Today is the Kerala New Year. As per tradition, we were individually awakened this morning with firm knocking to our doors and told to keep our eyes closed. We were then led in trains of 3-5 people with our eyes closed to the temple. Remaining in silence with our eyes closed and hands on someone's shoulders in front of us, we heard chanting in the distance, felt the heat of the camphor lamps, and waited for our private moment to open our eyes in the temple to see something quite auspicious. We also offered up prayers for ourselves and loved ones for the new year.
Upon being seated and opening my eyes, I 1st saw the picture of our teacher Swami Sivananda followed by Swami Vishnu-Devananda. I then looked up to see the large deity Krishna and only after I left the temple area did I realize that there was a mirror directly in front of me which I never even saw myself in. Very interesting reflection. Upon leaving we are also blessed by the priest and given a coin which has been blessed and we are to keep for good luck in the following year.
It was a lovely experience and entertaining to watch all the others standing in line with their eyes closed not knowing what was coming.
After that we had our much craved morning Masala Chai and then prepared for our free day which today is focused on studying for the written exam tomorrow. I cannot believe that 4 weeks have passed so quickly. We have learned so much - philosophy, anatomy, Bhagavad Gita, teaching (4 different classes), Kirtan/Chanting, meditation, 4 paths of yoga - Karma, Bhakti, Raja, and Jnana, Kundalini, and the list goes on.
I have greatly enjoyed the classes that I got to practice teaching here, and I will now stay on another month at the ashram to do a work-study which will give me the opportunity to assist and possibly teach classes. Several others are staying on, too, and I look forward to what the next month will bring.
I have been enjoying the ride every step of the way - the ups, downs, twists, and turns. And, again, hope that my journey may inspire each of you to look inside yourself for your own peace and happiness.
Thanks to all those who supported me in getting here. This is such a dream come true - not just a trip of a lifetime anymore but the realization of a lifetime. Smile. Do something nice for yourself today. Do something nice for someone else today. Breathe and relax, relax, relax.
Much love,
Mandy
Upon being seated and opening my eyes, I 1st saw the picture of our teacher Swami Sivananda followed by Swami Vishnu-Devananda. I then looked up to see the large deity Krishna and only after I left the temple area did I realize that there was a mirror directly in front of me which I never even saw myself in. Very interesting reflection. Upon leaving we are also blessed by the priest and given a coin which has been blessed and we are to keep for good luck in the following year.
It was a lovely experience and entertaining to watch all the others standing in line with their eyes closed not knowing what was coming.
After that we had our much craved morning Masala Chai and then prepared for our free day which today is focused on studying for the written exam tomorrow. I cannot believe that 4 weeks have passed so quickly. We have learned so much - philosophy, anatomy, Bhagavad Gita, teaching (4 different classes), Kirtan/Chanting, meditation, 4 paths of yoga - Karma, Bhakti, Raja, and Jnana, Kundalini, and the list goes on.
I have greatly enjoyed the classes that I got to practice teaching here, and I will now stay on another month at the ashram to do a work-study which will give me the opportunity to assist and possibly teach classes. Several others are staying on, too, and I look forward to what the next month will bring.
I have been enjoying the ride every step of the way - the ups, downs, twists, and turns. And, again, hope that my journey may inspire each of you to look inside yourself for your own peace and happiness.
Thanks to all those who supported me in getting here. This is such a dream come true - not just a trip of a lifetime anymore but the realization of a lifetime. Smile. Do something nice for yourself today. Do something nice for someone else today. Breathe and relax, relax, relax.
Much love,
Mandy
Good luck tomorrow on your exam. I am very proud and inspired by who you are. You have created the space for me to open up and examine myself like I never have before I my life. I am committed to being incredible by your example.
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