Thursday 10 December 2009

Tuesday, December 8th, 2009

The Spirit For All Seasons

Calgary, Alberta

As I walk around areas of retail I see a mix of moods. Some people seem to have got it, the Christmas spirit, that is: There is something cheerful that they have picked up, and that does take some will. It’s not that it always comes natural. An effort is made. As in the life of St. Nicholas, whose birth anniversary just past on Dec.6, there are multiple stories telling of his kindness and humanity disposition.

Then there are those who sustain, not just at Christmas, but year round, an air of scrooginess or gringeness. I have even encountered members of the vaisnava community who chant mantras but have missed the boat due to a pejorative mentality. Apparently some of us are not too attentive to offences that can be committed while chanting that greatest of all carols, the Hare Krishna mantra.

With chanting and serving others we are meant to combat the sour mentality towards others especially those who make such a deliberate effort to change hearts. It seems that some people make it a mission in life to do character assassination. Might we say that media is often times guilty of this and they offer little balance of the good that does go on.

Some people just don’t get it. There’s a curse of grumpiness that persists throughout the seasons and it is difficult to be in such a bitter atmosphere. It is most non- conducive for making spiritual progress in such an environment. Even in a mundane scenario where there’s a grouch how can you be a productive person?

There is so much to be grateful for. We need only to remind ourselves of this everyday of our life.

5 Km

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