Author Archive
Wednesday, July 4th, 2007
Absolute! Independence Day.
The celebration of the completion of H.H. Bhakti Tirtha Swami’s samadhi is just two days away and the excitement is rising. The last three weeks, the samadhi work crew and the hometeam ashram residents have been plugging away every day to prepare for the festival. I took to the responsibility of temple grounds beautification.
Here are some before and after shots of a few gardens surrounding the temple that I worked on. I’m pleased with the results and am ready to party.
My stay at Gita Nagari has been enlightening. I came desiring engaging service in a
Simpler, more austere environment and that’s exactly what I have found. No hot water
Here thus ice cold showers morning and night have challenged my determination and so-called renunciation.
Temple program begins at 4:30am, a half hour earlier than at New Vrindaban. Working out in the garden till sunset has me in bed by eleven, which is way too late. Most of the time, I lead morning program by myself because I am the only human in attendance (I’m thankful Gita Nagari at least has plants in their temple) which means I’ve finally had to memorize all the prayers, mrdanga beats, etc. These challenges have been good for me.
Tonite I’m celebrating “Independence” Day, Vaisnava style, complete with vegan marshmallows and campfire kirtan. Motha’ Deva Deva and her husband are hosting the sankirtan party at their house, featuring darshan and lecture with H.H. Dhanurdara Swami.
In Mexico, there are at least three Independence Days that I have clebrated, one from the Spanish imperialists, one from the French aristocrats, and one from the Catholic Church. But here in bhakti yoga world, every day is Absolute! Indepence Day, regardless of temporary government institutions and unstable maneuverings of political parties. Entonces, saca la pachanga y empieza esta fiesta de sankirtana con nosotros todos los dias!
No Comments » - Posted in Contributors by strictlymedicinal
Monday, July 2nd, 2007
God smiles in flowers.
Yesterday afternoon, after a full day in the garden, I found this budding Echinacea flower. Some call it mutant, but I call it a manifestation.
Srila Prabhupada says that God smiles in flowers. Because I’m so distracted in general, I find Krishna gives me really obvious signs when he is pleased with my service. Reassurance is most reassuring. Krishna’s mercy is abundant although often hard to understand and perceive.
Here at Gita Nagari, every day there is a new happening in the fields, woods, and gardens. Three weeks ago, the Honeysuckle and Peonies were in full bloom. Next came the Milkweed, Yarrow, New England Asters and Oxeye Daisies. In the past week and a half, Queen Anne’s Lace, Tigerlilies, and Black-eyed Susans have found themselves on the altar and Hyacinths made their appearance at Prabhupada’s lotus feet. This is the joy of simple living. 
My next-door neighbor in the ashram runs an animal hospital of sorts. When I first came, Mother Locana Padma was caring for some ailing barn kittens. But last week, a new resident arrived on the doorstep and she gladly scooped him up. We named him Garuda.
We never found out what kind of bird he was but we could hear his relatives in the surrounding trees. After a strong week, eating peanut bitter and Ganges water, he left his body listening to Prabhupada chanting the maha mantra. Life and death on the farm. Life and death on the farm. Life and death on the farm. On the farm, the reality of the continuous cycle of birth and death is constantly in your face, and usually you have to pick it up and bury it too.
Yesterday, while moving the oxen water trough, Mother Kaulini and I watched two slimy slugs slither across the body of a salivating snake curled up below. We were both disgusted. She reminded me then that the soul’s destination is determined by our life’s activities and consciousness. Thus, it is paramount to take advantage of this human birth, learn the science of life, and avoid the risk of taking birth again as a slug. Yes ma’am!
No Comments » - Posted in Contributors by strictlymedicinal
Saturday, June 30th, 2007
First impressions.
Mother Kaulini asked me to travel with her to “upstate” NY where her services were requested to lead two grain ceremonies. Grain ceremonies, according to my neophyte understanding, are one of the samscaras (basically means a ritual intended to create a favorable impression) that most children brought up in the Vaisnava tradition undergo at 6 months when they receive their first taste of grain. Turns out the ceremonies were for the triplets I saw in NY and another little boy named Yogi.
After the kid takes his first bite, tradition holds that three plates are put in front of the baby, one full of books, another with coins and jewelry, and the third with soil. The idea is that whichever plate the child reaches for, becomes an indication of their future inclinations. Nice pick Yogi!
Our last night was spent in Styvescent Falls, NY with the nice Kayle & Saci family. Their kids impressed the heck out of me. All three attend a Waldorf school in the area. We spent the following morning looking through pictures of their school’s annualperformance of The Mahabarata, an ancient Vedic text that describes in detail the full history of The Bhagavad Gita. Little Laxman here officialy qualifies as a super rare allstar.
My favorite moment of the entire trip was late afternoon after the first grain ceremony which was only the beginning of a larger Panihati festival to be celebrated for the rest of the day. Upon departure, I noticed our tires were low but neither I nor Mother Kaulini could remember the proper tire pressure for an SUV nor did we have a tire pressure gauge. A seasof Hindus stood before us. Outcome unlikely. A moment later, however, Mother Taruni spots His Holiness Varsana Maharaja. She ran over, he nodded his head, and, sure enough, came back with an answer and a tire gauge. He said we could keep it. And that’s how one lucky tire gauge found itself on my altar.
No Comments » - Posted in Contributors by strictlymedicinal
Saturday, June 30th, 2007
Hello strawberries, I’m home.
I’m finally at home. Gita Nagari is magical. Nestled in between thriving Mennonite and Amish communities, she holds her own as a religious place of pilgrimage and refuge. The Radha-Damodhara temple here is the most beautiful temple I have had the opportunity to worship in. Simple yet elegant, her giant windows spill in the morning sunlight and illuminate the otherwise invisible waves of incense hovering above. Today I washed these giant windows and was practically out of breath when I finished.
Gita Nagari has a down-home, comfortable, family atmosphere. The Sunday feasts feature the finest in vegetarian, home-baked soul food, infused with loving devotion. One is surly blessed to experience the honor of tasting Mother Kaulini’s curd and zucchini sabji. In fact, with so few temple residents, the two cows we milk every day provide the ashram with an abundance of fresh yogurt and curd. So much for my urban, vegan aspirations.
Day and night, Mother Kaulini milks two beautiful brown swiss mothers, named Kisore and Saloni. I usually tag along and watch in amazement at Mother Kaulini’s gentle yet steady and strong milking grip. The cows are literally dripping milk and stand patiently, legs untied, while we sit on either side of one cow, harvesting their priceless donations one at a time. Evening milking is the best. Sometimes we linger and watch the eastern storm clouds roll in or observe the reddish hues of sunset illuminating the western sky. Full bucket in tow, we head back to the ashram, day well spent and ready to take rest.
I quickly plugged in here as a groundswoman. There are infinite hidden perennial beds and future gardens waiting to be discovered. I arrived just as the strawberry patch ripened up and spent the first two weeks picking strawberries early mornin’ style so as Krishna could enjoy freshies for breakfast. In one week there will be a big celebration here marking the simultaneous two-year anniversary of the death of H.H. Bhakti Tirtha Swami and the completion of his samadhi memorial, being dressed in white marble as we speak. At the request of Mother Kaulini, one week gives me just enough time to finish decorating the holy dhama with as many sunflower, watermelon, sweet pepper, and tomato plants as possible.
This here is Gopa. He’s my pal. Yesterday while sitting underneath the back porch awning of the old farm house, we chanted japa together and watched the greatly anticipated rain quench the garden’s thirst. I guess I’m partial to three-legged beings. The kittens with extra toes pass as well. Srila Prabhupada compares our relationship with Krishna as that between the caretaker and the dog. The sane caretaker (Krishna) gives the dog (living beings) freewill to roam and explore, play and do what she wants, but the ultimate purpose of the dog is to obey the master’s orders. The way I figure, there is nothing more annoying than an untrained dog, so I’m getting myself potty trained.
No Comments » - Posted in Contributors by strictlymedicinal
Friday, June 29th, 2007
Absolute fashion.
After the GBC meetings, the van was again packed up Ratha Yatra bound. NYC, here we come! Again.
We arrived in Brooklyn around 9 pm. With just enough time to catch a quick shower and powernap, we headed down to Washington Square Park for late night set-up starting at midnight. Good times with the local entertainment and four hours of tent and pole placement later, we jumped on the subway around 4am, got back to the temple just before mangala arati, but slept through the morning program anyways. We were up and showered, however, by 8am and in the van soon after for a quick stop at 26th & 2nd Avenue, the historic site marking the first Hare Krishna pad and bhajan kutir in North America.
The Ratha Yatra began in Central Park at noon. The crowd was in the thousands, all scrambling to help pull Lord Jagannatha’s chariots some 50 blocks down 5th Avenue. I think the pictures say it all. Check out this rockstar Vaisnava mama keepin’ it reals with triplets.
H.H. Praladananda Maharaja (who weeks ago in Srimad Bhagavatam class explained how we all worship a deity, meticulously dress, bathe, and feed them nicely and very opulently, but in most cases the deity is our own bodies), and H.H. Bhakti Caitanya Maharaja led great sessions in the question & answer tent at the festival landing site, where I proceeded to help serve out free vegetarian prasadam to what seemed like thousands of folks. I kept on asking myself, as the line grew longer and longer, “How to go about feeding NYC?”
In all the excitement and madness, I left my backpack in the Brooklyn temple and was forced to leave it when my ride to Gita Nagari informed me that it would be too far out of the way to retrieve it. What to do? Me, my sari, and my humble fanny pack arrived in Harrisburg three hours later and spent the night at Motha’ Lila Katha and Tamal Krishna Prabhu’s lovely new home. Lila geneoursly hooked me up with some necessities so that I arrived at Gita Nagari in Port Royal, PA, the following afternoon, with a fresh sari and toothbrush in hand.
No Comments » - Posted in Contributors by strictlymedicinal
Thursday, June 28th, 2007
His Holiness & Hoops.
I returned to New Vrindaban after Cleveland Ratha Yatra to the International GBC meetings. Basically, all the top administrators of the ISKCON universe blessed the community with their stay for practically one whole week. At least three days in a row, morning program was attended by over 25 sunnyasis along with some of the most well-respected devotees in the movement.
The highlights of my weekend include playing basketball with H.H. Hrdayanada Goswami. Instead of P-I-G, we played A-S-U-R-A (literally means “demon” in Sanskrit). After several evenings of darshan and two morning japa walks, Acharya Deva’s humor and intelligence has given me an even greater appreciation of Krishna consciousness and has reinforced my decision to pursue bhakti yoga as a lifetime aspiration. His blissful enthusiasm and love of Krishna is totally infectious.
Other highlights include serving fresh cow urine to H.H. Jaya Pattaca Swami every morning in the barn. What a fabulous lila. I admire his ability to reach out to so many people with his full attention, heartfelt kindness and compassion.
No Comments » - Posted in Contributors by strictlymedicinal
Tuesday, June 26th, 2007
Phone home.
I just wanted to reflect on this past month and bring the folks up to speed with my whereabouts. Why have I been so busy that I couldn’t manage to fit in a few phone calls to relay things like hello, I’m still alive, etc. for the peace of mind of my dear parents. What is the difficulty? Communication has always been my weak point.
To start off, a few weeks ago the ladies and I traveled to Cleveland, Ohio for my first kick-off Ratha Yatra of 2007. Ratha Yatra is sometimes referred to as the Festival of Chariots or the Festival of India. These festivals are held annually all around the world at various times throughout the year. The ultimate significance is that we are welcoming Krishna back into our hearts and reawakening our original, primeval consciousness for pure love of God.
Ratha Yatra is something I hold dear my heart. Two years ago, I was traveling through Mexico solo style and happened to find a devotee to hitchhike with into the city of Guadalajara. On the way there he told me the Ratha Yatra festival was that very same weekend. I had no clue what he meant but eventually we caught a ride downtown and made our way to the temple. There they were. Three massive chariots carrying three wooden sculptures with crazy, intoxicating eyes and big smiles. By the mercy of the devotees, I was later formally introduced to the presiding deities, Lord Jagannatha, Lady Subadra, and Lord Baladeva. Two days of festival later, stomach full of prasadam (foodstuffs offered to the Lord), ears ringing with kirtan, and bewildering images of devotees in devotional dress playing bass guitar and Hare Krishna reggae on a massive stage with devotees going nuts in the audience, I was fascinated. What are they so excited about, I wondered. I was curious. I wanted more. That weekend I was gifted my first Krishna book. After traveling for some time with a few devotees who put me up in their casa that weekend, I moved back to New Mexico, started going to a Sunday program and by the following summer I moved into the temple. Thus, I feel strongly about the powerful role Ratha Yatra played in awakening my Krishna consciousness and feel strongly about supporting and continuing this tradition.
By the mercy of Mother Devavati, I was invited up onto the cart to help decorate. Years of birthday parties with crepe paper décor paid off as I successfully went through four rolls to decorate the railings. With Lake Erie as our backdrop, the parade went through the waterfront parkway on a hot and blissful afternoon. H.H. Bhakti Marga Swami led funky kirtan for hours afterwards to the point of almost reaching a salsa groove. I was in ecstasy. Many thanks to the organizers of the festival and to all the Cleveland devotees who helped make it happen.
No Comments » - Posted in Contributors by strictlymedicinal
Thursday, June 21st, 2007
Time to Ketchup.
I moved into the temple thinking the best thing for my spiritual life would be to renounce the world and withdrawal for awhile. But some how or another, I’ve been to NYC on three different occassions since May on strictly devotional business. I guess I picked the right temple. Funny how things work out. Our Vaisnava tradition instructs us to enthusiastically pursue devotional life. Sure we renounce a bit in the beginning, but like H.H. Varsana Swami said last weekend, “We may be fasting, but, spiritually, we are feasting.”
No Comments » - Posted in Contributors by strictlymedicinal
Tuesday, May 29th, 2007
Sleeping soul sisters.
I just got back from a transcendental weekend road trip. Unexpectedly, after finishing a batch of speculation sweet potato kicheree for breakfast, I was rescued in time to miss Memorial Day weekend madness and thrown into Malati Prabhuji’s van last Friday. Our first destination was Towacco, New Jersey. Ahhh Jersey. I am astounded by any good you have to offer and yet I seem to be surrounded by your byproducts wherever I go. Traveling with Malati Prabhuji is a unique experience. Two things are guaranteed. Passengers never experience a moment of hunger and passengers never experience a moment of hunger. Transcendental smarties and caramel chews lofted liberally to the back seat…I find it simultaneously hilarious that originally my intention was to move to the temple so that I could renounce, and, slightly sickened by the opposite extreme that seems to have presented itself. But, whatever, different strokes for different folks. The only truly important thing to recognize is that we are all sleepy, conditioned souls in temporary, human bodies.
After an early darshan and bhajan with Sri Sri Sita Rama, Laxman and Hanuman, the blue chariot headed north to Brooklyn and arrived just in time for the ceremony on Saturday evening. The assembled devotees were more brilliant than ever. The initiations were profoundly moving and inspiring. I have to admit, however, that after everything, I was most fascinated by my newly found detachment to the ever attractive lure of NYC. Upon departure, I didn’t feel a single tinge of hankering or lamentation. My stays in the past have always revolved around a show, an exhibition, a culinary rendezvous, a vinyl mission, etc. NYC has for many years been a utopian abode of curiosity and unlimited potential. A piece of my heart has always hankered to live in a funky Brooklyn neighborhood, surround myself with a tight crew, open up a small vegan soup and sandwich joint, make big rooftop community gardens, and play ball in the streets. I guess for now, the company of cows and devotees is all I’m hankering for.
Which brings me to the best part of the trip. Gita Nagari Dhama ki jaya! Gita Nagari, located in Port Royal, PA, is my home. I feel alive and compelled to serve enthusiastically without inhibition whenever I visit. Bhakti Tirtha Maharaj disciples feel like my true brothers and sisters, so it’s like a big reunion from lifetimes ago whenever I go there. The Thursday after the Festival of Inspiration, Mother Salini gave birth to lady Premunjana, pictured above. Both are doing well and in good spirits.
Mother Kaulini is my inspiration. She has lived at Gita Nagari for over 30 years. She milks the cows day and night, dresses the deities, cooks for the devotees, cleans the temple, organizes the accounts and serves as temple president. It is imperative I spent more time in the company of this saintly soul. My desire is to be her right hand milker.
The nice folks opened up a great little dinner down the hill from the farm. Complete with Kraft macaroni & cheese and soft serve ice cream, this joint distributes the goodness. These kids are really living the dream. Of course it’s all prasadam and lovingly served with big ol’ compassionate Vaisnava smiles.
Soul sista’ Deva Deva is one of my favorite residents in the greater Gita Nagari community. The first time I ever visited, she invited me over for popcorn and tea at her new home, an old refurbished 19th century stone house. We were friends instantly. This weekend I crashed at her place and decided to walk to the temple the next morning rather than drive. What should have been a half hour walk turned into two and a half hours and I still never made it. The adventure was a blessings, however, and only reconfirmed in my heart the love I feel for this area. John & Joan Fry, an old covered bridge, and Dame’s rocket bouquets were the high lites of my stroll.
At present count, Gita Nagari’s cow protection program gives shelter to 16 cows and oxen. Two mothers are milked daily by hand. Mother Kaulini told me a story about one cow they cared for named Vishaka who gave birth to one calf and continued to give milk for 14 consecutive years! At one point she was sent to a hospital for eye surgery and the veterinarian took Mother Kaulini aside and explained that in his 20 years of practice, he’s never met such a trusting animal. She replied, “Well that’s because she knows we will never kill her.” The vet was moved to tears.
No Comments » - Posted in Contributors by strictlymedicinal
Tuesday, May 22nd, 2007
Searching for herons, came up with shells.
“For one who sees Me everywhere and sees everything in Me, I am never lost, nor is he ever lost to Me.” -Bhagavad Gita, As It Is (6.30)
New Vrindaban is full of tiny surprises. Jaya Murari Prabhuji gave me a tip off on some giant sycamore trees and heron nests down by the creek, so I took the sunny afternoon’s suggestion to do some exploring. Not a one heron was spotted but a single river otter came by for a quick hello and goodbye. Unfortunately, the camera was not in hand. I decided instead to focus on some of the forgotten and abandoned homes of New Vrindaban’s aquatic community. Pictured are some of the more modest accommodations, but palm-sized mansions laid nearby.
No Comments » - Posted in Contributors by strictlymedicinal
Friday, May 18th, 2007
A tribute to my Mom.
I received the following letter a few days ago from my mom, thanking me for my hospitality after her first visit to New Vrindaban a few weeks ago. Feeling fortunate to have such a open-minded and supportive mother, I want to glorify her by sharing this letter with everyone.
Hi Alysia,
The pictures turned out beautifully- didn’t they? The colors are so vibrant- they reflect the good energy of New Vrindaban.I don’t know why you apologized when you wrote “sorry I wasn’t a better host”. You were a terrific host -you couldn’t have paid more attention to me- introducing me to so many people and showing me around. And I’m so glad I stayed in your room. It was really convenient and gave me a chance to chat with Olivia. She was so nice. Please say “hello” to her for me. You were both so careful “tip-toeing” around me so as not to wake me up at 5AM.
Sorry for leaving so abruptly Wednesday morning. I had to get home for an evening meeting, so I was eager to hit the road- but I also needed time to “digest” everything that I saw, learned, and experienced with you. You have to admit, it was a bit of a cultural shock…and something that I’m not used to…at all. But I’m really OK with it, and besides that, everyone I met impressed me as being sincerely nice, friendly and caring people. Besides that, it’s your life and your decision. I hope I didn’t offend anyone (including you) with giving my opinion of the worship of “deities.” I honestly would have kept it to myself had I not been asked what I thought. And now that I know how strongly your beliefs are about not eating meat, when you are home I’ll respect that by trying to alter our menus whenever possible.
I’m pleasantly surprised how much I enjoyed being at a place that I had negative thoughts about. The only thing that bothered me was (as I already shared with you) a feeling of detachment with families- having to choose between family and religious beliefs. But again it’s your decision. We will always be here for you and love you- no matter what! I love you a ton and love that you are loving where you are.
No Comments » - Posted in Contributors by strictlymedicinal
Thursday, May 17th, 2007
You can make plans, but plans change.
New Vrindaban celebrated its 7th Annual Festival of Inspiration this past weekend. My post festival blues are starting to subside and I’m slowly getting back into my daily, pseudo transcendental routine. The past two weeks were wild in preparation. On top of it all, I thought it would be a great time to start the Master Cleanse so that come festival I would be clear and focused, equipped with proper vision and consciousness.
For those of you unfamiliar with the Master Cleanse, it is a detox program designed to clean out the ol’ intestinal tract through a process of fasting, cayenne lemonade, salt water flushes and laxative tea bedtime stories. I’ve always been weary of trendy, universally beneficial fasts, but many friends have shared with me their votes of approval. Because my situation and means are very limited right now, lemonade mexicano sounded appropriate and affordable. I decided to go for it.
The first day I felt some abdominal cramping but by morning it had cleared up. The next few days were normal. The fifth day came and I started feeling really good. My senses were accentuated and I was feeling empowered by my discipline. Up until the eight day, I rarely felt hunger. The smell emanating from the kitchen was delightful and satisfying in itself. My energy was high and I felt great.
Half my friends here thought I was nuts, the other half were really curious and supportive. But, really folks, living in America and living the Hare Krishna “feasting” lifestyle, the body becomes overloaded with undigested foodstuffs, rotting and festering, gradually building up on the intestinal wall, rendering the body unable to properly absorb nutrients and discard the rest. This is the primarly cause of most disease and illness within our bodies.
Krishna consciousness is about foresight. Fasting is also about long term vision in that it is a form of preventive medicine. Fasting gives the body a chance to process what’s already on the desk, taking up space and causing anxiety, without being overloaded by continuous incoming calls and paperwork. If our bodies are not physically fit and fine-tuned, our spiritual work will suffer miserably.
The hardest part about fasting is coming down. Funny how Krishna arranges things. Starting with a day of apple juice followed by salads the next, I was prepared to break the fast slowly over the course of the weekend. However, on Friday evening, by default I was asked to prepare dinner for His Holiness Satsvarupa Maharaj all by my lonesome. The fancy title is given because Maharaj is saintly and, therefore, one of the most respected gurus in this movement. In Vaishnava tradition, to eat the remnants off the plate of a guru or any exalted personality is likened to taking communion in the Christan tradition. SO sure enough, there I am, haven’t eaten for a week, in front of me is a full plate full of sacred leftovers, i’m the only one around, what to do? Material versus spiritual? Temporary stomach ache and indigestion versus eternal spiritual rewards? Needless to say, I ate everything.
We can make groovy plans, but plans change. Sometimes Krishna personally makes special arrangements for his aspiring devotees. This time though, He got me good.
No Comments » - Posted in Contributors by strictlymedicinal
Tuesday, May 8th, 2007
Te presento the all-pure Madre Shantendriya
“For those who worship me with love and devotion, meditating on my transcendental form, to them I preserve what they have and carry what they lack.” -Bhagavad Gita (9.22)
I used to read Carlos Castaneda and dream of finding my own Don Juan. The lizard thing always freaked me out though. Then I starting reading Florida Donner, starting with A Witch’s Dream: A Healer’s Way of Knowledge. I was convinced I had to find a curandera in Peru. Sastun: My Apprenticeship with a Mayan Healer, by Rosita Arvigo, then fell into my hands en route to Central America, and I was more ready than ever. Starving for a qualified teacher, I searched the Huicholi desserts in northern Mexico, the jungle temples of Chiapas, and the Land of Enchantment, glorious New Mexico. I read somewhere, probably in Siddhartha, that one who is searching for something will never find it because their focus is so narrowed that they will miss what they are looking for because they are too busy searching rather than observing. I observed for two years and simultaneously observed myself not attaining my goals or dreams, overwhelmed with possibilities and having no focus to pursue any of them.Moving to the temple in West Virgina was not very appealing to me. The last place in the world I wanted to be was on the east coast of this dreadful country. By Krishna’s mercy, somehow I left everything and everyone I loved most in this world, and made the pilgrimage to New Vrindaban. Deciding to stay was based on the promise Krishna gives in the Bhagavad Gita that was quoted up top.
Will I be stuck in boondocks West Virgina for the rest of my life? What about all my dreams and aspirations? My adventurous travels? Mis frijoles y tortillas? These were the questions in my head, but I pursued nevertheless, having enough intelligence to recognize I was going nowhere in life without a solid spiritual foundation.
After several weeks I was introduced to a woman by the name of Shantendriya, a Brazilian-bodied devotee who moved to NV one year ago with her husband Jai Prabhupada and two kids. She spoke little English. We compromised with our mutal Spanish. I would watch her carry the Tulasi plant in big, heavy pots, one in each arm, up and down the stairs everyday. One day I asked if she could use my help. I joined her for Tulsi puja that night and my love for Shandentriya and Tulasi Maharani was quickly ignited.
Shandentryia is one of the most incredible, equipoised, gentle, sincere and humble women I have ever met. Her energy is soft and calming, magical and motherly. We share similar wandering backgrounds and a mutual passion with plants and herbal medicine. She is a practitioner of Ayurvedic massage and an infinite source of knowledge and experience. I started assisting her with massage several months ago and I am fascinated by her hands.
Shantendriya paints the temple deities and recently made a diorama of Panca Tattva for Gaura Purnima in March. I knew she was a painter but I had no idea until today the extent of her talent. The fotos above are several pieces of hers that are painted on canvas with bleach! Shantendriya is far out. This morning we were spending time together in her workshop and she began showing me some of her small paintings. She explained how she got tired using paintbrushes so she started using her fingers. The detail and sharpness of her work is amazing. I am totally in love.
So who would have thought? In Bethlehem, West Virginia, I move to a Hare Krishna temple that distributes ancient Vedic knowledge and low and behold, I find my South American curandera and an apprenticeship I’ve always longed for. Another example in my life that proves Krishna is true to his word. Therefore, for the pleasure of Krishna and his devotees, te presento a Uds. the all-pure Madre Shantendriya- mi tia, mi madre, mi inspiracion.
No Comments » - Posted in Contributors by strictlymedicinal
Saturday, May 5th, 2007
Straight up VEGGIE.
The four legs of a cow represent the four pillars of religiosity: mercy, austerity, cleanliness, and truthfulness. Srila Prabhupada instructed his students to follow four regulative principles of freedom: No meat eating, no sex outside of marriage, no intoxication, and no gambling. By practicing these corresponding regulations, I am developing a foundation for a strong […]