Saturday, April 20th, 2019

Durban, South Africa

Back to Home Affairs

The Minister of Home Affairs for South Africa, spent two hours with us at the Festival of Chariots.  Honourable Siyabonga Cwele and I bonded in a certain kind of way, as he was the person who saw to it I could enter South Africa.  The day I landed at the airport, I was rejected for a relatively full passport, about which Cwele told a handful of us, "I travel a lot and have a full book where officials manage to stamp somewhere."

In any event I was three feet away from the plane departing with boarding pass in hand, luggage in the plane, when a call came to the officials with me.  It was Cwele on the other line saying that my passport was valid and that I was not a criminal.  The result of that call meant cancellation of that flight.  Thank him.  Thank God.

While His Honour spoke to us, he also expressed that he and his department were "here to serve and not to be served."  He's a real gentleman.

After the time spent with him and Durban's deputy-mayor, Fawzia Peer, I led another one of those sweat-bound Bhakti Cloud dances.  Finally, our performance of, "Grandsire," was staged for the pleasure of all.  The sky had begun to spit water on the festival goers, and this rain encouraged our tent to fill up quickly.  Usually it is not a problem.  Organizers say the dramas are the biggest draw to the event.  That is so gratifying to hear.  https://www.instagram.com/p/BwfZwMylu_g/?utm_source=ig_share_sheet&igshid=1k1yhh1f2vix8

From the applause and ovation of the audience, we could see the story rendered of Bhishma was loved.  The only missing link in today was walking.  Before leaving for the site, I was determined to get in at least one kilometre.  So I did.    https://www.instagram.com/p/BwfcFXOFTUU/?utm_source=ig_share_sheet&igshid=1vk1q0a68lky7

May the Source be with you!

1 km

Friday, April 19th, 2019

Durban, South Africa

Godly Delights

There was this incredible nature's light show last evening, the likes of which none of us had ever seen before.  I'm talking about extraordinary cloud formations in the night, lit up by constant flashes of light, thunder bolts, all in the presence of the moon.  We were enroute to the festival site, the old Durban Drive-In Theatre, and it became astounding to see, and was the talk of the town.  Upon reaching our destination, the extravaganza continued.  It looked like the gods at war, executed in silent mode.

Rain had penetrated the skies during the day leaving our huge tent full of water.  It was like a swimming pool, and our rehearsal on the stage was cancelled.  There could have been electrocution issues.  Precaution was necessary.

Coming back to the tent today—it was a different world.  Water was drained and pumped out.  All was functioning.  The sun's appearance was strong.  I came into the site to take the lead as dance master in the tent labeled "The Bhakti Cloud."  That was exhilarating for all of us there.  https://www.instagram.com/p/Bwb658sgZMW/?utm_source=ig_share_sheet&igshid=s6f0bxbqcbd2

There was also the showing of Michael Oesch's film, "The Walking Monk," just before our drama, "Grandsire."  The film promotes the walking culture, and also features philosophical contemplations along the way, on one of Canada’s beautiful road arteries. https://filmfreeway.com/MichaelOesch  I was worried whether people would appreciate the film because it was the first time there that this has been done.  After the showing and before the drama, Radhika, the master of ceremonies, aroused a standing ovation to honour the milestone of my walking ventures, and the twenty years of my contributions to South Africa's Festival of Chariots.

May the Source be with you!

5 km

Thursday, April 18th, 2019

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Durban, South Africa

Zestfulness

My day started with zestful walking in the temple of Radha Radhanath.  I did circle motions within the room while other chanters paced back and forth, and others still just sat while fingering their beads and simultaneously moving lips to chant.  Occasionally, I would stop to talk to a maharaja, a senior monk, or to acknowledge someone I've known, and who had just arrived in town for the festival.  I noticed two new fellows.  They were from Cape Town.  I stopped to talk.

"How are you guys?  How do you like the atmosphere here?  I'm Bhaktimarga Swami.  And you?"  My usual opening liners are such.

Both fellows have been involved in devotional circles.  One of them wanted to learn Part Two of the verses to the guru, Prabhupada, starting with, "Namaste."

"Come to my room; I'll write it down for you," I said in a mood of hospitality.  "Here, have some coconut water."  Then I taught him what it means.  "Our guru came to challenge impersonalism and voidism, which is so prevalent in people's mindsets today."

"What does impersonalism really mean," asked the chap, who sported a handsome head of dreadlocks, and who reads Allan Watts. 

"I agree with many things he says, but we must also acknowledge the Source (God) and not just the Force (Nature).  Balance is the key."  https://www.instagram.com/p/BwY5hLrAwQ9/?utm_source=ig_share_sheet&igshid=vk9dact2mts7

May the Source be with you!

6 km