Sunday, April 18, 2021

Room at 243, Toronto

 

Ram’s Coming

 

I had fun on three calls today, the first one originated from Cleveland. It’s a great group; a demographical mix. They wanted to hear about Ram and His contributions to the world. Born in Ayodhya, the state of Uttar Pradesh, in India at the period of Treta Yuga. This is calculated to be over 1 million years ago.

 

He had three brothers, Lakshman, Bharat and Shatrugna. Ram’s mother was Kaushalya. The other siblings came from different queens but all were fathered by Dasarath, who was the emperor of Ayodhya and surrounding areas.

 

The actual location of Rama’s birth has been regained after a seizing of it from warrior-like invaders. A new temple is under construction at the spot where Rama bhaktas, devotees, are very excited about it. So am I. Vedic artifacts have been discovered underground which verify that there was a palace with Hindu objects.

 

As I understand it, the next project will be Krishna Janma Bhumi, the birthplace of Krishna, where a mosque had been erected. The Indian government is in support of resurrection of this sacred space.

 

The actual birthday of Rama is this Wednesday and it’s called Ramnaumi.

 

My other two calls for the day were with Vancouver, where I spoke on the same topic of Rama and an interview with two lovely moderators, Natalia and Oksana. The discussion was on the topic of reincarnation and was hosted by the international organization called ALLATRA. It was good.

 

May the Source be with you!

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Saturday, April 17, 2021

Ramsden Park, Toronto

 

With Care

 

With care and caution, “Govinda’s Restaurant” is up and going again. And with its self-imposed Covid restrictions for some days its management was determined to re-open after the break. The facility, which is open only for takeout, is located under the quarters where I stay. Sri, the hands-on (gloves-on) personnel on the ground, stirs around in preparation for customers. Better still, we’ll call them recipients of prasadam, food that’s blessed. There’s a spiritual benefit on top of the nourishment. It’s a win-win.

 

Management has also determined a hike in price by two Canadian dollars. That is defended by going rates in town. Okay, so that makes it all relevant with its well thought out decision behind it.

 

Renovations that were also halted at the temple (we’re all under the same roof at 243 Avenue Rd.) have reconvened. Out pops Vallabha Hari and his wife Michello, both from Croatia, at the side door, just in front of where I was walking, en route to the park for a break from the chair indoors.

 

I had been listening, through Zoom, to a presentation on the Bhakti Community, a particular approach to the essence or core of our very Krishna consciousness. I really like the language used in the presentation. It’s current, relevant, relatable.

 

Another call through Zoom channeled the topic of a Senior’s Home project. It was very promising.

 

May the source be with you!

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Friday, April 16, 2021

Around the Block, Toronto

 

Dear Mind

 

Dear mind,

Some days you are a friend

Some days you are foe

You swing moods up

You swing them low

I can’t always trust

You’re not in one place

You respond well to lust

Big dose or a trace

You lead me to greed

It’s not what I want

And convince it’s a need

In truth it’s a taunt

When there is anger

Pent up inside

You then do hanker

To push it outside

I don’t know why

You are so cruel

Cunning and sly

And wanting to rule

You’re some kind of clown

Silly and joking

A laugh or a frown

Nabbing and poking

Yet you are subtle

Silent and swift

Keen to befuddled

On your full-time shift

You are at your worst

When the body is idle

Every bubble you burst

To retain your title

But my dear mind,

I’m not your slave

I’ll reserve the role

Get you to behave

Get you under control

It’s my turn to reign

So settle down, sit

There’s magic in the name

It’s the perfect fit

The art to co-operate

Can take out your sting

Let us so celebrate

By mantra we sing

 

-Composed by Bhaktimarga Swami, The Walking Monk©

 

 

May the Source be with you!

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