Tuesday 14 March 2017

Friday, March 3rd, 2017


Noida, India


Good Behaviour


I gave two classes at this new centre, a gorgeous temple—really.  Both classes gave emphasis to good behaviour.  The boy saint, Prahlad, exemplified this as we explored a verse from Bhagavatam, Canto 7.  In the evening, we highlighted Chapter 3 of the Gita, text 12, which carries the message of Karma Yoga.

Just yesterday, Gopal, a master mrdunga drum player, showed me, on his phone, actor Vin Diesel in an excerpt from a recent film—name unknown to me (“Billy Lynn's Long Halftime Walk” by director Ang Lee).  He plays the role of a soldier who encourages another one.  To paraphrase, the lines read:

“You know the Hindus believe in their ancient text that you do Karma yoga—do your duty in the spirit of detachment.  This, Krishna tells His warrior friend Arjuna before a great battle.”

“Oh, yeah,” says the second soldier, “the blue dude?”

“That’s right, Krishna, the blue dude.”

It’s nice to know the message is getting out in the mainstream.  Karma means “action.”  Yoga means “a connection with the Divine.”  The action of detachment demonstrates good behaviour.

In the room I was given in the guest facility, I noticed I was not the only occupant.  Between the mosquito screens in the window frame, a couple of pigeons had taken up residence.  Three eggs lay in that space, along with what looked to me like a roosting mama. Papa was coming and going, checking on things.  It looked to me like they were doing some sharing together.  Perhaps even portraying good behaviour.

May the Source be with you!


2 km

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