INWARD SUNDAY

Sunday, May 24th, 2026

Montreal, Quebec

I asked one of our directors for ISKCON Montreal shortly after arriving, “What topic should I speak on for today’s Sunday gathering?” His name is Saumeer, who paused for a few seconds and then responded, “Please speak on any subject?” I thought about it and then came to the conclusion that this fifth month, day 24 will tell me. I looked up Chapter 5, verse 24 from the Gita and found the verse appropriate. It was very pertinent to the crowd after which many questions arose. Here it is with explanation by our guru, Prabhupada.

“One whose happiness is within, who is active and rejoices within, and whose aim is inward is actually the perfect mystic. He is liberated in the Supreme, and ultimately he attains the Supreme.”

PURPORT: Unless one is able to relish happiness from within, how can one retire from external engagements meant for deriving superficial happiness? A liberated person enjoys happiness by factual experience. He can, therefore, sit silently at any place and enjoy the activities of life from within. Such a liberated person no longer desires external material happiness. This state is called brahma bhūta, attaining which one is assured of going back to Godhead, back to home.

I asked the attendees if they like happiness and the answer was, “Yes.” How many of you are happy when you shower? Answer, “Yes.” “Do some of you sing in the shower?” (giggles) Hands went up for that one.

My talk was basic, newcomers friendly. My theory is when you sing (chant) it is a symptom of joy.

MAY THE SOURCE BE WITH YOU

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