Blogs from Pali, Rajasthan, India, Asia - page 2

We had a special ceremony on an auspicious day for the planting season. While everyone was getting ready Avatarpuri and I climbed some trees. Phool PuriJi came to do the puja. We said a prayer that the harvest would be good. We got some of the diggers that PuspaJi and the workers would use. Phool Puriji told us its a really good day and constellation to start preparing for the planting. It was like a mother earth day. Phool PuriJi said we should do puja before we start any new projects. The tractor started to plough the field so it was also like tractor puja too! We had some yummy prasad at the end. Mum saw a key sitting on our window sill outside. She asked me about it. I said "Well, no one could get ... read more

On Thursday I found myself in a blissful moment after the storm. I sensed and smelt it about one hour before it arrived and as soon as the wind started to pick up I went out into the weather to enjoy the wild wind. I SO love the wind. The dust circled in the air and the tree branches picked up their tempo! The scent of jasmine flowers was prolific. The rain was soft and gentle, a very welcome change to the dry climate we have been experiencing. I lay on the warm stones and felt the cool raindrops make small puddles, gradually cooling down the ground. There was a reprieve in the rain and the wind slowed it's intensity. A few people came out from their rooms and we marveled at the power of nature. ... read more

I happened upon an interesting Satsung one evening recently when our Indian Swami Phool Puriji was playing with His newly acquired mobile phone. He was instructed by another Maharaj, to be careful who He calls from the phone, as the person will be able to see the number and can then save the number to contact Him at any time. My parting words were "Enjoy the Shanti while no one has your number!" He is certainly the 'Smiling, saying Yes to everything Swami'. I commented to him one day recently "It is lovely, you are always smiling..." His grin extended further and he replied "Yes, you know, when you are always smiling then you make the others happy'. He sleeps less than me and is such an inspiration! These days He has enjoyed coordinating the unpacking ... read more

Late night construction has been going on at the OM Ashram site. I took some fruit over for the supervisors, that is, the Karma yogis who work there. They oversee the Indian farmers who are hard at work doing.... I'm not sure what with a lot of cement mixers and cranes. It was certainly a hive of activity with some chai to keep everyone awake during the sleeping hours. It's one amazing project, the OM Ashram development. Being quite an eventful evening, I also saw Peter Pan from my veranda. Not sure what a boy was doing so late on one of our balconies.... The kitchen grass where our dishes were being cleaned with ash is now a beautiful shade of green. The challenge has been stepped up since the position of the bins has changed. ... read more

One of the most noticeable factors since leaving and returning to Jadan is the increase in temperature. Summer is certainly on the way. We've gone village style here and the water taps have been taped up. It means we now ferry water in buckets and it's meant to be rationed. Just how much water we were previously and currently using will remain a mystery however, considering there is no water meter to give us the stats. It is a good opportunity to bring some more water awareness and reinforce the trust factor. Conveniently the fill up point is right out the front of my door! With the warmer weather, the mossies are making themselves known a little more frequently. India's 'village pharmacy', the Neem tree has been reminding us of it's dominance. Many leaves are falling ... read more