Orlando, Florida
Cleanse For Glory
Angelo and I and a few other individuals made our way to Main Highway with meditation beads in hand, and then down to a quiet road which accesses the ocean. It was my second trip here this morning. A police cab was parked on that road very close to the water’s edge. On my first venture over here, however, alone at 4 AM, it was a parked car that likely facilitated two lovers. Who knows. I’m not that curious.
Angelo had remarked that he like the fact that he parked ourselves (I mean buttocks) to a concrete block to be by the waves for gaining a sense of peace. I concurred saying, “Chanting by the sound of moving water can do a lot to clear the cobwebs of the mind.”
My visit to Miami terminated. Goodbye, Miami, and hello Orlando.
Here, I was driven to the new home of Abhimanyu Arjuna for a housewarming event, Vedic style. Raghu, a young priest from near Gainesville, drove the distance to perform the homa (fire ceremony). For Jamie and Chuck, who are local yoga instructors, viewing the ceremony was a new experience. Again, here was a ritual, like the chanting by the ocean in the morning, which serves to cleanse or purify the consciousness.
Considering the materialistic world in which we live with all its crazy demands, we need all the help we can get. It’s important to remind ourselves and each other in a regular manner that we consider to make our exit from this life after a good cleansing. Who wants to leave this world with a bad or sick heart? No one in their right mind would want that. It’s principles of forgiveness and gratitude that permit a glorious parting. That’s why all the chanting, purifying rituals, wholesome interaction, etc., make a difference in changing the shape of our destiny.
May the Source be with you!
7 KM
B L O G S P O T
Thursday, 1 May 2014
Sunday, April 27th, 2014
Coconut Grove, Florida
A Small Band of Us
A small band of us trekked to the ocean, and on our way we passed by a pizza shop which looked to be a 24/7 outfit. The owner of the shop came out and broke out into a chant when he saw us. It turns out that he knows one of our boys, a monk who passed away no less than two years ago.
“I love that guy,” said the pizza man with his hand to his heart.
“You mean, Siddha Vidya, my god brother monk?”
“Yeah, that’s the guy, that’s his name,” he said. “I’ll make some pizzas for you guys,” and we declined saying it’s a little early in the morning. It was 5:30 AM.
Those of us who walked together knew of this extraordinary soul – Siddha Vidya, who made an impression on so many people with his visits to shop owners. He made so many friends with all the people he had met.
Now, we continued on through Peacock Park, where hippies frequented, played Frisbee and enjoyed the food and fun that Krishna monks provided in the ‘70’s. Vishnujana Swami, a most renowned monk of his time, drew the crowds.
Much later in the day, or let’s say at 1-ish, a second group of us made our way to the docks for a boat ride and swim. The operator of the boat called “Pearson” with the Shake A Leg establishment, was one of those guys that used to hang out at Peacock Park with the Krishnas in the ‘70’s. Being sensitive about our needs, he took us to a beach area away from the sex, drugs, and rock and roll scene, bless his heart. Hence, we played hard in the water. I still prefer fresh water though. Jambavan, from Michigan, was with us, and told about his father’s t-shirt, which held a caption in support of the Great Lakes, where there’s fresh water. The caption read, “No Sharks, No Salt, No Worries”. When I asked the operator of the boat about sharks in the area, his facetious response was, “Whoever amongst you is a poor swimmer, just keep him near you.”
The evening wrapped up at the ISKCON Centre with Jambavan and I doing a duet on the Gita’s message. I will also say that the kirtan that preceded it was electrifying.
May the Source be with you!
8 KM
A Small Band of Us
A small band of us trekked to the ocean, and on our way we passed by a pizza shop which looked to be a 24/7 outfit. The owner of the shop came out and broke out into a chant when he saw us. It turns out that he knows one of our boys, a monk who passed away no less than two years ago.
“I love that guy,” said the pizza man with his hand to his heart.
“You mean, Siddha Vidya, my god brother monk?”
“Yeah, that’s the guy, that’s his name,” he said. “I’ll make some pizzas for you guys,” and we declined saying it’s a little early in the morning. It was 5:30 AM.
Those of us who walked together knew of this extraordinary soul – Siddha Vidya, who made an impression on so many people with his visits to shop owners. He made so many friends with all the people he had met.
Now, we continued on through Peacock Park, where hippies frequented, played Frisbee and enjoyed the food and fun that Krishna monks provided in the ‘70’s. Vishnujana Swami, a most renowned monk of his time, drew the crowds.
Much later in the day, or let’s say at 1-ish, a second group of us made our way to the docks for a boat ride and swim. The operator of the boat called “Pearson” with the Shake A Leg establishment, was one of those guys that used to hang out at Peacock Park with the Krishnas in the ‘70’s. Being sensitive about our needs, he took us to a beach area away from the sex, drugs, and rock and roll scene, bless his heart. Hence, we played hard in the water. I still prefer fresh water though. Jambavan, from Michigan, was with us, and told about his father’s t-shirt, which held a caption in support of the Great Lakes, where there’s fresh water. The caption read, “No Sharks, No Salt, No Worries”. When I asked the operator of the boat about sharks in the area, his facetious response was, “Whoever amongst you is a poor swimmer, just keep him near you.”
The evening wrapped up at the ISKCON Centre with Jambavan and I doing a duet on the Gita’s message. I will also say that the kirtan that preceded it was electrifying.
May the Source be with you!
8 KM
Saturday, April 26th, 2014
Coconut Grove, Florida
These Trees
The three of us, Angelo, Ananda Rupa and I, took to the
sidewalk along Main highway. The name is somewhat misleading, it’s only a
two lane expanse of asphalt in the Coconut Grove area, and it runs along the
Atlantic Ocean, separated by a lean stretch of land with high end properties
and private schools. Our guru, Srila Prabhupada, had strolled here on
this very sidewalk under the banyan trees. Nice place. “Trees” was
the topic of our discussion. In regards to the story of the pracetas, yogis,
who had submerged themselves in water, as their venue for meditation.
They came out of the water after an extended time of trance, and noticed that
the land they once knew was overgrown by trees. They then arranged for
clearing these forests, and like most projects conducted by man, it was taken
to the extreme. The moon objected to the destruction, to quote, “Soma,
the king of the moon and the king of all vegetation, forbade the pracetas (from
further destruction) since they, the trees, are the source of food for all.”
Trees are so essential for our sustenance in so many
ways. As the day rolled out, the trees at Cocounut Grove at Virginia
Street, provided a welcoming shade for our mini Festival of Chariots. The
sun was baking us alive, so we, the participants, took shelter of the coconut
trees as the deities of Jagannatha, Baladeva and Subhadra, were carried out by
priests. The kirtan resounded and was energetic. I did tolerate
some tone deaf chanting leaders. There was a glorious comment that came
out by a Catholic mother of one of our devotees. She was told that this
drumming and singing was our version of high mass. She found it quite
lively.
Our brief procession culminated under the shady mango tree,
where dance, song and slide show, were on display on a stage. Once again,
the tree did so much to offer relief to our situation. God bless our
trees.
May the Source be with you!
6 KM
Sunday, 27 April 2014
Durban, South Africa, April 2014
Analyzing the danger notice
At airport
Dance session in Youth Lounge
Durban Ratha Yatra Day procession
Durban Ratha Yatra Night Procession
Make up for Little Big Ramayan
On stage with the cast of Little big Ramayan
Mauritius, April 2014
Chilling at the top of a waterfall
Cup shaped Mushrooms
Hiking in La Vallee de Ferney
Hiking in La Vallee de Ferney
Kirtan at La Vallee de Ferney
Jambavan & I
Morning walk in Mahebourg
Morning walk in Mahebourg
Morning walk in Mahebourg
Outside Court house in Mahebourg
Outside Court house in Mahebourg
Point where Prabhupada visted Lion Mountain in the back
Point where Prabhupada visted Lion Mountain in the back
Point where Prabhupada visted Lion Mountain in the back
Prabhupada in Mauritius at Lion Mountain
Prabhupada in Mauritius at Lion Mountain
Reading memorial of war between British and French
Sitting in boat at Mahebourg
South Indian style temple
South Indian style temple
Storytelling mode
Sugar Cane Farming
Sunrise at Mahebourg
With Tamohara
Tamohara dasa and Kala dasa
With Tamohara, Thayalan and Kala at Krantzkloof
Valley view at Krantzkloof Nature Reserve
Walking in Mahebourg waterfront
Walking the trails
Friday, April 25th, 2014
Miami, Florida
Give Gita A Chance
It’s not my most favourite time of the year to be in Florida, the weather gets balmy and hot. I decided to stay in the Miami airport terminal, as I usually do, to take advantage of the AC in anticipation for a pickup or a ride. That was the reason for missing my ride by Dr. Romue, AKA, Murari Gupta. In other words, I should have been standing outside. I took pleasure in a sit down reading from the book, “Chaitanya Bhagavat”, on the life of the renowned mantra master. Time passed by. I phoned the doctor, but no response. Okay, taxi then. Walking was out of the question for the chance of getting lost. And also contending with the distance factor while hauling luggage.
I arrived by taxi at the Coconut Grove ISKCON address. Happily, I met a group of eager people I’d not seen for months. There were new people in the mix, people who had since my last visit, discovered the wisdom of the “Bhagavad Gita”, and which resonated with them. New faces, and joyful ones, enthusiastic to hear and see someone who might be an exemplar of the culture of the Gita. Personally, I could not fit such shoes. In any event, “I’ve given some friendship as best as I can,” I thought.
We all gathered in my accommodated room and basked in the warmth of light heartedness, and not the sun. I offered words of encouragement, “Life,” I said, “on the outside provides little fulfillment. We are all looking but we are not receiving. When you come to the point of stumbling upon Krishna’s divine word, then everything changes.” The room full of people all admitted that it’s all there – in the Gita, like, “An empire spoke,” as Emerson said. And as Thoreau had put it, “I bathe my intellect in the stupendous philosophy” of the Gita’s enlightenment.
Humbly, I could not say anything fresh and new, but to point to the text itself which can change the hearts of all. Give the Gita a chance.
May the Source be with you!
0 KM
Give Gita A Chance
It’s not my most favourite time of the year to be in Florida, the weather gets balmy and hot. I decided to stay in the Miami airport terminal, as I usually do, to take advantage of the AC in anticipation for a pickup or a ride. That was the reason for missing my ride by Dr. Romue, AKA, Murari Gupta. In other words, I should have been standing outside. I took pleasure in a sit down reading from the book, “Chaitanya Bhagavat”, on the life of the renowned mantra master. Time passed by. I phoned the doctor, but no response. Okay, taxi then. Walking was out of the question for the chance of getting lost. And also contending with the distance factor while hauling luggage.
I arrived by taxi at the Coconut Grove ISKCON address. Happily, I met a group of eager people I’d not seen for months. There were new people in the mix, people who had since my last visit, discovered the wisdom of the “Bhagavad Gita”, and which resonated with them. New faces, and joyful ones, enthusiastic to hear and see someone who might be an exemplar of the culture of the Gita. Personally, I could not fit such shoes. In any event, “I’ve given some friendship as best as I can,” I thought.
We all gathered in my accommodated room and basked in the warmth of light heartedness, and not the sun. I offered words of encouragement, “Life,” I said, “on the outside provides little fulfillment. We are all looking but we are not receiving. When you come to the point of stumbling upon Krishna’s divine word, then everything changes.” The room full of people all admitted that it’s all there – in the Gita, like, “An empire spoke,” as Emerson said. And as Thoreau had put it, “I bathe my intellect in the stupendous philosophy” of the Gita’s enlightenment.
Humbly, I could not say anything fresh and new, but to point to the text itself which can change the hearts of all. Give the Gita a chance.
May the Source be with you!
0 KM
Thursday, April 24th, 2014
Toronto, Ontario
With His Finger
In our ashram office, a small packet was lying there on the desk. I was curious. It had arrived by regular post, I guess. I opened the package, got to the contents, and saw it to be a complimentary copy of a CD entitled, “Mighty Govinda”, by the artist of the same name. It’s a dancey piece of music with a touch of reggae, hip hop and classical music. It’s upbeat. I think I could walk to this genre of music. It made me happy, gave me pleasure. That’s all anybody ever wants anyways, right? We desire ananda (joy).
Don’t we all know from experience that where there’s pleasure there also will be some pain. I have been concerned about my right index finger giving some botheration for a straight month now. Not quite sure what it is – some minor infection. It was some coincidence that I read from a calendar of Prabhupada’s meditations, a daily excerpt from his realization. While listening to the music, I had a hard look at the finger, when I happened to glance at the quote for today.
“If there is little pain in the finger, I become so much disturbed because I’ve got intimate connection with this finger. Similarly, we have got intimate connection with Krishna, and we are fallen. Therefore, Krishna always also feels little pain, and therefore, He comes down. Krishna is feeling pain, so you become Krishna Conscious, then Krishna will feel pleasure.” – Srila Prabhupada.
May the Source be with you!
8 KM
With His Finger
In our ashram office, a small packet was lying there on the desk. I was curious. It had arrived by regular post, I guess. I opened the package, got to the contents, and saw it to be a complimentary copy of a CD entitled, “Mighty Govinda”, by the artist of the same name. It’s a dancey piece of music with a touch of reggae, hip hop and classical music. It’s upbeat. I think I could walk to this genre of music. It made me happy, gave me pleasure. That’s all anybody ever wants anyways, right? We desire ananda (joy).
Don’t we all know from experience that where there’s pleasure there also will be some pain. I have been concerned about my right index finger giving some botheration for a straight month now. Not quite sure what it is – some minor infection. It was some coincidence that I read from a calendar of Prabhupada’s meditations, a daily excerpt from his realization. While listening to the music, I had a hard look at the finger, when I happened to glance at the quote for today.
“If there is little pain in the finger, I become so much disturbed because I’ve got intimate connection with this finger. Similarly, we have got intimate connection with Krishna, and we are fallen. Therefore, Krishna always also feels little pain, and therefore, He comes down. Krishna is feeling pain, so you become Krishna Conscious, then Krishna will feel pleasure.” – Srila Prabhupada.
May the Source be with you!
8 KM
Thursday, 24 April 2014
Wednesday, April 23rd, 2014
Dubai, UAE
Clothes Vs. None
I’m not the only one in free flowing loose attire. At the international airport at Dubai, you see plenty of Orthodox wear that isn’t necessarily square. There’s the Islamic clothes, for men it’s head gear in white, with long gown to match. Some men sport the lungi, a draped from the waist down comfortable cloth, and then a white chaddar wrapped around the upper torso, folded over on the left shoulder. Some women wear the traditional black, some with the burqa over the entire head.
As a Hare Krishna monk, I don’t stand out as unique any more, unless I’m walking in the prairie country or the mountains which I’m quite excited about for the coming May. Common place in these areas are coveralls and denims, and where you hardly see a lady’s dress, that seems to be something of the past.
Back in the airport you see the signs for the passengers’ washrooms where you see the symbols of the human figurines, one with a dress and one with pants. The male’s room shows the form with the pants, but that doesn’t necessarily apply to an airport like Dubai’s where the genders seem to cross borders when it comes to dress style.
Look! There’s another guy in robes, a solid dark brown material worn by a Southeast Asian who happens to be a Buddhist monk.
Whatever the duds, it’s mostly needed to cover up embarrassing figures and conceal bad body odour from being stuck on a plane for hours. Thank God for clothes, whether it be a dress or pants. Thank God that Adam and Eve came up with something practical after realizing the naked truth. Thank Providence that the naga babas (naked sages) of the Himalayas have their caves to wear as their clothes. We might, however, learn something from their being beyond the bodily concept. I am not this body, I have a body, and I will shed it like I do my clothes.
I am spirit.
May the Source be with you!
0 KM
Clothes Vs. None
I’m not the only one in free flowing loose attire. At the international airport at Dubai, you see plenty of Orthodox wear that isn’t necessarily square. There’s the Islamic clothes, for men it’s head gear in white, with long gown to match. Some men sport the lungi, a draped from the waist down comfortable cloth, and then a white chaddar wrapped around the upper torso, folded over on the left shoulder. Some women wear the traditional black, some with the burqa over the entire head.
As a Hare Krishna monk, I don’t stand out as unique any more, unless I’m walking in the prairie country or the mountains which I’m quite excited about for the coming May. Common place in these areas are coveralls and denims, and where you hardly see a lady’s dress, that seems to be something of the past.
Back in the airport you see the signs for the passengers’ washrooms where you see the symbols of the human figurines, one with a dress and one with pants. The male’s room shows the form with the pants, but that doesn’t necessarily apply to an airport like Dubai’s where the genders seem to cross borders when it comes to dress style.
Look! There’s another guy in robes, a solid dark brown material worn by a Southeast Asian who happens to be a Buddhist monk.
Whatever the duds, it’s mostly needed to cover up embarrassing figures and conceal bad body odour from being stuck on a plane for hours. Thank God for clothes, whether it be a dress or pants. Thank God that Adam and Eve came up with something practical after realizing the naked truth. Thank Providence that the naga babas (naked sages) of the Himalayas have their caves to wear as their clothes. We might, however, learn something from their being beyond the bodily concept. I am not this body, I have a body, and I will shed it like I do my clothes.
I am spirit.
May the Source be with you!
0 KM
Wednesday, 23 April 2014
Tuesday, April 22nd, 2014
Durban, South Africa
Something About Family
After four days of intense devotional output at this 26th annual Festival of Chariots in Durban, there was happy fatigue. The attendance at the temple’s morning program was skimpy for that reason, and more. Some of the visiting monks from Europe, the US and India, had already departed for other destinations. You can say things are back to normal. The party’s over. Members of the spiritual family have gone to their respective areas of what they call home.
The few of us lingering folks sat down for listening to a recording of our guru, Srila Prabhupada, speaking about the concept of family from the Vedic perspective. Imagine stretching out to beyond extended family. “It is not just a man with wife and children, it is generations,” Srila Prabhupada explained from a pravachan (talk) he delivered on October 5th, 1976, Vrindavan, India. He went on to say that the family consideration was so important in Vedic culture. If there was some misbehaviour on the part of a member of the family, it would leave a great scar on the dynasty.
This is a major issue raised at the inception of the dialogue between Krishna and Arjuna in the “Bhagavad Gita”. Arjuna was concerned about improper action impacting the family. From his standpoint, the proper action was no action, in the case of the Kurukshetra war. From Krishna’s point of view, failure to perform meant cowardliness and irresponsibility. Krishna’s constant reminder to Arjuna, being of a dignified clan, was saying that there was an obligation to act in their defense, making it honourable.
While some Krishna followers I know have little or sometimes no tie with biological family, there is, however, a strong allegiance to their spiritual family. Another case, family in the broad sense, needs protection from ill repute. You want to try to avoid doing that which is embarrassing to yourself, and above all, your allegiances.
May the Source be with you!
3 KM
Something About Family
After four days of intense devotional output at this 26th annual Festival of Chariots in Durban, there was happy fatigue. The attendance at the temple’s morning program was skimpy for that reason, and more. Some of the visiting monks from Europe, the US and India, had already departed for other destinations. You can say things are back to normal. The party’s over. Members of the spiritual family have gone to their respective areas of what they call home.
The few of us lingering folks sat down for listening to a recording of our guru, Srila Prabhupada, speaking about the concept of family from the Vedic perspective. Imagine stretching out to beyond extended family. “It is not just a man with wife and children, it is generations,” Srila Prabhupada explained from a pravachan (talk) he delivered on October 5th, 1976, Vrindavan, India. He went on to say that the family consideration was so important in Vedic culture. If there was some misbehaviour on the part of a member of the family, it would leave a great scar on the dynasty.
This is a major issue raised at the inception of the dialogue between Krishna and Arjuna in the “Bhagavad Gita”. Arjuna was concerned about improper action impacting the family. From his standpoint, the proper action was no action, in the case of the Kurukshetra war. From Krishna’s point of view, failure to perform meant cowardliness and irresponsibility. Krishna’s constant reminder to Arjuna, being of a dignified clan, was saying that there was an obligation to act in their defense, making it honourable.
While some Krishna followers I know have little or sometimes no tie with biological family, there is, however, a strong allegiance to their spiritual family. Another case, family in the broad sense, needs protection from ill repute. You want to try to avoid doing that which is embarrassing to yourself, and above all, your allegiances.
May the Source be with you!
3 KM
Monday, April 21st, 2014
Durban, South Africa
Trail Break
I had been pining for an African trail to come my way, and so it came to pass that Tamohara dispelled the dream, and had in most practical terms, arranged for a drive by his dad, Thayalan, to take Kala, Jambavan and I to a gorgeous gorge at Krantz Kloof. We arrived there at the hour of dawn when trees drop dew and the aromas of plants perk the nostrils. The rubber tree was there to greet us, perfectly circular mushrooms of a rustic tone were also there. Fortunately, or unfortunately, no big game crossed our paths. In fact, the largest form of wildlife that we sighted came in the form of a microphone length (you can tell I’ve been on the stage lately) centipede of sorts. It was perfectly coiled as it clung on to the side of a tree. A creek appeared and disappeared, snaking its way to its own natural whim, and making its own descension to manifest as waterfalls.
Being in this green zone was a great break from the asphalt at the festival site. And, as always, when you trek the softened and uneven path under nature’s canopies, it is such a far cry from moving over the hardened, flat surfaces of city constructs. I felt certain leg muscles stretch – muscles that become lazy from plying over the terrain of manmade evenness.
‘Twas a treat.
Back to a baking sun at the old Durban Drive-In Theatre grounds, and this day, at the Bhakti Cloud tent, we danced out the eight stanza “Chaitanya’s Verses”. Verse three especially resonated with volunteers as I rapped out,
It is best to chant with humility
To be as humble as you can possibly be
It’s like a blade of grass you see
And be more tolerant than a tree…
From executing the dance I could appreciate the dynamics of flatness.
May the Source be with you!
5 KM
Trail Break
I had been pining for an African trail to come my way, and so it came to pass that Tamohara dispelled the dream, and had in most practical terms, arranged for a drive by his dad, Thayalan, to take Kala, Jambavan and I to a gorgeous gorge at Krantz Kloof. We arrived there at the hour of dawn when trees drop dew and the aromas of plants perk the nostrils. The rubber tree was there to greet us, perfectly circular mushrooms of a rustic tone were also there. Fortunately, or unfortunately, no big game crossed our paths. In fact, the largest form of wildlife that we sighted came in the form of a microphone length (you can tell I’ve been on the stage lately) centipede of sorts. It was perfectly coiled as it clung on to the side of a tree. A creek appeared and disappeared, snaking its way to its own natural whim, and making its own descension to manifest as waterfalls.
Being in this green zone was a great break from the asphalt at the festival site. And, as always, when you trek the softened and uneven path under nature’s canopies, it is such a far cry from moving over the hardened, flat surfaces of city constructs. I felt certain leg muscles stretch – muscles that become lazy from plying over the terrain of manmade evenness.
‘Twas a treat.
Back to a baking sun at the old Durban Drive-In Theatre grounds, and this day, at the Bhakti Cloud tent, we danced out the eight stanza “Chaitanya’s Verses”. Verse three especially resonated with volunteers as I rapped out,
It is best to chant with humility
To be as humble as you can possibly be
It’s like a blade of grass you see
And be more tolerant than a tree…
From executing the dance I could appreciate the dynamics of flatness.
May the Source be with you!
5 KM
Tuesday, 22 April 2014
Sunday, April 20th, 2014
Durban, South Africa
Katha Dance
African born Jambulani, affectionately known as Jabs, accepted a new name today through diksa initiation. His new name is Jambavan. In the ceremony held in the temple tent to local monks, Bhakti Chaitanya and Kadambha Kanana Swamis and I, initiated several candidates. It simply means that the spiritual family is growing in South Africa.
On the schedule and in demand was more of the Dance Master stuff at the Bhakti Cloud tent. With the presentation of “Little Big Ramayan” the night before, the details of avatar, Ram, and His pastimes, are fresh in the mind. So, the djembe drums triggered some creative juices which lead to my rapping out the story. This compelled participants to dance it out. If you didn’t drum the site, you ended up standing and clapping, if not dancing and repeating the rap.
This approach attracts major attention as on goers outside the marquee stood in delight and awe. Many of the dancers were relatively new to the story of Ram’s great heroism, of love, of devotion, loyalty and dharma. This technique, dancing out the story, is a remarkable learning curve and great substitute for mundane dance.
I’m hoping that this katha dance (story dancing) will really take off and become mainstream one day, because it is wholesome and takes the practitioner to a metaphysical level beyond this world of maya (illusion).
May the Source be with you!
6 KM
Katha Dance
African born Jambulani, affectionately known as Jabs, accepted a new name today through diksa initiation. His new name is Jambavan. In the ceremony held in the temple tent to local monks, Bhakti Chaitanya and Kadambha Kanana Swamis and I, initiated several candidates. It simply means that the spiritual family is growing in South Africa.
On the schedule and in demand was more of the Dance Master stuff at the Bhakti Cloud tent. With the presentation of “Little Big Ramayan” the night before, the details of avatar, Ram, and His pastimes, are fresh in the mind. So, the djembe drums triggered some creative juices which lead to my rapping out the story. This compelled participants to dance it out. If you didn’t drum the site, you ended up standing and clapping, if not dancing and repeating the rap.
This approach attracts major attention as on goers outside the marquee stood in delight and awe. Many of the dancers were relatively new to the story of Ram’s great heroism, of love, of devotion, loyalty and dharma. This technique, dancing out the story, is a remarkable learning curve and great substitute for mundane dance.
I’m hoping that this katha dance (story dancing) will really take off and become mainstream one day, because it is wholesome and takes the practitioner to a metaphysical level beyond this world of maya (illusion).
May the Source be with you!
6 KM
Sunday, 20 April 2014
Saturday, April 19th, 2014
Durban, South Africa
From Tent to Tent
I had paid a visit to the unsung heroes who are doing all the cooking outdoors for the hungry festival goers. It’s impressive! Just shy of the golden number 100, are these sizeable pots under fire that are burning and crackling away. Beryani, a South African favourite, is on the boil for this second day at the Chariot Festival which is held at the old Durban drive in theatre.
Food is one of the major features of festivals. Apart from the stage where our group brought down the house for the standing ovation performance of Little Big Ramayan, my like at the event is a tent called the Bhakti Cloud. Here the youth organize presentations of various sorts. On the program schedule, I’ve been dubbed as The Dance Master, so the expectation is for me to pull off a dance to the sound of half a dozen djembes.
So much for being The Walking Monk. Now there’s the expectation that I’m Fred Astaire. Anyways, our half hour stint went well. We got everyone up to dancing out and enacting the ten Avatars.
Another highlight for me was an hour session given to talking at Tent A, about walking experiences. I wasn’t sure that my Tails on Trails would carry an appeal, yet the tent filled up and interest in pilgrimage was generated. My final word was actually a question, “How many of you anticipate to do more walking now that you hear how fun and freeing it is?” The response was, “Lakker”, which in Afrikaans means, “Good”.
May the Source be with you!
5 KM
From Tent to Tent
I had paid a visit to the unsung heroes who are doing all the cooking outdoors for the hungry festival goers. It’s impressive! Just shy of the golden number 100, are these sizeable pots under fire that are burning and crackling away. Beryani, a South African favourite, is on the boil for this second day at the Chariot Festival which is held at the old Durban drive in theatre.
Food is one of the major features of festivals. Apart from the stage where our group brought down the house for the standing ovation performance of Little Big Ramayan, my like at the event is a tent called the Bhakti Cloud. Here the youth organize presentations of various sorts. On the program schedule, I’ve been dubbed as The Dance Master, so the expectation is for me to pull off a dance to the sound of half a dozen djembes.
So much for being The Walking Monk. Now there’s the expectation that I’m Fred Astaire. Anyways, our half hour stint went well. We got everyone up to dancing out and enacting the ten Avatars.
Another highlight for me was an hour session given to talking at Tent A, about walking experiences. I wasn’t sure that my Tails on Trails would carry an appeal, yet the tent filled up and interest in pilgrimage was generated. My final word was actually a question, “How many of you anticipate to do more walking now that you hear how fun and freeing it is?” The response was, “Lakker”, which in Afrikaans means, “Good”.
May the Source be with you!
5 KM
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