Dear Friends,
January 7
Crossing the International Date
Line the calendar was set back by one day; it also represents a new
day and a new year being written on a clean, white sheet of paper.
As I return to India for the 3rd time I feel I am closing a chapter
in my life and I am starting a new one.
Flying at 39,000 feet may seem high, but
it does not compare to the heights God has lifted me to in Spirit.
Through the Grace of God and Guru I have been granted a loftier
vision than a physical elevation from the ground. Even with such
spiritual heights, one is required to have one's feet on the ground
as well. The last few months have required me to focus more on the
world.
With projects for Mother's Birth
Centenary, traveling to the Centers before this trip, Christmas
celebrations, packing the household into storage, life in the world
has been full. Now, this pilgrimage is in motion, these other
concerns, having been fulfilled are left behind, as smoke dissipates
in the breeze.
Our flight left Seattle delayed, making
our connection to Singapore from Los Angeles very tight. The airline
personnel had us running to the airplane, Greg and Jenrri ahead, and
Carla and I delayed at security. I was pulled over for having
forgotten a small pair of scissors in my carry-on bag. Carla was
told to go on without me, but she steadfastly refused! We ran,
making the plane, only to have it delayed by another half hour! The
all-caring Ram had wanted to well circulate our blood before the
sixteen-hour flight.
Our arrival in Singapore found our baggage
still in Los Angeles. We had all we needed in our carry-on bags, but
the airline gave us $120 each for the “inconvenience” we had in not
having to deal with luggage we did not need, as of yet! Ram’s play
is not only surprising, but also always delightful. Jill made a bid
on a five-star hotel, the Marriott on Orchard Drive in downtown
Singapore and got the $500 rooms for $60! Then Jill and Greg paid
for our hotel room as an anniversary present, and dinner out that
night at a wonderful Chinese restaurant in the hotel as well. Oh
Jesus, you stated it well, whatever we give-up of the world we get
back many times over! My heart melts at your tender gifts to your
child.
Mother, you have given so many helping
hands to do this work that you have given me to do; so faithful
friends, so much love, caring-ness, it is all so overwhelming. “As
you give, so shall you receive.” What a great truth has been given
us by the Great Ones; how true it has been in my life. In fact, what
has been given to me I think far outstrips anything that has been
given. So, it seems it comes back to us with interest.
There are many who seem so desperately to
want more in their lives. Yet they somehow fail to recognize that
those who whose lives run fill to the brim are those that give with
all their hearts. How to make it clear to those who feel their cups
are empty, that the key is to give?
After an interesting day of touring
Singapore we left for Chennai. Again we were informed we had to run
down several long walkways to make the plane, only to wait for
another hour. Oh Infinite Wonder, You again got our blood pumping in
preparation for the three hour plus flight! You are ever looking
after us.
On arriving in Chennai Greg mis-placed his
passports and money! A desperate search ensued, at last finding the
lost treasures. Our cab driver, sent by the hotel had a Ganesh on
his dashboard, standard equipment in India; the drivers name was
Ganesh as well. He had helped us search the airport grounds for the
lost articles. I told him, when he told us his “good name”, that
Ganesh (the remover of obstacles) had sent us a Ganesh (the driver)
to help us in our need! Oh Lovely Lord of love, You provide all we
need, and so much more.
January 8
Chennai is a bustling city, a trade
center of South India. Jill once again made
wonderful arrangements for our stay at the Hotel Raj Palace. Marble
floors, comfortable AC rooms and beautiful furniture make for
comfort. The road outside is busy, but the rooms away from the road
are quiet.
We called on Ganesh, (the cab driver) to
take us shopping. Ram in the form of an Indian Mother helped Carla
pick out some beautiful Punjabis. Jenrri was outfitted in some
comfortable travel clothes.
Ganesh took us to the Woodlands Hotel for
a wonderful Thali Plate lunch (under $2.00 U.S.D.), then on to San
Thom Basilica where we felt powerful spiritual vibrations –
especially at the side sanctuary. One item of note – the statue of
Jesus is standing on a lotus with peacocks on both sides: a
wonderful blending of East and West.
We drove by the airport, past a military
base, climbed a winding road and at last we alighted on St. Thomas
Hill. It was here, legend has it, that St. Thomas was killed by a
Brahmin. St. Thomas, a direct disciple of Jesus, traveled to the
Kerala coast, then moved to the east coast of India, establishing
seven churches. He lived four years in a cave three kilometers from
the hill. He was harassed by some people there and so moved from
this hill.
The small church and grounds have a
definite spiritual vibration, wonderful! There is a stone cross that
St. Thomas carved; for several hundred years it bled on December 18th,
the date St. Thomas was killed. There is also a picture of the
Madonna and child that is said to have been brought to India by St.
Thomas. Greg in particular was moved by our pilgrimage to this holy
site.
The effect of holy sites is profound for
the attuned heart – in fact it can be said it is highly beneficial
for all – whether the individual is conscious of the blessings or
not. It is a baptism and purification for those who are open on a
soul level. What blessings God and His Saints bring to our lives. Om
Sri Ram Jai Ram Jai Jai Ram.
January 8
We are leaving Chennai for Ramanashram. Mohammed Ali is our driver
of a Toyota SUV. The car is quiet and comfortable and has AC. In
contrast to my first visit to India it seems that we are traveling
in luxury (comparatively). The first trip was filled with buses,
three wheelers and train stations -- now, AC Toyotas and a very
nice hotel ($30.00 USD). We rode upon a divided toll, well-paved
road for half of the way, very luxurious indeed! The toll is not yet
collected; that will begin next month.
By asking at two places and with help from a
tourist guidebook, we found St. Thomas’ cave near Chennai. I had
wanted to visit this place, being told of it the day before. St.
Thomas was targeted by a local Raj, (according to our guide) and was
chased out of the town. St. Thomas found this cave, which was in a
remote area at the time; now it is in a well-populated neighborhood.
As we climbed the steps to the sanctuary an older man immediately
came to me and took us in hand.
Unlocking an iron-grated door in the
sanctuary he led us into the cave. A cross, carved into the rock,
greets the visitor (the cross was chiseled some time after St.
Thomas). Ducking into a narrow opening (part of the opening has been
walled up and is part of the foundation of the sanctuary) I emerge
into a spacious cave. The cave is of solid rock, (granite?) a
smooth, flat floor and an oval, arched ceiling and walls. I can
easily stand, (approx. 20-30 ft.). At one end is a statue of St.
Thomas and on one side of the cave is a small opening (barred) (2
ft. by 2 ft.). Our guide explains that St. Thomas lived in this cave
for four years, avoiding those who were persecuting him. One day a
group of men arrived, intending to do harm to St. Thomas. The cave
at that time had but one opening. St. Thomas put his hands where the
small opening is now and pushed against the solid rock. The rock
gave way allowing the Saint to escape. Part of the opening is
several slender grooves, the place where the Saint’s fingers pushed
against the rock. At that impression the rock has a glassy type
surface in distinction to the rest of the cave. We meditated in the
cave for some minutes. We all agreed this cave would be ideal for
the purpose of meditating. We were then taken out and around the
sanctuary. There, carved into a rock facing, is a cross (a foot or
so in diameter). This cross was carved by St. Thomas and Mass
was celebrated on this spot. Also there is a deep split in the rock
nearby with water coming up from the split in a small pool at its
bottom. St. Thomas struck his staff against the stone and it split
in this manner; a spring of water emerged at its base.
We left feeling
blessed by our visit to this holy site. Onward we drove past rice
patty fields, lush greenery everywhere. At one point hills of
immense boulders were stacked as if giants had racked rocks into
piles. An ancient fort, Gingee (Shinjee) built by a powerful Hindu
Raj – has a king and a queen palace on separate hills, connected to
a lookout hill (all connected by a 60 foot thick wall) - making an
immense triangle fort. Conquered by the Moguls and then rebuilt by
them, later occupied by the French. The French put cannons on the
walls and finally it was conquered by the British. Since then this
previously hotly-contested property and pile of bricks has remained
unused. During the last 15 years, the government of India has taken
control of the property to save the remnants of this ancient site of
a raj-palace crowned on a hill.
Finally we arrived at
Ramanashram. With heartfelt anticipation I met Ramanan, the ashram
manager and nephew of Ramana Maharshi. This saint has effortless
control over my heart. Love flows like a broad, oceanic river when I
see him. “It is all Bhagwan,” he says. I say, “I see only God in
you, you are Bhagwan’s face!” He smiles demurely. This great saint
is so humble, so unassuming; I feel such purity in him.
Oh
Infinite Self
You manifest as so many masks
Yet; some masks
Cannot obscure Your Light at All!
Your Light illumines the
Mask itself
And lights the way for
All to follow.
Jai Purusha!
My
heart is satisfied by this darshan and we move to the Ramana Shrine.
We do pradakshina around the samadhi site of this fully realized
Master. Men and boys chant ancient Sanskrit verses as a priest
changes the flowers on the Shiva Lingam. We sit; I sail into
spiritual realms as the rhythmic tones fill the shrine.
Sacred Language of the gods
Intoned in a precise measure
Dances ecstatically in the cells
Awakening inner sight.
Sacred Language of the gods
Reveals Atman’s purity
Destroys ignorance forevermore
At the ashram we are joined by Jonnie
Anderson, a devotee from Hornby Island, B.C. She has been in India
for a few months now. She has entered India as a fish to water! How
delightful to see her in a beautiful Punjabi attire.
I awakened this
morning early, gradually distant temple music blares, then another
song, horns start their screeches, neighbors loudly talk and clang
about. Oh India, you are all so familiar to me now. I think you must
ever be entwined in my soul. All your paradoxes, all your noise and
your devotion. Oh love - all pervasive – bless this nation with all
things good!
January 9
We approached the north-gate of
Ramanashram – one man, a guard with a key – another stood with him.
I asked about Swami Ramdas’s cave and the second man revealed he was
a guide. He had served as such for the past twenty years.
Selroraj (phonetic
spelling) took us in hand and guided us to a lovely spot where
Ramana Maharshi had often come to sit on a rock to watch the sunset.
We were now on the trail that circumambulates Arunachala Hill. This
trail is taken by thousands upon thousands, as it is considered one
of the most sacred sites in southern India. Legend has it that when
Hanuman carried Dronagiri Mountain
from the Himalayas to bring an herb that would bring Rama and
Lakshmana back to life, that he dropped portions of that hill on the
way; Arunachala was one of those dropped portions. This Dronagiri
Hill is the same as the one Babaji initiated Lahiri Mahasaya upon!
[Ed. - not literally the same hill, but one of the portions
dropped.]
We continued up the
mountainside. Our guide walked off the trail, plucked some grass,
and then brought it back and gave us each a bunch. Lemon grass! It
smelled wonderful. He said we could make tea from it. On we climbed
only to come upon an orange-clad swami who asked us to sit. He
introduced himself as the wandering Swami of Arunachala Hills. His
given name was P.N.R. Maheswaren. He was married, with children and
a CPA from Bombay. Nine years ago, with his family’s permission he
left to be a wandering sadhu and has been here since. He was
speaking to another man when we came upon them. The swami asked
Jenrri to come sit by him. The other man noted what bright eyes
Jenrri had a few times. The Swami appeared to agree and patted
Jenrri’s back. He asked about us and we continued on our way.
Onward we climbed
through the rugged hills, passing through a saddle in the hill
ascending to Skanda Ashram. Ramana lived here six years before
moving to the present location of the ashram with a commanding view
of Arunachelashwara Temple, one of the oldest and larges temples in
south India. We meditated in the inner cave for some time; feeling
the peace and presence of the great, fully realized Master, and of
the mystic presence of Arunachala (Red Mountain). Our guide then led
us down stone steps to Virupaksha Cave, the ashram of Ramana
Maharshi previous to Skanda. He had lived there for 17 years
(1899-1916). Sri Ramana personally built the bench outside that we
sat upon, watching the monkeys frolic in the trees. An attendant
kept the monkeys at bay with a sling shot, which he aimed and shot,
but without the ammunition of any rock, the motion of shooting was
enough to move them back!
We entered the cave of
concrete and rock and a Shiva Lingam carved by Ramanaji; again we
enjoyed the powerful vibrations of this place. In such places a
powerful current travels throughout the body and brain. What comes
in the way of experience here is a reflection of the consciousness
of the aspirant, charged with this spiritual emanation. One may have
body consciousness while there, but much more inner awareness may
come if one is attuned spiritually. One’s thoughts are guided,
consciousness can be merged in the illumed consciousness of the
eternal Master, and one may merge into the all-pervasive Spirit of
God. Such is the spiritual power of pilgrimage.
We then left this cave
and proceeded to the Mango Tree Cave Ashram. This Ashram is the
place Maharshi first lived (after living under the temple) for five
years. A swami lives there now with many statues in the cave, his
cooking pots line the entry, complete with a TV! We spent some time
here; the feeling was more mixed, as the swami and friends chatted
outside the inner cave.
We then descended to
Almaragagai Ashram, the ashram built around the cave where Papa
Ramdas had stayed for 21 days after he had the darshan of Ramana
Maharshi; he emerged engrossed in the universal vision. The ashram
swami, Swami Sundaram, is an absolutely delightful saint, small of
stature (well under five feet tall), wreathed in smiles, he heads a
school there of 50 students. The neighborhood here is very poor,
garbage spread about; his joy in the midst of squalor is wonderful.
The Swami leads us to Papa’s cave and indicates (he speaks only a
handful of English words) where we should go. There we see Papa’s
picture – we enter the cave. By now the day is warm and we are
perspiring, but we settle into the cave. I spontaneously begin the
chant, Om Sri Ram. A chorus ensues; I feel Papa smiling as the
chorus continues, the cave once again alive to Om Sri Ram, Victory
to God, Victory to the Light! On the way out I see the picture of
Ramdas Haldipur, the saint from Anandashram who poured so much love
upon us. He was governor of Pondicherry at the time and came to
visit that cave. This man was so humble; you would never know he had
held such a position of responsibility. It was thrilling to see his
and his wife, Krishnabai’s, picture hanging prominently on the wall.
January 10
Today we go to visit a
saint! The nephew of Ramana Maharshi’s, Ganeshman. Jonni leads the
way through some rugged beauty, with many vistas of Arunachala in
the morning light. It is wonderful to walk this back road, no plane,
taxi or rickshaw in sight, just the sound of the foot and the road.
A friend, Brenda has
come with us who came on a tour and has stayed on. She came for
spiritual reasons but has been caught up in a soap-opera type of
drama that has consumed her. I tell her the narrative of one of
Friedman’s Fables. It is the story of a man walking upon his path.
He is crossing a bridge when a man approaches from the opposite
direction and hands him the end of a rope. The man says, “Whatever
you do, don’t let go of the end of this rope, my life depends on it!
The confused man sees the rope tied around the waist of the other
man, who then jumps off the bridge! The bridge is very high up and
the man dangles below. The man above is desperate; he cries out for
help, but there is no one else. He looks for someplace to tie the
rope off, there is none. He tries to pull the man up, he cannot! The
man is heavy and his weight threatens to carry the man above off the
bridge as well! He calls to the man below, “Climb up, you must climb
up!” The man below says, “No, but whatever you do, do not let go, my
life depends on it!” The man above is very desperate; he calls for
help again, nothing doing. Finally he calls to the man below,
“Listen very carefully, you must help me, you must climb up, if you
don’t I will have to let go of the rope.” The man below said, “Don’t
let go, my life depends on you; I will not climb up.” The man above
let go of the rope and continued on his path. The End.
She [Brenda] listened
carefully to this fable and said, “So you are telling me to let it
go”. I said, “No, I am only telling you a story”.
We arrived at the
ashram gate. We entered the charming, idyllic grounds, shaded in
coconut trees, neat buildings, everything orderly and pristine. We
entered a large porch area with chairs and cushions lining a side
area. The saint was seated with his feet up, in his 80’s (he
recently had quadruple bypass surgery). All was quiet; I sat on a
cushion on the floor. We sat in silence for some time. Then
Ganeshnan spoke for about an hour. Some things he said of note: When
speaking one can make a statement with which one might agree or
disagree. However, a Realized One describes a state, about which
there can be no disagreement; it can only be experienced. This is
the difference between a state to be experienced and a statement.
The realized state is not far away, or exclusive to one teacher, but
very near and the most natural of states.
Sri Ganeshnan told the
story: that years ago he read the first pages of a book. (If a book
begins with “I say,” he puts the book away. But if it begins “Jesus
says”, “Krishna says”, “Bhagwan says”, then he might continue on.)
The book he was reading said that Arjuna asked Krishna if all that
he had taught in the Bhagavad Gita could be summed up in one word.
Ganeshnanji said he had written a 90 page dissertation while in a
graduate program– the thought of condensing those 90 pages into 10,
was beyond his thought – but to make it two paragraphs – no! And
into one word only – inconceivable. In the Bhagavad Gita – each
sentence is packed full of information – how could one condense it
into one word!
But Krishna said,
“Yes, that word is samata, meaning equal. Ganeshman wondered, “Equal
does not even sound like a spiritual word – how can it sum up the
whole Gita? This problem stayed on his mind night and day for the
next days. One day his mother, whom he revered so much, poured him
some liquid into a spoon. He saw the liquid in the spoon was level,
equal. It dawned on his thoughts, “To be equal all the time is like
water finding its level. You do not have to try and make the liquid
level; it does so on its own, no matter the size or shape of its
container.” This realization sent him into such a peaceful state for
the next twenty-four hours. For the mind to be equal, level, no
matter what the conditions. What peace comes as a result!
We then visited
Arunachashuara Temple. We moved through the three walls of the
Temple toward the inner sanctum of the Temple. The Temple is
dedicated to Shiva (who became a pillar of fire without end) in
response to an argument between Bramha and Vishnu, as to who was
greater. Neither Bramha nor Vishnu could find an end to the column
of fire, so in the end what they found was humility!
A swami took us in
hand and led us around the long lines through a gate (for 20 rupees
each). We came to the inner room, the priest asked us to sit, asked
our names and did puja. The room in which we sat held a dozen
people, each seated. In the inner room was a Shiva Linga (an oblong,
oval shaped stone) wreathed in many garlands of flowers. The priest
waved the arati lamp in front of the Linga, then brought it out to
us for blessings of the lamp and some prasad (cum-cum powder in a
packet). We were then led to Parvati’s temple and we repeated the
ritual. The priest ended, saying in English, “A blessing for you,
your family and your country.” We indeed felt blessed. Throughout
our time in the temple it was a state of organized chaos, like so
much of India. Tight quarters, smoke filled rooms, many pilgrims
jostling through small doors; ah India, you are wonderful,
mysterious and difficult – all at once! Om Sri Ram Jai Ram Jai Jai
Ram.
It is always
interesting how different Masters (those that are in a physical body
– and those who are not) make themselves known to a devotee. We sat
in Sri Ramana Maharshi’s Samadhi Shrine listening to chanting in the
Tamil language, men and women sitting opposite and alternating in
the chant; such a beautiful rhythm and melody.
Suddenly I felt the
notion to leave the shrine – Carla sitting on the other side
followed me. We had yet to go into Ramana’s room where his couch is
set behind a small gate, on top of the couch is a large portrait of
the Master reclining on the couch.
We entered Ramana’s
silent room and sat right in front of the couch. The picture
instantly became a living, breathing Presence. Such light, love and
warmth came with this Presence, it felt as if I was in the same room
with the Master.
I felt a prayer come
into my mind; I felt that the Master in front of me was identical
with the all-pervading Spirit of God. I prayed,
“Oh Divine
Master, I have nothing to ask for myself, I ask that you bless
Carla, Greg, Jenrri and Jonni with your Grace – that their divine
thirst will be fully awakened, and that that thirst will be answered
by your Grace. I pray that all of our spiritual group be blessed as
well, so that they will surely tread the pathway to you. May you
awaken this world, yes, even this very minute, to Your Light. You,
who are all-powerful, can open the hearts of all, leading all in
this world to realization. You can raise this world past conflicts
and fights. You – who are all-loving and compassionate – can awaken
that same love and compassion in everyone! It is You that is praying
this prayer through me in this moment. It is You who must answer
this prayer.”
(Even as I write this
a fathomless pain and ecstasy burns in my heart, a yearning love
that flows to the sea – and is that self-same sea – all at once.)
In this powerful
experience the image of Bhagwan (meaning God) Ramana Maharshi and
Bhagwan (unlimited Spirit) were one and the same. Carla also had a
tremendous experience with the Master in which she had profound
revelations. We left Ramana’s room; Carla was visibly shaken so I
walked her to a more private corner of the patio. The stars were
shining above, and tears poured from Carla, her whole body shaking
from the touch of God.
Oh
Divine Master
Your touch shakes us to the core
You awaken inside our hearts
You may shatter this little human dream
Only to awaken us to Your divine Reality.
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