A longer than usual drive it was today for our two buses and their occupants. From the smoke-entrenched Venables Valley through to more of the same thing along the way, a detour was a necessary endeavour in order to make our destination.
Today was the observance of Ekadasi when people in the Vaishnava culture abstain from grain. I am fuelled on the power of lambs quarters. Yes, indeed, I spotted the succulent wild plant at the Saranagati temple garden. With the permission of Brhat Mrdanga, the temple's priest, I plucked out of the ground a bag full of the good stuff and sautéed them in a wok in ghee; this is the best green prep. Nandini, my host, loved it. Husband, Mahidhar, just couldn't get into it. I guess it was just too organic for him.
So, that's what I indulged in for breakfast before the long seven hour journey. No meaningful meal came our way until we reached Vancouver, also light and without grains. The gratification of tongue and belly wasn't our only joy for the day. We enjoyed the most gorgeous mountain scenery outside the hazy and fiery zones. And seeing and embracing old friends at the Vancouver temple grounds was the very special treat.
I met Kevin Gagnier, aka Keshava, who joined our ranks in Toronto in the 80's. I'm glad to see he's now settled down in marriage and is very active in ISKCON’s mission in Africa. I see he has made progress in life.
Whatever we see in the world can somehow be very encouraging through all dark and light conditions.
Source: https://www.thewalkingmonk.net/post/long-journey
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