Parades and Processions
Toronto, ON
"I admire anyone who can walk in them", said the young guy to his girlfriend, referring to toothpick thin high hells worn by a woman they just observed in passing. I too agree that it is practically a mystical feat being able to accomplish such a task. Walking on stilts would be easier.
The street is Yonge St. I wasn't aware that today the Gay Pride Parade has passed through here in the afternoon. Eventually I found out that it attracted seven hundred thousand people which is three-hundred thousand short of the city's Caribana. In three weeks our won Jaganatha Pride Parade will roll down on the same street but in terms of numbers we are a little behind others although we might boast the largest Ratha Yatra in North America.
The Metro Newspaper captured a picture of a girl in blue portraying Krishna in London's Ratha Yatra. The picture was dispatch globally. She had a huge smile.
Parades, Processions draw crowds. As a kid I remember the parade organized by the Shriners. I loved the beat. Other big draws are the Santa Claus and St. Patricks' Day parades held at least in this city. The thump and rhythm of marches and drums becomes synchronized to the heart beat. The worries I mostly have about our own Ratha Yatra procession is "Will our participants sufficiently smile?" or "Will we overly display plastic bottled water when handed out to processionists to address their dehydration. Plastic bottle image is not a good profile for a spiritual organization..
When in Durban, I got extremely upset that hundreds of balloons were discharged into the air creating a refuse problem for the future.
8 KM
B L O G S P O T
Tuesday, 30 June 2009
Saturday, June 27th, 2009
Hindu and Non-Hindu
Toronto, Ontario
Highway 50 became the location of a Ratha Yatra festival hosted and organized by the Hindu community. The sun blazed on us chanters as we were propped up on a cart with Oriyan sacred images of Jaganatha, Baladev, and subhadra behind us. The harmonium pumped powerfully, hands slid and tapped on a mrdunga drums and kartals (hand cymbals) clanged to back up mantras.
After the sun moved to the West, I was transported to the temple for a photo art gallery exhibit. The photos excellently captured impressions of India. Photographer Haidee Malkin was excited to have her best shots on display in the temple's Govinda's Dining Room. People came and feasted their eyes on spirit-catching images of rural and industrious India. The attendance was predominantly non-Hindu. They, however, got to see classical Indian dance and also were entertained by mantra chanting by musical group "Gaura Shakti".
I had a few minutes on the microphone. People were shocked when I recommended that the best shoes for long distance walks are crocs.
While these function took place our youth were engaged in a sankirtan festival. Twenty two youths hit the streets with homemade veggie friendly cookies and soul friendly books for distribution. There was no discrimination as to who gets these little treasures.
Response was good. The sun shone.
7 KM
Toronto, Ontario
Highway 50 became the location of a Ratha Yatra festival hosted and organized by the Hindu community. The sun blazed on us chanters as we were propped up on a cart with Oriyan sacred images of Jaganatha, Baladev, and subhadra behind us. The harmonium pumped powerfully, hands slid and tapped on a mrdunga drums and kartals (hand cymbals) clanged to back up mantras.
After the sun moved to the West, I was transported to the temple for a photo art gallery exhibit. The photos excellently captured impressions of India. Photographer Haidee Malkin was excited to have her best shots on display in the temple's Govinda's Dining Room. People came and feasted their eyes on spirit-catching images of rural and industrious India. The attendance was predominantly non-Hindu. They, however, got to see classical Indian dance and also were entertained by mantra chanting by musical group "Gaura Shakti".
I had a few minutes on the microphone. People were shocked when I recommended that the best shoes for long distance walks are crocs.
While these function took place our youth were engaged in a sankirtan festival. Twenty two youths hit the streets with homemade veggie friendly cookies and soul friendly books for distribution. There was no discrimination as to who gets these little treasures.
Response was good. The sun shone.
7 KM
Friday, June 26th, 2009
Not Africa/Not Heaven
Toronto, ON
Was I happy to see Josh (short for Joshveer) from South Africa newly arrived. This young chap is leading man material for some upcoming dramas I'm planning to stage. I've worked with him in Durban and I slipped the idea by him when he was back in his country, "Why don't you come to Canada? We could form a serious troupe." And so he agreed and had arrived just hours before I returned.
As is usual, I introduce newcomers to my favourite japa walking trails. "It's a whole new foliage here for you, Josh. That's a maple tree. It provides the greatest syrup. There's poison ivy. Stay away from it. Here's a mulberry tree. Pick! Aren't they tasty? IN the pond you see goldfish. Oh! A turtle! Natvie blue wild flower. It's chickory. Maybe it's not foreign to you. Look! A red winged black bird, very territorial! There's some squirrels. They look like cute rats with bushy Hare Krishna hair tails at the end." for Josh, it's a new world - a change from monkeys, zebras, lions, elephants and everything African. He is surprised to see few homes with walls and barbed wire around them. "It's all very open, Josh."
After the initiation walk, he had to deal with jet lag dynamics and rested.
I received a call from Vrnda, our spiritual facilitator in Winnipeg, that a dear godsister, Ghandiva, student of Srila Prabhupad, is in a coma and doctors inform that she will not revive again. Ghandiva has been struggling with health issues for some time including diabetes. She was one of the earlier pioneers for establishing the consciousness of Krishna in Mumbai. She spent some years living in L.A. and the last years in Manitoba, Canada.
I make an appeal to all walking monk readers to please throw a prayer out there for this good soul who lives in a desperate situation at the moment.
Please wish Ghandiva well.
12 KM
Toronto, ON
Was I happy to see Josh (short for Joshveer) from South Africa newly arrived. This young chap is leading man material for some upcoming dramas I'm planning to stage. I've worked with him in Durban and I slipped the idea by him when he was back in his country, "Why don't you come to Canada? We could form a serious troupe." And so he agreed and had arrived just hours before I returned.
As is usual, I introduce newcomers to my favourite japa walking trails. "It's a whole new foliage here for you, Josh. That's a maple tree. It provides the greatest syrup. There's poison ivy. Stay away from it. Here's a mulberry tree. Pick! Aren't they tasty? IN the pond you see goldfish. Oh! A turtle! Natvie blue wild flower. It's chickory. Maybe it's not foreign to you. Look! A red winged black bird, very territorial! There's some squirrels. They look like cute rats with bushy Hare Krishna hair tails at the end." for Josh, it's a new world - a change from monkeys, zebras, lions, elephants and everything African. He is surprised to see few homes with walls and barbed wire around them. "It's all very open, Josh."
After the initiation walk, he had to deal with jet lag dynamics and rested.
I received a call from Vrnda, our spiritual facilitator in Winnipeg, that a dear godsister, Ghandiva, student of Srila Prabhupad, is in a coma and doctors inform that she will not revive again. Ghandiva has been struggling with health issues for some time including diabetes. She was one of the earlier pioneers for establishing the consciousness of Krishna in Mumbai. She spent some years living in L.A. and the last years in Manitoba, Canada.
I make an appeal to all walking monk readers to please throw a prayer out there for this good soul who lives in a desperate situation at the moment.
Please wish Ghandiva well.
12 KM
Sunday, 28 June 2009
Thursday, June 25th, 2009
Lightness and Moonwalk
Burnaby, British Columbia
My last day on the west coast came to a beautiful closure. Before embarking on a red-eye flight back to central Canada, a hefty turnout of devotees from the Vancouver area partook in a Nine Devotions workshop. When asked which of the nine was their favourite the consensus was 'befriending someone'. I guess in the current world of alienation when loneliness can attack even people who have some devotional connection, getting to know someone or 'making a new friend' (as we call it in the workshop) this ice breaking session is really popular.
A type of lightness pervaded the temple room. The session was treated with respectful casualness. Sometimes places of worship (temples included) can ride on a stigma of formality and breed a kind of frigidity. This is ironic since places or reverence are built for people. Sometimes we forget what people's needs are. Those needs are usually not just a list of rules.
Speaking about persons who have gone through the process of alienation, while waiting for the flight at the Vancouver airport, monitors were informing sleepy passengers about the death of Michael Jackson. He certainly meant different things to different people. He affected a generation of people and likely his signature 'moon-walk' is here to stay for a while until a new way of walking becomes gimmicky enough to substitute.
I dedicate some mantras to Michael who had it very hard in this life.
7 KM
Burnaby, British Columbia
My last day on the west coast came to a beautiful closure. Before embarking on a red-eye flight back to central Canada, a hefty turnout of devotees from the Vancouver area partook in a Nine Devotions workshop. When asked which of the nine was their favourite the consensus was 'befriending someone'. I guess in the current world of alienation when loneliness can attack even people who have some devotional connection, getting to know someone or 'making a new friend' (as we call it in the workshop) this ice breaking session is really popular.
A type of lightness pervaded the temple room. The session was treated with respectful casualness. Sometimes places of worship (temples included) can ride on a stigma of formality and breed a kind of frigidity. This is ironic since places or reverence are built for people. Sometimes we forget what people's needs are. Those needs are usually not just a list of rules.
Speaking about persons who have gone through the process of alienation, while waiting for the flight at the Vancouver airport, monitors were informing sleepy passengers about the death of Michael Jackson. He certainly meant different things to different people. He affected a generation of people and likely his signature 'moon-walk' is here to stay for a while until a new way of walking becomes gimmicky enough to substitute.
I dedicate some mantras to Michael who had it very hard in this life.
7 KM
Friday, 26 June 2009
Wednesday, June 24th, 2009
Not Grim!
Saanichton, British Columbia
From my brother’s home a five minute walk takes you to Centennial Park. There are great looping trails there. I spotted a slow slug. He was huge. Fern bushes were large. Cedar trees were towering. In this virtual rainforest you find everything large. Everything is sizable except for my bhakti, my devotion.
It struck me. There I was attempting to give focus to the sound on my tongue, the sound of the name, but I was unable to give much attention to it. I cannot scapegoat my surroundings and blame it for my lack of concentration. It is my own determination to listen that is weak. My lips had been moving and sound was produced but I wasn’t hearing much. “Woe is me!”.
Soft rains came to nourish the porched area. The cleansing rain gave hope. My will strengthened and more focused sound came out of my mouth.
My evening was slotted for attending a twelve year old’s birthday. The hosts, a family from Fiji, arranged the program. I was expected to sing and to speak – to say something uplifting. My personal challenge was to make a presentation that would be of particular interest to the kids that were to attend. So I decided to choose a story from the book “Krishna” and read and act out or charade out the blanks. It worked. It was a hit. The kids sat in front of me with adults behind. The end result was a clearly focused audience. Lots of laughs. Then time for an overview of what was read. Some serious reflection followed. Then a chanting session with innovative dance steps had everyone jolly.
Spiritual life does not have to be grim.
7 KM
Saanichton, British Columbia
From my brother’s home a five minute walk takes you to Centennial Park. There are great looping trails there. I spotted a slow slug. He was huge. Fern bushes were large. Cedar trees were towering. In this virtual rainforest you find everything large. Everything is sizable except for my bhakti, my devotion.
It struck me. There I was attempting to give focus to the sound on my tongue, the sound of the name, but I was unable to give much attention to it. I cannot scapegoat my surroundings and blame it for my lack of concentration. It is my own determination to listen that is weak. My lips had been moving and sound was produced but I wasn’t hearing much. “Woe is me!”.
Soft rains came to nourish the porched area. The cleansing rain gave hope. My will strengthened and more focused sound came out of my mouth.
My evening was slotted for attending a twelve year old’s birthday. The hosts, a family from Fiji, arranged the program. I was expected to sing and to speak – to say something uplifting. My personal challenge was to make a presentation that would be of particular interest to the kids that were to attend. So I decided to choose a story from the book “Krishna” and read and act out or charade out the blanks. It worked. It was a hit. The kids sat in front of me with adults behind. The end result was a clearly focused audience. Lots of laughs. Then time for an overview of what was read. Some serious reflection followed. Then a chanting session with innovative dance steps had everyone jolly.
Spiritual life does not have to be grim.
7 KM
Wednesday, 24 June 2009
Tuesday, June 23rd, 2009
Victoria, British Columbia
Worry!
On the previous night we awarded two women diksha, or initiation. It involved the verbalizing of vows, new names given, a fire ceremony, chanting, rituals, a feast and a talk. In the talk I emphasized to the two initiates the need to see the founder, Srila Prabhupada, as their principle guru. "I will not stand in his way!" I said, "I am his helper."
The feast at night (although I restrained quantities) took its toll on the tummy. I rose early and took to the trails, one of which is situated under Vancouver's skytrain. This is where I engage in chanting on my beads.
With morning spiritual exercise (sadhana) done, I headed off to Vancouver Island and its capital city, Victoria. With these associates to accompany me, we were helpd for an extended time at Tsawassen's ferry dock. We were waiting and worrying about being late. We met Tim Lawson, an ex-hippy formerly from Ontario.
"I was with you guys in Hamilton in the '70's. I spent a week living with you, with my guitar, chanting," he said. He described himself as an artist at large. He handed a card with a message on the back. Perhaps you have heard it before. It's called:
Why Worry?
In this life there are only two things to worry bout.
Either you will be rich or poor.
If you are rich, there is nothing to worry about.
If you are poor, there are only two things to worry about.
Either you will be healthy or sick.
If you are healthy, there is nothing to worry about.
But if you are sick, there are two things to worry about.
Either you will live or you will die.
If you live, there is nothing to worry about.
If you die, there are only two things to worry about.
You will either go to heaven or to hell.
If you go to heaven, there will be nothing to worry about.
If you go to hell, you'll be so darn busy shaking hands with all your friends, you won't have time to worry!
SO WHY WORRY!
Author Unknown
Although I find the message cute, I take the liberty to comment by saying: I hope to find my friends in a better place.
In the evening, a lively program was hosted by Krishna devotees. It was the first time that I actually gave a talk before kith and kin. My brother Paul came over to the program.
5 KM
Worry!
On the previous night we awarded two women diksha, or initiation. It involved the verbalizing of vows, new names given, a fire ceremony, chanting, rituals, a feast and a talk. In the talk I emphasized to the two initiates the need to see the founder, Srila Prabhupada, as their principle guru. "I will not stand in his way!" I said, "I am his helper."
The feast at night (although I restrained quantities) took its toll on the tummy. I rose early and took to the trails, one of which is situated under Vancouver's skytrain. This is where I engage in chanting on my beads.
With morning spiritual exercise (sadhana) done, I headed off to Vancouver Island and its capital city, Victoria. With these associates to accompany me, we were helpd for an extended time at Tsawassen's ferry dock. We were waiting and worrying about being late. We met Tim Lawson, an ex-hippy formerly from Ontario.
"I was with you guys in Hamilton in the '70's. I spent a week living with you, with my guitar, chanting," he said. He described himself as an artist at large. He handed a card with a message on the back. Perhaps you have heard it before. It's called:
Why Worry?
In this life there are only two things to worry bout.
Either you will be rich or poor.
If you are rich, there is nothing to worry about.
If you are poor, there are only two things to worry about.
Either you will be healthy or sick.
If you are healthy, there is nothing to worry about.
But if you are sick, there are two things to worry about.
Either you will live or you will die.
If you live, there is nothing to worry about.
If you die, there are only two things to worry about.
You will either go to heaven or to hell.
If you go to heaven, there will be nothing to worry about.
If you go to hell, you'll be so darn busy shaking hands with all your friends, you won't have time to worry!
SO WHY WORRY!
Author Unknown
Although I find the message cute, I take the liberty to comment by saying: I hope to find my friends in a better place.
In the evening, a lively program was hosted by Krishna devotees. It was the first time that I actually gave a talk before kith and kin. My brother Paul came over to the program.
5 KM
Monday, June 22nd, 2009
Watch Out!
Burnaby, British Columbia
"PLEASE DO NOT FEED THE COYOTES!" reads the sign which I daily pass on foot when visiting our Vancouver centre. The sign further says of the wild dogs that roam in this Byrne Creek area, "THEY ARE OBSERVED AND APPRECIATED FROM A DISTANCE!"
The point is if you feed them, you spoil them.
One of my walking companions informed me that cats don't survive at the devotee community nearby because of the canine creatures. And the hairy remains of a squirrel alongside our trail was evidence of coyote hunger.
The topic came up several times in the last few days on why some monks will leave the order. It does become disturbing news when you hear of an apparent dedicated and loyal person who 1) weakens and 2) strays from the mission. There are several reasons for these happenings. One cause for departing from principles or disciplines is isolation. A sannyasi or monk may be busy in the mission in some part of the world with not much peer association and hence he may find himself starting to eventually weaken and cater to some hidden desires and then take to some bad habits.
Another cause for swaying from self-discipline is the adulation or over-praise that oftentimes goes along with the territory. When you are in a position of spiritual authority, people will offer a great amount of reverence. It can be intoxicating.
Other culprits are over-endeavouring, over-eating, associating with the opposite gender. To be more detailed on this, one scenario could be the following: You are a monk in a man's body. You just gave a fabulous talk to a group of people. They were inspired and one particular woman in the group was as well. She wanted to talk to you about something personal and you agree to meet her at a place and time. You meet in a private office, and then there is a second meeting, and a third... The writing is on the wall.
Those of us in a position of spiritual influence must carefully guard against those things that weaken us. One way that people can help the monk to remain strong is to allow us to carry a sign that reads "PLEASE DON'T OVERFEED THIS MONK!"
7 KM
Burnaby, British Columbia
"PLEASE DO NOT FEED THE COYOTES!" reads the sign which I daily pass on foot when visiting our Vancouver centre. The sign further says of the wild dogs that roam in this Byrne Creek area, "THEY ARE OBSERVED AND APPRECIATED FROM A DISTANCE!"
The point is if you feed them, you spoil them.
One of my walking companions informed me that cats don't survive at the devotee community nearby because of the canine creatures. And the hairy remains of a squirrel alongside our trail was evidence of coyote hunger.
The topic came up several times in the last few days on why some monks will leave the order. It does become disturbing news when you hear of an apparent dedicated and loyal person who 1) weakens and 2) strays from the mission. There are several reasons for these happenings. One cause for departing from principles or disciplines is isolation. A sannyasi or monk may be busy in the mission in some part of the world with not much peer association and hence he may find himself starting to eventually weaken and cater to some hidden desires and then take to some bad habits.
Another cause for swaying from self-discipline is the adulation or over-praise that oftentimes goes along with the territory. When you are in a position of spiritual authority, people will offer a great amount of reverence. It can be intoxicating.
Other culprits are over-endeavouring, over-eating, associating with the opposite gender. To be more detailed on this, one scenario could be the following: You are a monk in a man's body. You just gave a fabulous talk to a group of people. They were inspired and one particular woman in the group was as well. She wanted to talk to you about something personal and you agree to meet her at a place and time. You meet in a private office, and then there is a second meeting, and a third... The writing is on the wall.
Those of us in a position of spiritual influence must carefully guard against those things that weaken us. One way that people can help the monk to remain strong is to allow us to carry a sign that reads "PLEASE DON'T OVERFEED THIS MONK!"
7 KM
Tuesday, 23 June 2009
Sunday, June 21st, 2009
Fathers
Seattle, Washington
I grew attached to the Seattle community and especially the children. Children always give us hope, and that's why it's good to have them around. Anyone who thinks that children are a nuisance are a nuisance themselves. They vibrate tremendous optimism.
When you are a man in a spiritual community, you automatically become a father. On this Father's Day, I had the golden opportunity to reflect on this type of fatherhood; because, being a life long celibate, I cannot claim to be a biological one. I still feel like one though.
After leaving the Seattle community almost tearfully, as the kids jumped up and down with their "good-byes", I could now ready myself for more of this parental spirit upon approaching the Vancouver community, with its' share of youngsters. When you travel, you are never devoid of people, and especially the little ones.
I had to ponder on my own personal fatherhood, which is in a unique category. I would compare the spiritual dad to something like carrying on the responsibility of a lighthouse. Tradition has it that the mother gives the milk, and the father brings the bread. Dads do more than that. Fatherhood is like the lighthouse of the other day. You give light and direction when things are cloudy and dark. The ideal dad is like that. He's a coach. He points the way. He is a guru.
Popular media loves to highlight the bad man,...the mean father. But there are lots of good fathers in the world. Few people report them. Happy Father's Day!
3KM
Seattle, Washington
I grew attached to the Seattle community and especially the children. Children always give us hope, and that's why it's good to have them around. Anyone who thinks that children are a nuisance are a nuisance themselves. They vibrate tremendous optimism.
When you are a man in a spiritual community, you automatically become a father. On this Father's Day, I had the golden opportunity to reflect on this type of fatherhood; because, being a life long celibate, I cannot claim to be a biological one. I still feel like one though.
After leaving the Seattle community almost tearfully, as the kids jumped up and down with their "good-byes", I could now ready myself for more of this parental spirit upon approaching the Vancouver community, with its' share of youngsters. When you travel, you are never devoid of people, and especially the little ones.
I had to ponder on my own personal fatherhood, which is in a unique category. I would compare the spiritual dad to something like carrying on the responsibility of a lighthouse. Tradition has it that the mother gives the milk, and the father brings the bread. Dads do more than that. Fatherhood is like the lighthouse of the other day. You give light and direction when things are cloudy and dark. The ideal dad is like that. He's a coach. He points the way. He is a guru.
Popular media loves to highlight the bad man,...the mean father. But there are lots of good fathers in the world. Few people report them. Happy Father's Day!
3KM
Saturday, June 20th, 2009
A Smooth Swami
Seattle, Washington
No matter where he is in the world, I have always admired the smooth operation, despite an incredible work-load, of my monk friend, Romapada Swami. He is this year's chairperson for Krishna Consciousness world-wide and has a lot on his plate and sometimes it's not too palatable.
The night before, I was sharing the cabin space with him, ready to lay down my weary body at 10:20pm. He was engaged at his makeshift office in the next room. He was looking at the screen on his laptop. The news that appeared before him was tragic and nothing short of nightmarish. He sunk back in his chair but gave a smile. He told me what the news was and indeed it was sad.
I told him that I could never do his job, taking in so much negativity. "You have to smile and take things lightheartedly, otherwise you can't keep going." He said.
"I would not be able to sleep in such circumstances." I remarked.
The swami indicated that we all have to go through these things and it was God's mercy. I must admit that I sometimes carry a slight "attitude" towards American people for their boisterousness and sometimes just bad manners. I must also be careful not to be too stereotypical in this regard.
But this human being, this monk, this American swami from New York, is not ordinary. He's a thoughtful, caring, and sacrificial person, who has won my respect all the way for taking on a heavy burden for the sake of helping humanity.
Thank you, Romapada Swami for being an inspiration to me and others. Thank you for your good association.
4KM
Seattle, Washington
No matter where he is in the world, I have always admired the smooth operation, despite an incredible work-load, of my monk friend, Romapada Swami. He is this year's chairperson for Krishna Consciousness world-wide and has a lot on his plate and sometimes it's not too palatable.
The night before, I was sharing the cabin space with him, ready to lay down my weary body at 10:20pm. He was engaged at his makeshift office in the next room. He was looking at the screen on his laptop. The news that appeared before him was tragic and nothing short of nightmarish. He sunk back in his chair but gave a smile. He told me what the news was and indeed it was sad.
I told him that I could never do his job, taking in so much negativity. "You have to smile and take things lightheartedly, otherwise you can't keep going." He said.
"I would not be able to sleep in such circumstances." I remarked.
The swami indicated that we all have to go through these things and it was God's mercy. I must admit that I sometimes carry a slight "attitude" towards American people for their boisterousness and sometimes just bad manners. I must also be careful not to be too stereotypical in this regard.
But this human being, this monk, this American swami from New York, is not ordinary. He's a thoughtful, caring, and sacrificial person, who has won my respect all the way for taking on a heavy burden for the sake of helping humanity.
Thank you, Romapada Swami for being an inspiration to me and others. Thank you for your good association.
4KM
Sunday, 21 June 2009
Friday, June 19th, 2009
Lighthouse
Olympia, Washington
Our group of thirty or so participants divided into teams who were determined to trek. Those interested in a short leisurely walk in the bush were part of the team on The Sita Stroll. The more daring were on the Ram Run. And the most bold tackled the trek on the world’s longest land spit, a five and half mile stretch were called the Hanuman Haul.
I gave the names and decided to walk the spit, which culminates at a gorgeous light-house made in 1857. Our team fought the wind, some ocean spray, and dodged bird poop. Driftwood on the shore were works of art. Caspian terns, a unique bird, nest along the spit. Seals were curious and came near us, but stayed in their natural habitat, the water.
When we reached the lighthouse and met the keeper, he asked where we were from.
“We need to see Hare Krishna’s at the airports,” he remarked.
“We switched to lighthouse for now ” I said.
That gave him a chuckle for sure. Another keeper showed off his t-shirt which read “I’ve seen the light.” The most elevated of the keepers was third. He was at the top of the lighthouse tower (ha,ha) giving us a tour of that bird’s eye view. Our team was an all-male team, except for Aditi, a small ten-year old. She became our hero for the day. Her dad, Nandasuta, seeing the vast benefits of this type of walking committed himself to making it a daily routine. Aditi startled us all, a second time, when after covering a twelve mile (19.8 km) distance walk for the day, engaged in a dramatic reading where she joined her older soul brothers (monks). She read the lines for Krishna’s gopis (milk maidens) and did a marvelous job!
Victory to Aditi!
Olympia, Washington
Our group of thirty or so participants divided into teams who were determined to trek. Those interested in a short leisurely walk in the bush were part of the team on The Sita Stroll. The more daring were on the Ram Run. And the most bold tackled the trek on the world’s longest land spit, a five and half mile stretch were called the Hanuman Haul.
I gave the names and decided to walk the spit, which culminates at a gorgeous light-house made in 1857. Our team fought the wind, some ocean spray, and dodged bird poop. Driftwood on the shore were works of art. Caspian terns, a unique bird, nest along the spit. Seals were curious and came near us, but stayed in their natural habitat, the water.
When we reached the lighthouse and met the keeper, he asked where we were from.
“We need to see Hare Krishna’s at the airports,” he remarked.
“We switched to lighthouse for now ” I said.
That gave him a chuckle for sure. Another keeper showed off his t-shirt which read “I’ve seen the light.” The most elevated of the keepers was third. He was at the top of the lighthouse tower (ha,ha) giving us a tour of that bird’s eye view. Our team was an all-male team, except for Aditi, a small ten-year old. She became our hero for the day. Her dad, Nandasuta, seeing the vast benefits of this type of walking committed himself to making it a daily routine. Aditi startled us all, a second time, when after covering a twelve mile (19.8 km) distance walk for the day, engaged in a dramatic reading where she joined her older soul brothers (monks). She read the lines for Krishna’s gopis (milk maidens) and did a marvelous job!
Victory to Aditi!
Thursday, June 18th, 2009
Boldly
Sequim, Washington
He sat there like a wise old sage does in a cave of the Himalayan range. Still, up high, above everything, content, and contemplative he sat perched on a bare branch with a white head and dark brown body, a bald eagle right near our cottage. I asked Kalakantha, a soul brother who also came on the retreat, if he had seen an eagle recently.
“It’s been a long while,” he said.
So I pointed to the large bird and Kalakantha looked on with awe. The bird didn’t seem to be disturbed by our endless gazing.
We, however, became distracted by other things, such as the lavender farms in the area, and the great aroma wafting from them.
Without getting too carried away by our surroundings including one of the oldest light houses at the end of the largest spit in the world, near our rented cottages, we set out to our most important task which was to give ourselves (us senior men & women) our time and realizations to patron donors of our Washington community. We spoke of our guru’s- personal revelations which were sweet, instructive, engaging, and deep.
Kirtan (chanting) was very participatory as principle facilitator, Hari Vilas, churned out powerful honeyed melodies from his harmonium, When it was his turn to speak, he relayed to us his time in Paris when in an unzipped robe, bald and all, he approached the chief administrator of Olympia Hall, a prestigious theater almost impossible to book. By some miracle he got the hall booked. He introduced himself as the Beatles’ agent and how the Beatles’ and their guru, Srila Prabhupada, were going to meet in the venue.
There was little promotion as the Krsna monks had no money, but people came and saw the guru, minus the Beatles. A deception it was, but we had a good laugh.
6 KM
Sequim, Washington
He sat there like a wise old sage does in a cave of the Himalayan range. Still, up high, above everything, content, and contemplative he sat perched on a bare branch with a white head and dark brown body, a bald eagle right near our cottage. I asked Kalakantha, a soul brother who also came on the retreat, if he had seen an eagle recently.
“It’s been a long while,” he said.
So I pointed to the large bird and Kalakantha looked on with awe. The bird didn’t seem to be disturbed by our endless gazing.
We, however, became distracted by other things, such as the lavender farms in the area, and the great aroma wafting from them.
Without getting too carried away by our surroundings including one of the oldest light houses at the end of the largest spit in the world, near our rented cottages, we set out to our most important task which was to give ourselves (us senior men & women) our time and realizations to patron donors of our Washington community. We spoke of our guru’s- personal revelations which were sweet, instructive, engaging, and deep.
Kirtan (chanting) was very participatory as principle facilitator, Hari Vilas, churned out powerful honeyed melodies from his harmonium, When it was his turn to speak, he relayed to us his time in Paris when in an unzipped robe, bald and all, he approached the chief administrator of Olympia Hall, a prestigious theater almost impossible to book. By some miracle he got the hall booked. He introduced himself as the Beatles’ agent and how the Beatles’ and their guru, Srila Prabhupada, were going to meet in the venue.
There was little promotion as the Krsna monks had no money, but people came and saw the guru, minus the Beatles. A deception it was, but we had a good laugh.
6 KM
Wednesday, June 17th, 2009
Wonders
Vancouver, British Columbia
The very ground that we walk upon has the most beautiful colours, aromas, and formations. While en route to Sequim, Washington, for a retreat, I stopped in Vancouver to catch a car ride. My driver, Akrura, and his family took me to the showroom of their business, Hari Stones Ltd. In this one of the three outlets located in Surrey, a Vancouver suburb, you will see displayed some of the best pieces of granite that this earth has to offer. Massive slabs, of granite, marble, and slate, grave their warehouse and showroom with astounding colours and natural designs. Deep penetrating reds and greens form veins and splashes of eye-opening wonder. In some of the slabs you see fossils, crustaceans, or shells, embedded into the ancient pressurized rock that hails from India, Turkey, Brazil, Italy, Canada, and other such places.
People may wonder what a monk and rock have in common. Well, my response to that would be that I highly appreciate the awesome aesthetics of nature, with the creator behind it. I also had the good fortune to stroll a trail in the great cedars of the west coast. The smells, heights, and hues of these green giants struck my sensitivities once again.
I endorse the travelling and walking cultures once again as it enhances our gratitude for what’s around us. There are as many great wonders in the world that we find in our midst. We just need to stroll and look around.
5 KM
Vancouver, British Columbia
The very ground that we walk upon has the most beautiful colours, aromas, and formations. While en route to Sequim, Washington, for a retreat, I stopped in Vancouver to catch a car ride. My driver, Akrura, and his family took me to the showroom of their business, Hari Stones Ltd. In this one of the three outlets located in Surrey, a Vancouver suburb, you will see displayed some of the best pieces of granite that this earth has to offer. Massive slabs, of granite, marble, and slate, grave their warehouse and showroom with astounding colours and natural designs. Deep penetrating reds and greens form veins and splashes of eye-opening wonder. In some of the slabs you see fossils, crustaceans, or shells, embedded into the ancient pressurized rock that hails from India, Turkey, Brazil, Italy, Canada, and other such places.
People may wonder what a monk and rock have in common. Well, my response to that would be that I highly appreciate the awesome aesthetics of nature, with the creator behind it. I also had the good fortune to stroll a trail in the great cedars of the west coast. The smells, heights, and hues of these green giants struck my sensitivities once again.
I endorse the travelling and walking cultures once again as it enhances our gratitude for what’s around us. There are as many great wonders in the world that we find in our midst. We just need to stroll and look around.
5 KM
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