Wow last night was something. We started out a bit late. We left around 7pm. We had to wait for everyone to show up. We took two vans one for the Prabhus and one for the Matajis. There were more prabhus than matajis. But it was still a lot of fun. I still really couldn't do any dancing yet. The matajis dance a bit too fast for me Im a bit slow.
Anyways when we got downtown, we were in not so great of a neighborhood. When we came out of the parking garage across the street were tents with homeless people. I felt sorry for them. But at least in Los Angeles it is warm enough for them and they don't have to sleep in the snow that much I was grateful for them. Anyways, Ganesh Prabhu led the kirtan first. We walked up and down the street and then we stopped after awhile to chant and dance or distribute books. As the harinam went on, I went on chanting but at the same time I was observing the other people walking by. Some people paid no attention to us, others smiled at us as they walked by, and then some people join in on our dancing. One person even took a Bhagavad Gita from one of our devotees and there was one person with their own small drum drumming along with our mrgdangas.
And then the most interesting thing happened. It was later on in the evening when we heard what we thought was a marching band, but as they got closer it turned out to be a bunch of protestors. They were boycotting Shell Oil. Shell is a local gas station here in the United States. I don't know why they are boycotting Shell. I don't pay much attention to politics or worldly news as I am too wrapped up in my spiritual life to pay any attention but sometimes I will catch up on news around the world. I haven't been lately too busy. Anyways, some of us were concerned about their marchng band drowning us out, but Bhakta Eric screamed enthusiastically, "KEEP GOING" meaning he wanted us to keep going with the kirtan and when we did the protestors even danced and joined in with our music for Krishna. It was a melodious sound, and I thought it was very creative and fun. I wish I could have recorded it but It was a bit too crowded so I was unable to get a video shot of it. And then later on as we headed back to the parking garage we ran into the protestors again. There were also people out on the street holding these signs that says "Free Hugs." That totally left me bewildered. Why do these people have signs that say "Free Hugs?" One of our devotees actually hugged one of the people who had that sign in their hands. I was wary of them and stayed behind the devotees but I still chanted and observed people walking by. Bhakta Josh was in total ecstasty with his dancing and so was Bhakta Eric. And Loka Prabhu was in ecstasty too when it was time for him to lead kirtan. They are young I'd say in their mid 20s or close to it. I wish I had their energy. Hopefully when I get my back checked at the doctors I may be able to dance again if there is anything they can do for my back.
As we headed back to the temple after the harinam, in our van the ladies van, we still heard the Prabhus in the other van in front of us they were STILL having kirtan even after the harinam was over. they were just so ecstatic that they wanted to keep going on with it. Us ladies either just chanted japa or dozed off I was dozing off as it was late. We did not return to the temple until 10pm and I was exhausted but felt good. I still managed to get up for Mangal Aarti. When I did I felt so groggy but after my service in the pujari room I felt more perked up. I still feel a bit tired from last night but I think I can handle another night of Harinam. I'll say a pray to Lord Balaram for spiritual strength for tonight. Devotees would pray to Lord Balaram for spiritaul strength since He is so powerful when He kills demons with His club and plow.
But going out on these Harinams is very good for me because it's making me go out more and getting used to people. I know my guru Maharaj would be very pleased about me going out on these harinams which is why I now feel obligated to go every week on harinam so that i can please him and Krishna.
Friday, January 13, 2012
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