Sunday 3 September 2017

Saturday, September 2, 2017

Gardnerville, Nevada

To Dog and To God

“Doggonit?” people might say.  “Has the Swami gone to the dogs?”

At Fuji Park, Carson City’s west end, green grass and tree facility, it was arranged by Lorraine, who belongs to Dog Rescue, to have a dog blessing.  She saw me on the road the other day, and asked if I could do something like this.  The event, which involved a pooja, a talk from the Gita, and a kirtan was meant to include local dog lovers and their pets.  On short notice, about fifteen dogs came with their owners, of course.  Many of these puppies to mature animals were saved from abusive situations.  Lorraine’s dog came from Iran. 

For the pooja ritual, all paraphernalia was supplied by Anavadyangi, who has been an actual angel in arranging our food and accommodation.  I used incense, a ghee lamp, water, local herbs and a sage smudge.  Ana blew a conch and the ceremony began. 

In a surrendered mode, participants chanted.  They also noticed their dogs were so passive.  It was magical, although hot—like an inferno—even under the shade of the trees, even with a picnic setup and cool coconut drinks. 

To escape the heat, once the dog blessing was over, the two brahmacharis (monks) and I went to the library.  Indeed, our bodies were chilled and our minds relaxed, until it was time for the second round of the day at the walking site—now Highway 88—and into a whole new state.  California, here I am!!  And this is the final one, my fourteenth state.  Yahoo!!  Hare Krishna!!


May the Source be with you!

20 miles



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