Next stop: Rishikesh

"When I admire the wonder of a sunset or the beauty of the moon,
my soul expands in worship of the creator.'
Mahatma Gandhi

Hari Om....

My last days in Haridwar were delightful with a mix of new friendships, nature experiences, rich Hindu traditions, and an abundance of markets with food, clothing, music and people.

My new friend Mr. Krishnan introduced me to a nomadic tribe of native Van Gujjars people that live in the nearby forest. The family I met is a woman preparing for her daughter's wedding. Other tribal members were there to assist with preparing the new mud huts with bright colours. The wedding is early December.

A young man named Dave from Ireland was there providing a free vaccination of the cows. Just a young missionary in his late 20's, it was remarkable to witness Karma yoga in action (self-less service). He could sure handle a cow and really interacted well with the local people.

I enjoyed being part of the festive preparations, the fresh chai and connection with these forest people. At first the young girls were shy and then were eager to have their photo taken and of course to view it on the camera afterwards. The children are like angels. In fact you can see halos around some of the children in the photos.

Our new bride to be is the young woman in the blue. Mr. Krishnan sent me photos of the wedding for me to see. It was a grand affair.

After this visit, we headed to a special place in the forest that is closed to the public. It was a time to witness more wildlife leaving the forest at sunset to cross the river and open spaces. The vistas are magic.

When I first arrived to the enchanting spot, I was drawn to meditate. Just sitting in a small hut with open sides allowed for a fabulous viewing spot. This way the animals could easily wander out without noticing us. The spotted deer with their young were my favorite.

On the way back to the hotel, I noted many monkeys along side of the road and asked why - they were just lining up as if waiting for something. Mr. Krishnan told me that they used to be in the city and people would feed them. Now they are not encouraged and are confused as there is not much food for them when the weather gets colder. Thus they line up along the road. Hundreds of them scampering everywhere. It is enough to dodge the other cars, bikes, people, cows and now monkeys.

Something else that I wanted to share with you. I have been noticing some interesting developments in many of my photos. Have you heard of Orbs? (spiritual energy showing in photos) Well, here is a shot that I took at the Meva Temple in Haridwar.

On my final evening, I held my own puja with flowers, lighted candle and sending love and light to all of my family and friends on the Holy River Ganga. The next morning, I was up early to meditate and practice Qi Gong / Yoga and bathe nude in the holy river Ganges. Well, there was no one around and it was a private Ghat. I must say that I have never felt so clean. The sun was just rising and I was ready for my next adventure.

My intention is to head to Rishikesh area - another holy city along the banks of the holy river Ganges - and experience Ashram life, enhancing meditation, yoga and awareness practice. Prior to my trip, I had done some research through the web looking for what could provide me with Puja (prayer) Chanting and a blend of Bhakti Yoga (devotional), Karma Yoga (self-less service) and Raj Yoga (meditation - Pranayama breath). I had chosen to stay one week in an ashram that I discovered in the mountains and then two weeks in another one very near Rishikesh. Also, I kept my heart open for where I was to BE!

Like everything in India, it is an adventure finding something. I took an auto rickshaw (a covered three wheel motor scooter that is shock free) for a 26-kilometer ride along an interesting road. We took a few good lumps along the way.

Well, for some reason I thought I was on a certain date and had a few days before I was going to check into the first ashram – so I had time to go to another one to check it out. I gave the driver the name and he then went on his mission to get me there.

Upon arriving to a spot, he told me to just get out and find the stairs, turn right, then left, go up, go down...follow the path and you will find it. I suddenly realized that I was not on the right day. Because I had been given an additional day in Haridwar, I really needed to go to my original destination. Could I find the instructions? No….

Oops...could I find it somewhere in my brain? Go to a place called Laxman...walk the bridge, turn left and get a taxi to take you the 5 kilometers to the ashram. I know that I had written it down...but could not find it. So I pulled out my new lap top and plugged in the new fancy internet stick. The driver was curious along with a few other drivers. All wondering where I was to go and wanting to help.

The internet would not work very well so I had to just trust the Universe. Another man told me that I could easily just walk the bridge and take a cab from Ram Jhulla. My driver left me and there I was. My inherent wisdom was telling me that I really needed to go to Laxman Jhulla.

Until now, I had been carrying my new fancy backpack in the covered bag. It was now time to really start the backpacking part of my trip. I was just putting the pack on when a young man came with his auto rickshaw and said "Mame - you want to go to Laxman Jhula?"

Well yes, I do. Get in and I take you.

I told him the name of the ashram and he said I needed to travel on the same road another 3 km to the next bridge. I trusted that he was an angel and he did get me to a spot. After travelling about 3 km we came to a stop.

"Mame, here is your spot....go down there." he pointed.

There was a little alley way. There I was...now on the real adventure. I followed the stairs and there to my amazement was the Laxman Jhulla suspension bridge crossing the holy river Ganga. Monkeys were everywhere. I made my way over a narrow bridge and then once on the other side, tried the internet again to find the instructions - which basically told me to turn left, keep walking and find the taxi.

I found a jeep, which then whisked me away to the ashram. It is 5 km in the mountains along a high windy road parallel to the river Ganga.

The Phool Chatti Ashram is located in pristine wilderness and hosts a 7-day yoga retreat. This attracted me as a good immersion into the yogic and ashram life.

Once there, I got my room. A few young people were there helping out after the last yoga course. They gave me a room that was small, dark and had no power.

Suddenly, two more women appeared enquiring about the next yoga program (the one I was going to take in a few days time). I liked one of the women from Tanzania. We chatted about our time in India and how I really liked Haridwar. Kathy is her name. She decided to come back. I gave her some money to purchase fruit and nuts since we get three squares a day and can have our own snacks. "What if I do not come back", she said. I told her to give the money to a good cause.

Well, here I was checking the place out...going for walks. By the river I saw some Hindu men. They wanted their photo with me - they like foreign women and love to have their photo taken with me. I then realized that if I was going to stay for a 7-day intensive yoga program without toilet paper, power and in a dark cold room, I needed to head to town. The next day I walked the 5 k and really enjoyed it.

I got some warm blankets, rolls of TP and a few goodies to hold me over. It was a delightful time and a ride home in a cool white car left over from British rule. Now I am set. When I arrived back at the ashram, Lalita Ji (the Swami that runs the program) was available to assist me. She told me that I had a better room - front row and private.

Well, we did have power and other amenities once the program started. I was thrilled to be there a few days earlier to really get a part of the Ashram Life.

With light and love your way,

Valma

Heading to Haridwar

Namaste! It's is early morning in Delhi and the city is coming alive with the usual beep, beep, honk, honk, Aum, moo, bark, bark. Interesting how many horn sounds one hears in India. Bicycles, motor scooters that have horns like a duck...you know the sounds you can select on your cell phone. After some time the sounds just melt into the moment as part of the experience.

My hubby Clayton purchased me a new backpack for my trip and my 50th birthday present (yes my BD is coming up on January 9th). I was determined that the pack would only hold 18 lbs. should I wish to go on a 1000 mile trek.

Now I find that everything that I have for some reason has expanded and trying to get it all into the pack is an interesting challenge. I wondered what I had brought since having so few clothes. Then I realized that I have enough remedies to start a small health store. Everything from grapefruit extract, wild oregano oil, activated charcoal, acidophilus, good ol’ pepto bismol, oh and the extra sheet and pillow case...small blanket and the list goes on.




After my whirlwind and fast paced days in Delhi, I decided to head north to Haridwar and Rishikesh areas. These are very famous pilgrimage and spiritual centres. Rivers, mountains and trees are venerated in India as the earthly forms of gods and goddesses.

Holy Ganga (the river Ganges, which originates in the Himalayas, flows through the northern plains, and merges with the ocean at the Bay of Bengal) is one of the most loved and worshipped goddesses of the natural patheon of Hinduism. Ma Ganga has powerful purifying properties.

According to the ancient scriptures, Ganga is a goddess residing in Heaven who came down to earth in the form of a river to provide salvation to the seven generations of ancestors of King Bhagirath. Not only did Ganga come to save King Bhagarith's ancestors, but she also was sent to Earth as a means of purification for the entire population of human beings.

Pilgrims travel from all over the subcontinent to bathe in her water as an act of worship and in the hopes of obtaining her blessings and realizing salvation. This is why the place has been an ever-refreshing mystic venue for the purification of the mind, body and soul. I will let you know how it goes!

Jet lag is finally catching up with me and after only a few hours sleep I am off to the Delhi train station for the 0650 Shatabdhi express train to Haridwar.

The railway system was put in during British rule and it is a very economical and efficient way to move around. I found my train platform, with a few people waiting for the train. I stood there wondering how I would find my car and seat and just then the train arrived and a beautiful Indian women with a small child told me to follow her.

I quickly picked up my things and walked the platform along side the train. A few cars from the front of the train we stopped at my car #C2. She said, "here you are and your seat 13 is inside. I will be in the car behind you." The beautiful women walked away with a smile. Wow, I know my thoughts are powerful - instant manifestation? I did not have to say or show anything to her - she just read my mind.

The train was simple and I think I was in first class. Right away I was served a large bottle of water and food throughout the trip. Very well done. I figured I would go for the food knowing I had the health store with me. Once settled in, I slept, listened to music (on my new I-Touch - which I love. Taking the time to download my entire CD collection has paid off) and read from an intriguing book I had purchased on the summary of Hindu Gods and Goddesses.

I have been studying Hindu mythology through my yoga trainings. And for some reason, I still wanted to find something that would sum it all up in a simple and easy child like way - especially since there are over 330 million of them. I have always enjoyed mythology, mystery, magic and stories of adventure.

Hmmmm...this sounds like my life.

A few of the people around me were curious about the book I was reading. In particular, one young man struck up a conversation. Valmrin is in the army and very insightful. He told me that I was the first foreign person that he was brave enough to connect with.

I was amazed that this young man at 22 years was so aware. He was very well versed on the law of attraction, science of mind and many other subjects. My awareness expanded through my connection with him. When I got to my destination, he came out to make sure that I found my way.

Once out of the station there was a man with a sign to my hotel - The Haveli Hari Ganga . I was not expecting this. The porter wheeled his rickshaw and loaded my backpack. Away we went on our decent into the streets of Haridwar.

I kept pinching myself and had to remind myself to breathe. I could not believe the feeling I was experiencing. It was like I was on a movie set and the director had just said "Roll".

The sights, the sounds, the colours, the smell of incense. It was much smaller and enjoyable than Delhi. Indians dressed very different - some without clothes at all. Food everywhere, people, cars and yes - many holy cows.

Not just the animal type....but what was coming out of my mouth when I saw rickshaws, motor bikes, people, cows all coming right at us. What traffic lanes?

Haridwar is a vibrant city as well as a holy pilgrimage site meaning Gateway to the Gods. Hindus revere this city and come from all over India at least once in their lifetime to connect with Har-Ki-Pairi ghat (meaning "Footstep of God").

This marks the exact spot where the river Ganges leaves the mountains and starts a slow journey to the Bay of Bengal. I witnessed many Indians here living the eternal cycle of death and rebirth, which are symbolized in the river Ganga's swift current.

At Haridwar, "asthi visarjan" (immersion of ashes) is as old as the story Bhagirath - meaning thousands of years. Cremation and immersions are symbolic of a profound understanding of our place in nature. The five elements of nature (earth, fire, water, air, ether) come together in this ceremony of death.

The fire that consumes the body, the wind that whips the smoke, the earth that bears the weight of bier, the water that will carry away the charred remain and finally, the empty space created by the consumed body. These final rites serve to reaffirm a belief in the cycle of rebirth. In this process, the river absorbs our physical remains and we become part of the external current that constantly renews itself.

I arrived at the Haveli Hari Ganga Hotel right on the holy river Ganges. I had booked a simple room. When I got the front desk, the girl told me that they were giving me the best room in the house...the Superior. No extra cost to me. Needless to say, I did not question this.

When I got to my room and opened up the doors to my private balcony overlooking the Ganges, I pinched myself again. What luck, or another example of perfect actualization?

I enjoyed the vibrant market on my own - often the only white person, yet felt very safe.




That evening I met Bruce and Debra from New York area and we enjoyed the Aarti Fire Ceremony on the ghat steps of the holy river Ganges. A puja or prayer to Ma Ganga.





This event has been going on for over 200 years and happens right at 6pm every evening. It is in sync with the other holy sites as well as local homes that perform the same ceremony. I was very fortunate to be blessed and have the experience right on this amazing holy river.

Everything happens so fast. The senses are overwhelmed yet excited with the sounds, sights and colours. Bells are ringing everywhere, people are entering the river with offerings of flowers and prayers.





After the ceremony, I wandered the market (open until 10 at night) with my new friends Debra and Bruce. Debra asked us, "so did you actually drink the water from the holy Ganga during the ceremony?" Both Bruce and I said "of course."

We had an interesting discussion about this - would you drink the water from the Ganga, full of ashes, bodies, and other stuff? For a moment my mind went to that place of not good thoughts. What have I done...what if?

Then I realized that my ego was talking and I quickly diverted my attention to Dr. Emoto and the messages of water. If myself and the hundreds of people were giving their blessings, thank you’s and prayers to Ma Ganga...that water would be holy and blessed and I will BE well.

Then again, when I left Delhi I could feel a slight tickle in my throat...and the next morning after drinking the holy Ganga water my throat was on fire and I felt like I was certainly not in my body. I utilized all of my intuitive powers to take a foot hold and get myself grounded again...to no avail.

You can image what was running through my mind. This was a great opportunity for me to stay grounded and really focus on wellness and nothing more than an adjustment to everything new. I decided to seek assistance from an Ayurvedic doctor.

He told me that I would be fine and I was just exhausted from travel...because I had just traveled from Belize and the warmer climates. I needed to stay warm...morning and night...eat apples, warm water. He gave me something and within a few days I felt better.

After feeling better, I ventured to take a cable car to the Maya Devi Temple just above the city. It is an ancient temple of Maya Devi, the Adhistkatri deity of Haridwar, know as one of the Siddhapeethas.





It is believed that the heart and naval of goddess Sati had fallen at this ancient saktipeeth. There were many Indian people from all over the world visiting this temple. Inside there were special pujas worshiping the different gods and goddesses.

I purchased an offering of coconut and other treats to be handed over at the temple. I was blessed many times.

During my stay at the hotel, I was blessed once again to connect with the manager of the Hotel Hari Ganga. What a kind and generous man. He invited me to stay as his guest in the hotel for additional days and with compliments, visit the nearby forest jungle areas.

Mr. Krishnan is an avid photographer and nature lover. We visited Chila Wildlife Sanctuary by jeep - a part of the Rajaji National Park located at the base of the Himilayan foothills with pristine scenic beauty and rich bio diversity. It has 23 species of mammals and 315 fauna species.

Most notable are the majestic herds of elephants, and also antelope, leopard and even a rare species of anteater. The spotted and sambar deer were abundant along with a host of bird life such as the Egyptian Eagle, kingfisher, parakeets and the list goes on.

I did spot a tiger track on the road near a large group of grazing sambar deer. Among the deer, the baboon monkeys were swinging from the trees. The male has a very long tail that curls up. You may have seen Indian men with a very long mustache that is curled up at both ends. They do this taking after the male baboon monkey.

The jungle in this area is also full of tress with medicinal properties. The herbs, spices and aromas were delightful. I am feeling extremely well now after being in the fresh air and so close to nature. A wildlife safari does wonders for the body, mind and soul.

I am heading out to visit the Van Gujjars nomadic tribal people tomorrow and a pristine spiritual forest. Until next time…

Hari Om