I LIKE PARK BENCHES

Wednesday, June 5th 2024

Christie Pits, Toronto

My final step before turning back to home, back to ashram, was on a park bench at the park, when a young man, James sat next to me.

"I'm just waiting for some buddies," he informed me. "Your day is full?" he asked.

"Yes, quite. I'm Bhaktimarga Swami. Swami for short."

"I'm James Ensley." We shook hands and it didn't end there. Like most people, meeting a monk is a first, let alone a walking monk.

I had a similar exchange just a few minutes before. I was sitting down to chant my gayatri mantra at this near nook where there's a circle around a rock with Saskatoon bushes and cedars - perfect for dhyana meditation. I was just about to begin my gayatri, when Benjamin Robinson, with a smile and a yoga matt rolled up under his arm. He wanted a selfie. His card reads, "Excellent worker." He works four jobs and is wholesomely proud of it. Naturally I invited him to chant when he can.

That was two guys miraculously come over just to connect. I figured my day was full and good. On further reflection, I had given three one hour classes at 7:30am, 1pm and 6pm and it was on the topic of Krishna. The questions were phenomenal and they came from a live group in Toronto, and zoom calls with South Africa and the Caribbean. In between those slots were multi-furious duties - all offerings to Krishna.

Anyways, try sitting at a park bench. Magic may come.

MAY THE SOURCE BE WITH YOU!

8 km