Wednesday 7 November 2007

Detroit, Michigan

Sunday, October 28, 2007 Detroit, Michigan
Devadutta is a good soul and resides in the Toronto ashram. He has so many good qualities. He is appreciated by everyone except on certain moments. He is sometimes considered the moody monk. He is in good spirits today and has become my driver for a trip to the Motor City, Detroit.
The 401, Canada's busiest busiest highway, is pleasantly quiet on this fine morning while being smooth with only the occasional bump. The midway point from Toronto to Detroit on this thoroughfare is a place called London (population 200,000) Randy, who works at a printing press operation in London, is a practitioner of bhakti yoga and listens to bhajans, sanskrit songs, while at the job all day. He has hosted Devadutta and myself for a brunch of wraps. His walls are adorned with Beatle posters and other introspective-type musicians. Naturally we talked about the positive effects of spiritual music.
By mid-afternoon, Devadutta and I were at our destination, Detroit. I was asked to lead kirtan, the chanting session at the ISKCON Centre, the former home of auto baron Mr. Fisher. A scheduled group of students froma Michigan College came to observe and learn something about the oldest sustainable faith on planet earth, sanatan dharma, or Krishna Consciousness. I had the privilege of speaking on the subject of Vidura, a monk who roamed the subcontinent of India during the time of the Mahabharat. He left the Kaurava palace out of disgust. Personal insult was thrust against him by a selfish nephew, Duryodhana. This is all outlined in the epic, "Mahabharat," and it was my chance to extol the glories of a sadhu or holy man that I so much admire.
P.S. The Detroit community is warm and upbeat.
no kms on foot- lots on wheels

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