NOVEMBER FIRST FUN

Bhaktimarga Swami
6 days ago
2 min read

Saturday, November 1st, 2025

Barrie, Ontario

I was really happy with the program at a rental facility at a United Church in downtown Barrie. The community here meets regularly and is attempting to step up to make it weekly gatherings. The chanting was sweet. The guests, mostly young families and international students, enjoyed the dancing. They are motivated on their own to move; in the beginning they’re a little bit stiff, but they gradually loosen up. I spoke from 9.26 of the Gita where there is mention of the sacred leaf, tulasi, in the Gita’s purport.

There was actually a focus on this sacred plant. I also read from my book of poetry, the poem, “Mystery Green.” Many questions came up about tulasi, a miracle plant, you can say. From the Gita’s verse we discussed the appropriate food to consume in the vegetarian/vegan category meant for those eager to advance in spiritual life. Most of the attendees avoid eating meat. I quoted the Bible, in my recollection the book of Genesis and Isaiah support non-violent food. I also mentioned when I walked Ireland in the inland section.

“I looked out in the distance, and it became obvious to me that the admirable Irish landscape with its green tones is trying to tell us what colour we should be consuming.”

After a great meal from a potluck selection, Nityananda and I drove back to Toronto through a less green landscape. Some reds, oranges, and browns grace the rolling terrain in this fall period. I asked Nityananda to stop the vehicle four kilometres from our destination, the temple/ashram. “I need to get some steps in.”

An appreciation evening awaited us for the volunteer actors of a recent play, The Age of Kali. Gratitude keeps us alive.