Pilgrim George
Trenton, Ontario
Happy rabbits, white, black and brown, hopped along – I mean dozens of them near the bay of Quinte near Highway 2. Then in the town of Trenton you have this Air Force space, and to my left I saw dozens of groups of air cadets in training marching east to the other side of the fence. “Left! Right! Left! Right!” commanded someone in charge. Some of these cadets caught a sidelong glance of me dressed in a different type of uniform and moving the other way. I offered a pranams (folded palms) to one troupe hoping for a reciprocation. I guess you could say I tried to tempt them. They remained quite focused, good for them. Then moving in my westerly direction was a man in a convertible who pulled over. The car was posh and fire engine red. He asked if I needed to go somewhere, so I told him about my pilgrimage. Next question was if I’m meditating and if I’m trying to reach Nirvana. To put it more straight, I identified myself with Krishnaism. “Ah, yes,” he said, “more along the Hindu line.” He offered help, a donation of money. I asked him about his profession. “I’m a judge.”
“A big responsibility,” I said.
Then I came upon pilgrim George. He’s over 65, carries a bundle of things including a tent, water, a camera. Fully clothed in a robe of neatly patched denim, he looks extremely hot. He’s bespeckled, wears a sun hat and uses a walking stick a staff with a crucifix on top. He covers ten km a day on foot and sleeps in his tent at night in the woods. He hails from Pennsylvania and has walked in 48 countries. Within Canada he’s trekking 800 Km from Toronto to midland to Ottawa, Montreal, and back to Toronto on this Highway, Highway 2. He intends to attend mass in the church up the street tomorrow. By the way I forgot to mention he also carries a rosary. So there you have it, a genuine pilgrim. He expressed to me at least once a day a person talks to him with a serious dialogue. Some people consider him crazy, but he declares he’s not. In fact, he’s very bright, alive, and spiritual, and he demonstrates a respect for me, although I could be considered a false prophet from some people I’ve met in the past.
As we chatted alongside the road, a motorist gawked at us and almost had a serious accident. Farewell, Pilgrim George. To relieve ourselves of heat, Daruka and I took to a southerly route by car to the world’s largest fresh water sand banks, so we were told. There we did swim to let the water massage the tired body. A woman there mentioned she just read about my marathon walk in the paper. Also a pilot from Trenton’s Air Force and I talked along side with his son about Krishna Consciousness, as I do with all people I meet. I always try to convey whatever people are able to hear. In the course of the day between Daruka and I, the individuals we meet, although usually on a one to one basis, becomes too many to recall.
From rabbits to pilgrims.
28 Km
B L O G S P O T
Monday, 6 August 2012
Sunday, 5 August 2012
Friday, August 3rd, 2012
Don’t Dry Up
Belleville, Ontario
The crickets are cracking, the monk is walking.
It’s 3:45 AM at the time I left the camp in Deseronto. Going west I entered Mohawk territory. Some of the road signage is bilingual, meaning in English and Mohawk. Next to the sign, ‘STOP’ is a duplicate sign which says ‘TENH-STA’NA’. Prevalent in the area are smoke shops where cigarettes are sold with the incentive of being tax free on all items.
Predominantly though, white farmers manage the fields in the area. I caught with my eye a soybean field which became a perfect place to lay down for a power nap. A second nap occurred along Salmon River, a great spot. Once Daruka joined me after I jaunted the first 18kms we did the Vaishnava thing, went for a swim. The fish were nibbling our toes. One of them got Daruka’s nipples. That took Daruka by surprise. Who can blame the fish, he’s hungry.
Later on, Nicole from the Intelligencer Daily Paper had questions. I could not contain myself by lashing out at today’s technology which in my opinion has destroyed neighbourliness; “The curse of the cars” was my theme. With Gail of the Q-Net News there was a keen interest in our philosophy and lifestyle. She wanted to know about destiny. I quoted from the Gita, chapter 9, “You end up going to the place where you put your attention.” We discussed about the soul’s transmigration. Gail had millions of questions. She also expressed a desire to see the country from coast to coast in an RV.
Part 2 of the day’s quota on foot sent me along the Moira River, which runs next to Belleville’s downtown. A man in his 60s living here all his life expressed he’s never seen the river’s lack of depth like this. Global warming! Kids are walking through its dry patches. Are we drying up? May we spiritually not do that. Keep that soul moist, keep it alive with chanting. In fact, I tell reporters that my mission of feet movement is not just about walking, but also about meditating with mantras.
Hare Krishna.
31 Km
Belleville, Ontario
The crickets are cracking, the monk is walking.
It’s 3:45 AM at the time I left the camp in Deseronto. Going west I entered Mohawk territory. Some of the road signage is bilingual, meaning in English and Mohawk. Next to the sign, ‘STOP’ is a duplicate sign which says ‘TENH-STA’NA’. Prevalent in the area are smoke shops where cigarettes are sold with the incentive of being tax free on all items.
Predominantly though, white farmers manage the fields in the area. I caught with my eye a soybean field which became a perfect place to lay down for a power nap. A second nap occurred along Salmon River, a great spot. Once Daruka joined me after I jaunted the first 18kms we did the Vaishnava thing, went for a swim. The fish were nibbling our toes. One of them got Daruka’s nipples. That took Daruka by surprise. Who can blame the fish, he’s hungry.
Later on, Nicole from the Intelligencer Daily Paper had questions. I could not contain myself by lashing out at today’s technology which in my opinion has destroyed neighbourliness; “The curse of the cars” was my theme. With Gail of the Q-Net News there was a keen interest in our philosophy and lifestyle. She wanted to know about destiny. I quoted from the Gita, chapter 9, “You end up going to the place where you put your attention.” We discussed about the soul’s transmigration. Gail had millions of questions. She also expressed a desire to see the country from coast to coast in an RV.
Part 2 of the day’s quota on foot sent me along the Moira River, which runs next to Belleville’s downtown. A man in his 60s living here all his life expressed he’s never seen the river’s lack of depth like this. Global warming! Kids are walking through its dry patches. Are we drying up? May we spiritually not do that. Keep that soul moist, keep it alive with chanting. In fact, I tell reporters that my mission of feet movement is not just about walking, but also about meditating with mantras.
Hare Krishna.
31 Km
Thursday, August 2nd, 2012
Break A Habit
Napanee, Ontario
A sign outside a church reads if you want to break a habit, just drop it.
I like that. I passed by the sign in the greater Napanee area. The downtown proper of Napanee isn’t so huge, only 5,000 residents. But the place had a powerful enough impact on me. Canada’s first Prime Minister, John A. MacDonald, spent his youthfulness in this area, and also delivered his last speech in the town hall which Daruka and I visited while greeting the staff. More important than this (and I say it almost tearfully), my dad had walked these streets when he first landed in Canada from Holland. Yet, before he fathered me and my five siblings, he worked as an hired hand at a dairy farm going back over 6 decades ago. I took the time to walk some of those same streets just to absorb. Those were simpler times I’m sure.
Daruka had almost missed me on the road as I took a quick water discharge in a corn field.
“Hey, Daruka!” I shouted after I had done my business. He heard me although he sped along. Believe it or not your lungs and voice projection improve from walking. Daruka turned around his vehicle and brought me Adam from the Napanee Fever News Paper. Adam fired his questions as we sat by the corn. Daruka also brought me to see Meghan of the Napanee Guide. We then made our way to MYSM for a radio interview. I also met Serge who along with his wife just opened a yoga studio on King Street. There were a host of people I met in the town and it looks like they were able to accept whatever I felt they could receive. You can’t always go terribly deep into spiritual subject matter. I find it works to give something light and to give some warmth.
Dave, a campsite owner, wasn’t about to venture deeply into a spiritual arena. Yet, he was good enough to slot out a spot in his campground at Mohawk Bay. It’s a kind service he offered to us. No charge whatsoever. Dave has a big heart, and so he rendered a service that was unobliging for him. A good soul indeed.
35 Km
Napanee, Ontario
A sign outside a church reads if you want to break a habit, just drop it.
I like that. I passed by the sign in the greater Napanee area. The downtown proper of Napanee isn’t so huge, only 5,000 residents. But the place had a powerful enough impact on me. Canada’s first Prime Minister, John A. MacDonald, spent his youthfulness in this area, and also delivered his last speech in the town hall which Daruka and I visited while greeting the staff. More important than this (and I say it almost tearfully), my dad had walked these streets when he first landed in Canada from Holland. Yet, before he fathered me and my five siblings, he worked as an hired hand at a dairy farm going back over 6 decades ago. I took the time to walk some of those same streets just to absorb. Those were simpler times I’m sure.
Daruka had almost missed me on the road as I took a quick water discharge in a corn field.
“Hey, Daruka!” I shouted after I had done my business. He heard me although he sped along. Believe it or not your lungs and voice projection improve from walking. Daruka turned around his vehicle and brought me Adam from the Napanee Fever News Paper. Adam fired his questions as we sat by the corn. Daruka also brought me to see Meghan of the Napanee Guide. We then made our way to MYSM for a radio interview. I also met Serge who along with his wife just opened a yoga studio on King Street. There were a host of people I met in the town and it looks like they were able to accept whatever I felt they could receive. You can’t always go terribly deep into spiritual subject matter. I find it works to give something light and to give some warmth.
Dave, a campsite owner, wasn’t about to venture deeply into a spiritual arena. Yet, he was good enough to slot out a spot in his campground at Mohawk Bay. It’s a kind service he offered to us. No charge whatsoever. Dave has a big heart, and so he rendered a service that was unobliging for him. A good soul indeed.
35 Km
Friday, 3 August 2012
Wednesday, August 1st, 2012
Broadcast System
Kingston, Ontario
“A Hare Krishna monk is in town and he’s walking across Canada for the fourth time. He’s walking to promote the using of the feet and to include spirituality.”
Such was the message broadcast over the airwaves on “The Fly and The Drive Radio Station.” I also was interviewed at Queen’s University Campus with CFRC. It was remarkably coincidental to see an acquaintance in the bay next to me. Cameron, a former student, poked out of the studio once I was completed with the studio and reminded me of when he played Hanuman, the monkey warrior, in ‘The Ramayan’, a production I directed at Lakehead University. Darron Davis also came to the highway where we were as the reporter with CKWS-TV. Finally, Colin came out to do an article for Kingston’s daily paper, The Whig Standard. The response in the city was phenomenally great.
And what else? You are looking at being at the location where the great lakes begin or rather end, when you consider the flow of the water. The Kingston area is also one of the sites of battle between the French and English, and like all these waters, conflicts with the Americans in the war of 1812, it is interesting to note that historically we have the tendency to choose the wrong battles, and that it is prevalent in all of us. Perhaps we should consider that our true identity has nothing to do with one’s ethnicity.
I am not an American, a Canadian, French or English, I am a spirit, a spark of light. I am not this body.
Our day ended with a double dose of spirituality. More strumming on the sitar strings occupied Scott’s hand to accompany our chants. We also chatted about the topic of doubt which tends to visit everybody’s minds now and then. Daruka and I even managed to meet a group of Christians at a drop in center on Princess Street. I was thrilled to mingle amongst non fundamentalists. We found these people genuine.
I should also not fail to mention today, honours one of our principal Avatars, Sri Balaram, the brother of Krishna.
29 Km
Wednesday, 1 August 2012
Tuesday, July 31st, 2012
He Looked After Me
Gananoque, Ontario
Jehovah looked after me. Fatigue hit me while on Highway 2. I took my beggars cloth and stretched it out onto the outdoor back stairs of the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah. It was too early in the morning to imagine that parishioners would come to notice me. The 15 minute power nap did wonders. Thank you, Jehovah.
The area that I tread is going through a drought. Farmers are unhappy. The corn plants are tall but their yield will be meager because of lack of moisture. Meanwhile, just one kilometer south of me is a parallel highway, the 401, and also twinned to that is the 1000 Islands Parkway. People here view and play in the water to an optimum. The Saint Lawrence Seaway with its dotted islands draws multiple tourists. West of Brockville, Highway 2 leaves the waterside, but then eventually reunites with it at Juncture Point, the small city of Gananoque. According to Daruka, I was to walk into the office of the Gananoque Reporter, and meet with Amanda Smith for an interview. That did transpire.
“What was the strangest thing that ever happened to you in the course of one of your walks?” Amanda asked me.
I answered, “I met with a seductive lady on the road just the other day while Johnny Cash was singing on her car radio, ‘I keep a close watch on this heart of mine…’ I stuck to the words, walk the line (of dharma) and I kept in my heart the feeling for her soul, which felt a bit lost.” To Amanda I suggested, though the incident was a strange one, why not take one of my bear encounter stories to report about. Amanda admitted that my story of walking across the country is unique. Let’s see what becomes of the article in the paper which is a weekly.
A refreshing swim in the Saint Lawrence made Daruka and I and Jamuna fit for a change of pace. Let’s sit and sing in the home of a young couple who have opened their doors for us. Scott and Reena pulled out their sitar and tablas respectively while Nuno from Portugal and Prahlad from Hungary indulged with us our voices in singing the maha mantra. This was very melodious. Then suddenly the rains came. May the farmers be happy.
Jehovah and Krishna are one.
28 Km
Monday, July 30th, 2012
Others Walking?
There’s a rumour going around that there’s another monk trekking across the land. A local person also talked about a nun who was conducting a solo walk in protest against nuclear power plants. If it’s true that there’s other renunciants out there with a cause I could perceive them as competitors, but no. If the numbers of spiritual walkers are on the rise then that’s good. In fact, that’s what I’m hoping to accomplish. Let’s see if we can meet these pilgrims if they are not fictitious characters.
Mallorytown, Ontario
There’s a rumour going around that there’s another monk trekking across the land. A local person also talked about a nun who was conducting a solo walk in protest against nuclear power plants. If it’s true that there’s other renunciants out there with a cause I could perceive them as competitors, but no. If the numbers of spiritual walkers are on the rise then that’s good. In fact, that’s what I’m hoping to accomplish. Let’s see if we can meet these pilgrims if they are not fictitious characters.
Speaking of nuns, I did meet one in Brockville at the healing arts center on King Street, I conducted the 9 Devotions workshop. One person described herself as a nun with the Buddhists. She travels the world doing volunteer work and describes herself as a nun on the run without any order. She also explained that she travelled with the Dalai Lama and calls herself a Lamette.
Like the others who attended 9 Devotions, it was so well received. As a workshop goes, it’s participatory and interactive. People sang from their hearts and voluntarily began to dance. This type of activity is also a great break from the highway.
Truly, every day is exciting. Today my walking partner from Cuba, Jamuna Jivana and I were humbled by a Rottweiler. This four legged creature was tough. We could help but to see God in him in a vindictive way. Fortunately the owner spotted us in peril and called off the canine creature.
Also I saw my first pheasant ever coming from the wild. He was beautiful, and was attempting to cross the highway. But wise as he was, he turned right around and merged into the thick grasses. What you see on the road and what you hear and smell all becomes the adventure anticipated. It’s all the things that occur, big or small, that stack up to become an array of wonder. I’m happy to be out here, Krishna!
33 Km
Tuesday, 31 July 2012
Sunday, July 29th, 2012
I Gave A Nod
Brockville, Ontario
Compassion is one of the great virtues. This, I was compelled to embrace when meeting the first person I’d had interaction with today. It was before 7 AM on Highway 2, Galup Canal. The sun had come up proudly making pink the disbursed light clouds.
I gave a nod to an oncoming motorist. It was a woman, she made a U turn and then stopped in front of me at the shoulder of the road. She came out of the car and left the door open with the radio playing. I recognized the song, it was Johnny Cash singing “Walk The Line”. With no intro, she asked in a slurred voice, “What are you doing?” I know it was alcohol that caused the slowing of words.
I explained I was on foot across the country promoting pilgrimage, but that wasn’t too interesting to her. She offered to take me to a beautiful spot along the canal. Her pet dog waiting in the cab of the car was to have a good swim in the water. I declined saying that I couldn’t leave the road for fear I would lose sight of Daruka, my support person.
The face of the woman went from anticipation to eating a sour lemon. What could be done? I’m a monk and monks have little to do with the opposite sex. Politeness is a way of dealing with the other gender, and to be quick about it. I felt bad that she was disappointed and I let her know I’m doing as Johnny is singing, I’m walking the line, the line of dharma, duty and obligation. She then got back in the driver’s seat to leave with her pet without a third entity. I wish her the best.
Somehow or other it was a day for ladies. Maria stopped and asked for blessings for her daughter, the passenger, who was feeling a little down. I offered her some mantras. I also came upon Preyana who has a guru in Risikesha in the Himalayas. Her husband is also initiated into a spiritual tradition from India. I chatted with more folks along the way including some deep sea divers who were preparing to go down to check out some shipwrecks on the Saint Lawrence.
For a break Daruka and I drove to Ottawa to deliver a class I delivered on 9.15 from the Gita, a verse about sacrifice and the compassion that’s invoked by doing so.
33 Km
Brockville, Ontario
Compassion is one of the great virtues. This, I was compelled to embrace when meeting the first person I’d had interaction with today. It was before 7 AM on Highway 2, Galup Canal. The sun had come up proudly making pink the disbursed light clouds.
I gave a nod to an oncoming motorist. It was a woman, she made a U turn and then stopped in front of me at the shoulder of the road. She came out of the car and left the door open with the radio playing. I recognized the song, it was Johnny Cash singing “Walk The Line”. With no intro, she asked in a slurred voice, “What are you doing?” I know it was alcohol that caused the slowing of words.
I explained I was on foot across the country promoting pilgrimage, but that wasn’t too interesting to her. She offered to take me to a beautiful spot along the canal. Her pet dog waiting in the cab of the car was to have a good swim in the water. I declined saying that I couldn’t leave the road for fear I would lose sight of Daruka, my support person.
The face of the woman went from anticipation to eating a sour lemon. What could be done? I’m a monk and monks have little to do with the opposite sex. Politeness is a way of dealing with the other gender, and to be quick about it. I felt bad that she was disappointed and I let her know I’m doing as Johnny is singing, I’m walking the line, the line of dharma, duty and obligation. She then got back in the driver’s seat to leave with her pet without a third entity. I wish her the best.
Somehow or other it was a day for ladies. Maria stopped and asked for blessings for her daughter, the passenger, who was feeling a little down. I offered her some mantras. I also came upon Preyana who has a guru in Risikesha in the Himalayas. Her husband is also initiated into a spiritual tradition from India. I chatted with more folks along the way including some deep sea divers who were preparing to go down to check out some shipwrecks on the Saint Lawrence.
For a break Daruka and I drove to Ottawa to deliver a class I delivered on 9.15 from the Gita, a verse about sacrifice and the compassion that’s invoked by doing so.
33 Km
Saturday, July 28th, 2012
I'm out
Iriquois, Ontario
I’m back on track and I’m out early. I zipped open the tent at our campsite at McLerron Island. After a shower, I tread the path at 3:30 AM and leaving Daruka and a couple from Montreal to take the extra slumber they deserved. As mentioned in the past you start early in the day in order to beat the heat. The early motorist happens to notice a dude in robes, me. He may have come from an evening shift at the local Kraft Dinner factory. Then someone else passed by to prepare the facility for the golf course nearby. Another person made his way to Upper Canada Village, an extraordinary historic park. It turns out that he was the shoe maker in the village. Our small walking party had three tickets to the village, a replica of a mid 19th century self sufficient community. Since shoes are an important issue for my mission, I gravitated to the shoe shop. The man makes his own shoes from hide and then applies wooden heels. After a 30 hour ordeal to complete one pair, in those days a pair of shoes were sold at $1.80
We also visited the tin shop, tin is a metal that was shipped in from England in those days. We learned that the tinsmith received a more healthy salary than his neighbour the shoe man. The interpreter was extremely informative. I asked him a facicious question, “Is the Tin Man your icon or guru?”
“No,” he said, “my Guru is the guy upstairs.” Referring to the Lord. To such persons it’s natural to speak about my pilgrimage. One other interpreter in period costume asked, “What order are you with?”
“Hare Krishna.”
“Oh yes, you have famous follower, George Harrison. I listen to him in my car.
“Great,” I said, “George was a good musician and decent follower.”
30 Km
Iriquois, Ontario
I’m back on track and I’m out early. I zipped open the tent at our campsite at McLerron Island. After a shower, I tread the path at 3:30 AM and leaving Daruka and a couple from Montreal to take the extra slumber they deserved. As mentioned in the past you start early in the day in order to beat the heat. The early motorist happens to notice a dude in robes, me. He may have come from an evening shift at the local Kraft Dinner factory. Then someone else passed by to prepare the facility for the golf course nearby. Another person made his way to Upper Canada Village, an extraordinary historic park. It turns out that he was the shoe maker in the village. Our small walking party had three tickets to the village, a replica of a mid 19th century self sufficient community. Since shoes are an important issue for my mission, I gravitated to the shoe shop. The man makes his own shoes from hide and then applies wooden heels. After a 30 hour ordeal to complete one pair, in those days a pair of shoes were sold at $1.80
We also visited the tin shop, tin is a metal that was shipped in from England in those days. We learned that the tinsmith received a more healthy salary than his neighbour the shoe man. The interpreter was extremely informative. I asked him a facicious question, “Is the Tin Man your icon or guru?”
“No,” he said, “my Guru is the guy upstairs.” Referring to the Lord. To such persons it’s natural to speak about my pilgrimage. One other interpreter in period costume asked, “What order are you with?”
“Hare Krishna.”
“Oh yes, you have famous follower, George Harrison. I listen to him in my car.
“Great,” I said, “George was a good musician and decent follower.”
30 Km
Friday, July 27th, 2012
We Came Together
Long Sault, Ontario
Click goes the camera. A man at customs for the US snapped a shot as I was leaving Cornwall with Montreal couple, Rasamrita and Krishna Devi near the US Canada bridge. The man stepped out of his customs station and said, “Good luck with your walk.” So the news is out, The Walking Monk’s in town. Kacper from Ottawa came to join us in the trek and so did Karana Karana, with her daughter, Vishva Devi. Mother and daughter came all the way from Hamilton. The little army is growing, the bonding is developing.
What is really unique about the left turn we made was an entering into a paradise of sorts. The Saint Lawrence Sea Way with all its islands has an interesting history. In the late 50’s, 6500 residents in the area were relocated to make way for a flooding. This was intentional to create a waterway that would dispel the rapid and provide enough depth to have cargo ocean liners come through. On what is called Inundation Day, people saw their properties which included five villages go under water. Many homes were moved and some burned to the ground prior to the flooding. What you are left with is a series of hilltops that are now lovely islands.
Our trip today, boiling as we were under the sun, took us to a park way linking several patches of serene islands. Swim we did and then we drove with speed to Brockville to meet Donna Wilson who hosted us for a meal at home. We ended up having a delicious meal, along with Lucy, Karana Karana’s step mom and Donna’s kids. The kids are into eating pork and that’s what they indulged in. But we thought nothing of it while sticking to our veggies. The kids couldn’t resist her menu, they added that to their meal. The oldest boy, Elijah, is a top athlete and student in school. Recently he suffered from a serious sprained ankle. Donna, his mom, said that I have special connections with someone above who can help. Be that as it may, I offered to offer a day’s walk and mantras in Elijah’s honour.
Donna opened up her yoga studio to us where I delivered a talk on the merits of using your feet and using your mantras. I attempted to balance walking tales with philosophy and then culminate with kirtan (chanting). Indeed, it was a magical time with the attendees. Donna is a gracious host.
Megan came from The Recorder and Times Paper, and Andy from Snap Magazine also arrived to cover the story of the walk. The day was really intense as we were trying to fit everything in. The sweet chanting and the end of the day made up for any strain and fatigue under the sun.
24.5 Km
Long Sault, Ontario
Click goes the camera. A man at customs for the US snapped a shot as I was leaving Cornwall with Montreal couple, Rasamrita and Krishna Devi near the US Canada bridge. The man stepped out of his customs station and said, “Good luck with your walk.” So the news is out, The Walking Monk’s in town. Kacper from Ottawa came to join us in the trek and so did Karana Karana, with her daughter, Vishva Devi. Mother and daughter came all the way from Hamilton. The little army is growing, the bonding is developing.
What is really unique about the left turn we made was an entering into a paradise of sorts. The Saint Lawrence Sea Way with all its islands has an interesting history. In the late 50’s, 6500 residents in the area were relocated to make way for a flooding. This was intentional to create a waterway that would dispel the rapid and provide enough depth to have cargo ocean liners come through. On what is called Inundation Day, people saw their properties which included five villages go under water. Many homes were moved and some burned to the ground prior to the flooding. What you are left with is a series of hilltops that are now lovely islands.
Our trip today, boiling as we were under the sun, took us to a park way linking several patches of serene islands. Swim we did and then we drove with speed to Brockville to meet Donna Wilson who hosted us for a meal at home. We ended up having a delicious meal, along with Lucy, Karana Karana’s step mom and Donna’s kids. The kids are into eating pork and that’s what they indulged in. But we thought nothing of it while sticking to our veggies. The kids couldn’t resist her menu, they added that to their meal. The oldest boy, Elijah, is a top athlete and student in school. Recently he suffered from a serious sprained ankle. Donna, his mom, said that I have special connections with someone above who can help. Be that as it may, I offered to offer a day’s walk and mantras in Elijah’s honour.
Donna opened up her yoga studio to us where I delivered a talk on the merits of using your feet and using your mantras. I attempted to balance walking tales with philosophy and then culminate with kirtan (chanting). Indeed, it was a magical time with the attendees. Donna is a gracious host.
Megan came from The Recorder and Times Paper, and Andy from Snap Magazine also arrived to cover the story of the walk. The day was really intense as we were trying to fit everything in. The sweet chanting and the end of the day made up for any strain and fatigue under the sun.
24.5 Km
Saturday, 28 July 2012
Thursday, July 26th, 2012
To Highway 2
Cornwall, Ontario
On the Quebec / Ontario border I did begin trekking along the Saint Lawrence Sea Way which has multiple islands within it. I meditated with sound as I walked. After that I composed a letter to the trail I’m grateful to have.
Dear Highway 2,
Thank you for being what you are, a quite path that takes me along the scenic splendour of water and trees. You take me through communities of curiosity. You are no comparison to the nasty, hectic freeway nearby. You choose to follow the river. You cure and bend and offer a surprise around every corner. You were there first before the monster (the 401). You were the indigenous trail and then became the horse trail. You link the towns together like a thread. You are friendly to bikers, cyclists, walkers, and cautionary motorists.
I am taking advantage of your benevolence. I’ll try not to pound on your pavement too hard, just as a Vedic dancer begs the earth not to be offended by some stomping that might be needed to execute the various moves. Thanks for your being there on the map and under my feet. Your service is incalculable.
Yours sincerely,
Bhaktimarga Swami
The Walking Monk
Another thing about the road, Highway 2, it brought me friends, Rasamrita and Krishna Devi from Montreal came to greet us. Their determination is to stay with Daruka and I for a few days and to take up the challenge of walking. To add to this first day of excitement, we received a grand tour through an old cotton mill factory, now converted into an office building. May, a broadcaster from Variety 104.5 Radio, interviewed me and she so kindly took us around in the building to meet all the broadcasters. Todd from the Seaway News also came to see me on the road to do a story for the paper.
37.5 Km
Cornwall, Ontario
On the Quebec / Ontario border I did begin trekking along the Saint Lawrence Sea Way which has multiple islands within it. I meditated with sound as I walked. After that I composed a letter to the trail I’m grateful to have.
Dear Highway 2,
Thank you for being what you are, a quite path that takes me along the scenic splendour of water and trees. You take me through communities of curiosity. You are no comparison to the nasty, hectic freeway nearby. You choose to follow the river. You cure and bend and offer a surprise around every corner. You were there first before the monster (the 401). You were the indigenous trail and then became the horse trail. You link the towns together like a thread. You are friendly to bikers, cyclists, walkers, and cautionary motorists.
I am taking advantage of your benevolence. I’ll try not to pound on your pavement too hard, just as a Vedic dancer begs the earth not to be offended by some stomping that might be needed to execute the various moves. Thanks for your being there on the map and under my feet. Your service is incalculable.
Yours sincerely,
Bhaktimarga Swami
The Walking Monk
Another thing about the road, Highway 2, it brought me friends, Rasamrita and Krishna Devi from Montreal came to greet us. Their determination is to stay with Daruka and I for a few days and to take up the challenge of walking. To add to this first day of excitement, we received a grand tour through an old cotton mill factory, now converted into an office building. May, a broadcaster from Variety 104.5 Radio, interviewed me and she so kindly took us around in the building to meet all the broadcasters. Todd from the Seaway News also came to see me on the road to do a story for the paper.
37.5 Km
Wednesday, July 25th, 2012
Leaving to Start
Toronto, Ontario
Daruka and I left for a month’s journey on the road. It would be Highway 2 that I would trek. To arrive at its beginning point at Ontario’s eastern most end, Daruka’s ’93 Mercury would take us eastbound on the 401, the country’s busiest thoroughfare. To get to the 401, we routed our way north on Bayview. Here was my only opportunity to get a little walking in as Daruka pulled over to a store to get my current favourite, cold coconut water.
Yes, we were leaving the city. We were taking the advice of Prahlad as outlined in the book, Bhagavatam. This morning I had the honour of delivering the morning class, sourcing the 7th Canto segment wherein the young saint recommended strongly in his straightforward way that his father should retreat to the forest. He urged him to leave his palace, to leave the throne, to leave the city as a gesture of kindness. He indicated that the affluent life was damaging to his father. City life can be very contaminating and the journey to the countryside can be very therapeutic for body, mind and spirit.
It’s good advice, no doubt, for all of us to be in a conducive atmosphere for transformational experiences. Our dear guru, Srila Prabhupada, also left the larger cities, including Kolkatta, his birthplace, to enter into a more slowed down pace of life. Everyone has heard of monks who have retired to the mountain caves and hermitages. Once having gained inner strength from the tranquil surroundings, it becomes obligatory on the part of the monk to reenter cities and areas of population and passion in order to offer encouragement and enlightenment for those who are still entangled.
Daruka and I passed our first evening near the starting point in an Econolodge, primarily to address the recovery from pain from lower back spasms. I took a hot shower and applied some balm. I woke at 3:30 am the next morning to embrace a new adventure on a new leg of the walk. Highway 2, here I come!
3 Km
Toronto, Ontario
Daruka and I left for a month’s journey on the road. It would be Highway 2 that I would trek. To arrive at its beginning point at Ontario’s eastern most end, Daruka’s ’93 Mercury would take us eastbound on the 401, the country’s busiest thoroughfare. To get to the 401, we routed our way north on Bayview. Here was my only opportunity to get a little walking in as Daruka pulled over to a store to get my current favourite, cold coconut water.
Yes, we were leaving the city. We were taking the advice of Prahlad as outlined in the book, Bhagavatam. This morning I had the honour of delivering the morning class, sourcing the 7th Canto segment wherein the young saint recommended strongly in his straightforward way that his father should retreat to the forest. He urged him to leave his palace, to leave the throne, to leave the city as a gesture of kindness. He indicated that the affluent life was damaging to his father. City life can be very contaminating and the journey to the countryside can be very therapeutic for body, mind and spirit.
It’s good advice, no doubt, for all of us to be in a conducive atmosphere for transformational experiences. Our dear guru, Srila Prabhupada, also left the larger cities, including Kolkatta, his birthplace, to enter into a more slowed down pace of life. Everyone has heard of monks who have retired to the mountain caves and hermitages. Once having gained inner strength from the tranquil surroundings, it becomes obligatory on the part of the monk to reenter cities and areas of population and passion in order to offer encouragement and enlightenment for those who are still entangled.
Daruka and I passed our first evening near the starting point in an Econolodge, primarily to address the recovery from pain from lower back spasms. I took a hot shower and applied some balm. I woke at 3:30 am the next morning to embrace a new adventure on a new leg of the walk. Highway 2, here I come!
3 Km
Wednesday, 25 July 2012
Tuesday, July 24th, 2012
The Real Warrior
Toronto, Ontario
We all know "how the West was won." With guns! But now that it's won, do we still need them?
Being shacked away in a traveling bus has kept me in the dark (or brightness, depending on which way you look at it). While traveling, there was a major mishap with the use of guns in Colorado, and believe it or not in Toronto involving senseless shooting of people. My comment! What you see is what you do. How many guns does the average viewer see in one life time? Hundreds? Thousands? More than needs to be seen, that's for sure. Thanks to the way creative wonders of B/Hollywood and let's not forget Nollywood (Nigeria's answer to the silver screen) and all filmmakers who feel that the box office won't be full without bullets in the picture.
When I was a (well younger) some of my peers would boast about going hunting for deer and pheasants. I guess you feel like a real man putting that rifle under your arm.
Here's what I have to offer as an alternative to bracing that gun in the right arm. Japa beads are a string of what resembles bullets. There's a bag made of cloth which could be considered the holsters which holds the weapon. The weapon and beads are one and the same. You put your middle finger and thumb firmly on the trigger or a bead. There's also the use of the mouth, upper and lower lips, as well as the tongue. The index finger is let free while the two fingers, indicated before, keep busy moving from bead to consecutive bead. With the mouth you chant this ancient mantra which kills the enemy, hitting him dead on target. The mantra is, "Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare, Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare." The enemies are six-fold - lust, anger, greed, madness, envy and illusion.
When you release the ammunition you do so with resolute determination. You are sure to feel like a warrior in the truest sense and satisfy any macho proclivity that exists in you.
One time I was approached by an RCMP officer, a mountie, while walking on the Trans Canada Highway. I had my hand in the bead bag and, seriously, he hid behind his cab thinking I was a madman with a weapon. When I explained that they were my meditational beads he became relieved. So, there's power in these beads. And you can feel the power when you take advantage of them.
7 Km
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