Sunday, May 30, 2021

Ramsden Park, Toronto

 

So Happy

 

I was so happy to receive another submission from a godsister in Los Angeles. She had given her story of the early days in the movement in Canada, to add to the compilation of our upcoming book Krishna in the Maple Leaf. Her spiritual journey began at the young age of fifteen, when she heard about the Bhagavat philosophy. Interesting it is that the guidance counselor at her school encouraged her in her spiritual pursuit.

 

For myself it was just a pleasure to deliver two classes virtually for two locations – Scarborough and Toronto. I believe it went well. Because you’re not physically there it is hard to tell if there is as much attentiveness as desired. Judging by the questions that came thereafter, I consider there was a good response.

 

I was happy to see Gabriel came around. I have been giving him classes for a year now and he has been encouraged; inspired to move close to the temple for increased access to devotees. Gabriel has been inquisitive about life’s purpose for some time. This led him to inquire about the science of the self.

 

My day was full, as it often is on Sundays. I wound up with a much-needed walk through the park and several parallel streets. This was done after some massage and a physio session with Paramahamsa, a young father from Guelph, a city nearby.

 

I was blessed by receiving a call from a lawyer friend from New York. No, we didn’t discuss legal matters — only devotional subject matter.

 

May the Source be with you!

2 km

 

Saturday, May 29, 2021

Room at 243, Toronto

 

A Marriage

 

Gopal had his wedding today. Finally. Like most younger chaps his age, when they hit thirty I’ll question them, if not their dad. “Well, is anything happening in terms of settling down?” It is never a hard pressure but more of a subtle one. Towards encouraging the next step for a younger generation to match and multiply.

 

Regardless, I’m happy for Gopal. Gopal finally tied the knot with a girl from Florida – Karuna Kunti. Gopal’s parents are extraordinary; deep into bhakti. They attended the wedding, being residents of Toronto. Her family and friends were abroad, mostly in the U.S., catching everything by Zoom.

 

I was asked to speak briefly and I was indicating to the small group (covid restrictions) that our guru, Prabhupada, married his students as the priest. Often his messages, through letters mostly, were encouraging couples to support each other in service. It’s a good way to keep absorbed in spiritual teamwork. Services of a devotional nature, an offering to Krishna, is the trick.

 

I do wish the couple well and success in their endeavor towards a wholesome life. I see them as quality human beings. Keeping the Supreme in the centre is key to the working relationship.

 

It was a happy event; short but sweet. Our priest was Ananda Gauranga and, as usual, he did a great job.

 

May the Source be with you!

0 km

 

Friday, May 28, 2021

Ramsden Park, Toronto

 

Snow, Aging and the Flute

 

Believe it or not but despite the gorgeous weather of the last few days, snow came upon us. I was leading the chant at noon in the temple room, which I do every day at what’s called the raja bhoga arti (service), when I took a glance outside. To my surprise huge snowflakes descended on the other side of the window. Mind you, those unwelcome puffs of white melted upon reaching the warmed-up ground but it was a bit of a shock.

 

I had meaningful sessions today, not just about kirtan chanting but discussions such as one regarding a senior facility for our Krishna conscious community. It is beyond the dream stage to have such a facility for the aging sector since we have a local devotee care team established which has compiled a questionnaire. This survey has recently been disbursed with results coming in. It is quite the exciting project – a necessary one which addresses needs for the baby boomers of bhakti and also includes the generation X as well as the many more to come.

 

My day ended with a walk through the park and a reading of a chapter from “Krishna” entitled, “The Gopis Attracted by the Flute of Krishna.” This I read to Sarthak while he massaged my weak knees. This chapter was first read to me during Christmas of 1972 by B.B. Govinda Swami. Reading books by our guru, Prabhupada, is relishable. They are transformative.

 

May the Source be with you!

1 km