Saturday, January 28th, 2012

After the Rain in Crane

          

Crane, Guyana

We tucked in our dhotis (lower robe) to almost half-mast. An overnight tropical storm made muddy, the Saturday morning market place. The farmer’s market is the weekly outing for the monks in the area. A mirdanga drum, coupled with a djembe and hand cymbals were our tools. Marketers, vendors and us monks were somewhat not well prepared at first, but we became adaptable to the wet conditions eventually. Planks were being placed over puddles while husks of corn were set in mud spots offering some relative dryness. At least we were contented at least the kirtan party.

The over cast weather with its surprise gusts of rain is a treat over the scalding heat that is common in Guyana. A trek on Guyana’s main road, another on a side road and fairly a hard pace back and forth in my designated room, constituted all that the feet did today.

We got our memory working also. I took the devotees on one of those verse memorization sessions. The group found it a little tough to tackle 6.42 from the Gita which detail the positive destiny of a Yogi who continues his spiritual path by taking birth in a family of transcendentalists after not attaining full enlightenment. In other words, there are concessions for those who cannot reach the goal of freedom before passing from this world.

Because it was Saturday those who live in a devotional setting feel the justification behind making the evening festive to rival chutney shows and what have you.

I read from “Krishna, The Supreme Personality of Godhead”,the book, to an eager group at the temple in Crane. For these types of reading you can’t avoid putting a bit of your own personality in your delivery. We had a real great devotional time.

6 Km

Thursday, January 26th, 2012

One More Soul 

Alachua, Florida

By the blessings of Krishna I was asked to speak from Canto 10 of the Bhagavatam. I hope that the class inspired at least one soul. Just one soul. Hmmm! Maybe two souls are better. One spiritual brother gave a piece of paper with two names on it, Vaikuntha and Sarva Satya.

“They are two souls who are in a nursing home for veterans.” The gentle devotee who handed me the slip with names, directions and room numbers in the home indicated that the two patients are also veterans of our Krishna Conscious mission. I was happily committed to contribute my short visit to these two contributors of humanity.

After a great walk over the sandy roads of the area, my host family took us to Gainesville Health Care Center. We hit an awkward time. It was dinner. Sarva Satya had lost an arm and needed to be fed. To Vaikuntha’s room we slipped by and we saw him sincerely offering his food to Krishna with the deepest meditation. He uttered mantras loudly with head to the food. Once done, he raised his lovely bearded head and then noticed us standing there. He blurted out a gorgeous, “Hare Krishna!” and with a welcome that was novel to us; arms outstretched and with a smile enough to kill.

Back to Sarva in another room we went, and he gave us his brief but meaningful greetings as well.

These were two souls there that we touched and in turn touched us. Upon our departure from the center, Anil and family, who drove us there in the first place, remarked after seeing the price paid in the struggle of life by patients, “The entire Bhagavatam lesson about life can be found by a visit to the home for veterans.”

Evening came upon us and there was one last visit to make – to a local massage therapist, Michael Loomis. It was great meeting him. One-hour session with him passed by in a flash. He just happened to be a trekker himself, an adventurist. We had great stories to share.

It was just one more soul to be inspired. I’m speaking about myself.

7 Km

Friday, January 27, 2012 to Guyana

Chutney Show
 
Gainesville, Miami, Port-of-Spain, finally Georgetown, Guyana.

Going through four airports this day left little time for walking.  It was hard to find some spunk out of the day, except for reading about conversations our Guru, Srila Prabhupada had with people in 1968, some of which interviewed him on radio in the Bay area of Frisco (San Francisco).  Apart from that if there was anything that was a little arousing, spunky or spicy about today then there was a mere mention of “chutney” by a Guyanese man whom I met on the plane.

“Chutney” is a common condiment, possibly pickled, could-be-tardy and maybe dragon-like hot preparation. It’s often used as a dip for savouries and is common in the south-east Asian communities. It can tantalize or kill depending on your conditioning.

So this one man, whom I met, who recognized the robes said, “yah know, we need more people like you to give the alternative to our young folks. In Trinidad and Guyana they are so much exposed to these Chutney Shows.

“Is it a new cooking show?” I asked innocently.

“No!“ he said, ” you can imagine what is.”

“Oh, you are talking about sex in your face”

“Yeah, and most of the lyrics in the songs talk about encouraging rum consumption.

“Not Ram, but rum?” I asked.

“Yes, exactly!”

I suggested that we fight fire with fire; that we, as a pious society entertain with enlightenment; we give the youths of today enter-light-en-ment. Give them song, dance and drama. Do it light but with a subtle smack.

“Light their fires” with a message of bhakti (devotion) and make their chutney taste disgustingly, bland and flat.

I told this gentleman that I write, direct and produce devotional plays that attempts to insert Shakti (spiritual energy). He seemed happy that someone is working on bringing the young under a spiritual banner. I let the gentleman know that I have come to Guyana before to engage youths in performance. On this trip, I will be leading some chanting sessions with some teenagers. This is also just the best engagement for them. With kirtan chanting you have it all- sweet and sticky, spicy and hot, cool and chilled. And it is for everyone.

1 Km

Wednesday, January 25th, 2012

Krishna House

Gainesville, Florida

One alligator had chomped on a turtle and another gator had been eyeing a blue heron for as long as we could fathom, at least for the length of our 30-minute stay.

Companions 4 and I walked the horse trail at Payne’s Prairie Park when we decided to detour to the spring fed pond replete with the reptiles mentioned above. What looked like logs and driftwood were a group of alligators sun bathing. They were there in the plenty and we were intrigued to watch them do absolutely nothing, except for the one lying dead still, his head and body aimed in the direction of a perhaps naïve bird, the crane. The gator was surrounded by lush green water vegetation – rather hidden.

We pondered, “How long would it take before the gator made that straight dart for the bird a few feet away? When would nature take its ugly course?”

Our little trekking excursion in this Florida wild prairie where bison and horses also co-exist was preceded by the morning’s Bhagavatam class that I was asked to conduct. The verse 1.11.28 reads like this: “After entering the house of His father, (Krishna) was embraced by the mothers present and the Lord offered His obeisances unto them by placing His hand at their feet. The mothers were headed by Devaki [his real mother].”

And in the evening at the same venue called “Krishna House” I spoke from the Gita verse 6.32 which goes like this “He is a perfect yogi who, by comparison to his own self sees the true equality of all beings, both in their happiness and distress, O Arjuna!”

My participation at Gainesville’s “Krishna House” went on by the kindness of the person who runs this successful program. His name is Kalakanta, a dear friend, who draws many a young UF students to Krishna Consciousness.

Now, in between the two classes came the walk at Payne’s Prairie and one more thing – a kirtan at the downtown farmer’s market. This is a weekly outing for the members of the Krishna House. Charlie, the coordinator for this organic market remarked, “You guys really shone today.”

7 Km

Tuesday, January 24th, 2012

Through Fields That Lie Fallow

Gainsville, Florida

 Life is easygoing in the Florida countryside. Kind Anil and wife, Vidhya, and their sons Aravind, 13, and Gopal, 4, came to fetch me at quaint Gainesville Airport. With our drive to their home I would see a dry but pleasant temperature atmosphere. By the ditch a couple of turkey vultures were downing some obscure roadkill. And there are fields of fallow space separated by trees of Spanish moss cover.

Our trek over the fields was a treat. A deliberate route by their edges provided shade until all became shade for the absence of the sun. Gopal is too young for the walk and stayed at the house as Aravind babysat his younger sibling. And Aravind had some catching up to do with schoolwork. It left us three adults to be in the fields, to chant, to chat and to dream a little.

The dreaming is so necessary. And whenever I get together with friends such as Sesa and Yugala who came for soup at night with their families, we usually discuss and ponder about the world and how things could probably go better with our spiritual mission and us. And as usual, we part our ways after some thoughts hoping that some of our aspirations will become realities.

So, there you have it – some hours with friends at a peaceful neighbourhood, with moderate climate, surrounded by fields of great potential and you have all the hope imaginable. You have God. You have guru. You have some experience and you think, “I’ve got it made!”

7 Km

Monday, January 23rd, 2012

Extermination of the Bad 

Miami, Florida

Heading north on South Bayshore, which turns into Miami Ave., then off from a side street I came upon Skanda Yoga Studio. I made it almost all the way on foot until one of the members of our Coconut Grove community pulled over to get me there in time. We were prepared for an evening of kirtan.

Yoga societies have discovered the magic of kirtan, a new and yet ancient sound that defies some of the current [Insert Word Here] passing as music today. That might sound harsh to say but I mean it. Perhaps kirtan, the more angelic side of music, is a response to the denigration of much of today’s popular music.

We did not waste time with the brief hour and fifteen minute session allotted to us. We got right into japa which is chanting without a melody and kirtan/bhajan, chanting with melody and instruments. Two young chaps, Dharma and Gopal, played mrdunga drums and they were fantastic. The thirty or so participants got up off their feet to sway, swing and surrender to the sound.

This practice of chanting (and to add the dancing which completes this particular from of yoga) is described as “the prime benediction for humanity at large” as quoted by Sri Chaitanya.

Chanting is that function that is supposed to address the little devils within. It is like the termites that are having their hay day in our local temple where anything made of wood is slowly dissolving. Doorframes, baseboards and any ornamental wood fixtures are going through a disappearing act. There are experts who know how to deal with them.

In the same way, the little devils of lust, greed, and anger that exist within our lives need extermination of sorts. This chanting serves the purpose to offer this benediction.

10k Km

Sunday, January 22nd, 2012

Work Me As If I'm Your Chappati Dough Miami, Florida Three kind souls came to greet me at the Miami Airport. Garga Muni, Raghini and Rupa Manjari arrived a few minutes late. Not their fault, but the plane arrived early. I was set to be in the city for 2.5 days not knowing where I was to serve. There was mention of an itinerary so I was glad someone worked on a schedule. But as far as I was concerned I remarked to the three, "Mold me, shape me, as you like." As I recall when my Guru, Srila Prabhupada came to visit us in Canada in '76, he asked us, "What is it you want me to do while I'm here?" I took to copycatting that mood. It is a mood that would enhance surrender to the will of Krsna, Guru and devotees. After delivering the Sunday message from the Gita before the congregation I announced, "Now I request questions or comments. I have nothing to hide." I implied that if anyone wants to shape a question, I will shape an answer. In other words I was opening myself to be rolled around a bit and have some fun. I'm like a batch of chappati dough and very stiff and hard. I need to be engaged and if you use me, I'll warm up and become pliable. Some students from Saint Thomas University were taking a course in world religions and posed some questions after my presentation. They were so eager. While during the course of the day, I had set ideas on how to use my time, but being a spiritual master, I have to make myself available to the public needs. If the mental application is applied, "I'm your chappati dough." I believe one day I'll be shaped into perfectround paddy and will be offered to the flame and then presented to Krsna. I will then be cooked to perfection. 6 Km

Saturday, January 21st, 2012

Clapping Away

Mississauga, Ontario

Some days the feet are unhappy. Due to numerous obligations the hour permit little time in the day for flexing legs. This evening however, our hands were in creative motion.

During kirtan chanting our guru, Srila Prabhupada, had spoken about how the lines on your hands, which determine very much your destiny (as in palm reading) can be altered. When clapping before the deity of Krishna, as kirtan resounds, the markings can change to a more blessed situation.

At the 25th Anniversary of the Grovers we did clap, not just to congratulate the occasion, but in celebration of our life in Krishna Consciousness. A good fifty or so people took to smacking the hands in time with tempo. Dhira Grahi, a Ukranian devotee, and Jitu, a local born, second generation devotee, led our group in kirtan. For those not so accustomed, their palms turned red.

Since I wasn't able to squeeze in much time for wearing down or altering the etchings on my soles I thought, "the hands will have to do." The result was an exuberant devotional expression with palms. To facilitate clapping even more the torso, arms and head also go in motion. Clapping is a perfect time keeper. It also keeps the kirtan perked up. It engages a good part of the body. In many cultures the bringing together of hands to make noise is an expression of appreciation. It is also a device to get attention or or to send off and strike fear in an adversary or a flock of birds eating your orchard fruit.

Clapping is effective. We don't do it enough. It's the perfect cheer-leading practice.

As of late, when I'm asked to lead a chanting session, I often decline the hand cymbals or kartals often used to add a sweetness and timing to the sound. I ask someone else to play them while I have the freedom to use my hands in some unique way.

Come to think of it, my hands are my upper feet, my arms my upper legs. I've found a great use for them.

4 Km

Friday, January 20th, 2012

A Couple

Mississauga, Ontario

Rajeev and Ajita are a professional business couple who were curious about everything Krishna. After a great North Indian meal, Rajeev asked the question about the eastern concepts coming to the west in the 60's. He was keen to know about the history, the Age of Aquarius, and the humble beginnings of a tiny man, a sadhu (a swami) who drew the attention of beatniks and hippies.

I tried my best to provide an overview.

Then Ajita, his wife, asked about the proof, the reality of God. "We've been told, but how can we be sure."

"The best way to be sure is to apply. Factor Him in and then see that the equation fits. Answers come and fulfillment is reached. Not all things are comprehended by our limitations. More can be understood through feeling and hearing. The first thing the swami of the 60's, Srila Prabhupada, the Hare Krishna guru, recommended was principles. He offered discipline coupled with having a good time. When we clear the cobwebs of our mind we become a clear channel for receiving Him. We agree to be a servant and to feel the joy of serving and loving Krishna. Instead of so much philosophizing, it's best to just do it."

Ajita laughed and said that was the slogan of Nike.

"Ah yes, their mantra."

Questions kept coming from Rajeev and Ajita. It was good but my backside was sore. I began shifting uncomfortably. The couple has offered me the prime seat in their home, an one hundred year old antique chair, an actual hardwood Rajasthani bench taken from a bullock cart. It was chic. I stood up.

"Any chair loses its coziness after a while. The only relaxing pose for the human body is a changing one - walking." (Laughter)

Our conversation with the couple and two other families of the area terminated at the witches hour. Rajeev and Ajita have a 15 year old son (a wiz kid I'd speculate), who had returned from his extra curriculum activity - assembling a robot.

Robots! Well, all I can say about them is "if they ever infiltrate I'll never have one do my walking for me."

4 Km

Thursday, January 19th, 2012

Matter/Spirit

Toronto, Ontario

"The guru might snore or burp, because he is human after all. It doesn't take anything away from his divinity."

That was my remark during our Bhagavatam class discussion amongst our ashram residents. Our talking led to the same logic when applied to the sacred plant tulasi, a warm climate plant, member of the basil family, which is honored every morning as an integral part of our morning spiritual exercise. The plant Tulasi may be healthy or ill. She may be attacked by white flies or spider-mites, but nonetheless she is still sacred, packed with spiritual energy. The Ganges River may also apply. Here you have anointed waters with origins (at least on the physical planet) in Gangotri in the Himalayan Mountains. She may manifest some foam on the surface at certain locations of her downward journey to the ocean. Still she possesses the spiritual power, the ability to purify.

Divinity is found within matter. The reverse is also true. Matter is found in spirit. In fact, everything we see is encased in spirit. The mundane eye leads us to believe that matter exists and only matter, but our senses are dull, blunt and limited. Our perceptions in general have their restrictions.

As I took to the street for a much needed evening wind-down walk I could perceive what was in front of me and only that, to a small range. Because I'm human I have my limitations despite a "divineness" that persists within me.

In other words, all that is material and all that is spiritual are folded into each other.

Even though sometimes we see defects, which are a display of imperfect matter, the effervescent spirit is always present.

6 Km

Wednesday, January 18th, 2012

La Belle Nouvelle

Toronto, Ontario

The very good news is that "Nuit Blanche" the all white night contemporary art event that storms the city every year has accepted our application for mantra chanting in the early fall. The Scotiabank sponsors this popular event when the world's longest street (Yonge St.) closes off traffic for an all-night pedestrian happy art loving venture. This year chanting will be an exhibit.

This evening Keshava Sharma, one of our younger community co-ordinators, and I, scouted out the downtown to explore possible indoor or outdoor venues. We were walking with a different purpose. We were excited by he acceptance and by the special "in" as contemporary artists.

Art today is no longer an object or a painting you view hanging on a wall with unique directional lighting. It's something experiential and chanting with some additional features such as hooking up the kirtaniya, the chanting leader, to a screen to register his/her heartbeat during the process is an incredible art experience.

Paris began this world acclaimed event. New York also took up "Nuit Blanche" as an annual festival. Toronto and other cities have also caught on for a few years now.

Kesava and I were walking on cloud 9 imagining the coming eve of Sept. 29 when the sun makes a descent and art lights up. I reflected on my first days as a monk in '73 when chanting by a small group of us on the street was a daily happening. At that time I never would have dreamed that the city would back our mantra meditation with a space and a grant to fund the effort almost four decades later.

The plan is to have a 12 hour chanting session. When you consider that the theme for 2012 is "If it weren't for the buildings..." then you can throw yourself back in time when "Toronto," which means "the meeting place," was a place of indigenous people celebrating life with drums and shakers. How appropriate!

11 Km

Tuesday, January 17th, 2012

What I Left Behind

Toronto, Ontario

It's strange! In devotional life it's such a different world from the secular one. Within the context of temple life, we speak about increasing our endeavors of bhakti, devotion. Either that, or you speak about intensifying what you are already doing, such as improving heartfelt chanting. Then you hear how important it is (from the outside) how sex must be increased or Tim Horton's chain restaurant comes up with a larger cup, hence enhanced caffeine intake.

There's clearly two worlds. The emphasis is different. The gap is large.

As soon as I step out of the temple building, I might hear coarse language that is unacceptable to the ears. Life in the temple ashram is not perfect but much closer to the spiritual world, for sure. As soon as I track myself down those concrete stairways I enter into the mixed world of beautiful nature and nasty nature. I also make the entrance into what man has created; not all good.

The general populace is innocent and they want more out of life. Spiritual life can fill a vacuum beyond Churchianity, beyond dogmatic endeavors. If only they would try, if only they would make some room for a small dosage of higher conscious activity and relax in the pursuit of the Divine. It's adventurous. It's pleasurable. Susukham in Sanskrit means "joyful." Kartum means "execution." These are words from the Gita.

The evening wind was turbulent, as is the world in its mundane manifestation. It actually deterred me from a night-time stroll and so I vied for the protectiveness and sanctity of the temple and paced the balcony in its horseshoe shape. I went for a good hour and a half, every so now and then stopping to peak out to the world of harshness, the world that doesn't need to be so, the world I left behind.

6 Km