Argentina & Mexico
IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF BLISS
World Tour celebrating Baba’s 100th Jayanti from May 2007 – May 2008
Jayanti Update
The Tour traveled to Argentina, Mexico, California, Canada and Chicago….
The Jayanti Tour reporting begins again in Argentina. Starting with a brief history of how Baba Muktananda was lovingly introduced to Argentina and moves into the telling of highlights and stories beginning with the arrival of the In the Footsteps of Bliss Tour there in early July. The Jayanti Tour continued through Argentina, Mexico, California, Canada and a brief stop in Chicago at the end of August; we are grateful for the written contributions of quite a few that traveled with the tour and have shared with us about the events and their experiences.
We include here excellent reporting from Jai & Ram, Madhu, Sandy, Prabodha, Wendy, and Jana. Also, Dr. Rakhee re-joined the tour in California and began again her daily journal. Through their personal sharing, we can feel how each place is different and still the same … how the love and appreciation expressed is Universal and yet unique; perhaps just like the cultures.
More recently the Tour was hosted at the Shanti Mandir Ashram in Walden, NY for the extended period of September and October and included the celebration of the Anniversary of Baba Muktananda’s 25th Mahasamadhi. With the next installment of the Jayanti Report, to be posted quite soon, you will hear about the joy and inspiration of those 2 months.
Today the Tour is traveling throughout Europe and then on to Africa – they will arrive again in India in late December.
Please enjoy this brief walk IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF BLISS on Baba’s Jayanti Tour!
With love,
Baba’s Jayanti Team
Argentina
Beginning with a brief history ….
Nora Battaglia, known now as Shiva or Shiva Mai, was a 37 year old householder from Argentina when she met Baba Muktananda in June of 1978 in Ganeshpuri; prior to that she was a teacher of Maharishi’s meditation. She had experienced a saint dressed in orange appearing in her meditation several times. She didn’t know who this person was, so she told Maharishi about her visions. Maharishi told her that she should go and meet this saint, who was Baba Muktananda. Thus, she embarked on a journey from her home in Argentina to Ganeshpuri, India to meet Baba. When she arrived in Ganeshpuri and approached the gates of the Ashram she saw a man dressed in orange, he looked at her, smiled and said, “I was waiting for you”, it was Baba.
After staying in the ashram for several months, Baba told Shiva to take Siddha Yoga to South America. He gave her a Shaktipat picture, some puja items and told her to set up a center in Argentina and that she should give Shaktipat. She lived from that time until the end of her life doing her Guru’s will. She held the Guru Gita every day and satsangs every week. She also created the Pratibha Foundation in Argentina as a means of sharing Baba’s message. Her daily seva continued until she passed away on 26th of January 2000. She influenced thousands of devotees in Argentina by doing what Baba instructed her to do. Almost no one in Argentina knew Baba physically, but their devotion was one pointed and continuous. Baba’s promise to visit Argentina was about to be fulfilled by Mahamandaleshwar Swami Nityananda with the “The Footsteps of Bliss World Tour”.
Madhu Carpenter and his wife Amita arrived in Buenos Aires, Argentina to join Baba Muktananda’s Jayanti Celebration.
July 4
We were greeted by our host, Federico Oliveri, as we arrived at the airport in Buenos Aires. He quickly gathered us up, drove us to the Bauen Suite Hotel located in the central part of the city, checked us into our room and sent us off on a free day of exploring the city. The experience of walking streets teeming with handsome, well dressed people, rushing to various destinations, was completely captivating and filled us with excitement. Buenos Aires is a city filled with history, rich in culture and, of course, passion. It’s the home of the Tango and that same sophistication and mystery shows in the faces and manners of the people of this city. Being in this wonderful place, surrounded by this vibrant energy and knowing that we were about to connect with the long history and devotion of Baba’s devotees, is just indescribable. As was so true of our times with Baba so many years before, it was completely over the top.
We slept that night, peaceful and fulfilled pilgrims, on the threshold of unforgettable experiences.
July 5
We began the day, along with other pilgrims staying at the hotel, being transported by taxi to Federico and Vicky Oliveri’s home for the Guru Gita, breakfast, satsang and lunch. Their charming and newly renovated home was the setting for many of the Argentinean devotees first meeting with Gurudev. The atmosphere of love, sincerity and devotion created by those present was something we will always remember.
An informal satsang with Gurudev followed the chant. This was a lovely time to witness the long awaited meeting. The room was filled with a light and happy feeling and the fulfillment could be seen in the eyes of all present. I thought about the early days with Baba when we sat so close, so personal, so fulfilled in the moment being with the Guru. I would see this repeated so many times in the days to come in the company of these loving and genuine people.
After a light lunch, we departed for the hotel and homes to prepare for the public program that was scheduled for that evening. After a quick setup, the first public program in Argentina had begun at The Theosophical Society near the city center. The program was filled with an overflow crowd. Gurudev spoke about the power of what one person can do in this world, how Shiva Mai had influenced so many to follow the path of Siddha Yoga and how that influence was evident in the hearts of all those present. Speaking of Baba’s simple message, he encouraged us all to remain true to the path and to practice what we were given. After meditation and darshan we all returned to our resting places to reflect on the grace we had experienced.
July 6
With an early start, the devotees converged at the home of Susana Quaglia for Guru Gita and breakfast. Situated in a lovely section in the suburbs of Buenos Aires, her home was transformed into a temple of devotees. As she stood and greeted Gurudev, Susana was filled with emotion. She found herself speaking for so many about their longing for the Guru and how this moment was so overwhelming.
Gurudev shared a few thoughts with us after listening to the words of Susana. He reminded us that crying is not always bad and that the scriptures tell us that tears can be a sign of love. He related a story of a sage that was meditating on a mountain top. His devotion was great and one pointed on the Lord. Tears ran down from his eyes as he continued to meditate. The birds seeing the tears, landed on his cheeks to drink the drops. They were drinking in tears of joy. Gurudev encouraged us to watch, like the lens of a camera, the ever changing presence of Muktananda in the faces of all those we meet, drinking in the joy of what Baba gives us.
After a wonderful day at Om Narayana, Susana’s home, we returned to The Bauen Suite Hotel for a 7:30 pm evening program. After an intense and fast paced few minutes of preparation and the fabulous work of all of the local devotees and pilgrims, the large room in the hotel was transformed into a temple. Already waiting in the lobby and spilling out onto the sidewalk in front of the hotel, hundreds of people anxiously waited to welcome Gurudev and to share an evening in remembrance of the teachings and memories of Baba Muktananda.
Gurudev spoke affectionately about the love and devotion that was given so naturally by the people of Argentina. He mentioned that while the people on tour had visited many countries and towns, they always felt that they knew where they were and what place they were visiting. The nature of the atmosphere in Argentina made it difficult to remember where we were, as we felt that we had all been transported to some other place by the love of the devotees.
After the conclusion of a long day and the second public program, we took down the decorations and returned to our rooms. We quickly packed for an early morning drive into the country to the the coastal City of Mar del Plata and accommodations in the small community of Sierra de los Padres.
July 7, 8, 9, 10
We arrived in the hamlet of Sierra de los Padres in the early afternoon to a reception and lunch at the home of Jai and Ram. A large white tent adjacent to their home served as the satsang hall. An evening of satsang and a wonderful dinner sent us all to our small nearby cottages for a good night’s rest. The next morning we traveled by van to the retreat site at Villa Marista. For the next two days we practiced silence and contemplation on the grounds of this old monastery. During his talks Gurudev stressed the need for regular meditation. He emphasized the need for a clean place in our homes for regular practice. A peaceful, special place creates a supportive atmosphere, not unlike the facilities of Villa Marista.
Late on the night of Day 6 we embarked for a return trip to Sierra de los Padres. The next morning we chanted the Guru Gita in a tent set up next to the home, known as Om Shanti, which belongs to Rebeca and Shuara Kornijenko. After breakfast we traveled by car to the beach community of Mar de Plata for an afternoon outing. In the early evening we returned to Om Shanti and satsang in the tent. The cool air kept us all alert and ready for a good nights sleep.
Jai & Ram of Sierra de los Padres, have also contributed their heartfelt sharings of the time spent with Gurudev and the Tour. Their notes are indented below.
July 7 Saturday: Om Prema, Sierra de los Padres, Welcoming Program
Surrounded by the coldest winter, a group over 100 persons gathered to offer our “warm” welcoming to Swami Nityananda, the Brahmins and devotees from United States, Australia, India, England and Mexico that were with him for this part of the world Tour.
Most of the people that were present had never met Gurudev before, only some of us knew him, but either way, the emotion, the chanting, the laughs and the joy was so contagious that tears as a manifestation of love overwhelmed everyone.
His words, full of gratefulness regarding our welcome, were kind and full of gratitude. He introduced himself by saying: “…If you see in me a simple man, I’m a simple man; if you see in me a man of knowledge, I’m a wise man, If you see in me holiness , I’m a saint; I’m a mirror in which each and every one of you reflects and my only purpose is to transmit the teaching that over 30 years my Guru Baba Muktanand gave to me, and that I took the commitment of following his work…”
Later, Gurudev expressed knowledge about Shiva’s work, whom he met during some of her trips to India and the US by saying, “If only one person, touched by the Shakti, was capable of doing all this, what couldn’t you do with such a long way already walked by her…”
Finalizing we shared lunch all together
July 7 Saturday -- Hotel 13 de Julio, Mar del Plata, Satsang
Two halls were ready for 700 people but this hall turned out to be not enough to embrace all the people that came for Satsang. Gurudev came in to the hall as Lavar and Naveen chanted.
After Ram welcomed everyone and introduced Gurudev, Kamal, Shiva’s daughter, shared the experience of meeting Baba Muktananda at the age of 3 years on a trip with Shiva. Kamal shared the remembrances of Baba’s hands, perfume and so on by saying “… meeting a saint is an experience that you can never forget even though you are a child of small age…”
Gurudev talked about his Guru, Swami Muktananda, about his influence, and the teachings he shared with thousands of people in the world; how Baba shared the teachings of Maha Yoga and the Maha Mantra, OM NAMAH SHIVAYA.
Those were the teachings that Baba gave during the time Shiva was with Baba in India in 1978. “ It is with great joy that we listen about Maha Yoga and the Maha Mantra today in Buenos Aires and Mar del Plata. It is amazing that only one woman, only one person could do so much by accomplishing Her Gurus will, Swami Muktanand. It has been already 30 years that Shiva went to Ganeshpuri, so now we are celebrating the 30th anniversary of gathering for Satsang in Argentina!”
Gurudev explained the meaning of Maha Yoga as “great union” and also explained the purpose of practicing Yoga - to quiet the mind and stay established in the quiet.
He said, “If someone promises you that enlightenment is instantaneous, without effort, do not believe them! There is noting instantaneous, but if you keep on doing the work within yourself, the reward is enormous.”
July 8 and 9 Villa Marista, Mar del Plata, Living Intensive
On Sunday, July 8th the feeling was like to been reunited with old good friend, lots of chanting, all very casual, question and answer session. Gurudev’s answers were filled with wisdom, patience and love. We also shared an audio visual on the 20th Baba Muktanand Mahasamadhi celebration, and Gurudev spoke about the teachings Baba gave to him during his life, and that this teaching was shared by him with all of us… everything was beautiful.
Monday the 9th was Independence Day for all Argentineans, and the atmosphere was filled with concentration and respect. Gurudev introduced us to the meditation intensive, a tool invaluable to all seekers of pure heart. Thank you Gurudev!
Before finalizing the afternoon program, and because it was Independence Day, we all stood and sang the national song with Gurudev. We felt a moment of great emotion because we felt that by chanting the national song, Gurudev blessed our beloved country.
During the Intensive, the 140 people rested in their inner self and some had experiences hard to express. There were people who were able to share their experiences and one we would like to share with all of you:
There was a lady wandering in her own mind thinking: “Why is everyone dressed like that and why am I supposed to bend in front of a person all dressed in orange?” She kept on moving with the Darshan line and when she was approaching Gurudev she started to feel an intense internal heat until she finally reached Gurudev’s feet and tears wouldn’t stop falling out of her eyes. Several days later she was sharing this experience with another person that she met at the retreat, she was telling that in her heart the fire continues to burn. Even though she was always a negative kind of person, now she could only see the positive things in life and when she realized what her feelings were inside, tears of joy came out of her eyes; an internal peaceful feeling surrounded her with an incredible sweetness.
Cecilia offered a coconut to Gurudev’s feet and she told him. “I give my life to you, so you can mold it in the right way.” With profound emotion and carrying the sensation of having been released from a huge weight, she walked away.
When she got back to her 14 hours a day job she realized that it wasn’t her place, she felt that she must do something to make her situation better. A big surprise came with a phone call that offered her a new job from Monday to Friday with a better salary, and leave on Saturdays and Sundays. Now she can attend Satsang! Her happiness while she was sharing the experiences was contagious, she continued to say, “So much grace, so many blessings we have received from our beloved Gurudev!”
Another story was of a yoga professor, Gerardo Bianchi from Rosario. In a very unusual way he had learned of the “In the Footsteps of Bliss” yatra a couple of days before Gurudev arrived in Argentina. Someone saw on a television commercial about the arrival of Baba Muktananda’s successor coming to our country. This person sent an email to his friend that was staying in Japan for studies and the person in Japan emailed all his friends back in Rosario, including Gerardo, so they could attend the many programs in Buenos Aires, Mar del Plata and Tucuman. Gerardo got in touch with Mar del Plata to register for the retreat with Intensive, but all the space was reserved. He got on the waiting list and was fortunate to get a space. Gerardo sat on the front line at the Intensive and felt the shakti work through him. When he approached Gurudev to receive his Darshan he had many questions in mind to ask, but at the moment he was in front of Gurudev he had the experience that he had only read about in books; “Being at the Gurus feet is having all one can need, and find all answers to all our doubts.” As he raised his head from Gurudev’s feet, he had an experience of ananda, complete contentment.
To end we must mention that it was a great surprise to all, even for Gurudev’s staff, the many spirituals names that Gurudev gave during those days.
July 10 Om Shanti, Sierra de los Padres, Guru Gita
After sharing breakfast, there we were, over 120 people chanting, very excited after having lived the retreat with an intensive at Villa Marista. After the chant we shared Satsang listening to Gurudev teachings and we also heard from Brahmin Priest, Lavarji. Later, Gurudev went back to Om Shanti where, seated on the floor he delighted all of us by playing Tablas and we sang kirtans and other chants. It was a beautiful and magical moment for all of us!
July 11 & 12
A very brisk morning greeted us at Jai & Ram’s ‘Om Prema’ house. We chanted the Guru Gita in the satsang tent. When the chant was complete we quickly converted the tent for a mini-yagna. Jai & Ram performed worship during the puja conducted by the Brahmin priest Shri Anant Lavar Shastriji. It was a fitting farewell to Sierra de los Padres and the warm, generous and loving attention of our hosts.
July 11 Om Prema, Sierra de los Padres, Guru Gita, Yajna and Arati
On that cold morning, over 150 people were gathered. We chanted with great love and Gurudev explained the ceremonies that we were about to witness. The two Brahmin priests, Lavarji and Naveenji fulfilled the ancient ceremonies from the Vedas and then started the Yagna in honor of Lord Vishnu. We had been chosen to participate in this important ceremony, and with profound emotion at receiving so many blessings and having the opportunity to honor our parents in front of the divine fire, we felt that not only that piece of land had been blessed, but all of Argentina.
Yagna at Jai & Ram’s
Later we shared the last Darshan and all did Pradakshina around the fire to consume in it all that is not right in our life. We all shared the prasad. Many went back to the city and others stayed waiting for the moment of Gurudev’s departure; knowing that this “good bye” covered another way of reunion.
After sharing 5 wonderful days we realized Gurudev’s welcoming words were a beautiful reality:
“…If you see in me a simple man, I’m a simple man (seated on the floor chanting with all of us); if you see in me a man of knowledge, I’m a wise man, (answering questions in every Satsang); if you see in me as holy, I’m a saint (introducing us to the deep knowledge of meditation during the intensive); I’m a mirror in which each and everyone of you reflects”
Initially, many of us thought, all the effort was focused on welcoming Gurudev. During these 5 days we realised that “we” were hosted by him; he welcomed us; he took care for our comfort, our food, asking if it was too warm or too cold. He was like a father/mother taking care of his kids.
Thank you Gurudev!
“It does not matter how many things a person can have, he or she will always want peace and happiness -- both can only be obtained through God.” Swami Nityanand
July 13
In the early morning we left Buenos Aires by air for the town of San Miguel de Tucuman. After arriving we visited the home of Kamala and enjoyed a delicious lunch in her charming home. After a short rest we left for the Garden Park Hotel in downtown Tucuman to set up for the evening program. People had aready started arriving at the hall as we entered. Much was done in a very short time to make the hall ready for the program. By Guru’s grace and the help of all present the program began on time to an overflow audience of several hundred people. The evening was a great success and Gurudev was very warmly welcomed and embraced by the local residents. At the conclusion of the evening we took down all the program materials, cleaned the room, packed and loaded into two large buses for the night drive to the small rural community of Tafi del Valle and our new home at the Hosteria Castillo del Piedra (Castle of Rock).
Castillo del Piedra
July 13 Gurudev’s arrival at Tucuman City
Gurudev was received with great love by Kamala while their daughters Josefina, Carlota and Melina did Arati and placed a beautiful garland around his neck. Later we enjoyed a great lunch offered by the family and various devotees. That afternoon a public Satsang took place in a beautiful Hotel Hall right in the heart of Tucuman City. Referring to the Bhagavad Gita, Gurudev said, “Live without bothering others, live without bothering the world. That is the best way to live our life.
July 14 & 15
The Hosteria Castillo del Piedra is situated in a small valley in the foothills of the Andes. The hotel had erected a tent to serve as our chanting hall. We would use the space for a two day retreat and as a home base while we visited the surrounding area. It’s a very beautiful, quiet place which was warm during the day, chilly at night, and quite cool in the morning. We bundled up warmly for the morning Guru Gita. The retreat was attended by many devotees from Tucuman and some from as far away as Buenos Aires. Our time with Gurudev, the wonderful surroundings, and the delicious food made our stay very fulfilling. Our evenings were particularly enjoyable as we gathered together for family style dining. The family of pilgrims adjourned each night to a sleep of contentment.
July 16
In the morning we traveled to Viviana & Alejandro’s home for a special Yagna ceremony. Shri Anant Lavar Shastriji conducted the puja near the entry to their home, where a special space was constructed. Gurudev arrived and the yagna began. What an unbelievable setting it was in this remote place. One could not help but wonder where we were and how we had managed to gain such blessings, to share in this moment with Gurudev in this beautiful setting.
Following the ceremony and a wonderful lunch we returned to Castillo del Piedra for a short rest and an afternoon of exploring and shopping in the local marketplace.
Lavarji, Viviana & Alejandro
After the Guru Gita chant at Castillo del Piedra, Gurudev and several devotees took a walk of 5 Km, until they all reached Alejandro and Viviana’s place who were hosting Gurudev. That day Lavarji and Naveen performed a sacred ceremony, at the feet of Tafi del Valle Mountains and next to a small river.
Gurudev began the ceremony explaining that the pooja was in Honor of Lord Shiva. He said, “I’m sure Alejandro and Viviana must be very happy doing this party at their place. It is very good for Argentina that Satsang is being shared in so many places.” He also requested that the speakers of the sound system be pointed to the mountains and the river, so when the Vedic mantras were sung, they might reach all elements; mountains, wind, earth, water, and all of these elements will be enjoying these mantras. It is an offering to nature that gives so much to us.”
On the next day, at the end of the Guru Gita, all of us went to visit one of the last aboriginal places on the north of Argentina.
With great joy, the people from Tucuman said goodbye to Gurudev and all the pilgrims, wishing from the bottom of their hearts to have him back soon in Argentina.
The last Satsang took place once Gurudev reached Buenos Aires City, when after sweet words to the many people present, he said that in order to cross a river you could not do it with one foot in one boat and one foot in another. In order to see the fruits of practice, you should do it during your whole life. He made a public announcement that in Mar del Plata City, the first Shanti Mandir Center of Argentina was formed, “ … since the people from Mar del Plata already knew in which boat to cross the river.”
July 17
We spent this day as tourists, traveling by bus and visiting the Ruins of the Quilmes’ Sanctuary. It was a day of discovery and exploration as we climbed the slopes of the ancient ruins. For more than a century the residents had withstood the Spanish conquest. More than 3000 people had lived in the citadel until its defeat in 1664. There remains a rich storehouse of folklore regarding the people and their defense against the Spanish invasion.
Returning to Castillo del Piedra that evening for our last night in Argentina, I reflected on how Baba’s grace and my good fortune made it possible to come to this wonderful country and to experience the love, devotion and generosity of its people.
July 18
In the afternoon, many of us, a little bit sad, went to the airport to say goodbye to this beautiful group of devotees and Gurudev who visited us for the first time in Argentina. In the end there many hugs, goodbyes and wishing deeply for another such visit.
Mexico
Prabodha Cohen joined In the Footsteps of Bliss Tour in Cancun with his wife Madhuvati and son, Josh
We have gone on vacation, to a foreign city or beach resort, but something is always missing. We eat fancy food in good restaurants, sleep in clean first class hotel rooms, bathe in the sun, swim in the ocean, get a massage, but by the end of the day, something is missing.....Shakti!
July 19
Delia Amezquita and her crew of spiritual seekers spent countless hours of planning to organize a short but action packed visit of Gurudev and a small group of "pilgrims," as she liked to call us, to Cancun. The Cancun crew of Liff Sabah, Grace and Raymundo had never met Gurudev, but through their own experience of yoga and meditation and their prior experiences of selfless service, organizing their spiritual teacher Amma's previous trip to Cancun, they intuitively sensed there was a special benefit and joy to be had in serving Gurudev and his devotees on their trip to Cancun.
After a day at the beach at the Omni Hotel, we were picked up by the local Cancun crew and driven to our first organized event. We enjoyed a delicious lunch at La Casa de las Margaritas Restaurant. This authentic Mexican restaurant, which is managed by one of the Cancun crew organizers; Liff Sabah, is a must if you ever have the pleasure of visiting Cancun. After years of living in California, it was delightful to visit a Mexican restaurant that was the real thing! After a short wait, Gurudev arrived at the restaurant with a big smile. A large table was set for 30 people in the shape of a rectangle. The Cancun planners were quite joyous to find Gurudev sitting at the head of the table, the beginning of their adventure of long hours of seva and devotion. From the beautiful decor, to the wonderful services and the delicious food - we felt we were really in Mexico! Once the meal was finished, we were off in our assigned cars to the beginning of our adventure.
The next stop was our visit to the Narayana Yoga Meditation Center, where the local crew had been chanting the Guru Gita on Sunday mornings over the past months, in preparation for Gurudev's arrival. Driving from the hotel strip of what seemed like hundreds of hotels, to the Center, we passed hotel after hotel, restaurants, bars and advertisements on huge billboards for all of the sensual worldly pleasures imaginable; bikini clad models, Senior Frogs bar, late night dancing and more restaurants. Leaving this luxurious tourist area, we rode down many side streets, into less "polished" areas and into the Cancun where the natives lived, never seen by the typical Cancun tourist. We arrived at a small house with a Yoga sign out front, right next to another house where four young men stood outside, blasting rap music. I wondered how we would find any space for the quiet I thought we needed for Satsang. Walking into the small, but immaculately clean Yoga Center, I knew immediately, that Fabiola, the leader of the center and her practitioners knew the meaning of devotion. They knew the advantage of an uncluttered space filled with positive vibrations, resulting from their spiritual practices. Gurudev spoke of all forms of yoga; hatha, bhakti, jnana, etc. and how the purpose of the practices is to discover the answer to the question: "Who am I?" He also spoke of how the Latin American people express a lot of bhakti. He said, "Everyone wants to see miracles; magic. Baba said to look around the world and see the miracles God performs every day."
July 20
Got out of bed early and went for a swim in the warm turquoise ocean. Then it was off to start another busy day, beginning with another pilgrimage into a Cancun residential area. It was such a treat to be able to see more than the usual commercial tourist area of a resort community. In a caravan of cars, we again drove past the hotels, and twisting and turning until we found Fabiola's small, simple, pure home. Once again we were humbled by the care to detail, the cleanliness, and the loving seat set up for Gurudev's arrival - and the welcome to all of us with love and respect. Her loving heart was apparent as she offered Arati to Gurudev, accompanied by the chanting of Lavarji and Naveen and the small band of pilgrims from abroad. Some more chanting allowed us all to bask in the inner joy that spontaneously arises, sitting in a clean devotional space with Gurudev, Brahmin priests and devotees, leaving their worldly cares behind.
After being offered some sweets to eat, we were off again in a caravan of cars. This time we were headed to visit Alma's Meditation Center. Another ride of twist and turns, laughing and story telling and we arrived at the end of a dead end street, where in the small park at the end our hosts were preparing a lunch for all the visitors. Rows of houses spread out around us, in the Cancun heat, all with the huge black water tanks on the roofs. We climbed up to the top floor – and enjoyed views opening out in all four directions. Alma had in the past opened this space to a variety of yoga and spiritual groups and was glad to have Gurudev as her special guest. In the past she has also accepted people in need of temporary housing, in their quest for spirituality. The lavender walls and ceiling and the heart shaped rod iron window decorations, created a warm and spiritual feeling. About 25 of us sat with Gurudev and chanted.
After some time passed, Gurudev asked the group if anyone had any questions. For the first 10 minutes the conversation focused on the hot weather and hurricanes. One smart devotee Raymundo, tiring of the small talk, asked a question about how to connect meditation with our fast paced daily life. Gurudev spoke of the importance of a daily meditation practice and of japa. It was interesting to see Gurudev's speech change, reflecting the mind of the crowd. If all everyone wanted to talk about was the weather, he was willing to oblige. But with this question, the mood changed to contemplation of the Inner Self.
Another person, Gopi, asked Gurudev “how we can quiet our minds?". Once again, listening to these questions, we were made aware of how people's concerns are more similar than different, no matter where we live in this world. Other seekers followed with questions, and Gurudev followed with inspiration, as a heavy peace and stillness embraced the room. Once finished, we descended the stairs to a lunch served outside.
We went back to the hotel for another swim in the ocean before satsang that evening. It was a great joy to have Satsang right at the Omni Hotel, where we were staying. Imagine swimming, showering, getting dressed and then taking the elevator down from your hotel room, where Satsang with Gurudev was waiting. Off the main lobby, in a convention corporate meeting hall, we were greeted with the walls covered with Shanti Mandir banners, a large projection screen, set up so that we could all watch a DVD which explains Shanti Mandir's mission and the basics of Baba's teachings, which Gurudev was to share with the crowd. The cool air-conditioned hall was a relief from the heat and humidity of Cancun, as was entering the hall, which was relief from the grind of our usual daily responsibilities. Anyone entering the hall knew that they were entering into a different space, far different from their daily routine. Here, there were no news reports, no television blasting, no gossip, no politics and, of course, no shoes! We were in a clean, quiet space to hear of the charitable works of Shanti Mandir and then to delve into Baba's teachings through Gurudev's presentation. I was moved by his welcoming the crowd with great love and respect, as Baba did years before. The experience of chanting, words of high wisdom, mantra - On Namah Shivaya, Darshan, all of it brought me back to evenings with Baba in the late 1970's; sattvic-pure-stillness-wisdom - the lasting impressions.
July 21
A long, long day for the young at heart - fancy buffet breakfast at the hotel, where each morning you have the pleasure of dining at different tables with different devotees, from around the world, who seem magically to appear from nowhere. Vinaya Tarrago and her daughters from Barcelona had just arrived and we were able to share our morning breakfast and enjoy the company of old friends, realizing that they too were vibrating from their hearts. A quick morning swim in the vibrant light blue ocean, and then into the cars and vans for a two hour drive along the straight roads leading out of Cancun, to the Tulum pyramid ruins, an ancient Mayan historical site of cultural and religious significance right on the edge of the ocean. While waiting for Gurudev's car to arrive, many of us chat, under a small sun shower, sipping cool drinks under the café umbrellas. Gurudev arrives and 25 of us getting into a tram for the ride to the ruins. Wandering among the ruins there is a beauty to the small groups of 3-5 people that form; separate in other groups and reform with others, as words of wisdom are shared among friends and fellow seekers, as we witness this ancient sacred space. One minute you are in a group with Gurudev, chatting about the beauty of the ocean or - of the Mayan ruins, a few minutes later you are chatting with some of the Cancun hosts about their experiences. The blazing hot Mexican sun causes us to seek some shade, while some walk down to the ocean and wade in the ocean waves, where 5,000 years ago, the ancient Mayan civilization must have done the same.
In the shade, under some small trees, Lavarji starts singing mantras and a small group of us stop and listen and tune into the strong vibrations of his chanting. Slowly all of us meet together and get ready to depart, after sharing some snacks. Then back to the tram to exit the park, and off in our cars, backtracking now for 30 minutes towards the direction of the hotels, until we arrive at Puerto Aventuras Resort to swim with the dolphins. We all abandon our clothes in small lockers and make our way in groups of 10 in bathing suits and life jackets only towards the dolphins. First our group of 10 must divide into groups of 2 or 3, with our arms out in front of us as the trainers, call the dolphins to lay in our arms so we can gently pet their bellies. Quite thrilling, the dolphins are calm and cooperative. It was quite a sight to see Gurudev, Naveen and Vinay standing with a dolphin, silent and motionless in their arms.
The trainer then calls us to make a big circle in the pool. We are a very diverse group making a circle: Gurudev, Naveen, a Brahmin visiting from India, visitors from New York and New Jersey, Delia and Devayani all dressed in life vests and swim suits in the middle of a large dolphin training pool under the hot Mexican sun, as thunder threatens in the distant sky. The trainer says we should raise our hands and sing, snapping our fingers. This would be a sign to the dolphins to "sing" in their own voices. As the dolphins swim around in a circular pattern inside our large circle, Devayani immediately responds to the call for singing by chanting "Jai Jai Vitthal." The entire group ecstatically joins in. We are all in the water, fingers snapping, dolphins swimming and singing in the middle of us, as we sing mantras. What an unusual and special moment, a true moment of Chitshakti Vilas - the Play of Consciousness.
With a momentary sadness, we leave the dolphins, and after quick shower, rush into the Resort for another lavish meal with our patiently waiting Mexican hosts. The food has kept remarkable well during our 2 hour delay. I found that just like traditional Jewish, Italian and Indian families, the Mexican's also share and express their love by offering large well prepared meals.
The entire trip turned out to be even more wonderful than we had imagined. The joy of being with Gurudev and witnessing his untiring service to bring Baba's teachings to people all over the world was not to be missed. We watched the joy of "old timers" in hosting Gurudev. For those new to these teachings, it seems the world today is even more in need of this message than during Baba's time. We will always be grateful to Gurudev for embarking on this journey so that all of us could share in this joy and services to others.
Sandy Bonham joined the In the Footsteps of Bliss Tour in Mexico. She has recorded many wonderful details of the wisdom from Gurudev’s talks:
Everywhere in Mexico, devotion to the goddess was strongly visible. Little shrines to the Mother, the Virgin Mary, appeared everywhere, in nooks and apertures - in neighborhoods and shops, often lit at night, reminding one of the divine love and recalling one back to the divine presence. In the quiet unassuming demeanor of the people, with their warmth and hospitality, in the homes where the influence and love of the mother’s care was pervasive, this feminine presence was palpable.
July 24
This was the first evening program at the Institute of Musical Therapy. At every program and visit Baba Muktananda’s sandals were carried, assigned a place of honor and worshipped. This evening the program began appropriately with Lavarji and Naveenji chanting mantras in honor of the Goddess. Outside thunder rumbled and rolled over the sky and during the program it rained heavily, a blessing which let up when the program was over; a blessing which left the earth and evening air smelling clean and refreshed just as we felt renewed after attending satsang our minds having been concentrated on the truth in our hearts.
Gurudev at Satsang – Institute Of Musical Therapy
After the mantras we chanted a rousing Om Bhagavan, Om Bhagavan Muktananda Bhagavan. The topic of Gurudev’s talk was karma. He said that the sages say that to lead a complete human life three things are necessary -- karma, which we do whether we want to or not, bhakti, and jnana.
Most people simply live life. Gurudev gave an example or metaphor. In the kitchen are two kinds of knives—dull and sharp. A dull knife cuts but poorly, a sharp knife in the hands of an expert cuts well and expertly. The knife is like the mind and most people live life with a dull knife, we don’t think about our action.
The beginning of the philosophy of karma is to become aware of what we are doing in our life. Simply blaming karma is a way to get out of what we have done in our life. What we do today creates our tomorrow; if we don’t know what we want tomorrow how will we get it?
Humans are like the tail of a dog. A dog has a curved tail. A person might thing he can straighten the tail by putting it in a pipe. But when he takes the pipe off, the tails springs back, curved again. We too listen and apply for a while but begin to waver. As seekers we must understand how our actions affect our life. I am not who I am by chance or accident. I have created it. If I am joyous, I have made myself that way. If I am not joyous, I have made myself that way, etc. We cannot blame God.
The philosophy of karma understood---I can make of myself whatever I like.
We come into life with a percentage of accrued karma; as we experience this karma, we act or react. Yoga teaches us to become wise, so that we do not instinctively react but act from discrimination and wisdom. A question might arise, does a sage get angry? A sage uses his anger to his benefit; an unwise person is consumed by anger.
Explaining what is action and what is inaction is difficult. We must become aware when to perform action and when to be still, when to put forth effort, and consider when effort will bear fruit. Sometimes we need to be still and that will bear fruit also. We need to learn balance. We must not act from ignorance but learn to act from discrimination and wisdom.
Life is the outcome - the fruit of action that we have performed in the past. It is not a judgment. We experience the outcome based on what we have done; it is the outcome of thoughts, speech, and action. Through our thought we send vibrations, one of the strongest ways we create karma. What we think, we say, and then act on. That also becomes karma.
How can I become humble, loving, compassionate, kind, joyous? The shift must come in our mental state. Compassion means being real and true to the situation and then performing the action necessary in that situation. What I speak, think, and do affect not only me, but those around me, and in turn those who they affect.
After the talk we chanted Om Namah Shivaya and experienced the sweetness and stillness of meditation. The program concluded with darshan where everyone had an opportunity to experience that moment of fullness and completeness where the mind stands in abeyance to the love that resides in the heart.
July 25
The morning begins with the Guru Gita, followed by Krishna Govinda, and darshan. It is announced to our delight that we would have a practice session of the Haripath at Nicole’s house which was the first house we were to visit that day.
The visits to the devotees are a mixture of formality and informality. On this day we chanted Jai Jai Vittal; informal when enjoying a snack, asking questions or conversing, light-hearted when posing for pictures with Gurudev and more especially so when he becomes the photographer himself.
After visiting Nicole’s home, we arrive at Mauricio’s place where Lavarji and Naveen were conducting a puja for the blessing of his betrothal. After the puja, Mauricio welcomed Gurudev with heartfelt love and pleasure; his sincerity and simplicity was touching. We had a wonderful lunch.
That evening we had the second program at the Institute. The topic this evening was devotion—bhakti. It began early with a delightful surprise - bhajans sung by Devayani with Gurudev drumming! What a fitting way to start a talk on bhakti, by giving us an experience of bhakti, itself.
The evening chant was again in honor of Baba Muktananda and again a cloudburst! It was as if all the clouds surrounding the city had suddenly opened their bounty in a torrential downpour. And one could not escape being saturated with the joy of the heart—Bhakti.
Some highlights from the talk that evening –
In clarifying the practice of arati, with which we begin each evening program, Gurudev said, “The sage closes his eyes and finds light while we experience darkness. So we pray that we too may experience light. We pray that this light may be awakened. It is a prayer to awaken ourself to our Self.”
In talking about bhakti, the topic for the evening, He said, “Bhakti is devotion. Our bhakti is to things outside ourselves but the bhakti a sage talks about is to our inner self. According to Narada, bhakti is love of the highest kind. Love for an object outside is transitory because it is external. Bhakti does not depend on something outside but arises from within. Usually we experience it in a place of worship but we should be able to experience it everywhere at all times. Krishna says in the Bhagwad Gita, “Those in this world, who fix their mind upon me, worship me, ever steadfast, and endowed with supreme faith, is my devotee.”
People think it is easy. Have pictures, sing, offer flowers, light a lamp and think they are finished. Gurudev related the story of a man who worshipped Krishna for many years but did not get what he wanted. So he thought, ’I’m done. I’ll worship Rama instead.’ One day while worshipping Rama, he noticed that the smoke of the incense was going toward Krishna. Angered to think that Krishna, who had not responded to him, would enjoy the worship being offered to Rama, the man plugged the nose of Krishna with cotton. As soon as he did this, Krishna stood in front of him and asked what he wanted. The man asks, “Why do you appear now when I am worshipping Rama, and after I have worshipped you unsuccessfully for so many years?” Krishna answered. “Only now has your worship become true. The moment your worship became true, I appeared.”
Thought is the subtle body. Devotion is not to just wander around with the thought but to penetrate that thought and become one with that thought. When we think of something, our thought takes on the glow and radiance of that object; and the devotee becomes suffused with that love. He gives up thoughts of duality and becomes one with the object of worship. We do actions so that the mind can become absorbed and free of separation.
“He who fixes his thought upon me all the time, he in fact worships me.” Self-control is necessary. Though doing worship, the mind is easily distracted. The mind by its nature wants to run wild. The art of keeping the mind concentrated on the object of worship is self-control.
The eye and ear are attracted by what the mind directs. Most minds are scattered. Minds create a fantasy to get rid of troubles and then get caught in the fantasy. It is important then to keep the mind still and controlled.
Worship is complete attunement with the highest principle so we become identified with it, so separation dissolves and we merge.
For this to happen we need supreme faith. We need faith without question; without question about the existence of the object of worship. I believe in something that I do not know, so that I may come to know that which I believe in. Because of faith, as daily practice is performed, a seeker comes to know that which was the cause and object of his practice.
To be successful in what you seek, get rid of doubt and develop conviction. A doubting soul perishes. As one develops faith in one’s Self and gets rid of doubt, what is left is love.
He by whom the world is not disturbed and whom the world does not disturb is fulfilled within himself. A man who has become fulfilled within himself does not agitate the world; he experiences fullness and allows it to spread around him. People go to such a being for darshan.
A sage, established in the self, does not allow himself to be affected by what is going on around him. He is free. He gives up desires for object, becomes free of envy and fear.
This is truly what we experienced in the company of Gurudev on our pilgrimage.
July 27
The routine continues. The same activities, time, place---Guru Gita, chant, meditation, darshan, breakfast, but each day is new and different.
After breakfast we depart for Malinalco. We drive through the congestion and pollution of the city into the Mexican country side. We move among greenery, mountains, fresh air, and flowers. After several hours, we drive up a dirt road, cross a wash, and arrive at the house of our hosts for lunch. Again a sincere, heart-felt welcome as we are serenaded with native Mexican music. The scenery, the setting is so spectacular, the mountains are so dramatic!
We are ushered through a space enclosed by panes of blue and white glass which pulsate with light; it is a soaring space that almost demands silent contemplation, onto a terrace, where the breath and mind are stilled. In all directions are mountains, and clouds and greenery. Surrounded thus by the presence of spirit one is moved to silence, reverence, delight. The clouds move around the mountains in silent devotion. Eagles soar among the peaks.
Maria Luisa’s at Malinalco
We share a delicious lunch made more so by the love and gratitude that is so pervasive. A gift of chanting Vedic mantras is a blessing for this sacred place.
After lunch we continue to Tonalli, which Gurudev has promised is beautiful too. Our arrival is met by mountains and greenery, and clouds. Everywhere fresh green and flowers sparkle. After room assignments, we meet to chant arati and the Shiva Mahimnah.
July 28
This is the day of the intensive. The mountains are spread out like the reclining figure of Bhagwan Nityananda. The clouds flow down and around them as in Malinalco, a play of the divine with the divine. Quiet, peace, light-heartedness arise and flow like the clouds around the central point of presence which is still, unmoving, complete. The intensive mirrored this. It was a still quietness; flowing into the deep recesses of consciousness from which we surfaced, refreshed and at peace.
The intensive was followed by an extensive question and answer session. The questions had a wide range from the practical to the personal. Each was answered in detail and depth, all the nuances examined at length with patience, respect, and kindness. A theme that seemed to be reiterated in the answers was that where ever you go, you go. You take your mind, your thought impressions, and impose them on your reality; your experience follows accordingly. Therefore, there is need to be careful and have awareness of your thoughts.
The questions allowed those who have a limited opportunity to have personal contact with satsang and with Gurudev to interface. The session clarified, opened up, shed light on areas that needed light and healing. Perhaps the most meaningful experience was observing Gurudev’s patience, tact, love, centeredness, compassion and thoroughness in accepting each question, facing it honestly, examining it thoroughly and drawing from his deep recesses of wisdom to satisfy each person’s heart. There was total acceptance, no irritation, no haste, no judgment.
July 29 – Guru Poornima
In the quiet of the morning amidst clouds and mountains and greenery, we assembled to chant Guru Gita after which Lavarji conducted a pooja to Gurudev. After breakfast we met again to participate in a resounding chanting of the Haripath and a chant in honor of Baba Muktananda. Chanting, always a sublime experience and more so on this special day, in the personal presence of the Guru. We basked in the blessedness; the Guru’s grace.
Guru Poornima … Lavarji conducting pooja to Gurudev in the morning
Several talks were given, one by a Mexican devotee, Juan Chancelot, who had met Baba. He spoke with great passion of how meeting Baba had changed his life for the good and about the importance of doing the practices, how the practices had helped him through crisis and brought him to a space of love, joy, and contentment.
Another devotee, Janine Sagert, whose profession is in managerial training, spoke about her experiences. She had never had personal contact with Baba other than the darshan line. Her only experiences came through the practices. She enjoyed chanting the Guru Gita and did so each day. After chanting it, she would go to the supermarket and everything she saw was glowing with divine radiance, even the most mundane things like toilet paper. She said that in her profession which is to help business executives develop more compassion and empathy, she came across studies done on coherence. Coherence occurs when your breathing, heart rate, and brain waves are in unison. It can be tested with an apparatus. She had a try at it. She thought loving thoughts and the gauge did not move. She tried compassionate thoughts and still no success. Then she thought of the experience that makes her most ecstatic and chanted the Guru Gita, the gauge went past the zone. A person in coherence can affect another person’s attitude 5 feet away. She urged us to keep doing the practices: chanting, meditation, japa, so that we would be able to hold that energy and radiate to others thus helping to uplift the world.
In Gurudev’s talk this morning, he told the story of the Mango Orchard. One day a year the mango orchard was open to all comers. The manager admitted everyone and they could eat as many mangos as they wished; but they could not take any with them and had to leave at 4:00. Two men came; one spent his whole day examining, classifying, studying mangos. When 4:00 came the manager told him it was time to leave. He said, “But I haven’t tasted any mangos, give me another minute or so.” The manager was adamant, he must leave. He left without having the taste of a single mango. The other man spent his time eating mangos, he was surfeit with mangos. He had had his full. When the manager notified him it was 4:00, he was ready to leave. He had received what he came for, he had eaten mangos, he had tasted mangos, and he had experienced the sweetness of mangos.
Gurudev said that those who come, who are too intellectual, and want to understand things before they get involved, lose the opportunity to experience that bliss. Beings in that state only want to help others experience it. Throughout the Mexican visit, he reiterated that what the Guru wants for us is to experience love and joy, and share it with each other. The best gift to give him is to share that love and joy with each other.
That evening the clouds thinned to allow a full moon to grace the sky. I watched it float upward and shed its light so naturally and beautifully on the heavens and the earth; serene, still, magical in its presence, impersonal. Is this not how the Guru moves through our lives?
The Mexican pilgrimage lifted one from mundane consciousness into an experience of a siddha’s state. That state is so blissful and full, but so natural, so ordinary that you thought of it as your own ordinary state. We have been pilgrims. We have carried within us what we have visited—the sacred places in our hearts that are filled with light, love, and joy. We have rejoiced in that meeting of the Self meeting the Self. We are full with the ‘mangos’ of that divine experience.
The sandals of Muktananda, the Guru’s sandals that Gurudev has carried and honored in all the places he has visited are a reminder, an outward indication of this inner meeting.
Jai Gurudev!
