AT QUEEN'S PARK

Thursday, October 23rd, 2025

Yorkville, Ontario

Members of the VHP had invited us to Queen’s Park, the Legislative Assembly Building for the Province of Ontario to a Diwali function.  At 8 am, a dozen of us devotees from the temple ashram turned up, including myself, along with delegates, ministers of various portfolios with the government.  People with those statuses and services spoke briefly about the importance of Diwali, the festival of lights, carrying the theme of goodness over evil.  Certificates were given to those who achieved progress in the advancement of Sanatan Dharma, ongoing righteousness.

I also was asked to say something, so I did.  It was the poem I submitted yesterday on a message for Diwali.  The highlight for me was the chanting session.  Jiva Daya, our man from Bhakti Academy, played that drum sweet and fine, and Damayanti, our woman from the Academy, led the chanting of the maha mantra to the accompaniment of the harmonium.  The chanting brough joy to the atmosphere. 

Speaking of music, Nityananda and I, who have a regular appearance with reels on Instagram, recently put out two music videos on the Bhaktimarga Swami YouTube channel.  Both of the music pieces with lyrics capture a theme like that of Diwali – ‘lighten up’, or, ‘get lit’.  This message is geared toward male devotees, encouraging them to embrace enhanced responsibilities.  One is called “Stellar Dad.”  The other, “Every Guy.”

I hope you enjoy them.

MAY THE SOURCE BE WITH YOU

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