Monday 13 August 2012

Friday, August 10th, 2012

Brass and Guru

Toronto, Ontario

We have it lucky in Krishna Consciousness. One day we celebrate Krishna’s birth, the next day we honour the birth of his son, Srila Prabhupada, our guru. Born in Calcutta, September 1st, 1896, Srila Prabhupada was known as Abhay Charan De to his mother Rajani and Gour Mohan. When he was born an astrologer predicted he will be an exponent of a spiritual movement which would expand to 108 centres within his lifetime. He scored so well with the hippies after he landed in New York in 1965 and for so many of them, he changed their lives forever. He was a hip guru.

Devotees around the world are doing their reporting for the year and also the projections for the year, and also expressing their appreciating for the transformation in their lives with credit given to Srila Prabhupada. The program today called Vyasa Puja is held globally, which includes a ritual known as Abhisheka, a bathing ceremony for the deity of the person honoured. A brass deity of Prabhupada was honoured here in Toronto. Then, chanting followed with a flower throwing ceremony, and all this culminating with a marvelous feast.

Fortunately I could fit in some time to go back to the road after all the homage was done. In Oakville I stumbled upon a jazz festival. This was awesome for me since the bands playing delivered tempos that enhanced the walk. Rhythm does establish a steady pace. I recall having been on the four day Nijmegan walk in Holland some years ago. Military battalions came from around the world to march. The 30, 40 and 50 Km daily walk. Civilians and the military were involved in this community event. The soldiers were in firm step singing songs which stimulated unity, harmony, and a beat of sorts. Walking the main drag of Oakville over brass music was just like that. The synchronization was perfect in walking to the thump of the drum. Although the day was short being on the road, I cleared a modest but meaningful 15 Km. It was a jazzed up day.

15 Km

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