8/10/07 – Bombay to Bangalore Ashram

Woke up a few times in the night to go to the bathroom. I already feel the
cleansing going on in this space. Blessed cleanse. Mmmm Let me be. I Love
this song by Xavier Rudd. What a gift his music has been to the beginning
of my journey. At 530am Dinesh came into the room and woke me for my travel
to Bangalore. A 730am flight to Bangalore to embark upon 11 days with Master
Sri Sri. Looking forward. I packed my things and took this little video footage….

Sounds like the Amazon jungle. Love it. So, on the way, Dinesh respectfully
gave me the run down of how to function in the Indian Airport. Good thing,
it is an entirely different experience then the American Experience. So I
got on, did my Kriya and sat next so an extremely happy young man returning
home on a work visit. His smile and radiance was a gift and he commented on
the book I was reading, The Initiation, by Donald Schnell, which is amazing
by the way. He is teaching in Venice. Go see him if you are guided. So I continue
reading a few more pages and now here I am writing and in a bliss state. God
Bliss You.

I arrived in the Bangalore airport and slowly made my way through the terminal
to pre-paid taxi stand. If you do not want to get ripped off then I recommend
you go this route. Dinesh advised me of this. As soon as I walked out I was
bombarded by taxi drivers and then all the sudden one of them grabbed the
paper out of my hand and asked me where I was going. I must tell you I was
a little suspicious of his credentials so I stayed close. I am still finding
my bearings in this place, actually, I just began finding them. So, as he
walked me I grabbed the ticket out of his hand and informed him I was supposed
to go this way and he looked at me with subtle eyes and said, the stand is
over here…My bad. So we drove through town nearly getting in a head-on
collision at every moment.

When I got into the Ashram things instantly became like the so-called Indian
way. I was shifted from one place to another then back again over and over
again for a couple of hours. Finally, after a call made to my first teacher
Bawa, I made the decision to stay off-campus at the Ashram and do the 6 day
silent meditation course. 550 US later, very expensive for India, I was on
my way to the lodging facility. The facility was located about 8 KM outside
the ashram. As we pulled up to the space the driver gave a honk of his horn.
The location was called the fireflies Ashram and, from the outside, had a
feeling of emptiness that you can only get from an old bunker..the driver
honked and honked and nobody came. I literally was getting the feeling that
might be the only one that is staying this evening. Then, all the sudden,
we got the word that was the wrong place. Good thing. So on we traveled down
the road to land at the destined spot. As we arrived, I still sensed that
same feeling, but now, there were 5 people in the facility. One, happened
to be my roommate, Thor, an extremely well together gentleman from Denmark.
I knew this gentleman was going to be a blessing when the first thing that
he mentioned was, “I don’t snore.” Perfecto. My worst nightmare
is deep snoring blo……anyways, I have to speed this up because
we are going into silence today and I will not be sharing or doing anything
during that time. So I am going to do so paraphrasing and quick type blogging.

Then met his two friends from Denmark, connected a little, got on the bus
with interesting short faced man, sort of like out of the movie. Sin City.
Went to Ashram, boutght necessities, had dinner by myself and then sat next
to Argintinian woman who I attempted to speak Spanish to. There are over 100
people from Argentina, such incredibly Divine souls. Full of enthusiasm. So
blessed. I then went to Satsang and took these recording.

These boys were absolutely adorable, so loving, so full of Prana. I was in
love. Then beloved Guruji can, spoke for a while….in Hindi….so,
I have no idea what was going on. Oh well. The vibration was enough. Then
I met Gara, a elderly, youth oriented woman from South Africa. We shared many
moments and a ride home together. Blessing. She was a great mirror. Slept.

08/11/07

The Ashram

Wow, what an honor it is to be in this Divine Palace of love
and order. The type of place that is so full of magic and sponteniety that
any hopes of planning will be tossed aside by some great force that guides
you down the path of the highest order. Which, most of the time is not acording
to your set of plans. The colors were magical. The Ashram itself stood high
on a hill top, having a 360 view of the whole enrinched valley. Since it’s
original conception, over 20 years ago, this vast home for millions around
the world has grown and grown and grown. Most of which is in the past 3 years.
The main building was put up only 4 years ago and the rest is constantly under
re-construction and expansion. What can you say, the word is out as itshould
be. Sri Sri Ravi Shankar and the Art of Living foundation are doing such incredible
things for this planet. So blessed to be in the arms of such incredible grace.
On this first day, I was only able to cover a small portion of it, and as
I am writing now, 10 days later, I still have not seen the entire facility.
Every aspect of the place is lush green and stocked full of flying ants, spiders
and various flowers, trees and other wildlife. I have been completely bombarded
with misquitos, and embraced by countless stray dogs, monkeys and even an
elephant. There is an aruvedic clinic in which I recieved quite possibly the
best massage of my life at. There are nearby villages that provide local friuts
for our eating enjoyment. Get this, you can get 2 bannanas, 3 oranges and
an apple for less then a dollar. At night, there is a dome on top of the main
building that changes colors.

Basically, this whole place is it’s own city. You can get anything
you need, for a very low price. I am just completely blown away and will fill
in more as time comes. The people are Divine, the food is luschious.

The Mantap

This is the home to many courses, Satsangs, basically it is
just a big home. Over the past month, there has not been a day that has past
that I have not stepped foot in this blessed home of the master. The Architecture
is phenomoenal, with engravings in each and every pillar, cieling top and
structure. It almost seems like the devotees have personally constructed with
their bare hands. The energy is elevated and each and every being that stepps
foot in the place has a transformation, whether or not Guruji is there. What
a blessing that he has been here for the last month. WOW. Like my great Argintinian
friend described, "It is a giant CAKE." I believed that was a great
metaphor as the MANTAP is Sweet, Savory, Rich and made for Celebration!!!!

The Master - Sri Sri Ravi Shankar

What a blessing it is to be in the lifetime of a true living
master. Like our anchient forefathers, Sri Sri has dedicated his life to serving
humanity in all aspects and is doing so on such incredible levels. This man
and his orginization, The Art Of Living Foundation, is playing a major part
in changing the world. I feel so fortunate to have spent so much time with
him over these past few weeks. he has been there everyday, answering questions,
sharing his humor and just unconditionally loving each and every person that
steps foot on planet earth. My favorite thing to do is to watch his many different
personalities and qualities. He is so dynamic and although he is a living
Master, I still can bear witness to his humility, his child like nature, his
anxiety, and his vast amount of personalities. He truly does care for this
entire planet and being on this path can be one of the most challenging things
man could every face in his life. On this path and man must face….himself.
Sri Sri’s whole focus is on taking us into ourselves, into the vast sea of
space beyond all the thoughts and dust we compile in our minds. Behind the
stress, frustration and ego, there is an enormous ocean of intuition, knowledge,
wisdom, and love beyond our wildest imagination. For the last year and a half,
I have experienced it in small doses. Soon, I will be living it!!! Thanks
to the channeling of Devine Grace from master Sri Sri Ravi Shankar. Each day
my love grows deeper for the Divine, each day I feel the blessings of being
alive planting deep roots in my soul. Each day I connect more and more to
the whole. I could go on for days, I will stop now. Enjoy.

Lush Vegitation

There is an incredible story about the grounds that this Ashram
is located on. Over 20 years ago, when Sri Sri decided that this would be
the home of the Art of Living Bangalore Ashram, these grounds were nothing
but a bearen wasteland. The tempurature and climate were not suitable for
plants, animals or practically anything for that matter. But as Guruji would
take his morning walk with a few confused devotees, he would always comment
on how green the land was. To make a long story short, this area of India
has developed its own eco-system based around the grace of this incredible
master. I truly believe that when a being is in harmony with nature and they
base their life on the service of mankind and earthkind, Mother Nature can
reconstruct herself to suit any conditions. There is such a great power in
the human to nature communion. We have the power to move storms, provide rain,
and feed our crops, but we also have the power to destroy ourselves if Mother
Nature is not respected. What do you wish to do, be in harmony or be attacked.
If we continue living as over indulgent energy sucking beings, Mother nature
will have her way with us. It has already began, it is our choice if we want
to see the connection or just keep destroying or greatest protection. Nature.

The Scenes

There is no lack of eye catching scenery around here in the
Ashram. At any moment you are bound to run into something paradoxical, metaphorical,
or just plain unbelievable.

This Was A Favorite For Me…Classic

 

The Fireflies Ashram

 

So, because I showed up last minute at the ashram during the
most crowded time of the year, I was forced to stay outside the main grounds.
At first I was a little sceptical, but realized what a blessing it was as
time went on. Although we did not spend to much time there, this place was
magical. Like living in an enchanted forest. We had our own pond, plenty of
bugs, a meditation room, a yoga balcony, surrounded in the tropics and the
best part was, I only shared a room with one other guy. Supposedly in the
Ashram you could room with up to 10 people at this time of the year. Yikes!!!
Check out the beauty of this incredible venture.

Defintely a 4DALOVE.org Pict

ANOTHER

 

Part II Silence Course During Navaratri

 

It is always a blessing to go inward for a few days and let the Divine figure some things out for you. This course was extremely challenging due to the circumstances of having so many people on the Ashram. A true Yogi can go inward during the most extreme of situations, for myself, at this particular time, the Yogi within was a little weaker then usual. It is amazing to see how dynamic these courses can be and from one to the next, how they can reach a completely different place inside your soul. Much love!!

 

The People Week 1

 

Being that I have a new found love for photography and video.
I will be posting shots of people every time that I posts. People are the
most fascinating beings and are so dynamic and joyful to shoot. In India,
escpecially here, there are so many subjects from around the world. enjoy.
Maybe you will know someone.

 

Navaratri

 

Navaratri is a huge celebration that lasts 9 days leading up
to the full moon. It is the most auspicious time of year for the Hindu Culture
and consists of various Poodjas honoring every part of our collecitve world
and our individual collective souls. During this time, half of it being in
Silence, we would meditate through hours of anchient chanting that would build
the energy for the day. Some of the meditations would go into the most profound
places. Deep would not suffice as a adjective. It seemed as if every single
day was built on the next and with each Poodja, the waves of Prana that were
flying through this place were so magnificent, the skys opened up and poured
down life each and every day of the 9 days. It was a completely organic, human
to spirit engagement of universal connection. To experience it you must be
here. All I can do is share a few small clips of the unspeakable. All I can
say is get out here and experience it!!!

Movies:

 

8 Branches of Human Spiritual Consciousness

 

I am unclear on the exact meaning of these symbols but I can only imagine
they are the unification of all the religions around the planet. These are
located on the 8 pillars that make up the inner foundation of the Vishilakshi
Mantap.

 

An Sacred Indian Dance

 

Just Watch the Video!!!

 

Traveling Through Town

Travelingtownmovie

 

The amazing thing is that you do not fear for your life. There
is some type of organization behind all the chaos in this city. I was astounded
to be within centimeters of accidents at times and found myself lauching hysterically
while surrendering to this divine flow. The one bad thing about traveling
in Bangalore is the SMOG. You have not experienced smog until you come here.
If you thought Los Angeles was bad, it doesn’t even scratch the surface. Five
hours in this thick waste, I felt as if I had smoked 2 packs of ciggerettes.
Do not travel in a open air car in india. Bad Idea. LOVE.

 

Stand Up Speak Out Event

 

This is the proof of the level of work that is going on in this
organization. This is literally geared to end human poverty and suffering.
The best part is it is being well recieved around the globe. This was viewed
worldwide by 5 million people I believe. I could be wrong, but I do know that
it send out a huge wave of change in the world. So happy to be a part.

 

A Different Kind Of Dance

 

The Light Being Orbs

 

These energy balls (located just above the girl to the right)
are all over this Ashram. They can be seen in the day or night and can be
seen in the masses surrounding the Master when he is present. They seem like
they are here to provide us with an added boost in the energy field. There
was one picture I saw where a guy, in broad daylight, was covered by these
little light beings. Oh what a blessed world!! Thank you GOD for showing me
the light, literally.This may be one of those things that is not seen by those
who are not open and ready. Just like crop circles and unidentified aircraft.
They are all a state of consciousness and will be seen by those who are ready
to see them.

 

The Argentinian People

 

Oh what beloved souls these bunch were. So connected, so energized,
so in love with life. I was happy to hang with these people a great deal after
the course. They truly know what it means to have a family, to have unity
of friends and loved ones that they honor. I learned a lot from these people
and will visit when the time is right.

The Monkeys

 

I think this first guy was giving me a little show. These guys
are everywhere and will take your stuff if you are not careful.

 

 

Guruji’s First Home

 

A subtle home for a Supreme Master. Knowing his form on earth
I thought this was Perfect!!!

 

Yours Truly

My Favorite Path

I Love You All

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