Sunday 29 November 2020

Wednesday, November 25th, 2020

Toronto, Ontario

 

Covid in the Air, Music in the Kitchen

 

Rain kept me inside, so I did some pacing on the indoor balcony. Services of the nature of “devotion” also had me indoors, along with administration, eating, bonding with resident monks, etc.

 

One of our discussions involved acknowledging that Covid has now clearly entered into our community, putting out the alert that anything can happen to those of us in the ashram/monastery. As of a week ago we have tightened restrictions on who can enter our building. Those of us who live together do so like a family and yet the wholesome fear is finally kicking in. “Don’t get too close,” is becoming the mantra in our minds.

 

Our cook, Dwarkanath, is quite happy strumming on the strings of his sitar. The venue is the kitchen, an ideal space for practice. We are cooking less in general, which means less clutter and more space for instruments.

 

It could be that tomorrow may be our last opportunity for “Staircase Kirtan.” We will enjoy a high of 10° Celsius, which I believe is above average for this time of year.

 

Going back to the subject of the virus and our attitude towards its very existence; our guru, Prabhupada spoke out in a recording we listened to. He quoted the phrase para dukkha dukhi, which translates as “having concern and even feeling pain for those who are in pain.” That, in essence, is the sentiment of a spiritualist.

 

May the Source be with you!

0 km


 

No comments: