Bhakti Yoga Is Growing in Longdenville, Trinidad
Bhaktimarga Swami: Sometimes you just have to stay inside. There’s a part of me that doesn’t want to sweat early in the morning, dodging pot holes and puddles, what to speak of canines.
I was determined to stick it out mostly indoors with the AC on while doing some pacing in the sizeable-enough temple. Much chanting had to be done. An initiation for fifteen new candidates was to take place, and in preparation for this, the guru (me) chants on their newly acquired beads. I grouped these folks together and talked about commitment to vegetarianism and other regulations promised. Just minutes before the ceremony, I raised the question to them, giving them another opportunity: “Are you ready for this? You are in a position where you can change your mind.”
But no one responded. For months these candidates gave serious thought to the self-discipline coupled with the joy of singing mantras. Personally, I was impressed with their resolution. May they spiritually prosper. Their new names are Narayana, Visvakarma, Satva-guna, Hari Kirtan, Rasamrta, Sadhavi, Prsni, Tulasi Priya, Mahatma, Madhavi, Ranchor, Devamrta, Mantra Murti, Urvasi and Hansarupa. A seasoned bhakti-yogi, Lilaraj, accepted her second initiation.
The ceremony was actually a fire sacrifice. People are awed by fire. Always have been. Kirtan followed. Carnival is about to begin. It attracts thousands from around the world with its costumes, music and such. I consider our party superior.