Kenora Daily Miner and News, May 14, 2007
THIRD PILGRIMAGE ACROSS CANADA by Shelley Bujold
For the third time, Bhaktimarga Swami is heading across Canada byfoot. As a monk with the Hare Krishna, he is on a pilgrimage toconnect with nature, people and the country. He prays and meditates ashe walks through harsh climate and weather changes. He estimatescompleting his journey to the East Coast by September. He urges peopleto look at the simple things in life and take time to slow down. Hewas through Kenora Thursday and Friday.
B L O G S P O T
Friday, 31 August 2007
Prescott-Russell news story 8.17.07
THE PRESCOTT-RUSSELL NEWS AUGUST 17, 2007 P. 7
THE WALKING MONK PILGRIM WALKS THROUGH CASSELMAN
Marie Cicchini CASSELMAN
Jon Peter Vis, a.k.a. the walking monk, passed through Russell, Embrun and Casselman August 7 in his third pilgrimage across Canada to promote spiritual solutions to the material problems of life. The newspaper caught up with the 54-year-old born in Chatham, Ontario, in the middle of a sunny summer afternoon. He was sitting on the shaded lawn of the former agricultural museum in Casselman and had already socialized with the retired owner, Jean Dumontier. Wearing a peach-coloured robe, traditional Hare Krishna garb, the hairless monk had walked down Bank Street through Metcalfe, Russell and Embrun, accompanied by Doug Kretchmer, a video production business owner who joined the trek at the Ontario border on May 10 with his pet bird, a female parrot named Billie. The 7800 km walk that will take him to Cape Spear, Newfoundland by the end of September is not a fundraiser, he says. At 20 years of age, as a fine arts student in need of a spiritual outlet, Vis adopted a monastic lifestyle in the Hare Krishna movement in the order of the Swamis, as well as the name of Bhaktimarga (which means path of devotion). Vis started teaching yoga and mantra meditation based on a popular Hindu text. He manages to take an active role in theatrical productions, scripting, casting and directing morality theatre. He has a spiritual master, Srila Prabhupada, famous for his work The Bhagavad Gita as it is. Heading east, the walking monk is trekking the second half of the country this summer. Kretchmer is there to drive and secure accommodation as needed. This third pilgrimage is broken up in two this time because the walking monk has commitments with youth groups. In 1996, he crossed the country from coast to coast, and completed the circle in 2003, walking from Cape Spear back to Vancouver Island. Swami was featured in The Longest Road, a National Film Board documentary detailing the history of the people who shaped the Trans- Canada Highway. On a typical day, starting at 4:00 a.m., the walking monk travels 40km on average, chanting a Maha mantra with chanting beads, a strand of 108 round beads in a bead bag, ending the meditation well into nightfall. This time, people understand the purpose behind it. The vibrations are better. They are curious and stop to chat. Some of them will open up their home and offer hospitality, said the amiable monk. The pilgrimage gives him a chance to connect with people, he says. Walking, meditating, and communicating with other travelers allows him to eradicate a modern-day culprit which he calls race- ism. Some of us tend to brush each other off so very easily at the slightest provocation, he says, blaming what appears to be a vacuum of virtues in society. So the pilgrimage is fortifying him. It's a matter of personal growth, which he believes can be achieved by working on his inner strength. The moments of strain in the walk and the unpredictable weather humble him and build up his tolerance, while connecting with other travelers along the way softens him a little. The message I am conveying is an encouragement to integrate long walks and meditation into your lifestyle, he says for those who are not already treading a path of spiritualism. One can also participate in the walking culture through donations to the 108 club at www.thewalkingmonk.org.
THE WALKING MONK PILGRIM WALKS THROUGH CASSELMAN
Marie Cicchini CASSELMAN
Jon Peter Vis, a.k.a. the walking monk, passed through Russell, Embrun and Casselman August 7 in his third pilgrimage across Canada to promote spiritual solutions to the material problems of life. The newspaper caught up with the 54-year-old born in Chatham, Ontario, in the middle of a sunny summer afternoon. He was sitting on the shaded lawn of the former agricultural museum in Casselman and had already socialized with the retired owner, Jean Dumontier. Wearing a peach-coloured robe, traditional Hare Krishna garb, the hairless monk had walked down Bank Street through Metcalfe, Russell and Embrun, accompanied by Doug Kretchmer, a video production business owner who joined the trek at the Ontario border on May 10 with his pet bird, a female parrot named Billie. The 7800 km walk that will take him to Cape Spear, Newfoundland by the end of September is not a fundraiser, he says. At 20 years of age, as a fine arts student in need of a spiritual outlet, Vis adopted a monastic lifestyle in the Hare Krishna movement in the order of the Swamis, as well as the name of Bhaktimarga (which means path of devotion). Vis started teaching yoga and mantra meditation based on a popular Hindu text. He manages to take an active role in theatrical productions, scripting, casting and directing morality theatre. He has a spiritual master, Srila Prabhupada, famous for his work The Bhagavad Gita as it is. Heading east, the walking monk is trekking the second half of the country this summer. Kretchmer is there to drive and secure accommodation as needed. This third pilgrimage is broken up in two this time because the walking monk has commitments with youth groups. In 1996, he crossed the country from coast to coast, and completed the circle in 2003, walking from Cape Spear back to Vancouver Island. Swami was featured in The Longest Road, a National Film Board documentary detailing the history of the people who shaped the Trans- Canada Highway. On a typical day, starting at 4:00 a.m., the walking monk travels 40km on average, chanting a Maha mantra with chanting beads, a strand of 108 round beads in a bead bag, ending the meditation well into nightfall. This time, people understand the purpose behind it. The vibrations are better. They are curious and stop to chat. Some of them will open up their home and offer hospitality, said the amiable monk. The pilgrimage gives him a chance to connect with people, he says. Walking, meditating, and communicating with other travelers allows him to eradicate a modern-day culprit which he calls race- ism. Some of us tend to brush each other off so very easily at the slightest provocation, he says, blaming what appears to be a vacuum of virtues in society. So the pilgrimage is fortifying him. It's a matter of personal growth, which he believes can be achieved by working on his inner strength. The moments of strain in the walk and the unpredictable weather humble him and build up his tolerance, while connecting with other travelers along the way softens him a little. The message I am conveying is an encouragement to integrate long walks and meditation into your lifestyle, he says for those who are not already treading a path of spiritualism. One can also participate in the walking culture through donations to the 108 club at www.thewalkingmonk.org.
Renfrew Weekender newspaper 8.10.07 part 1
MONK ON THE ROAD AGAIN FOR THIRD CANADIAN WALK
By JOHN CARTER
Mercury Staff
A 54-year-old Hare Krishna monk who is walking across Canada for the third time ambled through Renfrew Saturday.
Bhaktimarga Swami, who was born John Peter Vis in Chatham, Ontario, was impressed by the beauty of the Upper Ottawa Valley. It’s the first time he has visited the Renfrew area, as he makes a habit of varying his cross-Canada routes.
As he cooled off his feet in the Bonnechere River at the Horton boat launch, Swami explained that he takes his long walks for three reasons: he has a passion for nature, it’s a "good workout," and it acts as a pilgrimage.
The 7,800-km cross-Canada walk aids in his personal spiritual growth and helps him face physical challenges, he said.
"It gives you a lot of reflective time to explore who you really are," he said. "There is a lot of solitude time."
See MONK, Page 15
By JOHN CARTER
Mercury Staff
A 54-year-old Hare Krishna monk who is walking across Canada for the third time ambled through Renfrew Saturday.
Bhaktimarga Swami, who was born John Peter Vis in Chatham, Ontario, was impressed by the beauty of the Upper Ottawa Valley. It’s the first time he has visited the Renfrew area, as he makes a habit of varying his cross-Canada routes.
As he cooled off his feet in the Bonnechere River at the Horton boat launch, Swami explained that he takes his long walks for three reasons: he has a passion for nature, it’s a "good workout," and it acts as a pilgrimage.
The 7,800-km cross-Canada walk aids in his personal spiritual growth and helps him face physical challenges, he said.
"It gives you a lot of reflective time to explore who you really are," he said. "There is a lot of solitude time."
See MONK, Page 15
Renfrew newspaper article part 2
August 10, 2007 - The Renfrew Weekender - Page 15
Monk finds growing tolerance in third cross-Canada walk
Continued from Page 13
During his walk, Swami performs a form of mantra meditation.
"It really focuses the mind," he said. Even when the weather is less than accommodating and the body is aching, "it helps keep you in a happy frame of mind," he added.
Through its moments of strain, the walk aids in personal growth and the unpredictable weather helps with tolerance, he said.
Walking across the country makes one appreciate the country and its natural beauty, he said.
Swami particularly enjoys being so close to wildlife, although he’s had a couple of close calls with some large animals.
He said the walk has also increased his appreciation of people across Canada. He’s noticed that people are becoming more tolerant.
They are more accepting now of him then they were in his first crossing in 1996, he noted. "I think people are opening up … the world is opening up to new ideas.
"People are pretty good … many stop to talk, curious about what I’m doing," he said. "I find most of them very friendly … and that softens me up too."
Vis was raised a strict Catholic, but changed his beliefs and name almost 35 years ago when he adopted the monastic life.
He, like many in the 1960s and ‘70s, was influenced by Eastern philosophies publicized by music groups such as the Beatles.
"I became attracted to this lifestyle and enrolled as a monk in the Hare Krishna movement back in 1973 when it was hip to be radical, daring and different," he says. "I admit that being a monk is not everyone’s calling, but it is mine."
As a celibate monk, Swami has evolved as an instructor of bhakri-yoga and mantra meditation, basing his teachings on the Hindu text Shagavad-Gita.
While comfortable with his vocation, Swami isn’t set on having others see things his way and encourages people to celebrate their diverse approaches.
However, he urges people to seek out paths that enrich their lives.
"I believe that collectively working on our inner strengths is one of the ways to heal a society that beckons for improvement," he says. "Let’s face it, we have an abundance of social issues on the table, and there are a lot of lonely people out there."
He believes that society’s problems stem from lack of commitment and a "vacuum of virtues."
"So I have come to believe that there are spiritual solutions to material problems," he says.
Swami says his cross-country tours are a way of gaining personal inspiration from Canada and its people.
In 1996 he went the way of a pilgrim and crossed this country from west to east on foot.
While travelling through eastern Ontario, he stayed close to the Great Lakes.
In 2003, he completed the circle by walking from Cape Spear, Newfoundland back to Vancouver Island.
At that time, he travelled along Highway 7 through Perth and Carleton Place.
He shared his unique experience and fond memories of his 16,000-km trek in The Longest Road, a National Film Board documentary detailing the history of the people who shaped — or were shaped by — the Trans Canada Highway, the world’s longest continuous maintained road.
He likes diverting from the major highways. After a stop in Renfrew, he headed out Bruce Street to make the trek to Arnprior along River Road.
He has divided his third cross-country trek into two parts. Last summer, he walked from Victoria to the Ontario border.
This summer he is completing the walk, with his trek to end at Cape Spear.
He said he recommends the marathon walk to people who have time on their hands and want to get in touch with their inner selves.
However, a walker should be in good shape before they start, he cautioned.
He sticks to a strict vegetarian diet and is accompanied by a support vehicle, driven by Doug Kretchmer of Quidamvideo Productions.
In the eastern Ontario segment of his walk, he was accompanied by Yamuna Jivana, a Hare Krishna devotee from Cuba.
For more information about the walk or to make a contribution, check out the official walk website at www.thewalkingmonk.org.
The Walking Monk, Bhaktimarga Swami, looks down the Bonnechere to the Ottawa River from the Horton boat launch Saturday. He found walking along the historic river inspiring.
Monk finds growing tolerance in third cross-Canada walk
Continued from Page 13
During his walk, Swami performs a form of mantra meditation.
"It really focuses the mind," he said. Even when the weather is less than accommodating and the body is aching, "it helps keep you in a happy frame of mind," he added.
Through its moments of strain, the walk aids in personal growth and the unpredictable weather helps with tolerance, he said.
Walking across the country makes one appreciate the country and its natural beauty, he said.
Swami particularly enjoys being so close to wildlife, although he’s had a couple of close calls with some large animals.
He said the walk has also increased his appreciation of people across Canada. He’s noticed that people are becoming more tolerant.
They are more accepting now of him then they were in his first crossing in 1996, he noted. "I think people are opening up … the world is opening up to new ideas.
"People are pretty good … many stop to talk, curious about what I’m doing," he said. "I find most of them very friendly … and that softens me up too."
Vis was raised a strict Catholic, but changed his beliefs and name almost 35 years ago when he adopted the monastic life.
He, like many in the 1960s and ‘70s, was influenced by Eastern philosophies publicized by music groups such as the Beatles.
"I became attracted to this lifestyle and enrolled as a monk in the Hare Krishna movement back in 1973 when it was hip to be radical, daring and different," he says. "I admit that being a monk is not everyone’s calling, but it is mine."
As a celibate monk, Swami has evolved as an instructor of bhakri-yoga and mantra meditation, basing his teachings on the Hindu text Shagavad-Gita.
While comfortable with his vocation, Swami isn’t set on having others see things his way and encourages people to celebrate their diverse approaches.
However, he urges people to seek out paths that enrich their lives.
"I believe that collectively working on our inner strengths is one of the ways to heal a society that beckons for improvement," he says. "Let’s face it, we have an abundance of social issues on the table, and there are a lot of lonely people out there."
He believes that society’s problems stem from lack of commitment and a "vacuum of virtues."
"So I have come to believe that there are spiritual solutions to material problems," he says.
Swami says his cross-country tours are a way of gaining personal inspiration from Canada and its people.
In 1996 he went the way of a pilgrim and crossed this country from west to east on foot.
While travelling through eastern Ontario, he stayed close to the Great Lakes.
In 2003, he completed the circle by walking from Cape Spear, Newfoundland back to Vancouver Island.
At that time, he travelled along Highway 7 through Perth and Carleton Place.
He shared his unique experience and fond memories of his 16,000-km trek in The Longest Road, a National Film Board documentary detailing the history of the people who shaped — or were shaped by — the Trans Canada Highway, the world’s longest continuous maintained road.
He likes diverting from the major highways. After a stop in Renfrew, he headed out Bruce Street to make the trek to Arnprior along River Road.
He has divided his third cross-country trek into two parts. Last summer, he walked from Victoria to the Ontario border.
This summer he is completing the walk, with his trek to end at Cape Spear.
He said he recommends the marathon walk to people who have time on their hands and want to get in touch with their inner selves.
However, a walker should be in good shape before they start, he cautioned.
He sticks to a strict vegetarian diet and is accompanied by a support vehicle, driven by Doug Kretchmer of Quidamvideo Productions.
In the eastern Ontario segment of his walk, he was accompanied by Yamuna Jivana, a Hare Krishna devotee from Cuba.
For more information about the walk or to make a contribution, check out the official walk website at www.thewalkingmonk.org.
The Walking Monk, Bhaktimarga Swami, looks down the Bonnechere to the Ottawa River from the Horton boat launch Saturday. He found walking along the historic river inspiring.
Wednesday, 29 August 2007
Mon., Aug. 27, 2007St. George, New Brunswick
JoAnne Carney told Doug and I about local history. Samuel deChamplain and Sieur DeMont set sail in 1604, commisioned by the King of France, Henry IV, to develop the New World. They came to the Bay of Fundy and proceeded to the St. Croix River and selected an island. The harsh winter its toll. Out of 80 men, less than half survived. They didn't trust the natives and could not leave the island as the river around them froze for the winter. Life was harsh.
Now four hundred years later, communities have developed. As I walked on Oak Haven Road near St. Stephen, I met some young kids on their bikes.They stopped to ask what I was up to. I told them I'm a monk walking from St. Stephen to, to St. Andrew, to St. George to......"I am going to all the saints," I exlplained. I explained the difference between saints and satan since they asked. One girl asked if I knew Terry Fox so I responded to her that he had passed away about 25 years ago and that he's now in a new body. She was curious about that as well.
Some young teens at Oak Bay, where we took a swim and veggie wrap break, where also inquisitive. They happily recieved books by Srila Prabhupada.
Tom McLaughlin, of classic rock station WQDY in Calais, Maine, took a fancy to our walking story. He came through the border at St. Stephen to interview Doug and I. So a US media outlet came to hear our story to be broadcast tomorrow.
Another novel feature of today was meeting Neville Crabbe of the St. Croix Courier newspaper. It was his first day working at the paper and his first assignment was to interview the monk. He did a splendid job and I wish him well in his career.
37 kms
Now four hundred years later, communities have developed. As I walked on Oak Haven Road near St. Stephen, I met some young kids on their bikes.They stopped to ask what I was up to. I told them I'm a monk walking from St. Stephen to, to St. Andrew, to St. George to......"I am going to all the saints," I exlplained. I explained the difference between saints and satan since they asked. One girl asked if I knew Terry Fox so I responded to her that he had passed away about 25 years ago and that he's now in a new body. She was curious about that as well.
Some young teens at Oak Bay, where we took a swim and veggie wrap break, where also inquisitive. They happily recieved books by Srila Prabhupada.
Tom McLaughlin, of classic rock station WQDY in Calais, Maine, took a fancy to our walking story. He came through the border at St. Stephen to interview Doug and I. So a US media outlet came to hear our story to be broadcast tomorrow.
Another novel feature of today was meeting Neville Crabbe of the St. Croix Courier newspaper. It was his first day working at the paper and his first assignment was to interview the monk. He did a splendid job and I wish him well in his career.
37 kms
Sun., Aug. 26, 2007 St. Andrews, New Brunswick
Doug accomplished a marathon himself today on driving. It was a good eight hour drive through most of the night after a very long day. We drove through periodic torrential rains that got us over the state of Maine from southern Quebec to southern New Brunswick. Then after a short rest, it took us another four hours of driving to reach St. Andrews to visit with friends.
Tall Ship Adventures is a whale-watching co-operative run by an old acquaintance, Rob Carney and his wife JoAnne. On a fifty ton ship along with tourists, Doug, Billie and I set sail to view the same weighted mammals called fin-back whales. These creatures, being the second largest animal on the planet (after Blue Whales) are a good 70 feet or more in length. They live quite a long time. Rob mentioned that a recent whale that was caught had a harpoon's tip, dating to the late 1800's, stuck to it's body. We caught sight of these magnificent creatures as they came to the surface for air. We also saw seals sunning on the rocks as well as playful porpoises jumping out of the water. There were also Bald Eagles flying in the sky around us.
The Vedic books of India talk of an avatar, Matsya, God's manifestation in the form of a fish, which was also gigantic in size. Like the story of Noah's Ark, a flood deluge was on the verge of destroying all of life but Matsya came to protect ancient Vedic codes (in hard copy) and saved them from water damage.
Whale-watching was enjoyable for everyone. The passengers aboard took great interest in Billie and our walking mission. At night we took rest on the Jolly Breeze ship docked in the Bay of Fundy.
10 kms
Tall Ship Adventures is a whale-watching co-operative run by an old acquaintance, Rob Carney and his wife JoAnne. On a fifty ton ship along with tourists, Doug, Billie and I set sail to view the same weighted mammals called fin-back whales. These creatures, being the second largest animal on the planet (after Blue Whales) are a good 70 feet or more in length. They live quite a long time. Rob mentioned that a recent whale that was caught had a harpoon's tip, dating to the late 1800's, stuck to it's body. We caught sight of these magnificent creatures as they came to the surface for air. We also saw seals sunning on the rocks as well as playful porpoises jumping out of the water. There were also Bald Eagles flying in the sky around us.
The Vedic books of India talk of an avatar, Matsya, God's manifestation in the form of a fish, which was also gigantic in size. Like the story of Noah's Ark, a flood deluge was on the verge of destroying all of life but Matsya came to protect ancient Vedic codes (in hard copy) and saved them from water damage.
Whale-watching was enjoyable for everyone. The passengers aboard took great interest in Billie and our walking mission. At night we took rest on the Jolly Breeze ship docked in the Bay of Fundy.
10 kms
Sat., Aug. 25, 2007 Border of Maine & Quebec
Wild apple trees are reaping tasty fruits. They are often situated at the edge of the highway and on the end of farmer's properties. Guess who's sampling these 'pommes' (apples)?
The walk is very much up and down or in other words, hilly terrain. Some of the Quebec farmers are left in wonder as they see robes of a unique kind flapping in the air. Most of the area is populated with francophones. A large Catholic church can be found in each small community like Ste. Matthias de Bonneterre.
Conley is an anglophone farmer who told Doug and I of the problems he encounters when going through the U.S. border. Most have increased security concerns since Sept. 11, 2001. So you have authorities at the U.S. border being cautious (overly perhaps). Fear is an interesting thing. Maybe we should fear temptations (or maya) more.
The few broken sentences, or my attempts at French, prove successful in my communicating with people. People in this area, like almost everywhere appreciate the notion of pilgrimage. In Lennoxville the night before, the owner of the health storetreatedour small temporary party of four with the food we took from the shelf. We were ready to pay at the till and she said, "It's on the house." There is a lot of kindness on the road. This travelling is addictive. Quebec is completed.
45 kms
The walk is very much up and down or in other words, hilly terrain. Some of the Quebec farmers are left in wonder as they see robes of a unique kind flapping in the air. Most of the area is populated with francophones. A large Catholic church can be found in each small community like Ste. Matthias de Bonneterre.
Conley is an anglophone farmer who told Doug and I of the problems he encounters when going through the U.S. border. Most have increased security concerns since Sept. 11, 2001. So you have authorities at the U.S. border being cautious (overly perhaps). Fear is an interesting thing. Maybe we should fear temptations (or maya) more.
The few broken sentences, or my attempts at French, prove successful in my communicating with people. People in this area, like almost everywhere appreciate the notion of pilgrimage. In Lennoxville the night before, the owner of the health storetreatedour small temporary party of four with the food we took from the shelf. We were ready to pay at the till and she said, "It's on the house." There is a lot of kindness on the road. This travelling is addictive. Quebec is completed.
45 kms
Friday, August 24, 2007 Lennoxville, Quebec
There's water. There's earth. Together thy create mud. Mud is what the feet have to trudge through sometimes. Today was one of those days. When it didn't rain, the humidity was very high. Sweating was insatiable.
A man in his early sixties pulled over. He introduced himself as Jacques and asked if Simon and I wanted to go back to 1863, the time of the American Civil War. Jacques operates the old Capelton Mine which is open for the tourists. In the war, copper was used for ammunition and so the mine, closed in 1907, is now reopened for the public.
The words 'Free of Charge' were enticing and 8 degree Celsius in the mine sounded even more interesting. Some facts: 14 year old boys started 12 hour shifts; the average life span of a miner was 35 years old; a miner would earn $1.10 per hour (that was good money in those days). Donkeys, used as beasts of burden, in the cool, dark and dusty mines, usually died inide the mine. Rats were the alarm system. They were left inside and kept fed. If they would make a dash for the mine opening it meant they felt a shake in the rock and a collapse was coming. The mines were not regarded as a place for women, so superstition had it that if a woman entered entered a mine, a major tragedy would happen. When tired, a miner would take a cat-nap on a plank about one foot wide.
This was all intriguing to me and inspirational as to the energy of labour put in. You could not be lazy or crazy in the mine in those days. The mine was rustic and historic. Well worth seeing this kind of thing.
I'm out here to learn about people as much as I like to teach about spirituality.
On highway 108, a reporter named Perry Beaton, from the Sherbrooke Record (an English newspaper), came to take photos.
Guillaime and Caroline were our gracious hosts for the night in Sherbrooke.
38 kms
A man in his early sixties pulled over. He introduced himself as Jacques and asked if Simon and I wanted to go back to 1863, the time of the American Civil War. Jacques operates the old Capelton Mine which is open for the tourists. In the war, copper was used for ammunition and so the mine, closed in 1907, is now reopened for the public.
The words 'Free of Charge' were enticing and 8 degree Celsius in the mine sounded even more interesting. Some facts: 14 year old boys started 12 hour shifts; the average life span of a miner was 35 years old; a miner would earn $1.10 per hour (that was good money in those days). Donkeys, used as beasts of burden, in the cool, dark and dusty mines, usually died inide the mine. Rats were the alarm system. They were left inside and kept fed. If they would make a dash for the mine opening it meant they felt a shake in the rock and a collapse was coming. The mines were not regarded as a place for women, so superstition had it that if a woman entered entered a mine, a major tragedy would happen. When tired, a miner would take a cat-nap on a plank about one foot wide.
This was all intriguing to me and inspirational as to the energy of labour put in. You could not be lazy or crazy in the mine in those days. The mine was rustic and historic. Well worth seeing this kind of thing.
I'm out here to learn about people as much as I like to teach about spirituality.
On highway 108, a reporter named Perry Beaton, from the Sherbrooke Record (an English newspaper), came to take photos.
Guillaime and Caroline were our gracious hosts for the night in Sherbrooke.
38 kms
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)