My dad liked the Hare Krishnas!

By Bhaktimarga Swami
Thursday, September 20th, 2018
Toronto, Ontario
Bless Up!
“Bless Up!” said the fellow, which I mistook for, “What’s Up!”
“Not too much,” I replied.
“No, I said, ‘Bless Up!’”
“We can all use some blessings!” I responded.
He was cool about it, smiled and kept walking.
What else about the walk? Oh, yes, there were three of them munching away—three skunks—a family, I suppose. They like bugs in the grass and were calmly going about their business, oblivious to the monk standing very close. They are city wildlife, quite used to us crazy humans.
Now, here’s a story to do with downtown and one of our regulars at the ashram. Cameron is a volunteer at our temple, and he holds a job in construction. Recently, he was working on a building for subsidized occupants. He was underpinning when Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, walked in. Cameron was surprised to see him there.
“Hello! How are you?” started Justin.
“I’m fine. I’m Cameron, from Australia.”
“Australians and Canadians have a lot in common.”
“Yeah!”
“This is what you do?” Justin asked.
“Well, I hang out with the Hare Krishnas,” said Cameron.
“Oh, yes, the Hare Krishnas. My dad (former prime minister, Pierre Trudeau) liked the Hare Krishnas.”
Cameron was really happy to hear that. Justin moved on with more friendly inspections.
Bless up, Justin!