JOYOUS DAY AT THE VERY EAST END

Friday, November 14th, 2025

St. John's Newfoundland

When Nityananda and I landed at the St. John’s Airport, we were greeted by the welcome party of this city’s Vaishnav community with drum and cymbals.  The people behind it were Seshan, a Mauritian by country, and Jan Peters, my dear friend whom I’ve known for 30 years since my first walk in 1996.

We really felt at home when we had arrived at Seshan’s garage converted into a temple.  Several families were there with kids as joyful as were the adults.  It is not every day that a monk comes to town.  Sara, whom I had met previously at a Shambala group session, was there.  She led a nice kirtan with a popular melody by the legendary Vishnujan Swami.

There was so much enthusiasm in the atmosphere.  I could understand that their leader, Seshan, sets the tone with his permanent smile. 

“Do you carry that smile with you at night in your sleep?”

According to those in the room who know him well, it was a confirmed, “Yes!”

I was contemplating as to how to keep the energy high.  So, as a tuition, I asked Nityananda to see if he could find in the room a copy of Krishna, the Supreme Personality of Godhead.  I flipped the pages to chapter where Krishna saves the son of his guru.  I asked the young ones to sit in front of me, facing me, while being with backs to the crowd.  That configuration happened fast enough.  I used the technique of charades.  That worked wonders.  It encouraged focus and fun.

I did accomplish one other thing today.  When I was here last two-and-a-half years ago, I finished walking the last three kilometres to reach downtown St. John’s. hence, we have the beginnings of a 5^th walk across Canada.

MAY THE SOURCE BE WITH YOU

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