PLACES OF MY PAST

Wednesday, August 27th, 2025

Rondeau/Blenheim/Chatham

My sister Rose Ann came through as a real hero today.  It was her friends and connections who showed up for our presentation, “A Monk, A Mantra, and Music” at the Chatham/Kent Library.  I delivered my “Tales from Trails” and Annapurna Chandra led the kirtan with Nityananda on drum, and cymbals rendered by Luv.  It was a good evening of information, lightness, and brightness.

Leading up to the program at the library was a host of heart-touching events for me going down memory lane such as a visit to the cemetery where my parents are buried (a moment of reverence and gratitude), a walk in Rondeau through the trees (a nature trail), a short swim at Erieau, and finally, a sweet encounter in Blenheim where I grew up ages 10-19. 

I just enjoyed a nice lunch with devotees in the park in Blenheim, and when it was time to walk off some of those calories, I hit the main street, Talbot Street, and passed by a convenience store.  There, I heard the voice of someone behind me. 

“Maharaja?  I’m so happy to see you.”  I turned around to see Rudra, one of many young persons from India who settled in Canada. “I have to get back to tending to the shop.  He ran back.  I followed.  In came Scott, a customer.  What a character.

“I’ve been to the Orient.”  Excitedly, he continued, “So many monks.  So many gods.”  He went on in a flow of incredible enthusiasm, and all because he was in the presence of a rare monk right in front of him. 

Another guy came in.  He was also Scott.  Another character, slightly more tame.  The shop inside was buzzing with an energy of good spirit.  That’s what I want to do – go around and insert soulful fun.

AT THE CONVENIENCE STORE

MONK, LUV, CHANTING AT THE RONDEAU.

MAY THE SOURCE BE WITH YOU!

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