BEST DAYS

Tuesday, March 14th, 2023

Vaughn, Ontario

Members of our youthful Bhakti Academy and I made our way to the home of Batras, Subha Vilas, Ashalatta, Indresh, and Kishori – three generations. The visit is on the list of outings. Indeed, it is an outing as in out of the city. The location is north on a several acres plot of land, still quite snowbound.

When we held kirtan in the temple room section of what is an actual mansion, you could see a big family of wild turkeys strutting across the field. It was quite a scene; nature in full swing. As we opened the northern side door, allowing the feathered family an ear to the sound of mantra, The group picked up to a glorious speed to reach a quiet zone.

THE GROUP OF BHAKTI ENTHUSIASTS. I WAS ABSENT AS I WAS ON A ZOOM 'GITA CHAT.'

The prasadam was Absolutely delicious; lasagna, Gauranga potatoes, and such. We held a great chant and dance session followed by a talk from Prabhupada Priya. I pitched in, speaking of the old days – fifty years ago to be exact – when I made that big decision to turn my back on a materialistic world to embrace conscious living. No regrets from my end.

Some questions came my way. From the corner of the living room, Dhruva asked if I could give some instructive message to the group. My response was along the lines of, “Absorb yourselves in Krishna consciousness. In years to come, you will reflect back on the precious days of the academy – a time of learning and developing skills of good character; a time of true fun. Say to yourself, ‘Those were the best days of my life.’”

MAY THE SOURCE BE WITH YOU!

8 km