News from the TourBaba Muktanandji's Birth Centenary Celebrations : Update...... The Tour begins …. The Jayanti Tour began in Magod India at the culmination of an elaborate and joyful 12-day celebration in honor of Baba Muktananda’s 99th birthday. The journey around the world began with Gurudev and company departing from the Shanti Mandir Ashram on May 10th, 2007. Since then they have traveled through Singapore and Australia. Dr. Rakhee Thakar, who traveled with Gurudev and the Tour from India and throughout Australia, performed an invaluable service in the form of writing a daily journal. Her notes are beautiful and comprehensive and she has done a brilliant job of capturing samples of the inspiration and spiritual enthusiasm that moves with Gurudev and the group. In a few weeks we hope to share an update from the Argentina & Mexico visit. May 10 Finally, the tour has begun! After the morning Abhishek and Arati, Gurudev and the group accompanying him were bid farewell. In his parting message Gurudev said that everyone must keep auspicious thoughts, 'Subham karotu kalyanam' the coming 8 months and beyond and he reiterated how our wishes and prayers work for others. Amidst the traditional beating of the drums, the reverberating conch and the trumpets, the caravan took off from Magod; Gurudev in his vehicle leading the convoy as the ashram's bus and car laden with his team and devotees followed. May 12 Also it was the 12th anniversary of Gurudev becoming a Mahamandaleshwar. The twelfth year is significant in the Sadhu Samaj. To seek the Paratpara Guru's blessings before setting out, the convoy proceeded to Ganeshpuri in the afternoon. After darshan at the Gavdevi temple near Gurudev Siddha Peeth, we proceeded to the hot springs. There, the hot spring water was used to do abhishek to Baba’s silver padukas which will travel with us all over the world. After darshan of Bhimeshwara, we entered Bhagavan Nityananda’s samadhi shrine. After arati we sat and chanted ‘Om namo bhagavate Nityanandaya. From there we took darshan at the Navagraha, Bhadrakali, and Vajreshwari Temples. As he met people, Gurudev distributed the calendars with Baba’s pictures, which have been printed for this great occasion of Baba’s Centenary year. At Vajreshwari, Gurudev took the other flight of steps, further away from our cars, and there met a couple who had not seen him for nearly 25 years; they were overjoyed to have his darshan as it was their wedding anniversary. May 13 Farewell satsang at Mumbai. Gurudev talked on the need to shun doubt and have faith, saying, “One can’t travel in 2 boats.” He told us how Swami Govindananda had congratulated him on his 25th Pattabhishek anniversary and also said that the work had just begun and still a lot was needed to be done. Gurudev said that the enthusiasm that Swamiji’s statement reflected, despite his age, was so inspiring. He said that seva should be selfless and not for exhibition. “We must be ‘true’, not ‘duplicate’. We need to become subtle and aware. This is what Baba taught us, not just kirtan, jnana but how to live life. He taught us humanity (manushyatvam) and gave us yearning for liberation (mumukshattvam). The time we spent with Baba during childhood was fun. Simply by being with him we learnt to be subtle, aware and how to be generous. Baba led a royal life. We must have faith in God, in our Guru! If we can expand our hearts, he is always there to provide for us. ‘Deta hai daste gaib se mera khuda mujhe’. And we need to put forth effort (Purusharth) for change to happen. Our fore-fathers always thought of the coming generations and their actions were appropriately not self centered. They taught us how to share. Even if we take on just one thing from Baba that impressed us most and try to develop that within ourselves, it would be the perfect tribute to Baba in his birth centenary year.” May 14 After Tushar and Bhakti did the arati before the departure, Gurudev remarked, “This is going to be a historical yatra. We leave it to God to see what turn it’s going to take.” We landed in Singapore at 7pm after a very comfortable flight. Our host Bhaskar and Deepika Gopalan, a lovely South Indian couple whose simplicity, humility, hospitality, and we must mention – cooking- were amazing and inspiring; living examples of what Gurudev often says, ‘real’ and not ‘duplicate’. May 15 Went to Mariamman temple for darshan and arati. Evening we went to Shiva temple and again had arati and darshan. Bhaskar asked Gurudev a very practical question… whether ‘we should continue to follow the age old customs even though we may not be able to explain the logic behind them?’ Gurudev said we must remain broad minded but there are certain things we must always follow even though we may not be able to explain why. He said, “Because we experience the result only when we practice with full faith and after a period of time, even though, in today’s world everyone wants everything ‘instant’”. May 16 & 17 We had Guru Gita in the mornings at Bhaskar’s home and Satsang in the evening at the Hindu center. Gurudev spoke on Karma on the first day and Bhakti on the second. He said that ‘mysterious are the ways of Karma. We are not always aware that karma is being performed by us, not only in deed but thought and speech. We must understand the mind and its thoughts. The purpose of chanting is to cleanse the mind so that it can have thoughts that are uplifting not only for ourselves but for others too by bringing about a shift in the thought process. The first answer that we receive from within ourselves to any question that arises is the voice of the Self. We must learn to follow it because all that arises later is usually the mind, ego or intellect. We are responsible for all that we go through. Wherever I go, I go. If we are happy and peaceful, we carry happiness and peace wherever we go. Bhakti is not what we perform on the outside but the bhava within which we hold at all times. No matter who comes, we are content and don’t get agitated. When the scriptures talk about an indifferent mental attitude, they mean that we must conserve mental energy by not getting involved in the games of the mind but still be active in society.’ May 18 We journeyed to the Australian island continent and landed in Perth to an evening temperature of 19 degrees Celsius! We were received by Russell, Govinda, Mark and others. We went first to Jane’s house where her mother, Mirabai, one of Baba’s very old devotees welcomed Gurudev with arati followed by a delicious chocolate cake brought by Kiki. It was a stark difference from the skyscrapers of crowded Singapore to the thinly populated low buildings of the capital of Western Australia. Also suddenly there was a change in food from South Indian idli and dosa to cake, chocolate and bread. The thing that remained the same despite climatic and cultural differences was the love and warmth that people shared. This is probably the best gift that Baba gave to all who came in contact with him. May 19 & 20 The days begin with Guru Gita. We enjoyed an excursion to Araluen, a beautiful botanical park. The beauty of this natural reserve with its ancient Pergolas that were created by the British and the little shrubs that had more flowers than leaves was breath taking. May 21 After morning Guru Gita at Jane’s, we had an informal satsang at Vasanti’s home. Evening was satsang at the Cottesloe Civic Centre and the hall filled to its capacity. Gurudev said, “Satsang’ is not just that we ‘sat’ and ‘sang’ but the company of the ‘sat’ or truth. It is the best way to celebrate Baba. What Baba gave was a lifestyle. We must analyze how our life has changed after meeting Baba. That is the way to know if we have actually imbibed his teachings.” May 22 Today’s informal satsang was at Kiki Chionh’s home with chanting of ‘Shree Krishna Chaitanya Prabhu Nityananda’ and bhajans by Chideshwari. Gurudev spoke of the importance of music, how it helps one to turn within. He said that Baba was a great musician. The ‘Om Namah Shivaya’ chant he composed is a master music piece. Evening formal satsang was again at the Cottesloe Civic Centre where many who had met Baba came and thanked Gurudev for the program. May 23 After Guru Gita, we departed for Yallingup, a 4 hour drive. If Perth was quiet, Mark’s home in the woods at Yallingup was quieter still. Someone said perhaps the calmness was unnerving for the restless mind. Gurudev explained the next day how we are unable to remain in the space of silence because all our activities are always directed outwards. There Gurudev inaugurated a beautiful yoga studio which had been put together by Roger and Gangadhar. May 24 Following Guru Gita the morning informal satsang was at Vanya Cullen’s who lives in her biodynamically cultivated farm and vineyard. Vanya shared with everyone the technical aspects and advantages of biodynamic farming on the environment and our health. We chanted ‘Kali Durge namo namah’ and later had a biodynamic lunch, visited the vineyard and then the beach at the Gallows. The evening satsang was at Edward’s Yoga studio with an experience talk by Ajit Desai and Mark Edwards. May 25 The morning informal satsang was at Raghu’s residence. Raghu shared with us his experiences with Baba in Ganeshpuri in the early seventies; how the Guru worked on the psyche to dissolve the limited ego. He recalled the seva of cleaning the toilets. The talk was so strong as he spoke straight from the heart of the experiences that manifested the love of Baba. We chanted ‘Raghupati Raghav Raja Ram’ and had bhajans by Chideshwari. The evening satsang was at the Margaret River Yoga Studio. Getting there required we drive carefully so to avoid kangaroos hopping up from the woods. Gurudev spoke about the true nature of Yoga, the stilling of the thought concepts of the mind. “Yoga does not mean that we become serious and not enjoy life. At the same time we should not become too loose. Yoga is about balance, living life fully and joyously with peace and contentment. “ May 27 The morning satsang was at Carl’s home. Gurudev played the tablas as we chanted ‘Hare Rama Hare Krishna.’ Afterward, he spoke about the importance of chanting. “Like the cat leaves its hair wherever it sits, similarly we leave or create vibrations of peace wherever we chant and meditate. Whoever enters that space is caught by that peace and joy. “ May 28 Today we visited the Elephant Rocks and the sacred Pyramid rocks which stand on the shore and are worshipped by the Aborigines. The evening satsang was at Albany town hall which dates back in existence to the 1890s. Gurudev remembering Baba narrated one of his favorite Nasrudin stories. The story where Nasrudin rode a horse while hanging from the animal’s neck. He had ended up in that position because he kicked the horse in the same manner he kicked a donkey and the horse took off. When people saw him ride in such a funny manner, they asked, ‘Where are you going?’ He replied, “Don’t ask me. Ask the horse.” We are in the same situation. Often we don’t know where we are going. We may say, “Don’t ask me. Ask the society.” May 29 After morning Guru Gita at Russell’s house in Denmark we set out for our 5-hour car travel back to Perth. There we packed our bags and prepared for the 43-hour train journey across the continent that begins tomorrow. May 30 Morning Guru Gita at Jane’s as we concluded the West Australian portion of the tour and bid good bye. About 20 of us boarded the Indian Pacific, the train that took us from Perth to Adelaide. The 43-hour journey across the continent in the confines of the train was a memorable experience. As the train moved across the Nullabor, the unchanging view of the desert with its scanty vegetation somewhat stilled the mind. The journey was punctuated with 3 stops, at Kargoorlie, Cook and Port Augusta. May 31 The train stopped at Cook which is a very strange town as it has a population of 2 people…an older couple. One wondered at the unusual way of life! While we were stopped – a man came running towards Gurudev on the platform. We wondered why. He said that he was from Poland and had attended our satsang at Margaret River and happened to be traveling on the same train. He said he would visit again in Melbourne. One lady came up to Gurudev in the lounge and asked what we were all doing. He simply said, ‘We are all having fun together.’ Later next day in Adelaide Gurudev explained – “ that is what Yoga is all about; having fun in being together, experiencing the love and stillness in whatever we go through in life.” June 1 We arrived in Adelaide Station a little after 7 A.M. to a warm welcome by Claude and students of Shanta Rasa. During the welcome at the evening satsang, Claude recollected that 5 years ago, Gurudev had visited the Yoga studio where we all sat today. At the time it belonged to the Iyengar School of Yoga. As Gurudev left the place, he remarked “Poorna, Poorna!” meaning complete. Claude had wished it could be Gurudev’s one day; and that day had now come! He and his wife Sadhana, who had lived for years with Baba, had taken up the school. They have named it Shantarasa School of Yoga. Sadhana said that Baba always gave the gift of love and it was now our turn to reciprocate. Gurudev said that Shanta Rasa, which means ‘the essence of peace’, was the means to Shanti Mandir or temple of peace. Shanti or peace or stillness is the sole purpose of Yoga. We can know that we have attained the wisdom if we can experience that stillness and peace and not be disturbed in any phase of our lives. He referred to one of the slides on the video when Baba said, ‘Neither did Bhagwan want anybody nor did he not want anybody.’ This is the state we must try to achieve, to not be affected in the presence or absence of anything or person. June 2 We had the morning Guru Gita at the Shantarasa School of Yoga. The hall was packed to capacity. After breakfast, the informal satsang had a question and answer session and then we chanted ‘Om Shree Ram Jai Ram’ - Gurudev drummed. A session with the yoga-training teachers of the Shantarasa School of Yoga followed. It was a most fulfilling session. In response to a question about ‘right’ and ‘wrong’, Gurudev said we must remember always to do unto others that we would have them do to us. “We must constantly contemplate whether our actions are uplifting or beneficial. Once you have thrown the ball downhill, it’s futile trying to catch it running after it. We must think before performing the karma. The evening satsang was at the St Peter’s Cathedral Close, which was beautifully decorated with flowers and candles.
June 3 We had another wonderful Q&A session in the morning. While answering a query about spirituality and the environment, Gurudev said that humans are a greedy lot. ‘More and more is the cry of a human being; no less will satisfy him.’ We must not waste resources such as food, water and electricity. Replying to a practical question regarding free will and destiny, he said that we have a choice to react or just be a witness as destiny (prarabdha) unfolds. When asked about how one can continue to remain connected to the guru even when physically away, he said that we must always remind ourselves “Why am I here?” Just like the power supply is always there but we need to plug it into the socket, similarly we need to connect to that grace by always reminding ourselves of this question; otherwise years go by and we have not evolved. When that, which the scriptures say and that which the Guru tells us becomes the same as our own direct experience, then our bond is strong. Shraddha means unshakable faith that the guru’s grace is always there. Daily practice is what is required to stay connected. It could be chanting, meditation, reading the scriptures; we have to find that one thing that suits us best and keep up the practice. The journey is most exciting. The destination is not important. In the Haripath, Tukaram prays to God for the company of those who have incessant love for the Lord. He says, “Then I shall not bother you.” The Mayor of Adelaide, Ann, thanked Gurudev for his visit and requested, “Take Adelaide with you.” June 4 We departed Adelaide to fly to Uluru where we visited the sacred Ayers rock at sunset. We heard a bit of the recorded sacred Aboriginal chanting which sounded so much like the ancient Indian chanting. The aborigines hold the rock as sacred and advise people not to climb it. June 5 We left early morning to visit Kata Tjuta (Olgas) to see the sunrise. This sacred rock represents the female aspect of the divine energy just as the Ayers rock represents the male aspect. Later in the afternoon we caught our flight to Brisbane via Sydney. From Brisbane we drove about 4 hours to Mullumbimby, our next destination for the satsangs. June 6 We were received with rain showers in Mullumbimby as in all the other places that we have been to so far. The rain was very welcome as most of Australia has been experiencing a drought this year. We had the Guru Gita at Ronit and Ramakrishna’s house, the hosts for this northern rivers coastal town, which Gurudev is visiting for the first time. In the morning satsang we had bhajans in classical ragas rendered by Anil Dighe, the architect for our ashram in Magod. In the evening we had a musical night. The musical group from Israel sang Om Namah Shivaya, Govind jaya jaya Gopala jaya jaya, Gayatri mantra, a qawalli and a prayer for peace in Hebrew. Listening to their soft music with the guitar, flute and harmonium, infused with devotion and their amalgamation of the various styles of music, noticing stillness it generated amongst the audience, one was forced to wonder what a beautiful place this world could be if everyone had that divine love. Finally Gurudev joined in with the tablas and so did Anil Dighe with his taranas. Then the group joined us in ‘Nivritti Jnanadeva Sopan Muktabai’.
June 7 Guru Gita was held in the morning in the cozy tent put up at Ramakrishna’s place amidst mild showers of rain. At the informal satsang session, Gurudev described it jokingly as the ‘wild birthday party.’ He reminisced about the joy and laughter around Baba and the similar sessions they had around him in his courtyard. The evening satsang was held at the Coorabell Hall, Coolamon Scenic Drive. Gurudev spoke of the love that Baba always shared. ‘Widen the embrace of love first for yourself and then for everyone’. If our mind does not experience stillness when we sit to meditate it is because of all the other thoughts that we have had during the day. June 8 In the evening satsang, held at Ewingsdale Hall in Byron Bay, Gurudev stressed repeatedly the importance of practice. He reminisced about the excitement and enthusiasm Baba had for satsang even when his body was old and fragile. Practice should be infused with love, joy and enthusiasm; not done just because it should be done or with an expectation. He said that Baba was very practical in his approach and insisted that we not acquire superficial knowledge from the scriptures but imbibe their essence into our daily lives. We feel complete and content at all times when we have imbibed that knowledge and made it a part of ourselves. He joked about all the misconceptions people have about spirituality. It is not about dressing a particular way, wearing bhasma, matted hair or looking intoxicated; it’s about that stillness within. June 9 From here we carried on to Barraba by road. The caravan is continuously increasing with a few people joining at every city. It was a long drive and we finally reached our destination at about 7pm where we were welcomed by Andrew and Haddon at Barraba Station. June 10 After Guru Gita and breakfast at Barraba station, we proceeded to the Playhouse, which is a theatre, restaurant and hotel for a blessing ceremony. As Andrew performed the Paduka Abhishek to the chanting of the Vedic mantras by Gurudev who assumed the role of the priest, it was a moving moment to see the former pub transformed into a holy spot. While explaining the mantras, Gurudev said that we pray that all those who visit this place have noble thoughts. In the evening, the theatre was converted to a beautiful satsang hall. The place looked mystical with the soft spot light on Gurudev who sat in front of a maroon backdrop. He explained that the world is also like the stage in the theatre where everyone plays a role with the understanding that it’s only a role to play and the real person is someone different. The purpose of human birth is to know who we are. All paths speak about the same Divine and the world will be a peaceful place if all understood that and respected the other; just like the English language is spoken by Americans, Indians and Australians in different expressions but still understood and acknowledged by each other. June 11 We chanted the Guru Gita again at Barraba Station followed by an informal satsang in the garden outside the house. That informal satsang as we all sat around the bon fire, chanting and wearing sunglasses was a good example of how one could be having fun and still be connected to the divine. We went to Merlyn’s property at the foothills where we chanted ‘Om Shiva Om Shiva’ followed by a picnic lunch. Back at Barraba station we enjoyed a bonfire and fireworks. As the bonfire lit up, we chanted Jyota se Jyota, rekindling the warmth of love and devotion on that chilly night. June 12 As we took leave from Barraba to head for Sydney, Andrew thanked Gurudev and the team for being the first guests at the hotel. True, it did seem like it was an ashram for a couple of days! Despite news of rain and storm, the drive to Sydney was peaceful. June 13 The routine of Guru Gita at 7am followed by informal satsang at 10am, then formal satsang in the evenings continued over the next three days. In the informal session, there were bhajans punctuated by question and answers. Answering a question about meditation, Gurudev said that all the things we do or possess, like our home, vehicle, friends - should be conducive to meditation. Quoting Tukaram, he said that the fact that our thoughts, friends etc. have changed over time indicated God’s touch in our lives. As he tuned the tanpura, he said that just like the string instrument the mind has to be tuned just right, not too tight and not too loose. One has to find the right practices for oneself; it could be chanting, meditation or study of the scriptures. The evening satsang was at the Masonic Hall. Gurudev narrated a beautiful story of the drunken men who rowed their boat all night but found themselves in the same spot the next morning. It was then they realized that they had not untied the boat. Similarly, if after years of practice we feel that we have not progressed, it is because we are tied by our ego. June 14 The informal session was very interactive and alive with Q&A. Gurudev illustrated with humorous stories to drive home the point like the one where Nasrudin refused to enter the swimming pool until he learnt how to swim. We cannot have an experience of the divine without putting forth effort…daily practice. In the evening satsang, Steve gave an experience talk. As always the gift of love that Baba gave was palpable as he shared how Baba expressed that love in both subtle and obvious ways. In his talk, Gurudev recalled with great fondness, the times spent with Baba and the purpose of spending time with the Guru. ‘When a dog enters a mansion of mirrors, he barks at his own image whereas a saint smiles. What we project onto the world is a reflection of our own mind. We have the choice, to growl or to smile. A practical solution to release all the energy when we are angry is to channel it in cleaning the house, scrubbing and mopping! If there’s anything I can fix, it’s myself.’ ‘Ye vishva Shiva kee vatika hai, sair karne ke liye.” People came back to see Gurudev from Baraba, Mullumbimby etc. and they told stories of how they and others had been affected by the satsangs and why they traveled all the miles to be back in that experience. June 15 In the morning satsang we sang the Haripath! In the evening session, which was held in the initiation room of the Masons in the Masonic Hall, Ambica who had met Baba in the seventies spoke of her passionate love for him and the ecstatic experiences she had in his presence. Gurudev summed it up as the elixir of love and described how it was when Baba was away for 2.5 years on his world tour. ‘Not as many people visited the ashram. It was a wonderful experience to continue doing the practices even in his absence. It was then that I realized what the ashram and the Guru were.’ June 16 The morning satsang at Bronte House at Bronte, Sydney saw many new faces with an interesting question and answer session. Answering a question about how to handle stress, he said that one must catch it early before it goes beyond control. Music is an excellent remedy; one could chant the mantra or just hum a song. In the evening, the children performed a musical drama based on the Ramayana. It was enchanting to see the little ones dressed in traditional costumes with bow and arrow enact the epic and hear comments like ‘Those who serve talk less.’ At the end of the performance, we were touched to see the little ones donate their pocket money for Shanti Arogya Mandir. June 17 The morning satsang was at the house of a Gujarati couple in Tuggerah. A traditional garbha dance was performed by their children at the entrance to welcome everyone. They requested Gurudev to speak from the Bhagwad Gita. Quoting from the 7th chapter, ‘Mayyasakta manah partha’, the Lord tells Arjuna to attach his mind to Him. What we do today becomes our destiny tomorrow. Answering a practical question about the difference between parental love (vatsalya) and attachment, he said that we must perform our duties as parents but learn to let go and not be attached. June 18 We drove from Sydney to Kaveri & Matt’s home in the southern highlands. June 19 After the morning Guru Gita we had a very interesting and emotionally charged morning session where each one introduced themselves and spoke about the impact Baba had on their lives. June 20 We visited Shelly and Charlie’s new home in Coledale. Guru Gita was performed after which Gurudev explained the importance of performing pooja to bless a new home. ‘We seek blessings from the creatures and unseen elements of nature that have been disturbed by our construction. When we respect these elements, they bless us with abundance. In the Q&A session that followed, he spoke of the hollowness of relationships today. ‘Today relationships are selfish and based on sensual experiences. We must learn fortitude. Baba had long back predicted that the worst illness in this Kali Yuga will be mental illness.’ Whenever faced with a storm in our relationships, we must have fortitude and remember that it too shall pass. He said a little sacrifice on our part can save relations and change life. June 21 We flew from Sydney to Melbourne to arrive after noon to the 4 flats building belonging to Govinda, Jill, Bidgee and Kaveri, which seemed like a mini ashram. After the welcome arati everyone settled in. Weekly satsangs are held in the living room of Govinda’s flat upstairs every Thursday, so we reassembled in the evening for the satsang in that room which was packed to capacity. In the informal session that followed Gurudev answered a couple of questions. He spoke about the trust and faith that we must have in ourselves when we are pushed to the edge of the cliff in our lives. He gave examples of such times in his own life like the one when he was asked by Baba in 1980 in Santa Monica at the age of 18 years to take sannyas. ‘We may be comfortable in our situation but we have to take a leap forward. It requires great fortitude to make the right choice so that we may blossom.’ He said that he was faced with opposition when he shared his inspiration for this world tour. Despite the initial lack of support and finances, he was sure within himself that it would unfold beautifully as time went by. ‘It is an offering to Baba and a celebration of what he gave us.’ June 22 After the morning Guru Gita, a journalist from a local newspaper came to interview Gurudev. He explained Baba’s message of ‘Honor and worship yourself for your God dwells within you as you’. In response to why one needs to meditate and go within, he said that everyone goes to sleep to get rest. In sleep we are not aware of what is going on within but, in meditation, we are aware and it takes us to a deeper place within ourselves. To stay in that space at all times is the goal of meditation. Today we buy bigger things to be happy but one is more disturbed instead of being content. If we go within, we will experience contentment. There is nothing wrong in possessing things as long as we understand that they are not the source of happiness. In response to a question about autonomy, he said that today people are becoming selfish and that’s fragmenting society. The subsequent loneliness is the cause of depression. When asked about the aim of the tour, he said that it was heartening to see people who shared the same enthusiasm about the practices and life, reunite after 20 or 30 years. These people, who were touched by Baba and got lost somewhere along the way, were happy to come back and experience the same after 3 decades and see that his legacy continues even 25 years after he left his body. Some other Australian devotees who were touched by Baba were also interviewed. [See interview at http://www.theage.com.au/news/in-depth/touched-by-baba/2007/06/25/1182623813069.html ] We departed that afternoon for Swami Shankarananda’s ashram where we were warmly received. We had Shiva Mahimnah in the evening followed by a dancing saptah where both Gurudev and Swami Shankarananda drummed. June 23 We chanted Guru Gita in the morning. The evening program was very alive and reminded us of the times spent with Baba as both Gurudev and Swami Shankarananda drummed with great zest to the chant of Hare Rama Hare Krishna. We witnessed Baba with all his dynamism on the Baba’s Footsteps video. Later in his talk, Gurudev remarked on the fullness and enthusiasm that Baba personified. ‘One could imagine him nearly fall off his seat as he sang Jai Jai Vithala.’ Our prarabdha (destiny) brings us to the doorstep of the Guru. Thereafter it depends on our free will to enrich the experience. Quoting from the Haripath, Gurudev said, ‘Devachiye dwari ubha kshana bhari’….if you stop at the doorstep of the Guru or the Divine even for a moment, you can attain salvation. Stopping means complete cessation of all thought concepts of the mind. He said that Baba called Ganeshpuri the Mecca of meditation and that the life of any seeker who would visit it would be redeemed. Baba always said, ‘I welcome you all with all my heart.’ It is sad and ironical that his samadhi is closed today and I hope that it would be open to all by his 100th birthday. “This is the gift we ask Baba to give us on his 100th birthday,” Gurudev said. Swami Shankaranada charged with his wit and humor also spoke of Baba. He fondly remembered Baba’s ability to know the language of the heart, what he called the siddhi of communication. He spoke of how Baba never took a break and gave himself selflessly. June 24 As we took leave from Swamiji’s Shiva Ashram at Mt. Eliza after the morning Guru Gita, Gurudev urged that at least a couple of students from Swamiji’s ashram should come to Shanti Vidya Mandir to learn Sanskrit. He said that in order that the truth is handed over down the generations undiluted, one must have a sound understanding of the language of the scriptures. It was a busy Sunday with visits to homes of three devotees. At Susan’s home, she showed Gurudev paintings that she had made. As he appreciated the paintings April, a 4 year old asked him what all the circles in the paintings meant and Gurudev explained that they represented consciousness. “What is consciousness?” was the quick question that followed. Just as we wondered what the appropriate explanation for that would be for a 4 year old, Gurudev’s reply came even more prompt than the query. He said, “Consciousness is that which makes us happy.”
June 25 We spent the entire day cleaning the Gas Works theatre where the programs were to be held over the next week. The large theatre with its black curtains was transformed into a beautiful colorful satsang hall with bright saris draping the walls. More than 20 volunteers worked the entire day, some beyond midnight to bring about this transformation. June 26 All the 3 programs; the morning Guru Gita at 7am, the informal satsang at 10am and the evening satsang at 7pm were held at the Gas works theatre over the next week. The informal morning session as usual was filled with bhajans, music and Q&As. Responding to a query about his early childhood with Baba, he said that what Baba gave was a life style. He touched many aspects of our lives; unknown to us, transformation occurred by just being in his company. June 27 Another day of interesting Q&As. Talking about how we need to perform actions, Gurudev said that performing actions with detachment does not imply a lack of effort. “Do whatever needs to be done with passion and enthusiasm but be detached to the outcome. We must put forth effort and create but then let go.” In the evening Claude who had come down from Adelaide, shared his experiences of Baba. As he began, he called upon Baba to help him articulate his feelings. Gurudev later remarked, ‘Guru moolam sarva kriya’ The Guru is the root of all action. We must at all times call upon the divine to help us perform our actions. Atmanastu kamas sarvam priyam bhavati. June 28 Gurudev spoke of the characteristics of Kali Yuga, which were long ago described by Narada in the Srimad Bhagawat, and we see to be so true today. The age lacks peace and contentment of mind despite abundance of material comforts. It is ironical that though these comforts seem to be the source of pleasure, they keep peace at bay. In the evening, Frank, a chiropractor who was deeply touched by Baba when he was in his early twenties, shared how Baba and regular practice of Yoga had completely transformed his life. Gurudev led us in the chant Muktananda Mahan as we simultaneously viewed silent footage of Baba on the large screen in front. June 29 In the evening, Swami Shankarananda came. Naveen recited the Shanti path. Baba loved music and it was heartening to see a professional artist perform almost each day in the programs being held in Baba’s honor. Kanchan Verma enthralled everyone with her Santoor recital. She is one of the very few female santoor artists who are keeping this rare classical art form alive. June 30 Larry Holmes, who had lived with Baba, said that the tour brings back what it was to be Baba. He said that Baba always opened his doors to all. In addition to everything, he gave us the company of other seekers. Gurudev recalled that everything around Baba had to be perfect. That’s how he made our senses subtle and mind sharp. Claude concluded beautifully by reminding us of what Baba had once said. ‘Atmam sharanam gacchami, siddham sharanam gacchami, dharamam sharanam gacchami, sangam sharanam gacchami.’ I seek refuge in the Self, Siddhas, righteousness and company of saints. July 1
The grand finale of the Australian leg of the tour began with Guru Gita followed by sour cereal for breakfast. Devotees from all parts of the continent had gathered to honor Baba on this finale. Most of those who had hosted the tour in the last 45 days were here to celebrate the gift that the great saint had given them. As Gurudev put it, one of the greatest gifts that Baba left us with is each other’s company. It was an emotional reunion. Not only did people who had the honor of being in Baba’s company join but also many who came for the first time. There were many who came just for an evening and stayed on for many days, some even to travel the continent. The flute player from Mullumbimby who was skeptical before he came for the first time, traveled not just across to Melbourne but has now made plans to travel to India for Shivaratri in Delhi and the finale in May. We had different kinds of classical music over the week; the flute, the saxophone, the santoor. For he finale, it was an Odissi dance recital by Uttara, who is originally from Mumbai but now settled in Australia. Each of these classical art presentations happened spontaneously; none were preplanned. They were a befitting tribute to the great Guru, who was also a master of music. As Manoj sang Mastana jogi aya re we were transferred to the seventies when Hari Om Sharan had sung it live to Baba in the ashram. To relive all the joyous moments of the tour that had been captured by camera, we viewed the footage. The hosts thanked Gurudev for giving everyone the opportunity to be in that experience. As we parted almost all had tears of fulfillment, joy, gratitude and also the pain of physical separation. Many have already made plans to congregate in May 2008 for Baba’s 100th birth centenary.
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