Sunday, March 26th, 2023
Hamilton/Niagara Falls, Toronto
Roman and I parked right outside of the high rise that Ajamil lives in. The only thing is that we parked right behind a police car that had just arrived – a police car that wheeled over the curb and partially onto the sidewalk. Our parking right behind them aroused some suspicion in the two occupants of the police car, and so they immediately came over to correct us about our irregular parking. They were nice about it, especially when they saw a monk (me) and Ajamil struggling to get his harmonium instrument into the trunk of Roman’s car.
Our mission  a one-hour drive to Hamilton for a kirtan session at the Sookham Restaurant. Our chanting there drew some locals of both eastern and western origin. It was great to see Ben, Zac, Matt, and a second Zac who’s new to our group. Seth is also new to us and told me he used to pray on the rosary when he was a young Catholic.
Nice people.
Monica and Matt will be running a yoga studio on Loch Street some months from now and their intent is to have kirtan meditation as a feature. Monica also told me about her Catholic affiliation and that becoming a bhakti yogi was a smooth transition.
Niagara chanting at Fireman’s Park was also a blissful experience for chants and dance. Excitement was aroused, especially with Ajamil taking the lead. It was a privilege for me to speak about the transcendent personality of Ram. Some people honour St. Patrick at this time of year. Others focus on Ram, who is often portrayed to be of a greenish hue – no Irish connection, though.
MAY THE SOURCE BE WITH YOU!