SOBER AND SINCERE

Tuesday, April 1st, 2025

Cabbagetown, Toronto

It happens on occasion that someone enters the temple with good intent, but they are either not so stable, are on drugs, or both. This morning, we were blessed by the presence of someone like that.

A fellow came to the door, introduced himself and asked if he could sit down. His dress was casual, and to my dull recollection, he might have worn a poncho. He plopped himself down on the floor and pulled out of his long bag a number of stones – amethyst and crystals, and began praying or meditating in the lotus position. He would get up at periods. He was fidgety and moved from painting to painting on the wall. At one point, he offered his full prostrations and in a clear and robust voice expressed sincerely, “ I surrender to all the Hindu gods.”

He then left on good terms, carrying his marijuana aroma with him. Nice person, really. Some of the other meditators in the room were rolling their eyes or grinning. Out of all the people in this city of 6 million, he turns up and shows some devotion. No judgment on him. We might see him again in a more sober state, I hope.

The time I spent in the balance of the day included managing a medical checkup. Indeed, mental and physical wellbeing is an importance for all of us. For me, the day's walk is of paramount importance. Karuna Sindhu and I took a trek on this sunny day to the Don River and then through Cabbagetown, over 2 ½ hours was our meandering through parks and streets.

MAY THE SOURCE BE WITH YOU!

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