The Only Place in the World Where The Cows Roam Free
Of late I have had some time for reflection. A slowing of the tornado of activities, people and ideas swirling around me just enough for some digestion of the facts at hand.

What are the Facts At Hand?

As fallible and limited human beings, perhaps there are some things we don't want to see. We are fearful and so we don't look at them. Instead we distract ourselves with countless activities, splitting our awareness in countless directions and rendering each bit ineffectual. Distraction is a real challenge.

Take me for example; I myself have been caught up in my own personal tornado since I arrived here in Rishikesh nearly two months ago. But finally a change is coming. Something is on the horizon. Perhaps some important lessons? Patience, patience, patience.

I decide to be easy on myself and reserve judgment for now, as I am starting to experience the "fact" that self-judgment is pointless and destructive. It serves no purpose in our lives. That said, I am still my own harshest critic.

"Judge not, that you be not judged." Simple, yes?

Fact: If you can be patient and you have faith, sit quietly and God will come to you. 'Meditation" means - more or less - to sit quietly. One very influential yogi in South India - I believe it was Ramana Maharishi in Tiruvannamalai but will need to confirm - said that the whole of Vedanta (India's highest philosophical teaching) can be summed up by two verses in the Bible. One of them is burned into my heart and mind; "Be still and know that I am God."

It's so simple. God is God is God whatever you feel to call him/it. And to experience God, you have to sit quietly with yourself. Alas..

For me, this is a defining internal struggle, perhaps the struggle of this decade. If I could learn to improve this one skill during this decade, I would be quite satisfied with the quality of my life (I admit I am anxious to be 40 and Full Power, but I am anxious in a very patient way).

On the other hand, I have been undeniably blessed with a strong and present faith in the rightness of all things, in the purpose of all things, and in the justice of all things. Only now I start to understand that faith is not an easy thing to learn. And If it wasn't gifted to me back in 2001, I'm not sure how I would or could develop it myself.

Enough. Please just know that even though I cannot communicate much of my daily experience via the internets, I am processing something. Only God knows what, but something. We will simply have to discover what it is together.

In response to commentor #2; I haven't written much about my father's condition for several reasons but I will only share the most important one; that is, I don't have the feeling to post personal and sensitive information (that may or may not be accurate and up-to-date) about my father anywhere near the internet. It's just my intuition. All I feel to say is that the situation appears to be somewhat stable and I continue to pray for him and everyone.

This, actually, brings me to another fact; Prayer is power. If we pray with strong faith and an open heart, we will have everything we ask. Whether you're a Hindu or a Catholic, it's just true. So please, dear readers, pray not only for the health of my father, but your friends and family as well. We are naive and ignorant to waste this opportunity for simple and direct communication with God (My words may sound harsh only because I myself do not measure up to my own expections. Patience patience patience! Expectations = disappointment = suffering. Judgment = self destruction. Patience = Godliness.)

Random point of interest: Some days ago I cleansed my nose with a neti pot. You bend over and plug one nostril with the spout of the pot, then tilt your head until you find the canal and watch the water come out the other nostril. Then you blow your nose a lot. It's really great. (Grandmama informs me that you can buy one at Henry's.)

What do you think? I recently had the advice that perhaps it is not wise to keep a blahg such as this one, and I am intrigued. Maybe it's not a good idea to write just anything and everything and post it on a global public forum. I will consider this notion further, and I welcome any opinions or suggestions on the matter.

Are you ready for this??...Seven May is the Magic Day!!

In an unprecedented turn of events, my very own mother will make her debut here in the Holy Wonderland of Rishikesh approximately five weeks hence! For somewhat incomprehensible reasons, mama has chosen to arrive here just in time for the torturous heat. And, as I recall, the height of creature season. Already the mosquitoes and flies arrived only maybe two weeks ago, and more are on the way. Also, in May the Indians will be coming. They will very likely want to have a picture or two (or 12) with her.

I have no idea how my dear Mama will adjust to this place, but I do know that she is no creampuff. In fact, I have complete faith that she will have no problem seeing past the general inconveniences of Indian culture - the creatures, the stink, the noise, the heat, the Indians, the noise, the garbage, the lack of chairs, the noise, etc. - and will fall hopelessly in love with Mother India. The place where everything is possible. The only place in the world where the cows roam free.

And there are truly only two kinds of people in this world; the one who absolutely hate it and the ones who are compelled to keep coming back. Hee hee hee hoo hoo hah hah hah haa haa haa haa haa...

As always,
with greatest love and affection,
LMA

PS I fully intend to write email very soon now. Please be patient with me...I promise I haven't forgotten about anyone!