BE A KID

Friday, May 29th, 2026

Russell/Ottawa, Ontario

Had I not become a monk, I would likely have become a school teacher. At the Bhakta Prahlad Montessori School in Russell I was given the opportunity to do something with one of the classes. I was totally comfortable to lead the group, age 5 to 12, in a chant, and they loved it. I read about the pastime of Vamana, a poem called “Little Big Boy” followed by a rendition thespian-wise of this likeable avatar. They did splendid.

I am told I’m energetic and playful, so I guess you could say, I fit in with that younger crowd. I do feel that each day requires some zestfulness.

Now, where I am accommodated at a home with a massive yard of grass, I felt a lack of energy when I looked at the 4K robotic lawn cutter. It appeared very confused and wasn’t really doing its job. It reminded me of the odd turtles (snappers) that used to come around our house. They were really slow in their maneuvers and acted unsure of which turn to make. This guy, the robot, truly lacked in purpose. No grass was getting cut although it was programmed to do so. I asked myself, “Is this really the way we want to go with our advanced technology?”

I was told that these driver-less cars pose some problems. Known to create accidents, when the police come, there is no one for them to converse with.

My evening agenda was a trip to the Ottawa temple for the weekly Friday kirtan sessions. Gabriel was on acoustic guitar, Kay was on base. They along with traditional musical instruments made for a fun wind down of the day. The dance movements I led, as a dance master of sorts, endorses energy generated activities as important components of a playful day.

MAY THE SOURCE BE WITH YOU

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