Temperature Getting Us Close
3 KM
B L O G S P O T
Friday, 14 February 2014
Monday, February 10th, 2014
Noida, India
Temperature Getting Us Close
At this time of year in India, at least in this more northern region, everyone gets bitten. Not by dogs. Not by mosquitoes. By a chill.
In the soon to be inaugurated temple in Noida, all those present are wrapped up in or under dhotis or saris with long johns, coats, chadars, toques and hoodies. There is no central heating so you live off the warmth of your own body heat.
Us Canadians, that is Maha Mantra, Fil and I, have a better immunity to winterism. Thank God! The other members of our theater troop for instance our two guys from Florida, Kish and Mukunda are a little more sensitive to the nippiness. Finally, Godruma Goura from Pennsylvania can handle it alright. Actually he could probably pass for a polar bear in terms of relishing the coolness.
Apparently we have been all accommodated for our practices of drama, "Gita: Concise" , in a tight and relatively warm space. The room is approximately a 12X12 space, ridiculously small.
I'm not really complaining. I told the crew, "For starters, this space is and needs to be like an incubator. In this snug area as actors we can develop the abhinaya facial expressions, the actual emotional side.” As the director I get the opportunity to see more close up projected feelings. Once we get that down then we move to a more spacious facility which permits more unrestricted physical movement.
Busy we are with drama preparations for the opening night of the inauguration. I see less chance for walking with time restraints and also lack of pedestrian friendly walkways. Maybe we are in the wrong part of town where our guest rooms are located, but up to this point, it’s a hard place to figure out, although on some kind of grid system. The settlement of the city of Noida is a progressive, expansive place. Too much of a car city for me. As a redeemer though, I’ll give the place a 8.5 out of 10 for the people being so nice. To be truly introspective though, I have a ways to go to match that kindness I can be cold at heart.
May the Source be with you!
3 KM
Temperature Getting Us Close
3 KM
Sunday, February 9th, 2014
Vrindavan, India
Janardan
Janardan is from the Philippines and joined the ashram in Toronto to become a monk in the 80's. Most recently he became a swami. People address him honourifically, as tradition has it, he is now a "Maharaj". It takes a bit for me to get use to this title. We are proud of him. I have worked for years together with him. I was the president managing the Toronto temple while he was a great support and assistant. That changed when in ‘96 when I went for a long walk across Canada. He took over the presidency and is now a major coordinator in our international centre in the town that Krishna was raised in.
Janardan Maharaj, or Swam, said, "We are going to take advantage of your short stay here. Please lead some kirtans and give a class on Bhagavatam". I complied in the mood, "If it helps you.”
It was last evening that I was already engaged in a presentation. The school academy for boys had me lead them in the chant and dance, and to say a few words that would inspire. Naturally, I dipped into the topics of pilgrimage. It looked like the hundred and more students had a bhakti blast.
To follow up on the presentation, a young man who heard my talk came to me and asked my opinion about a personal project. He told me that a Sharma fellow from Delhi has done all the research on the travels on Rama, which includes three hundred or more locations of where He did His wonders, and covers fifteen hundred kilometers.
"I would like to take that route. I have a passion for walking. What do you think?" he asked.
How should I not encourage someone like this? I suggested for him to team up with a friend and to share his realizations with others, encouraging them into higher consciousness. I hope he succeeds.
This morning I delivered the class from the Bhagavatam, highlighting the life of luminary foot traveler, Ramanujacharya who propounded the philosophy of “Visishtadwaita” and did much to define the personal aspect of the Divine.
May the Source be with you!
2 KM
Friday, February 7th, 2014
Noida, India
Spiritual But Not Religious
Here we are in India, the land of dharma. Maha Mantra, the monk from Toronto, and I are joined by Fil and Mukunda, readying ourselves in Nodia, New Delhi's arm or suburb for the two hour trip to Vrindavan.
Lokanath Swami, our host from Maharastra has for years headed up a ministry for padayatra, which means, "festival on foot”. He has successfully seen to a pilgrimage involving a group of walkers, and a pair of oxen pulling murtis of Chaitanya and Nityananda, the 16th century revolutionaries promoting mantra culture. This endeavor has circled India several times.
Lokanath Swami, is physically a monk with a youthful demeanor, however, numerically he is in ascendancy to the point where he's looking for a padayatra successor. While he was showing me around the new construction in progress, Noida’s temple, which is already looking gorgeous, He asked if I could take the lead on the ministry. This is not the first time he's asking me. I’m touched that he has the confidence in me, but being a head for the creative arts team called VANDE, was the reason for the decline of the offer.
Our hour long time together in viewing the new facility in Noida, while having parlance on padayatra, made it clear that we are both engrossed in growing and expanding a more Vedic world throughout, not only constructing of temples (that’s his department), but through the humble act of walking. "Vedantic" is the word used by Phillip Goldberg, author of an article, in the time of India of yesterday, on America's view on religion. I browsed through the paper as we drove on the Yamuna Express en route to Vrindavan, and happy to note the expressway is well maintained. In the article, research by Gallup Harris and Pear discovered a trend in the U.S. It appears the reality is that "Many religions can lead to eternal life.” But common also is the notion that many people prefer to be in the category of "spiritual but not religious” (SBNR).
I found it interesting when he said every reputable analyst says that access to India's spiritual teachings has been a central factor.
May the Source be with you!
6 KM
Spiritual But Not Religious
Here we are in India, the land of dharma. Maha Mantra, the monk from Toronto, and I are joined by Fil and Mukunda, readying ourselves in Nodia, New Delhi's arm or suburb for the two hour trip to Vrindavan.
Lokanath Swami, our host from Maharastra has for years headed up a ministry for padayatra, which means, "festival on foot”. He has successfully seen to a pilgrimage involving a group of walkers, and a pair of oxen pulling murtis of Chaitanya and Nityananda, the 16th century revolutionaries promoting mantra culture. This endeavor has circled India several times.
Lokanath Swami, is physically a monk with a youthful demeanor, however, numerically he is in ascendancy to the point where he's looking for a padayatra successor. While he was showing me around the new construction in progress, Noida’s temple, which is already looking gorgeous, He asked if I could take the lead on the ministry. This is not the first time he's asking me. I’m touched that he has the confidence in me, but being a head for the creative arts team called VANDE, was the reason for the decline of the offer.
Our hour long time together in viewing the new facility in Noida, while having parlance on padayatra, made it clear that we are both engrossed in growing and expanding a more Vedic world throughout, not only constructing of temples (that’s his department), but through the humble act of walking. "Vedantic" is the word used by Phillip Goldberg, author of an article, in the time of India of yesterday, on America's view on religion. I browsed through the paper as we drove on the Yamuna Express en route to Vrindavan, and happy to note the expressway is well maintained. In the article, research by Gallup Harris and Pear discovered a trend in the U.S. It appears the reality is that "Many religions can lead to eternal life.” But common also is the notion that many people prefer to be in the category of "spiritual but not religious” (SBNR).
I found it interesting when he said every reputable analyst says that access to India's spiritual teachings has been a central factor.
May the Source be with you!
6 KM
Thursday, 6 February 2014
Wednesday, February 5th, 2014
Toronto, Ontario
Ongoing Pilgrimage
Life for me is an ongoing pilgrimage.
Again, it’s a voyage overseas – to India this time. The trip will have nothing to do with the
mystical walking on water or the Atlantic; haven’t mastered that one yet.
I recall on a visit to New Waterford, Cape Breton, in the
early 90’s, that a group of curious kids was following me during a meditative
walk by the ocean’s shoreline. They were
pre-teen, about six of them, one of the boys, the spokesperson, met me at the
juncture of a road nearby. He and the
others had the look of spooked kids. I
guess they had never ever seen a guy in robes before, and robes that were being
tossed about by ocean gusts. He boldly
stepped forward and asked, “Do you walk on water?”
I hate to say that I disappointed the group, that I was
unable. “I’m working on it though.”
What is going to happen today as I will take flight with
Jet Airways to Brussels, and then on to Delhi, penetrating a rich and thick
snowstorm.
Yes, indeed, the elements are strong. Nature is overbearing at times, but as the
Gita so profoundly says, “The forces of nature are insurmountable, but one who
takes shelter of the Supreme can easily cross beyond those forces (of birth and
death).” That is quite mystical.
May the Source be with you!
0 KM
Tuesday, February 4th, 2014
Toronto, Ontario
A Road Knower
It’s rare to meet someone like Michael. We share a lot in common. How so?
Well, Michael Oesch, who helps people overcoming
addiction issues, decided one day to walk across Canada. It was a response to a buildup of challenges
in life, which included a divorce, and then something happened to determine the
long trek. It was 2001 when 9/11
occurred, and looking at how the world was going more screwy than swanky, he
took to the road on foot.
We hit it off real well.
He told me more of his story as we sat in the corner of our ashram temple, “In 2002 I walked from my
home in Toronto out to Labrador and back.
In 2005 I walked from Toronto to Vancouver. I battled with addiction. The last addiction is the addiction to self,
and once free from the inner voice of chaos, suffering can end. “
He listed amongst his heroes, Gandhi, Saint Francis and
the Buddha. He also told me of great
moments to do with the challenges on the road.
It was hard to address the crusty, sweaty clothes from the days wearing
on, and the moist shoes to step in because it rained the previous day, and also
overnight while in the tent, to begin a fresh day of trekking.
He shares a story of how near French River, he spotted a
turkey vulture on the side of the road.
One wing was injured being struck by a vehicle. The bird responded well to Michael, and
managed to perch on his shoulder. A motorist
stopped and took Michael and the vulture to the local animal clinic. Other redeeming moments of recall were when
these gorgeous dragonflies warded off pesky black flies. He also admitted to losing toenails, and to
regularly popping blisters on his feet.
Moreover, Michael did his two walks solo, and was pitching his tent
where he could in the wilderness.
What was significant for him on the journeys was gaining
strength from where strength was sourced.
He left me a prayer which was an excerpt from his journaling:
Dear Lord
Grant my feet the
strength to carry the burden I haul
Give me the courage
to walk further down the unknown road
Through forest,
swamp, field and mountain
I will follow my
dreams and walk in the light
I will bring with
me a smile to grace the day
And share it with
all I meet
Until the day when
I come to Your great ocean
And I shall walk no
more
I will wade in the
water
And let the salt
heal my wounds
And be at one with
this journey through life
Knowing you have
guided me every step of the way
-
Michael Oesch
May the Source be with you!
5 KM
Monday, February 3rd, 2014
Toronto, Ontario
I Was Sitting
I was sitting at a desk in an office on the main floor of our ashram when I noticed a young woman slowly moving about in curiosity. In the course of her browsing, our eyes met. I asked her, “Can I help you with something?”
“No, thank you, I’m just looking around.”
“Well, let me know if I can help you.”
“I will.”
About a minute had passed and this young woman came closer to the office door as I was engaged in desk work. She then said, “Actually, you can help. I do have a question,” as she stood by the door. As a monk I try to avoid being alone in a room with a woman, and I’ll also speak in a limited way. So I said, “Sure.”
“I was just wondering how I can deal with anger?” she asked.
“Yes, anger. We are all born with anger to a certain degree or another. If we look to the wisdom of the ancient text, Bhagavad Gita, we find that anger arises from attachment – attachment to either an object, or a position, a concept or an opinion. In general, when we are very obsessive about something, we can get angry. The only other time I see people get angry is when people don’t get enough sleep, and they get cranky like a baby (she laughed).
“I would suggest the next time the lava starts to boil in the volcano, before you say or do something, take a deep breath, become very thoughtful before you respond or react. Remain composed and controlled. Sometimes it helps to say nothing to avoid a confrontation. That would go a long way. Take refuge of the higher power (Krishna) and you can try this mantra: Hare Krishna Hare Krishna… and you ask for some strength. Instead of exploding and turning red, imagine the cooling blue of God. Believe it or not, looking at the sky will help. Just remember that anger blocks our sense of reasoning, so allow yourself to use your rationale before letting off steam. Try to recall the last time you got angry and how maybe you became violent, and then how it left hard feelings and maybe even destroyed a relationship. You’ll be amazed at how much you can process in a short amount of time when you give yourself that time before reacting.”
The young woman accepted the mantra card I gave her. She seemed very happy. “Please come again.”
“I will,” she said.
I did not tell her how walking can be of great service in handling anger. I do believe that I left her with the essentials, “Reach out for the mantra.”
May the Source be with you!
8 KM
I Was Sitting
I was sitting at a desk in an office on the main floor of our ashram when I noticed a young woman slowly moving about in curiosity. In the course of her browsing, our eyes met. I asked her, “Can I help you with something?”
“No, thank you, I’m just looking around.”
“Well, let me know if I can help you.”
“I will.”
About a minute had passed and this young woman came closer to the office door as I was engaged in desk work. She then said, “Actually, you can help. I do have a question,” as she stood by the door. As a monk I try to avoid being alone in a room with a woman, and I’ll also speak in a limited way. So I said, “Sure.”
“I was just wondering how I can deal with anger?” she asked.
“Yes, anger. We are all born with anger to a certain degree or another. If we look to the wisdom of the ancient text, Bhagavad Gita, we find that anger arises from attachment – attachment to either an object, or a position, a concept or an opinion. In general, when we are very obsessive about something, we can get angry. The only other time I see people get angry is when people don’t get enough sleep, and they get cranky like a baby (she laughed).
“I would suggest the next time the lava starts to boil in the volcano, before you say or do something, take a deep breath, become very thoughtful before you respond or react. Remain composed and controlled. Sometimes it helps to say nothing to avoid a confrontation. That would go a long way. Take refuge of the higher power (Krishna) and you can try this mantra: Hare Krishna Hare Krishna… and you ask for some strength. Instead of exploding and turning red, imagine the cooling blue of God. Believe it or not, looking at the sky will help. Just remember that anger blocks our sense of reasoning, so allow yourself to use your rationale before letting off steam. Try to recall the last time you got angry and how maybe you became violent, and then how it left hard feelings and maybe even destroyed a relationship. You’ll be amazed at how much you can process in a short amount of time when you give yourself that time before reacting.”
The young woman accepted the mantra card I gave her. She seemed very happy. “Please come again.”
“I will,” she said.
I did not tell her how walking can be of great service in handling anger. I do believe that I left her with the essentials, “Reach out for the mantra.”
May the Source be with you!
8 KM
Monday, 3 February 2014
Sunday, February 2nd, 2014
Montreal, Quebec
Ride to Quebec
The ride to Montreal is a six hour chakra like line, eastbound from Toronto. With driver, Vrindavan, a loyal bhakti practitioner for many years from Toronto, I could only dream of walking. When getting closer to Montreal, a mere approximate 100 KM away, I could see some of the parallel roads that I traversed on foot in 2012.
My visit to Montreal was an encouraging one. We took a peak, well, a little more than a peak, at the soon to open Bhakti Centre at 3485 Saint Laurent. Presentations will be done in the French medium. It will be a learning and cultural centre, but the highlight will be the art of bhakti (devotion). The location is ideal being that Saint Laurent is a hip street. The one room and one storey building with toilet attached is set slightly off the street which creates a kind of more private situation. The place is cozy; it will be facilitated by a recently retired school teacher, Nara Narayan. May he succeed.
I just have to mention the pretzels that I met with the people behind them. They are these colossal swirly pieces that really taste more like bagels. I just can’t resist describing them, soft, tasty portions of rusty looking goodness. The baker is Radha Krishna, who always comes up with something creative.
At the ISKCON Centre, I met with individuals, which involves some counseling and hearing reports of progress made on devotional frontiers. I had the honour to lead kirtan, then deliver a message based on the Gita, chapter 3, which reads, “Whatever a great person does, the world is inclined to follow.” I asked the community up front, “Who’s a leader in this room?” And the answer came back as, “We all are.”
“Correct,” I said. “As soon as you’ve reached adulthood, you have reached the realm of responsibility, and the impressionable young ones under you will mirror what you do. Be the example.”
It was a brief visit to Montreal, and I was destined to depart early the next day. When you are a senior visiting monk, you are in hot demand. I managed to slip away and go for a two kilometre walk, only to return for a much wanted all around massage, compliments of Jambhavan, an expert gripping therapist who realigned my machinery. Thanks, Jambhavan.
May the Source be with you!
2 KM
Ride to Quebec
The ride to Montreal is a six hour chakra like line, eastbound from Toronto. With driver, Vrindavan, a loyal bhakti practitioner for many years from Toronto, I could only dream of walking. When getting closer to Montreal, a mere approximate 100 KM away, I could see some of the parallel roads that I traversed on foot in 2012.
My visit to Montreal was an encouraging one. We took a peak, well, a little more than a peak, at the soon to open Bhakti Centre at 3485 Saint Laurent. Presentations will be done in the French medium. It will be a learning and cultural centre, but the highlight will be the art of bhakti (devotion). The location is ideal being that Saint Laurent is a hip street. The one room and one storey building with toilet attached is set slightly off the street which creates a kind of more private situation. The place is cozy; it will be facilitated by a recently retired school teacher, Nara Narayan. May he succeed.
I just have to mention the pretzels that I met with the people behind them. They are these colossal swirly pieces that really taste more like bagels. I just can’t resist describing them, soft, tasty portions of rusty looking goodness. The baker is Radha Krishna, who always comes up with something creative.
At the ISKCON Centre, I met with individuals, which involves some counseling and hearing reports of progress made on devotional frontiers. I had the honour to lead kirtan, then deliver a message based on the Gita, chapter 3, which reads, “Whatever a great person does, the world is inclined to follow.” I asked the community up front, “Who’s a leader in this room?” And the answer came back as, “We all are.”
“Correct,” I said. “As soon as you’ve reached adulthood, you have reached the realm of responsibility, and the impressionable young ones under you will mirror what you do. Be the example.”
It was a brief visit to Montreal, and I was destined to depart early the next day. When you are a senior visiting monk, you are in hot demand. I managed to slip away and go for a two kilometre walk, only to return for a much wanted all around massage, compliments of Jambhavan, an expert gripping therapist who realigned my machinery. Thanks, Jambhavan.
May the Source be with you!
2 KM
Saturday, February 1st, 2014
Kleinburg, Ontario
A Different Kleinburg
At age 18 I hitchhiked with a friend to this village/town from southwestern Ontario to see the McMichael collection of artwork from the Group of Seven. Their rendition of impressionistic art defined the nature, and I mean nature, of the Canadian landscape experience. There are some fine pieces. My favourite artist, Lauren Harris, did these outstanding pieces illustrating “raw” nature.
Four decades plus and I find myself in Kleinburg again. It’s not the quaint place of before although nestled in a rolling-hills and tree environment. Through a snow storm (what else is new) myself and a few other lay members of our community entered into an abode of mansions and more particularly the home of an accountant by the name of Rakesh.
It was the second engagement with the Punjabi community which was all geared up for an electrifying evening of kirtan. Dhira Grahi of the Gaura Shakti bhajan band led the chant shortly after Emcee, Lajput introduced your humble servant as “the Walking Monk”. Before the chant I suggested to Dhira that the Punjabi folks like zippy kirtans. With a smile he said, “I know!” And so he let it rip!
We honoured the thirteenth birthday of Rakesh’s son, Vipul. The massive eggless cake was done up well with an ornamented “Prince” in front of his name. The surface of it was designed like a basketball court which I imagined is Vipul’s passion. He and his older bro danced up a storm over the percussion of the mridungas. Everyone, family and friends, lept into action in the rhythm of movement. I noticed some wall-flowers, stiff and shy, who actually wanted to be part of the action. In time, even they broke out of their shell and got caught up in the spirit of the evening.
A good gauge for knowing that the program went devotionally well is when the participants go away with reading material. Bhaktivedanta Book Trust material, like the Bhagavad-gita, went into eager hands as the finishing touches were put to an ecstatic night.
Into the slush storm we went back to the ashram.
0 KM
A Different Kleinburg
At age 18 I hitchhiked with a friend to this village/town from southwestern Ontario to see the McMichael collection of artwork from the Group of Seven. Their rendition of impressionistic art defined the nature, and I mean nature, of the Canadian landscape experience. There are some fine pieces. My favourite artist, Lauren Harris, did these outstanding pieces illustrating “raw” nature.
May the Source be with you!
0 KM
Friday, January 31st, 2014
Scarborough, Ontario
Three Monks from Montreal
Three monks from Montreal came. They did not trek all the way to Toronto, but embarked on the usual Mega Bus. This is a double-decker conveyance that you can see from miles away with its loud volume yellow and blue colours. But let’s not get carried away by the means of transport, it’s the cargo that’s important.
On board was Tirtha Pavana, a Siberian born tall, thin, intense looking monastic turned family, but still a brahmin all the same, despite the change of colour from saffron to white. He explained to me that he decided to do less travel and to get situated in a more grounded way. I didn’t ask him, for lack of time, about a chosen life partner, but what I can say about him is that he’s very effective with people and has this incredible bravado about meeting with pedestrians, stopping them with his intense stare and then convincing them that spiritual life is worth looking at.
The other two monks from Montreal are Hayagriva and Frederic. Let’s begin with Hayagriva. He was born in Quebec, has a social worker’s background, was once a monk with the Swami Narayan organization, and is now the bhakta program in-charge at ISKCON Montreal. He is studious, he is outgoing, and has a bubbly personality. He’s as warm as a fresh baked baguette and is a real people person.
Frederic is a newcomer, also an enthusiastic Quebecois. He’s here along with the other two to have a little break or change before the long stretch of commitment at ISKCON Montreal where they will be acting as priestly substitutes while regular pujaris (priests) make pilgrimage to India. I don’t know Frederic so well, but it looks like he’s a good candidate for liberation.
India is a great place for pilgrimage. I dream that one day Canada will have a reputation as such. Currently, the whole world sees Canada as a safe and fair land that offers opportunity. The spiritual component is sorely missing, however.
Anyway, let’s see if the three monks from Montreal can change that.
For an evening engagement I slipped away about 20 KM via car (as passenger) towards Montreal to our Scarborough ISKCON Centre. I was the teacher this evening on the topic of God’s impartiality, with source 9.29 from the Bhagavad Gita. God’s disposition is like this: equal, open to everyone, and offers a fair opportunity, and He responds more to those who respond to Him. An apparent contradiction? I don’t think so.
May the Source be with you!
9 KM
Three Monks from Montreal
Three monks from Montreal came. They did not trek all the way to Toronto, but embarked on the usual Mega Bus. This is a double-decker conveyance that you can see from miles away with its loud volume yellow and blue colours. But let’s not get carried away by the means of transport, it’s the cargo that’s important.
On board was Tirtha Pavana, a Siberian born tall, thin, intense looking monastic turned family, but still a brahmin all the same, despite the change of colour from saffron to white. He explained to me that he decided to do less travel and to get situated in a more grounded way. I didn’t ask him, for lack of time, about a chosen life partner, but what I can say about him is that he’s very effective with people and has this incredible bravado about meeting with pedestrians, stopping them with his intense stare and then convincing them that spiritual life is worth looking at.
The other two monks from Montreal are Hayagriva and Frederic. Let’s begin with Hayagriva. He was born in Quebec, has a social worker’s background, was once a monk with the Swami Narayan organization, and is now the bhakta program in-charge at ISKCON Montreal. He is studious, he is outgoing, and has a bubbly personality. He’s as warm as a fresh baked baguette and is a real people person.
Frederic is a newcomer, also an enthusiastic Quebecois. He’s here along with the other two to have a little break or change before the long stretch of commitment at ISKCON Montreal where they will be acting as priestly substitutes while regular pujaris (priests) make pilgrimage to India. I don’t know Frederic so well, but it looks like he’s a good candidate for liberation.
India is a great place for pilgrimage. I dream that one day Canada will have a reputation as such. Currently, the whole world sees Canada as a safe and fair land that offers opportunity. The spiritual component is sorely missing, however.
Anyway, let’s see if the three monks from Montreal can change that.
For an evening engagement I slipped away about 20 KM via car (as passenger) towards Montreal to our Scarborough ISKCON Centre. I was the teacher this evening on the topic of God’s impartiality, with source 9.29 from the Bhagavad Gita. God’s disposition is like this: equal, open to everyone, and offers a fair opportunity, and He responds more to those who respond to Him. An apparent contradiction? I don’t think so.
May the Source be with you!
9 KM
Sunday, 2 February 2014
Thursday, January 30th, 2014
Toronto, Ontario
Great Meal / Great Verses
After a great meal at the Patel residence, along with
Uttamananda, our steadfast monk from the ashram,
I decided to trek it back home. This is
a very smart move, if I don’t say so myself.
When the belly starts to shake like jelly, you know you have to walk it
off. Let agni, the fire within, do its thing.
I traversed westbound on Danforth, one of my more
favourite streets. It’s Little Greece
with an arctic spin when you go through.
Very decent folks, you don’t see anyone talking or grumbling to themselves
on this stretch.
Then you take the bridge over Don Valley. Here, the wind
really picks up. Hold on to your hat – in my case, hood. Then you come
to posh Rosedale, quiet. Victorian homes and a short stroll through
Craig Leight Gardens. Snow is the only
thing growing in this garden these days.
Finally, you come to traffic when crossing Yonge Street –
never a major problem. Rarely do you
find road warriors at such junctures.
Then it’s a final trek through one more park with tennis courts galore. Some damage has been done on the court fences
created by fallen trees during the recent ice storm. You evade the dogs unleashed zone and walk
up the sloped incline. Cross Roxborough
Street, and you’re home at 243 Avenue Road, former Methodist Church turned Hare
Krishna Temple.
I came in the door and received an invitation to attend
the Scarborough ISKCON Centre tomorrow.
So it’s a done deal. There, I
will speak from a verse of the Gita.
“What verse do you want me to speak from?” I asked the centre’s rep who goes by the name
of Dhira.
“Can you speak from one of two of my favourite verses,
either 9.22 or 9.29?”
I said, “Sure.” In
verse 22 there is the appealing phrase by Krishna where He says, “I carry what
they lack and preserve what they have.”
Also appealing from 29 are the words, “I
envy no one, nor am I partial to anyone.
I am equal to all.”
May the Source be with you!
5KM
Wednesday, January 29th, 2014
Toronto, Ontario
You’re A Healer
“You are a healer,” said the man who came to visit.
“I am?” I asked.
“Yes. The last
time I came here you made me feel so much better.”
“Perhaps I sent some vibrations out to you.”
He was adamant and said, “You did, but it’s the things
you said that helped me.”
To my recollection, I had said very little to our
visitor, a young 27 year old. Perhaps if
I had said to him on the previous visit, “Please chant,” or, “You are not this
body,” something instructive or philosophical, although brief, then he’s
justified in what he is saying in my being a healer. Medicine in the form of words can cure life,
especially if it’s a time tested prescription, and not your own
concoction.
“You really helped me,” he insisted, “but I need some
more help from you.”
“And what would that be?”
“I’m at that age where I need to settle down, do you
arrange marriages?” he asked. It was sincere.
“My friend, I’m a monk, so I don’t get involved in such
matters. Choosing a life partner is
something that you, your family, friends or all combined can help with. We can perform the marriage once you’re set.”
“I really appreciate it,” he said as he got up from his
chair and proceeded to the ashram’s
dining room at Govinda’s.
Regarding being a healer, I can attest to some self
healing – a few yogic cobra poses and a good 8 KM walking on the heels with
Nick and Patrick. That seemed to help
tonnes with a sciatic nerve issue. It
would appear that healing powers are in everyone. A good piece of advice can indicate you’re a
healer, even if you don’t possess the ability to cure through the physical
touch. Start healing!
May the Source be with you!
8 km
Saturday, 1 February 2014
Tuesday, January 28th, 2014
Toronto, Ontario
Two Years for TS
In the ashram/temple we cut a birthday cake. It’s been a two year running of Tuesday’s sanga.
What to many people is a most boring and dull time of the week, Tuesday afternoon/evening, is actually a real life - my spirit occasion, when the sanga rolls around. Sanga means soul association. When people come together for spiritual centric purposes, the topics are about higher consciousness. The procedure is rather interactive. There is also kirtan, a chanting done in unison. The special feature is prasadam, blessed food, and tonight it was a cake to boot.
Manaksi, a loyal attendee, baked the best cake in the universe, with the main ingredient being pecan flour. It was nectar for the tummy and the tongue.
For the ears, I was asked to speak about the importance of sanga, so I made reference to the Bhagavad Gita, 10.9:
“Devotees derive great satisfaction and bliss from always enlightening one another and conversing about Me.” – Sri Krishna.
During the session where I asked for comments one fellow said, “I come regularly on Tuesday and it’s such a relief for me. It’s a nice break from the materialistic world.”
A woman spoke as well, admitting that she was reluctant to participate in the beginning, but when she got the encouragement from family, she attended and had a change of heart. She likes the community/family feel.
The coordinator, Indresh, spoke about how attendance has fluctuated over the 100 weeks plus. Tonight, at the session, there was 25 strong. Not the largest turn out. Sometimes due to weather conditions, five or six diehards show up. Indresh seemed to indicate that Tuesday is special, and the program will go on despite the accordion dynamic of attendance.
Personally, I enjoy the sanga, social company and a Krishna cake. I couldn’t enjoy the walk today, some spasm hit my left side, so I spent a portion of the day using my own recipe on physiotherapy, trying to take care.
May the Source be with you!
0 KM
Two Years for TS
In the ashram/temple we cut a birthday cake. It’s been a two year running of Tuesday’s sanga.
What to many people is a most boring and dull time of the week, Tuesday afternoon/evening, is actually a real life - my spirit occasion, when the sanga rolls around. Sanga means soul association. When people come together for spiritual centric purposes, the topics are about higher consciousness. The procedure is rather interactive. There is also kirtan, a chanting done in unison. The special feature is prasadam, blessed food, and tonight it was a cake to boot.
Manaksi, a loyal attendee, baked the best cake in the universe, with the main ingredient being pecan flour. It was nectar for the tummy and the tongue.
For the ears, I was asked to speak about the importance of sanga, so I made reference to the Bhagavad Gita, 10.9:
“Devotees derive great satisfaction and bliss from always enlightening one another and conversing about Me.” – Sri Krishna.
During the session where I asked for comments one fellow said, “I come regularly on Tuesday and it’s such a relief for me. It’s a nice break from the materialistic world.”
A woman spoke as well, admitting that she was reluctant to participate in the beginning, but when she got the encouragement from family, she attended and had a change of heart. She likes the community/family feel.
The coordinator, Indresh, spoke about how attendance has fluctuated over the 100 weeks plus. Tonight, at the session, there was 25 strong. Not the largest turn out. Sometimes due to weather conditions, five or six diehards show up. Indresh seemed to indicate that Tuesday is special, and the program will go on despite the accordion dynamic of attendance.
Personally, I enjoy the sanga, social company and a Krishna cake. I couldn’t enjoy the walk today, some spasm hit my left side, so I spent a portion of the day using my own recipe on physiotherapy, trying to take care.
May the Source be with you!
0 KM
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