Thursday, March 30th, 2023
Toronto/Atlanta
A few more devoted people attended the 4:30 am service at the temple than usual. Naturally, it is the birthday of Ram. Ram, to the committed, is God. There was excitement in the air as all were anticipating the opening of the temple doors that reveal three sets of Krishna deities. Basically, those trained in the bhakti culture have come to believe that God, who bears no limitations, can manifest in pluralistic ways. Hence, those three shrines display gorgeous murtis or images of the Divine – positive images that boost and inspire the devotees.
I consider myself gazing at God and then chanting those sacred names of not only Krishna, but Ram and Hare, all spiritually powerful at this early hour. Such is my life every day. The only difference today is the additional participants making the experience all the more ecstatic.
I would normally be an active worshipper this evening when a major celebration takes place, but I am scheduled for a long flight to South Africa to take part in the Chariot Fest. It will be my twenty-first visit to the city of Durban where I will give classes and assemble a drama, The Gita, to add to the entertainment portion of the fest.
While on flight I will remember Ram as best as I can, recalling His heroic deeds as well as seeing Him as an aspect of God in the heart. At least I will try.
As I complete writing my small report for this day of Ramnaumi, I am on a plane with Delta Airlines; so I‘m not looking up at the deities at the moment, but just looking up at my seat number – 43C. I will try to rest.
MAY THE SOURCE BE WITH YOU!
Comments