Press Release
Bhaktimarga Swami is a Canadian born Hare Krishna monk, and he’s walking across America.
The Swami, 64, is walking to promote a healthier global lifestyle and a simple meditative life. He does it also to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the incorporation of ISKCON in America. Swami believes that if Americans and Canadians alike put more energy into their personal spiritual development, the world would be a happier and more peaceful place
Born in 1952 in Chatham, Ontario, Canada, Bhaktimarga Swami (formerly John Peter Vis) adopted the monastic lifestyle of the Hare Krishna order in 1973. Globally known for his “Canwalk” marathons, he achieved the remarkable feat of walking across the entire length of Canada from the west to east coast in 1996, which was detailed in the National Film Board of Canada’s documentary, “The Longest Road.” He has also trekked across Ireland, the Fiji Islands, Mauritius, Trinidad, Guyana, Israel, and other countries.
Traveling on foot is a common practice in various spiritual traditions, and the Walking Monk believes that it’s an effective way to reach out and communicate the importance of morality and ethical priorities.
Swami says that when you walk, “You learn to take it all in, the heat, the wind, the rain, the traffic, the cold, the black flies, the mosquitoes, the public attention or none – with all of that you learn detachment from externals and how to go within to be happy.”
The Walking Monk will make his way through Carbon County on Sunday, August 6. A free event, open to the public, has been organized to hear The Walking Monk speak about stories from the trail. Those in attendance will also be able to participate in kirtan, which consists of spiritual chants. The event will take place at the Southeastern Integrative Healing Arts Center in Price at 1 p.m.
Daily blog: https://thewalkingmonk.blogspot.com/
Website: www.thewalkingmonk.net
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thewalkingmonk
Backgrounder, International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON)
The International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) teaches bhakti-yoga, or the yoga of devotion, as the joyful means of awakening our dormant spiritual knowledge and love of God.
Commonly known as the Hare Krishna movement, ISKCON traces its roots to the millennia-old Sanskrit text Bhagavad-gita, and follows a line of teachers from the 16th century Bengali saint Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu.
In 2016, ISKCON celebrated the 50th Anniversary of its founding, in New York City by A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Srila Prabhupada, and opened up a vibrant centre on the west coast.
