Monk walks NZ to beat of global drum

Hare Krishna monk Yasoda Dulal is walking the length of New Zealand and stopped in Whangarei on Friday, before continuing his trek over the weekend. Photo / John Stone

A drum and a small bag in tow, Hare Krishna monk Yasoda Dulal left Whangarei on the last leg of his pilgrimage to Cape Reinga.

Mr Dulal is walking the length of New Zealand as part of the celebration of half a century of the Hare Krishna movement in the western world.

He is one of a number of people worldwide taking part in the celebrations by making a pilgrimage across their country. Fifty such pilgrimages in different countries are taking place around the globe in celebration of the milestone, with 42 already completed.

For the past nine months Mr Dulal has been walking roads up the country after leaving Bluff beating his drum while chanting Hare Krishna prayers and sharing spiritual messages. Mr Dulal said there were enough material things in the world and he wanted to spread the message that less is more.

"It's easy to see how stressful our lives are now."

Offers of places to stay and food have been given by people - he is dependent on the generosity of the community. There have been times he has not had a place to stay but said he did not mind spending the night anywhere.

"I'm quite happy to sleep outside, in a hay barn or in a wool shed."

He embarked on his journey from his hometown in Christchurch in September, travelling down to Bluff and back up, arriving in Whangarei last Wednesday.

During four months of his journey, he travelled with a 100-year-old cart and a gypsy cob horse, but after a string of incidents he decided to continue on foot.

"Enough incidents happened for me to realise I don't have nine lives."

Walking is a traditional Indian way to share messages and it was a much better way to connect with people along the way, Mr Dulal said.

"Walking has been a great way to get across my message."

He said the walk was also an exercise of faith and about personal growth.

"They aren't trying to convert people but he wants to let everyone know 'Hare Krishna's here to stay'."

The top of the country will be reached in about two weeks and once there he will travel to Auckland for a celebration. His teacher has suggested he travel to make a pilgrimage in another country adding to the total of countries pilgrimages, taking place for the half century celebrations.