WITH YOUNG MONKS

Monday, March 2nd, 2026

Mumbai, India

When I saw the young man sweeping the leaves from the temple court yard, I was actually also in the midst of cleaning. He was very particular about picking up every last bit of the organic matter, the dried leaves fallen from two bael trees. I was chanting japa at the time, pacing my steps on the tiled floor, going for an internal cleanse. I was a trite envious of him. He was doing a more successful job than I was. I just had to take a photo of him,

Being that we are on the eve of Chaitanya’s birth anniversary, the classes in the morning are about the great saint himself. I was given that opportunity to read from the text Chaitanya Charitamrita with explanations. I insisted on making it interactive. I also asked the men to move over and allow space for the women at this class time. My godbrother from Philly, Vishnugada, expressed that he appreciated the gesture. What was accomplished as a result of the interactive exchange is that no one fell asleep. It’s natural to get a little dozy if you rise at 4 AM. By 8 AM you are likely tired, especially if you’ve been up late the night before. I have seen this pattern for years. “Rise early,” is my advise to the monks in the ashram.

Those same monks attended my “Conscious Kirtan Workshop.”  Vishnugada also came by, curious about the presentation that hopes to impart its listeners. He is keen to set standards for the ancient practice of chanting. It’s our founder, Srila Prabhupada, who passed on directives on the subject. Questions were relevant. It seems everyone wants to improve in the area of kirtan to make it even more pleasurable and attractive than it already is.

MAY THE SOURCE BE WITH YOU

10,000 FOOTSTEPS