Saturday, January 4th, 2020

Ottawa, Ontario

Reaching and Doing 9

If rain is clean, clear and cooling, if the sun is bright, bold and benevolent, then snow is white, wet and wonderful.

Jay and I drove through the white stuff, as it fell lightly upon us, our moving car, Highway 7, and the surrounding countryside.  It was a quiet ride, and in this area from Toronto to Ottawa, you travel through the edge of the Canadian Shield, earth's oldest rock.  The rock is embraced by a boreal forest.

 

We arrived at ISKCON Ottawa, at 212 Somerset, and were greeted by Mandala Rama McAllister, a happy, holy chap who makes nice wraps.  After a wholesome meal, we prepared for a "9 Devotions Workshop".  A comfortable number of twenty-five people showed up, and the three hour interactive program worked well as a bonding-type of exercise.  I received feedback.  To summarize, I would say the 9 Devotions Workshop is engaging, enriching and educational.  https://www.facebook.com/iskconottawa/videos/1187474058124158/

Devotion or bhakti is a type of co-operation with the Supreme, and all methods of devotional endeavours are indeed fun and fulfilling.

Let's go over these nine processes once again.

1. Shravanam: concentrated hearing

2. Kirtanam: concentrated responding

3. Smaranam: positive recall

4. Pada-sevanam: accepting humility

5. Archanam: honouring sacred images

6. Vandanam: power praying

7. Dasyam: practising humility

8. Sakhyam: making friends

9. Atma Nivedanam: sweet surrender

May the Source be with you!

0 km

Friday, January 3rd, 2020

Toronto, Ontario

Places, People, Projects

So far—a mellow winter.  When I walk the street, temperatures are at a level that I can peel off my autumn coat and move along with enough comfort.  Of course, it's the consistent walking that sustains the ease, the warmth.

It's evening and it's past the Christmas/New Year period.  You can still greet people with a "Happy New Year" and it won't be out of line.  Yes, folks are out and about.  Shopping never stops.  Appetites never die.  Bars and pubs are alive.  Churches, Islamic and Buddhist Centres are closed.

I walked through swanky Yorkville.  I walked through Queen's Park.  I walked through Philosopher's Walk at the University of Toronto.  I walked on Bloor and passed the old movie house where "The Exorcist" played, and a few of us monks in the ’70s spoke to people in those long line-ups.  Memories.  I walked by Stollery's, a men's clothing store, or what was once there.  Now it's a construction site, all set and ready to go to erect a high tower for residence and commerce.  Things are changing.  Progress?  Not sure about that.

What I conclude, about all these places, is that I have plenty of interesting channels to walk on, to move through and to introspect upon.  Come to think of it, I can't help dwelling on the next theatrical project now that the drama, "The Gita," has been put to rest for two or three months.  I'm left to ponder upon "Grandsire," the story of warrior Bishma scheduled to be staged in India next month.  I'm at the stage where casting actors is important.  https://www.instagram.com/p/B612blxApsz/?igshid=108ukzgjn1sgk

May the Source with with you!

4 km

Thursday, January 2nd, 2020

Toronto/Brampton

By the Metal Eagles

I have often wondered what it would be like to walk around near the airport while those metal eagles (aircraft) are coming in for a landing or up for a take-off.  I saw an opportunity today as I headed in the direction of Brampton for an evening house sangha at Nanda Maharaj Das’.

It was as I suspected.  There were lots of roaring sounds from traffic on Dixon, then Airport Road up to beyond Steeles Avenue.  There is nothing romantic nor scenic about the area, and I was rather disappointed with the trash along the roadway.  The consolation was the occasional pedestrian who was kind enough to reciprocate with a gesture of "Happy New Year!”  I figured that it was harmless.  It happened that two motorists at a forty minute interval turned around, after seeing my robes, to offer a ride.  Ajit was one and Sarvesvara was another.  Bless their hearts.  I had to politely decline.

Once I reached Derry Road, the Indian spices were permeating the air in Malton.  It was also one of those days where the exhaust was quite strong and coming up through the nostrils.  The Indian Bazaar scents were a pleasant relief.  Restaurants can be fun and save the day.

Nanda found me after I trekked a good two hours or more.  It was past dusk and time for the destination—his home.  There we met families who were eager to advance in Krishna Consciousness.  I hope I was for them some kind of inspiration, from what I spoke about,  and what I did for a duration of three hours there.

May the Source be with you!

8 km

Wednesday, January 1st, 2020

Markham/Toronto

New Year's Day for a Lucky Monk

I have five siblings: Connie, Jerry, Rose Ann, Paul and Pauline.  I'm the oldest.  Almost every year I attend our family reunion on January 1^st  Paul, who lives in British Columbia in Canada, usually can't make it.  This time around, we met at Connie's in Markham.  It was a great bonding time.  My brothers and sisters are all decent people.  I won't judge them for their carnivorous diet.  In fact, my sister in the middle, Rose Ann, and her hubby, Jim, prescribe to no meat.

In this present day of multiculturalism and pluralistic philosophical paths, there is so much acceptance.  I mean to say that, in a way, ‘anything goes’.  When I became a monk and turned my back on pork chops, hot dogs and steaks, I was considered by some to be weird.  Now, if you’re a vegetarian, or even more, a vegan, you're cool.  Anyway, Connie provided multiple choices at the brunch and all were happy.

Jaya picked me up.  He's becoming our official driver for the ashram, apart from being a nice co-walker for me.  Back to the temple and ashram we went.  I then prepared for our drama troupe’s last two run-throughs before costumes and make-up.

And what a turn-out it was!  People. Where they park their car in our congested neighbourhood, I don't know!  The play, "The Gita" was great.  It was a great New Year event at our temple.

I'm a lucky dog.  My biological family is phenomenal and so is my spiritual family.  

May the Source be with you!

0 km

Tuesday, December 31st, 2019

Toronto, Ontario

New Year

A new day was just about to come

And a year lapsed when the cold made us numb

The rough and ready, we're all bundled up

And holding back energy like a young pup

In anticipation that was so very high

As drum mallet beats ascended the sky

At location, Old City Hall, with its new face

Still on Queen, at its usual place

Everyone was dressed in holiday cheer

For an annual rite set for the New Year

Hope was triggered for a better tomorrow

Perhaps putting behind any previous sorrow

Then countdown began to the clock at twelve

The sparkles sprang, in mantra we delved

Popping and chopping against corporate towers

Reflections we viewed from those glassy powers

The crowds swelled around us from that moment on

Things got tighter and tighter on pavement and lawn

The sounds were volumed from our vocal cords

From all the attendees, both ladies and lords

And smiles stretched across round heads for sure

In a groove that hinted more towards the pure

And while pot was rather thick in the air

The sound was making all feel little despair

It was good and sweet as our hearts did beat

We stood so long on unrelenting feet

Burning our lungs in the centre of cold

All that were there were really so bold

To welcoming in another round to go

The winds of time make calendar pages blow

https://youtu.be/ey3YTi6cqbI

May the Source be with you!

7 km

Monday, December 30th, 2019

Toronto, Ontario

Happy New Year

I would like to take this moment to wish everyone a very happy and fulfilling year to come, in 2020.

Should we find prosperity, may that wealth be shared.  

Should we feel disparity, may we reach out to the Source, gain strength and help others in despair.  

May we see deficiencies in the world, as opportunities for service to others.  

There is no higher engagement. 

To those who really wish to progress in life, see what's bright in others and the darkness in oneself.

Practise bhakti, deep devotion.  Rise early.  Absorb wisdom.  Put it into practice.  

Stay connected with those who inspire.

An ancient text, the Brahma Samhita, suggests that our eyes be anointed with the salve of love.  

And that…will give us better than 2020 vision. https://www.instagram.com/p/B6vE8pGANTt/?igshid=ha70ehhh8k2j

Happy New Year!

May the Source be with you!

5 km