THOSE I MET TODAY

Wednesday, May 20th, 2026

Christie Pits, Toronto

I sometimes like to record or give an account of the brief encounters I had with people during the course of the day. I find it fun and fascinating. Today’s interactions occurred at Ramsden Park near our ashram temple although my legs carried me much further to Christie Pits Park. 

Anyways, here goes:

I smelt the marijuana at the dog park. The hand holding the joint I could see from the other side of the fence. Then the free hand revealed itself gesturing, “Hello, it’s me.” Somewhat embarrassingly the owner of the joint I recognized. “Oh Vrndavan, it’s you,” I said. We hugged with the fence between us at chest height. Vrndavan takes his pet dog Lily, to the park to play. I think nothing of Vrndavan’s habit but I did venture to say, “You know the smell of the current lilacs in the air is prettier than your weed.” He agreed.

I met Hue in the park. He is in his 60’s and has great recollections of the devotees in the 70’s. The entire conversation was recorded by Nityananda who now joined me for filming one of those reels. I don’t know that Hue realized he was on camera, and frankly, he wouldn’t care. He spoke his mind which was all just favourable about Krishna Consciousness. Nityananda also filmed a short clip, then left.

Then a guy, Rob, from the neighbourhood came over, “You mind if I sit down with yah.” For a 70 year old ago, he sure was inquisitive, especially regarding our philosophy. “How long does it take for the soul to get to its next body, after death?” was just one question.

The last leg of today’s walk took us to Subuddhi’s home, our former fabulous cook at the temple. She was so grateful Uddhav and I popped by.

MAY THE SOURCE BE WITH YOU

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