The Connection Proof Box of Modern Technology

After being in the States for a month and witnessing the constant usage of Google Maps on the iPhone, 3G, ect…I found out that there is actually Google maps in INDIA!!! So, yearning for that isolation and control that having your own navigation system provides, I set out to follow directions from the computer. The most classic thing about it is that Google maps actually gives you directions just like an Local person would, giving odd landmarks and way off Kilometer calculation. I think it was only about 10 minutes before I was completely lost and having to go back to my favorite way of getting around…ASKING PEOPLE!! So, it just so happened that a young English Speaking man pulled up next to me and guided me on the whole entire journey to where I needed to go, almost 50KM away, and, I got to make a new friend, connect and share in countless smiles and warm embraces. At the very end of my journey I had told him that I attempted to go to my destination using google maps…he kindly laughed and told me, "Don't follow these internet Googles and things out here in India, you must ad THE PEOPLE, they will always guide you safe!" And, as for the last 2 years of traveling on the "LOVE MACHINE", they always have and I know they always will when I open my heart…

Part of me reflected back to the short time I spent in the US and observing that each and every person has a navigation system in there automobile now, which, works in 2 ways…

1. Efficient Travel…

but sadly….

2. Complete Disconnect from the essential human NEED, the need to contribute.

There is such an amazing feeling that comes when we do something nice for someone…LIKE…GIVING THEM DIRECTIONS…how about next time, you give someone that gift by turning off the computer and trusting humanity!!

With Love and Laughter!

Summing up the Israel Experience!!

Wow! Well, you know a lot was going on when you sit down to make a summary of your experiences and there is an endless stream of thoughts going through your mind. Israel brought so much to my life that I am completely dumbfounded just thinking about it. I would have never expected to receive and give, travel and experience so much in such a short period of time. From the Farthest North and beyond the Borders of Egypt, I completely immersed myself in every faucet the culture had to offer. The underlying greatness to it all was the FOOD. From Day One, I was blown away by every bite of food and I started with the best and ended with the best, Elli Segev's Sabich!!! 2nd - Elad's Mom's Shakshuka and 3rd - Abu Hassan Chummos. Intertwined in all of that was countless felafels, sushi - Yep! - and more and more Chummos. I actually even found myself in a chummos based depression in the middle of Tel Aviv.

Really, I dove in. I dove into the insanity of the Palastinian Struggle, the joy of the day to day shopkeepers, the non-stop array of festivities happening on every corner, The green of the north, the vast desert, the stillness of Sinai and the Dead Sea. I visited most of the Old Cities, played Brave New World in a CHURCH and all over Israel for that matter. I did a photo shoot that changed my whole perspective of models. I got one of the best Massages of my life from an incredible spirit leader. I played music in a New Frequency, 528, the Frequency of LOVE, along with that frequency, I had the blessed chance of pounding on Grandmother Drum while Hugging Jerusalem. I met people from all walks of life and loved and honored each and every one of them. I became a part of an incredible tribe of light beings bringing the blessings of High Vibrations to all of Israel and beyond. I shared with Walk About Love, not as much as I would have liked, but I did manage to get there. I loved and loved and loved. I indulged in sexual fantasies, rich foods and depressive thoughts. I lived with an alcoholic Chain Smoker for 2 weeks, driving me to that point. I saw the old patterns of control and separation come into my existence again, forcing me to take a few steps backward in order to align myself for the new paridigm of intention and integrity that I set on the hour of my birth. I played music with over 50 musicians, most of them joining me for the two major shows that I held in Tel Aviv. I collaborated with one of the best female singers I have known. I set strong intentions and stuck by them. I manifested a great being of love into my life. I celebrated my birthday in musical devotion. I developed relationships that will last a lifetime! I rode the trains as much as I could and the buses even more. On one of my last days, while having a Dream Circle in the Desert, I received an energy so strong, that assured me the power of this time and the awakening of human consciousness. Nothing can stop us now....THE TIME IS NOW!!! Lastly, well not really, but last for now, I smiled as much as humanly possible and I paved the road for the next leg of journey to the land to be even more fruitful then the first!!

This place is simply magic, full of magical people, mystics and creators, religious nuts, insanity and struggle, desert, forest and some of the most beautiful beaches I have ever seen. The physical beauty of the people will spark up an 100 year old libido! It is a land in which you can sink internally or rise, depending on your discipline. I feel the culture to be gentle and soft, with roots of war and struggle so deep that you feel it in the vibration of the land. But that struggle has brought freedom to daily life and most people in the country are there for the moment and the moment only. Yes Western materialism is coming in and dulling out the vibrational frequency of the middle class, but where in the world has it not, it just gives us light bringers more work!!! Yes, each and every person must go to the army against their own will, but they have learned to enjoy it.

I see this country transforming into the space of LOVE and being one of the great seers on that journey, at the forefront of this major shift. Being that the country is so small and the population is small as well, and, for the fact that there is so much attention on this country all over the world, I believe the shift can happen with a snap of a fingers and will be respected and honored all over the world when the walls drop and the hearts open. And, myself and all the people that I meandered with over the last 3 months will be sure of that happening!!!!

To all the people that I shared time and space with, that took me into their homes and hearts and respected and honored me as one of their own, My heart filled gratitude surrounds you at this moment. THANK YOU SO MUCH. Israel is HOME and dear to my heart and I cannot wait to return. Keep on spreading the light, great ones, I am with you wherever my physical body resides!!!

Now I am tucked back into the heart based existence of India, receiving the blessings of rain and love of the people getting ready to engage fully in spreading the music and message of Brave New World. Look forward to sharing more on this!!

With love and infinite Gratitude!!

Daniel

Jerusalem Mask

Overlooking the rolling structured hills of Jerusalem brings instant fantasy into the mind.  David, Daniel, JESUS....did they walk this land?  When I close my eyes and open them again, I am almost 2000 years back in time.  Something is in this City.  Is it the world's endless obsession with the Bible that has given this place such a powerful presence?  It is like I am wrapped in some dream of some fantasy world of names and places that I thought only existed in text and in the minds of the religious fanatics, and now, I am here!!  Bethalahem: what!!!!??  This is an actual place?  Guess so!

On our way to the Old City of Jerusalem, I got to see first hand what has happened in this country in the means of separation.  An enormous wall has been built all around the Palastinian sectors of Israel, somehow attempting to erradicate the struggle between the two.  I say if you want to irradicate the struggle of fighting people, a rediculous notion all together, then put them in a big area TOGETHER and then put a wall around them.  let them fight it out if they wish or let them survive together as that is all they are trying to do anyways.  The walls make the country look like a war - zone, yet, again, all I am seeing is people smiling and enjoying their time on the planet...even the soldiers!!!!  Freedom is all I feel here, although the people whom I was with loved talking about the past wars that did go on over these roads.

On to the Old City, or, Revamped Old City.  Everything was brand new!!  New buildings, new shops, tons of things to buy.  Expensive food.  The only thing that remained in the Old City that was really OLD, was the mindset of having 4 different Quarters Separating the Religions.  THAT is old school.  I guess these people still haven't learned that My God is chilling with your GOD and they are laughing at us trying to retain the values of the OLD.  The city is gorgeous, full of power and Jerusalem Stone....OH Jerusalem Stone!!  I just love it.  

On a funny note.  I was not aloud to bring my guitar to the Wailing Wall or inside the Tomb of Jesus, but, smoking was aloud in and outside of these areas.  I did manage to get the guitar inside and do some singing of "What are we fighting For!"  And then an intense man in a black cloak aggressively stopped me!!   Fun Times!  I have also been told that you can pay to carry a cross on your back and walk the supposed "Jesus Walk!"  MY GOD!!!  HE must be smiling a the mere thought of it.  What a funny world we live in.  I look forward to a return visit in the near future.  I think I have just scratched the surface here now.....more to come!!!

The Pull of Materialism - Observing The External Beauty in Mumbai

Ever since I have been back in the great cultural and entertainment hub of India, I have found myself playfully dancing back in the dance of the material world. Lately, I have been drawn to the style of a man's shoes more then the smile on his face, the cut of a man's jeans more then the light in his heart and have been laughing my way through witnessing and realizing this truth all the way until I actually made my first purchase of 3 pair of jeans...of which I constantly wear now!!! I have been enjoying the fruits of skin tight clothes on the women as I admire their feminine figure triggering a spiraling wave of sexual energy that rises to my heart and leaves me in bliss for the entire day. There is so much beauty in the dance of life if we can walk in and out of the binds of materialism. I know, that, in my now decided residency in Mumbai, I will strap on the duds of the latest trend and strut my way down main street catching the curious eye and the jaded heart. In that dance I know that I will stay rooted in the bliss of non-materialism, but, damn, why it is here and while it is in my face, I am going to damn well enjoy it!!!

On another note, Mumbai is full of music performances, art galleries, dance parties and top of the tier restaurants!!! When you do come, plan to spend more then you would anywhere else in India. It is the city of dreams, india style. You also must realize that in this city of dreams, there are around 42 million people and the 2nd largest slum/village in the east. Can you even grasp the dynamism of life in this city. I think that is why I love it so much. From day to day, you are met with enough people and circumstances to fulfill every piece of your souls longing!!! It seems now Mumbai will be my home. I am proud to stay here for as long as it takes!!

Humility at Last!!!!

Oh boy, one of my greatest vices in life has been my stead-fast and unwavering resistance to any type of respected official, teacher, or elder. I spent most of my childhood beings kicked out of classrooms for disrespect, spending time in the principals office to only take that to the next level in collage and get thrown in jail a few times for the lack of respect for authority. Now, there is a difference between authority that does not deserve respect and those whom are looking out for yours and the communities best interest, I have tended to disrespect the good ones, and now, thinking in my mind that I have risen to spiritual greatness I got my big test, but this test has no pass or fail, it was life or death......

So, on a magnificent Rishikesh morning, one day before I was leaving Rishikesh in route for my journey to the south, I decided to take my bike for a spin to town to grab some things for the journey. One my way, an beautiful couple was hobbling along due to some knee problems and wished for a ride. Being the helping hand that I am, I grabbed them both up and headed for town. As soon as we pasted by the Police Station, I was motioned to pull over to the side of the road. Now, knowing the currupt nature of many police officials in the country, I was hesitant to pull over, but In the policeman's rage, I went over to the side of the road. Immediately I went into a place on non-compliance, trying to drive away as I did not want to deal with the foolish happenings and politics at that moment. But, the officer insisted I go inside and talk to the police. So, I mustered up a smile and headed inside and was met by a stern Indian Man whom started to accuse me of my mishaps. Immediately, I reacted and started to talk to them like they were bad men, bad-mouthing their sign that said "May I Help You" and then finally, completely in the character of my childhood and out of character of the Holy Man that I have fallen in love with, I lashed out with the pulling out 5000 RS (An amount I never carry) and, in a very loud voice, saying, "What is it you want, Baksheesh!!!!"

In the great nature of the calm Indian Man, it was almost a minute before I was met with the eyes of tyrany and rage, so one-pointed and aggressive that I immediately changed my tone into that of calm and serene, apologetic and sincere. I had realized what I had done, a little too late. I had deeply offended a whole entire culture with my words, and the silence of my heart was overpowered by the expression of my conditioning, which surfaced in that very moment!! One by one, I was kicked, pushed and knocked down by Police Officers. Just a few weeks back, my friend had told me a story of how one Police Official faked his death and my friend was beaten to an inch of his life, and would have lost his life, if someone had not come to his rescue from high up in the Enforcement.

So, while I am there, No words can calm the rage, no amount of apology can wipe the pain-filled rage of a culture wishing to show me, in any way, shape, or form, a sense of humility and respect that is deserved as I am a foriegner in their country. My mind was filled with fear, fear of death, fear of being locked up, stuck in the Indian Prison System and Washed away like many tourist have been when they have made similiar mistakes. The truth was that in this Police Station, I did not exist and could be wipped off the face of the planet at anytime, and he made me completely aware of that, many Times!!!! I was told that I would never see my country again, and I felt the reality of that existence and finally, I SURRENDERED To my Fate. If this was the way I was supposed to learn the lesson of Humility, I was ready to do the time. Who am I to think that I can talk to anyone like that?? Who am I to disrespect someone in their Home??? No matter what I believe. I realized my mistake and was willing to pay, and I would pay silently, in gratitude for the life I live and the lessons I receive, no matter how harsh they are. I prayed, I talked to great friend on the phone and told her to arrange for people to come find me if I go missing. I was blessed with the two people, whom, when you think about it, were the catylysts for getting me in the situation, as they stayed. The policemen repeatedly told me what a bad thing I had done and I loathed in that realization. Anything was possible at that moment, from Death to Inprisonment, to Self Realization to A Drawn Out Calming and realization of my true nature of LOVE..and...that is what happened. My words were of no use, but, the essence of what I truly believe shined through as the dust settled.

I had made 4 mistakes that day, No License, No Passport, I am not supposed to own a bike, and the Powerfully Disrespectful Words. Now, you know which comes in most important when we are dealing with human nature. Disrespect a man and throw all the rules out the window, now the battle has no barriers. Not having my passport gave me some time and time for dust to settle. As the Indian man whom was on the back of my bike settled them down, I was able to call the Manager of the Hotel that I stay at and talk with him. He came down and knew the police officer very well. they exchanged words and blessings and then he was able to talk with me. He again spoke with me about what I had done and how I needed to apologize deeply for my wrong doings, write a letter of apology and talk with the man. Basically, my fate was being decided in this One Man Hands, and, at any moment, he could turn against me and put me back into the cage of fear that he had me locked in in those moments, but, being that he was a very wise and heart centered man, we left in a 15 minute conversation of life and a promise to have tea in a future date!!!! WOW!!

I believe there are a few different factors that saved me on this day, a day I will remember for the rest of my life!! The first is faith in the process of the Divine. There was no single Saint or Guru to call on, but, merely a call to the collective consciousness of the whole to place me in the position of my highest growth. The second was Good People, for they function as the messengers of Divine Fate. Another was coming into a space of love and awareness of what I had done, almost instantly, where in the past I would have resisted until locked up and the key thrown away, as that is the extent of the Indian Prison System if you do not play your cards right. My life was drastically changed in those moments and could have been changed for a long time, if not for life. I believe I was spared the treachery of Jail due to the fact that I DO MY BEST to live in the heart and be an being of peace and sees nobody or anything as better or worse, or different, but, obviously, some place deep in the subconscious, I still carried that arrogant, self-riteous bastard child that like to lash out at the sign of authority. This happening shook me to the bone, and rid me on ounces of tears and I pray it was the final episode of that long-lost boyhood menace that doesn't like authority.

Hey, I may never like authority, but I can cultivate a way to commune with all human beings on a level of the heart, and when that becomes the only form of communication in these moments, then everyone involved comes into a space of LOVE, which, after some time, is where we arrived.

What a spinning wheel of color this life is and moments like these make you realize how fast things can change and how little control we really have. I had no control in the Police Station. My fate was in the hands of men and luckily, these men where men of heart, some people do not attract such people and spend long periods of their life trapped in the lesson. I am more grateful then I can even imagine and I will say the incantation and intention of "From this day forward, I will only let the words of wisdom leave my mouth, if I have nothing other then that to say, I will be better off saying nothing."
That was the request of the Great Teacher of that day, the man whom had my fate in his hands!!

Also on a side note, I realized that this Fear tactic that they used, was used for the greatest benefit of the whole. If fear in the world could be used ONLY as a means of our greatest growth, we would be a blessed species, but, it is used to hold us down. The Time is NOW for change!!

Thank you GOD, Universe, Divine, all saints and masters, Mother Earth and all her beings, I bow to your perfection!!!

A Near Death Experience - June 2nd, 2008

Who cares when I woke up this morning? The morning time, whether I get up, meditate, jerk-off or just sit around in bliss, it is my time for transitioning into the day. If the birds wake me up with their singing response and cheerful glee for the sunshine that sustains their life, then that is a complete blessing. Even if the devil mind plays intricate tricks inside my conceptual life leading me to ponder my existence, well that is bliss as well, because it is all a story. What is a story? A story is an impermanent evaluation of the experiental world in which there are contrived conclusion. In actualality, there are no conclusions and no absolutes, so, the mental chatter serves which purpose? NONE!! So, thus in turn, is all bliss and smiles. I scurried upstairs to Jai’s place and was met with an exuberant smile that was power packed with excitement and anticipation. Today, Jai would take me on the longer swim in the ganga. This swim, a more challenging swim that would keep us in the water for about 4 times the length of the other swims, was about an 35 minute hike up the road. On the way we stopped for a juice and then carried on our way. On this particular morning, I felt silence to be a major part of my experience. So, as Jai continued to pry conversation from me with great vigor, my responses went from short sentences to nods as we closed in on our destination.

When we arrived at the river, I quickly noticed that our entry point was at the foot of a rather swift moving rapid. Fearlessly I fixed my gaze on the flowing water analyzing my entry mathematically. After quickly preparing our bodies for the chilling Ganga water, Jai set off on his way. Right before he jumped into the river, he recommended that I come within 5 seconds of his departure. Not having any realization why, I chose to wait around 20 seconds as I mentally prepared for the initial swim out into the center of the rapid. Seeing that my 66 year old friend did this with such grace and ease gave me full confidence, but, nothing could prepare me for what happenened next.

With a strong sense of Gusto, I rapidly pushed out into the murky water, swimming adjacent to the oncoming current. I think it was after the 10th stroke when I realized that this may have been a bad decision on my part. For reasons I will never know, the brisk water somehow took over my senses, causing instant fatigue and sudden panic. My graceful and penetrating strokes were reduced to a poodle paddle and a worried mind. I was dumbfounded but aware that I have been all but excersised over the last few months, so my stamina was at an all time low. In my mind, panic began to consume me at the speed of the flowing water. Like an silent predator the heavy current pushed and pulled at my ankles, dunking me into the bumpy waters. The river was testing me, testing my strength, testing my stability and testing my fear of the inevietable, DEATH. My mind quicklyl resisted all the above and went into a state of relaxed panic where I knew something was completely wrong with the situation, but knew there was no way out. I looked to the river banks actually actualizing the probability of reaching them, even though I was traveling at more then 20KM per hour down river. My limbs lost more and more strength and the river accumulated an degree of heaviness that I can only desribe along the lines of…THE WORLD. Everything from associating myself as a statistic of Rishikesh to the thought of joining my mother in the great holy river and in the afterlife to the realization of the truth of those 4 people that lost their lives weeks ago, crossed my mind. It showed me my absolute truth and I cannot deny it. At this moment, I feared death, I paniced in my fury of raging waters and mentally, I completely lost my composure. But their was something deeper that the mind could not touch. This something deeper was a conditioned stillness and reserve on energy that helped me to maintain the composure not to scream from help and not to physically resist with such adversity that I would completely deplete all of my resources. This is when I realized that the practices have done their work on my system. There was a complete surrendering that happened on this journey, unlike anything I have ever experienced. For a brief second, long enough to give me an extra boost of energy to move me into the calmer waters, I surrendered to the universe, allowing for the greatest good in this situation. All inhabitions were dissolved, all EGO was dissolved, all material possessions and life long goals were dissolved. All that mattered in this moment was the moment. God willing, I will survive, but their was a great possibility that I could not and I was not in a state or posistion to be adverse to either possibly outcome. This happened to directly coinside with the distant screaming of my great friend Jai, insisting on me swimming away from the quickly approaching rocks and rapid. Somehow, in this surrendering, the river naturally carried me away from the danger, into the center and spit me out into the openness of much calmer waters. When Jai got within 15 feet of me I surrendered again into his help, crying for his assistance. He gracefully came toward me and allowed me another short boost of energy in the form of climbing on his shoulder, only for a split second. I would find out later that he was only seconds from grasping me into a rescue hold and carrying me to shore, but his intuition told him to let me work it out. With the grace of GOD, I managed to gain my composure in those non-forgiving waters. Jai quickly taught me a resting pose that would completely liberate me from the situation and as I laid on my back looking up at the sky, feeling the energy cells restore into my body like attaining a power pack in Dune, I chanted the words THANK YOU GOD over and over with complete devotion. I had survived an experience that would bring me closer to GOD then I have ever imagined. Death has a way of bringing us all to LIFE.

In my experience on this planet, there has never been a situation that has brought me more humility. In this moment, I was a slave to the universe, completely impermanent and unimportant to the whole. My life became smaller then it has ever been. My compassion for those unfortunate/fortunate souls that had their lives mysteriously taken by the river grew exponentially. There was no mystery in the power of nature. I have never in my life experienced something so fierce, so penetrating and so unforgiving. When we take it upon ourselves to test the lawas of nature, we must walk respectfully with a sense of ease and surrender. I mentally convinced myself that I would relax and surrender to the flow of the waters if it were to attempt to take me under, but it is only in the face of this situation that we can truthfully come to some sort of cuncllusion or not for that matter. The truth is that I reacted naturally, as any human being would in the face of this great loss of control. There is no right nor wrong in the situation, only the situation.

Envisioning of Rishikesh

About 30 KM before I actually arrived in this golden mecca of spiritual wisdom, I started to think the town was laid out in open space. My vision for the setting of this place went something like this. A huge and powerful gushing river twisting out of large mountains with the Himalayas as a back drop to the whole scenery. For the most part, my vision was right on. My first glimpse of the Ganga (The Holiest River in India) came just before Haridrar. Just the glimpse and feeling of the energetic power drew me in. The river had a different color then any of the rivers that I had seen up to this point. It was a crystal green and was actually flowing with vigor through the valley I was traveling thorugh. The mountains began to form in the backdrop of Haridrar thus preparing my senses for the realization of my vision for my new magical home.

Scorpion Encounter

At around 10PM, my evening changed. A circumstance arose that shot me back to childhood fears and anxieties so deep that I found myself panting for air and watching my every movement in the fear of another encounter with…………..A Scorpion.

A great friend and I used to shatter at the sight of these viscious creatures when we were children. We would spend nights in fearful bliss as we teased and provoked each other pointing out false sightings until it was just not funny anymore. The truth of the matter is it sparked the deepest of all fears in my being. After all the people in the guesthouse turned in for the evening, I sat in bed for hours on end, half screaming and half surrendering to the thought of a scorpion filled sleep. I recognized the power of the mind one more time right before I went to sleep. I briefly work up and saw a giant size Scorpion slowly climbing on the mosquito toward me. I screamed like a small child and grabbed my light to find that the large insect was only a figment of my imagination, but I wasn’t yet convinced of that. Then I felt something touch my back, the scream increased. I reverted back to an infant and felt myself give up on life………GOODBYE, been a nice Ride. Grateful for everything. heheeheheheh!!

Feb. 11th, 2008 The Forest Ceremony, Lunch in the Rice Fields and Songs for the Children

Finally, after some painstaking weed wacking and tinges of frustration coming to the surface, I took Ramesh back to the front and was on my way. For one, I needed time to let all of this sink in and piece together the project description, but, along with that, I had a meeting with Prakada???, the man from the Sani Danam evening. He wished to take me to his village and I, without hesitation, agreed. Prakad??? Has those gentle loving eyes and light spirit that find you sinking deep in trust for his nature. He is one of those guys that just loves to do things for those that are different or, in need. Not that I am either one of those characteristics, but you get the point. He, much like myself, loves to take the traveler under his wing and show them something special about his natural surroundings. And that he did. He drove to the Theertha Hotel and, after a moment of comtemplation on my part, took me into the village on his cycle. So much of my being always wants to be in control of my time, when I should go, and have the freedom to leave at anytime. But, on this occasion, as I sat and stared at LOVE, she said, go ahead, surrender to the moment. I am so grateful I did. What we would experience over the next 3 hours was priceless, timeless and profound on so many levels. I cannot thank the Divine enough for walking me on this path of cultural diversity. What a gift.

On the journey to his village we, in the faint distance, heard the sound of some drums aggressively being played. After a moment, Prakada???? Stopped the bike and asked if I wanted to see a little ceremony. Again, without hesitation, I agreed. On the journey back toward the sound, he told me that today was a special Hindu Holiday and there would be a massive celebration in the area this evening. After a few moments the drumming abruptly stopped. I was…..we nothing really…just going with the flow.

We arrived to a rather simple Temple located in the middle of what one could call a thin layer bamboo forest. The scene was quite enchanting. There were a few swamys preparing for something and a few others preparing for other things. I met a few of the people working on the activities and was told that the drumming would start again in another few moments. So, I patiently waited under the 3000 year old tree. A little bit of an exxageration but really, this tree had all the makings of a grandfather. Huge in spirit, wilted in form and masterful in wisdom. This tree seemed to tell the whole story of the temple just by looking at it. I sat under the massive structure of natural beauty in complete awe. Thank you God for your creations. 10 minutes later, that familiar sound of distant pounding came into the field of my perception. Quickly I started rolling video. For the next 5 minutes the large group of devotees would inch their way over to the temple entarance performing various rituals and dances along the way. Mystified, I sat and honored the devotion. When they finally reached the Temple, a few of the me began to drum along and met them in the celebration. It was more then a sight to see, it was an experience to remember for lifetimes. The young children in the line gazed upon my presence like I was the 50 limbed mutant leper from Ziadre, a planet 6 solar systems away. I have gotten used to this familiar site. I really do think that some of these children are seeing a so called “white man” for the first time in their life. With that said, I can understand their confusion. The greatest part is they always top their endless stares off with a gentle, loving smile. This immediately sends my heart into a deeply still space of gratitude. How much of a blessing would it be to receive that same love from our children back home? I do realize that some of them behave like this, but in India, all children approach you with the eyes and smile of innocence and unconditional love. One of the many gifts I wish to share with everyone back home.

After some time, we decided to head to the village for some food and connection. Now this village was not like any village I had seen in India, it was an plantation of sorts. The road leading in took us to a point in which we were surrounded on either side by vast amounts of open space which were naturally filled by rice fields. The land in which Prakasan Owned was rich with green rice patties and backed up by a small hill of coconut trees which kept the home cool year round. We parked the bike a couple 1000 meters before the house and had a walk down the dirt road. On one side, we were blessed with the site and vibration of countless lotus flowers and on the other side, our senses were filled with the hearts of hard-working field laborers, knee deep in the mud. I exchanged smiles with a few and walked gracefully down the road, admiring the natural beauty of the surreal setting. When we reached the house, we were greeted by extremely small young children scampering about. One in which was his daughter and the other, his brothers children. I reflected on the fact that every single member of his family is living in the same vicinity. He pointed his father’s house, his brothers house and his many cousins. OH the joy and bonding that must give an family. I admired the flow.

As I sat on the porch, I realized that the house faced perfectly East and he nodded his head in agreement. Prakasan is a man whom knows the knowledge of the anchient scriptures and is living his life to the fullest along the lines of the great knowledge. He wakes everyday to a chapter of the Bhagavad Gita, he performs regular pujas, he is faithful to his wive, he rarely drinks and uses nothing but Ayruvedic Medicine. His health of mind and body glow in his gestures although he, like every other man in Kerala, eats way too fast. At one point during the meal, he actually asked me to speed up my eating. I smiled and we spoke on the matter. He tried to convince me that eating lunch fast was good for you, but, looking at his belly, I held firm in my conclusion. I guess it is just one thing that they have trouble controlling. Honestly, I have never seen people eat faster then the ones I see in India. It is a remarkable site.

The full flavored, taste bud exploding, South Indian Feast ended and we headed off. There was one strange thing I noticed when I was present at the space and that was that the wife never came to greet me, only the grandma. He said it was a cultural thing, I was weary but I let it go.

We got back on the bike and headed back into town, but first, one last stop, my favorite stop, his first school. When we pulled up to the toy like school, I first noticed the beautiful teacher glance outside at us and light up with a smile. I quickly hopped off the bike and when I peered around the corner, 75 little smiling faces lit up like a Christmas Tree. The lethargy that persisted was immediately erased as I personally asked each and every one of them there name, in their local language. When I turned on my video camera, they fought for on screen space like fans in the front row of a sold out rock show. There hearts were wide open and there excitement was palpable. I could not stop smiling. Then, an interesting turn took place when I went over to the 1st Standard children and found them all silent and organized, ready for my arrival. I guess that shows you the power of good teaching. On one side you have complete uncontrollable bliss, on the other, mature and subtle organization. The world needs both and I am sure they will teach each other down the road.

When I left the 1st Standard, after writing I LOVE YOU on the chalkboard, I came back to find the 3rd and 4th in an uproar. They wished for a rhyme and, with a slight but subtle hesitation, I delivered. As I was channeling through words of love, the students repeated every single line back to me. I must tell you, these were the most remarkable young children I have ever met in my life. I was astounded. Then, I went to the office to sign the book and say goodbye and they pocketed me in their as if to never let me go. Their enthusiasm was mind-blowing, their energy was beyond uplifting. In the office we sang at the top of our lungs Jia Guru and as I was leaving we all jumped up and down for a few minutes. I was told they had never seen an American person in their life. What an honor. I promised the children I would come back on the return and we somehow slid out the door. Even then, the children all came outside to say goodbye one last time. We got them all to line up and took the final video of the day. My GOD!!!! Never in my life have I experienced such pure unconditional LOVE. My EGO wanted to think of me as a Saint, but my heart quietly realized that I had just been the part of an incredible exchange of what it is like to experience the purity of love. Those children did not have one inkling to judge me in any particular way, they just wanted to be a part of this magical day. SO GRATEFUL!!!!!!!

The crazy thing is the day did not stop there. For some reason, today I was in that space of sharing with the public. So, the next journey I would partake in is a quick journey to the Internet Café which was full, so I quickly took the comp home and headed for the beach. On the way a rather large man stopped dead right in front of my bike stalling the motor. Next thing I know there are 30 people surrounding me. One, happened to be a small child who spoke a few words of English and hopped on the back of my bike and headed to the beach with me. When I got to the sand, I quickly threw off my clothes and got down to my shorts and jumped in the water. It had been a few months since the last time, so It was a must. Afterward, I wished to meditate for a while but was surrounded by eager young children. I actually took it upon myself to tell them to leave and they did. Within a few moments I playfully and subtlely called them all back feeling their intentions for the interaction were pure. We spent time laughing, throwing a ball, teaching each other our respective languages and smiling heavily. The young girls were very flirtacious and the young men were as well, in their own way. We spent over an hour sharing space and enjoying one anothers company until it was finally time to depart. With smiles and detachement, we parted ways with the probably possibility of never seeing one another again. Another beautiful trait of the Indian culture. The ability to let go, instantly.

I arrived back to the hotel, had two more rounds of my favorite ice cream and packed my things. What a gift of a day. I slept in a smile that echoed in my soul.

ANAPURNA WRAP UP

Down The West Side - Throng La Pass to Pokhara

Reaching the top of Throng La Pass is a wonderful little mirage of "I made it!!!!" Little does one know that the other side of the pass is a 1600 meter downward descent into the largest valley in the world. The descent takes a little over 4 hours, that is after a 4 hour climb on the other side, and is paved in little loose stones that give way under your feet frequentlly!!! Then you come upon Anapurna's greatest blessing and its greatest curse, a road!!!! The reason it is a blessing is that is helps to suit the well established guesthouses like The Bob Marley Guesthouse, that are equipped with any type of food, the sounds of music and warm bedding and showers. After the last two days coming over the pass, it is a Warm, pun, welcome to your body and mind!!

The rest of the journey takes you through more dynamic terrain, including, The WORLDS LARGEST CANYON, viewings of the backsides of the mountains that you just passed by, walking along with DAULGIRI, the worlds 4th largest mountain,MARPHA, which is the Apple Capital of Nepal, TATOPANI, a town named after Hot Spring, in which you can enjoy a dip a dinner all in the pool, another 2000 METER, ONE DAY CLIMB, then POON HILL, which has astounding views of the adjacent range, an ENCHANTED FOREST and finally ending with a touch down in the quant and absolutely georgeous town of POKHARA.

Click Here For Photos

Here is My Personal Wrap UP

Nature has become my savior!!! I cannot tell you how many times I was able to still the chaos in the mind with pure concentration on the playful dance of creation. I found my true self in the wings of a butterfly, the strut of an yak, the chomping of a buffalo, the scurrying of a lizard, the raging of a river, the flowing leaves; in the serenity of the village people, so simple and free, the strength of a tree trunk, the stars up high and the white mountains that pierced the sky. There was no chance for the obsessions of the mind. Anapurna and all of it's intricate glories writes the story of humanity. Up and down you go around in the circles of illusion, but this picture, a picture of truth, so close to absolute, I feel humanity could conclude in the arms of the mountains, in the blessings and care of our great Mother......NATURE!!!!

6 Songs Were Written on the Journey

Soul Mate
Walking Through
Into The Sun
Reprise
High
Still Searching

Cannot Wait to Share!!!!

To all the people I shared with, to all the creatures I embraced and to all the great sages that held the space....

I BOW DOWN IN GRATITUDE

Kathmandu - Nepal

AHHHHH, a deep breath from India, even though not one is needed. It is truly amazing how different a culture can be that shares a border and so many of the customs as their neighbors. Just from the flight in, I settled in amazement of this great city settled in the foothills of the Himalayas. The vibration caught hold of me even on the flight in. I was intrigued at the red brick that consumed the landscape of the Valley City.

As I got off the plane, I was instantly me by a man whom took me to the Yellow House, just outside of the main tourist drag Themal. The first blessing was the ability to connect with my great friends Clay and Neti from California, whom I will be traveling with into the circuit. Really, I actually came to Nepal just to renew my visa, but Anapurna was calling, and how Grateful I am that the power of the Himalayas Called!!!!

One thing I noticed first off about Kathmandu is that it is a completely unorganized city. Almost like there was no city plan and the place just sort of naturally grew into the chaotic mess that it is now. But, blessed be that inside all of that choas is the stillness and serenity of Tibetan Buddhism, whose monastaries and Temples are in abundance all over town.

Nepali people are a little edgier then the Indian people, a little more free with their speech and, my god, for the first time in a year, I was able to enjoy a live rock band!!! And, even though they only play cover songs, it was a treat just to see the vibe. The people still retain that heartfelt love and smile, but with a little bit of a Western Flavor of introspection and solitude combined.

It felt nice to be in Nepal, a different spin on Eastern Culture. It was really, nice to be with a few people that are from my hometown, thus opening up the sarcasm and quirky speech patterns that can only be understood by persons from Southern California. If felt surreal to know that the worlds highest peaks are only a few hundred Kilometers away, and even better, I a few days, I will be walking amongst them.

The Yellow Guesthouse is an incredibly amazing journey, just a tad bit outside the Tourist Beat, it is tucked just enough away to give you the peace and serenity you need to prepare for your journey into the mountains. Their chefs prepare some of the best Western and Nepali food that I have ever had, including Pesto Pasta!!!! The staff is Divine, the location is perfect and the rooms are sweet, clean and full of love.

The last blessing of Kathmandu was we were able to go and see an live Nepali Group called Katumba!!!(see video below) WOW. They took us on an dynamic journey through the heart and soul of Nepali Music. We sat in the front row and connected with the musicians as they blissfully and joyfully played through their songs. The setting was inside the oldest part of Kathmandu, Patan, in which we caught a glimpse of the distant Himalayas at sunset. Oh, what a blessing. A different vibration, a different culture, all with the same love for life. I feel blessed to have entered into Nepal.

For Pictures from Kathmandu click here.

Katumba Live Video