Toronto, Ontario
Moderate
It was a biting cold that Nick and I took as the challenge on an evening high speed trek. That’s fine, because you then come to appreciate warmth. Whatever is the condition, it is there to remind you of some words of wisdom. Verse 2.14 of the Bhagavad Gita convinces us of the dualistic reality and how to be persevering the world’s two faces.
It will only be a matter of two days before I’ll be near equatorial territory, Guyana to be precise. I’ll then be seeing the other wild side of nature. At that time, I will be dreaming of cold when I sweat to pieces in Guyana. Verse 2.14 will once again spring up. It informs us that we should tolerate and moderate. Toleration appears to be more of a psychological acceptance of things. The verse 2.14 suggests that dualities arise from sense perception.
Now, if you were to visit a place like Hawaii, where I’ve been, you encounter the almost perfect moderate weather. Physically, you can enjoy, but still, the storm within exists and the climatic changes of the mind persist. The moodiness of the mind is universal. Every living being gets intense over issues, and they require some tempering.
They say if you temper steel first by heating and then by cooling, it improves the hardness and elasticity of the metal. Moving through life and accepting its extremes is key to being neutralized in some way in becoming moderate.
I laugh when I think of being invited, along with my support guy, Dave, on my first cross Canada trek, to “A brandin’”. A cowgirl/woman asked if we wanted to go to a brandin’ at a local ranch in Alberta. You, know, it’s when you mark the side of cattle with heat. We declined and indicated that we were too cool for that.
May the Source be with you!
7 KM
B L O G S P O T
Tuesday, 13 January 2015
Sunday, January 4th, 2015
Montreal, Quebec
The Noise of Winter
I set out at 3 AM. Overnight snowplows had scraped the streets addressing the surprised flurries. Even at this hour, you hear the occasional home snow shovel scratching a concrete surface. Someone, somewhere is moving the white fluff in order to make a walking passageway.
I’m doing alright and contributing to music with a crunch crunch sound of my boots gripping the snow. Snow doesn’t make sound, but it invites. Somehow, snow is a silencer and a softener of sorts. I can appreciate being in its presence.
I came indoors after some time to partake in sadhana. Hours later I met with Khosro Shemiranie, editor in chief of Journal Hafteh, geared to the Iranian/Afghan community. Khosro and I sat in ISKCON’s library room with the window to our backs. Khosro asked questions pertinent to spirituality, mainly honing in on the concept of fear.
I offered to say that fear is dealing with the unknown and living with the uncertainty of being harmed. It is a component of life.
He also asked me about my major walks, and how fear played into these treks. I told him that initially I carried the fear of whether I’d be accepted or not. Would a public that’s mostly secular embrace the notion of a monk who hails from a tradition not yet well known. Khosro wanted to know if I had overcome that fear, and I said, “Yes, people seem to accept the principle of pilgrimage and the good workout that goes along with it.” I explained that as long as you bear self confidence, believing in your own spirit as distinct from the body, people will end up admiring who you are and what you are doing.
As we spoke with that window to our backs, I was actually angled in such a way as to catch a glimpse of the outdoors. I could see that snow had turned into crystallized ice on the trees. Suddenly, a branch of a tree snapped off, and it came crashing down with all the crystals. It came with an incredible noise, the noise of a wintery day.
May the Source be with you!
6 KM
The Noise of Winter
I set out at 3 AM. Overnight snowplows had scraped the streets addressing the surprised flurries. Even at this hour, you hear the occasional home snow shovel scratching a concrete surface. Someone, somewhere is moving the white fluff in order to make a walking passageway.
I’m doing alright and contributing to music with a crunch crunch sound of my boots gripping the snow. Snow doesn’t make sound, but it invites. Somehow, snow is a silencer and a softener of sorts. I can appreciate being in its presence.
I came indoors after some time to partake in sadhana. Hours later I met with Khosro Shemiranie, editor in chief of Journal Hafteh, geared to the Iranian/Afghan community. Khosro and I sat in ISKCON’s library room with the window to our backs. Khosro asked questions pertinent to spirituality, mainly honing in on the concept of fear.
I offered to say that fear is dealing with the unknown and living with the uncertainty of being harmed. It is a component of life.
He also asked me about my major walks, and how fear played into these treks. I told him that initially I carried the fear of whether I’d be accepted or not. Would a public that’s mostly secular embrace the notion of a monk who hails from a tradition not yet well known. Khosro wanted to know if I had overcome that fear, and I said, “Yes, people seem to accept the principle of pilgrimage and the good workout that goes along with it.” I explained that as long as you bear self confidence, believing in your own spirit as distinct from the body, people will end up admiring who you are and what you are doing.
As we spoke with that window to our backs, I was actually angled in such a way as to catch a glimpse of the outdoors. I could see that snow had turned into crystallized ice on the trees. Suddenly, a branch of a tree snapped off, and it came crashing down with all the crystals. It came with an incredible noise, the noise of a wintery day.
May the Source be with you!
6 KM
Saturday, January 3rd, 2015
Montreal, Quebec
Did Not!
Today The Walking Monk did not walk, he trained.
I boarded Via Rail at Union Station in Toronto for the trip to Montreal. It was a pleasant ride. Western trains generally are a leisure way to travel. The scenery was alright between the two cities. It just becomes a bit tiring seeing the colour of winter brown. That gradually changes as you go northeast. The ground becomes covered, like icing sugar, with sprinkled snow. White becomes more prominent by the time Montreal is reached.
Next to me on the train, I met a young male passenger who’s on an adventure in life. He’s on his way to join the armed forces. “Why?” I asked him. His answer was honest and innocent, “I come from a poor family. Joining the forces as opposed to furthering my education right now will help me financially. Also, I thought it’s a good thing to defend the country when in need.”
I thought it to be a commendable remark. I was happy for him. I couldn’t see this fellow getting deeply into drugs, drink, and girls. At best, he’d be a moderate in habits of such sorts, I speculated. Anyways, I wished him well as we detrained.
My analysis of this day is me feeling real good about conducting another of those seminars on kirtan standards, where some young people showed up and kept engaged in the interactiveness that took place. When you consider that there are lots of options out there on a Saturday night, they vied for doing something very positive.
May the Source be with you!
0 KM
Did Not!
Today The Walking Monk did not walk, he trained.
I boarded Via Rail at Union Station in Toronto for the trip to Montreal. It was a pleasant ride. Western trains generally are a leisure way to travel. The scenery was alright between the two cities. It just becomes a bit tiring seeing the colour of winter brown. That gradually changes as you go northeast. The ground becomes covered, like icing sugar, with sprinkled snow. White becomes more prominent by the time Montreal is reached.
Next to me on the train, I met a young male passenger who’s on an adventure in life. He’s on his way to join the armed forces. “Why?” I asked him. His answer was honest and innocent, “I come from a poor family. Joining the forces as opposed to furthering my education right now will help me financially. Also, I thought it’s a good thing to defend the country when in need.”
I thought it to be a commendable remark. I was happy for him. I couldn’t see this fellow getting deeply into drugs, drink, and girls. At best, he’d be a moderate in habits of such sorts, I speculated. Anyways, I wished him well as we detrained.
My analysis of this day is me feeling real good about conducting another of those seminars on kirtan standards, where some young people showed up and kept engaged in the interactiveness that took place. When you consider that there are lots of options out there on a Saturday night, they vied for doing something very positive.
May the Source be with you!
0 KM
Friday, January 2nd, 2015
Toronto, Ontario
Marriage and Makeover
One of our ashram residents asked a question, “Why are we putting so much energy into this wedding?” When I heard this query, I did not take it as a challenge, but as innocent curiosity coming from someone who leads the simple devotional life with a group of other monastic people. Shekar and Christina were getting married, and our main kirtan hall was going through a kind of makeover. My response to the question was, “Marriage is an important day in a person’s life. It’s a major commitment, and the couple needs blessings.”
I thought more about what I had said and wanted to add something.
We live in an era of lack of commitment. We quit on people and projects so easily. It’s a lack of determination – not a good trait. In marriage, you demonstrate maturity through vows and keeping them. You learn to communicate and learn the game of give and take. When there’s kids involved (which is natural between a couple), show them that you have some conviction by being committed. Try to avoid defraying the fabric of a family. And people don’t always get along, even when you make a new arrangement. Show some tolerance and patience. Of course, there are cases of abuse. Granted, you may need to break off. But the word abuse is very casually used. Break off can be a last resort. This opens up a new door of discussion. People have become non-congenial. Much is to be said about the selfish world in which we live, and about an educational system which does not build character and avoids spiritual based values.
Yes, a makeover on us would be good.
The wedding, by the way, went well. I wish the couple all the best. I had to leave early to attend a funeral for Mark Mulair, also known as Muralidhar. He died from cancer. His new existence means a makeover of sorts.
May the Source be with you!
10 KM
Marriage and Makeover
One of our ashram residents asked a question, “Why are we putting so much energy into this wedding?” When I heard this query, I did not take it as a challenge, but as innocent curiosity coming from someone who leads the simple devotional life with a group of other monastic people. Shekar and Christina were getting married, and our main kirtan hall was going through a kind of makeover. My response to the question was, “Marriage is an important day in a person’s life. It’s a major commitment, and the couple needs blessings.”
I thought more about what I had said and wanted to add something.
We live in an era of lack of commitment. We quit on people and projects so easily. It’s a lack of determination – not a good trait. In marriage, you demonstrate maturity through vows and keeping them. You learn to communicate and learn the game of give and take. When there’s kids involved (which is natural between a couple), show them that you have some conviction by being committed. Try to avoid defraying the fabric of a family. And people don’t always get along, even when you make a new arrangement. Show some tolerance and patience. Of course, there are cases of abuse. Granted, you may need to break off. But the word abuse is very casually used. Break off can be a last resort. This opens up a new door of discussion. People have become non-congenial. Much is to be said about the selfish world in which we live, and about an educational system which does not build character and avoids spiritual based values.
Yes, a makeover on us would be good.
The wedding, by the way, went well. I wish the couple all the best. I had to leave early to attend a funeral for Mark Mulair, also known as Muralidhar. He died from cancer. His new existence means a makeover of sorts.
May the Source be with you!
10 KM
Thursday, January 1st, 2015
Brampton/Toronto
Here’s What They Said
So here’s what some actors and viewers had to say about our new theatrical production held at the annual Prabhupada Festival – the production called “Blue Mystic”:
Actor Kanaad (From Toronto) – I learned so much about the pastimes of Krishna. Being on the stage like that helped me to gain more personal confidence.
Viewer, Stephen (From London, Ontario) – It was like CBC Tapestry radio show, very cultural… I also noticed from the audience that they could not set their eyes away from the stage.
Actor, Natalia (From Montreal) – Oh my God, I had to question how we could pull it all together in just a week. It was exciting playing multiple roles from the pious Devaki to the compelling goddess, Durga.
Viewer, Dakshin (From Miami) – I liked it very much, very visual. A great way to give training to the youth, future leaders.
Me – It was most rewarding working with the crew I had, rather, the crew that was sent my way by divine arrangement.
The drama, “Blue Mystic” was a way to bring in the new year. In this more tweaked version from the pilot production of last summer, I hope to take it to my 2015 destinations worldwide.
Happy New Year, and congratulations to the three new initiates from Brampton. Rajneesh has received the name Nanda Maharaja Das, Alka is now Ananda Mayi, and Raj is now Rasaraj.
May the Source be with you!
0 KM
Here’s What They Said
So here’s what some actors and viewers had to say about our new theatrical production held at the annual Prabhupada Festival – the production called “Blue Mystic”:
Actor Kanaad (From Toronto) – I learned so much about the pastimes of Krishna. Being on the stage like that helped me to gain more personal confidence.
Viewer, Stephen (From London, Ontario) – It was like CBC Tapestry radio show, very cultural… I also noticed from the audience that they could not set their eyes away from the stage.
Actor, Natalia (From Montreal) – Oh my God, I had to question how we could pull it all together in just a week. It was exciting playing multiple roles from the pious Devaki to the compelling goddess, Durga.
Viewer, Dakshin (From Miami) – I liked it very much, very visual. A great way to give training to the youth, future leaders.
Me – It was most rewarding working with the crew I had, rather, the crew that was sent my way by divine arrangement.
The drama, “Blue Mystic” was a way to bring in the new year. In this more tweaked version from the pilot production of last summer, I hope to take it to my 2015 destinations worldwide.
Happy New Year, and congratulations to the three new initiates from Brampton. Rajneesh has received the name Nanda Maharaja Das, Alka is now Ananda Mayi, and Raj is now Rasaraj.
May the Source be with you!
0 KM
Wednesday, December 31st, 2014
Toronto, Ontario
People, Drums, New Year’s
People in this city ride the transit rail all the time. The subway, which it is referred to, is that regular commuter that transports people to work, school, etc., to and fro. On this evening the ride has a different intent for mostly younger folks. Their destination is the City Hall, as it is ours, for the final countdown to mark the end of a year, and opening up what will historically be the one and only January 1st of 2015.
A group of us, monks and lay Krishna members numbering 60 strong, helped to fill one of the cars on the subway line. As soon as we stepped in from the subway platform sitting and standing passengers noticed our entry as we corralled in fully equipped with drums and anticipated faces.
“What are they going to do?” milled through the minds of the curious.
Here’s what we did. The train doors closed. The subway car moved south on the Yonge Street line, and after the first stop, the major Yonge and Bloor juncture, we waited for those doors to close once again. Two massive tom-toms with mallets and one additional djembe were poised and now rolling with sticks and hands to stir up the kind of excitement that ushers in a new beginning.
A core group of us sang, “Happy Happy Happy Happy Happy Happy New Year!” Response came. We delivered a few more bars of that, then we switched to “Hare Krishna…” That resounding vibe occupied the space of the people and stayed with the public for the whole ride and there ever after to the location of Old City Hall, that impressive building on Queen Street. Thousands were drawn in to the song and dance. The energy provoked by mantra and drum was nothing short of ecstasy.
May the Source be with you!
6 KM
People, Drums, New Year’s
People in this city ride the transit rail all the time. The subway, which it is referred to, is that regular commuter that transports people to work, school, etc., to and fro. On this evening the ride has a different intent for mostly younger folks. Their destination is the City Hall, as it is ours, for the final countdown to mark the end of a year, and opening up what will historically be the one and only January 1st of 2015.
A group of us, monks and lay Krishna members numbering 60 strong, helped to fill one of the cars on the subway line. As soon as we stepped in from the subway platform sitting and standing passengers noticed our entry as we corralled in fully equipped with drums and anticipated faces.
“What are they going to do?” milled through the minds of the curious.
Here’s what we did. The train doors closed. The subway car moved south on the Yonge Street line, and after the first stop, the major Yonge and Bloor juncture, we waited for those doors to close once again. Two massive tom-toms with mallets and one additional djembe were poised and now rolling with sticks and hands to stir up the kind of excitement that ushers in a new beginning.
A core group of us sang, “Happy Happy Happy Happy Happy Happy New Year!” Response came. We delivered a few more bars of that, then we switched to “Hare Krishna…” That resounding vibe occupied the space of the people and stayed with the public for the whole ride and there ever after to the location of Old City Hall, that impressive building on Queen Street. Thousands were drawn in to the song and dance. The energy provoked by mantra and drum was nothing short of ecstasy.
May the Source be with you!
6 KM
Friday, 2 January 2015
Tuesday, December 30th, 2014
Toronto, Ontario
Find Light
I was drawn to Casa Loma this morning. They call it Canada's best known castle. Going for a japa (chanting) walk with two American friends and another from Montreal, I take a dual role as their mentor and tour guide simultaneously.
This impressive structure is a mere 20 min walk from our ashram. It sits gracefully atop a hill. Developers dare not rival its majestic presence. I believe it's law that you cannot put this edifice into obscurity. It's a good law.
Our small walking team was awed by Casa Loma. But even more so by a lit up yuletide ornament at the building's front door. There we marveled at this classy illuminated horse and sled display. Our interpretation is that here we see the chariot that was meant for Krishna and Arjuna. It glows in the dark and is totally attractive.
I guess we are always fascinated by anything that gives light in the dark. Try walking in the night alone under an aurora borealis sky like I have experienced and you will have gone through a sensation.
I believe it is practically everyday that I look for something that casts an effulgence. I was really pleased to read from the "Journal of Vaisnava Studies" the first article by a friend, Shukavak N Dasa, author of "Hindu Encounter with Modernity", on the life of spiritual luminary Bhaktivinode Thakur. His article made my heart shine in the dimness of an often dark world and provided what newspaper articles cannot.
May the Source be with you!
5 KM
Monday, December 29th, 2014
Toronto, Ontario
The Avatar Who's Known to Walk
I anticipated a day of excitement in the environment of devotional service which was to include an evening practice on our drama, "Blue Mystic". Rising on a usual day, the thrill of early morning sadhana sparks before a 4:30 am arati. We start with song and dance, an offering to guru and Krishna. Then a trek through the neighborhood with eager devotees becomes a real catch for fresh air. We return for more mantra meditation followed by a class facilitated these days by myself. The current topic being the walking avatar who goes by the name of Vamana.
So the story of Vamana and his interesting encounter with Bali, conqueror of the universe, entails the unfolding of rich traits of human character. Personally I have read the epical scale book Bhagavatam several times over and I still become stunned at each new reading by the depth of dimension in regards to the interaction of these two personalities. I find myself venturing new territory even though I've been down this trail before.
What comes as a "new to me" is the respectful response to words and actions projected by the two characters. Their very dealings embody humility, introspection, a purging and other dynamics. To me it is totally fascinating, particularly how the events lead to the modest voluntary post taken by the walking avatar. He becomes a doorman to Bali's domain. Content with menial service and relishing the place where adulation generally doesn't find itself. There is something for all of us to learn from this story.
May the Source be with you!
5 KM
Sunday, December 28th, 2014
Be Adjustable
North York, Ontario
The temperature rating for today was above freezing. Still, our newly arrived monk from Brazil found it quite the adjustment to make. Nevertheless, this fine young man who bears the gift of a smile appreciated our including him in a breezy walk through residential Rosedale where "quiet" prevails.
Vitaliy, originally from the Ukraine, now residing in Detroit, has no issue with the freshness of air, nor does his fiancée, Anandarupa, who is visiting us from Miami. Natalia, from Columbia, has already acclimatized herself to winter in our North. All five of us meandered through the streets for a mere hour as we chanted on our individual chanting beads.
My thoughts are that anyone who makes a move physically, from one geographical location to another, is always up for needing to adjust, or being like a chameleon who changes his color. To be versatile or to turn with ease from one thing to another is a skill much in demand even in a spiritual environment.
It becomes a tough task at times to deal with people (devotees of Krishna included) who do not develop the art of flexibility. For example, those who keep to ways that worked well in 1965 will find that those ways do not necessarily apply in today's world. Change is a reality as much as permanence is. They run in parallel lines. People's attitudes change. Lifestyles change. Strategies change. But basic values such as respect should be a perpetual anchor, just as the soul is a constant principle. Finally, certain ways of doing things out of the box should be welcome while core principles be sustained.
May the Source be with you!
5 KM
Saturday, December 27th, 2014
Mandate for the World
Scarborough, Ontario
I am convinced that you are not going to find something more beautiful coming from humans until you see them in unison in song and dance.
It was my pleasure to facilitate with two rhythmic souls, Keshava and Rukmini, another Kirtan Standards Seminar. The venue this time was at the ISKCON Centre just off of Markham Road in Scarborough. For me, the highlight of the event was the mantra–and–dance segment with everyone. It’s remarkable what humans can do.
The ultimate expression of speaking appears more in the form of the song and the optimum expression of moving can be found in the form of a dance. When executed, gracefully, for the pleasure of the Supreme, we can have an almost perfect world.
In what in my opinion is usually a crammed space, in a unit of an industrial plaza, the train-car shaped, stuffed space we found ourselves in, transformed into a Vaikuntha, “world of harmony”. With the termed “swami step” we swayed in a “to the right, to the left” fashion. In a more Manipuri-style movement the mantra we encouraged was “Forward and back and forward and back….” These and other varying dance forms make the kirtan complete. Uniformity in the matter of both voice and body expression is the proven factor of bliss.
I wish the world could unite on the mandate of moving and mouthing for the Creator’s pleasure.
May the Source be with you!
7 KM
Friday, December 26th, 2014
Man of Understanding: J.W.
Toronto, Ontario
The Christmas frenzy is on, perhaps post Christmas or more popularly known as Boxing Day when goods are at a discount.
I was taking my walk down Yonge Street. It became obvious that reverence to Jesus just did not linger. Frankly the commercial push at this time of the year appears more gruesome than the crucifixion. What would Christ say? It’s all about bargains, things, money, waste and stress.
My criticism and absolute Scroogeism does not reflect on the good Son himself, nor on truly reverential followers of the Christ.
Members of our local community as well as members from all over the world act as opportunists to the occasion. My God, you won’t blame them for being out amidst the post Christmas shoppers. It’s really more like Christmas shocking during the Christmas shopping – on unfortunate cultural norm.
It’s at this time of the year that is sacred to pagans, sacred to Jews and Christians and Hindus. It was in December that the most famous penetrating dialog of all times was spoken by Sri Krishna. Local devotees of Krishna converged at Yonge and Dundas to chant and distribute profusely Bhagavad-Gitas. I was swift on my feet to meet and join in the pleasure of the disbursement. Fate had it that I was late. I missed the group by five minutes. I rapidly returned to the ashram only to find by e-mail that J.W. Windland passed away. Who was he? Well, he was a magnanimous soul who died of oral cancer on Christmas Day. It’s a loss because he built many bridges and took down many walls – bridges of communication and walls of misunderstanding on the subject of varying spiritual expressions amongst us.
It was a pleasure to have known J.W. who established the organization “Encounter”. Fortunately a succession plan was in place as I understand from the news I received from Brian Carwana.
My mantras I dedicate to J.W.
May the Source be with you!
7 KM
Thursday, December 25th, 2014
Brick and Bark
Toronto, Ontario
A Reflective Track
Squirrels. They’re all over the place, scurrying about, digging from earth storage of nuts and other concealed treats. On ground or tree level, they’re making an incredible appearance, a response to mild weather, I guess.
It’s features of nature like this that make the day complete. Just one little guy perched on a branch at eye level became a mere reminder for me of the glory of anti-urbanization, because during my outdoor ventures through concrete zones, I am provided with a break. “Thanks little fella,” I pensed, “you just brought me closer to Krishna with your jerky tail and animated loveliness.”
When looking at concrete and doing some building gazing, it just doesn’t do the same for a person when compared to being in a pastoral presence. I’m grateful for green, or even brown spaces in the city that reflect a gentler world. I pass through Allan Gardens and also ambled along through Jarvis Street which has this unique blend of Victorian stateliness, and glass modernity. It still doesn’t beat seeing the community of the black bushy chaps. I can always appreciate the artistry of man, but it never measures up to the creativity of the natural world’s artist.
On my return journey from a satsang at the home of a sweet Bangladeshi household, other ashram dwellers had joined me, retracing steps through brick and bark regions. I’m of the opinion that no one should remain in one building or machine all day. Life can be more reciprocal than that. Our guru, Srila Prabhupada, walked through beach and through park in this town in the 70’s, so I’ll always bear in mind the good fortune of being on a reflective track as he had done.
May the Source be with you!
8 KM
Toronto, Ontario
A Reflective Track
Squirrels. They’re all over the place, scurrying about, digging from earth storage of nuts and other concealed treats. On ground or tree level, they’re making an incredible appearance, a response to mild weather, I guess.
It’s features of nature like this that make the day complete. Just one little guy perched on a branch at eye level became a mere reminder for me of the glory of anti-urbanization, because during my outdoor ventures through concrete zones, I am provided with a break. “Thanks little fella,” I pensed, “you just brought me closer to Krishna with your jerky tail and animated loveliness.”
When looking at concrete and doing some building gazing, it just doesn’t do the same for a person when compared to being in a pastoral presence. I’m grateful for green, or even brown spaces in the city that reflect a gentler world. I pass through Allan Gardens and also ambled along through Jarvis Street which has this unique blend of Victorian stateliness, and glass modernity. It still doesn’t beat seeing the community of the black bushy chaps. I can always appreciate the artistry of man, but it never measures up to the creativity of the natural world’s artist.
On my return journey from a satsang at the home of a sweet Bangladeshi household, other ashram dwellers had joined me, retracing steps through brick and bark regions. I’m of the opinion that no one should remain in one building or machine all day. Life can be more reciprocal than that. Our guru, Srila Prabhupada, walked through beach and through park in this town in the 70’s, so I’ll always bear in mind the good fortune of being on a reflective track as he had done.
May the Source be with you!
8 KM
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