Friday 31 May 2013

Thursday, May 30th, 2013

In Or Out

Toronto, Ontario

The term ‘take the cake’ is derived from the culture of something from the Cake Walk in Europe so I learned today. Claude DeBussy’s music masterpiece, ‘Gollivogg’s Cakewalk’ (1908) was played by piano virtuoso Linda Ippolito in the opera house. I was there to hear her play her music, and it was definitely like eating dessert.

Just before indulging (with the ears), Dustin, one of our members, and an accomplished opera singer, invited and accompanied me to the concert at noon. And also, was it ever a sweet treat to have a sneak peak at the main hall, one of the very best acoustical rooms in the world.

Security was kind enough to arrange for lights to power on as Dustin and I entered this hall of glory. Dustin, who has sung for the Queen and other dignitaries, asked that I sing from the stage, so I did. ‘Samsara davanala lida loka…’ This is a song honouring one’s guru, the master of life. I also sent the sound of the maha mantra, Hare Krishna, out there. Yes, acoustics are right on.

Two days earlier Dustin sang a line or two of Mario Lanza’s “Be My Love For No One Else Can End This Yearning”. These penetrating lyrics can easily apply to Krishna and the prema, love, that comes thereof from service, which begins with hearing. Sound does impact, when spiritual, it does so absolutely. In any event, Dustin really appreciated the fact that the mantra permeated the ether in a space where sound is so much transmitted.

A second installment of mantra transmission happened in the out of doors with a group of brahmachari monks, we ascended perhaps the highest elevational point in the city (which is not to hold your breath about). Nevertheless, we sang, overlooking a valley from a small amphitheatre where walkers, cyclists and runners frequent. Those who showed up by chance seemed to enjoy the sweet taste to the ear.

Mantra – whether indoor or outdoor – is seen as compatible in either place.

8 KM

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