Friday, April 30, 2010
Saturday, April 24, 2010
Homeward Bound
The Khumba Mela was an extrememly intense time of transformation for all. We bathed in Ganga with 10 million others on the 14th April - a sea of people all there for God. Some of us danced and chanted amidst the smiling, happy people accompanying the parade of saints and swamis throwing marigold petals and we felt the rush of the wild naga babas as they passed by on the way to the main bathing ghat.
With God's grace we boarded our bus on the 15th and were one of the first vehicles to pass along roads that had been closed for 5 days. Back in Rishikesh, we slowed and softened and bathed in Ganga. Mark blessed us with 2 yoga classes each day and our practice deepened. Shyamdas lead satsang and kirtan at various places - a private ghat, the riverbank, temple grounds - infusing us with his teachings about devotion and love. There were many opportunities in time to immerse ourselves in the wisdom and teachings, the Ganga, and each other.
As we prepare to depart India, there is joy and lightness amongst the group. New friendships have been forged and heart are more open and filled with gratitude. The impact of this trip will be far reaching and powerful. We look forward to a reunion at Bhaktifest.
With God's grace we boarded our bus on the 15th and were one of the first vehicles to pass along roads that had been closed for 5 days. Back in Rishikesh, we slowed and softened and bathed in Ganga. Mark blessed us with 2 yoga classes each day and our practice deepened. Shyamdas lead satsang and kirtan at various places - a private ghat, the riverbank, temple grounds - infusing us with his teachings about devotion and love. There were many opportunities in time to immerse ourselves in the wisdom and teachings, the Ganga, and each other.
As we prepare to depart India, there is joy and lightness amongst the group. New friendships have been forged and heart are more open and filled with gratitude. The impact of this trip will be far reaching and powerful. We look forward to a reunion at Bhaktifest.
Friday, April 9, 2010
Sunday, April 4, 2010
Rishikesh - April 4th
Jai Ma Ganga - It is a God Fest here with rivers of orange-robed swmamis and sahdus converging in Haridwar for the Khumba Mela. So many sects and wild looks - hair, faces, outfits (or not!), and that crazy god-lust looking right back at us. Entire families sleeping anywhere and everywhere - the train station, roadsides - in the heat, dust and noise - all for God.
We joined the crowd at the launch of the Encylopedia of Hinduism in Haridwar - made possible by Swami Chidanand Saraswati. Sridhar disappeared at one point only to re -emerge just ahead of the Dalai Lama and in time to save Bella from the crush of people that swarmed HIs Holiness. Sri had fabulous closeup photos of His Holiness which he had taken during the time he had just spent with the Him before He was escorted onto the stage. Also present were the most revered saints and sages in India, politicians, and even a young Bollywood star with a multicultural audience - Hindus, Tibetan Buddhists, a Jewish family, Sikhs, and Aficans. A moment in history that bought together many differnt faiths...as it should be!
We joined the crowd at the launch of the Encylopedia of Hinduism in Haridwar - made possible by Swami Chidanand Saraswati. Sridhar disappeared at one point only to re -emerge just ahead of the Dalai Lama and in time to save Bella from the crush of people that swarmed HIs Holiness. Sri had fabulous closeup photos of His Holiness which he had taken during the time he had just spent with the Him before He was escorted onto the stage. Also present were the most revered saints and sages in India, politicians, and even a young Bollywood star with a multicultural audience - Hindus, Tibetan Buddhists, a Jewish family, Sikhs, and Aficans. A moment in history that bought together many differnt faiths...as it should be!
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