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The Osho RISK Summer Festival, always a highlight of the Europe summer tour, was indeed again a gathering of fellow travelers from around the world — an energetic, kaleidoscope of color and transformation. At the end of the first day, the musicians and I marveled, “Wow, and this was only Day One!”, so full and overflowing was the feeling. The new building, Kabir, with its beautiful, upstairs group room allowed for two events to happen simultaneously giving participants a choice. These were not always easy choices as every single event was so juicy, fun, and interesting. Of the many highlights, all too numerous to mention here, were Tarisha’s “Singing Medicine” workshop; Rishi’s off-the-charts “Trance Dance”; the popular “Jazz Cafe” evening hosted by Harisharan; Subhuti’s play “Journey To Kailash”; the “Cabaret” which this year included a crazy skit by me playing a self-absorbed Bollywood flimstar/dancer that ended in some spirited Bhangra (Punjabi Folk Dancing) led by Nikhil. Then there was the canoe trip and … so much more. The kitchen was firing on all cylinders, the cooks keeping our bodies nourished and strong. Anjee, Ashika, and Subhuti, this year’s organizers, plus their attentive, caring staff did a great job.There were many behind-the-scenes people helping and supporting in so many ways — cleaners, office staff, meditation and event facilitators, and more — all seeing to it that the festival ran smoothly, the facilities looked pristine, and that everyone who came departed with a full heart and positive experience. Finally, to my most-awesome and beloved band — Chandira, Harisharan, Nadiya, Palash, Rishi, and Tarisha, I bow and say Thank You!
When I was young, I would sometimes visit the mountains with my father and brothers. It was always a wondrous time. He would often recite poetry in the car while driving us. He was very fond of Wordsworth, Walt Whitman, Tennyson, and Byron. The words and cadences were difficult for my young mind to grasp, nonetheless always touching some sweet soul-spot deep inside me. I remember this feeling as if it were yesterday. And then the Nature. Ahh, the Nature: so majestic, humbling, shimmering. The Blue Ridge Mountains and Shenandoah National Park in Virginia have this effect: a timeless quality that goes on giving, nourishing, and refreshing.
On our hikes, one of my favorite things was finding the freshwater springs. I was fascinated by the way water mysteriously flowed out from the earth. In autumn time especially, the springs would often be hidden by fallen leaves. I would enjoy to use my hands to clear away the leaves. This of course made the water cloudy but oh, the joy of watching how after few minutes the dirt would settle and the water would become clear — all so very magical to a young lad like me from the city.
One never knows coming into an event such as last weekend’s “Presence of the Master” meditation retreat in Upstate New York which direction things will take. We all arrive late Friday afternoon, everyone coming from all our many different lives and realities. Yet inevitably, the meditations start, and magically the dusty, dry leaves from one’s inner springs clear away, uncovering fresh waters within… which become clear and flowing again, merging with those around us, each of our individual streams meeting, joining, first with one, then another…the flow picking up momentum as the days progress, and suddenly we are one big river moving us all towards what can only be described as an “ocean of being”. It is then that the unexpected begins to happen, that which can’t really seen or predicted before the event starts. Hearts open, silence is touched, roots seek out deeper sources of ecstasy while spirits fly skyward. Yes, I know it sounds poetic. Yet, without a doubt, it is something very tangible, real and precious; something that gives one courage, clarity, and strength to move back into the strong current of Life, embracing its many challenges with a fresh, new perspective.
Arpana, Priya, Viramo: namaste for organizing and making the practicals manifest and flow. Gail: namaste to you and your helpers for the nourishing and delicious food. Musicians Sharabo and Urjo: namaste and thank you for the inspiring music that touched us all. And to everyone, and everything, else: namaste for a really great event. Its ripples will surely resonate on … and on and on.
As this post’s title suggests, the New Family Constellations workshop in New York City last Saturday was a day of transformation. Some things are hard to describe, and in context of what transpired in this group, phrases like this seem small and even inadequate. How to describe things like genuine tears of awakening? Or positive openings and life-changing insights? So it was with this event: an energetic, healing process illustrating the powerful, shamanic nature of this amazing work, a process that paves the way to freedom, moving lives forward, unbound by self-imposed limitations especially with regard to family issues and situations.
Darshan, I want to thank you personally for bringing your magic and insight to America. It is a real gift having you here and visiting us. And thank you, Svaaha, for organizing all the many practical things that made the workshop a smooth sail.
Every block of Manhattan is a universe unto itself. After the event, we celebrated New York City in style, thoroughly enjoying, exploring, and sharing some big city adventure. One such adventure was the opportunity to hear the virtuoso drummer, Omar Hakim, playing with his band in the small, iconic nightclub, The Iridium. Those of you who have seen and heard Sting’s “Dream of the Blue Turtles”: Omar Hakim was the drummer. His solo at the end of the song, “I Burn For You” is the stuff of legends. Wow, what a super show!
Looking ahead, there will be a seven-day New Family Constellation Training in Lisbon, August 2-8, followed by the OSHO Heart Festival, August 13-16. Portugal remains Europe’s hidden gem. So if you haven’t discovered it yet, this is an ideal chance: to enjoy a transformative holiday exploring (and celebrating!) one’s inner world and the magic of Portugal. What could be better?
