Tuesday, February 28th, 2012

What is Similar!

 Mayapura, West Bengal

While chanting of the maha mantra is beautifully present in the atmosphere even in the pre-dawn, the gnarly mosque also projects its early calling and penetrating the ether. The presence of Islam is definitely established in the area. Even in the time of Sri Chaitanya, five centuries back, there was a strong Muslim dominance. Islam ruled here then even in the midst of a strong Hindu population.

Our guru, Srila Prabhupada, once explained that there had been a relatively peaceful co-existence for a long time between the two groups. Differences have surfaced with conflict from time to time. There is one history of aggression by invaders and no one can readily say that when Hinduism was of prime dominance even before Buddha that there was not intrigue.

Somehow co-existence should be the thrust regardless of varying approaches to God.

I received in my hand of copy of the author's book, "Islam and the Vedas". Rasamandala, the person who penned the book writes, "It may appear that the Koran and Vedic literature are conflicting in their precepts. Though the Koran and Vedic literature may seem different there are so many points of similarities that may not be easily detected. Differences arise not because of different scriptures; rather, they are caused by different levels of understanding. There is a need to realize that the goal is one; submission to the Supreme. God is One."

When I fly back to Canada I will relish reading this text to explore more the common denominator between distinct (or what appears to be extinct) traditions. It's a very healthy approach to life.

6 Km

Monday, February 27th, 2012

I Read a Document

Mayapura, West Bengal

As our drama troupe for this festival time readied ourselves for yet
another practice with tonight's performance of "Krishna the 8th Boy",
I read from a document that was addressing performing arts standards.
It's contents are much of what you would expect from the headquarters
of a spiritual culture. I'll share the major portion of this brief
which I think you'll find interesting and which, as it reads, "To help
provide quality entertainment that is purifying and uplifting..."

About Music. As a general rule the use of non-devotional music
(Western pop, Bollywood or other styles) is discouraged... If
non-devotional music is required for soundtracks then please make sure
the music is in context and used appropriately...

Dress code:

-No transparent cloth

-No open hair for women

-No tight cloth
-No low dhotis that show belly button
-No low skirts that show belly button

Mixing of Sexes:

-No physical contact on or off the stage between sexes

-Maintain chastity while interacting

-Maintain devotional mood

Philosophical Standards:

The themes, ideas and conclusions of any performance pieces should be
philosophically correct according to the teachings of ISKCON...

Comedies:

While comedy is a popular form of entertainment it is cautioned that

any such performances must be careful not to offend any Vaishnavas --

make light of that which is sacred -- degrade the mood into triviality

or the mundane in pursuance of laughing enjoyment

Conclusion:

It is hoped that this list will not dampen the spirits of those who

are dedicated to the Vaishnava arts, and the service of the

Vaishnavas. It is only our hope that beautiful uplifting Vaishnava

artistic performance piece can be offered for the pleasure of Srila

Prabhupada.  (from Mayapur Performing Arts Standards Committee)

By the way, the performance of "Krishna, the 8th Boy" has evolved to a
new level.

6 Km

Sunday, February 26th, 2012

Someone Wanted to Know

Mayapura, West Bengal

When the sun hides behind the horizon, or begins to, it becomes

welcoming to take a second walk. Down towards the Tarampura Road I go.

A fellow then tags along, introduces himself and is determined to ask

a ton of questions.

I anticipated a quiet walk, a private time, but this fellow wanted to

let out what he needed to. First of all, it was a little about his

life and a failed marriage; then he started to probe into my
methodology for the long cross-country walks I've done.

"I'm really curious to know how you do it. I'm a kind of a gypsy and

I'm thinking to duplicate your program." I did take him seriously

though and did not pass him off as eccentric. He donned the

traditional clothes of dhoti and kurta. But really I was just more

into the mood of a quiet walking experience after having dealt with

people all day.

He asked again, "how do you manage the walking day to day? Where do

you stay at night? etc..."

 I rather abruptly said, "Here is how I do it. I put my hand on my

beads and start chanting, then I walk moving my legs. Please follow."

So he took out his beads for chanting and did as I did. We walked past

the elephants, then onto the interlocked cobbles of the Tarampura

Road, then right on a dust tree-lined trail and another right through

a residential grhasta (family) enclave. We came to a stop.

We just chanted softly the whole time. And I said to the curious

fellow, "You asked how I do these marathon walks. I just showed you."

Instead of feeling that perhaps I ignored him, he expressed the

greatest appreciation. He confirmed, "When you do these walks it's

something to do with you and Krishna, ain't it?"

"Yes, it's something like that. I hope in the future you will be able

to duplicate it."

"I'm going to try" he said satisfied.

7 Km

Saturday, February 25th, 2012

Scrupling

Mayaypura, West Bengal

 
I received an e-mail from a Unitarian leader who was suggesting that a few of us should do some scrupling. I got back to him saying, "I agree with you. Scrupling is a good idea."

What on earth is "scrupling"?

Scrupling apparently is something that was common amongst the Quakers. It was their old practice, developed in the mid-19th century to focus thinking on the issue of slavery abolition in the U.S., an issue in which Quakers played a role.

So I was thinking that scrupling is like a discussion, a diliberation on something which involves a lot of listening. This is what brahmins are supposed to do -- to discuss topics of social and spiritual concern. We might call it ishtaghosti. North American natives may call it a pow wow.

Surely when I get back to the west the intent is to have a face-to-face with a Unitarian member to discuss issues on how we can better assist the world. Since their church is a mere five minutes walk from our centre on Avenue Road in Toronto, we have no excuse to avoid a chat.

There are many concerns shared by groups of different denominations and it just sounds great when one of the spiritual leaders takes the initiative for brahmins to knock heads, so to speak. It is very commendible.

Our guru, Srila Prabhupada, had many dialogues with members and leaders of other faiths. So the green light is on to promote understanding.

 6 Km

Friday, February 24th, 2012

Lunch With Sadhus

Mayapura, West Bengal

Today, there were eighteen of us -- sanyasis or renounced men at lunch together. We were huddled together in the quarters of Bhakti Caru Swami of Bengali origin. Not enough could be said about the excellent prasadam and its presentation.

Equally good is the company. One of the main purposes for travel from so many corners of the world is so that we could come together and to walk down the red royal carpet of encouragement. There are marvelous things going on spiritually in many parts of the world and the major influence, in a Krishna Conscious context, is coming form the people in this room.

We sat on mats set out at the edge of the room with a low table in front of each of us. A banana leaf was placed on top of that. To one corner of the leaf was poured out a small pile of local salt, strips  of ginger and some cut lemon. A porous clay pot was placed just off the leaf at the side of the low table for drinking water.

Bhakti Caru led the prayer before honouring the prasadam beginning with "Sarira avidya jal..."   "Oh Lord, this material body is a lump of ignorance..." The prayer starts off on a negative note but then eventually thrusts hope and optimism.

What wasn't positive about this experience, the people, the edibles? Nothing really, although I found the panir, the organic curd chunks fried in mustard oil a little strong.

After the meal you just have to nap. Only my extra take-it-easy-today program which I scheduled to fight the cold became interrupted by multiple visits. The day ended with a very free-style dance to the Kirtan Mela (chanting festival) going on.

Overall, what could stop me from shouting out "Jai!" the big victory cry.

7 Km

Thursday, February 23rd, 2012

I Had Lunch

Mayapura, West Bengal

I had lunch at the school of Bhakti Vidya Purna Swami. As you enter his 19 acre property, you are immediately transported to another time. There are impressions there of old with the common local thatched roofs. The drain pipes that you see are rather classy. A yoli, a prehistoric creature cross-bred with lion, elephant and crocodile has water running though spilling out into a larger gutter.

Everything is quite natural here including the organic dahl, veggies and rice they grow right on sight. Under the shade of one of the huts sat an American monk to my left and to my right was an African monk. Kiddie Corner was a South American monk who told a joke about mosquitoes. Those guys are on our minds in the night even if you use nets. Here it goes

There was this mosquito family, Papa Mosquito, Mama Mosquito and Baby Mosquito. The baby was growing very healthy and strong. It came to a point in time where he was to go on his first flight. His parents supported him so well and were proud that he was to take on this great achievement. Baby Mosquito happily flew on his was and returned back safely. His parents inquired, "Well, what was your experience?"

"It was a great flight. Everywhere I went people were giving me so much applause!"

I relayed this re`latable joke to my room-mates Goura and Prem, who had returned from their  evening performance of "Krishna, the 8th Boy". They were feeling good about being the recipients of an appreciative audience. Applause they got and fortunately our room was a mosquito-free zone to add to the pleasantness we encountered.

7 Km

Wednesday, February 22nd, 2012

The Danger to Spiritual Life
Mayapura, West Bengal

I went to the Chaitanya Bhavan to meet an Australian friend, Nrsimha Kavacha. Our occasion was for business of a different kind. We were initiating talks about spiritual fall downs and exploring the multiple reasons and possible solutions for preventing the dark hour that the soul my go through. The man in the renounced order can also be vulnerable prey to human nature and we have seen the sad results of inattention to spiritual regimen.

To greet me at the door was a friendly body-building priest by the name of Simha Gauranga. He can be described as a warrior with neck as thick as his head. Jokingly he said "Many people in this building are counselors. I'm a canceler. People here are involved in devotee care. For me it's devotee scare."

"Okay, there's a place for everyone in this world."

When Nrsimha welcomed me to sit for a discussion we did then proceed to discuss the topic of those symptoms and habits which could cause a scare and a cancellation for spiritual life.

Here's the initiation installment of thoughts:

1) Poor sadhana (not honouring the standard rules or attendance at group functions)

2) Imbalanced lifestyle -- not enough time for exercise -- too many hours at the computer -- over eating.

3) Too much adulation (over praise)

4) Isolationism -- not enough time with peers.

5) Too many disciples -- taking a load impossible to maintain.

 6) Over-worked -- stress -- multi-tasked to the max.

7) Money -- personal handling of funds and recipient of generous donors -- large inheritances.

8) Exposure to disciples of opposite sex.

9) Being mechanical -- following routine -- superficial imposition of oneself -- "not being yourself".

6 Km

Tuesday, February 21st, 2012

Be By Giants

Mayapura, West Bengal

Fine very tall brass deities, known as the Panca Tattva (features of Krishna in the age of Iron), were flanked to our left. Four swamis and I along with our chairperson this year's AGM Hrdai Chaitanya, where set to speak to the world-wide community of devotees. Each of us read a portion of the resolutions arrived for the year 2011. This put a devotional closure to our meetings.

After this a maha-mela (major festival) of the name of Krishna was inaugurated. The venue, the Panca Tattva Hall, was packed with devotional chanters, marking the start of a several day festival. Enthusiasm was peeking as the night chanting heightened in volume and pitch. It all seemed to be about reaching heights this evening.

My nasty cold kept me up for hours in broken sleep. I took to chanting japa by pacing the rooftop of our accommodational building, the Gada Bhavan. Like so many structures in the area the roof is a flat surface. Beyond this flat roof are the stars in the sky. And beyond that is so much more space and existences -- galaxies.

We are but tiny spirits, little fire-flies against the heavenly bodies that remain lit up above. If we can just remember our nature of smallness, of fragility, then we might have a chance at spiritual success. We must live in the truth and not the lie that I am so very significant.

I was seemingly up high but I was still so small and humble.

6 Km

Monday, February 20th, 2012

After the Show

Mayapura, West Bengal

An elderly eastern-European man approached me after our second showing of the drama "Krishna, the 8th Boy". With a rather wearied frame but sparkling eyes. He said something most encouraging. "I was with professional theatre all my life. What you just did is very professional."

"The mercy of guru, Prabhupada," I said as that's where credit does lie. A shy guy from rural Canada couldn't get this together. When I met those monks in late December of '72, they who were Prabhupada's students, my life changed forever.

On his way out the the venue, the samadhi auditorium, the well-known ascetic, Radhanatha Swami who congratulated the cast, then came to me. It was reciprocal hugs. He and I share time together with our peers hours at a time on chairs discussing issues. It's our AGM for 2012 and it can get serious and sometimes even bland. I mentioned to Radhanatha, " You know those meetings are a special service that we participate in, but if I was to pick and choose between the meetings of management and working with the youth on dramas it would be the latter." He laughed and knew where I was coming from.

There is everything joyful about the show. As the director I sit back on a stool in the technical booth and watch that venue fill up with monks and lay members, all sitting snugly together. There cannot be anything more satisfying than watching excitement build up and then reaching that crescendo with a final applause.

There is a form of ecstasy in all of this. Perhaps people are feeling the beginnings of a state of bhava (intense feelings). Because the subject is spiritual it cannot be related to the mundane.

By the end of this day it took a good three kilometres of walking to wind down.

6 Km

Sunday, February 19th, 2012

Morning is Special

Mayapura, West Bengal

Morning is Special -- always, especially before the awakening of the world.  In Mayapura there is no exception to this rule. Humans are visibly few.  The chaukidhar (security guard) might also be asleep.

Walking along the periphery of guest houses another life becomes prominent.  A choir of jackals fill the ether.  Luckily pesky mosquitoes are not a reality as of yet.  The air is still a trite cool for the little buggers.

Perhaps I shouldn't be so prejudice towards such little entities, bothersome as they are.  They are naturally part of the food chain and should probably be given credit.

Speaking of food, its delicious coming from the kitchens of Mayapura.  Too many choices.  I confine my palate for noon-time meals only, which is a tasty kichari (rice and moong dhal beans mixed with a variety of veggies).  Papaya chunks is my only breakfast.

Health keeps up except for a bad cough.  Colds and throat issues are common here.  People say it's the dust that clogs the upper gates of the body.

In the evening the youth organized a spontaneously powerful presentation of devotion.  Kish, of the popular Mayapuris Bhajan Band, set up a talent show. He had selected artists like magicians, singers, acrobats, dancers.  They were good.  When some technical difficulties arose I was asked to come to the stage to fill up the space (or kill some time).  This is not the first time I've been called on for this service.  I started a kirtan or a choir if you will.

The morning and evening came together with sound. The day began with jackals and ended with angels.   This means that the evening can also be very special provided all attention is given to the Creator.  Yes?

7 Km

Saturday, February 18th, 2012

Approving Monks

Mayapura, West Bengal

I was slotted to join the sannyasa candidate committee. What a treat! What a special service!

What this means is I'm a member of a team that approves new monks. It involves looking at candidates who may have been married and fulfilled their family vows but now wish to go for the final segment of their life as a celibate teacher who travels. When I say "may" it means there is another scenario which is something like this -- a bachelor devotee now wishes to make the balance of life a committed one to devotion.

Our group looks at the portfolio of each candidate with information including his photo, name, age, marital status, the sponsor, his particular service, where and for how long. We then have a personal interview with the individual. If there is at all some doubt about the candidates then people are brought in who know the candidate and then another interview is persued. A new candidate is put on a five waiting year. If no objections arise then in each passing year the candidate is jumped up until finally an initiation for this purpose takes place.

Since this program was inaugurated in '92 there has been a great rate of success. Out of the dozens of candidates that have gone through the system to evolve then as official "swamis" only one person was unable to maintain his "sannyasa" status. That's pretty good.

It is some of the first takers to the renounced order that encounter a higher rate not sustaining their vows. In the early days (60's and 70's) risks were taken. Men at a very early age in their life that entered the strict order were usually the ones to experience difficulty. In order to avoid life catastrophes such as this it was decided to implement a system to safeguard individuals.

Unfortunately, a daily strong walk is not a requirement for a candidate. After all if you become a monk you should be strong of body, mind and spirit; right?

6 Km

Saturday, February 17th, 2012

ILS Success

Mayapura, West Bengal

The ILS stands for ISKCON Leader's Sanga. Leaders from Africa, China, South America, Europe, Australia, North America all came for the sanga or association. When delivering their testimonies at the closing events, Mukhya From Florida, for instance, told the body of 400 people that the spiritual seminars were a highlight in her devotional life.

Some how the program that went on for a week resonated with attendees so well. It was informative, inspiring. It created a cohesion that was unparalleled. The motto of the strategic planning that is behind these sessions is "More Devotees, Happier Devotees." That's a smart goal -- to see the numbers of spiritually-driven people increase in the world. They may not all become monks but they will definitely be more spiritual.

It was without discrimination that Sri Chaitanya, the father of kirtan chanting, enthused people of his time (five centuries ago) to honour the path of bhakti (devotion). He was completely successful in accomplishing this even though his target audience was the subcontinent of India. His program would eventually reach global appeal.

My morning entailed a walk and then a three hour sit at an inaugural event for a new children's playground. At the Sri Mayapura International School a program was conducted by students displaying their talents through song, dance, drama and music. I was impressed with the fact that here also, there was representation from all over the world. Future leaders -- spiritual leaders, at least a percentage of the children will take a lead to promoting a more spiritually induced world.

That is promising and hopeful!

6 Km