Bhaktimarga Swami in Cuba December 2011 - Alamar, Marianao and Initiation

Sunday, January 1st, 2012

Tenor Voice Has a Place

Toronto, Ontario

Darren is a tenor opera singer who's fairly young and at 23 has already run for a political position in a recent campaign. Good for him! Better still, he's getting his spiritual life together.

"It's been 10 months that I've been chanting and been with Krishna devotees," he told me. "And it's been wonderful."

Darren and I were strutting along in the Rosedale residential area after the annual "Prabhupada Festival" at night when he was reflecting on his good fortune. Of course, I couldn't contain myself, I just had to tell him how great walking is for a singer's set of lungs in addition to the spiritual benefits. Also, being of political mind, Darren was curious about the social and administrative structure of ISKCON. So I responded. In brief, our founder, Srila Prabhupada took a strong stand for autonomy and not centralization while at the same time all projects were accountable to a Governing Body Commission.

This was but a tiny portion of our dialogue. Before you know it, we had 8 kilometres under our feet, something he admitted to not being used to. And to a momentary chagrin I had not chanted one full mantra on this stroll, something that I'm not used to.

It just so happens that Darren is enthused now to take a pilgrimage to India with me in February. There I will engage him in using his tenor voice at a very special place in Mayapura, West Bengal at the site of the Puspa Samadhi building which receives vocals so well and less so, musical instruments due to the structure's acoustical dynamic.

I'm really looking forward to the pilgrimage and being in a position to answer his questions plus hear him chant in operatic style, the maha mantra.

8 Km

Saturday, December 31st, 2011

Year Finishing

Vaughan, Ontario

The real trekking for today was the round trip (on foot) from the ashram to Toronto's old city hall and back. Purpose? I went to take part in what proves to be one of the most exciting chanting sessions of the year - the New Year's countdown. Unique about this kirtan is that dozens of people take the 3.5 km trek back to the ashram after chanting with the rest of us. We arrived after a 3 hour chanting, in other words, 3 AM in the morning. An unforgettable party!

Three outreach New Year's Eve programs preceded the countdown and all were sweet.

I can't resist taking an exerpt from the book, "Surprises Around the Bend" and sharing it. On Mother Theresa: "In 1948 she arrived in the slums of Calcutta, but she was still not sure she had made the right decision. Could she really identify with these people? After praying for God's ugidance, she formulated a plan to walk through the slums and see what would happen. She quoted: 'I walked and walked all the time, until I couldn't walk anymore. Then I understood better the exhaustion of the really poor, always in search of a little food, of medicines, of everything.'

"That specific walk proved to be pivotal in resolving whether or not to accept the promptings of her heart. Yes, she could live like the people she sought to help. Though she had no shelter, no money, no employment, no security, somehow she believed God would provide."

8 Km

Friday, December 30th, 2011

Surprises!

Toronto, Ontario

What a grand day of surprises - mostly good! Firstly, another accident destined vehicle going down the Dupont/Avenue Road area, spun out of control and this time it hit our temple/ashram building. It totalled our north barriered fence while the driver did survive. Thank God!

Next surprise! I received a call from Dr. Vikram Jal in New Glasgow, Nova Scotia. He told me of the good news that the deal is done; that a property not far from his home has been purchased, a building on one acre for monk-training purposes.

Our head brahmachari (monk) in Canada, Nitai Ram, originating by this purchase of a space that will provide facility for men who want to have that monk experience. Students will come there to have the full on Krishna Conscious training for taking to a time of learning, discipline and fun all wrapped up in one. We are ever so grateful to Vikram for being so progressive and so generous, I can't thank him enough.

Shortly after Vikram's call I received a notice slip from the local Post Office. Post Office? Who uses those places these days in the time of electronic dispatches? My good friend Akilananda from Ohio had sent me a cast mold of the footprints of Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, the historic world leader of mantra disemination. Chaitanya was a great walker and a great guru of bhakti. This imprint will adorn a space on our second floor where we have a pictorial display of Chaitanya. Thanks, Akilananda! You are a good friend.

Finally, without expectation, I received a gift in the form of a book, "Surprises Around the Bend" by Richard A. Hasler. Talk about surprises! Here's a great publication about 50 adventurous walks among them Francis of Assisi, John Bunyan, Mother Theresa and the Peace Pilgrim. I am indebted to Ananda Vrindavan for the thoughtful gift. I recall walking through her town in Ireland in 2008. How thougtful of her. My obeisance! This is one of the best days of my life.

5 Km

Thursday, December 29th, 2011

Perceptions Outside

Toronto, Ontario

Winter has hit. Colours have shifted from green to white. It's a component of change and a symptom of cycle, an aspect of duality, the way of this world.

These truths of nature's phenomena are so evident when you step outside of the indoors. I had spent hours inside today caught up in the world that was imposed upon me. And then that illusion broke for another. I needed to get out into the elements. Yes, the elements - I have always found them to be a good way to meet Krishna. It becomes like an immersion into the vibrations of a temple, only outdoors.

When it's slippery and wet, pedestrians are more cautious. When it's cold heads are tilted forward and down to avoid snow. The body tenses up and shoulders tighten. It is also the time for an earned austerity. That could never be bad for anyone. The experience has to be taken as such, otherwise it is regarded as inconvenience.

When you are a renunciant, you look forward to sacrificial opportunities. It brings you closer to Him. When you see the sun or the moon they are His eyes. And when it's nighttime, He's wearing his shades. When it's too hot or too cold in His living room (the outdoors) it can only remind us that we are not these bodies and are beyond that.

6 Km

Wednesday, December 28th, 2011

Follow That Doctor's Instructions

Toronto, Ontario

While one of our young monks, Yogendra, was giving me a night time foot massage, I was reading some memories from our guru's students. The following is what Brahmananda, one of Srila Prabhupada's students recalls in regards to his walking:

"Prabhupada had a serious stroke on Memorial Day weekend when everyone had left New York City. Prabhupada couldn't function. We didn't want to bring him to a hosptial, so I called my family doctor, but he was out of town. I started making random calls, but everyone was out of town for the weekend. Ultimately, an old Jewish doctor came to see Prabhupada. The devotees were walking around barefooted, wearing jeans and T-shirts, chanting. We had no furniture, just a carpet. The doctor couldn't figure out what was going on. Meanwhile, Prabhupada was very sick.

"It took the doctor a long time to understand what was going on, what to speak of examining Prabhupada with the stethoscope and this and that. Afterwards we asked, 'What's wrong?' He said, 'I think the old man prays too much.' We said, 'Oh. Yeah. Okay.' The doctor said, 'He's got to get out. He's got to get some exercise.' Prabhupada could hear him from the other room. 'In the mornings he should go to the park for a walk.' then the doctor left.

"Eventually Prabhupada went to the hospital. When he came out we took him to a rented house by the seashore in New Jersey where he recovered. One day he announced, 'Now I will take a morning walk. That doctor said something valuable.' We thought the guy was nuts. 'No, no. He has given a good instruction. I will take that up.' Prabhupada proceeded to take a morning walk and Prabhupada always took that morning walk, no matter what his condition, what his health.

"When Prabhupada was in a hotel in Switzerland, it was snowing. Prabhupada couldn't go outside for his morning walk so he took it in the hotel corridors, walking and chanting just as if he were outside. When Prabhupada and all of us were injured in an automobile accident in Mauritius, we had aches and pains, but the next morning he went on his morning walk. Prabhupada followed that doctor's instruction."

7 Km

Tuesday, December 27th, 2011

The Kissin' Kind

Varadero, Cuba

There is the parting of the family in John Steinback's novel "The Grapes of Wrath" when the line comes out (I can't even remember the character's name) "we're not the kissin' kind." It's a tragic closing to a story of the Great Depression. In Cuba, it's the contrary. Everyone here is the kissing kind' so welcoming and warm and Latino.

It's my final day in Cuba so for the first farewell in Havana our group circled and sat in front of Calixto Garcia's monument, a replica sculpture of the 19th Cuban hero who staved off the Spanish. The history is interesting. Americans got a footing in the country and opened up Cuba as a summer resort, vacation and gambling destination. That all went on until the revolution in the fifties. Casinos were closed. The US moved on and Las Vegas then became what it is.

Now back to the circle where we expressed each others' association (without kisses) but with some instructions. Our communities in Havana and Matanzas have their humble beginning so all efforts to advance personal and public spirituality need cooperative implementation. If a kiss can take the form of instructive whisper, then that's what we dispatched.

Edelmira from Raidio Taino interviewed me for her show. Her questions were open. "Is ISKCON growing in Cuba?" "What is involved in your initiations?" and lastly, "Are you planning a walk across Cuba one day?" I wish all interviewers were like her - the motherly kissing kind.

Our day wrapped up at the Varadero beach for water fun. Here we created a water circle and discussed the tales of "The Mahabharat" until time rushed us off to the Matanzas group for a healthy meal and discussion with doctors and healers who inquired about my teatro espiritual.

"That's a project I love to talk about - therapy for the youth participants. It gives them a hope and a richness they might otherwise miss." We bid farewell and left the group for my flight. And, of course, there's always a smacking of lips to the cheeks to babies and adults alike, also guy to guy. I left that circle with a more softened heart and an internal tear of hope and prayer that love for Krishna will take hold in this land of loving people.

7 Km

Monday, December 26th, 2011

Water, Fire, Air

Havana, Cuba

Our small group of japa walkers were set off for the Malecon when two tall big burly men noticed the robes. They stopped and asked for blessings, which we delivered.

Fishermen and young couples take advantage of Cuba's longest beach, the sea wall. I imagine many dreams lie on this beach as well, as people look over the Florida Strait's waters and the sun rises to their right with saffron smokey clouds drifting across ethereal skies.

Dreams can be so deceptive. Anyways, my dream since being here was to have a standard big fat North Amercian vegetarian meal. That's my weakness. Probably Cubans eat more modest but appropriate amounts. I don't see much obesity here and no malnutrition.

Our first speaking presentation was held at a community centre, Jaimanitas. Some of our congregants attended and also some new folks. We led them in chanting, dancing, philosophic/Vedic of course, and in surya namaskar, salutations to the sun. Oh yes, the sun is ever present here. I asked for feedback after the session and the consensus was that the attendees in general were joyful. On our return I offered to say to our young and slowly growing group that when making presentations to the public, there is no need to use the sledgehammer effect. Friendliness wins the game and not fanaticism.

On previous visits to Havana I made contact with the Indian Embassy. Today I went again for an unscheduled visit. It was interesting that deligates there knew that the sacred Bhagavad-gita was on trial in Russia.

In the evening Matanzas and Havana devotees converged at a doctor's home on the sea side. There Iksvaku conducted a standard ISKCON fire ceremony for two new initiates. Edelmira, a local radio broadcaster, took on the spiritual name of Elavati under the auspices of godbrother monk, Hridayananda Goswami (while in his absence). And Armando of Matanzas, who's 63, took the name Arjavam which means 'honesty' as found in the Gita.

To light the wood, camphor in plenty was supplied, but our outdoor uninvited guest, the wind god, posed obstacles. We were down to the last available match, when suddenly Agni, the fire god, kicked in, which made everyone present pretty cheerful.

13 Km

Sunday, December 25th, 2011

Dreadlocks, Books and Mantras

A La Mar, Cuba

It doesn't seem to matter how calm are the ocean's currents, waves tend to leap over the Malecon sea wall and leave a slippery sidewalk. Joining me today on the slip 'n slide were Janardan, Das Avatar, Muni Srestha, and Santiago. We passed by security guards and with a nod, smile and salute, continued walking. My robes remain to be a curiosity, even for couples leaning on each other at this Lovers' Lane. It hits them with a dose of reality I guess. And since I prefer to expose my japa beads instead of keeping them in a bead bag (the last time a boy mistook it for a money bag and ran off with my 38 year old beads), it seems to quiet the street party goers, at least, momentarily. Perhaps it reminds some of them of church.

Off to A La Mar, our community went for a spiritual happening. It turns out it was Rastafarians and us, making music and matras at an outside residential street. We worked seperately and then merged together. Neighbourhood kids were very inclined to get in on the fun, but it was Iksvaku's father, Devaraj, 87, who stirred up the most excitement in the weather's comfortable low 20's temperature - Celsius that is.

In Cuba, music always permeates the air; an upbeat Rumba genre. I understand the government is down on hip hop music. Lyrics tend to denounce 'authority'. It looks like our style - kirtan, is accepted for now. People came forward to purchase Bhaktivedanta Book Trust literature and carry home with them mantra cards.

Early evening was spent at one household where devotees asked of details about the ten famous avatars. I only covered two in fine detail as that's what time allowed. Devotees were curious to know where to find such information as they wanted to know more.

We did come up with a system to keep in memory the 10 avatars, unless you know the Jayadev song quite well. There are 4 animal avatars (fish, tortoise, boar and lion). Then there is the avatar that by behaviour defended animals - Buddha. There are 3 avatars with the name Ram - Ram, Parasurama and Balaram. Finally there's a brahman - Vamana and the ultimate ksatriya - Kalki.

At least, this is one way to remember the list.

13 Km

Saturday, December 24th, 2011

Cuba's Alright

Havana, Cuba

Transportation to various sat-sang speaking engagements has been kind of fun. Vintage cars as cabs have been our way of getting around apart from the walks along the Malecon, Havana's north side sea wall. A 55 Dodge model took us from Matanzas to Havana and once arrived, a 57 Ford model continued the service, compliments of Iksvaku. They are not in a souped up condition and their exhaust sends black clouds in the air so it's a mixed triumph and defeat experience, but an experience nevertheless.

There are meagre hints of Christmas tinsel and Hanukkah celebrations hardly can be seen or heard, yet a party spirit pervades the atmosphere. The Ecological Park got busy on Havana's west end with families taking advantage of the green space. Kids are up in fashion in Cuba with the Emo look disproving the myth that Cuba is totally cut off from the rest of the world.

A modest group of 20 people formed a circle upon the grass at the park to undergo a session on 9 Devotions. Well received! The dominant factor we discovered about our group was that since our goal is to exit from this world for the other-worldly scenario, to earn this privilege, we need to get along with each other. A consensus was that we didn't want to see dissension, that as a small group starting up a Krishna bhakti culture here in Cuba felt they couldn't afford to have neophyte tendencies to disturb us.

A second meeting of the group was at the home of a mother, son and daughter in law. They are so eager to learn so it came natural and unplanned for me to introduce to them the mantras of the text, "Brahma-samhita". We sang and sang, "Govinda adi Purusham Tam Aham Bhajami" which means "I honour Govinda (Krishna) the original person."

Can I say one more thing about Cubans aside from their receptivity? They look in great physical shape.

9 Km

Friday, December 23rd, 2011

So Far, So Good!

Matanzas, Cuba

I had arrived at 9 PM the previous night at Varadero, Cuba. Customs was a no interrogation experience. After all, my body is Canadian and Cubans like Canada. there were only friendly questions some of which were asked three times over by three different officers. It began when I was in the line up. Of course, I stood out from the rest of the tourists with a rather Chowpatty orange colour. I was also asked by several Canadians on board about 'my faith'. "Buddhist?" they asked. When customs asked what I do in Canada I told them a no lie situation. "I'm a Bhakti Yoga instructor." This was my third visit to this land that has imposed upon itself a place of mystery.

My first engagement was at a Matanzas household where friends were invited. We spoke about the story of Dhruva from the book, Bhagavatam. Dhruva was a focused, determined young warrior who would on occasion have a fit of anger. We spoke about the boy last evening and this morning to the group. I also entertained private minutes with members of the group, addressing their personal needs and issues. Iksvaku, a Cuban born American, was there with me to assist and translate. What a pleasure it was to be with a less-complicated folk. And if having less produces these kind of people, I would opt for their company over most of the western world.

Finally, our third presentation since arriving in Cuba entailed a verse memorization session, expressing and detailing the Gita verse 18.42 which describes the attributes of peacefulness, self control, austerity, purity, tolerance, honesty, knowledge, applied knowledge and religiousness. All three programs met with success which included some prasadam, blessed edibles - a trite bland if I might say. But I loved the fresh tomatoes and cucumbers. Of course, Cuba rates as the number one organic food grower and consumer in the world per capita, so I've been told.

6 Km

Thursday, December 22nd, 2011

Fast Car, Tough World

Toronto, Ontario

This car just went out of control. At 3:45 AM I felt a thud. A female driver headed west on Dupont, crossed the street, went up the curb and into the park behind our temple. She zipped but 2 feet from our Prabhupada maple tree and went crashing against a mature tree, sending the car up in smoke and flames. It became a spectacle for those up at that hour. The woman survived as ambulance came to take the injured driver. The fire brigade put out the fire in no time. City TV came to report and police did their report. By 5:15 all was done, and the plot of land, the scene of the accident, right next to our building, was cleared of any mishap. The efficiency in dealing with the accident is commendable but the major point of reality here is the closeness of death. I could have been walking right there when the car sped along tearing up the grassy terrain and leaving a scar on the tree. The vehicle could also have struck our building leaving damage had it veered towards our temple.

The precariousness of life is interesting when you hear that a Utah truck driver who won a $380 000 Lamborghini in a convenience store contest crashed the sports car six hours after he got it. He now plans to sell the 640 horsepower convertible because he cannot afford the insurance taxes.

Tough world! It's a reality that's confirmed in the Bhagavad-gita. "Dukhalayam asasavatam" are two Sanskrit words meaning 'misery' and 'temporary'. Hence, the predawn episode is a mere reminder.

I'm off to Cuba until late December when I return on the 27th. Hare Krishna!

8 Km