Toronto, Ontario
Cars and Danger
Our morning group read an excerpt from the book Bhagavatam, 8.2.32, on the theme of the dangerous world we live in. The subject is a boost for the walking culture, at least that’s the way I read into it.
“At every step, at every moment, there is danger. In modern civilization, one thinks that if he has a nice home and a nice car, his life is perfect. In the western countries, especially in America, it is very nice to possess a good car, but as soon as one is on the road, there is danger, because at any moment, an accident will take place, and one will be killed. The record actually shows that so many people die in such accidents. Therefore, if we actually think this material world is a very happy place, this is our ignorance. Real knowledge is that this material world is full of danger.”
This excerpt resonates very well with me because the safer mode of life – walking, is a sermon that I love to preach.
After attending and being the guest speaker at “An Evening of Bhakti” held at the ashram (and I must say that the program was highly successful), I went for my daily downtime. I trekked west on Bloor Street and beyond the iconic store, Honest Ed’s, which turns into Little Korea. As usual, these stretches of sidewalks are vibrant with people. The draw is the mom and pop shops, cafes, the odd theatre, book stores and vintage shops.
I was reminded of the old Petula Clark song, “Downtown”, and how lively and lovely a peopled street can be. It’s very engaging watching everyone and peering at trinkets and window displays. You feel safe, most definitely, until you come to a juncture where cars zip by from every which way. Not safe! Not safe!
Mind you, the message from the Bhagavatam alludes to danger at any point, time and place, because ultimately, what security do you have? Whether you are behind a wheel, or under a wheel, the material world is a dangerous place.
May the Source be with you!
6 KM
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