Miami, Florida
It
can easily be neglected, forgotten or ignored. We could even deliberately bury
it, dissolve it and turn a blind eye pretending it wasn’t. At best we might
acknowledge it but give it second to best place in terms of priority.
But
for a Hare Krishna monk chanting those very words “Hare Krishna” in a public
place is his lifeline, backbone or spine. Yesterday I had been determined to
enthuse myself about the importance of getting out of a comfy chair and office,
hit the street with a few comrade renunciates (with drums and cymbals) and do
what we are known and loved for.
In
Toronto’s Yonge St. a woman’s eyes went as wide as the universe when she saw
and heard our group of six. “Where have you guys been? Haven’t seen you since
the seventies!” remarked the appreciative woman.
In
Miami’s Coconut Grove today a group of thirty of us stormed the Coco Walk folks
sitting at the cafes and bars and sipping on stuff. They, the recipients, loved
the added entertainment we provided.
Chanting or engaging in sankirtan is the
grassroots of the Hare Krishna movement. And when we surrender to this prime
activity we are demonstrating or relying on our own integrity. Even though the
evening venture lacked a balanced sound, (as in too few drums) the practice of
sankirtan, a collective effort of sound emanation was there.
We, the participants, enjoyed it and so did the evening starving-for-some-action folks enjoyed it. This engagement is to be prioritized. It is an obligation and an incredible privilege. Spiritual life isn’t the same without it.
9 Km
No comments:
Post a Comment