REINFORCEMENT

Friday, November 7th, 2025

Montreal, Quebec

What a beautiful reinforcement!  There we were in the Banquet Hall of the Radison Hotel, 8 AM, singing our hearts out with fellow country men and women, all Hare Krishnas, some mature (been around) and others, newer kids on the block. 

This was the start of a beautiful day, the start of an entire weekend when leaders of ISKCON from Zone 1 of North America came together to discuss what is important to them culturally and socially.

One of our priorities is succession planning.  The room was occupied with a mix of devotees of varying backgrounds – born Canadians and American, too, and immigrants from India, Russia, and Ukraine.  The topics involved child protection, financial protection, deity standards, and maintenance. 

A favourite in terms of presentations was the various centres being represented.  We now have some locations which we call Bhakti Yoga Circles.  These locations are not full-fledged temples, but they concentrate on engaging in kirtan, wisdom, and food.  Two examples would be in Angus and Hamilton, both in Ontario.

The sessions over the course of the day were excellent.  In the evening there was a special treat.  The bulk of attendees shuttled our way to the big tourist attraction.  It is Canada’s tallest church, a significant landmark.  It was nice getting off our chairs for meeting.  Sain Joseph’s Oratory is a handsome structure with its large dome, and having a connection to saint, Brother Andre.  When you visit this destination, you do feel a strong sense of awe and reverence.  It is a beautiful reinforcement.

IMPRESSIVE SCULPTURE OUTSIDE OF THE ORATORY OF IMMIGRANTS TO THE NEW WORLD.

MAY THE SOURCE BE WITH YOU

10,830 FOOTSTEPS