We arrive in Rishikesh...
Hiro gets off at the Main Bus Stand in the entrance of the town and I continue on to the bridge at the edge of Mother Ganga where I run into three of my friends here from the Wise Earth School also attending the International Conference - Ayurveda & Yoga 'Where Science Meets Consciousness' for five days as well as the following five days with our Guru, Mother Maya, for the Sacred Reality Tour here in Rishikesh and the surrounding areas. What good fortune! After popping my bags on the same manual rickshaw with the very strong and sweet carrier, we head towards the bridge that takes us across to Parmath Niketam Ashram where we are to stay for the first five days in attendance of the conference.
Walking over the bridge which does not allow cars or autos, (cows, dogs, people, sadhus, seekers, scooters and motorbikes are ok!) one first hears Mother Ganga rushing before you see her in her glory. It is a power that has been revered, is nightly crowned with the arrati puja and a gift that keeps on giving to the plains, the lands, the peoples throughout this area on route to its mergance with the Bay of Bengal.
I have run out of time to continue at this moment but I will...be back...
With love from the Land of the Rishi's and with deep gratitude for all
Om
Jennifer
Friday, February 22, 2008
Hyderabad...
Many things in life cannot be explained...We typically want to know and are at times impatient...I know I can be in that mind space at times.
It was nice to take pause with friends for a few days and I had the opportunity to visit some amazing sites there as well...
The days were met in coolness which was a divine experience...So welcomed after the heat of the south.
It was interesting to see how much I needed to rest upon arrival to Hyderabad and I tried my best to honor that request from the body.
I did visit the temple there but was informed that foreigners Nadi Leaves are kept in Tamil Nadu state. That is where Chennai is located and so I will have to wait until I head back there for that invetigation ala 'Sherlock Holmes'...
Spending time with Manyam and his family, whom took me to the temple for Nadi Leaves, gifted me with the opportunity to meet their guru fondly known as 'Baba'. This was a unique experience to say the least and I was asked back again prior to my departure. We went back again and Baba and I shared in private conversation. The long and the short of it is that he has invited me back to stay with him for awhile so as he can share his teachings with me. An unordinary invitation from an, apparantly, extraordinary healer...I hope for a translator because he speaks Telugu! I have decided to return and head back in April after short visits to Varanasi and Agra...
I left Hyderabad on an early, early train at 625am heading back to Delhi. It was on this train that I noticed my continuing train to Hardiwar was not for the following day when I was to arrive in Delhi but the next day. I really did not wish to spend a day in Delhi to be honest. It would be a great deal of energy and cost to move away from the train station, to a hotel/guesthouse and then back again. I was able to cancel my ticket with a small loss and then rebook another ticket onward that same day.
After checking my baggage into the cloakroom there at the train station, amongst the scurrying mice, I headed out to find an auto to take me to Connaught Place for lunch. I was hungry after not having ate since the previous afternoon.
Down a dark alley among a dozen or so fading signs I found a cyber cafe to respond and send some emails then it was off to catch the next train to Hardiwar leaving at 325pm!
This time all I took was a chair coach as the trip was only 4 hours and I shared my area with Hiro, a photographer from Japan also heading to Rishikesh. He is taking photographs of Mother Ganga from Rishikesh to Kolkatta (Calcutta) where she returns to the Bay of Bengal in full flow of sacred reverance.
After arriving in Hardiwar Hiro and I hired an auto to complete the 45 minute journey further north to beloved Rishikesh. The temperature reminds me of a cold winter night in Vancouver but feels even colder when I remember where I have just traveled from. The auto is thrusting forward in full speed and I wrap my shawl around me even tighter including my head. Having never experienced the 'Outback Journey' I get a sense that it is probably like this! We travel so fast I am trying to acclimitize to the new place I am in, the place I have dreamt of, the place I have sought, the place I have yearned to see, to smell, to feel, to witness and a smile creeps across my face as though I am 'in the know' of a fabulous secret...
It is a beautiful, humbling feeling that is a challenge to articulate. I only wish I could show you my heart as it is flowering, blooming and beating to the song that has carried me here for an experience, an unfolding of collective understanding, love and surrender...
Om Namaha Shivaya
Jennifer
It was nice to take pause with friends for a few days and I had the opportunity to visit some amazing sites there as well...
The days were met in coolness which was a divine experience...So welcomed after the heat of the south.
It was interesting to see how much I needed to rest upon arrival to Hyderabad and I tried my best to honor that request from the body.
I did visit the temple there but was informed that foreigners Nadi Leaves are kept in Tamil Nadu state. That is where Chennai is located and so I will have to wait until I head back there for that invetigation ala 'Sherlock Holmes'...
Spending time with Manyam and his family, whom took me to the temple for Nadi Leaves, gifted me with the opportunity to meet their guru fondly known as 'Baba'. This was a unique experience to say the least and I was asked back again prior to my departure. We went back again and Baba and I shared in private conversation. The long and the short of it is that he has invited me back to stay with him for awhile so as he can share his teachings with me. An unordinary invitation from an, apparantly, extraordinary healer...I hope for a translator because he speaks Telugu! I have decided to return and head back in April after short visits to Varanasi and Agra...
I left Hyderabad on an early, early train at 625am heading back to Delhi. It was on this train that I noticed my continuing train to Hardiwar was not for the following day when I was to arrive in Delhi but the next day. I really did not wish to spend a day in Delhi to be honest. It would be a great deal of energy and cost to move away from the train station, to a hotel/guesthouse and then back again. I was able to cancel my ticket with a small loss and then rebook another ticket onward that same day.
After checking my baggage into the cloakroom there at the train station, amongst the scurrying mice, I headed out to find an auto to take me to Connaught Place for lunch. I was hungry after not having ate since the previous afternoon.
Down a dark alley among a dozen or so fading signs I found a cyber cafe to respond and send some emails then it was off to catch the next train to Hardiwar leaving at 325pm!
This time all I took was a chair coach as the trip was only 4 hours and I shared my area with Hiro, a photographer from Japan also heading to Rishikesh. He is taking photographs of Mother Ganga from Rishikesh to Kolkatta (Calcutta) where she returns to the Bay of Bengal in full flow of sacred reverance.
After arriving in Hardiwar Hiro and I hired an auto to complete the 45 minute journey further north to beloved Rishikesh. The temperature reminds me of a cold winter night in Vancouver but feels even colder when I remember where I have just traveled from. The auto is thrusting forward in full speed and I wrap my shawl around me even tighter including my head. Having never experienced the 'Outback Journey' I get a sense that it is probably like this! We travel so fast I am trying to acclimitize to the new place I am in, the place I have dreamt of, the place I have sought, the place I have yearned to see, to smell, to feel, to witness and a smile creeps across my face as though I am 'in the know' of a fabulous secret...
It is a beautiful, humbling feeling that is a challenge to articulate. I only wish I could show you my heart as it is flowering, blooming and beating to the song that has carried me here for an experience, an unfolding of collective understanding, love and surrender...
Om Namaha Shivaya
Jennifer
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
Goodbye South India, Tamil Nadu - Hello Central! Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh
Leaving Mamallupuram...it's heat, it's humidity, it's unfortunate and sad piles of garbage which seems to create ditches along side the ditches from which many four paw species (including the locals) excavate what treasures may be found, it's cows roaming the beaches, it's mystical and majestic temples, it's pounding sounds of stone carvers lining the streets and shops, it's gypsies with babies on hips and volumes of beads for sale weighing down their fragile and thin skinned arms, it's foreigners lingering and lusting the locals, it's primitive and modern osmosis of beauty and ugliness...
I awake not to early having actually rested deeply for a few hours which the body seems to have rejoiced in. I will not miss the weather at all...
Finishing my practice, my prayers and such, a knock at the door brings the lovely sister and brother I meet yesterday and we enjoy breakfast together at 'The New Cafe' here in the Lakshmi Guesthouse where I have roomed.
Goodbyes for now and I pack my things heading to Rajan's shop for a last minute visit. Rajan and I have a chat and I share my photos from home. He came buy last night after I had already left my room to take me to a local wedding but we just missed each other. I will be back in September to visit again...
Rajan kindly drops me at the bus stand and awaits the arrival of my bus back to Chennai with me. It has been a joy to share time with him and I am most grateful for his generosity and kindness. We shall keep in touch...
Only standing room on the big old bus for now and away we go to the city. Ladies all around smile, gentlemen sleep, peer out the windows and nod their greetings. A nice 10 minute rest stop half way there gifts the stretching of legs and the vacancy of some seats. The drone of food offerings from the locals invites you to a snack. The air carries the smells of fresh chapatis, grilled chicken and the like for those in need. Groups stand around with small bill rupees in hand awaiting their turn for satisfaction of one's appetite. A thatched canopy propped on perfectly placed polls shades the tables and chairs offering a refreshing pause. The grill is a massive piece of stone with small holes on the bottom sides big enough for the kindling to fit and for the fire to grow and expand in it's greatness...Along the side stands a lonely sink and tap which is alone no more as we all take generous amounts of time soaking our steamed faces, our necks and arms. What a delicious relief...
Onto the bus again to finish the journey inward amongst the many. Chennai is met and I am happy to experience the heat without the humidity!
I head right to the New Woodlands Hotel and buy some juice, water and biscuits for the train as well as enjoy my lunch at Krishna Restaurant amongst the old friends I have found in the wait staff there. Then onto the KYM to take care of some last minute paperwork before heading across the city to Egmore train station.
A bit of time before the train is to load and a nice chat with a couple of young men from Hyderabad. They have come to apply for US study visas but were rejected. They had hoped to complete their MBA at New York University but now are entertaining heading to Australia.
As the time of departure approaches so does the activity level within the station and the train of course. I manage to get everything in before others in my berth arrive so that big ass bag of mine has a chance to get settled under the seats!
An Indian gentleman, living between India and Houston, Texas, and his 3 year old son (what a cutie!) are also in my berth as well as 2 other Indian families.
Sooooooo many questions in curiosity of me! A young Indian man, living in Iowa, here now for his marriage to a distant relative, acts as translator. His face says it all with such happiness and excitement as he has not see his fiancee since last year and in hours they will meet again!
It is a very interesting ride along with the hustle and bustle of people moving up and down the corridor, numerous languages being spoken, conversations and laughter being shared. This train will be for 14 hours with a number of stops along the way...
One of the families I meet, the father is a palm reader and his daughter Shanti is very keen on his reading my palm! They share their information as they have access to another area where I can find out more information from a temple about my entire incarnation in this life! I am thrilled as this is something I was searching for before but one has to be invited to the correct temple where the scrolls (they are also referred to as the Akashi Files)are protected and have been for thousands of years.
Apparently, the scrolls are written on palm leafs with sacred sanskrit characters. The scrolls are moved every 20 days, revolving between the temples. It is said that the scroll can only be matched to a person by their thumb print and the correct answer to a few questions about your present life. Should the answers and the thumb print match, the temple priest will proceed to read the scroll which contains all information about your past lives, your present and your future...I am to call Manyam tomorrow morning at around 8am when he will then give me the address of where to take an auto. Arriving at the temple, we will see what happens. My 'scroll' may or my not be there...
We arrived alittle late in Hyderabad, around 8am and I do not have the information to get to Muneera's house. I checked my email before leaving Mamallupuram but it was not there yet. To rushed upon my arrival to Chennai I relaxed knowing that I could figure it out when in Hyderabad. Little did I realize that the 'internet' isn't just 'available' at anytime. After hailing down a young man to help me with the typical 'Hello, do you speak English?' line, we were off in search for the needed email. I left my bag in the cloakroom at the train station among the dust and the history of British Colonial days gone by. We found a cafe soon, got the information and were off in an auto to that part of the city. I dropped the young man at the corner for his college and headed the rest of the way myself.
As I waited at the corner for Muneera's brother Ali to meet me, 5 camels with men, some with legs astride, and boys, heads covered in colorful scarf's, appeared walking along the street in comfortable unison! I stood in awe of a sight that seemed quite misplaced but only in India! In awe the moments and the hoofs passed before I thought of 'Oh! My camera!' and down into the bags I dug around as they slowly passed by. To late... I missed them this time but Ali told me that traveling to the Old City would reveal lots of camel sightings! He also spoke of a park near by that is more of an open forest. Since it rained this morning, wild peacocks would most likely be out to see in the early evening to do their 'raindance'! I shall definitely head there shortly after Muneera's arrival...
Muneera is to arrive shortly. It will be so nice to see her. She was delayed in her arriving and so yesterday I just rested among her family and in the quiet my bedroom
while here.
It was raining hard when I awoke this morning and now the sun is streaming gently and softly through the window...
Until we meet again, all my love!
Om
Jennifer
I awake not to early having actually rested deeply for a few hours which the body seems to have rejoiced in. I will not miss the weather at all...
Finishing my practice, my prayers and such, a knock at the door brings the lovely sister and brother I meet yesterday and we enjoy breakfast together at 'The New Cafe' here in the Lakshmi Guesthouse where I have roomed.
Goodbyes for now and I pack my things heading to Rajan's shop for a last minute visit. Rajan and I have a chat and I share my photos from home. He came buy last night after I had already left my room to take me to a local wedding but we just missed each other. I will be back in September to visit again...
Rajan kindly drops me at the bus stand and awaits the arrival of my bus back to Chennai with me. It has been a joy to share time with him and I am most grateful for his generosity and kindness. We shall keep in touch...
Only standing room on the big old bus for now and away we go to the city. Ladies all around smile, gentlemen sleep, peer out the windows and nod their greetings. A nice 10 minute rest stop half way there gifts the stretching of legs and the vacancy of some seats. The drone of food offerings from the locals invites you to a snack. The air carries the smells of fresh chapatis, grilled chicken and the like for those in need. Groups stand around with small bill rupees in hand awaiting their turn for satisfaction of one's appetite. A thatched canopy propped on perfectly placed polls shades the tables and chairs offering a refreshing pause. The grill is a massive piece of stone with small holes on the bottom sides big enough for the kindling to fit and for the fire to grow and expand in it's greatness...Along the side stands a lonely sink and tap which is alone no more as we all take generous amounts of time soaking our steamed faces, our necks and arms. What a delicious relief...
Onto the bus again to finish the journey inward amongst the many. Chennai is met and I am happy to experience the heat without the humidity!
I head right to the New Woodlands Hotel and buy some juice, water and biscuits for the train as well as enjoy my lunch at Krishna Restaurant amongst the old friends I have found in the wait staff there. Then onto the KYM to take care of some last minute paperwork before heading across the city to Egmore train station.
A bit of time before the train is to load and a nice chat with a couple of young men from Hyderabad. They have come to apply for US study visas but were rejected. They had hoped to complete their MBA at New York University but now are entertaining heading to Australia.
As the time of departure approaches so does the activity level within the station and the train of course. I manage to get everything in before others in my berth arrive so that big ass bag of mine has a chance to get settled under the seats!
An Indian gentleman, living between India and Houston, Texas, and his 3 year old son (what a cutie!) are also in my berth as well as 2 other Indian families.
Sooooooo many questions in curiosity of me! A young Indian man, living in Iowa, here now for his marriage to a distant relative, acts as translator. His face says it all with such happiness and excitement as he has not see his fiancee since last year and in hours they will meet again!
It is a very interesting ride along with the hustle and bustle of people moving up and down the corridor, numerous languages being spoken, conversations and laughter being shared. This train will be for 14 hours with a number of stops along the way...
One of the families I meet, the father is a palm reader and his daughter Shanti is very keen on his reading my palm! They share their information as they have access to another area where I can find out more information from a temple about my entire incarnation in this life! I am thrilled as this is something I was searching for before but one has to be invited to the correct temple where the scrolls (they are also referred to as the Akashi Files)are protected and have been for thousands of years.
Apparently, the scrolls are written on palm leafs with sacred sanskrit characters. The scrolls are moved every 20 days, revolving between the temples. It is said that the scroll can only be matched to a person by their thumb print and the correct answer to a few questions about your present life. Should the answers and the thumb print match, the temple priest will proceed to read the scroll which contains all information about your past lives, your present and your future...I am to call Manyam tomorrow morning at around 8am when he will then give me the address of where to take an auto. Arriving at the temple, we will see what happens. My 'scroll' may or my not be there...
We arrived alittle late in Hyderabad, around 8am and I do not have the information to get to Muneera's house. I checked my email before leaving Mamallupuram but it was not there yet. To rushed upon my arrival to Chennai I relaxed knowing that I could figure it out when in Hyderabad. Little did I realize that the 'internet' isn't just 'available' at anytime. After hailing down a young man to help me with the typical 'Hello, do you speak English?' line, we were off in search for the needed email. I left my bag in the cloakroom at the train station among the dust and the history of British Colonial days gone by. We found a cafe soon, got the information and were off in an auto to that part of the city. I dropped the young man at the corner for his college and headed the rest of the way myself.
As I waited at the corner for Muneera's brother Ali to meet me, 5 camels with men, some with legs astride, and boys, heads covered in colorful scarf's, appeared walking along the street in comfortable unison! I stood in awe of a sight that seemed quite misplaced but only in India! In awe the moments and the hoofs passed before I thought of 'Oh! My camera!' and down into the bags I dug around as they slowly passed by. To late... I missed them this time but Ali told me that traveling to the Old City would reveal lots of camel sightings! He also spoke of a park near by that is more of an open forest. Since it rained this morning, wild peacocks would most likely be out to see in the early evening to do their 'raindance'! I shall definitely head there shortly after Muneera's arrival...
Muneera is to arrive shortly. It will be so nice to see her. She was delayed in her arriving and so yesterday I just rested among her family and in the quiet my bedroom
while here.
It was raining hard when I awoke this morning and now the sun is streaming gently and softly through the window...
Until we meet again, all my love!
Om
Jennifer
Sunday, February 10, 2008
Mamallupuram.....
Exiting the city of Chennai in an auto rickshaw took almost 30 minutes and as the air thickened as well as the traffic, I counted my blessings for this sweet escape...
Help from a kind gentlemanat the bus stand ensured that the correct bus was taken. At first I was rather shy about the actual elbow activity from the bodies crowding the bus door but after missing the first opportunity to get on and needing to wait for the next one I realized that it is merely the necessity of a successful entrance aboard your chariot! Without an hesitation, expect to protect the pregnant mother ahead of me, I jumped in there like Muhammud Ali and 'ta da!' off I was to a land of palm trees and the seaside...
I crawled my way past the bodies on the bus and sat in the very back with a couple of young men. The usual question, 'Madam, which country?' was answered and in return I had a couple about the price of the bus and the estimated time of the trip.
It was a boiling day in the city and the wind through the small bus window provided some solace after the 'fight' to another land...
As we moved further and further down the coastal highway the more the groups of palm trees appeared. Soon on my left the ocean appeared in it's magestic turquoise green and blue hue that cooled my overheated spirit even in the distance...
Fishing boats dot the coastline and with the meditative mission of the fisherman to repair damaged nets. Dogs play under the trees and some relax lounging in the sand...The road is shared with flocks of lambs, herds of cows with their colourful horns of yellow, red, green and blue adorn with bells which all join together in harmony as they leisurely wander by, mouths chewing and eyes luminious...
I arrive at the bus stop to the entrance of Mamallupuram and immediately take an auto into the little village. It is somewhat like a mini version of Chennai in some ways in a secluded setting with a great deal of similarity.
The Lakshmi Guesthouse has a room available and so I take it for 2 nights at 450rupees a night. I have intuitively decided that I will not head down to Pondicherry and will instead just rest here as much as possible for the two days...
As I am unpacking, a rainstorm comes in and for 30 minutes the village is drenched! How refreshing it felt at first until the humidity follows it like a bad dream...
There are many, many foreigners here as this is a big tourist time apparently. Lots of Brits, Aussies, Germans, French and Americans around with the sounds of Bob Marley carried in the air...
I make my way out and go for a walk around ending up in a shop where I buy a few shirts as the clothes, although cotton or cotton/hemp mix, are so heavy and the heat for me is sweltering at around 35/36 then adding in the humidity. Here I stay for a couple of hours trying things on in the piles and piles of offerings...
The shopkeeper was really very hunger and so he told me that he trusted me and asked if I would mind if he went off to have his lunch. Off he went while I locked the door and continued to go through the very light weight clothes there. I so appreciated that he had such trust in me (maybe just his belly!) to wonder off and leave me in seclusion with the ceiling fans blowing away my cares...
Having a nice long chat with the shopkeeper and collecting my buys, I headed onward to my room for a glorious long cold shower and quick change. Then a walk down to the beach...
Mamallupuram is reknown as the world's stone sculpture capital and that is remembered the closer one gets to the beach where the sounds of pounding and carving perk interest in visiting the many, many shops that carry every deity and symbol which holds interst...I meet a nice gentleman named Rajan and we, along with some french people who he is teaching how to sculpt, have a nice chat together. He has made so many sculptures for groups of people involved in yoga. I really want a statue of Patanjali, the sage who wrote the Yoga Sutras which are the basis of yogic philosophy, but will wait and get it later as I do not feel like lugging it along...
Ragan and I had dinner together. He took me to a place where I could have some salad and some vegs. Lots of seafood available of course but I am not interested.
After relaxing for awhile in the ocean air I head back to the room in hopes of a restful sleep...
No luck...I wake numerous times as the heat for me is unbearably, uncomfortable.
After a nice shower I head for some breakfast and meet Rajan at his shop. We were to head south around 15km on his motorbike to visit some temples and the tribal peoples in the area. Quite a spontaneous gesture that I appreciated. Rajan has a government charitable trust, Aroundhyen Charitable Trust (ACT), which supports the assistance of this tribe.
I had dreamed and prayed for a monsoon while here and low and behold just before we entered the village that contains some of the biggest temples in south India, a downpour nourished and drenched every part of my being with such delight! Thank goodness we were close by as the roads filled with water so very quickly although every drop was a gift to me!
There while the rains came down we scooted in the temple entrance, which was enormous, with the locals to await it's end. I was in heaven...The main temple we were to visit has 550 steps to climb to the top but with the waters gushing down the rows of stairs, it was now impossible to do. Rather, Rajan took me to another group of mindblowing temples where the carving is just incredible...One area set off on it's own was currently being visited by a mother lamb and her baby and as well a local gentleman had taken up the top platform of a large piece of sculpture, which was to represent a turtle, for an afternoon nap...
After spending sometime inside admiring and gasping at the details as well as winessing a puja, a spiritual offering to Shiva at this temple, we set off again since the rains had stopped.
Along the roadside locals riding bicycles heaving with goods, as well the children dressed in their colourful wraps, waved and shouted out greetings for which smiles are exchanged and the heart flings open...
Meeting the tribal peoples was a great honor. We arrive to the giggles and screams of joy from the children. Everyone knows and loves Rajan. His selflessness and kindness has found a trust in their hearts.
The elders arrive and I am introduced. Thatched huts rest among the palm trees and the silence in this area away from everything is welcomed. It is very hot here... One water pump between the 30 families. There is a small one room schoolhouse there constructed with the gift from a german and italian lady. A plaque on the wall outside is in remembrance of their generousity...I would like to help as much as I can...I have taken pictures of the tribe and enjoyed fresh coconut from one of the elders. When it is time to go the children all gather for final pictures and flowers are lovingly placed in my hair. Each and everyone wants a turn to hold my hands and even just to look. Fingers trace the veins hidden under the white, white skin that is definitely vanilla in flavour compared to their rich chocolate veil...'Pens, pens', are a big request for their school and Rajan promises to bring them on his next trip.
We leave yet my heart and my thoughts remain there for quite sometime.. We moved across the rice paddy fields where the farmer, head draped in a scarf, guided his bulls through the water and trails so perfected placed in the fertile soils. The back of a motorbike is the way to connect with the world around and everyone in it. Waves are returned and smiles are shared...I have to say this is the most moving day I've experienced since leaving home and I am so grateful for it...
Back in the village I move on to find sustanance as I haven't eated for some time except for the wonderful coconut. I meet a lovely lady from Israel at the restaurant and she introduced me to her brother so as to download the pictures I have collected so far. I haven't taken that many but the one's I have are nice!
Tomorrow I head back to Chennai to catch my train and continue on...
All my love till then and forever...
Om
Jennifer
Help from a kind gentlemanat the bus stand ensured that the correct bus was taken. At first I was rather shy about the actual elbow activity from the bodies crowding the bus door but after missing the first opportunity to get on and needing to wait for the next one I realized that it is merely the necessity of a successful entrance aboard your chariot! Without an hesitation, expect to protect the pregnant mother ahead of me, I jumped in there like Muhammud Ali and 'ta da!' off I was to a land of palm trees and the seaside...
I crawled my way past the bodies on the bus and sat in the very back with a couple of young men. The usual question, 'Madam, which country?' was answered and in return I had a couple about the price of the bus and the estimated time of the trip.
It was a boiling day in the city and the wind through the small bus window provided some solace after the 'fight' to another land...
As we moved further and further down the coastal highway the more the groups of palm trees appeared. Soon on my left the ocean appeared in it's magestic turquoise green and blue hue that cooled my overheated spirit even in the distance...
Fishing boats dot the coastline and with the meditative mission of the fisherman to repair damaged nets. Dogs play under the trees and some relax lounging in the sand...The road is shared with flocks of lambs, herds of cows with their colourful horns of yellow, red, green and blue adorn with bells which all join together in harmony as they leisurely wander by, mouths chewing and eyes luminious...
I arrive at the bus stop to the entrance of Mamallupuram and immediately take an auto into the little village. It is somewhat like a mini version of Chennai in some ways in a secluded setting with a great deal of similarity.
The Lakshmi Guesthouse has a room available and so I take it for 2 nights at 450rupees a night. I have intuitively decided that I will not head down to Pondicherry and will instead just rest here as much as possible for the two days...
As I am unpacking, a rainstorm comes in and for 30 minutes the village is drenched! How refreshing it felt at first until the humidity follows it like a bad dream...
There are many, many foreigners here as this is a big tourist time apparently. Lots of Brits, Aussies, Germans, French and Americans around with the sounds of Bob Marley carried in the air...
I make my way out and go for a walk around ending up in a shop where I buy a few shirts as the clothes, although cotton or cotton/hemp mix, are so heavy and the heat for me is sweltering at around 35/36 then adding in the humidity. Here I stay for a couple of hours trying things on in the piles and piles of offerings...
The shopkeeper was really very hunger and so he told me that he trusted me and asked if I would mind if he went off to have his lunch. Off he went while I locked the door and continued to go through the very light weight clothes there. I so appreciated that he had such trust in me (maybe just his belly!) to wonder off and leave me in seclusion with the ceiling fans blowing away my cares...
Having a nice long chat with the shopkeeper and collecting my buys, I headed onward to my room for a glorious long cold shower and quick change. Then a walk down to the beach...
Mamallupuram is reknown as the world's stone sculpture capital and that is remembered the closer one gets to the beach where the sounds of pounding and carving perk interest in visiting the many, many shops that carry every deity and symbol which holds interst...I meet a nice gentleman named Rajan and we, along with some french people who he is teaching how to sculpt, have a nice chat together. He has made so many sculptures for groups of people involved in yoga. I really want a statue of Patanjali, the sage who wrote the Yoga Sutras which are the basis of yogic philosophy, but will wait and get it later as I do not feel like lugging it along...
Ragan and I had dinner together. He took me to a place where I could have some salad and some vegs. Lots of seafood available of course but I am not interested.
After relaxing for awhile in the ocean air I head back to the room in hopes of a restful sleep...
No luck...I wake numerous times as the heat for me is unbearably, uncomfortable.
After a nice shower I head for some breakfast and meet Rajan at his shop. We were to head south around 15km on his motorbike to visit some temples and the tribal peoples in the area. Quite a spontaneous gesture that I appreciated. Rajan has a government charitable trust, Aroundhyen Charitable Trust (ACT), which supports the assistance of this tribe.
I had dreamed and prayed for a monsoon while here and low and behold just before we entered the village that contains some of the biggest temples in south India, a downpour nourished and drenched every part of my being with such delight! Thank goodness we were close by as the roads filled with water so very quickly although every drop was a gift to me!
There while the rains came down we scooted in the temple entrance, which was enormous, with the locals to await it's end. I was in heaven...The main temple we were to visit has 550 steps to climb to the top but with the waters gushing down the rows of stairs, it was now impossible to do. Rather, Rajan took me to another group of mindblowing temples where the carving is just incredible...One area set off on it's own was currently being visited by a mother lamb and her baby and as well a local gentleman had taken up the top platform of a large piece of sculpture, which was to represent a turtle, for an afternoon nap...
After spending sometime inside admiring and gasping at the details as well as winessing a puja, a spiritual offering to Shiva at this temple, we set off again since the rains had stopped.
Along the roadside locals riding bicycles heaving with goods, as well the children dressed in their colourful wraps, waved and shouted out greetings for which smiles are exchanged and the heart flings open...
Meeting the tribal peoples was a great honor. We arrive to the giggles and screams of joy from the children. Everyone knows and loves Rajan. His selflessness and kindness has found a trust in their hearts.
The elders arrive and I am introduced. Thatched huts rest among the palm trees and the silence in this area away from everything is welcomed. It is very hot here... One water pump between the 30 families. There is a small one room schoolhouse there constructed with the gift from a german and italian lady. A plaque on the wall outside is in remembrance of their generousity...I would like to help as much as I can...I have taken pictures of the tribe and enjoyed fresh coconut from one of the elders. When it is time to go the children all gather for final pictures and flowers are lovingly placed in my hair. Each and everyone wants a turn to hold my hands and even just to look. Fingers trace the veins hidden under the white, white skin that is definitely vanilla in flavour compared to their rich chocolate veil...'Pens, pens', are a big request for their school and Rajan promises to bring them on his next trip.
We leave yet my heart and my thoughts remain there for quite sometime.. We moved across the rice paddy fields where the farmer, head draped in a scarf, guided his bulls through the water and trails so perfected placed in the fertile soils. The back of a motorbike is the way to connect with the world around and everyone in it. Waves are returned and smiles are shared...I have to say this is the most moving day I've experienced since leaving home and I am so grateful for it...
Back in the village I move on to find sustanance as I haven't eated for some time except for the wonderful coconut. I meet a lovely lady from Israel at the restaurant and she introduced me to her brother so as to download the pictures I have collected so far. I haven't taken that many but the one's I have are nice!
Tomorrow I head back to Chennai to catch my train and continue on...
All my love till then and forever...
Om
Jennifer
Friday, February 8, 2008
Time to focus....
Here in Chennai the world moves fast, noisy, fully and completely with nailbiting swerves in the back of an auto rickshaw provided you are ready for the intensity...
Ladies are draped on the back of motorbikes and scooters. Their sari's light up the view in a rainbow of colour and some clutch a baby to their waist while the other hand is free to hold the cellphone to the driver's ear! Like a tight rope walker their confidence in the circus of it all is humbling to say the least!
Visiting the KYM (Krishnamacharya Yoga Mandiram)on Monday and meeting Radha was lovely... There she sat, goddess like in her sari, with a delightful and warm welcome for me. We setup class times for the week while I was here. Chanting with a familiar face, Akhila, would be for 2 hours a day and more classes could be scheduled with another teacher if I liked. As well, I was to have my Yoga Therapy consult with the doctor and have my asana classes with Radha.
Everything went really well and I have begun learning a new chant. My Sanskrit is coming along as well...It was a great challenge as the environment demands you have even more attention! The sawing machines and building all around you, the fans above, the busyness and sounds of life in the world outside meet you and invade your space, your thoughts...One must let it all go and dive deep into the sound and recitation of the task in front with firm and steady kindness to one's self...
The program designed for me is very strong. It focuses on my concerns and I am curious about it's unfolding. When I meet Radha in Austria again in April we will review as well...
The days were busy with studies in my room in the morning followed by brunch and then taking an auto rickshaw to the school for the majority of the afternoon.
Chris Brown from the UK is also here and although we had different classes, we would meet in the evening and spend dinner together. I also have met a lovely lady, Joelle, from the south of France at the hotel. Visiting for awhile with friends, they may join us for dinner this evening.
Tomorrow Sri TKV Desikachar will be giving a lecture in the morning at 815am. I am soooo looking forward to it! It will be the first time I am to meet, informally of course among the crowd, and experience his sharing. I am grateful to be here for it.
The afternoon will see me heading down the coast a couple of hours to the spiritual place of Mamallupuram where I will spend the day. On to Pondicherry the following day to experience that former Portuguese town. I have been told they are both lovely places...
Monday I return to Chennai as my train leaves from Egmore Station at 5pm heading to Hyderabad. I have the good fortune of visiting there with Muneera and her family for a few days. Abit of site-seeing together I suspect...
It is warm, really warm here with the added humidity... Days are usually around 35 or so and apparently summer has begun early this year...
I decided to focus on my studies while here this short time and not do any site-seeing within the city. Another time...
I'm off now to head back for solace in the silence of my room which I am most, MOST, grateful for!
Much love and blessings to you all
Kiss kiss
Om
Jennifer
Ladies are draped on the back of motorbikes and scooters. Their sari's light up the view in a rainbow of colour and some clutch a baby to their waist while the other hand is free to hold the cellphone to the driver's ear! Like a tight rope walker their confidence in the circus of it all is humbling to say the least!
Visiting the KYM (Krishnamacharya Yoga Mandiram)on Monday and meeting Radha was lovely... There she sat, goddess like in her sari, with a delightful and warm welcome for me. We setup class times for the week while I was here. Chanting with a familiar face, Akhila, would be for 2 hours a day and more classes could be scheduled with another teacher if I liked. As well, I was to have my Yoga Therapy consult with the doctor and have my asana classes with Radha.
Everything went really well and I have begun learning a new chant. My Sanskrit is coming along as well...It was a great challenge as the environment demands you have even more attention! The sawing machines and building all around you, the fans above, the busyness and sounds of life in the world outside meet you and invade your space, your thoughts...One must let it all go and dive deep into the sound and recitation of the task in front with firm and steady kindness to one's self...
The program designed for me is very strong. It focuses on my concerns and I am curious about it's unfolding. When I meet Radha in Austria again in April we will review as well...
The days were busy with studies in my room in the morning followed by brunch and then taking an auto rickshaw to the school for the majority of the afternoon.
Chris Brown from the UK is also here and although we had different classes, we would meet in the evening and spend dinner together. I also have met a lovely lady, Joelle, from the south of France at the hotel. Visiting for awhile with friends, they may join us for dinner this evening.
Tomorrow Sri TKV Desikachar will be giving a lecture in the morning at 815am. I am soooo looking forward to it! It will be the first time I am to meet, informally of course among the crowd, and experience his sharing. I am grateful to be here for it.
The afternoon will see me heading down the coast a couple of hours to the spiritual place of Mamallupuram where I will spend the day. On to Pondicherry the following day to experience that former Portuguese town. I have been told they are both lovely places...
Monday I return to Chennai as my train leaves from Egmore Station at 5pm heading to Hyderabad. I have the good fortune of visiting there with Muneera and her family for a few days. Abit of site-seeing together I suspect...
It is warm, really warm here with the added humidity... Days are usually around 35 or so and apparently summer has begun early this year...
I decided to focus on my studies while here this short time and not do any site-seeing within the city. Another time...
I'm off now to head back for solace in the silence of my room which I am most, MOST, grateful for!
Much love and blessings to you all
Kiss kiss
Om
Jennifer
Monday, February 4, 2008
A sea of memories to the south... Chennai
Abdul was kind to get me to the train station just 30 minutes of so before we were to leave...he also stayed and bartered with the porter who with erect spine and mindblowing ease, balanced my cumbersome, heavy, bag on his head like an apple!
Through the deep and noisy, unending crowd of people we found our way up, up, up the flights of stairs to the right platform and to the car and seat that was to be my home for the next 30hrs. 50 rupees was to be the payment but since he loaded my bag into the car it rose to 100 which was easy to agree to as the troubled load was his not mine and I was grateful...It was with the assistance of a translater that I found out about the inflation!
Settling into my side of the cabin, with all eyes of interest focused as though I was waving gold, I took time to try and find a home for the bags that held the precious books of study and the comforts of home...
It was through conversation of my cabin mates that I found out I was on an express train which would arrive in Chennai late Saturday evening and not Sunday morning as I expected. Hmmmm... I wondered about the room situation...oh well, it will work it's way out I guess.
We were off just a few minutes after 4pm and the cool air, the pollution and crowds of Delhi were left behind...for now.
My cabin mates included Stanny, an Indian gentleman (my translater as mentioned!), who has just 1.5 years before entering the Priesthood and who teaches Sociology at the University in Delhi, and three gentlemen in the Indian Army. So it appeared that I was to be in good hands and free of any sins should anything happen on our adventure across the country into the heat of the south! HAHA
Numerous conversations were enjoyed together with the necessary translation! Poor Stanny, we worked him!
There was interest in my whereabouts, why I was wearing the wristband that was in honor of Shiva, what I did, how long was I to be in India, where was I next to travel and so on. I returned the curiousity being mindful of proper etiquette.
Ahhhh the train....where do I begin?
As if out of a movie set, it appeared to have been giving it's service to hundreds of thousands, for hundreds of years...Everything appears to have a history, a story and the bathroom (one's squatting and agility is tested completely!), provided an opportunity to step out and open an adjoining door with the welcoming fresh air from the countryside.
We were prepared with fresh linen, blanket, pillow and towel for journey all from a gentleman who stared just a little tooooo long and who in the evening after appearing to consume to much alcohol, decided to stop by my bunk for a look but thankfully was not alone and his friend ushered him along. Needless to say, I barely slept until the wee hours of the morning when my body could stand no more.
I had the left side, two bunks to myself, fortunately for everyone as I left my belongings on the bottom and slept on the top. The bottom converts to a bunk from 2 seats should that have been needed and I was grateful for the use of it all quite selfishly!
We left on a sunny day and although the light was only with us for a couple of hours, the views of the outskirts of the city startled the ego in me...The shantytowns seemed to grow out of the sides of the tracks with tin roofs, some thatched huts but mostly plastic encirclements housing what appeared to be multiple families. Half clothed children played by the rails, small groups of cows and pigs fed amongst the hills and hills of garbage where the locals also searched among the ravaged remains of history for that which could possibly assist in some way... The heart was heavy for this witnessing of a poverty that one has seen in photos, perhaps in thoughts or dreams and most definitely heard of but which can never be prepared for...
Meandering along the route south, we were served abit of afternoon tea (and sweet lime juice!), then dinner a little later. Conversation was welcomed as one doesn't realize that they are traveling alone sometimes until the joy of sharing with another arises and then the spilling out of thoughts and questions have found a home...
Morning I am woke by one of the service lads who has bought breakfast. I make my way down the few steps from the top bunk to set myself properly for the day and the unstable movement of the train seems to act as an alarm clock with it's jolting forward while the necessary 'squatting' session is experienced fully! Thank god for the stern handle placement in 'just the right place' to hold one with care during the deed! Our car is right beside this communal vessel and it's smells are one to linger a little to long at times along with the hacking and the spitting of all the unwanted...
And in the sunlight we move across the plains...
Small villages sprout up on the outskirts of the larger cities, most of which we stop at to pick up more pilgrams on the journey.
The earth appears to be parched and sucked of any soothing moisture, begging for the monsoons which will not soak the farmers dreams with rain for yet another few months.
Stanny and I enjoy (at least I did!) talks off India. He has invited me to Darjeeling when I return as they have a hospice, a school, farms and numerous projects for the local children there. I had mentioned that I was to head to Rajisthan but after a discussion of the heat there I have changed my mind. As it will reach upwards to 40c, I cannot fathom my body at all in that environment so after a quick stop in Kolkata, formerly known as Calcutta, I will take the Darjeeling Limited into the terraced hillside mountain area of Darjeeling where the temperatures will be much more pleasant for me to stand. Stanny also has friends in Nepal so help while I am there may be poosible too. Chris and I can experience Rajisthan together!
Fields of mustard spread and sparkle like fireflies, lighting up the otherwise monotone land with a brightness of which only the sun could compare to...
As we move further south, the palm trees begin to appear like their own little tribe. Some on their very own and others in a hundled group around a delicious looking basin of water sheltered by their shade and enjoyed by the water buffalo, the dogs, the overheated farmers, the daily washing of the women and flocks of birds who dance on the surface. Some palms appear pregnant with coconut and others rise from the earth standing naked, offering a home for the tired migratory birds also traveling deep to the south...
Napping in the shade of the fields of corn and hundreds of banana groves, the farmers tired bodies are easily felt. The news has shared that the suicide of farmers in India is up 40%. The GMO seeds sold from the US along with the pesticides have abused and raped the soil of future crops, only after yeilds of harvest for maybe 2 years.
The woman are crouched deep into the fields of rice paddies with heads holding baskets of their future and babies playing not to far off...Some are deep into ditches along the rail, helping to create an irrigation channel for the few water basins that seem constantly diverted from their home...
And so the sites and sounds continue on the rails with stops including the exit to the chai-wallah before the steam horn bellows it's command in continuing the journey...
The train will arrive in Chennai late by one hour it seems and although this is news to most, I welcome any knowing of arrival...
As we enter Chennai the movement in the car increases as does the noise, the conversation and the singing of cellphones (most are set to a well known Indian song that is a pleasure to here over the western rap usually experienced back home!).
Stanny has kindly taken this inexperienced gal under his guidance and has helped to get a porter that carried my bags to the prepaid taxi area outside the massive train station in Chennai.
The station is an intense experience with volumes and volumes of people and movement in every possible direction with an unbelieveable stretch before you can exit. The eyes dart everywhere to the people, the colours, everywhere! People are sitting in large groups, lying on the ground with their belongings, meeting their family and friends, legions of small coffee and food stalls abound on the sides and the entire place is lit like a football stadium. Stanny said that it becomes more busy and congested like this the later the trains are.
The heat has hit me...the warm air is so different from the cold, if you can call it cold by our standards and experience, that I had in Delhi.
Stanny haggles the price down to 350rupees for a prepaid taxi to the New Woodlands Hotel where I am to stay.
Long story short, it was as I had thought that the NWH was fully booked but at least they could confirm my week long booking beginning on the 3rd. I stayed at President which was 3 times the price but welcomed as I was exhausted when I arrived.
Having shifted to the NWH I am feeling more settled and the crowds, the traffic, the horns, the heat and the smiles of India are integrating in their own speed without effort and without urgency...
The food is lovely although still abit hot for me. Why peppers when there is already so much heat in the air!
I have visited the Krishnamacharya Yoga Mandiram and beloved Radha was at Vedavani for me to set up my lessons with the delightful Akhila. I have also set up a Yoga Therapy consult with a few classes while here to attend to certain concerns in the precious body. I will stay to study until Feb 9 when I will head south for a couple of days and I am thrilled to be here.
25 years ago, just shy of my 12th birthday I found a book on yoga. That book spoke of a legend named Krishnamacharya who bought yoga to the west in the most complete and holistic manner. It has been a dream all these years, more intensely as time progressed, that I visit the place of this great master and study in this tradition, this lineage...that day has arrived... and so I humbly prostrate and bow to the teacher of teachers who captured my attention and my heart as a child...and with that, the whispers and dreams of that child are at once silenced with this blessing...
Om Srigurubhyo Namaha
Honor and gratitude to the teachers
Hoping this finds you and yours happy, healthy and peaceful
With love
Jennifer
Through the deep and noisy, unending crowd of people we found our way up, up, up the flights of stairs to the right platform and to the car and seat that was to be my home for the next 30hrs. 50 rupees was to be the payment but since he loaded my bag into the car it rose to 100 which was easy to agree to as the troubled load was his not mine and I was grateful...It was with the assistance of a translater that I found out about the inflation!
Settling into my side of the cabin, with all eyes of interest focused as though I was waving gold, I took time to try and find a home for the bags that held the precious books of study and the comforts of home...
It was through conversation of my cabin mates that I found out I was on an express train which would arrive in Chennai late Saturday evening and not Sunday morning as I expected. Hmmmm... I wondered about the room situation...oh well, it will work it's way out I guess.
We were off just a few minutes after 4pm and the cool air, the pollution and crowds of Delhi were left behind...for now.
My cabin mates included Stanny, an Indian gentleman (my translater as mentioned!), who has just 1.5 years before entering the Priesthood and who teaches Sociology at the University in Delhi, and three gentlemen in the Indian Army. So it appeared that I was to be in good hands and free of any sins should anything happen on our adventure across the country into the heat of the south! HAHA
Numerous conversations were enjoyed together with the necessary translation! Poor Stanny, we worked him!
There was interest in my whereabouts, why I was wearing the wristband that was in honor of Shiva, what I did, how long was I to be in India, where was I next to travel and so on. I returned the curiousity being mindful of proper etiquette.
Ahhhh the train....where do I begin?
As if out of a movie set, it appeared to have been giving it's service to hundreds of thousands, for hundreds of years...Everything appears to have a history, a story and the bathroom (one's squatting and agility is tested completely!), provided an opportunity to step out and open an adjoining door with the welcoming fresh air from the countryside.
We were prepared with fresh linen, blanket, pillow and towel for journey all from a gentleman who stared just a little tooooo long and who in the evening after appearing to consume to much alcohol, decided to stop by my bunk for a look but thankfully was not alone and his friend ushered him along. Needless to say, I barely slept until the wee hours of the morning when my body could stand no more.
I had the left side, two bunks to myself, fortunately for everyone as I left my belongings on the bottom and slept on the top. The bottom converts to a bunk from 2 seats should that have been needed and I was grateful for the use of it all quite selfishly!
We left on a sunny day and although the light was only with us for a couple of hours, the views of the outskirts of the city startled the ego in me...The shantytowns seemed to grow out of the sides of the tracks with tin roofs, some thatched huts but mostly plastic encirclements housing what appeared to be multiple families. Half clothed children played by the rails, small groups of cows and pigs fed amongst the hills and hills of garbage where the locals also searched among the ravaged remains of history for that which could possibly assist in some way... The heart was heavy for this witnessing of a poverty that one has seen in photos, perhaps in thoughts or dreams and most definitely heard of but which can never be prepared for...
Meandering along the route south, we were served abit of afternoon tea (and sweet lime juice!), then dinner a little later. Conversation was welcomed as one doesn't realize that they are traveling alone sometimes until the joy of sharing with another arises and then the spilling out of thoughts and questions have found a home...
Morning I am woke by one of the service lads who has bought breakfast. I make my way down the few steps from the top bunk to set myself properly for the day and the unstable movement of the train seems to act as an alarm clock with it's jolting forward while the necessary 'squatting' session is experienced fully! Thank god for the stern handle placement in 'just the right place' to hold one with care during the deed! Our car is right beside this communal vessel and it's smells are one to linger a little to long at times along with the hacking and the spitting of all the unwanted...
And in the sunlight we move across the plains...
Small villages sprout up on the outskirts of the larger cities, most of which we stop at to pick up more pilgrams on the journey.
The earth appears to be parched and sucked of any soothing moisture, begging for the monsoons which will not soak the farmers dreams with rain for yet another few months.
Stanny and I enjoy (at least I did!) talks off India. He has invited me to Darjeeling when I return as they have a hospice, a school, farms and numerous projects for the local children there. I had mentioned that I was to head to Rajisthan but after a discussion of the heat there I have changed my mind. As it will reach upwards to 40c, I cannot fathom my body at all in that environment so after a quick stop in Kolkata, formerly known as Calcutta, I will take the Darjeeling Limited into the terraced hillside mountain area of Darjeeling where the temperatures will be much more pleasant for me to stand. Stanny also has friends in Nepal so help while I am there may be poosible too. Chris and I can experience Rajisthan together!
Fields of mustard spread and sparkle like fireflies, lighting up the otherwise monotone land with a brightness of which only the sun could compare to...
As we move further south, the palm trees begin to appear like their own little tribe. Some on their very own and others in a hundled group around a delicious looking basin of water sheltered by their shade and enjoyed by the water buffalo, the dogs, the overheated farmers, the daily washing of the women and flocks of birds who dance on the surface. Some palms appear pregnant with coconut and others rise from the earth standing naked, offering a home for the tired migratory birds also traveling deep to the south...
Napping in the shade of the fields of corn and hundreds of banana groves, the farmers tired bodies are easily felt. The news has shared that the suicide of farmers in India is up 40%. The GMO seeds sold from the US along with the pesticides have abused and raped the soil of future crops, only after yeilds of harvest for maybe 2 years.
The woman are crouched deep into the fields of rice paddies with heads holding baskets of their future and babies playing not to far off...Some are deep into ditches along the rail, helping to create an irrigation channel for the few water basins that seem constantly diverted from their home...
And so the sites and sounds continue on the rails with stops including the exit to the chai-wallah before the steam horn bellows it's command in continuing the journey...
The train will arrive in Chennai late by one hour it seems and although this is news to most, I welcome any knowing of arrival...
As we enter Chennai the movement in the car increases as does the noise, the conversation and the singing of cellphones (most are set to a well known Indian song that is a pleasure to here over the western rap usually experienced back home!).
Stanny has kindly taken this inexperienced gal under his guidance and has helped to get a porter that carried my bags to the prepaid taxi area outside the massive train station in Chennai.
The station is an intense experience with volumes and volumes of people and movement in every possible direction with an unbelieveable stretch before you can exit. The eyes dart everywhere to the people, the colours, everywhere! People are sitting in large groups, lying on the ground with their belongings, meeting their family and friends, legions of small coffee and food stalls abound on the sides and the entire place is lit like a football stadium. Stanny said that it becomes more busy and congested like this the later the trains are.
The heat has hit me...the warm air is so different from the cold, if you can call it cold by our standards and experience, that I had in Delhi.
Stanny haggles the price down to 350rupees for a prepaid taxi to the New Woodlands Hotel where I am to stay.
Long story short, it was as I had thought that the NWH was fully booked but at least they could confirm my week long booking beginning on the 3rd. I stayed at President which was 3 times the price but welcomed as I was exhausted when I arrived.
Having shifted to the NWH I am feeling more settled and the crowds, the traffic, the horns, the heat and the smiles of India are integrating in their own speed without effort and without urgency...
The food is lovely although still abit hot for me. Why peppers when there is already so much heat in the air!
I have visited the Krishnamacharya Yoga Mandiram and beloved Radha was at Vedavani for me to set up my lessons with the delightful Akhila. I have also set up a Yoga Therapy consult with a few classes while here to attend to certain concerns in the precious body. I will stay to study until Feb 9 when I will head south for a couple of days and I am thrilled to be here.
25 years ago, just shy of my 12th birthday I found a book on yoga. That book spoke of a legend named Krishnamacharya who bought yoga to the west in the most complete and holistic manner. It has been a dream all these years, more intensely as time progressed, that I visit the place of this great master and study in this tradition, this lineage...that day has arrived... and so I humbly prostrate and bow to the teacher of teachers who captured my attention and my heart as a child...and with that, the whispers and dreams of that child are at once silenced with this blessing...
Om Srigurubhyo Namaha
Honor and gratitude to the teachers
Hoping this finds you and yours happy, healthy and peaceful
With love
Jennifer
Friday, February 1, 2008
Goodbye Delhi...
About to head to the train now for a day and a half trip to Chennai.
The noise, the pollution, the puppies and dogs, the 'Madam, Madam, here, here..', the young boy who has kept me away from the touts and the unnesscessary will all be missed. I need to move on and so I shall sail across the land of raw extremes to the far south in search of confirmation that I am on the right track with my studies and a reprieve from this city of contradictions...
Love and all that good stuff;)
Om
Jennifer
The noise, the pollution, the puppies and dogs, the 'Madam, Madam, here, here..', the young boy who has kept me away from the touts and the unnesscessary will all be missed. I need to move on and so I shall sail across the land of raw extremes to the far south in search of confirmation that I am on the right track with my studies and a reprieve from this city of contradictions...
Love and all that good stuff;)
Om
Jennifer
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