My area of movement is restricted. Walking around outside is taboo for the time being. My one meal a day is placed outside the door of my quarters. I pack my laundry into a garbage bag and leave it outside that same door. Mail is slipped under my door. If I need to communicate at all with a resident monk, I will call them on the phone. In the case of Cameron, we talked through the glass door and innovated some measure of sign language.
This is the way it will be for a few days and I have psychologically accepted it.
The long-awaited rain came, along with grey skies. Dampness. Chills. Not the best condition for a sick dog like me.
Sick? Well, there is a strong feeling and I don’t know how to describe it. Rest. Bathing. Zooming continues. These give me life.
I’ll miss the kirtan sessions for tomorrow. I’m not allowed to be in the close proximity of other chanters. So, I asked, “Dwarkanatha, can you lead the singing and drum away. Karuna Sindhu, can you play the harmonium? Don’t forget to smile, both of you!”
This Sunday we approach Gaura Purnima, the birthday of the monk Chaitanya. He set the tone for happy spiritual expression. Although the harmonium originated in Germany in the 19th century, and it keeps the player seated on the ground, one should be of a lifted spirit nevertheless.
I’ll miss more opportunities but gain others by way of virtual presentation. Do me a favour, smile; a long stretch for Chaitanya.
Source: http://thewalkingmonk.blogspot.com/2021/04/friday-march-26-2021.html
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