Nichole and I left Risheskeh on Tuesday to explore the rest of Northern India. It was difficult to leave because we have made so many wonderful friends, with the women on our yoga retreat and with the local Hindu people. Our last night we had a farewell party with our wonderful new community and danced the night away to funky Indian music. Nichole and I had heard that the Dalai Lama would be speaking for three days in Dharmansala, so we changed our previous plans and decided to head straight to this Himalayan community. Traveling anywhere in India is not easy, it takes a lot of patience, good humor, and a tough stomach... and as many of you know, I get nautious very easily! We decided to take the 9 hour night train rather than airplane: one, it was much cheaper (around 500 rupee, which is about 10 US dollars) and two, everyone has told us the main things we must do in India is attend a Hindi wedding and ride the train (somehow crashing a wedding hasn't come up yet, but we still have a few more days). I'm not sure if I can put into words how comical/ crazy/ overwhelming/ life-flashing-before-your-eyes/ intense our experience of the station and actually riding all night on a crowded train in India really was... so the best I can do is tell you to see the movie Darjeeling Limited, because that sums it up pretty well. And to make it all so much better, we then took a 5 hour car ride up the windey, gravel roads of the Himalayas... needless to say my stomach was in my throat by the end of the day.
But arriving in this beautiful town was more than worth the trip. Dharmanasala is a Tibetan Buddhist community where the Dalai Lama lives along with many other Tibetan refugees. It is a cute little town that is nuzzled into the side of the mountains, and it truly has it's own unique culture... it feels like we have stepped out of India and into Tibet. We have been spending our time hiking through the winding paths of the green trees, eating wonderful Tibetan food, reading about the Buddha's teachings, making friends with the sweet locals (and just to prove that the world really is a small place, we ran into my friend Dorjee from my plane ride to India), taking yoga classes (and really trying hard to appreciate all the different traditional styles of yoga that are taught here) and of course, listening to the Dalai Lama speak.
For the past three days Nichole and I have walked down to the local Buddhist temple after breakfast to listen to a 2 hour teaching. Each day we were surrounded by such beautiful people... local Tibetan Buddhists, Hindus, tourists from all over the world in every shape, color and religion... it didn't matter. What mattered was that we were all brought together with the intention of peace and love. The Dalai Lama was everything you would imagine; blissful, playful, funny, inspirational, and passionate. He spoke very informally, making jokes and taking time to drink tea and eat biscuits with everyone in the crowd. Each day I walked away from the lesson with so much inspiration and clarity in my heart... but I know you must be curious as to what he spoke about, so I will try my best to summarize it here:
His main message was about compassion, and how it truly is the key to life. He said that no matter what our differences (gender, race, background, social statues, age, etc.) that we are all so very similar, and having compassion in our hearts will help us to feel that connection. We all have the same fears, hopes, dreams, desires, and needs; in essence we are all human beings. Once we can truly see that there are no differences between us, only then can we begin to work together towards peace. We must first learn to have unconditional love and compassion for ourselves, so that we can then extend it to the world. Honoring the light and perfection in our own hearts, allows us to see that exact same thing in others. The Dalia Lama explained that the foundation of Buddhism rests on compassion, but that there area also two more important parts. The first is ahimsa, which is sanskrit for non-violence... to have completely loving thoughts and actions towards all sentient beings. The second is interdependency, which acknowledges that all of existence is connected. To know that all of our pain, anger, fear, joy and sorrow directly effects one another, and that there is no separation. Living through non-violence and the concept of interdependency are both done by having compassion for oneself and the entire universe.
Yeah I know, pretty powerful!
This morning Nichole and I walked around the grounds of the temple along with many other people completing their morning prayer and meditation walk. Along the peaceful path there were Tibetan prayer flags hanging from the trees, hand painted stones with the Buddhist mantra of compassion, and prayer wheels that are turned clockwise while repeating ones prayer or mantra. There was a such an extremely beautiful feeling of peace along the entire path, that I couldn't help but feel overwhelmed with the foundation of Buddhism: compassion. Compassion for these amazing Tibetan refugees, and all of the struggles they have faced. Compassion for the beautiful nature that was surrounding me. Compassion for myself and this amazing journey that I am on. Compassion for the Dalai Lama and his vision to spread peace all over the world. Compassion for the my friends and family who are not physically with me, but who I can feel every day. And compassion for the entire universe, with all of its sorrows, joys, pain and beauty. I felt all of this in just our short hour walk around the temple, and yet people walk this very path every morning. Imagine if everyone in the world started their day with thoughts and feelings of compassion towards all beings! What a peaceful world we would live in.
Sunday, September 28, 2008
Thursday, September 18, 2008
So Much Love
I have been here in Reshikesh for almost a week and it seems like so much longer. I have been experiencing so much, and meeting so many amazing people that I'm truly overwhelmed with gratitude. We are staying in a place called Divine Ganga Cottage, and the name perfectly describes the feeling. It is tucked away in a peaceful spot at the base of the Himalayas, and it overlooks the Gangese River - which Hindus call Mata Ganga and is considered to be very holy. The Cottage is sandwiched between an orphanage and a school, so I get to wake up every morning to children singing and practicing their English. We are a vary close walk to the town of Rhom Jhula, which is where we spend most days exploring the streets. The town is filled with beautiful women in brightly colored saris, men in linens selling all sorts of amazing jewelry and fabrics, beautiful Indian music, little carts filled with interesting looking sweets and breads, the occasional foreigner looking excited yet extreemly overwhelemed, monkeys who steel food right out of your hands, and cows mingling with the people ( they are considered to be very holy here). There are so many sights, sounds and smells that my scenes feel like they are waking from a deep sleep.
Amidst all the beauty, there is lots of poverty. People clothed in rags and holding beginning bowls line the dirty streets which are filled with trash and cow poop. The poverty here is overwhelming at times, and there is so much I want to do to help out. They gather by the Ganga during the day to take their baths, and stand in a rashon line during the evenings to receive a small portion of food provided by the yoga asharam here in town. I had a very emotional moment one day when I saw all the people with deep empty eyes paiently waiting for their meal in an extreemly long line... There were so many tourists standing around taking pictures of them, as if they were animals in a cage. It hit me then, that we have no idea what it's like to exist within such extreme poverty. There are so many people starving to death, and all we can do is stand back and take pictures... this separates us so much from one another. They too are human beings with desires, hopes, dreams and fears, and they are no different than us. I have so much compassion for the people here, that it feels overwhelming at times.
My main intention upon coming to this amazing country was to learn about meditation and yoga, and while that makes up a large part of my day, I also feel like I'm learning so much about selfless service and unconditional love. The people here do not have material wealth so instead they give their hearts. It seems as if their total purpose is to please their guests and to make us feel taken care of. I met a young girl name Kamna while she was walking past the Cottage one day to school, and we have become very good friends. She and her sister Shikha have learned English in school and are teaching Nichole and I Hindi out of their home. They have three other sisters and live in a humble one room house with only a tiny kitchen, three beds pushed together that they share, and no running water or bathroom. When we go over for our lessons, we sit cross legged on their bed, while their mother prepares us tea and their little sisters draw us pictures. Hindi is such a amazing language, but truthfully I am learning so much more about their culture and their beautiful hearts. So far my favorite words are:
Byar- Love
Sundar- Beautiful
Sukriya- Thank You
Dost- Friend
Last night we went over to their house to celebrate Kamna's birthday, and we had such an amazing time. I feel like they are my Indian family and that we have known each other forever. They have invited Nichole and I to come live with them.... it's amazing that they have so little space, yet they want to make room for two more in their small home. So much love!
Besides gaining a greater perspective on humanity, I am also getting to experience so many more amazing things. Yesterday we hiked in the Himalayas near a waterfall, and being immersed in this incredible nature was really powerful. I have meat with a Vedic Astrologer which was very interesting, and have received the most amazing Aryvedic massage. We wake up at 4:30am to do a two hour Sadhana practice, which consits of chanting, meditation, and prayer. This has been extreemly difficult yet powerful in so many ways. This morning it was pouring rain, and I could truly feel the inner and outer change that we are creating. We also practice daily vinyasa and kundalini yoga classes, and the beauty of flowing with the Himalaya's surrounding us is truly undescribable. I have heard for years how magical India is, and now I am truly begining to see why.
I miss you all so much, but I also feel you here with me! I'm sending so much love back home to the states, and know that my heart is with you always
Byar
April
Amidst all the beauty, there is lots of poverty. People clothed in rags and holding beginning bowls line the dirty streets which are filled with trash and cow poop. The poverty here is overwhelming at times, and there is so much I want to do to help out. They gather by the Ganga during the day to take their baths, and stand in a rashon line during the evenings to receive a small portion of food provided by the yoga asharam here in town. I had a very emotional moment one day when I saw all the people with deep empty eyes paiently waiting for their meal in an extreemly long line... There were so many tourists standing around taking pictures of them, as if they were animals in a cage. It hit me then, that we have no idea what it's like to exist within such extreme poverty. There are so many people starving to death, and all we can do is stand back and take pictures... this separates us so much from one another. They too are human beings with desires, hopes, dreams and fears, and they are no different than us. I have so much compassion for the people here, that it feels overwhelming at times.
My main intention upon coming to this amazing country was to learn about meditation and yoga, and while that makes up a large part of my day, I also feel like I'm learning so much about selfless service and unconditional love. The people here do not have material wealth so instead they give their hearts. It seems as if their total purpose is to please their guests and to make us feel taken care of. I met a young girl name Kamna while she was walking past the Cottage one day to school, and we have become very good friends. She and her sister Shikha have learned English in school and are teaching Nichole and I Hindi out of their home. They have three other sisters and live in a humble one room house with only a tiny kitchen, three beds pushed together that they share, and no running water or bathroom. When we go over for our lessons, we sit cross legged on their bed, while their mother prepares us tea and their little sisters draw us pictures. Hindi is such a amazing language, but truthfully I am learning so much more about their culture and their beautiful hearts. So far my favorite words are:
Byar- Love
Sundar- Beautiful
Sukriya- Thank You
Dost- Friend
Last night we went over to their house to celebrate Kamna's birthday, and we had such an amazing time. I feel like they are my Indian family and that we have known each other forever. They have invited Nichole and I to come live with them.... it's amazing that they have so little space, yet they want to make room for two more in their small home. So much love!
Besides gaining a greater perspective on humanity, I am also getting to experience so many more amazing things. Yesterday we hiked in the Himalayas near a waterfall, and being immersed in this incredible nature was really powerful. I have meat with a Vedic Astrologer which was very interesting, and have received the most amazing Aryvedic massage. We wake up at 4:30am to do a two hour Sadhana practice, which consits of chanting, meditation, and prayer. This has been extreemly difficult yet powerful in so many ways. This morning it was pouring rain, and I could truly feel the inner and outer change that we are creating. We also practice daily vinyasa and kundalini yoga classes, and the beauty of flowing with the Himalaya's surrounding us is truly undescribable. I have heard for years how magical India is, and now I am truly begining to see why.
I miss you all so much, but I also feel you here with me! I'm sending so much love back home to the states, and know that my heart is with you always
Byar
April
Saturday, September 13, 2008
Namaste
After over 20 hours of travel time and lots of anticipation, I've made it safely to India! The flight was much quicker than I had imagined... partially because I was excited by the Hindu movies, beautiful traditional music, and surprisingly delicious Indian air plane food... but also because of the company. I was feeling a bit overwhelmed upon boarding the flight from my hectic layover at New York... but just then I was greeted with a familiar loving hello: Namaste. This is a greeting in Sanskrit that acknowledges the the love and goodness in all beings. Upon boarding the flight, a beautiful steradesss dressed in a green and blue sari had her hands in angali mudra over her heart center, to gave me the most compassionate smile while saying "Namaste." I returned the greeting, and immediately realized in my heart that I am exactly where I am supposed to be... and that no matter where in the world we come from, we are much more similar than we realize.
I sat next to a sweet man named Dorjee who was traveling to Dharmansala to visit his mother, whom he had not seen in 4 years. He is a Tibetan refugee who now lives in Chicago, and he openly told me about his escape from the dangers of China's takeover. He fled into the mountains with 30 other people from his small village, and walked through very unsafe terrain for over a month. He talked to me about how compassionate Tibetans are, and how much they support the Dahli Lama's choice for peace. He seemed so pained when talking about the destruction of his beautiful country, and I assured him that there are many people all over the world who are supportive of the freedom of Tibet. With his joyful eyes and compassionate smile, I could see just how much love he has for his people. He now lives with his wife and son Karma, who just recently escaped from Tibet, although Dorjee said now it is almost impossible for people to leave the country. He told me that Tibetan people were never allowed the chance to receive an education, and he is just now learning to read and write. The first time he ever saw a computer was a few years ago, and he recently learned how to drive a car. He says it's been difficult adjusting to our modern world, but that he feels much safer in America. He is visiting Dharmansala not only to spend time with his mother, but also to pray and take some yoga classes. I told him I am a yoga instructor and that I was also planning on visiting this holy city. He asked if perhaps I could be his teacher, but I have a feeling he has taught me more than I could ever give him.
After arriving in New Dehli I was picked up by a friendly man who was sent from the hotel that I will be spending the night in. In just riding through the city for 15 minutes, I already feel like I have seen so much! The highways are lined with everything from packed buses, tiny cars (I think called tuk tuks), expensive foreign automobiles, motorcycles with women in saris riding side saddle on the back (and sometimes with babies on their laps!) to bicycles and even people walking/dodging the oncoming traffic! All of this on the highway! And billboards lined the streets in English with American companies, to signify the wave of western culture that has overtaken the city. While one block looked like a mini Manhattan, the next was runned down with poverty. I have never seen so much trash lining the streets, and so many people wandering aimlessly looking for something to do. I'm sure I am in for an even bigger shock when I begin to enter the really impoverished towns away from this modernized city.
I have met up with the other women, and we are spending the night here in New Dehli, and will head off to Rishekish first thing in the morning. It feels so good to be here in a place that is very foreign, yet a bit familiar at the same time. Mala's hanging from dash boards, friendly smiles, bright colors and greetings of Namaste... I beginning to feel at home away from home.
I sat next to a sweet man named Dorjee who was traveling to Dharmansala to visit his mother, whom he had not seen in 4 years. He is a Tibetan refugee who now lives in Chicago, and he openly told me about his escape from the dangers of China's takeover. He fled into the mountains with 30 other people from his small village, and walked through very unsafe terrain for over a month. He talked to me about how compassionate Tibetans are, and how much they support the Dahli Lama's choice for peace. He seemed so pained when talking about the destruction of his beautiful country, and I assured him that there are many people all over the world who are supportive of the freedom of Tibet. With his joyful eyes and compassionate smile, I could see just how much love he has for his people. He now lives with his wife and son Karma, who just recently escaped from Tibet, although Dorjee said now it is almost impossible for people to leave the country. He told me that Tibetan people were never allowed the chance to receive an education, and he is just now learning to read and write. The first time he ever saw a computer was a few years ago, and he recently learned how to drive a car. He says it's been difficult adjusting to our modern world, but that he feels much safer in America. He is visiting Dharmansala not only to spend time with his mother, but also to pray and take some yoga classes. I told him I am a yoga instructor and that I was also planning on visiting this holy city. He asked if perhaps I could be his teacher, but I have a feeling he has taught me more than I could ever give him.
After arriving in New Dehli I was picked up by a friendly man who was sent from the hotel that I will be spending the night in. In just riding through the city for 15 minutes, I already feel like I have seen so much! The highways are lined with everything from packed buses, tiny cars (I think called tuk tuks), expensive foreign automobiles, motorcycles with women in saris riding side saddle on the back (and sometimes with babies on their laps!) to bicycles and even people walking/dodging the oncoming traffic! All of this on the highway! And billboards lined the streets in English with American companies, to signify the wave of western culture that has overtaken the city. While one block looked like a mini Manhattan, the next was runned down with poverty. I have never seen so much trash lining the streets, and so many people wandering aimlessly looking for something to do. I'm sure I am in for an even bigger shock when I begin to enter the really impoverished towns away from this modernized city.
I have met up with the other women, and we are spending the night here in New Dehli, and will head off to Rishekish first thing in the morning. It feels so good to be here in a place that is very foreign, yet a bit familiar at the same time. Mala's hanging from dash boards, friendly smiles, bright colors and greetings of Namaste... I beginning to feel at home away from home.
Sunday, September 7, 2008
On my way...
I am writing my story for all of you to experience this journey right along with me. From my eyes to your hearts. Thank you for all the encouragement and support, it's because of you that I have the courage to embrace this amazing opportunity!
I know I have bounced around a lot with many different ideas for my trip, and I'm sure many of you are still wondering where exactly I'm headed... Let me share my itenarary with you, so we know what we're getting ourselves into!
I leave this Friday, September 12th for a 6 month journey to three different countries, with three very different intentions. My first stop is 3 weeks in Northern India near the Himalayas. For the first week I am traveling with a group of seven amazing women to the holy city of Rishikesh to join a yoga retreat lead by a dear friend and amazing teacher, Val DAmbrosio. After a week of meditation and yoga, my friend Nichole Golden and I will head off to an ashram in Kaichi for a week long stay. Our last week in India we plan on visiting Dharamasla where the Dalai Lama lives, the sacred city of Vernace and New Delhi to see to Taj Mahal. My intention for India is to fully embrace the role of a student; to study yoga and meditation, and to explore the Hindu and Buddhist cultures.
The second country is where I will be spending the most time, Thailand. I will be living in Chiang Mai which is a city in the north, best known for Thai Yoga Massage, friendly people, beautiful surroundings and of course, yoga. I will be staying here for 4 months to teach yoga in studios, spas, and possibly through community outreach in local orphanages and schools. My main intention in Thailand, is not only to fully immerse myself in their eastern culture, but also to dedicate myself to teaching. I do realize that in many ways I will be learning and growing as a student in this foreign land, but I also hope to bring something new to the people that I meet.
The last planned stop on my trip is Cambodia where I will stay for one month in the city of Phenom Penn. As many of you know, I have been raising money for the Cambodian Children's Fund for the past 7 months, and now is the moment where I will get to actually be with the children I have come to love so much. During my stay I will live with a host family and work on the orphanage each day, which is very similar to the program my friend Jamie J just retruned from. Throughout all of my efforts to raise awareness within our community, I can honestly say I am most excited about this part of my journey. Many of you have supported me so much through the past 7 months, and I promise to take a piece of you with me into the orphanages every single day. My intention in Cambodia is dedicated towards seva, which in Sanskrit means selfless service.
Once again I want to thank you all for your continued love and support, I feel so grateful to have such amazing friends and family in my life! I'm so happy I can share my journey with you all over the next 6 months, and even though we will be on opposite sides of the world, I know we will always be connected!
Love and Peace
April
I know I have bounced around a lot with many different ideas for my trip, and I'm sure many of you are still wondering where exactly I'm headed... Let me share my itenarary with you, so we know what we're getting ourselves into!
I leave this Friday, September 12th for a 6 month journey to three different countries, with three very different intentions. My first stop is 3 weeks in Northern India near the Himalayas. For the first week I am traveling with a group of seven amazing women to the holy city of Rishikesh to join a yoga retreat lead by a dear friend and amazing teacher, Val DAmbrosio. After a week of meditation and yoga, my friend Nichole Golden and I will head off to an ashram in Kaichi for a week long stay. Our last week in India we plan on visiting Dharamasla where the Dalai Lama lives, the sacred city of Vernace and New Delhi to see to Taj Mahal. My intention for India is to fully embrace the role of a student; to study yoga and meditation, and to explore the Hindu and Buddhist cultures.
The second country is where I will be spending the most time, Thailand. I will be living in Chiang Mai which is a city in the north, best known for Thai Yoga Massage, friendly people, beautiful surroundings and of course, yoga. I will be staying here for 4 months to teach yoga in studios, spas, and possibly through community outreach in local orphanages and schools. My main intention in Thailand, is not only to fully immerse myself in their eastern culture, but also to dedicate myself to teaching. I do realize that in many ways I will be learning and growing as a student in this foreign land, but I also hope to bring something new to the people that I meet.
The last planned stop on my trip is Cambodia where I will stay for one month in the city of Phenom Penn. As many of you know, I have been raising money for the Cambodian Children's Fund for the past 7 months, and now is the moment where I will get to actually be with the children I have come to love so much. During my stay I will live with a host family and work on the orphanage each day, which is very similar to the program my friend Jamie J just retruned from. Throughout all of my efforts to raise awareness within our community, I can honestly say I am most excited about this part of my journey. Many of you have supported me so much through the past 7 months, and I promise to take a piece of you with me into the orphanages every single day. My intention in Cambodia is dedicated towards seva, which in Sanskrit means selfless service.
Once again I want to thank you all for your continued love and support, I feel so grateful to have such amazing friends and family in my life! I'm so happy I can share my journey with you all over the next 6 months, and even though we will be on opposite sides of the world, I know we will always be connected!
Love and Peace
April
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