Picture: The view from camping spot on the Colorado River

A pilgrimage can hold many different types of adventures. The common thread in the weave of a pilgrimage is the sacred nature of the journey. After leaving Yuba Lake south of Salt Lake City we climbed and climbed until we motored over a pass that was nearly 8,000 feet above sea level; instead of being covered with trees it was desert sage and rocks. We descended to Green Lake, and the next morning we were on to the town of Moab, closely located to Arches and Canyonlands National Parks.

We had planned on meeting Rick and Judy in or around Moab but without naming a specific time or place. Carla and I followed the road up the Colorado River where there were some camping sites dotting the river. Passing one campground after another with each one showing full, we finally came to one that had just a couple of very nice sites open next to the river. We selected what we thought was the best one for us and started to set up camp when Rick and Judy pulled in and took the site next to us, the only one in the campground that could have accommodated their larger fifth wheel trailer and the only one of two left along the entire canyon. Judy had just been commenting to Rick that they had lost phone connection in the deep canyon and how would they ever find us since they were now miles from Moab. And then they recognized our Big Foot motorhome, and a free campsite next to us; it brought tears to her eyes! God arranged everything without cell phones, through a much more reliable and secure form of communication than man ever invented, His loving Divine care and sure guidance!

Although the Temple at Salt Lake City was a definite interest of mine to experience, the real draw for me from the beginning was to be in nature’s cathedrals of expansive desert. Today we entered into the unique geography of Arches National Park. Over millions of years a salt bed was laid down by a shallow sea filling the area and then drying up. This repeated filling up and drying out built up an immense layer of salt. Through plate tectonic motion the earth rose, the salt, now under layers of sandstone rock, bulged up; then the rains dissolved the underlying salt which collapsed the earth in this area. This collapse stretched the surface layers of sandstone that made them spread and crack. Now rain mixed with carbon which made for an acidic combination sculpted the sandstone into the most unusual shapes.

Upon entering the park it was clear that we were in a most fantastical place. Columned towers, great walls rising up hundreds of feet and stretching for many many miles, great round rocks balanced on narrow tall pedestals; there seemed to be no bar to the creation of every fantastic shape you can imagine by the master Sculptor who used sandstone as his medium, and acidic rain and wind as His carving tools. We arrived 18 miles at the end of the road, a place called Devil’s Garden and walked the path toward the many red sandstones shapes.

Although I was easily winded by the small hills, I was able to walk further than any time in the past weeks. Earlier my physical health had seemed to take a dire turn, I had no coloring and Carla was very concerned. Inwardly I felt that I could give up the body any moment. However, I had a stern talk with God and told Him it would be very wrong to take me now and leave Carla with the R.V. and to have to handle all arrangements for this body in such a remote location as we were in at the time. I told Him under no circumstance should He put her into that situation. Thankfully He did not.

We continued our way back through the park and drove by natural sculptures, and with very little imagination one reminded me of Horus, the Egyptian bird, another of the Egyptian Sphinx, and yet another of the face and body of an immense serpent in an area called the Garden of Eden, and then there was stone in the shape of the Buddha. As we drove on immense sentinel warriors rose hundreds of feet high to stand guard, striking pillars fit for the palace of any king or a temple to God were everywhere, only multiplied by many dimensions; all them colossal, dwarfing man’s tiny attempts at art or architecture. Art was etched into the walls of these mighty corridors. It seemed that all man’s efforts at creation had been anticipated by the Creator in this marvelous setting.

Finally we came to a stop at the Fiery Furnace. The bright red sandstone reached up in columns that must of reminded someone of flames leaping up. However, this place was both physically and energetically a cooling place. As we sat in its midst a great sense of peace and calm came to me. Ah, this is the pilgrimage spot to which Divine Mother had brought us. From here we could look out over a vast panorama of sculpted shapes dotting the landscape below, in the eastern distance high snowcapped mountains in the state of Colorado rose up on the horizon. It was a surpassingly lovely view and the Fiery Furnace brought the gift of awakened spiritual energies. It is a pilgrimage spot chosen for us by Prakriti’s Mother Nature.

And now, as I write this to you we sit next to the Colorado River in a deep ravine with red rock cliffs soaring above and jagged peaks all around us. The campfire is burning, the vivid stars are shinning, gentle rapids next to us sing their continual song and we are serenaded by the crickets living nearby. A wonderful sense of peace like a warm blanket settles around me as I think of you; separated by distance, but not in Spirit.

So I send to you this gentle peace, the peace I felt at the fiery furnace (perhaps it is misnamed) and here by the lapping waves of the Colorado, and I am filled with gratitude for God guiding us so perfectly and truly in this pilgrimage of His natural wonders.

Picture: David & Carla @ Fiery Furnace

Picture: Salt Lake City Cathedral

Our pilgrimage continues. Corliss had recommended that we camp near Thousand Springs Falls Idaho. 90 Miles away a river dives subterranean into lava tubes and travels underground until it finally emerges from the midst of a cliff face and drops down to join the Snake river below. It is a beautiful oasis in the midst of desert; an excellent tip for an overnight stay.

Our next stop was Shoshone Falls. Taller than Niagara Falls, the rock formations formed by the fluidic master engraver are really breathtaking. We pilgrims took our time to imbibe the special feeling of peace and vital energy while there. From there we travelled south into Utah. Our next “home” came next to the Great Salt Lake at Willard Bay State Park. The park mostly empty this time of year was a welcome respite and provided a peaceful haven in which to stay with a rich population of birds and expansive views of the unique Salt Lake.

Then on to Salt Lake City. Settled by the Mormons, I had wanted to visit the holy sites that drew these intrepid pioneers. Establishing a Temple for the living God was an important mission for Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Brigham Young said he did not like to say too much about the revelations he received from God, but he definitely felt the Spirit of God was present where he said the Temple should be built.

Through much hardship the settlers not only worked to eke out a living but also donated their time for 40 years in order to complete the Temple. Using quarry rock from 20 miles away the granite stones were at first hauled by wagon, but later a railroad system that was built to accomplish the task. Truly a beautiful Temple was constructed and the manicured grounds surrounding the Temple have a very peaceful feeling to them.

We were also treated to an organ recital at the Mormon Tabernacle with its amazing sound acoustics beautifully engineered into the oval roofed structure featuring the biggest organ I have ever seen. It was a wonderful treat. A local recommended we eat at the Red Iguana, a Mexican restaurant. We were treated to the most delicious tacos ever. The tightly packed tables and noisy ambience reminded me of Yogi Berra’s (yes, the Yankee catcher was named after Hindu yogis!) comment, “Well, no wonder nobody eats here, it’s so darn crowded!” But the taste of those delicious tacos stay with us still.

Carla had made me promise that if certain physical symptoms continued by the time we had arrived at the city then I would see a doctor here. Frequent shortness of breath, pounding heart, dizziness, and lack of physical energy have been my constant companions these past months; making it an act of will to do the simplest of activities. Dr. Fiona Ying saw me at the University Walk-in Clinic. Both an allopathic and a Chinese medicine doctor, she tested me for blood pressure, heart and lungs, as well as oxygen intake etc. I tested out perfectly in all categories. Dr. Ying was perplexed by my symptoms and apparent perfect health. She asked if I would be open to some Chinese formulas for breathing and dizziness; I have been taking them for the last couple of days; so far without noticeable effect.

One of the legacies of receiving Mother’s Spiritual Mantle has been the taking on of every form of ailment and psychological condition from others. The Grace that goes with this work that I do for Mother is that I know God’s Presence from beginning to end. This makes all the difference. It does not mean that I do not meet with frustration at times, or feel that what He is giving me is too much, but these are passing phases; I would not trade my life for any other.

When I leave on a pilgrimage trek I smile when someone says, “Have a nice vacation.” I appreciate the sentiment, but there is never a time God does not have me at work. This life I live I find fascinating, even as a spectator of a sporting event would find the play on the field fully engaging.

We left Salt Lake City feeling that we had an opportunity to experience the holy sites here. Carla said that it was the cleanest city she had ever been in; I told her it rivaled Singapore in that respect. The people were all friendly and the emphasis on healthy family was evident. It is wonderful to come to a city where the Temple is the center attraction.

As we traveled south we were surprised at the dense population that continued past the city proper. Eventually we felt the relief of leaving the dense population and felt the open skies unfurling before us. We are now stationed at Yuba State Park, looking out over Yuba Lake. The soft colors of desert hills charm us, then as the sun sets a vibrant thunder and lightning storm is passing nearby. We are thankful for our dry dharmashala on wheels and all the comforts of home (in miniature). This morning the early morning skies herald the rising sun with trumpets of orange, gold and blues colors streaking overhead.

Note: We recently received word that Sheela (of Prem and Sheela) has left the body. Sheela had been having health problems for some time. We always remember Sheela for opening her San Diego home to all of us so freely and lovingly, delicious meals and their Thursday night kirtans. Sheela had a wonderful sense of humor, and was totally devoted to Prem (Papa Ramdas’ grandson), Papa, Mataji and Swamiji. I always remember her saying as she lovingly looked upon her husband Prem, “The only thing harder than being a saint is living with one!” I am sure that they were all there for her transition into her new life, now free in joyful Spirit. Om Sri Ram Jai Ram Jai Jai Ram!

Carla and I both pass on our loving thoughts to you and may God and the Masters ever bless you.

Picture by Carla: Sunset from Willard Bay: overlooking the Great Salt Lake

This writing is sent to you on the anniversary of the birthday of our treasured Lahiri Baba.

A Blood Moon one night and a full moon next to it helped mark the anniversary of the mahasamadhi of Lahiri Mahasaya. On each of these powerful nights the internal wakeup call comes in what I think of as Sri Yukteswarji’s hour, 2 a.m. I open myself to what God would have for me on these nocturnal events, always awake in eager anticipation for fulfilling His will.

My awareness moved out over a vast expanse, like light catapulting from a sun out into vast space. Only this “photon of light” expands and merges into the space into which it is moving, and this “photon” knows unparalleled joy in so doing.

Individuals known to me come to mind, a thousand thousand psychological patterns come into my awareness, clear and distinct. From the Vedas and from Master’s own lips comes the idea, “I am the wave, make me the sea.” In the past I have had a mental image of an ocean, waves rising and falling in natural rhythm, but now it comes as a visionary experience, the sea is a living consciousness. Waves as individual souls emerge from the vast sea of consciousness, each express their unique pattern, then they submerge once again into vastness of Spirit. This living sea has a number of qualities that defy description: it is full of life, it is smooth and all-powerful; the words are there but they somehow lack sufficient power to convey what it really is.

This great sea is the “I Am,” the great I Am. This I Am knows no qualification, it brooks no variance. Anything that needs qualification or change is not the I Am. Individual waves are always looking for qualifications to creation, not accepting the perfection of it all. Each one has access to the great I Am, even as the wave stems from the sea, but his or her insistence on qualifications keeps him from merging into the sea.

The perfectness of the great I Am cannot be compared to anything; for it is unique perfection itself. These are the writings of a madman; mad for God, mad of God-experience. I have had to break the tethers of the known in order to chart these waters of the unknown. Having done so, I am now commanded by the same Intelligence that guides this exploration to write down these notes from beyond the Beyond.

I can tell you beloved friend, the great I Am answers all of the heart’s desires, it fulfills the soul and its constant restless tides, and it is easily accessible by all. Oh my dear one, simply make no qualification upon God or His creation, humbly accept everything in its perfection, merge into the great I Am, and join Lahiri Baba and the great ones in knowing this fathomless Truth of your Being.

I am now emptied of what I held within from this experience, giving it all to you, and I merge into the great I Am, merging into what I never left and what will always be mine, even as it is yours.

Buddha @ Jerry and Lois’s home in Sunnyside

Greetings from our Dharmashala on wheels! Carla and I have begun our pilgrimage across this great land. It has been a busy time with events at the house, getting the house ready for our absence, and loading up our home on wheels for an extended voyage. With Ram keeping me in deep inner experiences, as well as a load of physical symptoms, much of the work has fallen on Carla (nothing unusual about that!). Bless her heart.

We ended up leaving on September 23 instead of the 22, and it turned out this was the actual Autumn Equinox date. This has always been a seminal time of year for me, and this year is no exception. This odyssey came about through God’s direction beginning only a month before. After a major change of having us purchase a home on Camano Island a little over a year ago, He has now set us off on this extended trip. I had often thought, “If He asked me to leave this beautiful home, I could easily walk out the door without a second thought,” and the Divine Creator has taken me at my word!

Our first destination was to Jerry and Lois in Sunnyside. They have served as Center Leaders for these many years, in addition to having some summer Group gatherings and Lois playing host for several of the children and mother’s for a crafts weekend each year. They too will be moving to Camano Island and a couple were coming to their house to possibly buy it the next day; a closing of a chapter for our spiritual group as well as the last of our family leaving the Yakima Valley after having arrived over a 120 years before.

Carla and I brought roses from Lois’s yard to my parent’s graveside in acknowledgement for all they have done to facilitate this incarnation and all their loving efforts for their family. Our hearts welled up with gratitude and love for who and what they are. We also spent time with Cathy Kelley, a faithful Kriyaban, and as she watched us depart she said I am the last one to wave goodbye! And so it is.

From there we have left the known and flew into the new territory. We crossed the mighty Columbia River, crossed Oregon and looked to find a place near the Snake River after a long day of travel. Our smart phone was giving us direction to a park to stay when it suddenly refused to give any further instructions. I pulled over after Carla tried repeatedly to get it to cooperate. I tried to renew the connection when a couple came jogging out of their house and asked if we were lost. After hearing our intended destination they said, “Oh, that is a scuzzy place, you will not want to stay there.” Suddenly she had a phone book in hand that seemed to just materialize, he was calling on his cell phone to check on availability, and with amazing alacrity directed us to a new destination. I was reminded of Steve Fisher’s “angels” from his motorcycle trip to Central America and I told them they were our angels come to our rescue. Just as mysteriously as our phone had ceased working minutes before, it now retook its functions with gusto and guided us to a beautiful little park for our stay. Ram, Ram!

The next day brought us to Boise, where we wanted to see the campus where Peter Schultz’s youngest daughter plans to go to college. We rode our bikes on the most beautiful bike trail we have ever been on, following a green belt that is next to a flowing river, crossing back and forth the river where ducks and geese and white water kayakers all share the water.

All the while we continue to organize our sparse 200 square feet of living space, God flows powerfully through this form, and my physical health continues to be difficult, but it allows me to do what is required, and even made me be able to take the 10 mile bike trip, with some breathers along the way.

You continue to be in our thoughts, and we feel as if we are taking you with us as we continue on this journey God has put us on for His own inscrutable reasons! Please keep us in your thoughts and prayers, as you will be in ours.