Monday, December 3rd, 2012

Sea Wall to School Hall

Habana, Cuba

My old friend, the Malecon, the sea wall on Cuba's north coast in Habana, allowed me to walk by its side. I introduced Hayagriva to this fourth-time-around visit to the wall where couples hang out in the evening. Both of us looked suspicious as we carried our meditation beads in their pouches. As we walked along the seaside across from an embassy, security took notice and radio waved some message to each other as we passed by them. Suspicion is still a reality especially in Cuba's capital where very strong political statements are made that span municipal billboards. When we left the Malecon to adventure into a residential street a squatting man raised his eyebrows and asked about the pouches, or what we called bead bags. He admitted that he thought they were a gun with bullets. Three years ago a young lad mistook the bag for a money holder, yanked the bag off my neck and ran off with it; never to be seen again. He must have been disappointed at its contents: a strand of 35 year worn down meditation beads.

I relayed my story about suspicions to a group of 40-or-so theology students under Professor Hans guidance at a university hall. The pouch I demonstrated with beads was a new image for some of them. The presentation was geared around the philosophy of the Bhagavad-gita and it took a clean one hour to explain the text which outlines a soul's great moment of doubt. An equal amount of time was taken for answering questions.

To recall a few of them:

1) "You mentioned that the Bhagavad-gita lists some of the traits of the soul. What are they? Can a soul's material dharma and spiritual dharma be combined? Are Christ and Krishna the same?"

 "To answer the question in a nutshell:

1) The soul possesses the attributes of sat: eternity, cit: cognizance, and ananda: pleasure

2) The Gita's message largely encourages to use your material talents in the service of God.

3) Christ and Krishna are one and different. Their purpose is the same: they are different individuals. in the Gita Krishna declares Himself as father to all and Christian theologians, at least some, declare Christ as the son of the father.

7 KM

Sunday, December 2nd, 2012

Beginning With Roosters

Habana, Cuba

The rooster population must be greater than the humans. They sang in concert resounding  much like the consistent howling of jackals which I hear in the Bengal countryside early in the morning. It was a symphony.

Hayagriva, Sahil and I, preparing ourselves for a long drive to Habana, took to trekking on a modest paved road which is a major artery into Rodas. Here, we were definitely in the countryside and not in India (although we spotted these white humped Indian cows grozing). There, we were in central Cuba where sugarcane is plentiful yet does not reign supreme to boost the economy. Tourism has taken over. Rodas, however, being kind of a tucked away town, sees few foreigners. Hayagriva and I are in saffron and Sahil is a tall big-boned Punjabi boy raised in Canada. We are a curiosity.

Inquisitive too was our host, Merci, the doctor. Her friends, who happened to come by after our trek, came out with classic questions. How to address the mind which is helter skelter? What caused the soul to arrive here in this mundane world? How to achieve a sense of peace, safety, and sanity in this wild world?

All questions were patiently addressed and we compare the nature of the mind as being like a rascal monkey, a ridiculous clown or to money, never staying in one place very long, then it seemed to resonate beyond every nationality. To put things in light perspective this explanation charged a laugh, at least a smile, as much as it did when Hayagriva on our trek, accidentally stepped in some horse dung to which I remarked “El Grosso!”.

En route we went to Habana by car and we did indeed admire a major method of transport by the locals: horseback and sometimes buggy as well. As we entered the precinct of Habana we could feel another universe. Smells of oil, diesel and such, permeated the air. Old models of dodges, chevys and fords charmed us. Our destination in Habana was the home of a community member at one of these beautiful in town estates, a stately-looking house which had seen better days. It reminds me of those well-built mansions from the British period in Kolkota.

There we conducted a kirtan in a lush green courtyard followed by a fire ceremony and an initiation into our spiritual community. Raphael accepted  the sanskrit name of Raja-vidya (king of knowledge) and Regis accepted the name Raja-guhyam (the king of secrets). Our Canadian contingent was also there and was the force behind the feast and other areas of co-ordination.

Once again they were impressed with the warmth of the Cuban people being less tainted by the greediness of much of the rest of the world. Viva Cuba!

8 KM

Saturday, December 1st, 2012

In Our Element

Santa Clara, Cuba

Santa Clara is said to be the cutural centre of Cuba after Habana. A three hour cab drive took Hayagriva, Sahil, our super mrdanga drummer, and I to a culture house in the heart of the city. There are actually an indoor and outdoor theatre in this facility that is frequented by liberal and free-thinkers.

Our scheduled program of mantra meditation drew 60 people to the indoor space as monsoon wetness restricted us from using the breezy outdoor area. As in the previous night questions about spiritual life came pouring like the rain and the response to what we demonstrated, said and sang was received so very well. Cuban born and now a U.S. citizen, Iksvaku, was my translator and he mentioned to me after the program that the country is the poorest country in the western hemisphere, yet somehow there is a richness in the hearts of people. If I were to compare audiences I would say that a capitalist group is inclined to be more callous. I'd go so far as to say that the so called developed world is down-right spoiled. To clarify I would classify myself as a supporter of a spiritual regime, something which currently is non-existent on planet earth.

A second program was scheduled at a doctor's home in town Rodas, population 11 000. This place is the village of Laksminath, who pronounces himself as a lifelong brahmachari or monk. Here also a fabulous response came from the host's guests. The food was sattvic (in the mode of goodness) and that gave us enough fuel for a third program, un-planned, unrehearsed and spontaneous. In the heart of Rodas was a gazebo which we took full advantage of for a kirtan that had churchgoers across the street wondering.

We were in our element, completely content as a pioneer troup, that had come to plant some seeds of bhakti, devotion to the extraordinaire: the maha-mantra.

7 KM

Friday, November 30th, 2012

Cool Place

Matanzas, Cuba

Hayagriva and I did our beach walk and made it to the beach's end before turning around. In some way it is a pleasant experience even though a brizzle sprayed us wet and clean before entering the Atlantic waters. There we conducted, while fighting waves, our sadhana, singing in honour of guru, sadhu and God. Beach walking isn't always a treat. If you go long enough walking its acute angle, it definitely disturbs the skeleton somehow. That's why the turn around. It's necessary to balance yourself by reversing directions in order that the leg that stretched itself extra on the angle now gets the chance to shorten itself on the return journey.

The Cuban beach is not unique to this dynamic. It appears to be a reality at every seashore.

What we do find unique about Cubans is their generous nature. Alex was our cab driver from Varadero to Matanzas, a mere 50 minutes, and he really opened up to us. He is a part-time engineer professor at the university. Driving tourists to and fro between resorts and the airport consumes the rest of his time. He has his share of passengers ranging from what you might say are decent folks to drunks and prostitutes. He really got a charge from hauling a monk and his friends around. It doesn't happen every day. He has familiarized himself with the Bhagavad-Gita and has explored self-realization. He mentioned that he has his mother-in-law, a difficult person at times, but because "she is the mother of my wife I see her as my own mother."

Alex did not charge us for the lengthy ride. He has a heart. He also came to our opening of the first Krishna centre in Cuba. Our female crew from Canada got behind the cooking showing the local females how to use Indian spices while the male counterpart assisted the organization of this milestone event.

Here's what we did: Kirtan, a talk, more kirtan and then a feast. We got the okay from authorities to conduct the event which filled the room of warm and lovely people.

Cuba is a cool place!

7 KM

Thursday, November 29th, 2012

Treasures

Varadero, Cuba

The ocean offers so much. Each day it delivers sea treasures that are washed ashore. Hayagriva, my brahmachari assistant, was just shy of stepping onto a jelly-fish and a squid shared the same beach with his spineless companion. Shells, clams and ocean plants also seemed to end their water journey when the high tide swept them on drier sand. Some of these items are precious to beach comers who walk away with one of these prizes.

Our group from Canada all took that visit to the sands of enjoyment, a 21 mile stretch of a magnificent beach. One of our group remarked “When the local tour guide mentioned that there's a cold front that just hit the shores we Canadians just had a good laugh. Cold front? You don't know the meaning of the word.”

Just to clarify, our group is not just here to be sense gratifiers. We are here to mix pleasure and work together. The beach stuff with its therapeutic benevolence fuels the body and mind. As for the soul...? Well, our crew qualified the trip as a pilgrimage by way of kirtan. We chanted the Gaura Arati in the hotel room and then I gave an explanation on the song which highlights Sri Chaitanya as the great mantra master. 

What is really honourable about this group is that they stuffed their suitcases full of sarees, kurtas and spices like hing to have with the Cuban bhakti-yogis, newcomers to Krishna Consciousness. What big hearts they have? That's the spirit. An average salary in Cuba is 35$ monthly. The residents of Cuba could use some help both in a practical and spiritual way. Everyone could use little treasures that come in different chests.

7 KM

Wednesday, November 28th 2012

A Little Friend
P
Varadero, Cuba

Little 6 year old Kiran, seated in front of me had an on-going conversation with me in the bus.
"We're going to our hotel" he determindly said.
"Oh, so you own a hotel, do you?" I questioned him about his proprietorship.
"Yes, we are booked there."
"Well, if you own a hotel you don't have to book yourself, right." I teased, testing his logic. Kiran's parents didn't seem to mind. "We don't own anything. But I know someone who does."
"Who?" asked the curious boy. And then I told him. As we neared our destination at "Memories Resort" Kiran challenged me, "You can't make me laugh.". I took up the challenge.
'Yes I can. Knock, Knock!"
"Who's there?"
"Harry!"
"Harry who?"
"Harry Krishna!"
"Harry Krishna? That doesn't make me laugh", he quipped with a smile.
"That's true. The joke's on you. Maybe God is laughing.".

Our tour guide was quizzing all the passengers, "What three memories will you most likely have of Cuba? Guess!"
"Cigars!" said one man.
'You're right. What else?"

No one could guess the rest , so she revealed the remaining two. Rum and coffee. That was a disappointment. It wasn't even funny. The bus pulled up to the exotic outcome of the hotel and the thirteen of us pilgrims from Toronto stepped out along with the rest of the passengers including Kiran and his sister, Mum and Dad. Kiran gave a farewell wave to me and so did the parents. I went through an inside toss about feeling for the day fulfilled versus unfulfilled.

I had made friends but hadn't met a quota of kilometres on foot. Only the inside of two airports from Canada to Cuba permitted room for my legs to sway on the granite floors. Sometimes I"ll meet maybe one person within 30 km walking. But here I met adorable Kiran after approximately 1 km walking for the day and sitting patiently at the rear seat of the bus. I hope he'll remember me, especially as an agent of Krishna.

1 KM

Tuesday, November 27th 2012

Charge Yourself!

Toronto, Ontario

“Charge your batteries!"

This may be a common enough saying in reference to your engine, as in the mechanics of your car. Or it could be a remark to address one's need to get excited about something, to raise the enthusiasm and get out of the doldrums.  Lest we forget the departed meaning, facetiously, did your soul die and should we not revive it?

Can the soul die? According to the Gita, it would be impossible to kill the soul because of its resilience. "It cannot be cut to pieces by any weapon, burned by fire, moistened by water nor withered by the wind." Indeed the elements cannot destroy what is anti-material. It may be considered, however, that one's "umph" for doing the spiritual thing could be lacking. The illusions of the world beat us down real hard depriving us of the will to do anything that's spiritually devotional.

This mood of being invested of energy, whether material or spiritual, is reflected in the character of Arjuna. He set down his divine weapon, the Gandiva bow, out of sheer loss of eagerness, and losing the sense of purpose. Indeed his battery needed charging and his life long companion, Krishna, was there to help. A few words of encouragement was all that was necessary to lift the spirit of Arjuna. It's often through hearing or simply by doing that an automatic recharge can take place.

I noticed on my recent visit to Montreal that throughout the course of the day people come to make their few minutes stay in the temple to pump up their spirits by sitting there and chanting or by offering some selfless service in some way. Here, also at base - Toronto, I observe the participation of individuals who come to do some menial activity such as cleaning floors or pots. This kind of stuff brings out the meekness in someone. I also get a "zap" from the daily walks through forest or concrete-and-lights while doing the mantra meditation. We all have our own version of boosting.

So figure out what that is, your approach, but do take some approach for the sake of the soul. Hustle for the soul. It's worth it. Don't deprive it like the bird in the cage that's not feed. Don't just notice the cage and neglect the bird.

Someone might argue that the soul should be self-stimulating and should not require our mastering of zeal. No! We've buried the spirit with our indulgences. It's time to go deep.

I hope you can dig it.

8 KM

Monday, November 26th 2012

Reflect on Tulasi

Toronto, Ontario

Two trees were planted this fall at the Brick Works, a popular destination for walking lovers. The labels wrapped around each of this young growth reads "Thornless Common Locust." I feel a bit guilty. I should know all my trees by now. I pass by them everyday. If you can't tell the model of a car in this modern age due to a certain disdainment towards them, then at least you should know your ever present trees, by name.

Now with leaves of trees, having taken to the descending process, it becomes somewhat more difficult to discern whatever I can identify as far as these large plants are concerned.

Tomorrow will be the day to honour a certain sacred small tree known as Tulasi. She grows not in the ravine that I've currently taken to walking in. The temperature is far too frigid for this sensitive growth of green also known as a member of the basil family. She likes the climate of India and other such warm places.

In the purport of verse 11.55 of the Gita, our guru Srila Prabhupada, comments on how one can get close to the Divine by showing a sensitivity and love for the Tulasi plant. "One can  cultivate a garden. Anyone who has land in India, at least, any poor man has a certain amount of land - can utilize that for Krishna by growing flowers to offer Him. One can sow Tulasi plants, because Tulasi leaves are very important and Krishna has recommended this. Krishna desires that one offer Him either a leaf, or a flower, or a fruit, or a little water - and by such an offering He is satisfied. This leaf especially refers to the Tulasi."

Someone might argue her relevance if the plant can't naturally grow in one's climate. The answer could be that as an indoor plant she can do well. Her aroma is something else. If anyone would like proof of her ability to take to an indoor or greenhouse environment then I suggest to go on foot (pilgrimage) or otherwise to visit ISKCON in Burnaby, British Columbia where they have perhaps the healthiest growth of this sacred green anywhere in the world.

For those who want some auspiciousness in their day taste, smell, water or reflect on Tulasi this day.

8 KM

Saturday, November 25th, 2012

Chant While Walking

Scarborough, Ontario

" I could pray while I was walking." is a quote from Dorothy Day (1897-1980) a philanthropist who spent much time in New York city. I read these words and it inspired me. I could say that too but replace the word "pray" for "chant". Essentially, the two words mean to say: a calling out or a celebration of the Divine. In her autobiography "The Long Loneliness" Day recalls the happy ambling times along the shore of States Island and how in the course of her helping the poor she could not get down on her knees but begin praying while in motion.

I have mentioned in the past that a motionless posture for me to chant is a challenge and that walking and chanting are most compatible. In '96 I initiated the first long walk across Canada and since it averaged out 8 hours a day of stepping (sometimes more) I might as well move the mouth at the same time and turn the walk into a pilgrimage.

Others have endorsed this notion of meditational strolling. For instance a writer Linus Mundy authored two books "Slow-Down Therapy" and "The Complete Guide to Prayer-Walking)". I did some of this prayer (chant) walking in the evening after giving two talks today. I discovered lots of people walking on the streets. Cars were honking like crazy. Of course, the local team won the Grey Cup Tournament. Quite reverentially, rowdy fans were chanting "ARGOOOO!" in pride of their team, the Argonauts. Not a terrible amount of spiritual benefit can come out of this but one thing is proven that simultaneous walking and vocal expressions go hand-in-hand.

Actually, before I heard and saw the commotion I came upon a pensive man standing on the street and he asked me, "Who won the game?". I expressed that I don't follow sports much at all. He was tricked especially when I asked him innocently, who's playing who? I just kept walking. I found since I was 5, doing that long 1 mile to school, that there's something about the movement of the body that makes you sensitive to your spirit. That's why some walkers often pray (or chant) while the feet are gliding over the earth.

8 KM

Saturday, November 24th, 2012

An Evening of Bhakti

Toronto, Ontario

We are looking at a monthly program of kirtan (the New Age/Yoga Buzz word) held at 243 Avenue Road, the Hare Krishna Temple. The gathering goes by the name "An evening of Bhakti" and it highlights this ancient method of kirtan or receive-and-respond chanting.

The ambiance at Govinda's Dining Hall is just perfect for this ancestral practice. Although the styles of kirtan may have altered over the years still the principle remains - give your heart out to the sound of spiritual excellence.

Frankly the majority of those in attendance could not claim that the mantras we chanted on this evening were personal hand-me downs through the generations. Most of us at the event came from a Judeo/Christian/Buddhist background. Most of us have adapted to or adopted to the method.
"Gaura-Shakti" the bhajan band with Dhira Grahi, taking the lead on vocals, set a beautiful tone in the cathedral-like hall of Govinda's with an initial relaxed lotus posture on a cushioned floor. This eventually sprung into get-off-your-butt scenario with everyone dancing with stretched limbs.
Keshava Sharma emceed the occasion while I was asked to explain between takes (or mantras) the significance of the ancient way and how it is beneficial. Naturally I had to say that the practice rivals watching the Grey Cup Game, in ecstasy. (The Grey Cup football is at it's 100th year and faithful fans are getting a special rush from the sport this year).

I had a great time with the vocal sound and physical movement of kirtan and to top it all off evening of bhakti extended itself with a trek through downtown when at the end, the last street block of walking, I was greeted by the season's first crystal snow flakes. They were just a teaser and vanished in the air but they were most definitely a grand finale to the night.

7 KM

 

 

Friday, November 23rd, 2012

 It Was An All-nighter

 

Montreal to Toronto

It was an all-nighter… and it wasn’t a party. I took the Megabus ride from 9 pm to 3 am between the two cities. Sleep is not possible on this conveyance for me. I did some reading and writing until bumps made it impossible to scribe, so I started reading the signs for the exits off the 401 Highway, our route. As the headlights beamed onto the signage, names came up that pulled on my heartstrings – Cornwall, Brockville, Kingston, Trenton, Brighton – all names of places that I walked through the summer. It’s quite different when your feet meet the places and when your eyes meet the faces. I won’t forget the speaking engagements at these various junctures along Highway 2 and the joy it would muster. I was actually feeling a separation for the road and the adventure it brings.

The trek I did make after arrival was down University Avenue and onto Simcoe Street to visit Devamrita Swami. He’s in town to speak at various spiritual engagement and to run a retreat over the weekend. At lunch it became irresistible to speak about the summer’s road adventures. The topic was light; how to handle mosquitoes, snakes, bears and cougars in the Canadian wilderness when you’re doing the trek. After lunch the topic was more grave, how to handle the illusory energy –the temptations of the mind, the flesh?

Frankly, encounters with beasts and wilderness are perhaps easier to handle than the power of maya, illusion.

8 KM

Thursday, November 22nd, 2012

Early Risers

Montreal, Quebec

Early risers can be appreciated. They have what it takes to live long. Recall the saying, “early to bed early to rise…”

After a full one hour of sadhana at which time ten of us stalwarts attended, Raul and I took to Pie Neuf Blvd, and then a side street. Our whimsical navigation had our feet vie for this side street where we came to a place of early risers. The building that was teeming with energy, of human movement, was a massive building called “Pro Gym”. The massive place with its expansive window panes made our temple room look like the size of a match box. The key to the door of Pro Gym must have opened at 5 AM because by the time we walked by at 5:30, tread mills and such were in full swing. The place had outnumbered our temple attendance by double and club members were continually trickling in. I could see clearly inside with the sidewalk right next to the building.

It’s my habit to at least nod to everyone I see and I made a point to make eye contact with all those that were inside. Sadly, 90% of those persons I wished to connect with were non responsive, although they noticed us walking. I know that my robes may tell that I’m not an athlete and that it’s a giveaway appearance of alien status, but hey, let’s just be a little human. What are you pumping that heart for anyways? Show you have one, or is it just biceps building that counts?

Anyways, here I go, I’m being critical. I’ll go to the reverse and think, “good work out, guys, at least you’re up and enthusiastic about something (early bird gets his worm)” and all that. According to Vedic philosophy, you have lots of rajas, passion, it’s a sign of life. One day you may be able to strike a balance in your schedule and give some attention to the spirit. I believe the ancient Greeks had it right. They balanced their time with philosophizing with time at the gymnasium.

In India, the great Avatar, Prince Ram rose early and did a workout with weapons, but only after a bath, prayers, ablutions and mantras. He set a good standard for the physically fit.

In any event, on my next visit to Montreal I’ll likely trek to Pro Gym again and try to ‘connect’. As a sanyassi (monk) in a mission oriented community, it is an obligation to make contact with people, even in a meagre way on a daily basis. I did by some good fortune meet with the nicest couple who came to visit our ashram. The Varmas are a sweet couple that own a gallery for Inuit and Native art in posh Old Montreal and they came to visit us on their wedding anniversary. They were keen to hear of my devotional life and pilgrimage culture. It really makes your day when you meet fine human beings; not that the folks at Pro Gym were not, I’ll just give myself another chance with them in the future.

6 KM