Tuesday, March 6th, 2012

The Drive and Thoughts

Kolkata, West Bengal

The drive from Mayapura to the Kolkata Airport ended up being a very contemplative one. One month of activities zipped by so fast yet some reminiscences were captured. The many appreciations on last night's performance of "The 8th Boy" came my way; remarks like:

"it's the best thing I've ever seen"

and

"it was genius"

came my way.

My walking wasn't what I wanted it to be. They were a daily collection of jaunts from this engagement to that engagement and not the usual longer treks. So I couldn't savour that. But a lot of interest was drawn when I wore those five-finger shoes. I had a good number of swamis inquire about my vibram footwear which are next to looking like black bare feet.

On that topic of barefoot bliss it fascinated me, once having arrived at the airport and peering through the Jet lite flight magazine, an article on fitness. Author Kriti Saraswat raised some awesome points on barefoot culture.

"The reason our body can make various movements like running, jumping, walking, etc. without falling over is due to a phenomena called 'proprioception' which is the body's awareness of its own motion and position... Wearing thick, shock absorbing soles reduces this sensory feedback, in turn lowering the quality of our movement."

She's actually right. Modern footwear makes your feet lazy. Like so many things today, naturalness is not the status quo.

It's too bad I have to surrender to sitting in the air for the next so many hours. It's actually an austerity.

4 Km

Monday, March 5th, 2012

Jackals Moved Along

Mayapur, West Bengal

Jackals moved along in their smooth trot across the field. Birds were busy perching those palm trees trying to catch a drop of morning sap for energy.

While walking with two godbrothers we heard the most odd cry from this one particular tall tree. We were left to speculate as to whether it was one of those gregarious monkeys you see around here. Being highly camouflaged or tucked away, it was hard to find the source. We finally concluded that in this land of wonder, Mayapura, that it could just as well have been the sound of a sick crow.

A fairly thick mist did set in the morning atmosphere but as usual, Surya, the sun god, burns through all the moisture, contributing to the dusty nature of the place.

Another odd thing - my three and a half week of cold, aggravated by weather fluctuation and dust in the air, appears to be terminating. The cough is almost nil and phlegm is holding in. I don't want to speak too fast until the darn thing (cold) is over. I have this particular crazy superstition that if you conclude something before its time of maturation, you might be setting yourself up for a surprise.

I should not prematurely conclude anything. I'm not the controller or decision maker in the big and subtle scheme of things. I'm not God. I'm a tiny part and parcel of the Supreme. That I feel safe in saying.

6 Km

Sunday, March 4th, 2012

Announcing.....!

Mayapura, West Bengal

Announcements can be dangerous, so I've found. Samba, an Australian married priest, announces events over the PA for the day. In the midst of a ton of things to report he said to the multitudes, "An ice-and-ground-breaking experience, visit the 9 Devotions Workshop this afternoon!" That announcement to all the returning pilgrims in the area excited a flood of a turn out.

Normally, as facilitator, I'm happy with a figure of 25 but our tiny room burst with attendance. I also discovered, after the workshop, that a crew of dozens were misinformed about the location of our classroom and hence, they went to another end of the campus. This is indeed one of those situations that you call a 'nice problem'.

For some reason the male population in attendance was very strong. I don't' know exactly what that indicates. One woman who entered the room just prior to the start of our presentation asked me, "Is this only for prabhus?"  meaning 'men', when she peered in.

"No, it's for anyone wanting to go through a crash course on the nine devotional processes.

Each session that I facilitate brings on interesting results. Each group is unique and participants at 'feedback' time express their preference on which of the nine techniques resonates the most for them. Overall, it was transformational.

My other highlight for the day was being requested to give the morning Bhagavatam class to a group of a thousand Russians and its delivery. What was interesting in the talk was the paradox of this philosophical point. Sastra (scripture) leads us to believe that if you have much determination or conviction with your devotion it means that in the previous life you had begun the rigors of austerity, study, worship and so on. Another view on those who take to the process of bhakti (devotion) in the age, is that we have no qualifications. Only on the principle of mercy or grace do we get landed in this devotional lifestyle.

"This can be a bit of a puzzle," I admitted in my talk. Prerequisite versus mercy from God. Which one is it? Or is it a bit of both?

Shall we explore this and touch on this tomorrow?

8 Km

Saturday, March 3rd, 2012

Most Important

Mayapur, West Bengal

The most important thing for those of us who have made vows before the guru is to fulfill our prescribed number of chants on our beads. The minimum standard is sixteen times on a strand of beads per day. A strand of beads or mala carries on hundred and eight beads. The commitment or obligation is 108 mantras times 16 on a daily basis.

The earlier in the day this can be accomplished, the better.

The chanting sets a foundation - a tone for the day.

Generally my chanting is completed by 6 AM. This frees me up for the on the average every other day drama practices at 7 AM with the youth. Today, we hit a marathon level. With three recorders and three cameras, we filmed our little gem, "Krishna the 8th Boy." After an eight hour marathon taken for its preparation and shoot in the sunken samadhi auditorium, I got to see the light of day.

It was actual ecstasy to see the project filmed. Now post production or editing will take its time.

Our troupe of actors and the 'techies' exhibited true patience. The time taken to be filmed only allowed for preparedness of the evening program when we staged 'the 8th Boy' at the pandal (tent) program. All went well. The stars shone. As the production has it, 'the 8th Boy' culminates with a scene of the rasa dance, Krishna's dalliance with his liberated souls.

Our young American actor conveys this so well in the role as Krishna. As expressed in the words of a female director of plays who happens to bear the same name as myself - Bhaktimarga - "Godruma Goura pulls it off so well. It's not an easy thing to portray. It can be cheesy but here he does it justice."

6 Km

Friday, March 2nd, 2012

Feelings Are High!

Mayapura, West Bengal

It was the first time I tried the "Nine Devotions Workshop" in India. It went over well. Merely by word of mouth did the workshop attract twenty people, a perfect figure for the interaction.  We did go slightly overtime. I got the sense that no one wanted to leave. We were enjoying each other's company in exploring nine processes of devotion.

Some of the comments were:

"I like the newcomer friendly approach."

 "What we went through has global appeal."

"I liked your terminologies. They don't scare anyone."

"It was experiential."

Another person implied that we sometimes get caught up in the rigours of religion. We can be very dogmatic, mechanical, and forget how important it is to express feelings and to be human.

And today being the anniversary of the passing away of an American monk (referred to as the Black Lotus), Bhakti Tirtha Swami, was an epitomized caring and feeling human being. People assembled to honour this great renounciant who stirred the finer sentiments of people up until his last breath when he passed away in 2004 from cancer.

By sundown there was the daily kirtan chanting party that was set up for action outside the Samadhi of our guru, Srila Prabhupada. Even a hard-hearted soul like me became emotionally moved when asked to lead the kirtan which was accompanied by a flat rickshaw which was graced with the sacred images of Chaitanya and associate, Nityananda, the 16th century's forerunners of the popular practice of kirtan, upon it. Local pilgrims got quite excited when viewing what's coined as 'the dancing white elephants.'

My 'feeling' for walking came at the end of the day when trying to address my lingering cold and tensed up back. Health hasn't been great since being in this holy dham (sacred place), but in general, the spirit has been high with devotional sentiments. It's hard to avoid that in such a sacred space.

10 Km

Thursday, March 1st, 2012

Maha-sringha

Mayapura, West Bengal

Maha-sringha is a Polish-born devotee of Krishna who really makes the difference. Since the inception over four decades, the project at Mayapura has received a luke-warm to cool to violent reception from locals. It has been a struggle to get established in this land of Chaitanya, the master of mantra meditation. Locals love Maha-sringha.

You can imagine, you have all these foreigners coming to settle and build in the area. Many of the residents are Muslims and not Vaishnavas. Most of the area has been communist supporters as the state of Bengal has been under that regime. And you have these beautiful brown people, 100%, then suddenly these whites come into town. Of course, there was some fascination there.

Why is Maha-sringha making a difference when villagers may have felt an imposition by us? Well, he mingles with them. He feeds them (a delicious local favourite - kichari - rice, dahl, veggies and spices). He speaks their language. And finally he brings kirtan  to the villagers. In closing the gap he organizes chanting processions which pulls everything out of the woodwork.

This we saw this very night. Myself and a couple of dozen foreigners/pilgrims along with Maha-sringha's presence and direction engaged in kirtan. The sound was pulling the people out of their humble homes to come with stretched out smiles and observe and engage in what their ancestors have done for centuries. This group chanting is in the blood of the people. They fully relate to it.

And now with the participants from abroad (hey, even a few of us Canadians were included) this chanting is becoming a universal reality. It's Maha-sringha who has taken the initiative since he moved to India years ago to make friends with the people. That means more to them than a large place of worship going up.

As I said before, "They love him." This is what bhakti  is about. It's about loving relations.

7 Km

Wednesday, February 29th, 2012

February 29th

 Mayapura, West Bengal

Feb. 29 might be a day that appears odd on the calendar. It might connote irregularities of all kinds.

Well, it did thunder in the sky today, strange for this season. Take it as a bad omen or not, I saw a 3 foot green with yellow marked snake slither into a residence through a perfect hole at the bottom of their main door. I waited to caution any occupants in case we're dealing with venom, but no one was inside which was evidenced by the out lock fastened to the door.

Anything else inauspicious? Oh yes! Motorbikes in motion, but that's always an ill omen for me.

To counteract what appears as abnormal, one chants Krishna's name, you keep to your devotional regimen and in my case it includes a walk, a relative safe mode of transportation. My monk assistant here, Suta Goswami, told me of a road block, the result of an accident on Bhaktisidanta Swami Marg (road). A trucker crashed into two young boys who were cycling. Now that's very unfortunate! Apparently the trucker left the scene for fear of his life.

If a motorist is found guilty of a death fatality he/she customarily flees. No court situation is there to protect you. As abrupt as you can imagine, villagers arrive with sticks at the scene of the accident, taking the law into their own hands and then discharge an "instant karma" response. It's mob dynamic in full blown form.

To offer myself an enhanced safety for the day, I met with fellow Vande members, the creative arts group, in order to smooth over some relevant agenda topics. And much to my satisfaction I lunched with Havi (I forget his stage name). He's Venezuela's Bob Dylan -- in any event a big name in South America. He inparted to me his latest music project, a masterpiece of material.

Once again, I have to count another day where Krishna simply looked after me. Trouble, threats and challenges are all around. We just need to resort to the best shelter possible.

Chant those names!

 7 Km

Tuesday, February 28th, 2012

What is Similar!

 Mayapura, West Bengal

While chanting of the maha mantra is beautifully present in the atmosphere even in the pre-dawn, the gnarly mosque also projects its early calling and penetrating the ether. The presence of Islam is definitely established in the area. Even in the time of Sri Chaitanya, five centuries back, there was a strong Muslim dominance. Islam ruled here then even in the midst of a strong Hindu population.

Our guru, Srila Prabhupada, once explained that there had been a relatively peaceful co-existence for a long time between the two groups. Differences have surfaced with conflict from time to time. There is one history of aggression by invaders and no one can readily say that when Hinduism was of prime dominance even before Buddha that there was not intrigue.

Somehow co-existence should be the thrust regardless of varying approaches to God.

I received in my hand of copy of the author's book, "Islam and the Vedas". Rasamandala, the person who penned the book writes, "It may appear that the Koran and Vedic literature are conflicting in their precepts. Though the Koran and Vedic literature may seem different there are so many points of similarities that may not be easily detected. Differences arise not because of different scriptures; rather, they are caused by different levels of understanding. There is a need to realize that the goal is one; submission to the Supreme. God is One."

When I fly back to Canada I will relish reading this text to explore more the common denominator between distinct (or what appears to be extinct) traditions. It's a very healthy approach to life.

6 Km

Monday, February 27th, 2012

I Read a Document

Mayapura, West Bengal

As our drama troupe for this festival time readied ourselves for yet
another practice with tonight's performance of "Krishna the 8th Boy",
I read from a document that was addressing performing arts standards.
It's contents are much of what you would expect from the headquarters
of a spiritual culture. I'll share the major portion of this brief
which I think you'll find interesting and which, as it reads, "To help
provide quality entertainment that is purifying and uplifting..."

About Music. As a general rule the use of non-devotional music
(Western pop, Bollywood or other styles) is discouraged... If
non-devotional music is required for soundtracks then please make sure
the music is in context and used appropriately...

Dress code:

-No transparent cloth

-No open hair for women

-No tight cloth
-No low dhotis that show belly button
-No low skirts that show belly button

Mixing of Sexes:

-No physical contact on or off the stage between sexes

-Maintain chastity while interacting

-Maintain devotional mood

Philosophical Standards:

The themes, ideas and conclusions of any performance pieces should be
philosophically correct according to the teachings of ISKCON...

Comedies:

While comedy is a popular form of entertainment it is cautioned that

any such performances must be careful not to offend any Vaishnavas --

make light of that which is sacred -- degrade the mood into triviality

or the mundane in pursuance of laughing enjoyment

Conclusion:

It is hoped that this list will not dampen the spirits of those who

are dedicated to the Vaishnava arts, and the service of the

Vaishnavas. It is only our hope that beautiful uplifting Vaishnava

artistic performance piece can be offered for the pleasure of Srila

Prabhupada.  (from Mayapur Performing Arts Standards Committee)

By the way, the performance of "Krishna, the 8th Boy" has evolved to a
new level.

6 Km

Sunday, February 26th, 2012

Someone Wanted to Know

Mayapura, West Bengal

When the sun hides behind the horizon, or begins to, it becomes

welcoming to take a second walk. Down towards the Tarampura Road I go.

A fellow then tags along, introduces himself and is determined to ask

a ton of questions.

I anticipated a quiet walk, a private time, but this fellow wanted to

let out what he needed to. First of all, it was a little about his

life and a failed marriage; then he started to probe into my
methodology for the long cross-country walks I've done.

"I'm really curious to know how you do it. I'm a kind of a gypsy and

I'm thinking to duplicate your program." I did take him seriously

though and did not pass him off as eccentric. He donned the

traditional clothes of dhoti and kurta. But really I was just more

into the mood of a quiet walking experience after having dealt with

people all day.

He asked again, "how do you manage the walking day to day? Where do

you stay at night? etc..."

 I rather abruptly said, "Here is how I do it. I put my hand on my

beads and start chanting, then I walk moving my legs. Please follow."

So he took out his beads for chanting and did as I did. We walked past

the elephants, then onto the interlocked cobbles of the Tarampura

Road, then right on a dust tree-lined trail and another right through

a residential grhasta (family) enclave. We came to a stop.

We just chanted softly the whole time. And I said to the curious

fellow, "You asked how I do these marathon walks. I just showed you."

Instead of feeling that perhaps I ignored him, he expressed the

greatest appreciation. He confirmed, "When you do these walks it's

something to do with you and Krishna, ain't it?"

"Yes, it's something like that. I hope in the future you will be able

to duplicate it."

"I'm going to try" he said satisfied.

7 Km

Saturday, February 25th, 2012

Scrupling

Mayaypura, West Bengal

 
I received an e-mail from a Unitarian leader who was suggesting that a few of us should do some scrupling. I got back to him saying, "I agree with you. Scrupling is a good idea."

What on earth is "scrupling"?

Scrupling apparently is something that was common amongst the Quakers. It was their old practice, developed in the mid-19th century to focus thinking on the issue of slavery abolition in the U.S., an issue in which Quakers played a role.

So I was thinking that scrupling is like a discussion, a diliberation on something which involves a lot of listening. This is what brahmins are supposed to do -- to discuss topics of social and spiritual concern. We might call it ishtaghosti. North American natives may call it a pow wow.

Surely when I get back to the west the intent is to have a face-to-face with a Unitarian member to discuss issues on how we can better assist the world. Since their church is a mere five minutes walk from our centre on Avenue Road in Toronto, we have no excuse to avoid a chat.

There are many concerns shared by groups of different denominations and it just sounds great when one of the spiritual leaders takes the initiative for brahmins to knock heads, so to speak. It is very commendible.

Our guru, Srila Prabhupada, had many dialogues with members and leaders of other faiths. So the green light is on to promote understanding.

 6 Km

Friday, February 24th, 2012

Lunch With Sadhus

Mayapura, West Bengal

Today, there were eighteen of us -- sanyasis or renounced men at lunch together. We were huddled together in the quarters of Bhakti Caru Swami of Bengali origin. Not enough could be said about the excellent prasadam and its presentation.

Equally good is the company. One of the main purposes for travel from so many corners of the world is so that we could come together and to walk down the red royal carpet of encouragement. There are marvelous things going on spiritually in many parts of the world and the major influence, in a Krishna Conscious context, is coming form the people in this room.

We sat on mats set out at the edge of the room with a low table in front of each of us. A banana leaf was placed on top of that. To one corner of the leaf was poured out a small pile of local salt, strips  of ginger and some cut lemon. A porous clay pot was placed just off the leaf at the side of the low table for drinking water.

Bhakti Caru led the prayer before honouring the prasadam beginning with "Sarira avidya jal..."   "Oh Lord, this material body is a lump of ignorance..." The prayer starts off on a negative note but then eventually thrusts hope and optimism.

What wasn't positive about this experience, the people, the edibles? Nothing really, although I found the panir, the organic curd chunks fried in mustard oil a little strong.

After the meal you just have to nap. Only my extra take-it-easy-today program which I scheduled to fight the cold became interrupted by multiple visits. The day ended with a very free-style dance to the Kirtan Mela (chanting festival) going on.

Overall, what could stop me from shouting out "Jai!" the big victory cry.

7 Km