BACK FROM THE STATES

Monday, May 11th, 2026

Toronto, Ontario

Virat Rupa drove me to the Newark Airport as my final stepping and flying on American soil and sky. I had time on this one hour flight to Canada to reflect on this twelve day trip covering five states. I would not have minded to walk seriously some of those lengths. I reflect on the kindness of the devotees who provided accommodation in their homes, excellent meals, a platform from which to teach from the Gita, trails to explore.

It was also exciting to witness some expansion of Krishna Consciousness with some new centres opening up and watching some youth taking up seriously to the very exhilarating kirtan chanting. I should not fail to mention five new initiates coming worth. I made a point of it that our founder/acharya, Srila Prabhupada is everyone’s principle guru receiving the greatest reverence. The last two candidates took diksha at the Towaco temple - a couple. Ritesh accepted the name Rsi Kumar and his wife took the name Rudrani while still keeping her civilian name Rupal. I wish these two new members to ISKCON well.

When the plane landed and hit the Canadian air (which is slightly cooler) I eventually made my way back to my residency at the midtown temple in Toronto. An enthusiastic greeting party was at the front steps, chanting. Home Sweet Home! In that regard I wanted to say that as a wandering mendicant I do have the satisfaction to be comfortable, culturally, wherever I go. I mean to say, I feel safe, sound, and sober. There is a certain sanity in a temple atmosphere and I am the happiest recipient.

MAY THE SOURCE BE WITH YOU

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