A MEMORABLE VISIT

Wednesday, November 19th, 2025

Rosedale, Toronto

It was just great seeing an acquaintance, dear friend, Jivan Mukta.  I popped into the temple’s dining room, Govinda’s, where the prasadam food is quite exquisite (sometimes, though, a little too rich), and I spotted Jivan sitting there enjoying a meal.  I came over and took a modest amount.  It is easy to overeat. 

We struck a conversation over a great meal.  In the early 80s, we spent time travelling together throughout Ontario and Manitoba.  We were into sales with products devotees crafted as a way to fund the expenses of the temple, and while getting out to people we met, books on the subject of Krishna consciousness.  We were quite austere in our lifestyle during those times.  One day after a hard day at work (service), we slept in the van at 0 temperature, woke up in the morning, took our bath in the lake and conducted our usual sadhana of chanting and study.  The snowflakes started descending.  That took place in Le Pas on your way to Thompson in Manitoba.  Yes, it was austere, but we were loving it, every bit of it, including the outdoor cooking of kichari. We were so mission oriented; all was done for the love of guru and God.  These voluntary inconveniences like this, that we took up, shaped character and a love for life – a zest for life.

Anyways, we sat in Govinda’s and enjoyed our dialogue.  We couldn’t help but speak about today’s social conditions.  Both of us share many values, the same thoughts many people have regarding the lack of gratitude some communities express.  Thank you, Jivan, for the visit.

MAY THE SOURCE BE WITH YOU

11,106 FOOTSTEPS