Sunday, November 3rd, 2019

St. John's, Newfoundland

To Embracing Madness

"The Great Trail is the longest recreational trail in the world,” reads the plaque, "spanning 24,000 kilometres from coast to coast (in Canada) and connecting over 15,000 communities. “

What is significant, to Marshall and I, is we managed to be there at the start of this "Great Trail" and it wasn't my first time.  Marshall remarked it has the feel, when you're here at its beginning, that  you just want to travel on it forever.  I guess he was saying there's a feeling of infinity.  We came upon many runners, walkers and cyclists despite the light frosty weather, mostly Newfie friendly. 

When our small portion of the trail ended at one kilometre, we made our way to the Hindu Temple on Penny Lane Drive.  Just before we entered, we checked out the lyrics to the famous Beatles song, "Penny Lane."  Interesting. 

I was asked to speak to the community, and I did so with an initial request: "Do you know the words to Penny Lane?"  No one responded except for a few westerners in their sixties and beyond.  Another question:  "Do you know what is the essence of the sacred tests, the Vedas?"  From that query, an interest was aroused. 

Anyway, we got very interactive during our presentation, in an effort to warm everyone up to Vedic knowledge and the coming event Gita Jayanti, the anniversary of when Krishna spoke the science of self-realization.  

An evening program was then held in the district of what's called "The Battery," where Marshall and I have been accommodated (thanks to Jan).  Our casual discussion centred on "Embracing Our Madness."  I opened up by describing the ecstasies of monk Chaitanya.  His love for God was profound.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B4c1aDog8Ge/?igshid=hwto97q52oa7

May the Source be with you!

1 km

Saturday, November 2nd, 2019

St. John's, Newfoundland

Today in Newfoundland

I had the good fortune to get onto the East Coast Trail. It's rugged and rocky.  You have to watch your step.  There's a cold ocean next to you, way down.

Marshall and I had spent a brief time at Memorial U., in the food court.  It's astounding how many students are from India.  They favourably responded to our harmonium and mrdunga playing.  They are respectful and warm.  My advice to them is: "Don't sacrifice what you know spiritually over your studies.  Gain that balance."

I think it's appreciated.

Jan, Gordon and Susan took us to Quidi Vidi Village, always a favourite spot.  Both Jan and Susan stayed on with us for kirtan chanting at the corner of George and Water Streets.  Good response!  There's a constant flow of pedestrians.

Now the streets in St. John's are interesting.  They curve, go up and down, even sideways (so it seems).  It's a bit like San Francisco.  We were playing our instruments sitting or standing, on an angle.  Furthermore, next to us was a soapstone carver.  His device was blowing stone dust in the air which created a slippery dynamic on the sidewalks.  On top of that, his buddy sat puffing out clouds of marijuana.  You can imagine how we chanters felt—high and slippery.  It was a unique location, just across from "The Yellow Belly Brewery."

Sheeshan is just wonderful.   He usually goes out on the street solo, chanting fearlessly.  The whole town seem to know him.  He is a Mauritian.  It's a country no one has even heard of until they meet him.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B4ahRjZg7c-/?igshid=4zzud04o2ay7

May the source be with you!

5km

Friday, November 1st, 2019

St. John's, Newfoundland

High Winds

The winds were high but warm, and coming from the south.   It was 18 degrees Celsius in the evening when we did our session at the Shambala Centre.  That is warm, for this time of year.  The windows were wide open during the whole session, and we were loving it.  Sarah, yoga instructor and Friday night coordinator, arranged it that way. 

The reason for open windows was that my conducting of the chanting and dancing heated everyone up.  It was a good sweat.  Justin and Lorna, in particular, were physically giving a heavy output. Everyone else joyfully worked hard at the dance steps. 

"You all are going to have a good sleep tonight," I suggested. 

When I said, "You all," it meant the room full of people.  The turnout was great, thanks to our man, Sheeshan.  He comes regularly to play the drum.  The group, whom Sarah describes as ‘loyal’, all seem to know the maha-mantra quite well. That is so because Sheeshan regularly sings it. 

Absent was our dear Miranda Squires, whom I've now known for twenty-five years. She is an interesting woman.  She told me she grew up in a lighthouse on the coastline.  A yoga instructor, herself, she was quite busy this weekend. 

Often times while dealing with yoga people, it involves women. Yet, at our program tonight, a good number of men came out to dance and chant with us.

Sheeshan arranged a seven course meal for everyone.  The guy is stupendous. 

May the Source be with you!

4 km