Wednesday, December 22, 2021

Surrey, British Columbia

 

Events

 

One of the most inspiring figures of saintliness is Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati Thakura. He is our param-guru, or guru’s guru. Today we honoured his passing from this world and we did so at the temple with ghee lamps, flowers, chants and love. New governmental restrictions are limiting the number of people gathering due top the breakout of Omicron. Our turn-out for the event, to dedicate appreciation to Bhaktisiddhanta, was small for this reason. We try to keep to the standard code.

 

With rather unpredictable weather these days and freezing water on the ground, I moved on foot cautiously, in solo, after the event (and a great feast). I made my way to the tiny park off of Willard to chant one round of mantras on my beads. Routinely I make myself content by sitting and swaying on the actual swing. Today was no exception. For me, this humble gesture is a major event.

 

At nightfall, Jaya Govinda, Vrnda, and I drove to the home of Rupa R. For a small gathering in remembrance of his nineteen-year-old daughter’s passing. Last week she was killed when an irresponsible motorist struck her, ending her life abruptly.

 

We are confident that her soul moved on, still this mishap weighs heavily on the hearts of parents, siblings and friends. Our way of dedicating good vibrations to nineteen-year-old Prem Manjari was through an hour-long, meaningful chanting session. The vibrations were good.

 

May the Source be with you!

3 km

 

 

Tuesday, December 21, 2021

Burnaby, British Columbia

 

Winter Solstice

 

It is winter solstice this very day

Nights now shorten, nature does portray

While days lengthen through months May

And June and weeks pass away

 

It’s an annual turning point

A seasonal juncture, a seasonal joint

A slot in time set not to disappoint

Rather an insertion to bless, to anoint

 

It’s merely a half year’s completion

Yet some curse this very harsh season

Could it be nature’s way of treason?

Why the harsh cold? Is there a reason?

 

As the North pole tilts away from the sun

We can learn to accept duality as one

Cold, hot, glad, sad, all extremes on the run

Can trigger tolerance, even make it fun

           

-Composed by Bhaktimarga Swama, The Walking Monk©

 

May the Source be with you!

 

Monday, December 20, 2021

Surrey, British Columbia

 

By the Asian Farms

 

Stephen was with the Canadian Forces some years back and so I thought to ask him to accompany me on the Sunday night walk, brisk and cold so it was. I thought he was tough enough to accept the cold. He accepted the offer. I also thought, “I’ll get to know him more.” He has that commanding officer’s voice. He used it as we carefully ambled along avoiding black ice on the road’s surface. He carries a good conversation. At one point I requested, “I hope you don’t mind but I spend some time chanting japa on these walks.” He was happy to comply.

 

As is routine, in the area I walk by Asian farmland and a mini-park is where I stop for a break. Yes indeed, I sit on a swing and then do swing for some sky gazing. Stephen joined me for the star studded endless and wondrous gaze. This practice always confirms, “We are small!”

 

Now, Monday, as the sun tucks himself away, I took to the same trail, by the Asian farms, but not alone again. This time Arjuna called me from his home in Tampa, Florida. The cell phone can do that for you or it can do it “to you.” Technology is both a blessing and a curse. With Arjuna, I’m always happy to hear from him. It was a walking dialogue, confidential, between clergy and layperson – between guru and sisya (student). I got my walking in and my talking in.

 

Evening was a blessing; a drive to a Surrey household for dinner. When it came to kirtan time, we headed for the kitchen to grab utensils as our musical instruments.

 

May the Source be with you!

3 km