B L O G S P O T
Sunday, 19 July 2015
Tuesday, June 30th, 2015
Tuesday, June 30th, 2015
Toronto, Ontario
Removal of Junk
Spider webs, mould spots, dust and crumbs had to be removed after the well-established Hare Krishna Sunday feast. It was a cleaning that involved table- top, wall, and floor surfaces. It began Monday morning, done sporadically until today. Yes, I partook and engaged others. It’s a good feeling to get done because you care. It’s your ashram and it’s your temple.
When asked by our head brahmachari, Karuna Sindu Das, to say a few words of inspiration at a small mid-day gathering, I mentioned to our crew, “Dirt, you must always see dirt – on the floor, the window sills, the wall. Be concerned and act accordingly.”
Such applies to the heart also. There is a lot of stuff inside it, stuff that needs cleaning. The perfect way to know of your own dirt is through chanting. It becomes more clear just what the stuff is and where it is hiding and in which corners.
After our meeting we ventured to Yonge and Bloor for a quick cleansing of the heart. We stood, or rather swayed to the swing of the Krishna song. A young man by the name of Logan came over to us asking if we offer retreats. I could see by his sincerity that he wanted a cleanser. He went away with a book “Dharma” which our boy Nick presented to him. That word dharma is like magic to peoples’ears these days because it sings of order, being grounded, peace and purging.
May the Source be with you.
8 km
Wednesday, 15 July 2015
Monday, June 29th, 2015
Monday, June 29th, 2015
Toronto, OntarioAdvance!
In my humble travels throughout the neighbourhood of our ashram I see so many physical improvements being made; the exteriors to people's homes, the landscaping and, in some cases, whole new structures coming up. This is a fairly established residential area. All the face-lifting and sprucing-up gives a grand appearance. In nearby Yorkville the streets are now being laid out with an interlocking cobblstone effect. It looks smart, impressive. Some of the cosmetics have to do with the upcoming Pan Am Games no doubt.
It's all about make-over, upgrade, betterment and enhancement. I got to thinking about the great investment not only in time and money expended in this area of renovation but how, if we dovetailed as much energy into our spiritual investment, how it would go a long way to the true advancement of life.
The "good life" usually runs in parallel lines, as in the material and the spiritual. And that usually comes about through the element of sacrifice.
I like the way it is worded in the latest rendition of the Bhagavd-gita, a comprehensive guide by our guru's disciple Hrdayananda Goswami, when speaking of sacrifice. From Chapter Three verse 9 he says, "Of old, the lord of creatures sent forth creatures with sacrifice and said, 'By this shall you flourish! Let this yield your chosen desires' and 'prosper the gods by this, and let the gods prosper you. Prospering one another, you will achieve the highest good. Prospered by sacrifice, the gods will certainly give you desired enjoyments.'"
Chapter Three primarily deals with karma yoga, material advancement. Students of the Gita understand that the goal ultimately leads, however, to spiritual improvement in life.
May the Source be with you!
5 km
Monday, 13 July 2015
Sunday, June 28th, 2015
Sunday, June 28th, 2015
Brampton, OntarioA Bit of a Scene
The weather report is that the globe is facing an incredible heat wave, all except for parts of central Canada so it seems. Hard to believe that the predicted high for today in southern Ontario would only reach 15 degrees Celsius and a northern place like Yellowknife would summit at 25 degrees Celsius. Climatic changes are abound and right. At the Toronto Airport, where Brhat and I were standing after de planing, we were experiencing an unseasonable wet and coolness.
Some airport service-women also appeared. We tried to console him. We were somewhat reluctant to lift him up. We had all decided that he should get up and so he grabbed my hand and I lifted him but only once a wheel-chair arrived by airport security. The ambulance was on its way. The cut on his forehead was quite ugly. It looked as though he would be tended to. My ride arrived. I was glad to be of service to the older man who apparently was on the same flight from Halifax.
At the Brampton ISKCON Centre I relayed the details of this incident to the community from the vyasasan chair, the seat of the speaker. I cannot at this point recall why I brought up the incident, in other words, in which context. But if I could express my after-thought: "Life is so fragile. Anything can happen at any moment. Are we prepared when something happens to us to be in a divine state of mind?
May the Source be with you!
6 km
Saturday, June 27th, 2015
Saturday, June 27th, 2015
Halifax, Nova ScotiaOn the Waterfront
Mukunda and I took to the Beachville Lakeside Trail. For me - a new discovery. We trekked only 5 kilometres but I loved it. Apparently the trail swings north to Yarmouth, a mere 300 kilometres. This is tempting for the future.
Then my most important part of the day fell in the
evening at Halifax's charming waterfront. Tons of people were there for
the Rib Fest. Can you imagine what a bunch of Hare Krishnas
would be doing there? Yes, unmistakably they would be chanting. That's
just what we did. Let's say we helped ourselves to a spot on the
wooden dock, took the lotus position and chanted away. We were armed
with mrdanga drum and cymbals. It wasn't long before Amber, a
busker, had shown up with her guitar and her friend, a street
entertainer, with djembe. Our entire ensemble was welcomed by the
public. The sound was one of enchantment. Joseph took the lead and
strummed on Amber's guitar. Brhat stuck to his drum and Amber went to
her impromptu voice tones offering a moody background to the chant.
Ashley was also there with her and Joseph's several month old baby.
Their presence added to the sweetness of the event altogether.
May the Source be with you!
5 km
Thursday, June 25th, 2015
Thursday, June 25th, 2015
Halifax/Fredericton
Phase to Phase
Sundari’s mom passed away a month ago and so she invited a small group of family and friends for a small memorial service. She and her dad, with origins from Trinidad, and the Hindu family had a clear idea what they wanted from Brhat and I, “Speaking about the soul’s journey and please do some kirtan”.
The circle of family and friends, we discovered, are from everywhere – the U.S., Bosnia, India, a few more places and even Halifax. Quoting from the Gita, I had selected a verse from Chapter 2 beginning with dehino ‘smin yatha dehe. “We are embodied first as a baby, then child, then youth, adult, elderly and finally a new form shapes as a baby again. “The lesson being that the soul perpetuates despite bodily change and therefore emotions need not be extreme.”
It is apparent that a grieving time is necessary. I could see that Sundari was happy at this state to have perhaps a closure to the event in the form of a message and a kirtan.
Kirtan also threw a group into a joyous state when after a four-hours-plus drive to Fredericton, Wade, Brhat and I made it to Mazerolle’s Gallery for a “Tales from Trails” happening. Kirtan is new, if not fresh, for these attendees. It’s not every day that you get to sing ancient mantras and physically move to the pulsating beat of a drum.
Just across the street at city hall locals were clad in lime-coloured T-shirts in anticipation for raising awareness on the dreaded Lyme disease which is prevalent enough in North America. Good for them! I like to think that kirtan raises awareness towards the disease of me-consciousness and how we must get beyond bodily identification. I am spirit that moves from one phase to the next hoping to one day get set free based on clean consciousness.
May the Source be with you!
9 km
Halifax/Fredericton
Phase to Phase
Sundari’s mom passed away a month ago and so she invited a small group of family and friends for a small memorial service. She and her dad, with origins from Trinidad, and the Hindu family had a clear idea what they wanted from Brhat and I, “Speaking about the soul’s journey and please do some kirtan”.
The circle of family and friends, we discovered, are from everywhere – the U.S., Bosnia, India, a few more places and even Halifax. Quoting from the Gita, I had selected a verse from Chapter 2 beginning with dehino ‘smin yatha dehe. “We are embodied first as a baby, then child, then youth, adult, elderly and finally a new form shapes as a baby again. “The lesson being that the soul perpetuates despite bodily change and therefore emotions need not be extreme.”
It is apparent that a grieving time is necessary. I could see that Sundari was happy at this state to have perhaps a closure to the event in the form of a message and a kirtan.
Kirtan also threw a group into a joyous state when after a four-hours-plus drive to Fredericton, Wade, Brhat and I made it to Mazerolle’s Gallery for a “Tales from Trails” happening. Kirtan is new, if not fresh, for these attendees. It’s not every day that you get to sing ancient mantras and physically move to the pulsating beat of a drum.
Just across the street at city hall locals were clad in lime-coloured T-shirts in anticipation for raising awareness on the dreaded Lyme disease which is prevalent enough in North America. Good for them! I like to think that kirtan raises awareness towards the disease of me-consciousness and how we must get beyond bodily identification. I am spirit that moves from one phase to the next hoping to one day get set free based on clean consciousness.
May the Source be with you!
9 km
Sunday, 12 July 2015
Wednesday, June 24th, 2015
Wednesday, June 24th, 2015
Halifax, Nova Scotia
At Blue Apple
It is only my speculation that the Mainland Linear Trail, as it is referred to, was either a former railway line or a hydro service road. Whatever it is, it is a convenient path taken advantage of by hundreds of walkers in this peripheral area of Halifax – Fairview. Both Brhat and I were quite amazed by the amount of strong scented roses, of all things, lined along the way. That fragrance is not man-made.
It was Theresa, our host in Halifax, who led us to this trail where we met hundreds of trekkers including a group of Bhutanese, all rather committed members, at least in spirit, to the Vaishnava culture, as we are.
It was Joseph Currie (I like to use his last name as a reminder of the Indian prep) who took us to the Blue Apple Wellness Centre downtown. There, an eager group of youthful open-hearts sat in anticipation of hearing about pilgrimage and the life of a monastic. No doubt, mantra meditation was also a draw. Joseph himself is not only a fairly good networker, but is a vocalist, guitarist and an activist. I asked him to take the lead in the end of our chanting session. Krishna has provided him with a number of gifts and talents. Isn’t that true for each and every one of us.
May the Source be with you.
7 km
Halifax, Nova Scotia
At Blue Apple
It is only my speculation that the Mainland Linear Trail, as it is referred to, was either a former railway line or a hydro service road. Whatever it is, it is a convenient path taken advantage of by hundreds of walkers in this peripheral area of Halifax – Fairview. Both Brhat and I were quite amazed by the amount of strong scented roses, of all things, lined along the way. That fragrance is not man-made.
It was Theresa, our host in Halifax, who led us to this trail where we met hundreds of trekkers including a group of Bhutanese, all rather committed members, at least in spirit, to the Vaishnava culture, as we are.
It was Joseph Currie (I like to use his last name as a reminder of the Indian prep) who took us to the Blue Apple Wellness Centre downtown. There, an eager group of youthful open-hearts sat in anticipation of hearing about pilgrimage and the life of a monastic. No doubt, mantra meditation was also a draw. Joseph himself is not only a fairly good networker, but is a vocalist, guitarist and an activist. I asked him to take the lead in the end of our chanting session. Krishna has provided him with a number of gifts and talents. Isn’t that true for each and every one of us.
May the Source be with you.
7 km
Friday, 10 July 2015
Tuesday, June 23rd, 2015
Tuesday, June 23rd, 2015
St. John's, Newfoundland
By the Lake! By the Temple!
The previous night's successful event at Memorial U. was such that you wonder if anything gets better than this.
The agreement for the morning was a walk around Quidi Vidi Lake and so some of the listeners of last night came, like troopers, to join in that event. Even a rep from "The Telegram" newspaper showed up to take photos of some of us doing the most simple thing - walking.
What great views...and then my favourite...the cove at Quidi Vidi Village itself with the picturesque charm of an old fishing enclave. It was something to melt your heart.
Weather was "the pitts" as they say, rainy, cold. It's hard to tell its summer. Again, the warm hearts of the Newfoundlanders make up for the elemental conditions.
There was a fine follow-up by attendees at the Hindu Temple. As we pulled in that evening for what I thought might be a weak turn-out, I became pleasantly surprised to see a good many vehicles in the parking lot. Once inside, I was happy to see a circle of sitting people already in the thrust of kirtan.
Once settling down I opened up by speaking about what someone might call the universal truths. Listed as "divine" attributes in chapter 16 of the Gita, I relayed the twenty six qualities mentioned. They go as follows: Fearlessness, purification of being, cultivation of knowledge, generosity, self-controlled, sacrificial, Vedic study, austerity, simplicity, non-violence, truthfulness, free from anger, renounced, tranquility, aversion to fault-finding, compassion for all, free from greed, gentleness, modesty, determination, vigour, forgiveness, fortitude, cleanliness, freedom from envy, and not expecting honour.
Explanations were well received. What I have to say about the rest of the program is, "Wow, how they danced, how they chanted!!!"
May the Source be with you!
4 km
St. John's, Newfoundland
By the Lake! By the Temple!
The previous night's successful event at Memorial U. was such that you wonder if anything gets better than this.
The agreement for the morning was a walk around Quidi Vidi Lake and so some of the listeners of last night came, like troopers, to join in that event. Even a rep from "The Telegram" newspaper showed up to take photos of some of us doing the most simple thing - walking.
What great views...and then my favourite...the cove at Quidi Vidi Village itself with the picturesque charm of an old fishing enclave. It was something to melt your heart.
Weather was "the pitts" as they say, rainy, cold. It's hard to tell its summer. Again, the warm hearts of the Newfoundlanders make up for the elemental conditions.
There was a fine follow-up by attendees at the Hindu Temple. As we pulled in that evening for what I thought might be a weak turn-out, I became pleasantly surprised to see a good many vehicles in the parking lot. Once inside, I was happy to see a circle of sitting people already in the thrust of kirtan.
Once settling down I opened up by speaking about what someone might call the universal truths. Listed as "divine" attributes in chapter 16 of the Gita, I relayed the twenty six qualities mentioned. They go as follows: Fearlessness, purification of being, cultivation of knowledge, generosity, self-controlled, sacrificial, Vedic study, austerity, simplicity, non-violence, truthfulness, free from anger, renounced, tranquility, aversion to fault-finding, compassion for all, free from greed, gentleness, modesty, determination, vigour, forgiveness, fortitude, cleanliness, freedom from envy, and not expecting honour.
Explanations were well received. What I have to say about the rest of the program is, "Wow, how they danced, how they chanted!!!"
May the Source be with you!
4 km
Monday, June 22nd, 2015
Monday, June 22nd, 2015
St. John's, Newfoundland
Questions
"Excuse me, but did you see a monk down the trail?" The middle-aged robust- looking man stopped
cycling and adjusted his helmet while readying himself for the answer to my question. "Well, what does he look like?" he first asked.
"Like me, but younger," as I explained who Brihat was and who was to meet me on this trail lined with trees on both sides.
"What kind of monk? Hindu?"
"Well your close," said I. "A Hare Krishna monk!"
"Nope! I haven't," he said. I was relieved to know that even though his accent was strong, I just didn't hear an "eh" at the end of any of what he had to say. Indeed, I was enlightened on this very day, that Newfoundlanders do not say "eh" like most rural Canadians when finishing a statement. They may say "bai" when referring to brother. The women may say "darlin'" or "love" to address, and that's all kind of nice.
Anyway I made friends with the guy and Brhat, who had driven ahead with the deal to meet me on the path finally did show in his robe attire. We were meant to dash off then to Jan's place to prepare a
meal. Brhat's kichari, a traditional Indian dish, was a killer, so was Jan's apple crisp sweetened with
coconut sugar. Jan's partner, Leo, a high court Judge, broke from golf for the meal and company. Other locals came to the lunch table for food and good questions lodged towards Brihat and I.
Questions did not finish for the day. For a second round, eighty people showed up at Memorial
University , at a lecture hall with queries about pilgrim travels and Vedic philosophy.
Questions are a big part of my life. I use them. I answer them.
May the Source be with you!
8 km
St. John's, Newfoundland
Questions
"Excuse me, but did you see a monk down the trail?" The middle-aged robust- looking man stopped
cycling and adjusted his helmet while readying himself for the answer to my question. "Well, what does he look like?" he first asked.
"Like me, but younger," as I explained who Brihat was and who was to meet me on this trail lined with trees on both sides.
"What kind of monk? Hindu?"
"Well your close," said I. "A Hare Krishna monk!"
"Nope! I haven't," he said. I was relieved to know that even though his accent was strong, I just didn't hear an "eh" at the end of any of what he had to say. Indeed, I was enlightened on this very day, that Newfoundlanders do not say "eh" like most rural Canadians when finishing a statement. They may say "bai" when referring to brother. The women may say "darlin'" or "love" to address, and that's all kind of nice.
Anyway I made friends with the guy and Brhat, who had driven ahead with the deal to meet me on the path finally did show in his robe attire. We were meant to dash off then to Jan's place to prepare a
meal. Brhat's kichari, a traditional Indian dish, was a killer, so was Jan's apple crisp sweetened with
coconut sugar. Jan's partner, Leo, a high court Judge, broke from golf for the meal and company. Other locals came to the lunch table for food and good questions lodged towards Brihat and I.
Questions did not finish for the day. For a second round, eighty people showed up at Memorial
University , at a lecture hall with queries about pilgrim travels and Vedic philosophy.
Questions are a big part of my life. I use them. I answer them.
May the Source be with you!
8 km
Sunday, 5 July 2015
Sunday, June 21st, 2015
Sunday, June 21st, 2015
St. John’s, Newfoundland
On The First Day Of Summer…
On the street called Penny Lane, you find the local Hindu temple, our first stop for the day. Brihat and I took to walking along the rails-to-trails path from Manuel’s River before we ventured off to the Hindu temple. There was an emphasis there on Father’s Day, and the children of the community offered presentations over the microphone for honouring dads. Some jokes were told. I particularly liked the phrase, “Even if you grow taller than your dad, you always look up to him.” The community responded very well to the kirtan, dance, and my talk, and at meal time at the Hindu temple, I found the potato curry scrumptious.
Our next stop was at Bowring Park where yoga practitioners laid out there mats for exercise at what’s called The Bungalow. Brihat and I met these fine folks, but sat on the grass by the wayside to catch up on chanting and emails. Indeed many people strolling pass by. Although today was International Yoga Day, I felt more comfortable saying to people, “Happy Fathers’ Day”. That brought nods and smiles. I can’t see that saying “Happy Yoga Day” works at this point in time.
Lastly, Brhat and I, along with host, Rashesvar, gathered with people at Miranda’s. To her credit, Sunday night has become a consistent night for kirtan for 13 years now, something that she and I started. Now the group at Miranda’s was phenomenal, especially for their singing and dancing. We took on a semblance of a tribal group, something like what you might find in the musical, Hair.
Yes, going down Penny Lane in the morning, and ending at the home with drummers and dancers singing a song, flashes you back to the 60’s. The only thing missing is the weed and the patchouli oil to cover it up, but as monks, it’s rather inappropriate to indulge. That’s the beauty of our guru, Srila Prabhupada, who taught us how to have fun without such accessories.
May the Source be with you!
5 km
St. John’s, Newfoundland
On The First Day Of Summer…
On the street called Penny Lane, you find the local Hindu temple, our first stop for the day. Brihat and I took to walking along the rails-to-trails path from Manuel’s River before we ventured off to the Hindu temple. There was an emphasis there on Father’s Day, and the children of the community offered presentations over the microphone for honouring dads. Some jokes were told. I particularly liked the phrase, “Even if you grow taller than your dad, you always look up to him.” The community responded very well to the kirtan, dance, and my talk, and at meal time at the Hindu temple, I found the potato curry scrumptious.
Our next stop was at Bowring Park where yoga practitioners laid out there mats for exercise at what’s called The Bungalow. Brihat and I met these fine folks, but sat on the grass by the wayside to catch up on chanting and emails. Indeed many people strolling pass by. Although today was International Yoga Day, I felt more comfortable saying to people, “Happy Fathers’ Day”. That brought nods and smiles. I can’t see that saying “Happy Yoga Day” works at this point in time.
Lastly, Brhat and I, along with host, Rashesvar, gathered with people at Miranda’s. To her credit, Sunday night has become a consistent night for kirtan for 13 years now, something that she and I started. Now the group at Miranda’s was phenomenal, especially for their singing and dancing. We took on a semblance of a tribal group, something like what you might find in the musical, Hair.
Yes, going down Penny Lane in the morning, and ending at the home with drummers and dancers singing a song, flashes you back to the 60’s. The only thing missing is the weed and the patchouli oil to cover it up, but as monks, it’s rather inappropriate to indulge. That’s the beauty of our guru, Srila Prabhupada, who taught us how to have fun without such accessories.
May the Source be with you!
5 km
Saturday, June 20th, 2015
Saturday, June 20th, 2015
Gander, Newfoundland
Great in Gander.
Gander, a modest town of about 10,000 people, really made its mark on the map when, at 9/11, 747 aircrafts from many parts of the world landed there. The substantial-sized runway was filled with planes as a safety measure when New York’s twin towers were demolished, along with occupants. All of tiny Gander’s hotels and motels were fully capacitated and practically every residents’ home was welcoming beleaguered passengers for refuge at a time when the world seemed to come to a standstill.
Gander became world-renowned for being ultra-hospitable and I had the good fortune, along with Rashesvar and Brhat, of being hosted in the town with its one and only but growing community of yogis. Christa was the facilitator of our two part program on our speaking about yoga-walking, bhakti-yoga and a demo and inclusive chant-and-dance kirtan. I was happy to also meet Matthew, a local who recently became certified as a yoga teacher. It’s not all that often that you find male mentors on this field. All I can say is, “Yeah, Guys, let’s step up!”
Julie from the CBC Radio came over for an interview. Questions were basic, but pertinent, “What’s the walking all about, and what’s a monk all about?”
To Julie and to listeners on the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation I would like to say that the type of walking I do is self-reflective and introspective. A monk? To define that, “it is someone who voluntarily takes to discipline, simplicity and fun and one who inspires and gets inspired.”
Julie also filmed me on the drum and with the Krishna mantra. Hmmm? Maybe it’s also intended for TV?
May the Source be with you!
9 km
Gander, Newfoundland
Great in Gander.
Gander, a modest town of about 10,000 people, really made its mark on the map when, at 9/11, 747 aircrafts from many parts of the world landed there. The substantial-sized runway was filled with planes as a safety measure when New York’s twin towers were demolished, along with occupants. All of tiny Gander’s hotels and motels were fully capacitated and practically every residents’ home was welcoming beleaguered passengers for refuge at a time when the world seemed to come to a standstill.
Gander became world-renowned for being ultra-hospitable and I had the good fortune, along with Rashesvar and Brhat, of being hosted in the town with its one and only but growing community of yogis. Christa was the facilitator of our two part program on our speaking about yoga-walking, bhakti-yoga and a demo and inclusive chant-and-dance kirtan. I was happy to also meet Matthew, a local who recently became certified as a yoga teacher. It’s not all that often that you find male mentors on this field. All I can say is, “Yeah, Guys, let’s step up!”
Julie from the CBC Radio came over for an interview. Questions were basic, but pertinent, “What’s the walking all about, and what’s a monk all about?”
To Julie and to listeners on the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation I would like to say that the type of walking I do is self-reflective and introspective. A monk? To define that, “it is someone who voluntarily takes to discipline, simplicity and fun and one who inspires and gets inspired.”
Julie also filmed me on the drum and with the Krishna mantra. Hmmm? Maybe it’s also intended for TV?
May the Source be with you!
9 km
Friday, June 19, 2015
Friday, June 19, 2015
St. John’s, Newfoundland
Where’s That? Sometimes my American friends ask me, “Where’s that?” when I tell them I’m in Newfoundland.
“It’s near where the Titanic sank,” is my response. So they get it. It’s the perfect reference point. Here I am, in Newfoundland and its capital city, St. John’s. People here sound and look Irish. They are unmistakably the friendliest folks in the nation. Jan Peters is one of them. I’ve known her for twenty years. Loving and giving she is.
She picked up Brhat, my assistant monk, and I at the airport, took us to her
beautiful home and had all these ingredients ready for us to assemble one of my favourites – veggie wraps. We then moved on to the campus at Memorial U. to check out our lecture hall for the upcoming speaking engagement. A few extra posters informing students of the event were affixed to walls designated for this kind of program. “Tales from Trails” are highlighted along with mantra meditation. Oh yes, I met students there, some from Africa, India and China. It’s an international place for education.
Lasagna was waiting for us at Rashesvar’s place compliments of the chefs, Neil and Cathy, two doors down. Once again, I admire Newfoundlanders, I affectionately address as “Newfies” for your niceness.
The pace of life in Newfoundland is relatively relaxed. Air and water are clean. There are a lot of pros for being in Newfoundland, either as a resident or visitor.
The sun shone all day, giving pleasure until nightfall when rain partnered this night. I required sleep. My insomnia is at an ultimate high and I haven’t slept well for three days. The odd nap here and there doesn’t compensate.
Woe is me, being in this body has its accompanying turmoils. Bear in mind, our problems don’t have to be permanent.
May the Source be with you.
0 km
St. John’s, Newfoundland
Where’s That? Sometimes my American friends ask me, “Where’s that?” when I tell them I’m in Newfoundland.
“It’s near where the Titanic sank,” is my response. So they get it. It’s the perfect reference point. Here I am, in Newfoundland and its capital city, St. John’s. People here sound and look Irish. They are unmistakably the friendliest folks in the nation. Jan Peters is one of them. I’ve known her for twenty years. Loving and giving she is.
She picked up Brhat, my assistant monk, and I at the airport, took us to her
beautiful home and had all these ingredients ready for us to assemble one of my favourites – veggie wraps. We then moved on to the campus at Memorial U. to check out our lecture hall for the upcoming speaking engagement. A few extra posters informing students of the event were affixed to walls designated for this kind of program. “Tales from Trails” are highlighted along with mantra meditation. Oh yes, I met students there, some from Africa, India and China. It’s an international place for education.
Lasagna was waiting for us at Rashesvar’s place compliments of the chefs, Neil and Cathy, two doors down. Once again, I admire Newfoundlanders, I affectionately address as “Newfies” for your niceness.
The pace of life in Newfoundland is relatively relaxed. Air and water are clean. There are a lot of pros for being in Newfoundland, either as a resident or visitor.
The sun shone all day, giving pleasure until nightfall when rain partnered this night. I required sleep. My insomnia is at an ultimate high and I haven’t slept well for three days. The odd nap here and there doesn’t compensate.
Woe is me, being in this body has its accompanying turmoils. Bear in mind, our problems don’t have to be permanent.
May the Source be with you.
0 km
Thursday, June 18, 2015
Thursday, June 18, 2015
Toronto, Ontario
On Radio, Newfoundland
I had an interview with Colleen from Memorial University on their radio station. It was a promo for my coming to give talks in Newfoundland tomorrow. I understand that Colleen is a well-liked broadcaster and is good at songwriting and at singing.
Her questions and my answers regarding “Tales from Tails” were pre-recorded and involved everything about pilgrimage and included the events I’ll be conducting while in Newfoundland. I’ll paraphrase and shortcut for brevity’s sake.
Colleen: What makes a walk become a pilgrimage?
Me: When one walks for an intended transformation it is then a pilgrimage.
Colleen: What is the value of a pilgrimage?
Me: It is down-time, time to reflect, to be introspective, to plan for the future, reminisce on some past experiences and to be very much in the moment.
Colleen: In this age of technology you feel there’s a need?
Me: Absolutely! We are dealing with weapons of mass distraction. Let us re-explore the power of the human body, which is a temple for the atma, the soul. I’ve never liked cars and the damage they’ve done to the world. The human body can do so much.
Colleen: You mentioned in your blog about challenges with the knees.
Me: I’m 62, going on 63. Naturally there is some wear-down. I’ve settled for doing 35 km a day whereas my past average doing the marathons was 42 km a day.
Colleen: You’re going to be speaking? And walking?
Me: Yes! Gander is on for Saturday at a yoga studio; Sunday, a talk at the
Hindu temple then ‘Tales from Trails” at the Education Building Room 2018A Monday evening. Tuesday we’ll conduct a walk around Quidi Vidi Lake. All are welcome.
May the Source be with you!
7 km
Toronto, Ontario
On Radio, Newfoundland
I had an interview with Colleen from Memorial University on their radio station. It was a promo for my coming to give talks in Newfoundland tomorrow. I understand that Colleen is a well-liked broadcaster and is good at songwriting and at singing.
Her questions and my answers regarding “Tales from Tails” were pre-recorded and involved everything about pilgrimage and included the events I’ll be conducting while in Newfoundland. I’ll paraphrase and shortcut for brevity’s sake.
Colleen: What makes a walk become a pilgrimage?
Me: When one walks for an intended transformation it is then a pilgrimage.
Colleen: What is the value of a pilgrimage?
Me: It is down-time, time to reflect, to be introspective, to plan for the future, reminisce on some past experiences and to be very much in the moment.
Colleen: In this age of technology you feel there’s a need?
Me: Absolutely! We are dealing with weapons of mass distraction. Let us re-explore the power of the human body, which is a temple for the atma, the soul. I’ve never liked cars and the damage they’ve done to the world. The human body can do so much.
Colleen: You mentioned in your blog about challenges with the knees.
Me: I’m 62, going on 63. Naturally there is some wear-down. I’ve settled for doing 35 km a day whereas my past average doing the marathons was 42 km a day.
Colleen: You’re going to be speaking? And walking?
Me: Yes! Gander is on for Saturday at a yoga studio; Sunday, a talk at the
Hindu temple then ‘Tales from Trails” at the Education Building Room 2018A Monday evening. Tuesday we’ll conduct a walk around Quidi Vidi Lake. All are welcome.
May the Source be with you!
7 km
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