Thursday, March 9th, 2017

Toronto, Ontario

What I Ask!

One mantra that I use when greeting someone in the ashram is actually a question. “Did you get a good rest?” implying “was it deep, was it full and more-or-less uninterrupted?”

I don’t go so far as to probe into their dreams. “Did you dream of Krishna? About guru?” That is very personal and let’s keep it that way—not that it’s wrong to ask.

The answers will be diverse, depending on who you ask and on which day, because it is never an definite yes or no.  It’s usually within the range of ‘anywhere in-between’.

As the day wears on, so do passions.  Speed and depth of involvement grow in intensity.  Do I then dare to ask, “How’s your day?” Those who immerse themselves in devotion have a soul-gratifying day, or should.  Physically, there will always be a challenge so that answer will have its range as well. In any event people feel good that you care.

This afternoon I did a trial-run walking in the park outside our ashram.  I couldn’t go too far with the gout-infected foot. I had to turn around after ten minutes and resume a gentler stroll inside the temple.

Woe is me! I’m anticipating this walk in May, beginning in Nebraska, with two good feet at the base of my legs. God, please help! The gout bulge is sizeable and any shoe placed around it puts on an uneasy squeeze.

“Patience!” reminds my doctor, Dr. Pandit.  “Just try to get a good rest.”

May the Source be with you!

2 km

Wednesday, March 8th, 2017

Toronto, Ontario 

New Findings 

Ekadasi is a day when followers of the Vaishnava tradition (Krishna tradition) honour a vow to abstain from eating grain, and increase their devotions.  It falls every fortnight.  It’s today we are so obliged.

What I wanted to highlight in this blog is an article forwarded to me (thanks Abhidheya) about archeological findings confirming the authenticity and antiquity of a Krishna culture.  According to the source of info— www.indiadivine.org —there is an ancient coin with Krishna on one side, and His brother, Balarama, on the other, dating back to 180 B.C.E.  Recently unearthed in Al Khanoun, Afghanistan, this discovery is the earliest proof that Krishna was revered as a god, “and that the worship had spread beyond the Mathura region,” states TKV Rajan, archaeologist, who was holding a five-day exhibition titled, “In Search of Lord Krishna.”

His studies and findings throw fresh light on the era of Krishna.  It has been over five years since discoveries were made at Tholavira, near Dwarka, which is according to Epic’s such as The Mahabharata, where Krishna ruled, approximately 5,000 years ago.  Apparently, a coin reveals that Krishna is devoid of his famed peacock feather, but then one follower suggested that in Dwarka, Krishna was not adorned with the peacock feather.

Rajan indicates there is an image of a wooden plough, which is mentioned in the book The Bhagavatam.  The image of the conch and the Sudarshan Chakra (wheel) are unmistakably obvious imprints on the square-shaped coins.

A grandiose discovery!

May the Source be with you! Happy Ekadasi!

0 km   

Tuesday, March 7th, 2017

Toronto, Ontario

Got Out

Well, I did it.  I got out for the first time in a few days.  Because of the gout, my movements have been slow, but I got the air I wanted and needed.

Air!  I’m a great fan of it.  It’s something taken for granted.  One of the prime elements. 

A friend called today.  He’s now 75.  Doesn’t look a day over 60. “I worked at a paint factory for thirty years.  You breathe in all these chemicals.  It’s surprising I’m still alive.  It must be Krishna keeping me going,” he admitted

“Yes!”

I enjoyed sitting on a park bench in what is warmer than usual temperatures. We’ve got spring.  Vancouver, a place with a more moderate climate, has been getting clobbered with snow.  This is a reversal of weather situations.

The park bench was actually a bench near a park, to the side of a plastic surgery clinic.  The establishment is called “Elements.”  Next to where I was sitting, is the statue of an earth goddess.

Poor Earth!  It’s going through so much.  South of the border appears to be in trouble on many social/political levels.  All nations, in fact, are going through changes.  It’s tense.

I got back to the ashram and received my second call for the day.

“Maharaja,” addressed the caller, “What is the actual position our culture takes on Islam, women, gay folks and people of various races?”

“These are multiple questions.  You are right though, let’s talk.”

So we did!

May the Source be with you!

4 km