graphic work, it's painful to see the end of such a promising life. Nitai's wife, Mandali, I had also come to know, as a fashion designer who gave me tips on a costume for a drama production.
Life for these three above mentioned men has been terminated too early - in a flash at the mercy of ugly machines we have produced for ourselves.
Naturally my prayers go to them and their families and friends. This is an often repeated occurence - lives victimized in a car crash. It's sad and we all wish avoidable. Fortunately whatever devotions were sparked in their lives has the power to persist on into their next, so the Gita informs us.
Let's be cautious when driving. Avoid the automobile if you can. Live a clean life. Avoid intoxicants. Chant and prosper.
7 Km
Toronto, Ontario
Before the automobile the earth belonged to pedestrians. The planet was a relatively safe haven for humans to travel. Well, that is no more.
The twentieth century changed all of that. Imagine what it was prior! Regrettably we can not reverse the tide. We have become addicted, spoiled rotten by these Frankensteins we call automobiles.
It was with much shock and grief to hear the news of three competent and virtuous souls that lost their lives while in an automobile that collided with a semi-trailer near Jacksonville, Florida. I had known all three of them.
It was but less than a week ago that I had Yadupati, one of the victims, sitting right next to me in a popular park in Gainesville. I was leading the chant at the weekly organic farmer's market. Half of our group was sitting on the grass. Yadupati was playing the mrdunga drum very expertly and enjoying it. Next to him was Tim. Tim was dancing. He was full of life, absorbed in the euphoria of sound. That probably was his last kirtan chanting in public.
Lastly, Nitai, a resident of New Vrindavan, West Virginia, and who was an artistic graphic whiz also got caught under the much larger machine, the semi-trailer. Remembering him with a perpetual glow in his face and being generous with me, having done gratis some graphic work, it's painful to see the end of such a promising life. Nitai's wife, Mandali, I had also come to know, as a fashion designer who gave me tips on a costume for a drama production.
Life for these three above mentioned men has been terminated too early - in a flash at the mercy of ugly machines we have produced for ourselves.
Naturally my prayers go to them and their families and friends. This is an often repeated occurence - lives victimized in a car crash. It's sad and we all wish avoidable. Fortunately whatever devotions were sparked in their lives has the power to persist on into their next, so the Gita informs us.
Let's be cautious when driving. Avoid the automobile if you can. Live a clean life. Avoid intoxicants. Chant and prosper.
7 Km
Wednesday, 1 February 2012
Tuesday, January 31st, 2012
Careful Stepping
Toronto, Ontario
Some people have heard about the back packing fellow in America who ventured alone, fell into an abyss and got his arm trapped between a rock and a cliff. He was stuck for about three days and had to eventually cut off his arm in order to free himself. His biggest mistake was to daredevil alone.
I felt a little like that going solo today. With the snow's melting and mud all about, the angles that I approached in the ravine left me in an exciting slide-and-leap for grasping the next tree. Most other trekkers were smart enough to let the ravine be, but I went for excitement, an adventurous spirit that translates into dependency on Him (Krishna). Those trees were my saviours as they were spread apart in a calculated perfect distance. They were my brakes.
My prayer was, "Oh Krishna, please help me get to my next anchor, the next tree, before I make a fall." It was a deliberate predicament I put myself into. While maneuvering in this way, I forced myself to use whatever God given intelligence was there in the search for the firm step like a mountain climber would. I imposed upon myself a careful footing that would permit the tiny steps of surrender. It was an exercise in balance. Fortunately I came out of the ravine fall-free. Once I made my way out of the ravine I realized there's more chance of danger when dodging traffic in trying to cross the street.
It is an understatement to say that the world is a dangerous place, full of accidents, deaths, diseases, aging and so on.
One of our elderly members, Ms. Rampiriari Bhakri, passed away on Sunday. The viewing at the funeral home was this evening and about four hundred people from the Punjabi community came to pay respects. Their response to the chanting offered a soothing effect.
Condolences to family and friends.
13 Km
Toronto, Ontario
Some people have heard about the back packing fellow in America who ventured alone, fell into an abyss and got his arm trapped between a rock and a cliff. He was stuck for about three days and had to eventually cut off his arm in order to free himself. His biggest mistake was to daredevil alone.
I felt a little like that going solo today. With the snow's melting and mud all about, the angles that I approached in the ravine left me in an exciting slide-and-leap for grasping the next tree. Most other trekkers were smart enough to let the ravine be, but I went for excitement, an adventurous spirit that translates into dependency on Him (Krishna). Those trees were my saviours as they were spread apart in a calculated perfect distance. They were my brakes.
My prayer was, "Oh Krishna, please help me get to my next anchor, the next tree, before I make a fall." It was a deliberate predicament I put myself into. While maneuvering in this way, I forced myself to use whatever God given intelligence was there in the search for the firm step like a mountain climber would. I imposed upon myself a careful footing that would permit the tiny steps of surrender. It was an exercise in balance. Fortunately I came out of the ravine fall-free. Once I made my way out of the ravine I realized there's more chance of danger when dodging traffic in trying to cross the street.
It is an understatement to say that the world is a dangerous place, full of accidents, deaths, diseases, aging and so on.
One of our elderly members, Ms. Rampiriari Bhakri, passed away on Sunday. The viewing at the funeral home was this evening and about four hundred people from the Punjabi community came to pay respects. Their response to the chanting offered a soothing effect.
Condolences to family and friends.
13 Km
Monday, January 30th, 2012
Going Back
Over Atlantic Air
Bhakta Bolo stood tall at the entrance of the Georgetown
Airport. As the only active young black
member in the Guyanese community (that I could see), he seemed to stand out
from the rest of the send-off party. It
was farewell hugs for all.
At security a woman asked me to open my luggage. She got a real charge over seeing my five
finger Vibram shoes packed inside. It
was a novelty for her. Seeing a monk was
not new to her though. On a less formal
note she asked how long I’ve been monking it up.
“Since ‘73”.
That remark raised her eyebrows a second time.
The day went on.
Only long corridors at the Miami Airport gave some solace to the
soles. Thanks to the thrill of Florida
election talks, blaring out of the CNN monitor.
The political race may sound exciting for some but how many times must
the same message be repeated over and over again. I do give it credit for chasing me out of the
waiting gate to explore those sterile looking corridors. It became my major walk for the day.
The last flight to home was sweet. I met a young woman, Mila, an actress, who also
considers herself a destination walker – that is walking with a purposeful
intent. Maybe you could call her walk a
goal stroll.
And next to her was Dimitri from Russia who happens to be
a traveler as well. His mode for moving
is ‘in the air’. In fact he’s a pilot
and flies 747’s. He shared with Mila and
I on his i-Pad, sensational NASA shots of outer space, planets and
galaxies. And finally he took us to
pictures of his family as a proud father and husband would. At least he seemed to have his priorities
right. I say that because CNN revealed
the results of a survey done in America.
It appears a significant amount of people would sacrifice going to the
wedding of a friend or the funeral of some acquaintance for going to the
Superbowl game.
Such priorities are ‘off’ let alone putting the spiritual
component in life at the forefront.
In any event ‘good luck’ in your careers Mila and Dimitri
and put God in as the horse before the cart.
Sunday, January 29th, 2012
Millions of Drops
Georgetown, Guyana
I did not yet see the Guyanese sun on this trip, but
that’s okay, the sun shines with those pursuing spiritual life.
At the Nimai Pandit training center, the Sunday gathering
of determined souls who braved the torrential rain were brightly lit in the
shower of the holy name. Under the
shelter of a strong tin roof was their leader Prabhupada Deva, also a local bhakti instructor. With his usual smile he expressed to me that
he has an ongoing crew dumping buckets of water from the site. Otherwise we would all be sitting in
water. Being under sea level has its
challenges for a place like Guyana. When
the Dutch came here they implemented what they’ve been known for - building
dykes and seawalls.
I spoke to an attentive crowd on the topic of the real
meaning of Mahatma according to the Gita, as rain kept slapping against the
roof surface.
Prabhupada Deva teamed up with me at the Crane ISKCON
Center where he conducted a fire ceremony to assist the formal initiation of
three men, Radha Nathabhar, Dhronacharya and Jaya Gaura, are the new names
given to the initiates, a fantastic trio.
I emphasized in my talk that accompanied the ceremony that the world is
in need of genuine spiritual leadership.
“Prepare yourselves for this through the study of our
books. Try to impress the world with
your good behavior as well as the message you will repeat from the line of
information handed down by the sages.
Echo the truth and distinguish it from the false promises of mundane
pleasure.”
What followed was an explosive kirtan chanting session.
After spending hours on this day with people delivering three classes
and just as many or more chanting sessions, I felt an urge to have a short time
to myself as people were rushing in for the Sunday Feast, served on lotus
pads. Down the road my feet carried me
as I sported an umbrella overhead in the wake of millions of descending
raindrops and the sound of millions of frogs as the days closure came into
fruition.
3 Km
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