In 2013, Bhaktimarga Swami, “The Walking Monk ”, began his 4th trek across the planet’s 2nd largest country – Canada. He temporarily left the marathon road to see to other duties, and in September 2013 he concluded one leg of his pilgrimage in Taber, Alberta. The westbound “Canwalk 4” reconvened May 24th, 2014 from Taber and ended ??
The Walking Monk : While it’s been one big-time adventure once again trekking a great piece of the globe, Canada, I ventured through this land with its multiple eco-systems, seeing it in awe and offering it a service.
“Walking the Wisdom of the Road” documentary features The Walking Monk
On this leg of the marathon, Bhaktimarga Swami was temporarily joined by Canadian filmmaker, Michael Oesch, who had contacted The Walking Monk as a fellow trans-Canada walker. The two became fast friends, as those who have shared the perils and priceless moments of crossing Canada’s pristine and rugged natural beauty are bound to do. Oesch was producing a documentary, “Walking the Wisdom of the Road”, and wanted to include Bhaktimarga Swami’s presence and perspectives on walking in his film. Oesch joined The Walking Monk and his trusty support person, Daruka and Karuna Sindhu, for the first few weeks of the trek. Bhaktimarga Swami recounts: “In comparing notes of treks of both Michael and I, you could hardly tell we were different people. We both like the self-imposed life of simplicity, the naps in graveyards, and sleeping in a tent at night, interacting with other travellers, encountering wildlife, and the securing of wisdom that comes from the road.”
Growing interest in « Tales from the Trails »
Bhaktimarga Swami’s presentation, “Tales from Trails” was much sought after and celebrated in the towns he visited. Audiences gathered at community centres and yoga studios to hear of his adventures and insights, which were well documented by media attention – a regular feature of daily life when walking through populated areas. In comparison, Maharaja noted that the first leg of Canwalk 4 had substantial and inspirational participation from local schools, and while the second leg through the provinces of Alberta and British Columbia was not as geared towards that, it had other, albeit, harrowing highlights: “I wanted to get off the beaten path and walk the old route the Greyhound (bus line) used to struggle with on the dangerous switchbacks and corners. Daruka couldn’t drive on that old road, it was too neglected and not road worthy for a car, so we were much more in the wilderness. We saw bear dung around, and we were a little concerned, ‘Are we going to be okay?’ It was
part of the old Dewdney Trail which had to do with the gold rush.”
Taking his final steps to Krishna’s lotus feet
You might expect that such a feat – a man in his 60’s completing his 4th cross-Canada walk – would end with balloons and streamers, fanfare and such, and deservedly so! Yet Bhaktimarga Swami reflects humbly on his Canwalk 4 conclusion ritual: “Generally, I go for touching the nearest ocean when putting closure to such a pilgrimage. But I vied for taking the final steps to the lotus feet of Krishna deities this time around at the ISKCON temple in the heart of Burnaby, British Columbia.’’
Bhaktimarga Swami : The very final step was actually a full obeisance before the magnanimous avatar of Krishna, Sri Chaitanya, who was a popular mover of legs – a pilgrim Himself. My heart did indeed melt momentarily as I glanced at the smiling brass image of the Chaitanya deity. There is power in the deity. I could feel it, especially now.
I lost some pounds. I lost some karma. From trees we learn tolerance; from the wind, creativity; from water, gravity; from the sun and moon, energy; and from people, hospitality and kindness.
I was determined to make this a quiet finish as far as a marathon pilgrimage is concerned. It doesn’t require a big hoopla necessarily. It’s a walk for peace, after all – inner peace. And the walking is only meant to continue.
And continue he will. Bhaktimarga Swami plans to honour Srila Prabhupada’s journey from Boston to New York, and the upcoming 50th anniversary of ISKCON in just that way.
For more information and to read about his daily walking adventures, please visit www.thewalkingmonk.net.
