san paolo airport

I've just returned from a wonder-filled month in Brasil. My travels started in the northeast, in the city of Fortaleza, where I met musician friends to play for a multi-dimensional arts and music festival called Vida & Arte, organized by Brasil's largest newspaper, Oporvo. A group of sannyasins, mostly from San Paulo, were organizers for the holistic section of this mammoth four-day event. With so many things going on all the time in so many different venues, our little 'enclave of the spirit' became an oasis of meditative energy. A variety of sessions were available to the public, as well as esoteric workshops and pre-sentations of Osho meditations. Outside on the many stages around the premises, a veritable Who's Who of Brasil's greatest bands and musicians could be heard and experienced. Everywhere one looked, so many interesting aspects of Brasilian culture were on display. In my case, it couldn't have been a better introduction to the land and its people.

The following week, Pravasi and I traveled to the capital city, Brasilia, where I had two more scheduled events -an evening of meditation/celebration in the city, and a weekend meditation camp in the countryside. An added bonus of being in Brasilia was that our hosts' home was in a mango grove. And as it was still mango sea-son, I must confess I tasted many moments of enlightenment while enjoying this wonderful fruit to my heart's content.

brasilia

For the last stage of our trip, we visited Nivedano and Gayan on their property near Alto Paraiso, a small rural town about four hour's drive northeast of Brasilia. The surrounding area is known scientifically as the serrada. It has become something of aNew Age Mecca because the lure of the crystals, which are in abundance everywhere. It is also unique because it is the highest point in Brasil: a plateau from which all major rivers in Brasil generate - including the Amazon!

To get to Nividano and Gayan's place, we had to further navigate another forty-five miles of dirt track off the main road. Their land is an unspoiled piece of paradise where one can still experience the earth as it has been, undisturbed, for thousands of years. I especially love the fact that some of the spring waters on their property actually run directly over pure crystal rock which, as I mentioned before , is in abundance everywhere - both above and below the ground. After my first sip, I realized: Water doesn't come any cleaner than this.

horsebackriding in lua canyon

Each day with Gayan and Nivedano was a new adventure. We took many walks, had lots of laughter and gossips, horse-back riding, swimming in the rivers and waterfalls - not to mention looking through Gayan's incredible photo albums from her years dancing with Osho and making his robes. Sometimes we just hung out(excuse the pun) Brasilian-style, in a hammock, while watching out for those amazing Big Blue butterflies. After eleven months of continuous touring, I don't think I could have arrived to a better place to recharge my body, mind and soul.

house in moino

We departed Brasil a little sad to leave our friends behind, but in our hearts, we were full and contented. Everywhere along the way, we were received with so much love and generosity that I want to especially thank everyone involved for making our visit a celebration in the truest sense of the word. Multo obrigado!

Bringing things more up-to-date: I celebrate my fifty-second birthday on February 23. Also, the new touring schedule will soon be posted on these pages, as well as more updates, so be on the lookout for these. At the moment, I am taking some time-out(and in) to rest from all the traveling. However, I have already begun working on the new projects: two meditation cds and the preliminary preparations for a new songs cd. I will also continue with the planning for this year's events. Speaking of events: There are still a few spaces available in The Bahamas week-long event in October. So, if swimming with the dolphins is one of your lifelong dreams, take the jump and call Suman at Wildquest. Her phone number is 1-800-326-1618, or email suman@wildquest.com. Space is limited to seventeen, so best to book now.

In the interest of keeping spirits warm north of the Equator, I have included many pictures on this update. Enjoy!