Tuesday, November 21st, 2017

Buenos Aires, Argentina

Last Day in BA

Antonio, one of the novice monks, took me around to the quieter streets before class.  Antonio, like many members, is of Italian origin.  The city, Buenos Aires, seems to be smartly laid-out.  I say that as a walker, and not a driver.  There are plenty of parks and trees lining the streets.  That is always good.

The class, delivered by myself once again, focused on Narada Muni’s words to his students, the Pracetas.  Narada is one of those all-time favorites of monks. He was expert at disseminating wisdom.  There is this incredible waterfall in the state of Washington, high on a mountain, and it is named after him.  I was stunned to see that and the plaque which identifies his name as a Hindu saint, or mystic.  https://youtu.be/T3LC95dyRZk

In today’s verse, from Canto 4 of the book, Bhagavatam, we learn of him saying that the source of self-realization is God Himself.  In other words the Supreme is motivated to assist souls in their effort to free themselves from this worldly entanglement.

Of course, not all souls in this world are interacted in such a liberation, being somewhat conditioned in their cozy situations.  People tend, too often, to be lost in their subjectivity, forgetting that a human has a mandate beyond just being in the survival mode.  It appears that many folks trolley their way to a more zombie-like approach to life, through various intoxicating methods.  I’m afraid it dulls the brain.  https://instagram.com/p/Bbqi0VeF8pD/

We don’t need that do we?

May the Source be with you!

7 km

Monday, November 20th, 2017

Buenos Aires, Argentina

Before and At the Park

After a chilled-out theatre workshop with those inclined, as well as the less inclined to such an exercise, all participants felt more apt to go at it during a future opportunity.  Theatre can be therapy.  You thrust your soul out into an irregular scenario.  You imagine yourself to be someone else and hang your own identity onto a hook for a while.  You explore new motives and fresh agendas.  You may not have liked the new territory but it was a good exploration nevertheless.  It’s a form of soul transmigration.  https://instagram.com/p/BbwoYJ0l83C/

As you probably realize, I see the wonders of drama.  It is an equal to my walking, which today measured out to be just over 5 km.  It was in Holland Park that a few of us ventured for a loosening up of limbs and an apparent clearing of the mind.

We sat at a park bench, by the white geese, some afloat and some grass-bound.  They do leave their mercy droppings which are substantial in size.  One of our co-walkers mistook them for dog dung.  “No, my friend, Seva Kunj, I know from Canada the size of geese poop.”

It was on that park bench that I shared with the group the topic of the importance of japa.  “Japa is therefore a wholesome thing.  It becomes that special time to communicate with the Absolute.  There might not always be such an encouraging endeavor or atmosphere around you for picking up those japa beads, but if you feel that call of duty and act on it, you will, in time, see the results.”

May the Source be with you!

5 km

Sunday, November 19th, 2017

Buenos Aires, Argentina

Missed

I missed the procession of Jagannatha.  Too busy.  To the very last minute, our crew was preparing our drama for the stage.  We did perform.  There were some glitches, but overall, the audience, which usually patiently awaits what theatrically is in store for them, was very focused.  That’s not always an easy thing to achieve in an outdoor setting.  The people liked the story.  “Thumbs up,” said they, but it’s a work in progress for sure.

Every year that the Chariot Fest is pulled off in any city, that is an accomplishment.  The work and sacrifice, especially the lack of sleep, cannot be underestimated.  In this regard, I have my heroes list in Buenos Aires that I mentally and by the heart do check.

There’s Mahahari, the president of the local community.  Left with a son to raise after his terrific wife, Gandarvika, recently passed, he does everything in the light-hearted spirit.  Without him the show does not go on.

Then we have Merudevi, who with the coolest head and permanently etched “yes” on her face, looks after the stage agenda, administration and assembly.  There may be more that she does which I’m unaware of.  As a monk, I don’t search deeply into the female affairs, even if devotional.  All I know is she’s a steady pillar in that department.

When I visit yearly, I share a room with Gauravani Swami, German-born, and we have the most meaningful chats.

Finally, I do not forget Gunagrahi Swami, who’s like a big bro to me and who introduced me, along with Murari from Miami, to the community.  He is absent, being in Vrindavan, India, stricken with cancer.  He has had so much to do with building up this community.  Bless him!

May the Source be with you!

0 km