Dharmadevi and I were trimming trees at our Ananda Desert Seclusion retreat this past weekend. We were making kindling from some of the desert trees that needed tending for Navaratri – a nine day celebration to Divine Mother. When it came to clipping the big branches or breaking limbs in two, I was quite energetic and enthusiastic about our project. I used clippers and bare hands to create bunches of branches together. It was satisfying to clean up the retreat … Read More
Dwapara 320
What is happening to our planet? A pandemic, economic fallout, social unrest, and general chaos have seemingly become our new normal. What’s next? Civil war and/or world war? Why has this period been so polarizing and transformational at the same time? Cultural creatives (like you) want the world to change for the better. And there is no doubt we are on the eve of a titanic transformation. Will it be clean and easy? I think you know the answer to … Read More
Lesson Learned in a Parking Lot
This is a simple story about a late-night moment, but in every moment lies a lesson. It’s almost 2am and I am writing this on my iPhone while sitting in my car in the parking lot of a 24-hour pet emergency center. I’ve already been here for almost two hours while my dog, Aashi, waits inside to be checked by the on-call vet. Due to Covid, I am not allowed to enter the building. So when I arrived I checked … Read More
It’s All Good
Maybe you’ve used the expression it’s all good, when you’ve wanted to convey to someone not to worry about something they may have said or done wrong or for an unfortunate situation. It’s a bit like “Hakuna Matata” for any of you Lion King fans out there. I was recently reflecting on the Creation Story from the Bible. In it, God is manifesting the different aspects of our physical reality. He takes a pause between creating the sky, the water, … Read More
Is Joy All Nature’s Theme?
During my first pilgrimage to India I had the great blessing of going with a group of Ananda devotees led by Nayaswamis Durga and Vidura. Having never been to India before, I was deeply grateful to have their divine friendship throughout our travels. Our pilgrimage began at the Ananda Gurgaon Ashram and a satsang with Swami Kriyananda. Swamiji gave our pilgrimage group the advice, “Close your eyes and open your hearts to India’s spiritual vibrations.” Taking the spirit of Ananda … Read More
When We Sang for Pope John Paul II at the Vatican
One of the most memorable times of living at Ananda Assisi was when the World Brotherhood Choir sang at the Vatican on Wednesday, March 8, 1989. After celebrating Paramhansa Yogananda’s Mahasamadhi Anniversary on the previous day, the Ananda Assisi community felt a deep blessing as we caravanned to Rome to share Master’s and Swami Kriyananda’s songs as a vibrational-offering for the Spiritual Unity of All Mankind. It was a historical time for us at Ananda Assisi as we shared our … Read More
Going with the Flow
It was my first time kayaking a few weeks ago. The day was perfect, sunny and bright, and the water smooth, reflecting the sky. We saw dolphins in the early morning, and were hopeful to see some more. My friend Lauren and I set off as her brother and niece sat on the pier fishing. Being an experienced kayaker, Lauren paddled ahead while I took my time drinking everything in. Drifting leisurely, I looked over to catch a little dolphin … Read More
Mother Nature Is Calling
As I’m writing this blog, Narayan and I are having a day of silence before leaving the Ananda Desert Retreat. As you read this blog, we will be beginning a two-week camping trip in Sedona, Arizona. Our campground has no cell reception or WiFi. We talked about going camping a number of times but this time, Divine Mother was calling us. “Unplug. Let my silent beauty restore you.” I’ve noticed, since the pandemic began, that many are feeling the call … Read More
The Wayshower
“Guruji, I have just been invited to address a religious congress in America. Shall I go?” “All doors are open for you,” Master replied simply. “It is now or never.” “But, sir,” I said in dismay, “what do I know about public speaking? Seldom have I given a lecture, and never in English.” “English or no English, your words on yoga shall be heard in the West.” I laughed. “Well, dear guruji, I hardly think the Americans will learn Bengali! … Read More
Liquid Peace
Have you ever gotten your feelings hurt? Or you’ve even tried to act like you didn’t when you did! I’m sure we can all relate to something someone said or did that pushed a certain reactive “ouch” button in our consciousness. Maybe you’ve experienced it on a physical level if you’ve ever had an injury. What happens if someone touches an injured area of your body. Don’t you instinctively recoil? We have similar sore spots in our consciousness that need … Read More
