I got a text message from Evelyn, who I’ve met a few times in Mount Shasta, but who is presently in New Jersey. She asked me if I’d be going to see Ammachi in New Jersey. I had no idea Ammachi was going to be in New Jersey. She visits the Bay Area twice per year, and I make the four hour drive to see her whenever I can. For those of my friends and family who don’t know about her, she’s an Indian holy woman who is known as the Hugging Saint. More info here: http://amma.org/about/how-she-began. Anyhow, by golly, there was a break between programs here, and I was able to borrow a car and drive 1-1/2 hrs each way to go and be in her presence (along with about 1000 others who showed up at the less-attended morning program). What a nice surprise! Happy dance!
Meanwhile, back at the ranch, there were over 100 guests staying at the Gurukulam here for the Independence Day Weekend Vedanta Course. I run the sound system and record the video and audio of the classes (while taking notes!). Pretty full days . . .
7:00-7:30 am Guided Meditation
9:00-10:00 am Vedanta Class with Swami Viditatmananda
10:30-11:00 am Vedic Chanting Class with Suddhatma
11:00-12 pm Vedanta Class #2
3:00-4:00 pm Yoga Class (my services are not required)
5:00-6:00 pm Vedanta Class #3
7:45-8:15 pm Evening Concert with Pundit Mukesh Desai
8:15-9:15 pm Q&A with Swami V
9:15-9:45 pm Edit recordings from the day
What is Vedanta? Here’s an intro . . . Click Here
My intention to chant on my own after hours has only happened a few times so far. I’m pretty tired by 9:45 pm, but my latest theory is that I will get a second wind if I meditate awhile before chanting. I’m gonna try it. We’ll see how it goes. This is my kind of marathon!
Meanwhile, wonder of wonders . . . there are “lightning bugs” here! Love it! You know what those are, right?
Sending my love,
Sahadev
QUOTES FROM MY NOTES
Private worship at a home or temple altar is no substitute for seeing and serving God in all. Love in action is worship.
Murtis (deity statues) are symbolism. They are the finger pointing to the moon. Don’t get stuck worshipping the finger. Don’t you want to see the glorious moon?
“I have my being and movement in God.” Acts 17:28
Now you are free.
You can do the greatest service to the world by reducing the number of spiritually ignorant people on Earth by 1.
You don’t see God anymore than you see electricity which empowers all the gadgets. God is in the hearts of all.
