THE COLOUR SPEAKS

Sunday, March 29th, 2026

Johannesburg/Durban

When flying I don’t always communicate too often. It is my down time from people. Besides, most passengers are just too tired to dialogue. Everyone’s tired. I do get interesting remarks sometimes. “Why that colour?” asked a young American at the Atlanta Airport. “This is the colour reserved for the renounced order in our tradition. It is a welcoming, happy and liberating colour. It stands out.” 

“I agree,” he said.

When I was on my American walk, from Boston to San Francisco, in 2017, in Nebraska, two ranchers pulled over. They owned and operated a major cattle raising operation. They were like out of a wild west movie and made a remark about my robes and their outstanding colour. “There’s a lotta people with shotguns out here. With your brightness you’re an easy target.” 

“Well, I’m almost completed my walk for the day, so they don’t have to worry too much about my being here.” They went on with some more intimidation. 

“Yah got all these wild dogs in this countryside” 

“Well, have a great day!” I said as a way to close off the conversation and I walked on.

Now I’m in South Africa with a freshly worn bright set of clothes. The devotees greeting me could see me from the distance at the Durban Airport. The colour serves several purposes, one of them is to be easily spotted. I’m joined at the Durban with another saffron-clad swami, Bhakti Chaitanya. I’m not the only monk around here!

MAY THE SOURCE BE WITH YOU

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