LIGHT UP

Monday, October 20th, 2025

Amsterdam/Toronto

It was a long day, flying west, gaining hours, and also bhakti, I hope.  Those marvellous devotees in Amsterdam saw me off, waved goodbye.  Tot ziens!  Until next time, which should be happening, as time keeps us busy.  The seven-plus hours flight on Air Canada was indeed an aircraft full of tired people.  I guess walking is truly the most energetic mode of transport.

In both Holland and Canada, Diwali, the festival of lights, was celebrated. In Toronto, so many young couples came for chanting, darshan, and holy food at home residence of our ashram/temple.  They were all dressed in their best because the day of Diwali represents a kind of V-E Day, when the warriors over in Europe and soldiers returned.  Diwali means the town was lit up as Rama, the general, who fought against the enemy ranks, came home.  Ravana was his adversary who wreaked havoc.

No doubt, it is a day of great joy, and we hope that troubled times do not continue or at least be lessened.

I was truly happy to see Mukunda and his wife after many years.  He was a psychologist and just turned 80.  The couple are from a Jewish background, and they, long ago, took to the ashram of the hugging guru.  They, however, used to visit our temple and we would have the liveliest discussions on the Gita, which was all about overcoming an evil tyrannical reign and being at battle.  It is indeed joyous to see my dear friends who came to Govinda’s Restaurant located in the same building.

I miss being on the road in the Netherlands, but I’m happy to be back home.  One of our residents put a sparkler in my hand, lit it, as if to say, “Let’s have some fun!”

MAY THE SOURCE BE WITH YOU

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