Chase Your Shadow

One day my mother suggested,"Go outside and run around the house a few times. See if you can catch your shadow."
 Our house in Hawaii wasn't very big, but for a 5 year old boy this was an adventure.
"Mom knows what she's talking about." I thought, "I'll catch my shadow and bring it back to her."
 Part of the yard was like a jungle with Bird of Paradise plants towering over my head.
After circling the house a couple times I realized I would not be able to catch my shadow.
By that time I had found something else to do, my mother had rescued me from boredom.

We spend much of our life chasing insubstantial things.
When we meet frustration, we give up for a while, then resume the chase.
A hunger for happiness drives our pursuit.

Material pleasure is described as sruti-sukha: "Happiness that one hears about, but never fully tastes because it stays just out of reach."
At some point we realize the futility of chasing things,
the best things in life are not 'things'.

Nonviolent, Local Hero

In town, the news is in your face. The front page shows a death toll and a frantic woman on her cell phone. When I come to town I realize how isolated we are, living in the country. Insulated may be a better word. The event is on our mind, but not 'in our face'.

I observe the people in Winston Salem, recent events hang over them like a shadow.
'Old Salem Tour' was written on what looked like a ski lift ticket, clipped to a man's jacket.
“I see you've taken the tour of old Salem. How did you like it?” This is a friendly town, it's easy and natural to start conversations with strangers.
“They're a very interesting group.” he replied, “Very communal. I wonder how much of their culture is still in place at this time.”
“I've been there myself, walking around talking with the people in their period dress. I think everyone was communal 300 years ago, you kinda had to be.”
“I mean the Moravian culture, have they been able to incorporate it in modern society? You know Andy Griffith, of the Mayberry RFD TV show ?”
“Yeah, great show. From the 60s?”
“I learned today that Andy Griffith was a Moravian. He didn't talk about it or preach about it but you notice in his show that he never carries a gun. That's one of their principles.”
“Yeah, come to think of it that is odd for a Sheriff.”
“In all other cop shows, they use violence to solve problems. They carry guns and use them.”
“Andy Griffith was an actor, did he control the content?”
“He wrote a lot of the scripts. It was his show.”
“I remember, who was that guy, the goofy guy, Don Knotts?”
“Yes, Don Knotts.”
“I remember him getting excited, pulling out a gun and loading it up, but then Andy would say in a calm voice,'Put that thing away. We're gonna try something else here.”
“Yep, using a gun was shown as a reckless, thoughtless act. Recently I've heard that if you eat junk, you'll feel like junk. What we read about or hear about or watch on TV is another form of eating. Media is supplying society with violent entertainment. It's natural that some will turn to violence. It's portrayed as glorious, fun, exciting, entertaining.”
“That's why I've come to town with these books....”, I replied. The discussion went deeper with the new material.

Later that day.....

“Excuse me. I'm showing these books to people with tattoos.”
A man in his mid twenties stopped,”Uh OK.” and accepted a book from me.
“Does this tattoo mean anything?” I pointed to a rose permanently drawn on his arm.
“Yes, it marks a period of transformation in my life.”
“And what was that, if you don't mind sharing?”
“I was able to break my addiction to dangerous drugs.”
“How long have you been free now?”
“Five years.”
“Congratulations! Is this an improvement?”
“Absolutely.”
“Can we say that by practicing self discipline you experience greater freedom?”
“Yes, certainly.”
“We all practice self control. Imagine if you see someone eating a jelly filled doughnut. “I'm bigger than her, I'm just going to take that.”
My new friend laughed at the thought.
“Such a person would not have much freedom. Very soon he'd find himself locked up. There is a wide range of thoughts and actions that we can gain control of . Once we do, we experience freedom beyond our imagination. That's what yoga is about, that's what this book directs us toward.”
“I like the pictures.”
“Perhaps your next tattoo will come from this book if you find it transformational.Transformation goes on for a long time. We have a lot of cleaning to do, it seems endless, but there is a point where bad habits are cleared entirely. At that stage we gain access to a higher platform.”
I hand him another book,”Bhakti is a sanskrit word. It means love. 400 years ago, the author of this book defined love as the highest goal, beyond anything else one could aspire for such as fame, money, physical strength,skills..”
“I agree. There is a girl that I've been seeing, we've been sharing things..”
“Yes, that is a glimpse of what is discussed here, but until we become pure, what starts as love can easily degrade into selfishness.”
He nodded in agreement. I was surprised how thoughtful people are today, sharing wisdom and taking lessons.

That evening, I visited my friends at Kindred Spirits Gift Shop on Trade Street. A variety of bumper stickers were on display, one of them read,”There is no violent solution.”

I thought about our local hero. Folks around here are 'right proud' of Andy Griffith. He's from right up the road in Pilot Mountain. He exhibits the good qualities mentioned in Bhagavad Gita, keeping his cool under pressure, not acting out of anger, being resourceful. He resisted the flow of society to quietly make a subtle point.

“Well good for Andy, sticking to his principles. He made a great show without giving in to society's demands.” I thought,"I can learn something from that."

Met a Christian Today

Steve arrived this morning to install a heating system at the Krishna Road Temple.
"Back at the office, they had no idea what ya'll are about." he said,"I showed Melody your most famous song, My Sweet Lord and told her I used to see you people when I went to Chapel Hill University in the 70s."
He mentioned the robes, drums and cymbals. He also mentioned he is a follower of Jesus Christ. He said this in a kind manner, not at all implying that I had gone astray.
While measuring the building, calculating the load for heating and air conditioning, our conversation touched on music and mutual people we know in the area.
I could sense he wanted to go deeper. I don't like to bombard people with more information than they want.
"Steve, do you read your bible much?"
"No, not really. Sometimes people ask me to speak, like at a funeral or something. I tell them all I know are two verses."
"What are those?"
"Jesus said you should love the lord with all your heart, with all your soul and all your mind, and that you should love your neighbor as yourself. That pretty much sums it all up."
Steve appeared to have imbibed that lesson.
"That's all one needs to know about the bible really. I don't care to study the history of the church and who believes what or how. That's the one lesson Jesus wants us to learn."
"Steve, I think you've done well."
"It has served me well. I feel comfortable wherever I go and in this discussion with you."
It did feel very natural. Neither of us were trying to come out ahead, we were simply sharing.
"Knowing a lot can make one proud." I commented," Even if it's scripture. Pride will keep us from loving and knowing God. I just heard a story recently that I think you'll like."
"Yes, go ahead, please."
"A friend of mine contracted a severe form of hepatitis. He had a lot of students that looked to him for spiritual guidance and advice. Although he knew he would be passing away in a short time, he remained jolly and loving, never complaining about his situation. To some new students he explained, " This disease affects my reasoning powers, making it difficult to do even a simple math equation. Sometimes I have no idea where I am or what is going on. This has been a great blessing for me because at these times I can only turn to God (Krishna) to guide my heart. That is all I have. I cannot give you any practical guidance in your life, I can only guide with my heart."
"That's the kind of teacher we can all learn from." Steve commented

Real Progress

"My heart was broken in the 6th grade." the Swami said with a grin, "The girl I was interested in went off with a boy from High School." We find this news amusing as we consider Swami to be above these human emotions.
"My mother saw my condition and attempted to comfort me, to see the 'bigger picture'. These things happen frequently, to everyone.In time you get over it.
'This is really useful' I thought, 'seeing the big picture, I don't need to suffer anymore.' I say this out of respect for my first guru, my mother."

45 heads nod in agreement, some touch their chins, pondering how the story links to his deep, technical presentation replete with Sanskrit terminology. I wonder how many are able to grasp what's been said. "The lila purushottama has become the prem purushottama, the ashraya has become the vishaya."

Our 17 year old son is in the crowd listening attentively.
He has accepted Swami as his guru.
Next week there will be a ceremony for him and others who will be taking initiation.

17 year old Narayan listening to his guru.

"No one wants to be controlled by others.", Swami continues, "There are 3 ways of being controlled. Physical control means you are tied by ropes and forced to act, threatened with punishment. Mental control means you've been convinced by someone's words to act. Your friends can see you're being manipulated, they warn that this is against your interest.
To be controlled by love is the best. When you are controlled by love, you readily give yourself with no thought of getting anything in return. This is how Krishna wants to control us. He can easily use the other two methods, that's nothing for Him.
Once you allow yourself to be controlled by Krishna in love, He becomes controlled by you. That's a problem for Him. He can't help Himself."
I feel a smile stretch across my face, ' How can this be a problem? How can Krishna, the Supreme Lord have any problems?'
Swami elaborates on this point for another 20 minutes referring to Shruti, Smriti and Puranas, covering all aspects of evidence from the Vedic texts.
"Any questions?"
A young hand goes up,"Yes"
"How does one find their guru? How do you know which one to choose?"
Swami's answers are not brief. This could easily fill an hour or two, but it's getting late.
"Guru is not for everyone. The Vedas say it is for one who wants to make a comprehensive solution to all problems of life, to see the 'bigger picture'. This is for one who is very serious and determined. When you hear someone speak and it resonates with you, 'this person is articulating something I've been feeling, he or she is able to put into words what is in my heart, define it and give it direction.' That's a good indication.

Also, the guru should be deeply immersed in spiritual understanding and able to convey that in words, Shrotriyam brahma nishtam. to help you see the 'bigger picture.'

When you are moved by such a person, the student approaches, 'I've been moved by your words and want to give my life to you', the student become a 'problem', because the guru will want to give his life in reciprocation.
Our Western Civilization looks down on this, we have a bad experience of being manipulated by others. Because of this we are shut down, our hearts are closed. "
I know that Swami has given himself freely to our guru, Srila Prabhupada. He speaks from experience. Since 1977, we served together in Berkeley and Chicago. Swami's surrender was an inspiration at that time and continues to inspire hearts to open.
I'm grateful my son has access to what was available to me in my youth.
He's getting a jump on me, I was 18 when I met my guru.
Good things should increase, get better with every generation.
That's real progress.

"My Mind Has a Mind of Its Own"

"When I pray or chant, other thoughts come up. It's as if my mind has a mind of its own."

"Your mind has a mind of its own? I like that phrase. Did you just come up with it?"

Twice a week a few friends gather by phone to discuss Srimad Bhagavatam.
The voice from Florida responded," Yes, I think it just came up now. But it's true. My mind is very distracted. No matter how hard I try, I can't chase distracting thoughts away."

"So you're unable to drive them away?", I asked.
"Yes. The harder I try, the stronger they become."
"They sound like my son's goats."
"Your son has goats?"
"Yes, two very nice goats. Almost every morning he brings me a quart of fresh milk, still warm."
"Wow, that's so nice."
"Yes, it's like a tonic, full of vitamins and enzymes that you don't get from processed milk. But these goats like to eat my bean bushes and Maharha's rose bush. We would chase them away, waving a stick. The more I'd try to get them away from our plants, the more interest they had in them. I thought they were evil.
One day while visiting my son's home across our gravel road, I watched the goats nibble weeds and underbrush, turning useless plants into milk. As I walked away, they began to follow me. They simply wanted to be with me. You cant' chase goats away I realized. You must lead them where you want them to be. Our thoughts are similar. We can't chase bad thoughts away, you have to lead them somewhere good"

"Thank you. That's very helpful.", came the voice through the phone.

"Here's another comparison that you may find helpful." I continued, "You can't remove darkness from a room. You can try to fan it out, or carry buckets of darkness away, but there will be no improvement. Simply bring in light and the darkness will leave automatically.
You can't drive darkness out of a room, you can't chase goats away and you can't push negative thoughts out of your head.
These things are not evil. The mind is innocent, like goats. It simply needs to be lead in a healthy direction.
It's like a child, with little direction of its own.
Take it by the hand and lead it to what inspires you.
Before starting your prayers or meditation, consider where you want to lead your mind. If you go there first, your mind will follow you.
Keep a journal of things that inspire you. That will be a lifelong resource. Don't keep track of what is bad, you'll lead those goats of your thoughts right back to where you don't want them to be."

"That's so true." the voice had become animated and hopeful. "I can't wait to try this out! Thank you."

"And thank you for bringing up the topic. The discussion has lead my mind to a happy place. Now shall we read more from Srimad Bhagavatam?"

 Mitra

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Rainbow Gathering Tennessee 2012

"You said in your email you'd be surprised to see me here."
63 year old Vijay was one of the last people I'd expect to respond to my invitation to join me at the Rainbow Gathering.
"Yes, Vijay, I'm very surprised!"
He had already taken a position in the kitchen, serving kichari as people came forward with bowls and makeshift plates torn from cardboard boxes.
"Hold your plate here, is that enough? Come back if you want more."

"Shower the people you love with love"

A crowd gathered under our tent as the rain increased. A guitar player sang a James Taylor song "Shower the people you love with love, show them the way that you feel." Repeating the chorus several times as the crowd sang along.  I joined in, singing a harmony. When the song ended, we sang a Hare Krishna Kirtan to the tune of 'Little Wing', a Jimi Hendrix song. With the excellent musicians on hand it went over better than expected. Lots of smiles and heads nodded in appreciation.

As the sun returned, our visitors moved on to explore other events stretched over the five mile muddy path.

I sat with Vijay during a quiet moment.
"What are they doing here? What is the event? Is a major activity planned?", he asks.
"They are here, simply to be together.", I reply "There are about 10 thousand people camping. They are here to share food, music, ideas, love and inspiration."

Rainbow Warrior shows his camp stove made from tin cans

Vijay runs an accounting firm in Cincinnati. He notices things I don't. Such a large event would usually require a huge expenditure.

One of the free kitchen

Food service, sanitation, security, housing and entertainment are all free, provided by volunteers. Multiple kitchens provide free meals for the pilgrims, everyone is requested to help dig latrines and carry out trash when leaving. This is what the Rainbow ethics stand for. I repeat to Vijay what I'd heard from a 'Rainbow Warrior'. Rainbow Gatherings were started in the early 70s by Viet Nam Veterans who wanted to heal from atrocities they had witnessed and taken part in during the war. Native Americans predicted a new tribe growing out of the frustrated western civilization, a nomadic tribe carrying few possessions, living in what is left of our forests.

Walking the muddy path in front of the Krishna Kitchen is a constant stream of this 'new tribe'. You occasionally see these people in town, with long, knotted hair, colorful, loose fitting clothes. Now we are in 'their town'. This is their convention.

  Some have come from California, Oregon, Maine and Florida. Cameras and electronic devices are frowned upon, pictures are taken only after receiving permission. I feel as if I'm in a scene from a distant planet in a Star Wars movie. People wear odd hats, some carry staffs with large crystals and feathers attached, some wear nothing at all.

"MYSTIC STORY TELLING, COME ON IN",  a sign on the side of the path invites us to sit beneath a large tent. Garuda, also known as Soaring Turkey, tells wisdom stories from multiple cultures. He has lived in the New Vrndavan community for some time and now hosts an ashram near Atlanta.
"Today is my last day here." he informs me, " I'm doing a marathon. Speaking until 4 AM tonight."
I take over for a half hour to give him a break.

Garuda, also known as Soaring Turkey

The group listens attentively, asking thoughtful questions. They are familiar with Sanskrit terms and we are able to cover a lot of ground before Garuda returns. The sun is going down, as he sets up candles, one of his guests brings the small fire to life and gathers more wood in preparation for the long night of hearing. I continue explaining that in our tradition, it is considered a blessing to have a thirst to hear and learn. Hearing wisdom stories is the way to water and nourish the plant of love in our heart.

As Garuda resumes his perch for the night, I run back to check on my guest, Vijay.
He has come unprepared for camping, wearing only a tee shirt and shorts. It's cooled down because of the rain.
"Vijay, are you going to be OK?"
He's been blissfully washing pots, cutting vegetables, serving whoever comes along looking for something to eat.
"I'm fine. Everyone is taking care of me. I could use a flashlight, just to get my bedding together."
"Are you glad you came?"
"Yes! These people are so nice! This reminds me of my childhood in India."
I agree,"This is a unique crowd. Ordinarily I may meet one or two people in a month that I can share a discussion on Bhakti. Practically all these people are on that level."
"Why do you think that is?"

 "They have little interest in gaining worldly possessions. They've seen the futility in that. They see love as something higher than possessions. That's a good starting point for spiritual progress. That is a lesson we can all learn."

A yogi demonstrates a pose to open the heart chakra,"Palms down, fingers together, arms in a straight line."

"I am eternal. My soul has been around since the beginning. I promise I will never die.My energy will resonate throughout the universe forever.  Peaceful Lion "

Lotus grew up in the Rainbow Family and is now a Krishna Devotee. He did a lot of the cooking and organizing. His wife and baby daughter were always as peaceful as you see in this photo.

Hare Krishna Youth Bus Tour 2011

My son Narayan decided he wants to go on the bus tour this year. The tour has been described by many of my younger friends as a "turning point " in their own lives, a defining event that shaped their future, created opportunities and clarified their intention in life to act as a devotee of Krishna.

 The tour begins in Alachua Florida, home of North America's largest Hare Krishna Community.