Friday, May 30th, 2014

Coleman, Alberta

 

Entering the Land of Giants

 

We entered a new universe.  Yes, today, very clearly Karuna and I entered the Rocky Mountains.  Leaving the open plains behind us we are now amidst the jolly green giants (some of beautifully snow-capped, by the way).  We now see only small portions of the sky as it is upstaged .

 

Okay, so we entered some quaint towns, many of them with a history of coal mining.  This meant prosperity for some generations but disaster for another.  At Frank, the town, we read a plaque informing us of the great loss of lives and sacrifice.

 

“In the early morning of 29 April, 1903, most of the almost 600 residents were asleep.  At 4:10, a crashing and thunderous roar filled the dark, sleeping town and spilled out into the Crowsnest Pass.  A wedge of limestone over one kilometre wide, 425 metres long and 150 metres deep had broken from the crest of Turtle Mountain…In about 90 seconds homes, buildings and lives were destroyed…Seventy people died.  It was the worst natural disaster to overtake Alberta.  Stories are still told of the man who fought through the slide to flag down an oncoming train, or of the baby unharmed perched on a boulder.”

 

Karuna and I had come to know that similar kinds of coal mining tragedies took place in the last century along the Crowsnest Pass.  You can’t help feeling for these people, perhaps even offer a prayer or a mantra even though their lives have passed on long ago.  I guess, it’s a good reason to view this trail as a pilgrim’s route.

 

Later on we happened to meet a coal miner by profession.  We learned about his life as he did about ours in the monastic vein of things.

In the afternoon section of walking, which I did solo, I encountered plenty of appreciative motorists expressing by honks or hand waves.  That credit goes largely to the radio announcements made over-the-air waves that I’m out for a spiritual healing.

May the Source be with you!

 

34 KM

Thursday, May 29th, 2014

Pincher Creek, Alberta

Windswept

 

Eric Clapton’s, ‘Further On Down the Road’ was playing off of Michael’s I-phone over moderate volume speakers as he drove me to the spot from where I left the day before.  For it’s genre of music, rock, it sounds good and inspires Michael.  I’m not opposed to it but for 4:30 am I’m accustomed to something quite different.  That different form of inspiration for me was doing my own more mellow song.  It’s called ‘Guruvastakam’ – a song in Sanskrit to honour the spiritual master.

Michael recorded it.  As I was walking I was hooked up to a cordless mic.  Then Michael stored this beautiful song composed by Visvanath Chakravarti.  The winds really started to pick up and as one local put it, “And this isn’t windy season yet!”  Air currents travel over the mountains which you can see from the distance.  They then swoop down engulfing every square inch of space on the open prairie surface.  At one point I struggled to keep my lower robes down.

At the Rotary Club luncheon in Pincher Creek I felt honoured to speak to the members about the windswept plains.  They were also curious to know about the purpose behind all this marathon trekking.  I presented some of my key reasons for doing so, one of which is that I had a bad year in ’95.  Gossip, some rumour-mongering and such, penetrated our community.  “That happens in all communities, right?  After all, we’re all human.”  And of course, that remark resonated with everyone.

Questions came after my talk and one gentleman offered a comment.  It was about gossip.  The abbreviated version goes something like this: “Mildred was the town gossip.  She started a rumour about a local man declaring he was a drunkard.  The man confronted Mildred and asked her why she made up a story that wasn’t true.  “I saw your car parked in front of the pub several nights ago,” said Mildred.  The man left and came back that night and parked his car in front of her house and left it there overnight.  Mildred stopped the gossip.

I want to thank the Rotary Club of Pincher Creek and The Echo newspaper and the on-line news presented by Christian Davis.

May the Source be with you!

 

37 KM

Wednesday, May 28th, 2014

Brocket, Alberta

 

The Many I Met

 

"I can't believe I'm talking to you," said Dana over the phone.  I expressed the mutual sentiment.  'Mutual' because we share the same karma of walking long distances.  Dana covered 16,000 kilometres on Canadian soil on the Trans Canada Trail.  Somehow or other he found me and contacted me.  It seemed like talking to a younger brother.  At age 40, I guess he's done what most guys wouldn't dream of.

 

What a boost it was connecting with someone who knows what you're talking about on the topic of trail ecstasy.

 

More boosts came from people.  Ronda came to join me on the road.  It happened at a rain and rainbow segment of the morning.  God, did a lot of responses come from others!  A courier, land surveyors, a rancher, a grandma, and more people came with curiosity and congratulations.  Sarah and Paula, members of the Blackfoot native community were really thrilled to meet me.  "What are you anyway?"  So I clarified and we had a great few minutes chatting with these young ladies.  Now, someone might ask what's a monk doing with a couple of young women?  Answer:  "I'm on the road.  It's public and I'm merely being neighbourly by saying something about the virtues of walking in parallel to doing something for the soul."

 

The day wound up by offering thanks to our Patel Motel owner, Kiran, in his office.  He shared with us his love for Gandhi's contemporary, another Patel, who changed the course of India's history.  And what of India's history?  Well, I tell people I meet that for millennia sages in India have roamed on foot for the sake of self-improvement and giving the wisdom they've gathered.
 

May the Source be with you!

 

36 KM

Tuesday, May 27th, 2014

 

Coalhurst/Fort Macleod, Alberta

 

Thanks to the Prairies

The squeaky little outbursts of the gopher prairie dogs were not the only noise-makers along the Crowsnest Pass (Hwy 3).  There were cars tooting their horns.  Page 3 of the ‘Lethbridge Herald’ covered the story about a "Hare Krishna Monk Making His Fourth Trek Across Canada."  When motorists saw the saffron cloth blowing in the wind after catching the news, they did make acknowledgement.

 

Near the town of Monarch, the highway splits and veers some of the traffic in other directions.  This eases some of the intensity.  But overall the east-end section of the Crowsnest Highway is very high-powered.  It was a relief to reach the quiet downtown of Fort Macleod.  I walked into the community newspaper office, the Fort Macleod Gazette, and Frank McTighe, the editor, was happy to do an interview.

 

Oh yes.  Meeting those llamas, or alpacas, or whatever they are - in the countryside was special.  They were really keen to sniff the hand.  Their winter hair was shedding.  One of them had dreadlocks.  He was cool.  Only thing missing was a pair of shades, sunglasses.  I sang a mantra for them, "Hairy Llama!"

 

Before sunset we experienced a very successful program that happened at the Community of Christ Church.  Thirty people came to hear me spiel on 'Tales from Trails.'  This culminated with mantra meditation which all responded to so well.  It was nice to see some of the attendees pick up books like 'Bhagavad-gita', 'Christ and Krishna', and 'Ten Steps to Happiness' by Rami Bleckt.

 

I would like to thank Jo-Anne, a local hair stylist, for being the greatest host in Lethbridge.  Also to Vickie, the facilitator at the Community of Christ Church, and to Shelly Craig for the excellent new article in the ‘Lethbridge Herald’.
 

May the Source be with you!

 

36 KM

 

Monday, May 26th, 2014

Lethbridge, Alberta

 

Beating the Pride

 

The wind was beating hard on the pride today.  The additional gusts created by the transport-trailer could almost throw you off.  At spots I had to struggle to keep that balance.  My rationale simply kept saying that it’s a good beating because that's what pride deserves.

 

The day on the road began at Coaldale.  It's 4 AM.  A local street-cleaner in his truck pulled over and asked if I wanted a ride.  I told him I'm trekking across Canada, "No rides for me, thanks!" 

 

"Really, and you're doing it in those crocs?"

 

"Well, it's good to have lightness on the feet," I said.

 

The Crowsnest Pass, or Highway 3, had been consistently an ego basher with intense traffic.  The only relief was a short three kilometre stretch amidst the Coulees along Old Man River and under a railway bridge, "the longest and tallest of its kind in the world," said a park personnel.  "The engineer's life ended in a morbid way.  He hung himself.  The project was too much pressure for him."

 

For a good portion of the day I had Karuna with me.  He's great company.  The last chunk of highway was a dalliance with wind and sun - some dust too.

 

A pick-up pulled over.  It was dust-covered.  I figured "here's a farmer."  And it was.  Out emerged a tall, blonde-haired, blue-eyed, third-generation Dutch chap who introduced himself as Dean Vanden Berg.  He said he was Christian and was curious.  I offered to say, "I'm a monk from an old tradition - roots from India.  Monks in our order spend time walking.  It's good for calming pride."

 

Dean was sweet, even offered a donation for the cause of pilgrimage.  I asked him if, being born and raised in Canada, he was into hockey.  With a wholesome smile he said, "I'm just always workin."  We shook hearty hands and he went on his way.
  

May the Source be with you!

 

36 KM

 Group gathering in Kenora, ON

Sunday, May 25th, 2014

Calgary, Alberta

A Day in Calgary

For practical reasons, our group of four decided that a one day stay in Calgary would make sense before embarking on the long continuous trek to the destination point, the Pacific Ocean.  We were already here and the Sunday Open House at the Radha Madhava Cultural Centre should be attended by us.  Michael opted for visiting and attending Mennonite services at a church nearby. 

At the Radha Madhava Cultural Centre, I did speak from Bhagavad-gita, Chapter 3, regarding every endeavour being a sacrifice.  Otherwise, one’s actions create a kind of bondage.  In other words, you function in life with the best of efforts.  Being detached from the fruits, so to speak.  Our best foot should be put forward.  Even walking can be done, or any activity, for that matter, as an offering.  In the course of your activity, you don’t seek attention for your own profit.  If what you do brings what you do to an increased state of awareness, then you are on the right track.  If you act in such a way that ego becomes inflated, then you can consider you’re taking several steps back. 

After our time speaking, chanting and mingling, a group of us headed for the placid waters at the Jaypur Bridge on Princess Island, situated on the Bow River.  Our kirtan, which included voice, harmonium, drums, karatals (cymbals), met with delight by park browsers. 

In addition to this, just to keep up some foot momentum, Gaura Chandra, a local devotee, Karuna and I, took to the Calgary Greenway Trail, in the city’s northeast end.  The day was full and rich. 

May the Source be with you!

7 KM

Saturday, May 24th, 2014

Taber / Calgary, Alberta
Two People in One Way

In the town of East End last night, Brenda had hosted us at her home for a satsang (spiritual gathering).  This evening, Radha Madhava and Swasti opened their home for a similar gathering, only tonight was unique in that Michael and I shared in the use of the microphone.  I had invited him to tell his stories about his trans Canada walk, as I did mine.  Our Krishna community in Calgary is accustomed to hearing a swami speak at a gathering such as this.  I thought it would be nice for the group to hear a lay person talk as well. 

It seemed to be the obvious topic, walking.  Especially after my first day of reconvening the fourth CanWalk for its last stretch.  From Taber, Alberta, I ventured the 23 kilometre stretch on the Crows Nest Pass to Coaldale.  How liberating it is being back on the road. 

In comparing notes of treks of both Michael and I, you hardly could tell we were different people.  We both like the self imposed life of simplicity, the naps in graveyards, and sleeping in a tent at night, interacting with other travellers, encountering wildlife, and the securing of wisdom that comes from the road.  It was also interesting that one passionate walker fully backed up the other.  Today, I did the walking, while Michael drove his vehicle as a support. 

It is said that wisdom and renunciation are two highly aspired for acquisitions by yogis, and I would also say that pilgrimage offers both benefits.  It all turns devotional when you share your stories of what you saw, heard, smelled, tasted and touched, and in connection with the wonders of the Creator.  That is what makes the walking clearly divine, clearly devotional. 

May the Source be with you!

35 KM

Friday, May 23rd, 2014

East End, Saskatchewan

A Place of Safety

There’s this incredible feeling of safety or sanctuary in the town of East End.  I felt it when I walked through here last year, quite overwhelmed by people’s kindness and receptivity.  I had a chance to find out why the place was so special, at least from the historical point of view.

Tim, from “The Advance” newspaper, located in Gull Lake, was interviewing me about my walking excursions.  Once done, I took the liberty to interview him to let me know what is so significant about this area.  Not but one kilometre near Raven’s Craig, in this extraordinary valley with coulees all around, the very revered Chief Sitting Bull, came here to stay for a three year period with his army.  The US blue coats were eager to capture this powerful warrior who fought for his people’s culture preservation.  Sitting Bull took refuge here and in the adjoining Cypress Hill. 

Tim, who’s quite the historian, elaborated on the past and satisfied my questions about this peaceful place.  On a plaque on the valley road nearby, a synopsis is given. 

“In 1876 the Sioux Indian Nation defeated General Custer at the battle of Little Big Horn.  Fearing reprisal from the US Cavalry, thousands of Sioux passed the Medicine Line – the Canada/US border.  Sitting Bull came with 400 of his lodges, and is reported to have camped in the Cypress Hills.  It is said that 200 of Crazy Horse’s lodges camped near this site.  Many had originally stayed in the US with Crazy Horse, but when their chief was killed by cavalry soldiers at Fort Robinson in the states.  Lodges joined Sitting Bull north of the Medicine Line.”

So this area was a major shelter for the indigenous people who were eventually coerced to return south for various reasons, including the consequences of lack of food source, the buffalo, which has all been killed. 

It was an ugly period of history for human kind.  We should know history and learn from past mistakes.  When you walk, you must spend time, at least a moment, to understand the pain and pleasures of past peoples. 

May the Source be with you!

6 KM

Thursday, May 22nd, 2014

Estevan, Saskatchewan

 

Shanti in Estevan

 

"Star wars and Spartan battles are nothing compared to what you see in the open sky," I explained to tonight's group.  Roxy, the person behind a new-age boutique called 'Soul Hideout’, had her shelves of paraphernalia shoved to the perimeter of the room to accommodate my presentation.

 

I was talking to the circle of attendees about the glory of foot travel and the accompanying entertainment that comes as a natural consequence.  "I recall an eagle going after the eggs of a heron and the fierce battle that ensued.  I recall just the other day in Kenora seeing a couple of robins in feverish agitation over a crow at their nest.  I recall numerous aviation dynamics that put me in awe of nature and the Creator."

 

We also talked about the difference between matter and spirit and how you can happily bind the two through service of a devotional kind and that this service is the end of all knowledge and the end of all yoga.  "We are not these bodies.  We are spirits," I added.  That in fact should be a relief to those of us who get too fidgety over our flesh and blood.

 

Everyone really had a good feeling about the mantra meditation we did near the end.  It put a cap onto this evening of shanti, peace.  But before I sign off on this quick report on today's goings-on I wanted to mention a small incident of the afternoon.  At Churchill Park in Estevan, where Karuna and I rested a while, I noticed a young man in the distance sitting at the grass’s edge and looking out at the deep valley below.  I encouraged Karuna, who's also young, to talk to him.  I surmised that he was in contemplation, and since he was there for quite a while, that his contemplation was more penetrating than normal.  His dream has dimension and that maybe he was at a crossroads.

 

Karuna honoured my suggestion and indeed he did discover that the young man, who was Philippino, was gnawing within to explore the world.  He wanted to be somewhere beyond the town and was praying to God to help with this.  Karuna's timely drop-in to this man's life made a difference.  He was cheered on to reference the Creator for strength.
 

May the Source be with you!

 

3 KM

Wednesday, May 21st, 2014

Winnipeg, Manitoba

Day At Winnipeg

Newly arrived from India are Vishvambar and his wife, Mahasundari, a young couple.  It was Vishvambar whom I lead to a park near his home, hoping that I could convince him of the joys of early morning outside freshness.   I hope he makes it a routine to get out and walk.  Both he and his wife arrived in March of this year when they were met by a blast of cold at 40 below Celsius, and just after coming from India’s temperature at 40 above.  Successfully, they have weathered the weather after the most unforgiving winter of all time (in my humble opinion).  I see that the couple are a pair of optimists.

We do have the great wisdom of the Bhagavad-gita to console us over the extremities of life.  In chapter two, the speaker, Krishna, explains that dualities such as winter and summer, come and go, as do happiness and distress.  “One must learn to tolerate them without being disturbed.”

In the afternoon, I found myself for a time in Winnipeg’s major downtown library, where 18 years before I gave an address to the inquisitive about my then trek through the nation.  While sitting there in conversation with someone, I could witness a diverse group of people in the course of my chatting.  Judging by clothes wear and behaviour, I saw extremities in people’s life approaches.  It was interesting.  In this case, I took in the dualities as entertaining and not so threatening. 

The beautiful closure to the day had me conducting a Kirtan Standards Seminar at the ISKCON Centre on 108 Chestnut Street.  Our group was discussing standards for mantra meditation, and adherence to traditions established by sages from the ancient past.  It’s always cool to have blessings that come from those who have been here before us. 

May the Source be with you!

3 KM

Tuesday, May 20th, 2014

Kenora, Ontario

Kenora the Good

Jen is a jem.  Her partner, Dan, and her, took us up in their home for the night.  Jen, good soul that she is, networked and organized a gathering in Kenora’s outdoor pavilion.  The event entailed a walk from this huge marquee, to the town’s icon, Huskie the Muskie, a massive steel and fiberglass image of a fish.  This stunning statue symbolizes the real attraction of the area – water, and a lake known as Lake of the Woods.  In a town that heralds a banner saying, “We love our lake”, you can also be assured that people love people. 

About 50 of them, some of them families, all newcomers to the bhakti yoga scene (and our first time to hold any event here), took to the walk, then my talk, and then to the drum and then to the chant.  Jen arranged for djembes and a drumming circle.  I projected mantras into that circle and the people responded so nicely.  Brad, the maintenance man to the pavilion, came to me tearfully.  He asked if I could offer a prayer for his boss.

Such gentle people. 

And for wildlife today – an eagle, a seagull, a crow and a pelican pair brought excitement to the eyes.  The Mink Bay Trail was our little escape from the world humans have made.  I won’t be sarcastic though when I say that I credit humans for the upkeep of this sweet trail. 

May the Source be with Kenora!

6 KM