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Published: July 24th 2010
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The journey was quite involved having several flights via many places including the better part of day and night in Delhi. Interestingly enough they let me into and out of the country with my passport that doesn't actually have a valid Indian visa. I did get an extension to my visa however it appears only as an extension on the piece of paper that is my resident permit, when I register with the local PSB while living in India. I even had to lend my pen to the Customs official! Later in the day I was wondering why I brought a gel ink pen along realising the water proof factor selling point did not help me clean up the mess it was making! I know full well the reliability of ballpoint pens....
I was busy on the plane helping a tribe of Seeks who were obviously first time on an aeroplane and had many first time, novel experiences with foreign things. Everything from how to use the entertainment system, how to open the butter (they tried using - something like a long stylus - the tool used for making their turban, to stab holes in the lid to get into
the contents), what creamer was - milk in a packet, (one man sprinkled his creamer on top of his muffin)... There was also the man who had a big bite into his muffin and ate half the paper cup it was resting in and another man who ate his jam with mustard sized spoon and most likely thought I was very odd for spreading the jam onto the bread. There was lots of laughter at the novelty of all the new experiences.
While passing through Amman, one of the most striking features was the mobile telephone ring tone. You know you are in the Middle East when you hear the ring tone of a phone and it's the caravan style; I've never seen Arabian Nights though I'm sure they play that style of music! The big airport extension is well under construction in Amman.
So, I made it to Vienna! Swamiji is certainly looking after me. I opened Swamiji's book and searched the local Ashram address and promptly met a very helpful man at the airport who pointed me in the right direction as far as locating efficient public transport to get me very close to the original
Vienna Ashram. It has been officially running with the original flame for 34 years now. A beautiful space.
Later I ventured to find tram 18 to arrive at the bigger Vienna Ashram and was once again treated to exceptional hospitality. It's lovely to put faces to the people running the show at this international hub of Yoga in Daily Life. A striking feature in this Ashram is the lack of computers. While there was of course one in the reception office, it was tucked away and not the centre of the space. The entrance is inviting with jugs of water, fruit bowls, nuts and of course chocolate! I spoke to a few people afterwards about the lack of PCs and they explained that there are many bhaktas living in surrounding areas contributing to the administrative side of work here from their own homes. Hence freeing up space in the Ashram for the humanitarian side of 'real people' communication!
In the evening I spoke with Swamiji on the phone. Avatarpuri was keen to know if the boys were with me. The next day while taking a walk in the lovely Botanical Gardens, I thought it would be a good opportunity to try and find the Peace tree Swamiji had planted in a park nearby. I turned a corner to see Swamiji Himself, Avatarpuri, a few bhaktas and a cameraman. It was perfectly arranged. Swamiji was on his way to the Peace tree as that was something the cameraman was after for shooting his footage! So, the power of manifestation is alive and well here in Vienna! We had a divine walk with Swamiji and lunch back at the Ashram.
The people of Vienna have been extremely curious, helpful and friendly. There is quite a large Chinese population. While walking around Vienna I noticed the abundance of pizza shops, bottle shops, cafes, florists and windowsill flower boxes. I met many familiar souls at the Ashram and made some new acquaintances in the area. This is one city I could spend a longer time in! There is no urgency in the air. Is this the city or my current state of mind? Hmm.... Two weeks of contemplation ahead. Two weeks of time with myself. Imagine the potential in that!
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