And What a Journey it has been!

I depart India in two days, and this will be my last Letter from India, on this journey.

And what a journey it has been! I have been here for 4 months and have been sick 4 times; dysentery (contaminated water), Food poisoning (where I vomited at a wedding, having eaten food from a take-out), Throat infection (like a strep throat), and recently, Heat Stroke. All of which included a purgation of one form or another. Either up or down, or both ends, and the sweats. This was my initiation of the cleansing process I co-created for myself. It was tough, and there were moments I believed I would not see the light of the next day. In the final analysis, I survived, recovered and I feel so much better than before I arrived. Go figure! Now I wish to replace some of the weight I lost and all is well.

So, what is the message for having had this cleansing experience?

The mind and the body are irrevocably connected. They are a mirror for each other. The holy people aspire to God either through the mind or through the body. One affects the other. My thoughts have not been the most positive over the years, even though I did my best. These toxic thoughts poisoned my body.

In my younger years, I abused my body dreadfully with wine, women and song, which unto themselves are not bad. I just misused my intelligence, and abused myself. On a psycho-emotional level I fully understand the reasons why I did all this, and I have spent the latter part of my life in my own healing and balancing. The culmination of all this healing occurred when my Beloved Angelia decided to depart her body and go home to the Angelic Realm. This was a wake up call for me like no other. I knew that I was doing the same action and hoping for different results, and in this sense I was insane.

The cosmic wake up call demanded that I look at my life and make a decision. Was I going to follow Angelia’s lead and depart my body, or was I going to re-evaluate the way by which I was living my life? As you can see I chose the latter. This also demanded that I change my actions. But how? I decided to go to India. A completely irrational decision, after all, I am 62 years of age, no longer a spring chicken. My back ached, my neck ached, I felt weak, I suffered with physical pain for about 7 years, since July, 2001, when Max, my canine brother/friend/confidant/major supporter, died. My life was a mess. I suffered much.

And so, having packed enough for three people, including hiking boots, backpack, medicines, oil of Oregano, Tri-Guard, and so on did I embark upon my greatest odyssey of self discovery. I went to India…To include the summer time. I had absolutely no idea what I was doing. All I knew was to change my actions. I was prepared to wonder about India with the kitchen sink strapped to my back. Quite ludicrous.

News Alert! As I am typing this the largest ant I have ever seen just walked past me. It is at least 1 inch long. I have been experiencing this type of thing every day. Two nights ago, just after the start of the monsoon rains, after the sun went down and I switched the light on in my room, the room was filled with hundreds and hundreds of flying creatures. They were larger than mosquitoes, and had double wings like a biplane. Apparently this is what happens at the beginning of monsoon, and unbeknownst to me these creature only live for a few hours then die. I spent those two hours doing what I could to clear the room of them. There were many dead ones on the floor. Then the ants started coming in to clear up the dead. I was seeing the eco-system working as never before. This is a amazingly diverse country, with 850,000 different species of life forms, 17.5% of the all the species in the world is right here in India. A country smaller than the USA, and with almost 4 times the population. I am in awe of this place.

Back to the kitchen sink….

I was actually prepared for anything; enlightenment, death, being lost and finding Shangri La, you name it, I was fantasizing it. I just did not really care anymore – And this is the key, I started to let go, to surrender. A form of giving up. The weight of my past life of suffering, the weight of my emotional baggage and the weight of my physical luggage all took its toll on me, and I was buckling at the knees. I arrived at Jiva Ayurveda Health center in India, and I was accepted to assist in various projects, for which I was able to sleep and eat without worry. It was quite wonderful.

I met the most lovely people from various countries of the world, with whom I am still in contact. The weather was delightful and life was good. Then the change started, as the weather changed from Spring into Summer, and the people stopped coming. I was on my own. I became a recluse in my room where I chanted the mantras and prayers to God, Krishna, Ganesha, Hanuman, Rama, Shiva, Lakshmi and so on. I used my mala beads, I prayed, I meditated and I felt as if I was somewhere and nowhere.

Then the physical illnesses were upon me, and I felt the breath of death itself whispering to me, “Come, I am ready for you. Let go and come to me.” Somehow, I just could not let go in that manner. I re-affirmed my love of Self and God, for my children, my friends, my spiritual family and asked God as I fell to me knees in desperate supplication to awaken from this nightmare of ignorance.

Well, I survived each illness, and though weak with loss of bodily fluids, and weak of muscle, the cosmic magic started to help me. An Indian ship engineer came for a week, and he suggested I take electrolytes. I ran to the local “hole in the wall” chemist and bought such a supply. The effects were nothing short of miraculous. I started to regain muscle strength and to feel better. I started to eat more fruit, and less regular food, and every now and then I had chocolates and toffees and biscuits (cookies) – comfort food.

I wish to add, that if it were not for the Ayurveda medicines, I doubt very much if I would have survived. The Ayurveda stuff has helped my digestion balance, which has been a major problem for me for years, and the other stuff that was administered to me literally saved me. I was drinking lemon water with sugar and which was helping, but I was dependent on the kitchen staff, and it was not always possible. The electrolytes did the trick, and I could self administer at will.

Then I encountered by divine invention the Jyotishi (Vedic Astrologer), whom I saw in March, and who gave me an encouraging report. Well, this time, I was invited to have tea with him and he began to teach me stuff. That was about 3 weeks ago. Yesterday I went to see him again and again invited me to tea and biscuits and continued teaching me stuff.

I started to have premonitions and the psychic stuff started up again, and I see and feel that I have been opened a bit more, that I am more awake than before, that I can create with greater ease. That the events in my life are so sped up that I may have to experience something for only days rather than weeks or months, or for only months rather than years, before the changes set in and I move on in my journey to my own sacred self.

I do not really know what all this means, except that I am to complete my assignment on this earth, and I am more ready and capable to do so than at any other time of my life. I am ready, able and willing to Live and be part of this extraordinarily beautiful world we live in. I feel the depth of Love arising from deep within me, and I am feeling this Unconditional Love more and more. I feel happy, and filled with Joy. I do not know why, I just do. Nothing dramatic has happened. It is just becoming more and more apparent that something good is happening to me. I cannot put a label on it and I do not want to. I am happy to just BE.

All this in just four months. Remarkable. Now I want to share all this with others, and have made an agreement with myself and God to spend the rest of my life as an instrument in service of God and humanity. My path is the path of devotion to Divine Love. And so I intend to talk, lecture, give seminars, teach meditation and whatever I am to do and be in the fulfillment of this holy covenant.

And I thank you for allowing me to share this with you. You who are a part of my life and who has played a significant role in the path I have adopted. You are a very beautiful soul of divine love, peace and joy. I thank you for being in my life, which you have enriched beyond measure.

And so, what is next? I dare not plan as the changes seems to be so fast and furious, but plan (loosely) I do anyway. I am going to visit my older brother, Michael and his family in Isreal. I will walk on the beach with him as I process and integrate this growing awareness. I have been booked to give a presentation at a Yoga Studio in Tel Aviv, courtesy of my brother’s daughter, who helped me make the contact. Then I will return to the USA, and do my work/joy, wherever I am invited and wherever I can.

I will gather a group to bring back to Jiva Ayurveda Health Clinic in November, for those who wish to avail themselves of the ayurveda medical facilities, including all the pancha Karma treatments and other ayurveda treatments. I will give free presentations on this in peoples’ homes and the like.

The future is bright, and the light is bright. Each one of us does make a difference. Let that difference be for the highest good of all. We can change ourselves, I am living proof of that, and as we change ourselves positively, we give others permission to do the same. This is how we change our world. Let’s do it…TOGETHER.

With all my heartfelt love from the depths of my soul, on this humid day in India,

Aham Prema (I am Divine Love)

Anthony

(Tony is no more, Anthony, my birth name is back. My full name is Anthony Bennett Altman. I acknowledge the energy of this name and I invite it back in my life – And so it is!).

Knowledge is Structured in Consciousness

Greetings from India,

The hot weather has now arrived, with temperatures of 42 C / 108 F – and this is not summer. The heat will climb to 45C / 113F and above. I wonder if I will be able to hold out until my departure on 21/June.

In the meantime I am continuing my work here at Jiva Ayurveda until my departure. After work, I go to my room/cave and practice various forms of meditation. There is one known as ‘fatigue’ meditation, another called ‘too hot’ meditation. I have come to a place where I am able to observe my mind. Sometimes it feels a bit spooky, while at the same time quite fascinating.

I am reading a book by Dr. David Frawley, called ‘Ayurveda and the Mind, which I find very helpful. It also seems to me to be rather futile to seek knowledge, for this is what I have been doing all my life. The more I learn, the more that I realize I do not know. And, yet is that true? Do I not know it? Does anyone not know anything?

Maharishi once said to us, “Knowledge is structured in consciousness.” I, therefore wonder whether it is better to seek higher states of consciousness, which will then provide you with the knowledge and wisdom that is already in place. We, on the other hand are adept at putting ourselves ‘out of place’ or ‘out of sync’ with that which is already there. I feel that we, the human race may be doing it all back to front, the cart before the horse. If you have any ideas on this let me know.

The concept I am talking of is the “art of knowing.” Just knowing what is required at any given moment. In reality, when one goes for a degree, the truth is that if the individual has a good memory and remembers what is offered then the degree is assured, like even being a doctor. Does the degree indicate any level of competency? Not really, but we insist this is the way to go. Where is our knowing, our intuition?

I was discussing something similar with Steve the American Education Director here at Jiva school (1,000 students), and he recounted a story: A teacher approached him saying that she has a student who gives all the right answers but cannot arrive at the answers the way the text book demands. She wanted to know what to do with him. The discussion was about multiple intelligences. Steve’s advice was to leave the student alone. The importance here is that the student arrives at the correct answers, not how he /she does it.

Each of us perceives differently. Why do we all have to conform to someone else’s idea of what and how we are to act? Does this not destroy our individual expression of creativity? It seems to me we are due for a really good shake up in the way we perceive a ourselves and how we relate to the world around us. (Forgive me, but I do now recall that I have already mentioned this story on multiple intelligences).

So this is how I am spending my alone time. Seeking a way to my knowing. This is a great place to do that. The extreme paradoxes of India seem to create (in me anyway) an overload of my senses and everything freezes (like the computer). In this space I can witness everything without being emotionally involved.
Some years ago, I came across the concept of change in this context. If I do not like the results of my action, what do I do?

Most of us continue with the same action and PRAY for different results. Really, all we have to do is change our action and the results will change by themselves. This is a main reason why I came to India. I wanted different results in my life, and I felt it a good idea to do something quite radical, like step out of my comfort zone. I believe I did this quite thoroughly by coming to India. You see, India has this ability to take us in its arms, turn you upside down, and then shake the living daylights out of you. Compared to others I have had it very easy.

I am grateful to Dr. Partap Chauhan and his family at Jiva, who have welcomed me with open arms and kept me quite safe, even though I contracted dysentery in Agra, food poisoning by eating food outside of Jiva’s kitchen, which was explained to me that as it is now very hot, food can be contaminated very quickly. In the final analysis, my digestion is normalizing, and I am now observing my mind. What will emerge when I finally leave and return to the USA, only God knows.

On a lighter note, I wish to tell you about the wildlife again. The lizards are plentiful and quite aggressive, although they do not bother us people. They are slightly different colors/shades of stone, and they range from about 12 -14 inches, head to tail. I have now seen two green parrots flying free and wild. They have a red beak, and they look so very beautiful out of a cage. There is a plethora of chipmunk type creatures, with black and white stripes down their backs. They stay in pairs and play all the time. I saw one this morning looking very hot, pressed flat against the bough of a tree. The cockroaches are very large, but they seem slower than the ones I have known before. Probably, the heat slows then down. I have not seen them fly. That would be too much for me. The last time I saw flying cockroaches was in South Africa, many years ago. And that was a freak-out.

I think of you and trust all is well with you and those around you, family, friends.
With much love and many blessings
Tony

A Day in My India Life; And off to the “Bank”

Greetings again!
A life in the day of Tony, is quite apt for India. Let me give you a few impressions of life here.

I am now sleeping beneath a mosquito net, and for that I am thankful. At last I can sleep uninterrupted by those strange little creatures which hide from you, only to re-appear when you least likely to expect them. I wonder where they went to learn this form of torture?

Now it is getting seriously hot. Today, I am feeling it. Very heavy. Fortunately I have an overhead fan in my room and the circulating air works well. I have the windows open, and am thankful that I can manage without air conditioning, at least till this moment.

I shower before bed, as well as when I awake. I might have to have another during the day when it gets even hotter. Las Vegas, I will never complain of your summer weather ever again!

Let me tell you about the bathroom. In India, it seems to be all the same basic design. There is a room, mine is about 6′ X 7′, and contains a sink/wash basin, a toilet (mine is the sit-down type-Thank you Krishna. I have not learned how to use the traditional ‘hole in the floor’ type yet. Then in the corner you have the shower/taps.

There is no shower cubicle or shower room. The shower is in the toilet room. They are all together. In spa terms, it is like wet room. As you show, the water goes everywhere, and as the floor is either marble or similar it does not matter. You shower, walk about, go to the toilet, brush your teeth, whatever you want to do. Actually, I like it, because you have more room to maneuver.

In the UK I used a shower cubicle, where it was small I could not bend down very well. Indian style actually works quite well, but is very different. Oh, I forgot to mention that, for hot water, you switch on a water heater bolted to the wall, and it’s usually very small. However, I have always had sufficient water, even when the show has no water pressure, I then resort to the bucket (In India, when staying at a moderate hotel, they give you a bucket of hot water for washing yourself), and this also works out well, if you like to play in water.

One thing for sure, we in the West do waste water. With a bucket you do not. You simply take the bucket and use a small jug to pour the water over you. All I can say is that this works, and I enjoy playing with/in water.

And so, I awake at about 5:30 am and listen to the birds singing. I arise at about 6-6:30am and go get my hot water to drink and start the digestive system working. I have started to put some salt in the water, as I was recently reminded by a friend (a chemist) that the body is electrical and saline water help the synapse fire, and anything else electrical, as saline water is a good conductor of electricity.

As I am going through my ablution processes, I hear the hawkers crying out there offerings. They ride their tricycles (with like a flatbed/cargo area at the rear) and they sell vegetables, fruits, they collect garbage, they sell milk, and other stuff I have not yet determined what they are. The various calls of these vendors/hawkers remind me of the various birds and their unique call.

Then the cleaning lady comes in and sweeps/washes the floor. She takes my dirty laundry and washes it outside in the rear of the property, where she soaps it all and then beats the sh…. out of it. So far my clothes are standing up it well enough. They dry on the clothes line and smell really good by the evening.

I pay my respects to my neighbors, and leave for breakfast at about 8:30am. Outside there is usually a great big cow standing there looking at me. We exchange Namaste’s and I wonder what the cow is feeling/thinking. Sometimes there are several cows just milling about. Today a cow decided to sleep on a pile of sand that just appeared and I feel it is to be used for building, as next to it is a stack of bricks.

The crow is usually on the street lamp outside the gate, and we exchange ‘caws.’ Their markings are very different to what is seen in the USA on the West coast. Here they are smaller, with a grey collar that covers the shoulders.

I walk out of the gate and turn left. At the ‘T’ junction a few yards on, I look at the field on the other side of the road where cricket is played (A British game that may have been the predecessor to baseball) I stop at the junction to see what the traffic situation is like. It usually is busy with walkers, bicycles, tricycle rickshaws, motorbikes, scooters and cars, apart from a few dogs which seem to live in the area, and of course the holy cows.

I make a right and walk perhaps 50-75 yards, and I arrive at the back door to the school complex. The school building accommodates over a thousand children attending Jiva School. They all have uniforms and look so good. They are well disciplined and ever so polite. “Good Morning, Sir,” they say to me without any prompt.

I walk to the canteen and eat my breakfast, which is usually wheat grains cooked in milk, poha (rice dish), papaya, watermelon, chai, and sometime coconut water. I usually eat the fruit later, and sometimes I leave the wheat/milk, as sometimes my system does not do well on that. There is a school of thought that milk does not do us any good after age 3 or so, and that we are the only mammals that continue to imbibe milk. I happen to agree, with a caveat. If milk is prepared ayurvedically, I believe the effects can become beneficial. For instance, there is a remedy (Ayurvedically) for the negative affects of coffee, which usually has the effect of suppressing the immune system as does all forms of caffeine.

So I am just learning and one day I will really know. Know what you may ask? I do not know what it is that I may know, or even that I may know that I know. All I know is that in the past I did not know that I did not know.

I spend my day doing what I can to be of assistance to the overall vision of Jiva ayurveda, which is the same as all Ayurveda practitioners and schools – to promote the knowledge and understanding of Ayurveda. It is indeed a fascinating science. It seems that I may have missed my vocation, as, if I were younger, I would have gone to Ayurveda School.

In fact I nearly did. When Angelia registered with Dr. Jay Apte of the Ayurveda Institute of America in Foster City/Los Angeles to become an Ayurvedic Practitioner, I was strongly tempted, but, alas, it was not possible at that time. Dr. Jay Apte is an extremely loving and compassionate lady, and if anyone wants her number just ask me.

I meet patients at breakfast, lunch and dinner and this is the social highlight of the day. After dinner I may watch HBO for awhile, but usually go to my room at a round 8pm and I sit in my ‘cave’ praying, chanting, seeking out mosquitoes, writing and reading. This is a good safe environment for me to do this.

I have now met the Guru, Shri Satya Narayan who runs the Jiva ashram in Vrindavan. He has just returned from lecturing in the USA, and will be returning in June to the East coast. We have spent time together discussing God, service, ego, suffering, and more. I love our time together, and it seems that I do not have to go in search of someone like him. He found me. Which is true, as I was entering the premises as he was leaving and we ‘bumped’ in to each other. I guess we found each other. He is a prolific reader, and we discussed some books. His life work to study the Indian scriptures and translate them in to English.

I have decided to return to the USA earlier, and will therefore be arriving in Las Vegas on 21/July. After a few days in Pahrump, I will go to California, which is calling/beckoning me. In June I am going to visit my older brother in Israel for a few weeks before I start a new life in California.

In order to change the dates of my ticket I had to go to Delhi and deal with them directly. Fortunately, I was able to make the necessary changes. I started off yesterday at 9am, when the taxi picked me up. The traffic was pretty bad (rush hour) and I was able to see the landscape of humanity in all its forms, going about their business. It still amazes me that when a driver changes direction they just do it, and few look first. This is why they use the horn so much. They just let you know they are coming ready or not, or so it would appear to me.

The driver was very good, and did not take any chances, or should I say any more chances than what is regarded as normal, which means anything. In Delhi we passed India Gate, which is an arch, similar to Marble Arch in the UK, Arc de Triumph in France, except this was quite ornate.

We arrived at the offices of Jet Airways. After the necessary formalities, they asked me to pay for the date change and quoted the amount in US Dollars, just like they did over the phone when I checked with them. I offered them US Dollars, and was told that they could only accept Indian Rupees. OK, “Where do I change money?” I asked. They did not know. They sent someone to look for a bank. He came back and said there was the Punjab National Bank across the road.

I went to the road. It was impossible to pass, and I really did not feel like suicide. Someone shouted to me that there was a subway under the road. I dashed and descended the steps, into another twilight world of buskers (those who sing/play music for money), vendors, with their wares on the floor, and suspicious looking people who did little to imbue trust. The place was dirty and I did not feel comfortable. I clutched my bag and was as careful as I could be as I dashed to the surface in search of the bank.

I found a German bank that looked really posh. However, they did not exchange money. Next door, there was a bank that looked like a back street market of dubious quality food. The sign said Punjab….This was it. The entrance was a half closed gate with ropes and obstructions that caused me to crouch and twist to get in. Was this a bank or what? I entered and what I saw amazed me.

It was like stepping back in time 100 years, including the 100 year old cobwebs and dust. The place was so well worn and old. There was a security man with a shotgun. My God, I thought. If there was a need to use it, in such close quarters with so many people crowded, such a blast would kill many. Not a good choice of weapon for those circumstances. I was directed to go up upstairs. On arrival on the next floor, there was an old sign hanging at an angle indicating the exchange department. I approached, and entered a dingy little cubicle, where the single man was on the phone.

After what seemed like an eternity, he asked me what I wanted, and we proceeded to talk money exchange. I filled out forms, he filled out forms, I gave him my passport, he wanted my address and phone number, but not my blood type(Humor). Then he took my travelers cheques and disappeared. I stood up and watched him enter a room at the far end of the building.

After another eternity he returned with more papers. He directed someone to take me to the cashier with all the papers. By now I have my passport back. We stood at the cashiers cubicle. It was empty. The cashier was next door. I indicated I was in a hurry and he acknowledged me, but did not budge. Then after a while he moved back in to his office and looked through all the paperwork. Finally, I received the Rupee equivalent to my US Dollars.

Clutching my bag and everything else, I eased past the shotgun man, out into the street, down through the subway passage and back to Jet Airways. The deed is done, and I find the taxi and “Back to Faridabad,” I shout, above the din of the traffic in this very busy part of Delhi. We make it out of town without mishap. He is a good driver. No cows, no obstructions.

Then the taxi man asks me if I want to see the Lotus temple. “Thank you, but no,” I respond. I “I want to go back to Faridabad immediately,” I add. It is hot, there are 50 million people out there, and I might have to go to the toilet. No, Faridabad it is. Within the hour we are back to the safe haven of the clinic and I go and have lunch.

When I return to India, I will have a better idea of what to do and when to be here. I ought to go to the Himalayas right now, as it is cooler there, but I do not have the energy right now, although I may do it next month. I would really like to see Haridwar, Rishikesh, Gangotri, and just be in the mountains. We will see.

In the meantime, I am getting myself balanced and releasing any psycho-emotional limitations that I have been holding on to. This entire visit has been absolutely wonderful. I love India, and will be back. The people I have met are the most wonderful, the most courteous and friendly (in fact loving) people you would want to meet. This journey is a life unto itself. I am thankful I had the courage to come and fulfill a dream.

And this has been a life in the day of yours truly, here in India. Oops, not quite, Guruji is giving a lecture on the soul and he has asked me if I would like to attend. Of course, and so my day continues today with more life packed into it. See you later.

With Love from India
Tony/Anthony

The monkeys have arrived. I saw 4 of them yesterday in the school grounds. Another story.

My Accomodations

My routine is quite gentle. I awake in the morning at about 6am, and seem to be in a state of paralysis, and so I wait for about an hour until I can move. I then take a cup of hot water to kick start the bowel evacuation and digestive track. I now add a pinch of salt as I was informed by a friend that as we are electrical, it is important to maintain our salinity to promote full function of the synapses. So far this seems to be working well. It is my intention to be well here, and to this end that is exactly what is happening. Apart from deep rooted conditions, which I am going to have a consultation with Dr. Chauhan, and avail myself of the therapeutic treatments here that will help me balance my body/constitution, etc.

I then shave and shower, and such arrangements are also quite different. The bathroom is as follows: Spacious room containing flushing sit-down toilet, wash basin with hot/cold taps, small water heater/geyser on the wall, shower head, and two other taps/faucets, a large plastic bowl/bucket, and a small plastic jug. There is also another small plastic jug by the other tap close to the floor by the toilet for those who just love the traditional Indian way. I turn the hot water tap on for the shower, I wait, and eventually there is a trickle of water. I turn on the cold water tap. The trickle gets stronger. Now depending on the water pressure, there may be a trickle and there may be less or more of a trickle. It depends on what, I am not sure.

If there is nothing then I resort to the large bowl/bucket and fill that up from the other set of taps, and this is quite good, because I am in control, and with the use of the small jug I can pour water over me and really have some fun, because I am not worried whether the shower trickle may stop or not. As a kid I loved to play in water, and now I still love to play in water. This works. You just have work out your system. Everything is working well. Not exactly how I want it, but then I am learning to flow, am I not???

My bed is very comfortable, and my room is equally so. The people in whose home I live are the most precious and loving people I have met. I really am enjoying my stay here. The cleaning lady who cleans the house is also the washing service. She washes the clothes for the family outside in the back. I have been invited to have my clothes washed by this delightful lady at cost of 250 rupees per month. That is about $6 or maybe a little less.

Jiva – Oasis of Education Innovation and Ayurveda

Greetings this humid day in India.

I wish to honor Eric Tischler again, for creating and maintaining the blog of my journey in India, and wherever else my path takes me. If anyone is looking for a creative, focussed webmaster/web designer, please contact Eric at his website www.netpositivesolutions.com, or email, eric@netpositivesolutions.com.

Today is a warm, hazy, lazy day. Humidity level must be high, as I feel sluggish.

I want to tell you a short story: 25 years ago a man by the name of Riashi Pal Chauhan had a vision, a really involved and complete vision, in which he saw a University/Hospital/Spiritual organization that he was to innovate, and that was to bring the knowledge of Ayurveda, Enlightened Education, and greater Spiritual awareness to India and the world. It was tough, because their origins were humble and money was short.

They started in the living room of his house. Rishai is an accomplished engineer who worked as such on the East coast of the USA for several years. There he met Stephen Rudolph who had a MA.Ed. degree, and they forged a friendship so deeply that he has become as a brother in the family.

Stephen decided to join Jiva in India and wrote a large number of text books demonstrating his incredibly enlightened approach to education. They formed a school, which began humbly in the aforementioned living room.

Today they have a purpose built building with 1,000 children of all ages, covering all grades, with a teaching staff that would be very effective in the West. The children wear uniforms, and are taught in a manner that has brought back the “fun” into learning. They deal with “multiple intelligences,” whereby they find the strengths of the child and encourage that. Very different from the Western example. Stephen, counsels children, parents and teachers. He has a TV show and I expect this “Enlightened Educational System” will take the world by storm.

Stephen told me of a story that is all too familiar. I experienced the same attitude from my teachers as a child. A teacher approached Stephen to ask him his advice. Apparently she (teacher) had a pupil who was always able to provide the correct answer quickly in math, but he could not demonstrate very well how he arrived at his answer. Stephen counseled to do nothing and leave the child alone. He had his own method, and as long as he produced the correct answers, why be concerned how he did it. Simple and logical. How many of us had to produce the correct answer, and demonstrate the exact method of the teacher or what was said in the book. Is life really like that? Some kids are good at demonstrating formulas, other have different ways of doing the same thing. We all have multiple intelligences, and we just need to find out what works for us and go for it. I just love it.

This is like being in a place that on first glance you feel is exceedingly primitive, then you come across a revolution of thought like this. Is this a good example of the rise and fall of civilizations? Is it India’s turn again? Is the USA going to go quieter and come back with renewed vigor? I suppose it all depends on the requirements of the people of the country. When the beautiful people of America (my adopted home) decide what they really want, then, I believe the cosmic process of change to accommodate that will be instigated. “Everything is uncertain except death, nothing is permanent except change.” quoted by Shri Satya Narayan, the spiritual brother/leader of Jiva. Maybe we all have to undergo change in order to evolve and raise our conscious awareness. The educational website is currently www.jiva.in

The other aspect of Jiva is Jiva Spiritual. Shri Satya Narayan is the brother of Partap and Rishi. He was honored in the field of engineering, and he too, worked in the USA for a while. He has since devoted his life to preserving ancient texts in Sanskrit and translating them. He is a Sanskrit Scholar, a PH,D, and so much else. You can visit his site at www.jivs.org
Currently, the three separate websites are being amalgamated into one, which was one of my suggestions, and I am delighted that my tenure here is being productive. Shri Satya has an ashram.establishment in Vrindavan, which was home to Krishna, and where the ISKON (international society of Krishna consciousness) has its HQ. In my next story (if I get to it) I will tell you more about that place. Suffice to say that anyone can go there to study Sanskrit, the Bhagavad Gita (the epic story with Arjuna and Krishna offering transcendental knowledge and wisdom), Indian Music, Access to the library (10,000 books), practice yoga and pranayama, and just relax in the garden as you watch the antics of the wild monkeys.
While all the above was going on Dr.Partap Chauhan was developing the Ayurveda part. He traveled all over the world, giving lectures and consultations, running courses in the USA, Europe, Japan and India. Partap is a master of Rasa Shastra, which is the alchemical aspect of Ayurveda of which he also a master, and Ayurveda is like an umbrella for all the various disciplines and departments that comprise the wholistic nature of this Medical Science. Partap’s website is www.jiva.com  where you will find sufficient information that will be helpful.

Their system of working with patients is also very helpful. Telephone/email consultations are free. You only pay for the medicine which also includes the postage from India, which is usually $100 for two months supply (about). It is best to confirm this, as everyone is different, but this seems to be the norm when dealing with Dr. Sapna, or the other Dr.’s in the call center.

I have just learned consultations are being conducted through Skype (skype.com), which is a free download of a free telephone service via computer. And with a camera, the dr. will be able to see tongue and other aspects of the visage to help facilitate diagnoses. Not a problem if there is no camera.

If anyone is interested in any such consultation, I would strongly suggest that you contact Liz, Ayurvedic Practitioner in Pahrump, Nevada. Her email address is lizklf@gmail.com   I am not sure what her charges are, but there is a lot of work in being a liaison between patient and Dr., and dealing with all the necessary information, and guidance with the medicines, evaluations, and communication with Dr. Sapna, who I believe you will deal with. Just ask Liz, who will be extremely valuable in helping you.

If you are in another State, you can speak to her on the phone. Any problems, let me know and I will do what I can to help co-ordinate. I am further told that once the evaluation form is received by Jiva and an email connection is made with Liz/Dr. Sapna, Skype can then be the next step, and can also be use as a conference call. Let me know if I can be of any further help.

This has turned out to be a strange letter, but then life is strange. In England there was an old saying, “Everyone is a bit peculiar, except thee and me, and thee’s a bit.” Where did that come from? I am in awe of the global vision these brothers have, in their service to humanity. When I return to the USA, I am planning on getting on to the speakers’ circuit, where I will be able to conduct seminars, workshops on Stress Release, Pregnant Women – helping them to connect with their unborn child, Painless childbirth, etc. and give lectures on “Transforming failure into success,” and Inspirational/Motivational Therapy. If you have any ideas and/or recommendations, suggestions, please let me know. I was scheduled to return to the USA on 5/Nov, but I have a funny little feeling that I will be coming home sooner. I will keep you informed.

Well, my friend,
I am computered out.

The next letter will be about Agra and the Taj Mahal
May you have a blessed day.
Tony

It is hot today.

In the mornings, I awake and go outside to see and feel the rising sun. The atmosphere is hazy and lazy with humidity as the world comes to life. The large chipmunk-like creatures, usually in pairs have such fun running all over the place. The birds are very interesting and so different from the West. I do not have a Bird-Book, and so it is difficult to recognize them, but they are profuse in number and variety. I have not seen the weird crow on the street light. He usually sits there and looks at me with a critical eye, and “caw-caw” his comments. I can just imagine what he thinks of this foreigner.

The cows are ubiquitous, and they all look quite healthy, as they scavenge food wherever they can. This morning I saw what I am told is an Eagle, with prey in its claws, flying off to somewhere quiet to have breakfast. I have seen them in numbers gliding the air currents so close to the buildings. What strikes me as unusual, is that there is a preponderance of wild life, right in the town, living, seemingly in harmony with each other, including the humans.

Even though the hygiene here leaves a lot to be desired it is not so toxic that prevents these animals from prospering. Even though it is a developed urban area, the wildlife seems to be living with it in harmony. Strange, but true. In the USA, I did not see this. As humans developed an area the animals had to recede or they died. Not so here. What is the message? I do not know. Let me know what you feel. I have not seen one cat. Dogs, yes. Plenty. No cats.

About 4 days ago I came down with the dreaded “diarrhea,” which seemed to me to more like dysentery. Not good at all. Dr. Partap treated me, and I recovered in 2 1/2 days. Now I feel very well, although a little weak still, but getting stronger by the day. I was given Ayurvedic medicine to help clean out the bowel and strengthen my immune system. After I had naturally released much of the toxicity, I was given Rasa Shastra medicine which stopped the diarrhea almost instantaneously. This Rasa Shastra system is the most fascinating aspect of Ayurveda to me, for they use heavy metals, poisonous metals (mercury), arsenic and such, treat them in an alchemical way according to the ancient, I mean thousands of years ancient texts, and the erstwhile toxic substance becomes a powerful healing agent. This is pure magic. Anyway, here I am, back in the land of the living. Hello folks!

Last Friday night was the eve of the Festival “Holi.” Here is the legend…Once there was a king with a very big ego, and he wanted his son to worship him. However, the child was quite enlightened and only worshiped God. The king was furious, and he conspired with his dreaded sister to change the boy’s focus of attention. Her name was Holi Kar, and she tried several tricks to either get the boy to change his mind or to kill him. At one such attempt the legendary figure of 1/2 man, 1/2 lion came to the boy’s aid.

Finally, Holi Kar, who had a shawl that was indestructible, and she placed this around her as she held the little boy and entered a raging fire. Unfortunately for Holi Kar a wind blew up (divine intervention) and blew the shawl off her and onto the boy. She was killed and the boy saved.

Today at this time Holi is celebrated with use of coloured powders, with which to wipe all over the person you are greeting affectionately. The colour goes all over, in your hair, ears, face, clothes, everywhere. Then you dance to traditional music, then water is thrown at you, or even better/worse you are firmly guided to the hose pike and are drenched. Last Friday night was a dress rehearsal with the employees, and it was fun, although I did not get too involved. All that changed when the family of Jiva all got together, about 40 of them and we had a blast. I, and the various clinic patients, were all welcomed to festival of fun, laughter and dancing, and I participated fully.

Here are the photos. The pictures came from others in emails. I also have a few of my own to show.

1) Friday night. Eve of Holi. Me in a Kurta on left, the Magali from France, and Owandia from Sudan.

2) Group of dancers. 3rd from right is Neerja, Dr, Chauhan’s niece. 6th from right is Sargam, the housekeeper. I do not have pictures of the other members of the family dancing, including Dr. Chauhan, as I was concerend for the safety of my camera.

3) Me and Robert (Poland) and Oleg (Latvia)

4) Me on Saturday, the actual day of holi. Here I dressed far more casual and got really zapped, with water, the works.

5) Friday evening.

On last Sunday after Holi (Saturday) I accompanied a French lady and a Sudanese lady, both patients here taking the treatments/panchakarma. They wanted to go and see the Taj Mahal, and I decide to go with them. Boy, that was quite a trip.

We were collected by one of the calmest taxi drivers in Faridabad, but, please do not let that lull you in to a state of peaceful security. No, it is all relative, as we will see….

The little car collects us at Jiva clinic at 6:30am on Sunday (about two Sundays ago. I am losing track of time here.). We drive to the outskirts of Faridabad and we stop. It seems the car we are in is a private car, and we must now wait for the official taxi. We stopped on the side of the road, while still being on this two lane divided highway. Madness really. The vehicles charge by us, and I felt it safer to be out of the car. There was a cow lying down quite peacefully right in the middle of the highway, on the median. Totally unaffected by the noise and the mayhem. (see pic) Then I saw a nicely parked auto rickshaw. The driver may have been drunk. (see pic.) The new taxi arrived and we went on our way. A pleasant drive through very interesting countryside, as we headed South and East to Agra. I forget the distance but it took about three hours. Maybe 150 miles +/-.

We arrived in Agra. The story will unfold in the next “Letter from India.”
In the meantime, I bid you adieu.
Tony

Monday and the Movies

Monday, Sonya from Croatia arranged a group of us to go to see the Indian epic movie, Jodhaa Akba, a 16 century tale of the last of the Moguls (Moslems) who occupied the Northern part of India for some time (longer than the British, then, the Moguls did not have to contend with Mahatma Ghandi). It was a love story, Hindu girl meets Moslem boy. In this case he was prince and ruler. She was a princess. I could not understand a word, but the film was excellent in camera work, scenery, costume and acting. They do a very good job here in India.

The movie was traditionally 3 1/2 hours long, because it is necessary to have 20 minutes every and then (or so it seemed) where boy and girl stare at each other with different camera angles. Sitting beside me was a group of young men. Most of them must not have been able to understand (like me) as the others were talking in normal voices, which must have been a commentary, or perhaps they were just hanging out.

To my right was a family, with young children running all over the place, and dad having to get up every 5 minutes to get them something more to eat. Down below before me others where more interested in playing with their telephones, which are ubiquitous. Everyone has a cell phone. The film is over, I visit the toilet. Oh! what a pleasant surprise. I think I will move in. The taxi is waiting.

I am home at 2am (yes, the movie started at 10pm), I climb over the gate again. I have worn out the mozzies, they must have moved in with someone else. I fall on the bed, musing to myself that I came to India for a rest, and here I am having quite a social life. The movie industry of India is centered around Mumbai (Bombay) and is called Bollywood, making about 1,000 movies a year, many times more than Hollywood, USA.

Tuesday and Wednesday are comparatively quiet, although I did see the local astrologer, who gave me information to really ponder about. It seems I am on track and in accord with my planets. Hooray! I am doing something right. 

I send my love to you all, knowing that we are all interconnected, whether we like it or not. We are part of the matrix of life, and we affect each other. Please, therefore receive my effect of love and good wishes.

Until the next time

Tony (Anthony)

 

Poop Industry, Scary Traffic and Ama, the Hugging Saint

Greetings this overcast day in India. The mosquitoes seek warmer weather. The cows continue to roam the streets, eat peoples’ plants, sleep in doorways and poop where they stand. This creates a cottage industry, for there are those who collect the poop, dry it in large field adjacent to the road, and you see the women (mostly) walking with pots of poop on their heads, as they transport this effective fuel to their homes to cook with. Now, if we in the west could find a good use for poop, we will have a major industry with unlimited product supply. I wonder if our cars could….never mind! 

Last Sunday, I went with Indira (Indian lady living in UK) and Robert from Latvia to see Ama, the hugging Saint. I have had the honor to see and receive hugs from Ama twice in the USA. Both times were in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Memorable experiences. When I was returning from Delhi/Akshardam Temple more than a week ago, I saw a sign with Ama’s picture. I enquired and was told Ama was to be here in a town 4 kilometers from Faridabad. And so we planned to go, and here is how it went. 

The taxi arrived at 5:30pm and we drove like a bat out of hell (normal). We could not find the place, drove into nowhere, potholes, no road, we held on for dear life. We survived. We reached the main road and shot off the nowhere/potholes section like Space Shuttle Challenger right into the flow of oncoming traffic driving towards us like maniacs (normal). The driver swerved and went the wrong way right into the traffic. Was I being tested here.

My gut wrench spontaneous movement brought my legs up and I held on, the driver went round some obstacle in the road, just as a cow decided to cross the same road right in front of us and stop. What now, brown cow? Are you a gonner? Swerving, tooting, all smiles (Indians do not get angry or threatening in cars. This is all normal.) We swerved again, going the right way this time on the correct side of the road.

We are still alive, so is the cow, although I felt something warm and liquidy in my pants. Oh! No! I have to go to an “outside” toilet. We arrive at the Ama location, the driver looking as fresh as a daisy. Not us! I rush off to the toilet. Oy Vey!! OK here goes…. The toilet was one of 4 located on a purpose made transporter, which hooked up to a truck and could be delivered anywhere.

I cautiously opened the door. It was dark and dank. There was a hole in the floor (you know, the footprint ceramic tray thingy), a tap and a jug. The place was wet with the use of the water, and this did not help me. I had paper, clever me, heh! heh! heh! Am I laughing too soon? Probably. I exposed that part of my anatomy to do what I had already done. Nowhere to hold onto. Handles would be good. No such luck. I balance, now I know why they do yoga here! I emerged in one piece, and the look of relief and gratitude raised much interest from Indian spectators.

I join my friends and we sit and wait. The place fills up with thousands of people. We wait, there is music, there are speeches in a language of Southern, Telugu, which most Hindi speakers do not understand. This is remarkable. Can you imagine having different languages in the US or UK, where you can speak to your own countryman/woman, who will not understand you? It does not matter, everybody loves Ama.

She arrives amidst the fanfare of musicians and drums. There are more speeches, we wait. Ama starts to sing Bhajans (?). It is fabulous. People get up and start dancing, some go into trance. Then we are informed to line up with our numbered tokens. Line up in India means a free for all on a magnifcent scale. My mother would have loved it. She was one of the last Jewish Mother Moguls before they broke the mold, who also did not believe in lining up, and she had her stick to help her. Who would retaliate, she was in her 8o’s, and she knew it. God Bless her.

The hugging started and soon it was our turn. Wonderful, Loving Ama, Universal Mother hugging her children. Then we were invited on the stage behind Ama, I know not why. There we were amidst the show. How wonderful it was. Finally we left and went to eat some Indian fast food. Great stuff.

That was Sunday night. I got home at 2am. The gate was locked and I climbed over the gate, reminding me of my misspent youth. I found my key, entered my room to be greeted by so many happy mozzies. I was tired, but I rallied and did battle, reducing the numbers of my erstwhile nemesis, and went to sleep. Another life in an Indian Day.

(See the post titled “Monday and the Movies” for the second part of this letter.)

Come Visit the Clinic, Perhaps?

Greetings again!

The weather here in Faridabad, just South of Delhi is slightly overcast, a little humid, and cooler than before, although still warm. The evenings are a little cooler, and most comfortable. The mosquitoes are out in force seeking likely victims, with which I am coping very well. They are much smaller than those in Wisconsin, USA, which I would say are 2-3 times larger, and much more aggressive. I fully understand why Wisconsinites refer to their mozzies as the State bird. 

I am alive and well. Actually, I feel rather grand. This place is having a very good affect on me. I feel calm, well fed (the food is very good here, at Jiva, simple and good). I have met a number of very nice people from Croatia, Latvia, Poland and Lithuania, with an invitation to Lithuania. I have already had an invitation to New Zealand, and Poland.

Jiva is a place I heartily recommend to anyone who is seeking to be well, to rejuvenate, lose weight, get balanced, get overhauled, etc. You can come for any amount of time, but I would recommend at least one to two weeks. You would have consultations with Dr. Chauhan (Ayurvedic Doctor), receive the ayurvedic natural medicine, do Panchakarma (cleansing, rejuvenating program, including Abyanga Massage with copious amounts of oil, Shirodara (warm sesame oil poured on the third eye-extremely pleasant and effective), steam, oil bath, and other wonderful treatments. I suggest you go to www.jiva.com and you will get more information.

Having been here for 15 days, I can see the results from the various visitors. I am impressed. I have just had a consultation with dr. Partap, and I am to collect my medicine (all natural, non-invasive herbs). He checks your visage, tongue, Ayurvedic pulse (three pulse indicators to ascertain the state of the three doshas (constitution), vata, pitta and kapha. I will also avail myself of the panchakarma treatments when I can. This is the way to go, for me.

The residential rooms are comfortable, the people who run this place are most delightful, and I suggest your email Neerja, Dr. Chauhan’s niece for more information. email neerja@jiva.com 

There appears to be two ways of utilizing the services here.

1) Ayurtours Package, which covers almost everything. Get the exact information from Neerja.

I know you will a consultation and check-up daily (not Sunday), room, 3 meals, panchakarma as prescribed, medicines, and maybe more, included in the price of $750.00 per person per week. This for a single person. I am not sure what a double room would cost. Airport collect and return included.

2) Individual arrangements: Single person, Room $45.00 per day which includes 3 meals. Double $60.00 which includes 3 meals for 2 persons. Treatment package $250.00 – $300 approximately, per week. This includes consultations/check-up daily (not Sunday), medicines, 1 massage per day. No airport collection. 

I know an Indian Travel Agent in California who arranged a very good deal for me. His name is Kuldeep, Tel: USA (00 1) 650-568-9000.

Check it out, and see if this works for you. I am here to help in any way I can.  

Next Letter from India is about seeing Ama, The Hugging Saint, shopping, and seeing an Indian movie epic, Jodhaa Akbar. This is a Bollywood special. Nearby is the Taj Mahal, and An Ashram in Vrindavan, which is run by Dr. Chauhan’s brother, Satya Narayan, who just conducted a spiritual course at Kripalu Yoga Ashram in Massachusetts, USA.

I think of you and trust you are well and happy. As my heart opens to welcome the me deep within, I notice that you are there as well. Indeed we are One.

Blessings of Love from India

Tony

My Visit to Akshardham Temple

Greetings from Faridabad, South of Delhi, India.

On Sunday past, I was taken by my new friend, Indira, an Indian lady living in the UK. She is taking the well-being/healing treatments. We went to Delhi, the experience of which I have previously shared with you. We met with Agata, a young Polish girl, who had been on an Ayurveda and Beauty course here at Faridabad, and now was to meet her frine, and together they planned to travel and visit the holy places.

So, the three of us went by taxi to Akshardham Temple.

Over two hundred years ago, a young boy age 11 left his family and walked 12,000 kilometers around India. It seems he was enlightened, for no-one state of consciousness would enable a human to endure what he did. The stories of what folk lore is made of, except this is all true. I had no idea what this was.

We arrived at the temple site located adjacent to a highway on a 100 acre site. I beheld a sight of such magnificence, that is difficult to put into words, Follow me on this journey, and I will do my best.

About two hundred years ago, a young Indian boy, named Neelkanth (1781-1830) left home one night at age 11 yrs. He bade his sleeping family goodbye as he embarked upon a journey to follow his destiny. I believe he was already enlightened. To be sure he would not be followed he plunged into the roaring river Ganges and emerged wherever the river brought him. He then walked about 12,000 kilometers throughout India, demonstrating his knowledge and wisdom. He was dressed only in the native skirt-type attire, bare feet and bare torso. In this state he climbed the Himalaya mountains, walking in the snow, unaffected, where he stayed for about 4 or 5 years. Eventually, he arrived in the Sate of Gujarat on the West coast, South of Mumbai (Bombay), where he became the spiritual leader of the community.

Pramukh Swami Maharaj, the 5th uru of this tradition, founded in Love and Compassion, inaugurated the temple, Swaminarayan Akshardam in November, 2005. The complete site is reputed to be the largest temple of its kind in the world. Every square inch/centimeter is carved on the temple and all the surrounding buildings, in red and white sandstone. I understand that not a nail has been used. Inside the temple is marble. The temple was built in 5 years, which is another miracle.

The complex comprises the main temple, imposing as it is, and even more so when it is lit up at night. The 10 gates, representing the then principal gates in Indian Culture, The Bhakti Dwar – The gate of devotion, with 208 sculptured forms of God and His Devotee adorn this splendid gate. There is the Mayur Dwar, the two gates of which are adorned by 869 sculptured peacocks, the national bird of India. The Mandivar is the external wall (mandovar) of the monument, and is 611 feet long, 25 feet high, comprising 4,287 carved stones, and includes 48 carved figures of Ganesh, and 200 carved figures of India’s great rishis (holy men). The Gajendra Peeth is what the monument/temple rests upon, and which comprises 148 sculptured elephants, and many other sculptures of people, animals and birds, as they form a story, which unfolds as you walk along it. This alone weighs more than 3,000 tons. Then there are the colored fountains with music and a boat ride. I attended the 40 minute film which dramatized Neelkanth”s journey, and (viewed) the various other form of story depictions.

This is but a humble attempt to describe the indescribable. Never have I seen such beauty and architectural harmony in something so large, so grand. I am told that there are even more buildings/temples around India. Hard to imagine, but I intend to see as much as I can.

While at the temple, I was affected by the energy of the structure and the people. My heart opened and I was out of body feeling such love. I was in such an altered state that someone came up to me and asked if I was OK. This was during a group puja (ritual ceremony) that was performed by all present to honor the achievements of Neelkanth.

It was now 9pm. Where did the day go. We hurriedly ate some food, and started the journey back to Faridabad. This was all in the first week of being in India. I am so grateful.

…You will see at the top of the (home page of this blog) a picture of the Akshardham Temple. I understand that there is one in UK and several in the USA, which I never knew. All propound love and compassion as a way of life.

And so I am settling more. The weather is unsettled today, a little cool, in fact, as it changes to being much warmer. I have been feeling a little “off” for a few days, as I am releasing much. I will go to the local market and get some more appropriate clothes, which I will describe in my next letter.

To all of you, thank you for allowing me to share this journey with you. You honor me greatly.

With love and compassion from India.

Tony