Mayapur, India
Dogs and Others
At dawn the dogs are still asleep. You'll see a solitary guy just lying rolled up on the sand. If it’s a puppy it will lie coiled around its mum or dad.
Our passing by them makes no difference to their slumber. They are beautifully resolute and will not move until the sun or some other urge beckons them.
I'm noticing a decrease in these homeless fellows, at least on the campus at Mayapur and also an increase in jackals. The jackals love Mayapur and for one major reason. One kitchen man at the Gada Building told me that jackals look forward to kitchen scraps and prasadam remnants left on banana leaves. They really party it up at night.
When you think about it, whenever you trek you'll view living entities and whether they fly, crawl, or prowl, most of them are on the big search for food. It appears to be the number one objective. I'm not sure if movement geared toward a sleeping venture is a close second in terms of rank. Mating is a cause for motion as are opportunities for a good fight.
We have cornered or identified four major functions of souls in this world. Rather our guru identified them for us. Humans are also included in these dynamics yet we play a major role as having a proclivity towards the spiritual. This does not mean we wield condescending attitudes towards other beings. It means we have an obligation more so to protect these other creatures in carrying on with their business of an eco-natural culture.
May the Source be with you!
6 KM
B L O G S P O T
Friday, 13 February 2015
Saturday, February 7th, 2015
Mayapur, India
I Was Coming
I was coming from lunch in what's called the Lotus Building and when I was descending the stairs a young male Russian doing the same made an observation. We both noticed the pilgrims from Kolkata. They were sitting, resting, and playing on the grassy grounds.
The Russian devotee remarked, "They really know how to enjoy." I concurred.
In the developed world people get bored if you don't pay a big fee for a water park. And I said, "If there's no engine next to you making a roaring noise, how do you get stimulated?"
Naturally these people are coming from Kolkata, "The City of Joy." They consider this outing a great time. They came here in a crammed bus, went through hellish traffic, then stood in the sun in a long queue for lunch - on arrival. All this and no complaints. They are an unspoiled group. They enjoy each others' company. "I hope that this country won't become developed," I thought. Incredible India!
I have always felt that about this amazing land. People smile. They enjoy the simple things and very much value relationships. It is a resilient race that survived subjugation for hundreds of years. Mind you, challenges are there but for the most part, India's spiritual foundation can be identified as the reason for its upbeatedness.
There is a need to clean house. It is crowded in places and the lavatories are minimal in number but this great land of Bharat can truly be noted for its glowing dharma.
May the Source be with you!
5 KM
I Was Coming
I was coming from lunch in what's called the Lotus Building and when I was descending the stairs a young male Russian doing the same made an observation. We both noticed the pilgrims from Kolkata. They were sitting, resting, and playing on the grassy grounds.
The Russian devotee remarked, "They really know how to enjoy." I concurred.
In the developed world people get bored if you don't pay a big fee for a water park. And I said, "If there's no engine next to you making a roaring noise, how do you get stimulated?"
Naturally these people are coming from Kolkata, "The City of Joy." They consider this outing a great time. They came here in a crammed bus, went through hellish traffic, then stood in the sun in a long queue for lunch - on arrival. All this and no complaints. They are an unspoiled group. They enjoy each others' company. "I hope that this country won't become developed," I thought. Incredible India!
I have always felt that about this amazing land. People smile. They enjoy the simple things and very much value relationships. It is a resilient race that survived subjugation for hundreds of years. Mind you, challenges are there but for the most part, India's spiritual foundation can be identified as the reason for its upbeatedness.
There is a need to clean house. It is crowded in places and the lavatories are minimal in number but this great land of Bharat can truly be noted for its glowing dharma.
May the Source be with you!
5 KM
Friday, February 6th, 2015
Mayapur, India
The Mist is Thick
The mist is thick and but for the moon all is beautifully dark as our usual group hits a trail. When the second ball of light, the sun, pulls the fog - you hear the sounds of the morning. There's the twitter of birds, bells from the temples, and the morning cry from the local Mosque. And, oh yes, you can't see but you can hear someone in the midst of a bucket-tossed shower - gathering up all the phlegm of the world and spitting it out. It's a common sound, really.
The air, with its winter-end chill is practically nothing to respond to for someone in a Canadian body but it is for others. Winter coats, sweaters, and scarves is the way of addressing it. It did send me for a moment to the past when I would don my barn coveralls on a really chilly day in Canada. I was off to milk the family cow at 5:30 AM. My dad would give me a call, "John!" he'd say in an optimistic tone. I would rise from bed and then meet the outdoor February chill.
"It's fresh, it's good for you!" he said. I never doubted him. It seemed that he relished the bite on his face, a bite of robustness. I had come to appreciate his remark many years later. That was a warm flashback.
As we trekked onward and stopped to greet cows at the goshala, I came to pet the bull that a few days' before almost gored me. Once again a flashback to the farm when I was in my teens.
Mayapur, I love thee!
May the Source be with you!
6 KM
The Mist is Thick
The mist is thick and but for the moon all is beautifully dark as our usual group hits a trail. When the second ball of light, the sun, pulls the fog - you hear the sounds of the morning. There's the twitter of birds, bells from the temples, and the morning cry from the local Mosque. And, oh yes, you can't see but you can hear someone in the midst of a bucket-tossed shower - gathering up all the phlegm of the world and spitting it out. It's a common sound, really.
The air, with its winter-end chill is practically nothing to respond to for someone in a Canadian body but it is for others. Winter coats, sweaters, and scarves is the way of addressing it. It did send me for a moment to the past when I would don my barn coveralls on a really chilly day in Canada. I was off to milk the family cow at 5:30 AM. My dad would give me a call, "John!" he'd say in an optimistic tone. I would rise from bed and then meet the outdoor February chill.
"It's fresh, it's good for you!" he said. I never doubted him. It seemed that he relished the bite on his face, a bite of robustness. I had come to appreciate his remark many years later. That was a warm flashback.
As we trekked onward and stopped to greet cows at the goshala, I came to pet the bull that a few days' before almost gored me. Once again a flashback to the farm when I was in my teens.
Mayapur, I love thee!
May the Source be with you!
6 KM
Thursday, February 5th, 2015
Mayapur, India
Reveal One's Impressions
At the final session of our monk sanga (gathering) our facilitator asked us to write down a statement revealing our impressions. This was my off-the-cuff rendition:
"Krishna is fond
When we do bond
In sharing views
We destroy our blues."
Another verse from the Bhagavad-gita confirms the notion of chatting on spiritual topics. Such activity brings about the greatest joy. That verse is 10.9.
If we talk of practical matters we may get bored. If we talk of purely mundane matters that are demeaning to others one may find stimulation but such subject matter serves to backfire. Then there are philosophical talks, as pandits do - talks which perk the intellectual side of the brain. Finally when one takes shelter of spiritual talks, it compels one to transcend.
It is well-known that your tongue can lead you to hell. When directed to a spiritual channel our words can liberate us. One of our great bhakti teachers, Bhaktivinoda Thakur spoke about the tongue being voracious and the most uncontrollable among the senses. When you engage this tongue in not only chanting but in eating food which is offered to Krishna, it becomes purged and all other sense organs follow in line.
With the sadhus (monks) expressing themselves with words in appreciation of each other, you could feel a light energy, free from stress.
May the Source be with you!
5 KM
Reveal One's Impressions
At the final session of our monk sanga (gathering) our facilitator asked us to write down a statement revealing our impressions. This was my off-the-cuff rendition:
"Krishna is fond
When we do bond
In sharing views
We destroy our blues."
Another verse from the Bhagavad-gita confirms the notion of chatting on spiritual topics. Such activity brings about the greatest joy. That verse is 10.9.
If we talk of practical matters we may get bored. If we talk of purely mundane matters that are demeaning to others one may find stimulation but such subject matter serves to backfire. Then there are philosophical talks, as pandits do - talks which perk the intellectual side of the brain. Finally when one takes shelter of spiritual talks, it compels one to transcend.
It is well-known that your tongue can lead you to hell. When directed to a spiritual channel our words can liberate us. One of our great bhakti teachers, Bhaktivinoda Thakur spoke about the tongue being voracious and the most uncontrollable among the senses. When you engage this tongue in not only chanting but in eating food which is offered to Krishna, it becomes purged and all other sense organs follow in line.
With the sadhus (monks) expressing themselves with words in appreciation of each other, you could feel a light energy, free from stress.
May the Source be with you!
5 KM
Wednesday, February 4th, 2015
Mayapur, India
Unity in Diversity
I was asked to read the following letter to the body of monks that have come from all over the world:
Following in the footprints of Lord Caitanya Mahaprabhu:
trnad api su-nicena taror api sahishnuna amanina manadena kirtaniya sada harih
"One should chant the holy name of the Lord in a humble state of mind, thinking oneself lower than the straw in the street; one should be more tolerant than a tree, devoid of all sense of false prestige and should be ready to offer all respect to others. In such a state of mind one can chant the holy name of the Lord constantly.''
We must always remember this verse and be as tolerant as the tree, as we execute the Krishna Consciousness Movement. Without this mentality we cannot be successful.
Material nature means dissension and disagreement, especially in this kali yuga. But, for this Krishna consciousness movement its success will depend on agreement, even though there are varieties of engagements. In the material world there are varieties, but there is no agreement. In the spiritual world there are varieties, but there is agreement. That is the difference. The materialist without being able to adjust the varieties and the disagreements makes everything zero. They cannot come into agreement with varieties, but if we keep Krishna in the center, then there will be agreement in varieties. This is called unity in diversity. I am therefore suggesting that all our men meet in Mayapura every year during the birth anniversary of Lord Chaitanya Mahaprabhu. With all GBC and senior men present we should discuss how to make unity in diversity. But, if we fight on account of diversity, then it is simply the material platform. Please try to maintain the philosophy of unity in diversity. That will make our movement successful. One section of men have already gone out, therefore we must be very careful to maintain unity in diversity, and remember the story in Aesop's Fables of the father of many children with the bundle of sticks. When the father asked his children to break the bundle of sticks wrapped in a bag, none of them could do it. But, when they removed the sticks from the bag, and tried one by one, the sticks were easily broken. So this is the strength in unity. If we are bunched up, we can never be broken, but when divided, then we can become broken very easily.
May the Source be with you!
6 KM
Unity in Diversity
I was asked to read the following letter to the body of monks that have come from all over the world:
Following in the footprints of Lord Caitanya Mahaprabhu:
trnad api su-nicena taror api sahishnuna amanina manadena kirtaniya sada harih
"One should chant the holy name of the Lord in a humble state of mind, thinking oneself lower than the straw in the street; one should be more tolerant than a tree, devoid of all sense of false prestige and should be ready to offer all respect to others. In such a state of mind one can chant the holy name of the Lord constantly.''
We must always remember this verse and be as tolerant as the tree, as we execute the Krishna Consciousness Movement. Without this mentality we cannot be successful.
Material nature means dissension and disagreement, especially in this kali yuga. But, for this Krishna consciousness movement its success will depend on agreement, even though there are varieties of engagements. In the material world there are varieties, but there is no agreement. In the spiritual world there are varieties, but there is agreement. That is the difference. The materialist without being able to adjust the varieties and the disagreements makes everything zero. They cannot come into agreement with varieties, but if we keep Krishna in the center, then there will be agreement in varieties. This is called unity in diversity. I am therefore suggesting that all our men meet in Mayapura every year during the birth anniversary of Lord Chaitanya Mahaprabhu. With all GBC and senior men present we should discuss how to make unity in diversity. But, if we fight on account of diversity, then it is simply the material platform. Please try to maintain the philosophy of unity in diversity. That will make our movement successful. One section of men have already gone out, therefore we must be very careful to maintain unity in diversity, and remember the story in Aesop's Fables of the father of many children with the bundle of sticks. When the father asked his children to break the bundle of sticks wrapped in a bag, none of them could do it. But, when they removed the sticks from the bag, and tried one by one, the sticks were easily broken. So this is the strength in unity. If we are bunched up, we can never be broken, but when divided, then we can become broken very easily.
May the Source be with you!
6 KM
Sunday, 8 February 2015
Tuesday, February 3rd, 2015
Mayapur, India
A Tale of Two Bulls
I guess you could say I'm the self-declared guide to a small group of first-timers. These newbies from mostly North America took well to the Tarampura Road, the rural back road in the area. Here you feel the past being visited. Humble homes of, in some cases grass roofs, charm the area by their very presence. A visit to one of these houses namely Vaikunthanath, the known 'bead man,' added a mild spice to the day when we chanted kirtan to his deities of Krishna and then sipped on Ayurvedic tea.
On our return foot-trip to the main temple we spotted the lone bull we massaged on the previous day. It's that flabby skin underneath their neck that invites the human hand for stroking. However, the bull in the pen of yesterday and the same bull in the field demonstrated a different demeanour and character. I was foolishly bold to go to him anticipating a docile encounter from him, but "no", this guy strutted his three-to-four-foot long horns and momentarily locked my right arm in his foreboding weapon.
I got myself free and made a dash. Fortunately he didn't pursue as the young men looked on at the quick ordeal in awe and concern. I was just hoping for a good photo shot with the guy, that's all.
Now, the biggest chunk of the day was spent with peers - gurus, sannyasis, and monks of the highest renounced order. As a group we were facilitated by looking at a 50 year Hare Krishna past and discovering trends and patterns between society-at-large, our ISKCON institution and our personal experiences. It was a most interesting session.
May the Source be with you!
6 KM
Monday, February 2nd, 2015
Mayapur, India
A Newness
As is the custom, as soon as a pilgrim arrives in a holy place, as our small group did, you offer dandavats (prostrations) on the ground to show respect. Our destination point is Mayapur. Angelo, from Miami, had joined us in Mumbai and not pre-arranged was meeting a senior lady from Radhadesh in Belgium at the same airport. We were glad to take Yadurani with us in the cab to Mayapur just as a way to be somewhat protective and see her by herself in a separate cab. We see the gesture as a service.
We settled down into our rooms at the Gada Building and then went for a planned walk to the Yoga-pit, the birthplace of Sri Chaitanya. This was a new life experience for Angelo and Mandala. "Other worldly" might be the best way to describe their first impressions. Gentle people, jackals in the wild, exotic birds in flight, the Ganges in the visual distance and now a temple of great historical significance provided all that was needed for experiential wonder.
Oh, but it just got better. The two elephants, Laksmi and Vishnupriya, were minding their own business, eating young banana leaves. And finally you have a group of young elementary-age monks seated in the lotus position through an opening of the trees.
Taking these sights in while chanting on the finger-fixation of our meditation beads and while on fast was the perfect entry to the spiritual world.
May the Source be with you!
7 KM
Sunday, February 1st, 2015
London / Mumbai
In Transit On Such A Day
It is unfortunate to not be on the ground to celebrate the birth anniversary of Sri Nityananda. Being thousands of feet up in the air makes it somewhat restrictive for celebrating activities. Mandala, my associate and I, settled for subtly-sounding the maha-mantra with the aid of our beads.
Who is Nityananda? Answer: one of the great masters of the mantra initiative to the world in the early 16th century, unknown but someone who will be known. Who will promote? I guess I should. Hmmm! Work ahead - nice work!
While in the air struggling to try to sleep I contemplated on the day as it likely would be in Toronto. One of our monks, Nick, would be receiving his saffron cloth. As a novice he had worn the white dhoti (lower cloth) and the white kurta (upper sewn cloth). This would be a reward for his services.
My extra moments while way above the Atlantic and Europe, the Middle East and so on was spent in speaking with Mandala or just chanting. I even caught an inspirational documentary on the screen in front of me. It was an 'Earthrise' episode covering various real life stories about ecological triumphs. For instance, in Holland there are now one hundred 'Repair Cafes' where neighbours mingle congenially in a designated place and bring their household wares for free repairs. In the U.K. beavers have been introduced in order to create wetlands. These types of initiatives are indeed encouraging.
Very endearing to Mandala and myself was going through customs and security and being met by these officials once we entered India. It is very obvious that they love Hare Krishna. This is evident in the comments that they make. They even break out into a mantra session amongst themselves.
Incredible India!
May the Source be with you!
0 KM
Saturday, January 31st, 2015
Etobicoke, Ontario
Jammed In Fun
At the Sringeri Hall we did honour a prominent member of the Punjabi community. Tareem Lal Prasher passed away at 95 after a life of giving undivided support to his large clan who moved to "the very promised land of Canada" as his sons put it in their speeches.
What really made this family flourish was their strong sense of togetherness, as well as firm faith in Krishna. Tareem's son Lajput had invited myself and the bhajan group 'Gaura Shakti' for singing some soothing tunes to the maha-mantra.
I was glad to hear speeches from dignitaries, one of whom was a Member of Parliament and also a professional wrestler - Tiger Singh. Don't ask me who are all these fine folks. It's mutual when they admitted to not knowing me. When introduced as the monk who walked the country four times these well-established persons asked, "Well, why haven't we heard about you?"
"Now you have? There's a first time for everything."
The usual questions come, more informally after speech time, like "How long does it take to cross this huge land?" and "What kind of shoes do you wear?" To the second question I pointed to the footwear on my feet, "Crocs!" to which they looked in disbelief.
I certainly couldn't boast about using any real prized shoes at all for today because it became jam-packed with memorial ceremonies, a hospital visit, and a flight to London en route to India.
Full and fulfilled.
May the Source be with you!
Friday, January 30th, 2015
Toronto, Ontario
Happiness and Its Shadow
I had the greatest time at the Bhakti Lounge. I was given the topic, “Happiness and Its Shadow” to speak on. From the angle of the Vedas which is the literal heartbeat of Indian culture, I spoke, as well as from some experience. I guess you can say, “Happiness is a natural state which has spiritual origins.” This was the beginning of our discussion with our group. I have referenced a phrase, ananda mayo bhyasat, which means everyone is seeking joy. I believe everyone realized at that point. Another reality felt by the group is that each and every one of us know both joy and pain. We have all visited both camps. When I expressed that ultimate contentment comes out of enlightenment from being cognizant, they listened well. When I mentioned that ignorance beckons pain, it resonated.
The group was young, average age from 20 – 30. When we spoke about social pressures along the lines of sex and substance use, everyone identified with the point of instant stimulation, but how on the course of impulsiveness the senses enjoy, but the intelligence was asleep. When body, mind and brain are all alert, when thoughtfulness is introduced, then one stands a better chance of avoiding instant gratification for long term satisfaction.
In the promiscuous world that we currently live in, little guidance is given to our young, and as a result, they become very vulnerable and end up being hurt. Happiness really must have more depth than a cheap thrill arousal. Our guard must be up. “Let us first grab a hold of our true identity, I am a spirit, I am not the body. This is a good start for understanding and to bathing in the pool of happiness.
May the Source be with you!
6 KM
Happiness and Its Shadow
I had the greatest time at the Bhakti Lounge. I was given the topic, “Happiness and Its Shadow” to speak on. From the angle of the Vedas which is the literal heartbeat of Indian culture, I spoke, as well as from some experience. I guess you can say, “Happiness is a natural state which has spiritual origins.” This was the beginning of our discussion with our group. I have referenced a phrase, ananda mayo bhyasat, which means everyone is seeking joy. I believe everyone realized at that point. Another reality felt by the group is that each and every one of us know both joy and pain. We have all visited both camps. When I expressed that ultimate contentment comes out of enlightenment from being cognizant, they listened well. When I mentioned that ignorance beckons pain, it resonated.
The group was young, average age from 20 – 30. When we spoke about social pressures along the lines of sex and substance use, everyone identified with the point of instant stimulation, but how on the course of impulsiveness the senses enjoy, but the intelligence was asleep. When body, mind and brain are all alert, when thoughtfulness is introduced, then one stands a better chance of avoiding instant gratification for long term satisfaction.
In the promiscuous world that we currently live in, little guidance is given to our young, and as a result, they become very vulnerable and end up being hurt. Happiness really must have more depth than a cheap thrill arousal. Our guard must be up. “Let us first grab a hold of our true identity, I am a spirit, I am not the body. This is a good start for understanding and to bathing in the pool of happiness.
May the Source be with you!
6 KM
Thursday, January 29th, 2015
Toronto, Ontario
A Monk with a Wish
Nick and I took to a slush/snow experience on foot to Theatrics Plus. I am stocking up on costume and accessory supplies for my upcoming trip to India where we will perform. I figure that the best way to "run" errands is to walk. When goods are purchased you carry the load and walk back with them - a decent work out. Nick and I shared the load.
Overall, Nick is a very helpful soul and is a great contributor to our ashram. I mentioned to Nick that as a reward he should dye his cloth from white to the traditional saffron color. This would make him more an official monk. He has shown dedication to residing in the ashram for a good year and a half and prior to that traveled with other monks. He is deserving of this humble status change.
I began thinking about our Brazilian monk living in the ashram. Caitanya Mangala has recently come to join us to brush up on his English. He is an excellent skate border. He expressed an interest in taking a crack at snowboarding, something he has never done before. When he saw the fluffy white stuff descending from the heavens, he fell in love with it and a boyhood passion dream became a spontaneous self combustion.
Now this may not be a regular monk's function, to snow board. But keeping good health and fitness is a renunciant's obligation. So we will make arrangements for him to fulfill his dream.
In the meantime, life in the ashram is one of devotional service where you learn individually and collectively how to take advantage of the essence of human life and in cultivating that spiritual side of life.
May the Source be with you!
Wednesday, January 28th, 2015
Toronto, Ontario
Machinery at Work
One revelation that came to me, simple as it may be, during the course of today’s walk, was how alert and animated you come to be. Just in dodging traffic, prudence in stepping over an icy patch, ducking when branches are low, catching the scent of a cedar tree, or car exhaust, makes it all a sensation. Your senses and the big muscle the brain are all perked up. The machinery is definitely at work.
Here’s my favourite in regard to all of this – giving and receiving warmth from fellow pedestrians. It’s in greeting that much comes alive. For instance, the facial muscles that make the smile.
Through the careful stepping in the ravine today, I felt inner elation. It was great to see that attention is given to the Mud Creek Trail by the city in addressing erosion issues. Even on this wintry day, workmen are turning soil and setting rock pieces strategically for an enhanced landscaping.
On the street level where commerce is alive, you get the chance to dance, or at least weave through people. Here again, your attentiveness become sharpened. These dynamics just don’t occur when you slouch on that couch. Consider yourself privileged to be able to go for the adventure on foot. Personally, I get a real charge each time from the daily trek, which above all brings me closer to the Divine. It’s truly a blessing all around.
May the Source be with you!
7 KM
Machinery at Work
One revelation that came to me, simple as it may be, during the course of today’s walk, was how alert and animated you come to be. Just in dodging traffic, prudence in stepping over an icy patch, ducking when branches are low, catching the scent of a cedar tree, or car exhaust, makes it all a sensation. Your senses and the big muscle the brain are all perked up. The machinery is definitely at work.
Here’s my favourite in regard to all of this – giving and receiving warmth from fellow pedestrians. It’s in greeting that much comes alive. For instance, the facial muscles that make the smile.
Through the careful stepping in the ravine today, I felt inner elation. It was great to see that attention is given to the Mud Creek Trail by the city in addressing erosion issues. Even on this wintry day, workmen are turning soil and setting rock pieces strategically for an enhanced landscaping.
On the street level where commerce is alive, you get the chance to dance, or at least weave through people. Here again, your attentiveness become sharpened. These dynamics just don’t occur when you slouch on that couch. Consider yourself privileged to be able to go for the adventure on foot. Personally, I get a real charge each time from the daily trek, which above all brings me closer to the Divine. It’s truly a blessing all around.
May the Source be with you!
7 KM
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