SMILES

Saturday, November 22nd, 2025

San Paulo, Brazil

The above location was merely a one-hour stopover before reaching Argentina at midafternoon, hence, most of the day was in the air or at an airport.  One thing I observed is that few people show happiness withing the air culture, although anticipation may be up for prospects once they land.  One item that contributes to the glumness of flying is the restricted movement.  The plane is not the place to have a good run or walk.  Also, it’s hard to get a good rest.  The food is also not the greatest.  I guess also being inspected at customs is not the happiest pastime.

If it wasn’t for the downtime for chanting japa (mantra meditation), I might be more miserable.  When I cleared through customs by an officer at Buenos Aires, I felt more relieved, and once meeting devotees of Krishna at the terminal, I was especially happy.  Our driver, Markendaya Rsi, handed me a homemade strawberry drink that was so fine.  When we arrived at the temple at Ciudad a la Paix (City of Peace), I was really thrilled.  The greeting by Vaishnavas was overwhelming.  I took a video of their smiles. They are happy to have a guest, a swami, I suppose.

All of them are eager for the next day’s fiesta, Ratha Yatra.  I realize now it was seventeen years ago that I first came to Argentina for this event which is all about joy, happiness, and so many smiles.  How contagious are smiles!  These smiles are reflected in the festival deities, Jagannatha, Baladeva, and Subhadra – two great GODS and a GODDESS. 

MAY THE SOURCE BE WITH YOU

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