20^th January 2007

Dear Friends,

  Namaste, I bow to the light within you.  We are firmly ensconced here at Anandashram.  Since leaving Vancouver International Airport our time has been filled with travel, adventure and spiritual upliftment.

  Paul and Emma Rowe met us at the London airport and arranged our rooms at their house and the houses of their parents as well as dinner out – indeed it was wonderful hospitality.

  Upon leaving Heathrow we were told that our tickets, purchased many months before, were now on standby! In fact they had 30 passengers on standby – we would need to go to the plane and wait to see if we could be seated.  God was not satisfied with this arrangement. A manager got into action and in a short time we were in possession of confirmed, upgraded 1^st class and business class tickets! When God wills, all ordinary rules are erased and we seven pilgrims not only had the path cleared, but strewn with rose petals as well!

  The two hour cab ride from Mangalore drew gasps, oohs and laughs all along the way. Disneyland rides have nothing on the thrills to Indian driving; only there are no safeguards on the roads here!

  Driving through the gates of the ashram a wonderful sense of coming home came over me. After dinner and finding our rooms we went to see Swamiji. Oh blessed moments, he reached out and clasped my hands – they remained locked. And his gaze, such love and light!  Oh timeless treasure of treasures! (Pictures of this meeting may be seen on this page). 

  Chad presented a book filled with Om Sri Ram Jai Ram Jai Jai Ram written page after filled page.  Swamiji: “This is worth more than anything in the world.”

  Each day since has been full of Ashram rituals, the morning flower ceremony, chanting in the mandirs that goes from morning until night, evening arati and of course those blessed times with Swamiji.

  Swamiji’s health has been very precarious since the heart problems and serious stroke over two year back. Each day sees slight improvements or setbacks. Previous to our coming had been a very difficult time, but they say he is improved now.

  On Sunday a.m. we had a service for our group plus some other devotees who wished to come. I read Mother’s writing, “God Comes to Visit.”  Such a powerful feeling in the room! Mother’s Grace.

  The 16^th was Go Puja Day. It is an annual celebration in which the cow (Go) is honored (Puja) as a symbol for what all nature gives. The cow is seen as man’s second mother, for she provides the milk after the child is weaned from the mother. The cows were decorated with festive flower garlands (which they love to eat when they can reach them) and are fed bananas and an arati (waving of the lighted lamp) at an alter set up in their field. There is much laughter and love!

  Friday evening we took a backwater cruise – our group plus five friends. A half an hour drive brought us to the banks of a slow moving river (the backwater). The wooden boat is covered with beautifully curved mats – our boat also had a top deck. We motored up the river past picturesque fishing villages, a place where ropes are made from coconut husks, mussel farms, large flocks of white birds (kuches), fish that walk vertically on the water for 20 to 40 feet and many other amazing sights. We landed at the dock and trekked across a narrow separation between the fresh water river and the glorious Arabian Sea. Many swam in the tepid waters, enjoying the surf, smooth sandy beaches stretching as far as the eye could see with undisturbed coconut trees lining the entire way. The sunset was glowing orange, gold and vibrant pink! Under a blanket of stars we dined on a delicious Indian meal, complete with banana, apple and grape fruit cup as dessert. 

 On our return trip the side of the road was brightly lit for a temple celebration. We passed by the festivities and there on the road was a richly decorated elephant. Oh Mother India, you seem to delight in providing delight and surprise at every turn.

  All the ashramites have been so loving and so eager to serve us in any way. I think all in our group are finding their way here, getting accustomed to the ashram routine and learning so much about the people and the way things are done here. 

  All of our group here joins in sending their love and pronams. It has been a full seven days here, very full indeed!  May you feel the spirit of Anandashram of universal love and service in your hearts and souls – feeling the uplifting Spirit throughout your Being.

 In Divine Love,

   David

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