Prostrate Yourself
Toronto, Ontario
During the course of the day I talk so little about walking. It's something you just do. In general people do more sitting and lying than they do moving the legs. It depends on your job I guess.
Today's segment of the Bhagavatam book from Canto Six discusses the principle of prostrations. Each morning in ashrams worldwide a portion of the bhakti-yoga process is to sit down and review a verse of which today's tells of Daksha who had lain flat before the Creator. Daksha is a progenitor, a pro-creationist for the world. In humility he gestured his prostrations, often times referred to as obeisance, with root word "obey".
The traditional pose of prostration is to have face down on the floor with arms stretched out in front of you and legs together flat. The formation is like a stick which in Sanskrit is called dandavat, to fall like a stick. The dictionary defines it as to bow or cast oneself down, as in submission or to lay or throw down flat as, on the ground.. Also to make helpless or defenseless.
With the latter definition we can appreciate that the mood is one of surrender and to leave yourself open to what is ordered. As Chaitanya expressed in words as feeling oneself lower than the blades of grass. It's a humbling pose.
There are countless examples of saints detailed in the Bhagavatam who expressed their dandavat in humility and Daksha is one. In Hindi they say the word "danyavad" which means "thank you", likely derived from dandavat as the gesture expresses appreciation. Some old German and Dutch words which express thanks like dankya may have their origins from the Indo language influence.
In any event offering one's very self in the full submissive mood of prostration is a good practice for those on the spiritual path. It is a regular bhakti-yoga pose and is enacted before one's Guru, a deity a superior, or just before a peer in recognition that God is in the heart of each of us.
3 KM
B L O G S P O T
Friday, 31 December 2010
Thursday, 30 December 2010
Tuesday, December 28th, 2010
How Much Can We Take
Toronto, Ontario
We all have trouble with people as much as we share joy with them. There is a person who comes around to the temple ashram whom everyone is rather tolerant of. I would describe this person as having eccentricities and speaks in such a way as it goes over top of your heads, or sideways or something or other. He’s amiable for sure, and there’s an incredible gentleness to him. He has been a walking partner for me at spontaneous moments for short jaunts. In that regards he’s a friend. It’s just the platform from which he appears to come from. It just seems that he sometimes comes from another planetary system with all due respect.
I was just about to take my daily trek when the person asked if I had a minute to spare. That moment turned into a Brahma’s moment which in a vedic context lasts thoudands of years. Before speaking I asked if it could be a subject matter relevant to the 21st century, but in my assessment it was not. I left for my walk fairly abruptly.
While descending some stairs to leave I had to ask myself if I was justified in being intolerant by not hearing the person out. A supportive tap on my back came from my peer suggested, “don’t worry I can handle the situation, go for your walk!” My analysis brought me to this point, as long as minor disturbances is balanced by positive engagement then we will tolerate. As long as a person speaks favorably of the process of the spiritual path and others there is a heart-warming voice that says, “yes we will share space with you but I have limited time and time is precious.”
I would also add that one such person in the space of thirty could be accommodated but more than that I don’t believe so.
I wish our friend the best. Life for him is a struggle like anyone else. He needs encouragement but also needs reminding of how much people can bear. We just need to be polite about it.
3KM
Toronto, Ontario
We all have trouble with people as much as we share joy with them. There is a person who comes around to the temple ashram whom everyone is rather tolerant of. I would describe this person as having eccentricities and speaks in such a way as it goes over top of your heads, or sideways or something or other. He’s amiable for sure, and there’s an incredible gentleness to him. He has been a walking partner for me at spontaneous moments for short jaunts. In that regards he’s a friend. It’s just the platform from which he appears to come from. It just seems that he sometimes comes from another planetary system with all due respect.
I was just about to take my daily trek when the person asked if I had a minute to spare. That moment turned into a Brahma’s moment which in a vedic context lasts thoudands of years. Before speaking I asked if it could be a subject matter relevant to the 21st century, but in my assessment it was not. I left for my walk fairly abruptly.
While descending some stairs to leave I had to ask myself if I was justified in being intolerant by not hearing the person out. A supportive tap on my back came from my peer suggested, “don’t worry I can handle the situation, go for your walk!” My analysis brought me to this point, as long as minor disturbances is balanced by positive engagement then we will tolerate. As long as a person speaks favorably of the process of the spiritual path and others there is a heart-warming voice that says, “yes we will share space with you but I have limited time and time is precious.”
I would also add that one such person in the space of thirty could be accommodated but more than that I don’t believe so.
I wish our friend the best. Life for him is a struggle like anyone else. He needs encouragement but also needs reminding of how much people can bear. We just need to be polite about it.
3KM
Wednesday, 29 December 2010
Monday, December 27th, 2010
Polygamy At It's Best
Toronto Ontario.
The air is drier here in Toronto. It's cooler. The sun shines through. The coastal city of Vancouver is the most moderate place in Canada, temperature wise, but it's the persistent rain in the winter that takes some getting used to.
Now I find myself back in T.O. It's nighttime and I have just returned from a satsang (devotional gathering) amongst our 20 younger adults in a penthouse apartment. We had some kirtan (chanting). What did I glance at from an ad recently? "Deck the halls and bring down the walls!" The chanting was something like that.
I decided to walk from the apartment when all was done, so I trekked along on University Avenue back to the temple/ashram and my room. There at my phone is a hard copy of a forwarded message sitting for my eyes to spot. For those of you who didn't get to read this interesting message, subject being nuns and Krishna, here it is: "There was a case of nuns in a court in Warsaw, Poland, against ISKCON (Hare Krishna Movement). Noticing that ISKCON was spreading its activities and gaining followers in Poland, a nun filed a case before a judicial magistrate praying that ISKCON should be banned, because it's followers were glorifying a character called Krishna...who was loose in morals, having married 16,100 wives?
When the case came up for hearing, the ISKCON lawyer requested the judge to ask the nun to repeat the oath she had taken when she was ordained as a nun.
The judge asked the nun to recite the oath loudly. She wouldn't. The lawyer asked the judge whether he could read it out for her. The judge agreed. The pledge was in effect that she is married to Jesus Christ.
The lawyer said, "Your honour, Lord Krishna is alleged to have married 16,100 wives... but here are more than a million nuns who assert that they are married to Jesus Christ. Between the two, Krishna and the nuns, who are the loose character?"
The judge dismissed the case
3 KM
Toronto Ontario.
The air is drier here in Toronto. It's cooler. The sun shines through. The coastal city of Vancouver is the most moderate place in Canada, temperature wise, but it's the persistent rain in the winter that takes some getting used to.
Now I find myself back in T.O. It's nighttime and I have just returned from a satsang (devotional gathering) amongst our 20 younger adults in a penthouse apartment. We had some kirtan (chanting). What did I glance at from an ad recently? "Deck the halls and bring down the walls!" The chanting was something like that.
I decided to walk from the apartment when all was done, so I trekked along on University Avenue back to the temple/ashram and my room. There at my phone is a hard copy of a forwarded message sitting for my eyes to spot. For those of you who didn't get to read this interesting message, subject being nuns and Krishna, here it is: "There was a case of nuns in a court in Warsaw, Poland, against ISKCON (Hare Krishna Movement). Noticing that ISKCON was spreading its activities and gaining followers in Poland, a nun filed a case before a judicial magistrate praying that ISKCON should be banned, because it's followers were glorifying a character called Krishna...who was loose in morals, having married 16,100 wives?
When the case came up for hearing, the ISKCON lawyer requested the judge to ask the nun to repeat the oath she had taken when she was ordained as a nun.
The judge asked the nun to recite the oath loudly. She wouldn't. The lawyer asked the judge whether he could read it out for her. The judge agreed. The pledge was in effect that she is married to Jesus Christ.
The lawyer said, "Your honour, Lord Krishna is alleged to have married 16,100 wives... but here are more than a million nuns who assert that they are married to Jesus Christ. Between the two, Krishna and the nuns, who are the loose character?"
The judge dismissed the case
3 KM
Monday, 27 December 2010
Sunday, December 26th, 2010
The Monk Forgotten
Burnaby, British Columbia
What happens to someone who leaves his monastic order and takes up civilian life again? Are all efforts of self-discipline gone in vain? This is like a question found in the Gita where the despaired Arjuna asks Krishna, "What happens to someone on the self-realization path who doesn't reach his zenith? Is his karma like that of a riven cloud, here today but dissolved tomorrow?"
I was probed by this question of the monk forgotten while walking a strenuous but brief walk. I had dropped in along with my male assistant, Nirguna, to see two god-sisters one of which was on the phone speaking to a very "needing" person overseas. The person was a man now well into his middle years who had been part of the mission but left for various reasons almost three decades ago. He had been "out of touch" with his spiritual peers for years and had settled back into his pre-monk lifestyle.
The phone was handed to me and instantaneously I felt like being a coach. I never met the caller before even though I had been in his turf (the UK) during his active years. He really did sound like a lost soul crying in the wilderness. I felt for him and at the same time wondered how Vancouver/Burnaby was the fortunate place to receive his call. He said, "I'm prehistoric so I don't do email." He implied that he wanted to talk to someone.
The question was posed, "What happens to those who fall off from the path?" And, like Krishna's answer in the Gita which is most redeeming and reassuring, it is answered like this, "Your efforts are never forgotten. Any steps taken on the righteous path protects you from the greatest difficulty. You are given another chance through rebirth in very conducive circumstances. You are definitely remembered and you continue to move in the directions you once started until you achieve success."
After the conversation with both god-sister, Padyavali and I, the caller felt much better. He seemed hopeful and he wanted to hear from us again. It is now our job to not forget him but to stay in touch. No one should ever feel forgotten.
Burnaby, British Columbia
What happens to someone who leaves his monastic order and takes up civilian life again? Are all efforts of self-discipline gone in vain? This is like a question found in the Gita where the despaired Arjuna asks Krishna, "What happens to someone on the self-realization path who doesn't reach his zenith? Is his karma like that of a riven cloud, here today but dissolved tomorrow?"
I was probed by this question of the monk forgotten while walking a strenuous but brief walk. I had dropped in along with my male assistant, Nirguna, to see two god-sisters one of which was on the phone speaking to a very "needing" person overseas. The person was a man now well into his middle years who had been part of the mission but left for various reasons almost three decades ago. He had been "out of touch" with his spiritual peers for years and had settled back into his pre-monk lifestyle.
The phone was handed to me and instantaneously I felt like being a coach. I never met the caller before even though I had been in his turf (the UK) during his active years. He really did sound like a lost soul crying in the wilderness. I felt for him and at the same time wondered how Vancouver/Burnaby was the fortunate place to receive his call. He said, "I'm prehistoric so I don't do email." He implied that he wanted to talk to someone.
The question was posed, "What happens to those who fall off from the path?" And, like Krishna's answer in the Gita which is most redeeming and reassuring, it is answered like this, "Your efforts are never forgotten. Any steps taken on the righteous path protects you from the greatest difficulty. You are given another chance through rebirth in very conducive circumstances. You are definitely remembered and you continue to move in the directions you once started until you achieve success."
After the conversation with both god-sister, Padyavali and I, the caller felt much better. He seemed hopeful and he wanted to hear from us again. It is now our job to not forget him but to stay in touch. No one should ever feel forgotten.
Saturday, December 25th, 2010
Santa Marga
Burnaby, British Columbia
Would they give citizenship to Jesus? I was just about to leave the temple for a morning walk. I slid into my boots ready to deal with puddles when a young man came in with a stack of "Asian Journal" newspapers and plopped them down on a chair in the temple's foyer. I remarked, "Thank you. I'll read one." So I did and my eyes fell upon the article on citizenship. It was disturbing.
A full picture of brown, white and black folks sworn in as citizens along with delegates upstaged everything else. The caption read: "Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism Minister Jason Kennedy on Wednesday, reaffirmed Santa Clause as a Canadian Citizen."
My immediate thought was that here is a reinforcement of a myth, an endorsement. The guy in the red has once again ousted Jesus and now has been given the key to the country without even asking. So I query, "Would they give gratis citizenship to Jesus, the real person behind the Yuletide?" In the past I have voiced my sour humbuggish attitude towards the commercialism of December 25, lamenting about the waning of the true spirit that prevails. I also will spare words other than saying "Shame on whatever cola company who molded Mr Claus, reshaping St Nicolas." And one more, "Shame on them for contributing to the diabetic obesity of the day."
I believe sections of Europe have hit it’s target when on December 5th, the pious Nicolas is revered in the genuine spirit. They are proudly not victims of this diluted fest.
Given all of that, my evening was pleasantly occupied with a new production engaging the kids, a drama skit called "When Maya Strikes." I was also asked by management if I would play Santa Claus for the kids, a tradition in this community. I said, "No! Santa Marga could be a compromise. How about that? No costume. Just me."
One by one the children came up to me to receive a stocking of devotional goodies. I love kids. They represent hope for the future. May the children of the future become blessed with the vision to see through such facades and be able to face reality whether mundane or Divine!
4KM
Burnaby, British Columbia
Would they give citizenship to Jesus? I was just about to leave the temple for a morning walk. I slid into my boots ready to deal with puddles when a young man came in with a stack of "Asian Journal" newspapers and plopped them down on a chair in the temple's foyer. I remarked, "Thank you. I'll read one." So I did and my eyes fell upon the article on citizenship. It was disturbing.
A full picture of brown, white and black folks sworn in as citizens along with delegates upstaged everything else. The caption read: "Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism Minister Jason Kennedy on Wednesday, reaffirmed Santa Clause as a Canadian Citizen."
My immediate thought was that here is a reinforcement of a myth, an endorsement. The guy in the red has once again ousted Jesus and now has been given the key to the country without even asking. So I query, "Would they give gratis citizenship to Jesus, the real person behind the Yuletide?" In the past I have voiced my sour humbuggish attitude towards the commercialism of December 25, lamenting about the waning of the true spirit that prevails. I also will spare words other than saying "Shame on whatever cola company who molded Mr Claus, reshaping St Nicolas." And one more, "Shame on them for contributing to the diabetic obesity of the day."
I believe sections of Europe have hit it’s target when on December 5th, the pious Nicolas is revered in the genuine spirit. They are proudly not victims of this diluted fest.
Given all of that, my evening was pleasantly occupied with a new production engaging the kids, a drama skit called "When Maya Strikes." I was also asked by management if I would play Santa Claus for the kids, a tradition in this community. I said, "No! Santa Marga could be a compromise. How about that? No costume. Just me."
One by one the children came up to me to receive a stocking of devotional goodies. I love kids. They represent hope for the future. May the children of the future become blessed with the vision to see through such facades and be able to face reality whether mundane or Divine!
4KM
Friday, December 24th, 2010
A Shining Figure
Burnaby, British Columbia
Today's highlight was undoubtedly a well deserved homage to an outstanding monk in our succession line, Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakur, our guru's predecessor. Today was the anniversary of his passing. To honor this great soul who had the vision to give the entire non-Bharat world, (outside of India) the opportunity to be recipients of the Gita's message, an event was held at noon.
Bhaktisiddhanta was a life-long celibate, a teacher of the subtle science of the self, an astronomer, a writer, an innovator, and a visionary. He is described as a ray of Vishnu.
Born on February 6th, 1874, Bhaktisiddhanta led an active life as a mission man, He opened the Gaudia Math with sixty-four branches, mostly in Asia. It is an institution that educates the public in devotional service.
He said of his own mortal status "Our span of life is short. Our life will be crowned with success if the body wears out while constantly speaking Hari-katha (spiritual conversation)."
Also "Let our bodies, which are like those of aged oxen, be offered into the sankirtan-yajna (chanting culture). We do not aspire to be any kind of heroes of karma and dharma...In this world we are compelled to make decisions regarding objects that evoke our attraction and repulsion, both those that we want and those we do not."
In addition to his eloquently-put messages. I also want to mention that he inspired our guru, Srila Prabhupada, to set sail for the world that knew little about karma, dharma and devotion.
3 KM
Burnaby, British Columbia
Today's highlight was undoubtedly a well deserved homage to an outstanding monk in our succession line, Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakur, our guru's predecessor. Today was the anniversary of his passing. To honor this great soul who had the vision to give the entire non-Bharat world, (outside of India) the opportunity to be recipients of the Gita's message, an event was held at noon.
Bhaktisiddhanta was a life-long celibate, a teacher of the subtle science of the self, an astronomer, a writer, an innovator, and a visionary. He is described as a ray of Vishnu.
Born on February 6th, 1874, Bhaktisiddhanta led an active life as a mission man, He opened the Gaudia Math with sixty-four branches, mostly in Asia. It is an institution that educates the public in devotional service.
He said of his own mortal status "Our span of life is short. Our life will be crowned with success if the body wears out while constantly speaking Hari-katha (spiritual conversation)."
Also "Let our bodies, which are like those of aged oxen, be offered into the sankirtan-yajna (chanting culture). We do not aspire to be any kind of heroes of karma and dharma...In this world we are compelled to make decisions regarding objects that evoke our attraction and repulsion, both those that we want and those we do not."
In addition to his eloquently-put messages. I also want to mention that he inspired our guru, Srila Prabhupada, to set sail for the world that knew little about karma, dharma and devotion.
3 KM
Thursday, December 23rd, 2010
Flashback on the Ferry
Victoria, British Columbia
The day looked to be long. The air was moist. The ocean breeze gave a chill as we crossed on the ferry back to the mainland. A flashback hit me. It was on the ferry, the same route, in ' 72 when I read my first piece of literature considered Vedic. Yes, there they were; three tall baldies, aggressive as hell, standing at a street corner in downtown Victoria. Their devotional pressure tactics, however, worked on my buddy, Robert. He acquired the magazine, Back to Godhead for a quarter.
I however, got curious about the journal. Never would I have dreamed to be one of these monks at this stage in my life. I was enjoying my freedom. And it was summertime. How could a monastic program capture me at this time of year?
Lo and behold! The true enticement of the Krishna culture captivated me just six months later when five monks came to squeeze into my apartment in the nickel city of Sudbury. It was on this day if I recall -- December 23rd. It was at my invitation and just an overnight stay for them. Was it ever impactful! They were on a cross country journey in a blue bus. Little did I know then that I would catch the bug they carried; the gypsy itch or just cabin fever.
Some people are meant to move like a rolling stone. Others are like Stone Henge, firm and solid in one place. I gladly accept the curse of travel. Every day is a fresh new one because the location changes or at least every three days or so. Much of this freedom comes from the mendicant's lifestyle.
Yes, monk and path go together. There is no greater compatibility. I'm grateful.
3.5 KM
Victoria, British Columbia
The day looked to be long. The air was moist. The ocean breeze gave a chill as we crossed on the ferry back to the mainland. A flashback hit me. It was on the ferry, the same route, in ' 72 when I read my first piece of literature considered Vedic. Yes, there they were; three tall baldies, aggressive as hell, standing at a street corner in downtown Victoria. Their devotional pressure tactics, however, worked on my buddy, Robert. He acquired the magazine, Back to Godhead for a quarter.
I however, got curious about the journal. Never would I have dreamed to be one of these monks at this stage in my life. I was enjoying my freedom. And it was summertime. How could a monastic program capture me at this time of year?
Lo and behold! The true enticement of the Krishna culture captivated me just six months later when five monks came to squeeze into my apartment in the nickel city of Sudbury. It was on this day if I recall -- December 23rd. It was at my invitation and just an overnight stay for them. Was it ever impactful! They were on a cross country journey in a blue bus. Little did I know then that I would catch the bug they carried; the gypsy itch or just cabin fever.
Some people are meant to move like a rolling stone. Others are like Stone Henge, firm and solid in one place. I gladly accept the curse of travel. Every day is a fresh new one because the location changes or at least every three days or so. Much of this freedom comes from the mendicant's lifestyle.
Yes, monk and path go together. There is no greater compatibility. I'm grateful.
3.5 KM
Friday, 24 December 2010
Wednesday, December 22nd, 2010
Forces United
Victoria, Vancouver Island
It seemed that various forces came together to form a truce. At least you can say the brahminical and ksatriya forces united. Let me explain.
At the home of a Guatemala family, (Guatemala has its share of civil war issues) my brother Paul came to see me. Paul is a retired naval officer. Also Sydney Hart, a dear friend of mine, who retired from the army, showed up for our gathering of peace makers. I shouldn't fail to mention my dear God-sister, Radhika, origins-Holland, who declares herself as a war baby. Born in 1941, (and looking well) she remembers the bombs of World War Two. Whether civilian or a member of the official forces, all delegates came together to chant mantras.
Oh! I almost forgot to mention the brahminical force (priestly power). That would be represented by myself, being the swami in attendance, along with Jaya Govinda, a duly second-initiated brahmin from our Vancouver temple. We would be traditionally regarded as the pro-active spiritual teachers in a Vedic context. The other boys of regimentation mentioned above would be ksatriya; reactive martial protectors. How else to see this coming together of the forces? Well, soft and hardware dynamics perhaps.
In any event, forces united with a spiritual intent. I was proud of my brother who belched out the Maha-mantra "Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare / Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare" over my drumming when it came to his turn to lead the chant. Never would they allow that while on duty on a naval ship.
Albert, a martial artist from the Philippines, was present. He delighted in this soft approach against the enemy. Others were there also who engaged in the strategic attack against the identified foe, Maya (the illusory world).
The fact of the matter is that we all have little demons within us. The Bhagavad-gita identifies the enemies as lust, anger, and greed. Most of us will admit that there has been some kind of infiltration of the little devils.
That is why forces of various kinds united. There was a genuine interest to strive for peace on earth and good will towards all. At least in our little corner of a modest apartment at the far reaches of the western hemisphere, we were feeling our peace. It was not an official gathering of sorts; just a collection of calm comrades. It would be nice to see more of this type of thing going on.
Seasons Greetings! Namaste!
2 KM
Victoria, Vancouver Island
It seemed that various forces came together to form a truce. At least you can say the brahminical and ksatriya forces united. Let me explain.
At the home of a Guatemala family, (Guatemala has its share of civil war issues) my brother Paul came to see me. Paul is a retired naval officer. Also Sydney Hart, a dear friend of mine, who retired from the army, showed up for our gathering of peace makers. I shouldn't fail to mention my dear God-sister, Radhika, origins-Holland, who declares herself as a war baby. Born in 1941, (and looking well) she remembers the bombs of World War Two. Whether civilian or a member of the official forces, all delegates came together to chant mantras.
Oh! I almost forgot to mention the brahminical force (priestly power). That would be represented by myself, being the swami in attendance, along with Jaya Govinda, a duly second-initiated brahmin from our Vancouver temple. We would be traditionally regarded as the pro-active spiritual teachers in a Vedic context. The other boys of regimentation mentioned above would be ksatriya; reactive martial protectors. How else to see this coming together of the forces? Well, soft and hardware dynamics perhaps.
In any event, forces united with a spiritual intent. I was proud of my brother who belched out the Maha-mantra "Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare / Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare" over my drumming when it came to his turn to lead the chant. Never would they allow that while on duty on a naval ship.
Albert, a martial artist from the Philippines, was present. He delighted in this soft approach against the enemy. Others were there also who engaged in the strategic attack against the identified foe, Maya (the illusory world).
The fact of the matter is that we all have little demons within us. The Bhagavad-gita identifies the enemies as lust, anger, and greed. Most of us will admit that there has been some kind of infiltration of the little devils.
That is why forces of various kinds united. There was a genuine interest to strive for peace on earth and good will towards all. At least in our little corner of a modest apartment at the far reaches of the western hemisphere, we were feeling our peace. It was not an official gathering of sorts; just a collection of calm comrades. It would be nice to see more of this type of thing going on.
Seasons Greetings! Namaste!
2 KM
Thursday, 23 December 2010
Tuesday, December 21st, 2010
Unite to Fight
Cloverdale, British Columbia
One guest at this evening's satsang (spiritual gathering) relayed that he recently went to visit a church, and in the lobby was a list of names of people from that congregation deputed to proselytize to various groups. This evangelical church had as its target audiences Moslems, Sikhs, Filipinos etc.
"This is rather bold of them," I thought. Why not aim at atheists for attempted conversion? It is an interesting phenomena that religious groups, at least some, have so little tolerance for each other. You would expect some sharing of universal principles, but that's not often the case. If there's one God, couldn't faith believers function under one umbrella? Wouldn't a change from atheism to theism or vice versa be a true conversion?
At this evening's function at the home of Robert and Banke, I led a discussion about revolutionaries of faith like Chaitanya and associate Nityananda. The latter's approach to conversion was without contempt or malice. Nityananda went home to home encouraging people to chant mantras. Driven by compassion, He moved about indiscriminately to homes whether they were Brahmans, the more humbly-born, or Moslems,
We also spoke of the compassion of admired saints such as Narada, whose technique was not to go door to door, but to just walk in, and our Prabhupada, who traveled to continents to attract searching souls; especially among the hippies situated in city parks.
I have often admired Mormons whose young men go on a two year mission traveling in twos, knocking on doors. There are the Jehovah's Witnesses, who go with some bravado door to door as well. And Krishna devotees, who especially take advantage of the Christmas season to be on the streets, make available such treasureable books.
The doctrines vary. Methods are similar. Motivations may differ.
It has been said by our guru, Srila Prabhupada, that if you are of a certain faith, then improve on your spiritual pursuit. "If you are a Christian, then be a better Christian; a Jew, then be a better Jew etc."
Here's a message to all spiritual groups. "Unite to fight materialism. Love each other!"
2 KM
Cloverdale, British Columbia
One guest at this evening's satsang (spiritual gathering) relayed that he recently went to visit a church, and in the lobby was a list of names of people from that congregation deputed to proselytize to various groups. This evangelical church had as its target audiences Moslems, Sikhs, Filipinos etc.
"This is rather bold of them," I thought. Why not aim at atheists for attempted conversion? It is an interesting phenomena that religious groups, at least some, have so little tolerance for each other. You would expect some sharing of universal principles, but that's not often the case. If there's one God, couldn't faith believers function under one umbrella? Wouldn't a change from atheism to theism or vice versa be a true conversion?
At this evening's function at the home of Robert and Banke, I led a discussion about revolutionaries of faith like Chaitanya and associate Nityananda. The latter's approach to conversion was without contempt or malice. Nityananda went home to home encouraging people to chant mantras. Driven by compassion, He moved about indiscriminately to homes whether they were Brahmans, the more humbly-born, or Moslems,
We also spoke of the compassion of admired saints such as Narada, whose technique was not to go door to door, but to just walk in, and our Prabhupada, who traveled to continents to attract searching souls; especially among the hippies situated in city parks.
I have often admired Mormons whose young men go on a two year mission traveling in twos, knocking on doors. There are the Jehovah's Witnesses, who go with some bravado door to door as well. And Krishna devotees, who especially take advantage of the Christmas season to be on the streets, make available such treasureable books.
The doctrines vary. Methods are similar. Motivations may differ.
It has been said by our guru, Srila Prabhupada, that if you are of a certain faith, then improve on your spiritual pursuit. "If you are a Christian, then be a better Christian; a Jew, then be a better Jew etc."
Here's a message to all spiritual groups. "Unite to fight materialism. Love each other!"
2 KM
Wednesday, 22 December 2010
Monday, December 20th, 2010
Let's Shine Again!
Burnaby, British Columbia
I met a fellow today who was quoting Deepak Chopra on the topic of happiness. Apparently Deepak had visited Cuba and noted that the people appeared happier than their American counterparts. Even though many ex-residents of this island defected for the shores of Florida, and even though people have less, they appeared to be more happy.
In the world of freedom and high commercial enterprise like that of USA, the average person doesn't always have that contented look on their face. And like Elvis sings about a blue blue blue Christmas, you're going to find a lot of unhappy chappies. Why? Have we got too carried away with rules, red tape, greed and self-centeredness? A Newfoundlander might say to that, "Me thinks so!"
In the so called developed world, we are not scoring high in the relationship department. One of my assistants, Vrindavan, mentioned to me that the average relationship lasts for eighteen months. That doesn't sound too solid to the needs of the human being. Frankly, we are inclined to want a lasting partnership. Traditional values seem to have little bearing on folks today. Unfortunately there's an abundance of Scrooges and Grinches lurking about on their own and lacking love. We seem to have lost a grip on real pleasure.
If I may quote from the book that is so much selling like hotcakes this month, "The Science of Self Realization": "As far as the individual soul is concerned, it is originally a part and parcel of this pleasure potency, of the reservoir of pleasure Himself. However, due to contact with material nature, the soul has forgotten its actual position and has become trapped in the evolutionary process of transmigration from one body to another."
We don't need to keep returning to the world of unhappiness. Let's reawaken the naturalness within. Let pleasure shine again.
3 KM
Burnaby, British Columbia
I met a fellow today who was quoting Deepak Chopra on the topic of happiness. Apparently Deepak had visited Cuba and noted that the people appeared happier than their American counterparts. Even though many ex-residents of this island defected for the shores of Florida, and even though people have less, they appeared to be more happy.
In the world of freedom and high commercial enterprise like that of USA, the average person doesn't always have that contented look on their face. And like Elvis sings about a blue blue blue Christmas, you're going to find a lot of unhappy chappies. Why? Have we got too carried away with rules, red tape, greed and self-centeredness? A Newfoundlander might say to that, "Me thinks so!"
In the so called developed world, we are not scoring high in the relationship department. One of my assistants, Vrindavan, mentioned to me that the average relationship lasts for eighteen months. That doesn't sound too solid to the needs of the human being. Frankly, we are inclined to want a lasting partnership. Traditional values seem to have little bearing on folks today. Unfortunately there's an abundance of Scrooges and Grinches lurking about on their own and lacking love. We seem to have lost a grip on real pleasure.
If I may quote from the book that is so much selling like hotcakes this month, "The Science of Self Realization": "As far as the individual soul is concerned, it is originally a part and parcel of this pleasure potency, of the reservoir of pleasure Himself. However, due to contact with material nature, the soul has forgotten its actual position and has become trapped in the evolutionary process of transmigration from one body to another."
We don't need to keep returning to the world of unhappiness. Let's reawaken the naturalness within. Let pleasure shine again.
3 KM
Sunday, December 19th, 2010
Passing on the Torches
Toronto, Ontario
With a several day visit from a lively-spirited person, Vaisesika, I see how he has an effect of boosting morales. His emphasis is on chanting, hearing, reading, building good relationships, eating great prasadam in good company. Equally important is his sharing of this beautiful lifestyle with others. He is contagious with this grassroots Krishna Consciousness.
For myself, it means taking a backseat, being less in the limelight and watching the magic take place. My visit to the Brampton Center allowed me to do the same thing. Now that I have a confirmed hernia challenge with my particular machinery, leading a chant becomes a strain on that body part. I had to refuse to lead and allow the privilege to someone else; again a backseat.
And for delivering a class on the Bhagavad-gita at the event, someone other than myself was slotted to do so. I enjoyed listening. It also gave me freedom to poke around a little and see what else was going on. I saw the Sunday school in full operation. Nice kids! Great teachers!
After a rousing evening program in the Toronto temple, when I sat myself on the back burner once again. Vaisesika asked, "How are you doing?" referring to the physical condition I'm going through.
"Well I'm seeing through a different perspective." I remarked. I suggested that if you play the role as a leader particularly as what's called a Governing Body Commissioner for our spiritual society, our beloved guru, Srila Prabhupada, asked those in the post to not always be in the forefront. He encouraged empowerment. Us big shots don't always need to monopolize the microphone.
When I saw a young, adorable boy of about seven sit on the vyasasan (the exalted chair for speakers), deliver a ten minute message on a preplanned arrangement in front of a huge audience, it was a clear confirmation. There must be succession arrangements for the younger blood to flow. That's being smart and progressive. We need, and the world needs, more of this type of sharing of responsibility and passing on of the torches.
0KM
Toronto, Ontario
With a several day visit from a lively-spirited person, Vaisesika, I see how he has an effect of boosting morales. His emphasis is on chanting, hearing, reading, building good relationships, eating great prasadam in good company. Equally important is his sharing of this beautiful lifestyle with others. He is contagious with this grassroots Krishna Consciousness.
For myself, it means taking a backseat, being less in the limelight and watching the magic take place. My visit to the Brampton Center allowed me to do the same thing. Now that I have a confirmed hernia challenge with my particular machinery, leading a chant becomes a strain on that body part. I had to refuse to lead and allow the privilege to someone else; again a backseat.
And for delivering a class on the Bhagavad-gita at the event, someone other than myself was slotted to do so. I enjoyed listening. It also gave me freedom to poke around a little and see what else was going on. I saw the Sunday school in full operation. Nice kids! Great teachers!
After a rousing evening program in the Toronto temple, when I sat myself on the back burner once again. Vaisesika asked, "How are you doing?" referring to the physical condition I'm going through.
"Well I'm seeing through a different perspective." I remarked. I suggested that if you play the role as a leader particularly as what's called a Governing Body Commissioner for our spiritual society, our beloved guru, Srila Prabhupada, asked those in the post to not always be in the forefront. He encouraged empowerment. Us big shots don't always need to monopolize the microphone.
When I saw a young, adorable boy of about seven sit on the vyasasan (the exalted chair for speakers), deliver a ten minute message on a preplanned arrangement in front of a huge audience, it was a clear confirmation. There must be succession arrangements for the younger blood to flow. That's being smart and progressive. We need, and the world needs, more of this type of sharing of responsibility and passing on of the torches.
0KM
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