Thursday, September 30, 2021

Yorkville, Toronto

Loose Tongue Monster (About Gossip)

 

My latest poem:

 

Gossip is the cowardly unofficial occupation of a jerk

Volunteers are either on part or full-time work

Call it a toxic tongue, a plague worse than a pandemic

A dirty and dark behind-the-back dynamic

A casual chat where the truth is not confirmed

A devil’s radio whose broadcast can’t be reversed

Gossipy people have nothing of substance to say

Fabrications from their mouths are always on display

It’s a syndrome, a condition of verbal diarrhea

They are rumour addicts like alcoholics on tequila

 

Do take note that those who gossip to you

Will inevitably and eventually gossip about you

And those who know so little about you

Suddenly become an authority having all the goods on you

Perhaps the greatest human offender is the gossiper

Though feeling their contribution the status of a philosopher

Little do they know that gossip, a lethal weapon

Will act karmically as if to beckon

Like a boomerang that’s suddenly released

And comes back to haunt and strike like a beast

 

So stay away from this back stabbing game

Stay away from fault finders who bear no shame

Stay away from Loose Tongue Monsters of Derision

And hold hands with folks who have some vision

A superior investment to being critical

Is to point out the good in an individual

Don’t let that big fat mouth try to obstruct

Two good listening ears poised to reconstruct

Any hope for a rumour monger perhaps is our deep prayer

A call for a miracle, compassion, and help on a major repair

 

-Composed by Bhaktimarga Swami, The Walking Monk©

 

May the Source be with you!

3 km

 

Wednesday, September 29, 2021

243 Ave. Rd., Toronto

Fortunate

 

Once a week I get to see godbrothers (go bros for short) and godsisters (I prefer no abbreviation here) on Zoom. These souls I have the greatest reverence towards. Many of them are pioneers of Krishna Consciousness. That makes them very special.

This call occurs every Wednesday. To me it’s administration day because the discussion involves amazing challenges that they take on. At least in my context of thought I perceive them as heroes because they tackle some overwhelming issues at times. You can say It’s dirty work. They discuss and plan through incredible hurdles.

Their age? Many of them are in their seventies so they are not the most photogenic looking folks but they possess beautiful hearts. They are a blessing, being children of the guru, Prabhupada, either through diksha or shiksa; initiation or being a good student respectively, or both.

What brings people to such an illustrious status is their great ability to share ideas, to listen to other’s ideas, come to a decision and consensus and then implement.

Although I’m part of the group, I cannot claim to be on their level of intelligence or surrender. I became part of the team by luck, by chance, by mercy. I am fortunate to be the observer of great minds coming together.

 

May the Source be with you!

 

Tuesday, September 28, 2021

Rosedale, Toronto

What the Big Deal About Cleaning

 

One of our members expressed an apprehension about cleaning but my argument on the point goes like this: “Our whole culture is about cleaning, whether it be the heart, your temple, your house or your car. As Vaishnavas we spend, or should spend, at least a small portion of our day in cleansing.” In the context of a traditional ashram or mandir (temple), cleansing becomes a major component. Monks give considerable time to clearing and cleaning, even if it means the backyard and front yard.

And why not do it?

Look at the marvelous workout it provides. Look at the outstanding therapy it offers. So, from the standpoint of body, mind, and spirit; cleaning, purging, ablution, washing, dusting, sanitizing and sterilizing are a big part of claiming success in life.

Our guru, Prabhupada, used to say that his guru (Bhaktisiddhanta) would have new monks wash pots. (That’s what I did yesterday due to shortage of staff. I loved it.)

There is nothing lighter and brighter to life than getting rid of clutter. Clutter, chaos and crap are easy to have fall in place, but it takes strong will and intent to remove that which blocks the way.

I recall, on my first Canada walk, a trucker carrying logs had lost control and the timber was strewn all over that portion of the TransCanada Highway. So I, and others (motorists), pushed them to the side so traffic could flow again.

I would like to bring to your attention the story of Chaitanya and his cleaning ecstasy program.

 

May the Source be with you!

3 km