I was destined for the northern city of Barrie which is practically the intersection to cottage country. But before this anticipated destination at beautiful Lake Simcoe, the Bhakti Academy asked me for that sunrise walk on the Beaches Boardwalk, the very place where our guru Srila Prabhupada, took his stroll with entourage in the summer of ’75. This is a special treat for the group, especially when I topped off the program with a reading under a maple tree from the book, "Transcendental Diary” and the excerpt of when he came to visit Toronto in the following year, and over the most sumptuous wraps.
I was then rushed off to Barrie and off to see Karma, whom I’ve known for 30 years and was trained as a brahmachari for some time before setting down. It was a sweet reunion. Onward then to the home of Mohit and Naina for lunch and their good company.
Finally, the unofficial and casual but conscious gathering took place at the lake itself for a much needed swim, Kirtan and talk with people of the local vicinity who are keen on bhakti. These folks were predominantly of the western crowd. Interest in Krishna consciousness and in chanting are a draw for both east and west and north and south hemispheres. The culture of Krishna attracts, just like those who go through summer heat are pulled to the water. When you are spiritually under-nourished you hanker for the practices that nurture your devotion.
Source: https://www.thewalkingmonk.net/post/from-boardwalk-to-beach
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