Trails on Sunday

Halifax, Nova Scotia

Eryn is my kind of person. She conducts these walks called 'Wander in the Yonder' each Sunday at a designated spot. The starting place is specific. The route to follow is just let your whim carry you. She refers to herself as a pilgrim and makes reflections walking with volunteer foot enthusiasts a weekly event.

Through Nitai Ram, our head brahmacari in the Halifax ashram, Eryn had come to know of my passion for pilgrimage and so I became her guest for the afternoon. Along with us were local hikers who all bonded together practically at the snap of a finger. Anthony, a young computer consultant, also blazed a trail with us in Point Pleasant Park, a confined area of naturalness where you hit multiple trails through this sea-coast brush. "Take your pick," was the mood. On Wednesday Anthony will be the Olympic torch bearer for a meaningful but meager 300 meter run through Halifax. The lucky guy made it on the national poster for promoting the world winter Olympics in Vancouver.

Eryn spoke about her nomadic life for the summer in Prince Edward Island and her anticipated future walks. We both agreed that the way of the pedestrian is a cleansing and a shedding of bad karma program. We also both have the same experience that very few people have, even the closest friends, understand the extent of healing that walking entails. You have to do it to know it.

It was a walking/talking afternoon. The evening, however, consumed our boys, four monks, and their growing community in the fire of chanting. Their home, apartment up above a Greek restaurant on Quinpool, became almost claustrophobic during kirtan sessions. It was an experience of high energy at its best.

9 Km

Deathly Ways

Halifax, Nova Scotia

It had been all over the news. A tragic occurrence along a wilderness trail of northern Nova Scotia at Cape Breton. A young woman at 19 was attacked by two coyotes in an unprecedented scene. She was left with a series of vicious bites and left to lie with loss of blood before she was discovered by walkers nearby. She lost her life before reaching the hospital. Little is known why the wild dogs became so aggressive.

It makes you stop to wonder how very precarious life is even in what appears as a peaceful environment. You can never be too sure. The book Bhagavatam states padam padam yad vipadam na tesam, "In this world there is danger at every step."
When flying off to Nova Scotia to see our brahmacaris (monks) in their new location on Quinpool Road I had contemplated on this mishap. I was compelled to reflect on death when the woman from Halifax next to me in the plane asked, "Is this Hare Krishna?"

I said, "Yes it is!"

"I'll tell you my Hare Krishna story," she said. "Just before my Dad's passing in the hospital he was wearing orange. I asked what the color was all about and he responded by saying 'Hare Krishna Hare Krishna...' ."

I was rather flabbergasted by her brief story. I thought that here was the perfect story- a story of a remarkable way to depart from the world. We spoke little after that. She got wrapped up in the flight cinema. I was content to know that the man's parting was rather favourable. According to Vedic culture hearing mantras is the greatest omen when leaving the body.

I wish that the young woman attacked by the coyotes had at least good thoughts and is on her way to a better existence.

6 Km

The Gardener and the Ghosts

Toronto, Ontario

Practically each morning that I’m here I walk with either one of two devotees, Serge or Shyam. We head off to Yonge St. then west on Bloor, past the ROM museum, the old Rochdale building to the Jewish community centre and then north on Spadina back to the temple/ashram. It is then approaching 7:00am. We have darshan (viewing the Krishna deity’s) and conduct guru-puja, a ceremony for the guru. On Thursdays we read along with other monks the instructive and endearing pastimes of our guru, Srila Prabhupada.
We really liked today’s excerpt which is from Gurudas’ book, “By His Example.” With subtitle.

Ghost Story

On the morning walks, Prabhupada would often greet Tittenhurst’s gardener, Frank. He and Frank had respect for each other, as they were about the same age. Frank was living in a small, cozy Tudor cottage, and he had reported to John Lennon that strange sounds kept him up in the night. He thought the cottage was occupied by ghosts. John consulted with Srila Prabhupada and asked him if he could do something to remedy this situation. Prabhupada replied that he could.

He gathered us together, and we marched in a great procession across the low, grassy hills down to the cottage. Prabhupada led a dynamic kirtan and told us to blow the conch shell very often and very loudly, and ghosts don’t like that sound. After a while he said, “They have gone.”

Frank later confirmed that the strange sounds he heard in the night were indeed gone.

5 Km

Jai Ho!

Toronto, Ontario

Meeting dear friend, Devamrita Swami, was a pleasure once again. Just what did he and I mill over? Well, we discussed the need for outreach to local people and not to remain content to please people indigenous to the culture of Krishna. The fact of the matter is that the teachings of Krishna are presentations of universal truths. They are a message for all people regardless of background. We now live in a multi-cultural society. Toronto, being like a mini-New York, has the whole world operating in some type of synergy. Montreal too, is cross-cultural, and draws immigrants from all over the world. We have at our disposal a global climate for spirituality.

Our packaging of the Krishna culture doesn’t need to appeal to one particular ethnic group. Krishna, the name means all attractive. What attractive aspect of Him are we speaking of here-His form, His activities? Or is it His words that shine through with greater strength breaking the barriers of prejudice and the walls of bodily identity?

I have thought that in regards to improving the packaging of the Krishna culture artists could portray Him as less-feminine. After all he is male. That’s something I would like to throw out there for artists to consider. I get tired of people asking me,” is Krishna a she?”

Devamrtia Swami is to be commended for his very realistic approach to the public. He does not compromise the philosophy of Krishna but tells as is with carefully chosen words. His presentation is thoughtful. While in the city he is slotted to speak about mantra meditation, the relevance of spirituality to the environment and identity crisis.

I managed to catch the tail end of this evening’s presentation at the Multi-faith Centre at the UofT campus. People were in good spirits after hearing the Swami speak from a spiritual perspective.

In the afternoon I had lunch with him and then trekked back to the temple meditating on his slick presentation. As we sometimes say in our tradition, “Jai Maharaja…..Jai ho!”

7 Km

Swim, Don’t sink!

Toronto, Ontario

“We are swimmers,” said one of the students, a spokesperson for the group of young people who are also studying philosophy. A class of students came to visit our temple and ashram before checking in with the Daoists. They came for our philosophical perspective on things.

I had to ask myself what the two careers-swimming and philosophy have in common? Here’s what my tiny brain and training in Krishna Consciousness conjured up. It’s rather simple.

With philosophy you try to make sense of this life and once you decide it’s worth exploring every inch of it you try to swim and stay afloat. Someone even in the weakest of times, when swim strokes and dog paddling get trying, there exists an urge inside edging us on. I had an experience once when swimming across the Ganges at Rsikesh in India. The glacial frigidness of the water and strong current exhausted me when I was 2/3 rods across. I thought I was going to go and give myself to Mother Ganga. Physically I was gone but another side of me didn’t want to be gone. Something within me gave reason and need to forge ahead. Perhaps it was the workings of the brain combined with inspiration that kept me alive. After a great struggle I came to shore dragging myself out of danger while panting like crazy.

I came to the conclusion that it was the eternal nature of the soul that wants continuity. It does not want to cease to be.

Flash back over…..

To the students I explained the analogy of the precariousness of trying to swim after being dropped in the middle of the ocean which is compared to this world. You are quite helpless. The only chance of rescue is a boat that miraculously shows up with people who know how to steer that ship even in the most stormy conditions. A good captain is like the guru. The favourable breezes are like the good directions given by the Vedas, the great books of wisdom. And our human body which is prone to swim has all the mechanics for making devotion a way to play itself out even though we live in a very materialistic world.

With follow up questions by the students I thought we had a good session which was topped off with a great veggie prasadam meal.

The only person who was not a swimmer but was a devout walker was the student teacher. So we had lots to talk about afterwards.

6 Km

Morning Offense.

Toronto, Ontario

They were put on the spot.

Late comers to the early morning service in the ashram were asked by myself to explain themselves and then to apologize to everyone else present for disrespecting time.

There are currently 15 people, 13 men and 2 women living in the ashram. Three were late. As part of the desire of our Guru, Srila Prabhupada, and to the benefit of the soul, punctuality is of paramount importance. Such readiness is expected of people when going to work or school. Why should spiritual activity be less than top of the priority list? It’s incumbent upon all who take up monastic life to follow the rules of the house. It might seem harsh to enforce but what is more harsh is letting monks slip into slackness. Clockwork is required.

From discipline comes freedom and from a lack of it comes a lack of love for the self.

The three delinquents who were late for the joyful service called mangal (auspicious) aarti (service) agreed to explain their lateness. There was no good defense presented but the apologies were genuine.

It hurts to act somewhat like a police officer although I consider myself as a soft enforcer. It’s necessary for keeping a sense of order. The majority of monks are spontaneous in their participation but some are a little slack and require encouragement. When you apply yourself accordingly you see how such harmony and moving together brings joy.

After putting the three in the hot seat, so to speak I wondered how they would perform in the future. That became my meditation while taking the morning walk.

Here’s what list our outstanding brahmacari (monk) Dwija gauranga and I came up with for honouring the early morning service called managal aarti.

Ten offenses against Mangal aarti:
1) to be late
2) to attend unbathed
3) to wear unclean attire.
4) to not sing.
5) to sing or play musical instruments unpleasantly.
6) to talk during the ceremony
7) to demonstrate a lack of enthusiasm
8) to be inattentive
9) to leave prematurely
10) to not show up at all

These happy rules can apply to ashram life.

10 Km

The Road and the Sea

Kent Bridge, Ontario

My memories are fond of just the night before when another packed house outside of Detroit came to hear of Krishna’s pastimes. The morning is engulfed in mist as I Trekked by the side of Long Woods Rd. inching my way forward to see the house where I spent my babyhood. Then Devadatta drove up to my spot. A call came in which caused me to transfer my thoughts. The message came from a devotee whose car just got totaled when a large deer lept in front. The deer was spontaneously killed leaving the driver shaken.

I did get to see the house of my infancy and also to see my sister, Rose Ann and her partner Jim.

Although I paced by corn and cabbage fields my mind gravitated to the sea and a Bengali poem written by our guru, Srila Prabhupada. The translation to section 3 of the piece called, Vradavana Bhajan;

Froth on the Sea Water

The froth upon the seawater
Arrives one moment and disappears the next;
The play of maya’s worldly illusion
Is exactly like that.

No one is actually a mother or father,
A family member or relative.
Everyone is just like the froth on the seawater,
Existing for only a moment.

Just as the froth on the seawater
Dissolves again into the sea,
The body made of five elements
Merges again with these five elements after it dies.

How many fleeting forms does the
Embodied soul take in this manner?
His so-called family members are only related
To this temporary external body.

5 Km

A Wish to Address Crime

Detroit, Michigan

The morning message from the book Bhagavatham was about the heroic aspect of Krishna who delivered ladies in peril, kidnapped by a villain Shankacuda. Crime is what it is when the innocent suffer. It is understood that Krishna’s intent in coming to our world was to correct criminals. Who are these criminals anyway? Who are the innocent? We might consider that we all have a streak of “criminal” in us.

In the Bhagavad-Gita, chapter 3 offers a rather truthful statement regarding out thieving nature. There it is said that those who show no gratitude for food we eat are declared “guilty” insofar as stealing is concerned. Some acknowledgement or some recognition of the powerful providers, the demi-gods, is the least one can do. Better still, if you can honour the presiding power over the provider, Krishna himself, then you have come upon something really good.

I spent a good while with Yugal Kishor, Wayne state university student/monk in front of the old Fisher mansion-turned-temple. In the sixties, perhaps earlier, the nieghbourhood just south of affluent Gross Point fell into decline. The area had become crime-ridden. Mr. Fisher had built the home in the car hey day. It was in the 20’s that this great auto baron was worth 500 million dollars. He had influence. Amongst celebrities here were people like Gloria Swanson and Jean Harlow. That is all in the past.

The old mansion had been acquired by followers of Krishna and they are maintaining the structure as a temple. The very bright Yugal Kishor was talking to me about his desire to involve more of the local youth, some of whom are prone to get into trouble with substance abuse and other levels of crime. I concurred with him that something should be done. The Motor City deserves a chance.

1 Km

Car and Leg

Windsor, Ontario

Devadatta and I lay our bodies down to rest at the home of his father, Dennis Ford, the previous night. Father and son had a reunion, a late night chat. Out of regimen I rose early as usual to explore outdoor air and the eye of God, the sun. My trail for pedestrian pleasure (pleasure because the mantra is with me) is Tecumseh road named after the reputed warrior chief who fought in the war of 1812, the struggle between the British and the Americans. A light frost hit window shields overnight. A walker to work asked, “Aren’t you cold in that?” Referring to the robes I mentioned proudly, “Absolutely not, this is thick hemp.” The fiber I’m wearing may be the answer to brutal winters for Canadian and Russian monks. It’s an experiment. So far so good.

From the Chrylser plant at Tecumseh and Droullaird it was a mediocre walk along the Ford City section of Windsor. The history of auto proliferation is extremely obvious here with Droullaird St. ornamented in the way of monuments, plaques and murals.

Then I hung a left at Riverside drive at the Hiram Walker Distillery. All the while I’m chanting and then it struck me about the dichotomy of the world of hike and mantra set against the world of the greased wheel and liquor.

To take me across the border to the U.S. by way of tunnel under the Detroit River were Kapil and Bharat, devotees from Detroit. From here the Motown portion of the day folded in for a talk about the walk, meaning all the pilgrimages taken thus far. From time to time I take the opportunity to recall glorious and liberating moments from the adventures. It is always a story about the life of simplicity and devotional service.

Fortunately we spoke to a packed house of Bhakti enthusiasts in a place called Novi just outside of Detroit.

14 Km

Uncle Tom’s Cabin

Dresden, Ontario

“This is one of my favorite little nooks”, I explained to Devadatta, the spiritualist I’m traveling with for the day. I walked through this area in ’96, My first marathon walk for promoting spiritual awareness. I pointed to a tree after we stopped for a break from driving. “I took a nap under this apple tree”, I said which is set a few meters away from Reverend Josiah Henson’s grave.

Rev. Henson (1789-1883) made history here as part of the black abolition movement. After escaping to Canada from slavery in Kentucky he became a conductor of the underground railroad and started a school here when securing 200 acres of land in 1841 for slaves-turned-refugees. A book was written about his memoirs by author Harriet Beecher Stowe and it became extremely popular around the world. It was entitled, “Uncle Tom’s Cabin”.

Unfortunately the interpretive center was closed for the season as so was Reverend Henson’s house, which still stands here. There is also a tiny church left situated here where black parishioners came for their inner peace. I recall visiting in ’96 sitting in a pew and listening to a recording that plays “swing low sweet chariot.”

I forgot to mention to Deva the story of black slaves seeking freedom for their lives to this community was artistically demonstrated in the classic film, “The King and I’ with actor Yule Brenner. I did mention I was born in the next town over, Chatham and that’s why this place holds some sentimental value for me. Where I grew up there were a few black settlements in Canada left from those slave days.

It’s sad that slavery persists in some form or another somewhere in the world.

After this stop over, our second ,(A prior visit was at Ramachandra” home in London, Ontario) Deva and I proceeded to Windsor, a cash strapped car industry area. There we had a get together with Tom and his wife Betty (nothing to do with Uncle Tom’s Cabin). Tom had lived as a monk in our Toronto ashram in the late 70’s before he took to teaching in Nunavut in the far Artic north and before settling here. They are great company.

As a monastic person, a swami, I have this chosen obligation to visit people to encourage spiritual life. Today’s foot travel happened earlier on before setting out in the vehicle. It was a great day.

6 Km

Chant For Change

Quebec & Ontario

There is not much difference between the two provinces Quebec and Ontario. One is predominantly a place of Francophone; the other Anglophones. Traditionally they were named on a map of the 19th century as Lower and Upper Canada depending on the direction in which they were situated on the St. Lawrence River. Upper meant “up the river” and down meant “down the river” or near the mouth.

Apart from language differences the culture is relatively the same. McDonald’s crosses all borders and so does the car culture.

I decided to walk to the bus depot. With me were residents of the Montreal temple. The neighbourhood along this east end of St. Catherine’s St. isn’t that great although city planners are trying their best to “clean up”. We pass by an intense smell reeking out of a brewery to our right. A huge male strip joint is to our left. A number of churches, all of which are monolithic in size, have been recently closed down. They look gorgeous though, old historic. Montreal has plenty of them.

I bid Farwell to, my co-walkers, all wonderful people who are young and endeavoring to develop spirituality. I was impressed with the public mega-bus, a double-decker but less so with fellow passengers. En route to Toronto I see more signs of decadence, I hate to say. A young fellow conversing on his cell phone was cursing, threatening death to the person on the other end. After the five hour ride we enter Toronto’s downtown business core when I witness another angry caller outside on the sidewalk demonstrating the same aggression but this time with body language while waving his folded newspaper in the air. Do cell phones make people more violent? Certainly it’s a more impersonal way of communication. I don’t carry one. They scare me. Anyways I’m a monk so I have an excuse.

In any event the day has given glimpses of hell and provided as impetus for doing more mantra mediation. What I have seen today is relatively bland as far as evil is concerned but it did stir up in me the need to “chant for change”.

7 Km

North Of Montreal

Mount Tremblant, Quebec

Just prior to leaving North for this famous ski resort town I was handed a gift of natural honey harvested and delivered by Surya, a bee keeper from the Upper Laurentian Mountains. The contents of the jar, a golden gel, came from the second blooming period of the summer. Surya has marketed the stock and labeled it as Madhukar honey. The gift I won’t indulge in but only after being offered to the diety of Krishna.

On a small tag attached to the jar Albert Einstein is quoted saying, “ If bees disappears from the surface of the earth, man would have no more than four years to live. No more bees, no more pollination……no more man!” It’s a quote I’ve read before and it’s good to be reminded again of our urban infiltration upon the world. There is a need to respond.

Our visit was to a couple’s home in mountain and lake country. Maharja and Marie Jose are that warm kind of French Canadian hosts provided a great curry and also provided me with an opportunity to say a few words to invited friends about the human inclination towards spirituality. We also chanted together by the fire place. I know it sounds crazy but that’s what it was until the heat intensified a spark of interest in the outside and welcome the first flakes of snow for the fall. A stroll through town was terminated by time. I was to reach the downtown temple to speak from the Bhagavad-Gita.

And so the theme from the verse 9.9 highlighted the detached nature of God. The cosmic order operates under His control and is discharged, left for us to make good or a mess of the place. And don’t we really wish we could make good? It all begins with a little respect for the natural world and the remote controller.

7 Km

Tulasi and Temperature
Montreal, Quebec

Approximately a year ago the very sacred plant, Tulasi, suffered a major setback here. Being a tropical plant she is highly sensitive to frigid weather. The entire stock of dozens of this revered member of the basil family was destroyed when hydro was shut off for a relatively short time in the neighbourhood. It doesn’t take long to shock the delicate plant before it reaches it’s demise.

It was surprising for me to walk into the temple room which was adorned with dozens of healthy potted tulasis set on tables there to receive appreciation from all. This favourite plant of Krishna sat in all her glory with small richly intense green leaves and a fragrance that was so sweet. How did she spring back into life?

Apparently some reserve plants were kept elsewhere at a congregant’s home over the winter and in this way sufficient warm temperatures gave exposure to a whole new batch. That saved the day. No temple is complete unless a good nursery of some sort is accommodated to nurse and provide for he sacred Tulasi. Merely by protecting her you not only maintain a tradition but you receive the benefit of her auspicious presence (or what some people call, “good luck”). I guess it is also a way of demonstrating a contribution to the “Green” movement . Often times we say that one’s devotion is gauged by how well Tulasi grows in one’s domain. Here she is doing very well.

Temperatures outside the building are just above freezing. In the morning my commitment to fresh air and exercise work in conjunction with chanting on beads. A walk attracted others to join me for a stretch on St. Catherine St. they wondered how it’s possible for me to dress so lightly and walk in the chilled air. I explained that fortunately the years of trekking have allowed me to climatize well.

7 Km

To Montreal

Montreal, Quebec

If I had my way as to which mode of travel to take to Montreal, the choice being plane, train, bus, car, horse or legs, it would be the last one. The only diffculty is that at a round figure of 600 kilometers it would take me over two weeks to reach my destination.

I settled for automobile. At $35 you can car pool and save those extra dollars on a six hour drive. That is a significant saving which is always important when you consider that these funds belong to your guru. My use of funds is public money. It's not mine. As a swami/monk I must maintain the obligation to watch spending and to be frugal (at all costs).

I took a ride with Sam, a Pakistani man, sharing the van space with two young women. One of them was Rebecca, a yoga instructor and English teacher in Gaspe Penninsula, Quebec. It's a small world. She tells me she has been reading this blog and knows people I know. Of course, we are both situated in the yoga universe or to put it more simple, we are in the same circle of people.

Being in a moving vehicle is like taking a sleeping pill for me. Due to last night's late satsang, home program, I had to doze so communication with Rebecca was limited. She stopped off at Kingston, the midway mark. Then Sam, the driver to the car pool services and I spoke, a good chunk of which time we talked the logic of the proof of God's existence. Sam was adamant.

"It's not just nature or an accident that all this is here," gesturing with his hands that he momentarily released from the steering wheel. The fiery nature of our dialogue kept us both perked up until we reached downtown Montreal. "Thanks, Sam!"

Once arriving at the Krishna Temple on Pie-IX Boulevard and attending the Sunday Open House program I could see the glistening of a vibrant community. It's some special kind of grace when you see this, which is gauged by the width of the happy faces, a reflection of the Divine, no doubt.

5 Km

Saturday Transcended

Richmond Hill, Ontario

While walking Bloor St. with two companions, both from Quebec (Canada's french side), we met a bearded fellow who made an interesting comment on this Hallowe'en Day about our devotional attire.

"You would think that the Hare Krishnas would take at least one day of the year off especially Hallowe'en, but I can see that you guys dress up 365 days a year."

Regardless of the remark he said the magic words "Hare Krishna" - a four syllable expression of sound which is highly beneficial for anyone who hears.

Every last Saturday of the month the youth of Toronto organize themselves under the mentorship of Vaisesika, a strong advocate of distribution of books from Bhaktivedanta Book Trust. At the corner of Bloor and Spadina the chanting of this pure sound of "Krishna" was being executed by the group while some of the youth set up a table of the aforementioned books on bhakti yoga.

Another feature of their monthly arrangement was the distribution of packaged cookies, nuts and suckers. The response from the public was great.

I spent a few minutes there with the group chanting and encouraging them in their various efforts to reach out to a public that is largely devoid of spiritual experience. From this location I moved on to a second group stationed at Baldwin St. by Kensington Market where a rather eclectic public is quite receptive.

A point here to consider is that in the capitalist so-called developed world spirituality has been basically shunned by the fundamental nature of our "greed culture". They were transcending.

In the evening my godbrother from Austin Texas spoke about transcending. Sankarshan came to enlighten people at a home in Richmond Hill. The message for the evening was clear - through chanting we transcend.

6 Km

A Great Friday Night

Toronto, Ontario

After a lenghty practice at our new drama production, "Lonely People", I took a breather catching the good air and the wind. Passing by homes in front I reflected on the verse from the Gita "...of purifiers I am the wind." It was past the mid-night mark but that doesn't stop nocturnal life in the city. Then the day affairs and communications came to mind. I was informed by one of our Temple actresses, Karen (spiritual name Kalpa Vriksha), that one of our temple actors, Ellesh Parunjanwala, had hit the big times. Ellesh, star of the top rating reality TV show in Mumbai, Rakhi Ka Svayamvar, came to me last November en route to the airport for India. "Maharaj, I came for your blessings," he said. "It's a TV/movie project I'm going for. It's real exciting." From that point on he shot up stardom overnight. The ratings for the TV show bypassed the popular "Ramayana" and "Mahabharat" TV series of the 90's and even tapped the cricket game between India and Pakistan.

I felt a little proud of our boy who grew up with our community and then in his youth partook in numnerous devotional plays with my direction. He has become the most popular TV celeb and I guess that's God's mercy. I have little concern about him being caught up and consumed by star stigma. He's always been a boy of integrity and morality. Anyways I'm happy for him and will pray that he will not lose his sense of dharma duty.

Most amazing about this evening's brief stroll is when walking past an indoor/outdoor bar which was ultra boisterous (mainly laughter). Silence struck as the drinkers saw my robes. Several of the chaps with beer in hand gave a nod of respect.

But to top that when the garbage truck came up one block up from the bar to a large oriental shop, one of the trash collectors in orange uniform caught glimpse of me while wheeling a bin to the truck, dropped his garbage and held hands together in pranams. He closed his eyes in reverence and stood still for a few seconds and then proceeded with his work as I did mine - walking.

To the public I am a NO NAME brand of monk. I am certainly not Ellesh. But you can say that respect goes to the tradition that I'm representing and that is very gratifying.

6 Km

Moving Towards the Plastic
Toronto, Ontario

While many pilgrims go to India at this time of year due to the auspicious nature(this is known as the month of Kartik by the vedic calendar) I enjoy the mood and weather of North America. Truly it’s a great time. The harvest. Moderate climate. It’s generally peaceful. And you can celebrate in the same style as is done in India using ghee lamps in rituals and singing special songs in honour of Damodar, which is Krishna as a child. It’s a busy time and the atmosphere is surcharged with lots of bhakti, devotion.

What runs parallel to this high spiritual energy at this time of year is the pagan (or Celtic) celebration of Halloween. I understand that the original went from pre-Christmas times and had it’s motives steeped in purity. The “ghoulish” slant of today is somewhat of a detour from ancestral ways which is unfortunate. Images of zombies, skeletons, Draculas, witches, ghosts, and the whole family of the dead is what especially the young are engrossed in. One monk form Germany who has come to join our small theatre troupe last month said, “ Halloween has really taken off in Europe in the last ten years. Not before that.” So it’s been a North American thing primarily until as of late.

What is a bit disconcerting to me is while walking I see all the electronic –pumped plastic made-in-China displays in front of people’s homes. The lit up Jack-o-lantern with his brilliant orange and pumpkin smell seems to move as a thing of the past. I think you can say the same thing of the popular Diwali functions held so sacred in India are now plastic battery operated imitation ghee lamps.

With all this infiltration of superficial-wear you have to wonder, “where is the world going?”

Our meditation, chanting, can become like that. You start with pure intent, good motives and so on. And then in due course you may lose the taste for the sound and it can become vain repetition and turn into something plastic-like.

We must always revisit the realm of sincerity.

6 Km

Getting Out on the Street
Toronto, Ontario

He was driving and making a delivery. He works from 5am until 11pm everyday. This evening he spotted me on Yonge St. He had seen me before in ‘96’ on the road one hour east of here. He didn’t forget the image. Once seeing the robes he decided it was the same image. He made a u turn and wanted to check. He came to where I was on foot and went for the confirmation and asked for a blessing. He was a Sri Lankan and addressed me as “Maharaja.” I wished him and his family well.

Two Mexican martial artists visiting on world sport competition saw the robes.

“Hare Krishna!” They said I reciprocated. They apparently know Krishna devotees from Mexico’s Ratha Yatra .

A couple while passing by said, “Hare Krishna”

We spoke and I told them that I offer my services to them. A young Bangladeshi man said, “Hare Krishna!” On his way from work he didn’t expect to see a monk this evening. We talked positive.

The last person to approach me was a Muslim Pakistani student from Ryerson University and his girl. He identified himself as the leader of the Muslim organization at the campus. He asked if I was a monk and if I would be interested in doing some future presentations on what I represent. Naturally I complied. The friendly communication ended with a hand shake like all the other folks I met. Each encounter was brief but impactful. These were people who came to me, not the reverse.

All this happened in the span of one hour. If I were to walk up and down the street and meet eight persons who come to me each hour that would be 8x24 or 192 people. That’s not bad for just being there in robes walking. Unfortunately I will need to sleep for five hours and eat which will occupy another 30 minutes. Let’s consider another 30 minutes for showering and other bodily activities. That would knock off a few opportunities due to sleeping and eating and the like.

I have one regret about this evening. I ran out of mantra and invitation cards which I handed out to people. Otherwise there are no regrets.

7 Km

The Cell on The Trail

Toronto, Ontario

I grabbed him by the arm and said, “Let’s go outside.”

My dear friend whom I have chanted with at home programs for years usually comes to the temple daily but spends half the time on his cell phone. “Let’s talk about going to Cuba and the upcoming Vedic Festival..”

“Okay”, said Ajamila. He loves to sing and play harmonium and is looking forward to taking the lead singing role on a Cuban stage.

“You need a drummer. See if Jetu is available. He’s great at the mrdunga (drum). “

Ajamila calls him as we walk on. He called a sponsor for the tickets as well. The sponsor was good. We kept walking.

Four kilometers into the walk Ajamila asks me, “hey, where are we?”

“The ravine”, I said.

“All this time I was talking on the phone and you brought me here?”

“Yes, Ajamila.”

I talked with him about how so much got done on the phone; that he booked Cuba for us and got a band together for the upcoming trip, we met people on the way with questions about our robes and another student asking for directions out of the ravine. All this in the span of forty minutes. That’s pretty good Ajamila .

Ajamila realy did take to the walking.

“You’ve got to do more of this. Do office work while walking and utilize the technology in God’s service.

9 Km

What’s Up Outside Parliament

Ottawa, Ontario

There is something very bland about any government town. Maybe it’s the conservative nature of it’s citizens. Politics seems to temper the wild and party element of any city. It’s the grave nature of hot topics discussed and decisions made and resolutions passed that gives a city like that a certain stigma.

What saves such places are their museums and galleries.

It was an early rise, a shower, then stepping onto Somerset E. along the Rideau Canal, off to the Parliament buildings and the rear of them where you catch a trail along the Ottawa River. Then go by bridge over to the Quebec side, along La Riviere in the other direction to Alexandria Bridge to Chateau Laurier and then tracing back along the canal route again. It’s real pleasant. Security police from their cars give a nod at the Parliament. The rare pedestrian does also utter a “Hello!”

Next came morning sadhana consisting of singing, drumming. “Quiet but sweet”, warned Shankar the temple facilitator. “We cannot wake the neighbours on the other side of the wall”. It’s 5:30 am

After the chanting, myself and three other men discuss a verse from the Bhagavatam followed by a talk with Casper, a husband to be.

We talk about the “Enrich” course, which is actually a pre-marital counseling procedure. Like many church groups in some more progressive parts of the world our society utilizes as they do, a pro-active program for newly weds. It better prepares them for the future. I have seen it work.

Our future groom, Casper, was not aware but now he is. Because we live in a family friendly world devoid of extended family to give support something must be in place to help young couples enter an exciting but challenging stage. It’s something that Parliament or the White house can’t pass. It’s something communities must strive to succeed in.

Congratulations Casper on your engagement with Vraja McAllister. I may be an unmarried monk, but I’m 100% behind you.

13 Km