The Road and the Sea
Kent Bridge, Ontario
My memories are fond of just the night before when another packed house outside of Detroit came to hear of Krishna’s pastimes. The morning is engulfed in mist as I Trekked by the side of Long Woods Rd. inching my way forward to see the house where I spent my babyhood. Then Devadatta drove up to my spot. A call came in which caused me to transfer my thoughts. The message came from a devotee whose car just got totaled when a large deer lept in front. The deer was spontaneously killed leaving the driver shaken.
I did get to see the house of my infancy and also to see my sister, Rose Ann and her partner Jim.
Although I paced by corn and cabbage fields my mind gravitated to the sea and a Bengali poem written by our guru, Srila Prabhupada. The translation to section 3 of the piece called, Vradavana Bhajan;
Froth on the Sea Water
The froth upon the seawater
Arrives one moment and disappears the next;
The play of maya’s worldly illusion
Is exactly like that.
No one is actually a mother or father,
A family member or relative.
Everyone is just like the froth on the seawater,
Existing for only a moment.
Just as the froth on the seawater
Dissolves again into the sea,
The body made of five elements
Merges again with these five elements after it dies.
How many fleeting forms does the
Embodied soul take in this manner?
His so-called family members are only related
To this temporary external body.
5 Km
B L O G S P O T
Tuesday, 10 November 2009
Saturday, November 7th, 2009
A Wish to Address Crime
Detroit, Michigan
The morning message from the book Bhagavatham was about the heroic aspect of Krishna who delivered ladies in peril, kidnapped by a villain Shankacuda. Crime is what it is when the innocent suffer. It is understood that Krishna’s intent in coming to our world was to correct criminals. Who are these criminals anyway? Who are the innocent? We might consider that we all have a streak of “criminal” in us.
In the Bhagavad-Gita, chapter 3 offers a rather truthful statement regarding out thieving nature. There it is said that those who show no gratitude for food we eat are declared “guilty” insofar as stealing is concerned. Some acknowledgement or some recognition of the powerful providers, the demi-gods, is the least one can do. Better still, if you can honour the presiding power over the provider, Krishna himself, then you have come upon something really good.
I spent a good while with Yugal Kishor, Wayne state university student/monk in front of the old Fisher mansion-turned-temple. In the sixties, perhaps earlier, the nieghbourhood just south of affluent Gross Point fell into decline. The area had become crime-ridden. Mr. Fisher had built the home in the car hey day. It was in the 20’s that this great auto baron was worth 500 million dollars. He had influence. Amongst celebrities here were people like Gloria Swanson and Jean Harlow. That is all in the past.
The old mansion had been acquired by followers of Krishna and they are maintaining the structure as a temple. The very bright Yugal Kishor was talking to me about his desire to involve more of the local youth, some of whom are prone to get into trouble with substance abuse and other levels of crime. I concurred with him that something should be done. The Motor City deserves a chance.
1 Km
Detroit, Michigan
The morning message from the book Bhagavatham was about the heroic aspect of Krishna who delivered ladies in peril, kidnapped by a villain Shankacuda. Crime is what it is when the innocent suffer. It is understood that Krishna’s intent in coming to our world was to correct criminals. Who are these criminals anyway? Who are the innocent? We might consider that we all have a streak of “criminal” in us.
In the Bhagavad-Gita, chapter 3 offers a rather truthful statement regarding out thieving nature. There it is said that those who show no gratitude for food we eat are declared “guilty” insofar as stealing is concerned. Some acknowledgement or some recognition of the powerful providers, the demi-gods, is the least one can do. Better still, if you can honour the presiding power over the provider, Krishna himself, then you have come upon something really good.
I spent a good while with Yugal Kishor, Wayne state university student/monk in front of the old Fisher mansion-turned-temple. In the sixties, perhaps earlier, the nieghbourhood just south of affluent Gross Point fell into decline. The area had become crime-ridden. Mr. Fisher had built the home in the car hey day. It was in the 20’s that this great auto baron was worth 500 million dollars. He had influence. Amongst celebrities here were people like Gloria Swanson and Jean Harlow. That is all in the past.
The old mansion had been acquired by followers of Krishna and they are maintaining the structure as a temple. The very bright Yugal Kishor was talking to me about his desire to involve more of the local youth, some of whom are prone to get into trouble with substance abuse and other levels of crime. I concurred with him that something should be done. The Motor City deserves a chance.
1 Km
Friday, November 6th, 2009
Car and Leg
Windsor, Ontario
Devadatta and I lay our bodies down to rest at the home of his father, Dennis Ford, the previous night. Father and son had a reunion, a late night chat. Out of regimen I rose early as usual to explore outdoor air and the eye of God, the sun. My trail for pedestrian pleasure (pleasure because the mantra is with me) is Tecumseh road named after the reputed warrior chief who fought in the war of 1812, the struggle between the British and the Americans. A light frost hit window shields overnight. A walker to work asked, “Aren’t you cold in that?” Referring to the robes I mentioned proudly, “Absolutely not, this is thick hemp.” The fiber I’m wearing may be the answer to brutal winters for Canadian and Russian monks. It’s an experiment. So far so good.
From the Chrylser plant at Tecumseh and Droullaird it was a mediocre walk along the Ford City section of Windsor. The history of auto proliferation is extremely obvious here with Droullaird St. ornamented in the way of monuments, plaques and murals.
Then I hung a left at Riverside drive at the Hiram Walker Distillery. All the while I’m chanting and then it struck me about the dichotomy of the world of hike and mantra set against the world of the greased wheel and liquor.
To take me across the border to the U.S. by way of tunnel under the Detroit River were Kapil and Bharat, devotees from Detroit. From here the Motown portion of the day folded in for a talk about the walk, meaning all the pilgrimages taken thus far. From time to time I take the opportunity to recall glorious and liberating moments from the adventures. It is always a story about the life of simplicity and devotional service.
Fortunately we spoke to a packed house of Bhakti enthusiasts in a place called Novi just outside of Detroit.
14 Km
Windsor, Ontario
Devadatta and I lay our bodies down to rest at the home of his father, Dennis Ford, the previous night. Father and son had a reunion, a late night chat. Out of regimen I rose early as usual to explore outdoor air and the eye of God, the sun. My trail for pedestrian pleasure (pleasure because the mantra is with me) is Tecumseh road named after the reputed warrior chief who fought in the war of 1812, the struggle between the British and the Americans. A light frost hit window shields overnight. A walker to work asked, “Aren’t you cold in that?” Referring to the robes I mentioned proudly, “Absolutely not, this is thick hemp.” The fiber I’m wearing may be the answer to brutal winters for Canadian and Russian monks. It’s an experiment. So far so good.
From the Chrylser plant at Tecumseh and Droullaird it was a mediocre walk along the Ford City section of Windsor. The history of auto proliferation is extremely obvious here with Droullaird St. ornamented in the way of monuments, plaques and murals.
Then I hung a left at Riverside drive at the Hiram Walker Distillery. All the while I’m chanting and then it struck me about the dichotomy of the world of hike and mantra set against the world of the greased wheel and liquor.
To take me across the border to the U.S. by way of tunnel under the Detroit River were Kapil and Bharat, devotees from Detroit. From here the Motown portion of the day folded in for a talk about the walk, meaning all the pilgrimages taken thus far. From time to time I take the opportunity to recall glorious and liberating moments from the adventures. It is always a story about the life of simplicity and devotional service.
Fortunately we spoke to a packed house of Bhakti enthusiasts in a place called Novi just outside of Detroit.
14 Km
Sunday, 8 November 2009
Thursday, November 5th, 2009
Uncle Tom’s Cabin
Dresden, Ontario
“This is one of my favorite little nooks”, I explained to Devadatta, the spiritualist I’m traveling with for the day. I walked through this area in ’96, My first marathon walk for promoting spiritual awareness. I pointed to a tree after we stopped for a break from driving. “I took a nap under this apple tree”, I said which is set a few meters away from Reverend Josiah Henson’s grave.
Rev. Henson (1789-1883) made history here as part of the black abolition movement. After escaping to Canada from slavery in Kentucky he became a conductor of the underground railroad and started a school here when securing 200 acres of land in 1841 for slaves-turned-refugees. A book was written about his memoirs by author Harriet Beecher Stowe and it became extremely popular around the world. It was entitled, “Uncle Tom’s Cabin”.
Unfortunately the interpretive center was closed for the season as so was Reverend Henson’s house, which still stands here. There is also a tiny church left situated here where black parishioners came for their inner peace. I recall visiting in ’96 sitting in a pew and listening to a recording that plays “swing low sweet chariot.”
I forgot to mention to Deva the story of black slaves seeking freedom for their lives to this community was artistically demonstrated in the classic film, “The King and I’ with actor Yule Brenner. I did mention I was born in the next town over, Chatham and that’s why this place holds some sentimental value for me. Where I grew up there were a few black settlements in Canada left from those slave days.
It’s sad that slavery persists in some form or another somewhere in the world.
After this stop over, our second ,(A prior visit was at Ramachandra” home in London, Ontario) Deva and I proceeded to Windsor, a cash strapped car industry area. There we had a get together with Tom and his wife Betty (nothing to do with Uncle Tom’s Cabin). Tom had lived as a monk in our Toronto ashram in the late 70’s before he took to teaching in Nunavut in the far Artic north and before settling here. They are great company.
As a monastic person, a swami, I have this chosen obligation to visit people to encourage spiritual life. Today’s foot travel happened earlier on before setting out in the vehicle. It was a great day.
6 Km
Dresden, Ontario
“This is one of my favorite little nooks”, I explained to Devadatta, the spiritualist I’m traveling with for the day. I walked through this area in ’96, My first marathon walk for promoting spiritual awareness. I pointed to a tree after we stopped for a break from driving. “I took a nap under this apple tree”, I said which is set a few meters away from Reverend Josiah Henson’s grave.
Rev. Henson (1789-1883) made history here as part of the black abolition movement. After escaping to Canada from slavery in Kentucky he became a conductor of the underground railroad and started a school here when securing 200 acres of land in 1841 for slaves-turned-refugees. A book was written about his memoirs by author Harriet Beecher Stowe and it became extremely popular around the world. It was entitled, “Uncle Tom’s Cabin”.
Unfortunately the interpretive center was closed for the season as so was Reverend Henson’s house, which still stands here. There is also a tiny church left situated here where black parishioners came for their inner peace. I recall visiting in ’96 sitting in a pew and listening to a recording that plays “swing low sweet chariot.”
I forgot to mention to Deva the story of black slaves seeking freedom for their lives to this community was artistically demonstrated in the classic film, “The King and I’ with actor Yule Brenner. I did mention I was born in the next town over, Chatham and that’s why this place holds some sentimental value for me. Where I grew up there were a few black settlements in Canada left from those slave days.
It’s sad that slavery persists in some form or another somewhere in the world.
After this stop over, our second ,(A prior visit was at Ramachandra” home in London, Ontario) Deva and I proceeded to Windsor, a cash strapped car industry area. There we had a get together with Tom and his wife Betty (nothing to do with Uncle Tom’s Cabin). Tom had lived as a monk in our Toronto ashram in the late 70’s before he took to teaching in Nunavut in the far Artic north and before settling here. They are great company.
As a monastic person, a swami, I have this chosen obligation to visit people to encourage spiritual life. Today’s foot travel happened earlier on before setting out in the vehicle. It was a great day.
6 Km
Wednesday, November 4th, 2009
Chant For Change
Quebec & Ontario
There is not much difference between the two provinces Quebec and Ontario. One is predominantly a place of Francophone; the other Anglophones. Traditionally they were named on a map of the 19th century as Lower and Upper Canada depending on the direction in which they were situated on the St. Lawrence River. Upper meant “up the river” and down meant “down the river” or near the mouth.
Apart from language differences the culture is relatively the same. McDonald’s crosses all borders and so does the car culture.
I decided to walk to the bus depot. With me were residents of the Montreal temple. The neighbourhood along this east end of St. Catherine’s St. isn’t that great although city planners are trying their best to “clean up”. We pass by an intense smell reeking out of a brewery to our right. A huge male strip joint is to our left. A number of churches, all of which are monolithic in size, have been recently closed down. They look gorgeous though, old historic. Montreal has plenty of them.
I bid Farwell to, my co-walkers, all wonderful people who are young and endeavoring to develop spirituality. I was impressed with the public mega-bus, a double-decker but less so with fellow passengers. En route to Toronto I see more signs of decadence, I hate to say. A young fellow conversing on his cell phone was cursing, threatening death to the person on the other end. After the five hour ride we enter Toronto’s downtown business core when I witness another angry caller outside on the sidewalk demonstrating the same aggression but this time with body language while waving his folded newspaper in the air. Do cell phones make people more violent? Certainly it’s a more impersonal way of communication. I don’t carry one. They scare me. Anyways I’m a monk so I have an excuse.
In any event the day has given glimpses of hell and provided as impetus for doing more mantra mediation. What I have seen today is relatively bland as far as evil is concerned but it did stir up in me the need to “chant for change”.
7 Km
Quebec & Ontario
There is not much difference between the two provinces Quebec and Ontario. One is predominantly a place of Francophone; the other Anglophones. Traditionally they were named on a map of the 19th century as Lower and Upper Canada depending on the direction in which they were situated on the St. Lawrence River. Upper meant “up the river” and down meant “down the river” or near the mouth.
Apart from language differences the culture is relatively the same. McDonald’s crosses all borders and so does the car culture.
I decided to walk to the bus depot. With me were residents of the Montreal temple. The neighbourhood along this east end of St. Catherine’s St. isn’t that great although city planners are trying their best to “clean up”. We pass by an intense smell reeking out of a brewery to our right. A huge male strip joint is to our left. A number of churches, all of which are monolithic in size, have been recently closed down. They look gorgeous though, old historic. Montreal has plenty of them.
I bid Farwell to, my co-walkers, all wonderful people who are young and endeavoring to develop spirituality. I was impressed with the public mega-bus, a double-decker but less so with fellow passengers. En route to Toronto I see more signs of decadence, I hate to say. A young fellow conversing on his cell phone was cursing, threatening death to the person on the other end. After the five hour ride we enter Toronto’s downtown business core when I witness another angry caller outside on the sidewalk demonstrating the same aggression but this time with body language while waving his folded newspaper in the air. Do cell phones make people more violent? Certainly it’s a more impersonal way of communication. I don’t carry one. They scare me. Anyways I’m a monk so I have an excuse.
In any event the day has given glimpses of hell and provided as impetus for doing more mantra mediation. What I have seen today is relatively bland as far as evil is concerned but it did stir up in me the need to “chant for change”.
7 Km
Thursday, 5 November 2009
Tuesday, November 3rd, 2009
North Of Montreal
Mount Tremblant, Quebec
Just prior to leaving North for this famous ski resort town I was handed a gift of natural honey harvested and delivered by Surya, a bee keeper from the Upper Laurentian Mountains. The contents of the jar, a golden gel, came from the second blooming period of the summer. Surya has marketed the stock and labeled it as Madhukar honey. The gift I won’t indulge in but only after being offered to the diety of Krishna.
On a small tag attached to the jar Albert Einstein is quoted saying, “ If bees disappears from the surface of the earth, man would have no more than four years to live. No more bees, no more pollination……no more man!” It’s a quote I’ve read before and it’s good to be reminded again of our urban infiltration upon the world. There is a need to respond.
Our visit was to a couple’s home in mountain and lake country. Maharja and Marie Jose are that warm kind of French Canadian hosts provided a great curry and also provided me with an opportunity to say a few words to invited friends about the human inclination towards spirituality. We also chanted together by the fire place. I know it sounds crazy but that’s what it was until the heat intensified a spark of interest in the outside and welcome the first flakes of snow for the fall. A stroll through town was terminated by time. I was to reach the downtown temple to speak from the Bhagavad-Gita.
And so the theme from the verse 9.9 highlighted the detached nature of God. The cosmic order operates under His control and is discharged, left for us to make good or a mess of the place. And don’t we really wish we could make good? It all begins with a little respect for the natural world and the remote controller.
7 Km
Mount Tremblant, Quebec
Just prior to leaving North for this famous ski resort town I was handed a gift of natural honey harvested and delivered by Surya, a bee keeper from the Upper Laurentian Mountains. The contents of the jar, a golden gel, came from the second blooming period of the summer. Surya has marketed the stock and labeled it as Madhukar honey. The gift I won’t indulge in but only after being offered to the diety of Krishna.
On a small tag attached to the jar Albert Einstein is quoted saying, “ If bees disappears from the surface of the earth, man would have no more than four years to live. No more bees, no more pollination……no more man!” It’s a quote I’ve read before and it’s good to be reminded again of our urban infiltration upon the world. There is a need to respond.
Our visit was to a couple’s home in mountain and lake country. Maharja and Marie Jose are that warm kind of French Canadian hosts provided a great curry and also provided me with an opportunity to say a few words to invited friends about the human inclination towards spirituality. We also chanted together by the fire place. I know it sounds crazy but that’s what it was until the heat intensified a spark of interest in the outside and welcome the first flakes of snow for the fall. A stroll through town was terminated by time. I was to reach the downtown temple to speak from the Bhagavad-Gita.
And so the theme from the verse 9.9 highlighted the detached nature of God. The cosmic order operates under His control and is discharged, left for us to make good or a mess of the place. And don’t we really wish we could make good? It all begins with a little respect for the natural world and the remote controller.
7 Km
Monday, November 2nd, 2009
Tulasi and Temperature
Montreal, Quebec
Approximately a year ago the very sacred plant, Tulasi, suffered a major setback here. Being a tropical plant she is highly sensitive to frigid weather. The entire stock of dozens of this revered member of the basil family was destroyed when hydro was shut off for a relatively short time in the neighbourhood. It doesn’t take long to shock the delicate plant before it reaches it’s demise.
It was surprising for me to walk into the temple room which was adorned with dozens of healthy potted tulasis set on tables there to receive appreciation from all. This favourite plant of Krishna sat in all her glory with small richly intense green leaves and a fragrance that was so sweet. How did she spring back into life?
Apparently some reserve plants were kept elsewhere at a congregant’s home over the winter and in this way sufficient warm temperatures gave exposure to a whole new batch. That saved the day. No temple is complete unless a good nursery of some sort is accommodated to nurse and provide for he sacred Tulasi. Merely by protecting her you not only maintain a tradition but you receive the benefit of her auspicious presence (or what some people call, “good luck”). I guess it is also a way of demonstrating a contribution to the “Green” movement . Often times we say that one’s devotion is gauged by how well Tulasi grows in one’s domain. Here she is doing very well.
Temperatures outside the building are just above freezing. In the morning my commitment to fresh air and exercise work in conjunction with chanting on beads. A walk attracted others to join me for a stretch on St. Catherine St. they wondered how it’s possible for me to dress so lightly and walk in the chilled air. I explained that fortunately the years of trekking have allowed me to climatize well.
7 Km
Montreal, Quebec
Approximately a year ago the very sacred plant, Tulasi, suffered a major setback here. Being a tropical plant she is highly sensitive to frigid weather. The entire stock of dozens of this revered member of the basil family was destroyed when hydro was shut off for a relatively short time in the neighbourhood. It doesn’t take long to shock the delicate plant before it reaches it’s demise.
It was surprising for me to walk into the temple room which was adorned with dozens of healthy potted tulasis set on tables there to receive appreciation from all. This favourite plant of Krishna sat in all her glory with small richly intense green leaves and a fragrance that was so sweet. How did she spring back into life?
Apparently some reserve plants were kept elsewhere at a congregant’s home over the winter and in this way sufficient warm temperatures gave exposure to a whole new batch. That saved the day. No temple is complete unless a good nursery of some sort is accommodated to nurse and provide for he sacred Tulasi. Merely by protecting her you not only maintain a tradition but you receive the benefit of her auspicious presence (or what some people call, “good luck”). I guess it is also a way of demonstrating a contribution to the “Green” movement . Often times we say that one’s devotion is gauged by how well Tulasi grows in one’s domain. Here she is doing very well.
Temperatures outside the building are just above freezing. In the morning my commitment to fresh air and exercise work in conjunction with chanting on beads. A walk attracted others to join me for a stretch on St. Catherine St. they wondered how it’s possible for me to dress so lightly and walk in the chilled air. I explained that fortunately the years of trekking have allowed me to climatize well.
7 Km
Sunday, November 1st, 2009
To Montreal
Montreal, Quebec
If I had my way as to which mode of travel to take to Montreal, the choice being plane, train, bus, car, horse or legs, it would be the last one. The only diffculty is that at a round figure of 600 kilometers it would take me over two weeks to reach my destination.
I settled for automobile. At $35 you can car pool and save those extra dollars on a six hour drive. That is a significant saving which is always important when you consider that these funds belong to your guru. My use of funds is public money. It's not mine. As a swami/monk I must maintain the obligation to watch spending and to be frugal (at all costs).
I took a ride with Sam, a Pakistani man, sharing the van space with two young women. One of them was Rebecca, a yoga instructor and English teacher in Gaspe Penninsula, Quebec. It's a small world. She tells me she has been reading this blog and knows people I know. Of course, we are both situated in the yoga universe or to put it more simple, we are in the same circle of people.
Being in a moving vehicle is like taking a sleeping pill for me. Due to last night's late satsang, home program, I had to doze so communication with Rebecca was limited. She stopped off at Kingston, the midway mark. Then Sam, the driver to the car pool services and I spoke, a good chunk of which time we talked the logic of the proof of God's existence. Sam was adamant.
"It's not just nature or an accident that all this is here," gesturing with his hands that he momentarily released from the steering wheel. The fiery nature of our dialogue kept us both perked up until we reached downtown Montreal. "Thanks, Sam!"
Once arriving at the Krishna Temple on Pie-IX Boulevard and attending the Sunday Open House program I could see the glistening of a vibrant community. It's some special kind of grace when you see this, which is gauged by the width of the happy faces, a reflection of the Divine, no doubt.
5 Km
Montreal, Quebec
If I had my way as to which mode of travel to take to Montreal, the choice being plane, train, bus, car, horse or legs, it would be the last one. The only diffculty is that at a round figure of 600 kilometers it would take me over two weeks to reach my destination.
I settled for automobile. At $35 you can car pool and save those extra dollars on a six hour drive. That is a significant saving which is always important when you consider that these funds belong to your guru. My use of funds is public money. It's not mine. As a swami/monk I must maintain the obligation to watch spending and to be frugal (at all costs).
I took a ride with Sam, a Pakistani man, sharing the van space with two young women. One of them was Rebecca, a yoga instructor and English teacher in Gaspe Penninsula, Quebec. It's a small world. She tells me she has been reading this blog and knows people I know. Of course, we are both situated in the yoga universe or to put it more simple, we are in the same circle of people.
Being in a moving vehicle is like taking a sleeping pill for me. Due to last night's late satsang, home program, I had to doze so communication with Rebecca was limited. She stopped off at Kingston, the midway mark. Then Sam, the driver to the car pool services and I spoke, a good chunk of which time we talked the logic of the proof of God's existence. Sam was adamant.
"It's not just nature or an accident that all this is here," gesturing with his hands that he momentarily released from the steering wheel. The fiery nature of our dialogue kept us both perked up until we reached downtown Montreal. "Thanks, Sam!"
Once arriving at the Krishna Temple on Pie-IX Boulevard and attending the Sunday Open House program I could see the glistening of a vibrant community. It's some special kind of grace when you see this, which is gauged by the width of the happy faces, a reflection of the Divine, no doubt.
5 Km
Saturday, October 31st, 2009
Saturday Transcended
Richmond Hill, Ontario
While walking Bloor St. with two companions, both from Quebec (Canada's french side), we met a bearded fellow who made an interesting comment on this Hallowe'en Day about our devotional attire.
"You would think that the Hare Krishnas would take at least one day of the year off especially Hallowe'en, but I can see that you guys dress up 365 days a year."
Regardless of the remark he said the magic words "Hare Krishna" - a four syllable expression of sound which is highly beneficial for anyone who hears.
Every last Saturday of the month the youth of Toronto organize themselves under the mentorship of Vaisesika, a strong advocate of distribution of books from Bhaktivedanta Book Trust. At the corner of Bloor and Spadina the chanting of this pure sound of "Krishna" was being executed by the group while some of the youth set up a table of the aforementioned books on bhakti yoga.
Another feature of their monthly arrangement was the distribution of packaged cookies, nuts and suckers. The response from the public was great.
I spent a few minutes there with the group chanting and encouraging them in their various efforts to reach out to a public that is largely devoid of spiritual experience. From this location I moved on to a second group stationed at Baldwin St. by Kensington Market where a rather eclectic public is quite receptive.
A point here to consider is that in the capitalist so-called developed world spirituality has been basically shunned by the fundamental nature of our "greed culture". They were transcending.
In the evening my godbrother from Austin Texas spoke about transcending. Sankarshan came to enlighten people at a home in Richmond Hill. The message for the evening was clear - through chanting we transcend.
6 Km
Richmond Hill, Ontario
While walking Bloor St. with two companions, both from Quebec (Canada's french side), we met a bearded fellow who made an interesting comment on this Hallowe'en Day about our devotional attire.
"You would think that the Hare Krishnas would take at least one day of the year off especially Hallowe'en, but I can see that you guys dress up 365 days a year."
Regardless of the remark he said the magic words "Hare Krishna" - a four syllable expression of sound which is highly beneficial for anyone who hears.
Every last Saturday of the month the youth of Toronto organize themselves under the mentorship of Vaisesika, a strong advocate of distribution of books from Bhaktivedanta Book Trust. At the corner of Bloor and Spadina the chanting of this pure sound of "Krishna" was being executed by the group while some of the youth set up a table of the aforementioned books on bhakti yoga.
Another feature of their monthly arrangement was the distribution of packaged cookies, nuts and suckers. The response from the public was great.
I spent a few minutes there with the group chanting and encouraging them in their various efforts to reach out to a public that is largely devoid of spiritual experience. From this location I moved on to a second group stationed at Baldwin St. by Kensington Market where a rather eclectic public is quite receptive.
A point here to consider is that in the capitalist so-called developed world spirituality has been basically shunned by the fundamental nature of our "greed culture". They were transcending.
In the evening my godbrother from Austin Texas spoke about transcending. Sankarshan came to enlighten people at a home in Richmond Hill. The message for the evening was clear - through chanting we transcend.
6 Km
Friday, October 30th, 2009
A Great Friday Night
Toronto, Ontario
After a lenghty practice at our new drama production, "Lonely People", I took a breather catching the good air and the wind. Passing by homes in front I reflected on the verse from the Gita "...of purifiers I am the wind." It was past the mid-night mark but that doesn't stop nocturnal life in the city. Then the day affairs and communications came to mind. I was informed by one of our Temple actresses, Karen (spiritual name Kalpa Vriksha), that one of our temple actors, Ellesh Parunjanwala, had hit the big times. Ellesh, star of the top rating reality TV show in Mumbai, Rakhi Ka Svayamvar, came to me last November en route to the airport for India. "Maharaj, I came for your blessings," he said. "It's a TV/movie project I'm going for. It's real exciting." From that point on he shot up stardom overnight. The ratings for the TV show bypassed the popular "Ramayana" and "Mahabharat" TV series of the 90's and even tapped the cricket game between India and Pakistan.
I felt a little proud of our boy who grew up with our community and then in his youth partook in numnerous devotional plays with my direction. He has become the most popular TV celeb and I guess that's God's mercy. I have little concern about him being caught up and consumed by star stigma. He's always been a boy of integrity and morality. Anyways I'm happy for him and will pray that he will not lose his sense of dharma duty.
Most amazing about this evening's brief stroll is when walking past an indoor/outdoor bar which was ultra boisterous (mainly laughter). Silence struck as the drinkers saw my robes. Several of the chaps with beer in hand gave a nod of respect.
But to top that when the garbage truck came up one block up from the bar to a large oriental shop, one of the trash collectors in orange uniform caught glimpse of me while wheeling a bin to the truck, dropped his garbage and held hands together in pranams. He closed his eyes in reverence and stood still for a few seconds and then proceeded with his work as I did mine - walking.
To the public I am a NO NAME brand of monk. I am certainly not Ellesh. But you can say that respect goes to the tradition that I'm representing and that is very gratifying.
6 Km
Toronto, Ontario
After a lenghty practice at our new drama production, "Lonely People", I took a breather catching the good air and the wind. Passing by homes in front I reflected on the verse from the Gita "...of purifiers I am the wind." It was past the mid-night mark but that doesn't stop nocturnal life in the city. Then the day affairs and communications came to mind. I was informed by one of our Temple actresses, Karen (spiritual name Kalpa Vriksha), that one of our temple actors, Ellesh Parunjanwala, had hit the big times. Ellesh, star of the top rating reality TV show in Mumbai, Rakhi Ka Svayamvar, came to me last November en route to the airport for India. "Maharaj, I came for your blessings," he said. "It's a TV/movie project I'm going for. It's real exciting." From that point on he shot up stardom overnight. The ratings for the TV show bypassed the popular "Ramayana" and "Mahabharat" TV series of the 90's and even tapped the cricket game between India and Pakistan.
I felt a little proud of our boy who grew up with our community and then in his youth partook in numnerous devotional plays with my direction. He has become the most popular TV celeb and I guess that's God's mercy. I have little concern about him being caught up and consumed by star stigma. He's always been a boy of integrity and morality. Anyways I'm happy for him and will pray that he will not lose his sense of dharma duty.
Most amazing about this evening's brief stroll is when walking past an indoor/outdoor bar which was ultra boisterous (mainly laughter). Silence struck as the drinkers saw my robes. Several of the chaps with beer in hand gave a nod of respect.
But to top that when the garbage truck came up one block up from the bar to a large oriental shop, one of the trash collectors in orange uniform caught glimpse of me while wheeling a bin to the truck, dropped his garbage and held hands together in pranams. He closed his eyes in reverence and stood still for a few seconds and then proceeded with his work as I did mine - walking.
To the public I am a NO NAME brand of monk. I am certainly not Ellesh. But you can say that respect goes to the tradition that I'm representing and that is very gratifying.
6 Km
Monday, 2 November 2009
Thursday, October 29th, 2009
Moving Towards the Plastic
Toronto, Ontario
While many pilgrims go to India at this time of year due to the auspicious nature(this is known as the month of Kartik by the vedic calendar) I enjoy the mood and weather of North America. Truly it’s a great time. The harvest. Moderate climate. It’s generally peaceful. And you can celebrate in the same style as is done in India using ghee lamps in rituals and singing special songs in honour of Damodar, which is Krishna as a child. It’s a busy time and the atmosphere is surcharged with lots of bhakti, devotion.
What runs parallel to this high spiritual energy at this time of year is the pagan (or Celtic) celebration of Halloween. I understand that the original went from pre-Christmas times and had it’s motives steeped in purity. The “ghoulish” slant of today is somewhat of a detour from ancestral ways which is unfortunate. Images of zombies, skeletons, Draculas, witches, ghosts, and the whole family of the dead is what especially the young are engrossed in. One monk form Germany who has come to join our small theatre troupe last month said, “ Halloween has really taken off in Europe in the last ten years. Not before that.” So it’s been a North American thing primarily until as of late.
What is a bit disconcerting to me is while walking I see all the electronic –pumped plastic made-in-China displays in front of people’s homes. The lit up Jack-o-lantern with his brilliant orange and pumpkin smell seems to move as a thing of the past. I think you can say the same thing of the popular Diwali functions held so sacred in India are now plastic battery operated imitation ghee lamps.
With all this infiltration of superficial-wear you have to wonder, “where is the world going?”
Our meditation, chanting, can become like that. You start with pure intent, good motives and so on. And then in due course you may lose the taste for the sound and it can become vain repetition and turn into something plastic-like.
We must always revisit the realm of sincerity.
6 Km
Toronto, Ontario
While many pilgrims go to India at this time of year due to the auspicious nature(this is known as the month of Kartik by the vedic calendar) I enjoy the mood and weather of North America. Truly it’s a great time. The harvest. Moderate climate. It’s generally peaceful. And you can celebrate in the same style as is done in India using ghee lamps in rituals and singing special songs in honour of Damodar, which is Krishna as a child. It’s a busy time and the atmosphere is surcharged with lots of bhakti, devotion.
What runs parallel to this high spiritual energy at this time of year is the pagan (or Celtic) celebration of Halloween. I understand that the original went from pre-Christmas times and had it’s motives steeped in purity. The “ghoulish” slant of today is somewhat of a detour from ancestral ways which is unfortunate. Images of zombies, skeletons, Draculas, witches, ghosts, and the whole family of the dead is what especially the young are engrossed in. One monk form Germany who has come to join our small theatre troupe last month said, “ Halloween has really taken off in Europe in the last ten years. Not before that.” So it’s been a North American thing primarily until as of late.
What is a bit disconcerting to me is while walking I see all the electronic –pumped plastic made-in-China displays in front of people’s homes. The lit up Jack-o-lantern with his brilliant orange and pumpkin smell seems to move as a thing of the past. I think you can say the same thing of the popular Diwali functions held so sacred in India are now plastic battery operated imitation ghee lamps.
With all this infiltration of superficial-wear you have to wonder, “where is the world going?”
Our meditation, chanting, can become like that. You start with pure intent, good motives and so on. And then in due course you may lose the taste for the sound and it can become vain repetition and turn into something plastic-like.
We must always revisit the realm of sincerity.
6 Km
Wednesday, October 28th, 2009
Getting Out on the Street
Toronto, Ontario
He was driving and making a delivery. He works from 5am until 11pm everyday. This evening he spotted me on Yonge St. He had seen me before in ‘96’ on the road one hour east of here. He didn’t forget the image. Once seeing the robes he decided it was the same image. He made a u turn and wanted to check. He came to where I was on foot and went for the confirmation and asked for a blessing. He was a Sri Lankan and addressed me as “Maharaja.” I wished him and his family well.
Two Mexican martial artists visiting on world sport competition saw the robes.
“Hare Krishna!” They said I reciprocated. They apparently know Krishna devotees from Mexico’s Ratha Yatra .
A couple while passing by said, “Hare Krishna”
We spoke and I told them that I offer my services to them. A young Bangladeshi man said, “Hare Krishna!” On his way from work he didn’t expect to see a monk this evening. We talked positive.
The last person to approach me was a Muslim Pakistani student from Ryerson University and his girl. He identified himself as the leader of the Muslim organization at the campus. He asked if I was a monk and if I would be interested in doing some future presentations on what I represent. Naturally I complied. The friendly communication ended with a hand shake like all the other folks I met. Each encounter was brief but impactful. These were people who came to me, not the reverse.
All this happened in the span of one hour. If I were to walk up and down the street and meet eight persons who come to me each hour that would be 8x24 or 192 people. That’s not bad for just being there in robes walking. Unfortunately I will need to sleep for five hours and eat which will occupy another 30 minutes. Let’s consider another 30 minutes for showering and other bodily activities. That would knock off a few opportunities due to sleeping and eating and the like.
I have one regret about this evening. I ran out of mantra and invitation cards which I handed out to people. Otherwise there are no regrets.
7 Km
Toronto, Ontario
He was driving and making a delivery. He works from 5am until 11pm everyday. This evening he spotted me on Yonge St. He had seen me before in ‘96’ on the road one hour east of here. He didn’t forget the image. Once seeing the robes he decided it was the same image. He made a u turn and wanted to check. He came to where I was on foot and went for the confirmation and asked for a blessing. He was a Sri Lankan and addressed me as “Maharaja.” I wished him and his family well.
Two Mexican martial artists visiting on world sport competition saw the robes.
“Hare Krishna!” They said I reciprocated. They apparently know Krishna devotees from Mexico’s Ratha Yatra .
A couple while passing by said, “Hare Krishna”
We spoke and I told them that I offer my services to them. A young Bangladeshi man said, “Hare Krishna!” On his way from work he didn’t expect to see a monk this evening. We talked positive.
The last person to approach me was a Muslim Pakistani student from Ryerson University and his girl. He identified himself as the leader of the Muslim organization at the campus. He asked if I was a monk and if I would be interested in doing some future presentations on what I represent. Naturally I complied. The friendly communication ended with a hand shake like all the other folks I met. Each encounter was brief but impactful. These were people who came to me, not the reverse.
All this happened in the span of one hour. If I were to walk up and down the street and meet eight persons who come to me each hour that would be 8x24 or 192 people. That’s not bad for just being there in robes walking. Unfortunately I will need to sleep for five hours and eat which will occupy another 30 minutes. Let’s consider another 30 minutes for showering and other bodily activities. That would knock off a few opportunities due to sleeping and eating and the like.
I have one regret about this evening. I ran out of mantra and invitation cards which I handed out to people. Otherwise there are no regrets.
7 Km
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