Category Archives: Music
Riding the Big Wave
The recent Way of the Heart tour of Taiwan and Japan was an energy phenomenon that became so obvious that when Okinawa’s event finished everyone was talking about The Big Wave. Several things were responsible for this. The meditation training in I-Lan, northeast Taiwan, where the combination of tranquil venue and sincere group of participants sparked an inner momentum from which the tsunami began to grow. Secondly, a particular Osho’s discourse, The Invitation #23, which was shown at many of the events. Question number three from this discourse has to be the clearest, most comprehensive explanation of the spiritual search I have ever heard. Osho’s answer to a seeker’s question: “Please say something about the disciple’s courage and aloneness” is a pearl among pearls. I was fortunate to have had the text translated into Japanese courtesy of Atmarama, proof-read by Anupa of Osho Japan, and helped along technically by Pragyana and Deepyaman. As the wave grew stronger with each passing event, the poet Walt Whitman’s famous phrase “I celebrate myself” became a collective reality touching every heart in its path.
Taiwan
Meditation Training — I-Lan, Taiwan
Japan
Matsumoto
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
| my soba noodle master – the best! |
Okayama
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
Kobe
 |
 |
 |
Hiroshima
 |
 |
 |
 |
Kyushu
Okinawa
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
| “Champloose” performing … | … at Chakra Live House, Naha City |
Osaka
 |
 |
 |
 |
December 11 Celebrations
Osaka
Nagoya
Tokyo
Maebashi City- a visit with Vimal, Mukti, and Aineh-chan
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
** Happy New Year 2010 **
Down Every Road
As I work on this update, something I heard Osho say recently comes to mind — about how man is like a river, the great current of life always flowing within him. Only he forgets. Osho goes on to say we just need a little digging sometimes to find that source again, to access it and be nourished by those crystal-clear waters of who we are.
In these last few weeks, it has been like this for me: Lots of digging in the sense of driving, traveling, and a host of practical things to organize for the tours, but it’s been worth all of it. Because just one taste of those inner waters of who I am, and I’m home again. Not in a physical sense, just home again: Home to myself. What’s that Zen phrase, “Ah this!”? Exactly. Even better: “Ahhhhhh … This!”
And so it has been: That long and winding road that led me recently to Chicago, New York, all the way to Costa Rica and back (a magical mystery tour of the heart and soul) delivers me home again — only this time to Virginia! The present moment finds me typing away on this bright Fall morning, having my delicious Costa Rican coffee, watching the colors change outside the cabin window. The shadows are a little longer with each passing day and the cool snap of autumn is in the air.
Autumn to me is a special season, an existential lesson in let-go and trust. It reminds one of the ever-changing nature of things, and that sometimes it is good, even necessary, to pull back the lens on one’s life and take a little time to go inside, dig a little deeper, and rediscover that great river within, the one that is always there flowing, on and on — timeless, tireless, eternal.
Chicago Event – Lake Geneva, Wisconsin
New York Event – Abode of the Message, New Lebanon
The Goddess Garden Resort, Cahuita, Costa Rica
 |
 |
Giving and Receiving
My insight this summer: Nourishment happens when there is balance between giving and receiving. Giving can be a power trip, a way to avoid, a strategy of the ego, a subtle way to feel superior to others. Giving is beautiful, sharing is beautiful. But I’ve discovered it is important I also be open and receptive at the same time. Because what happens when we share, give, but then are not there to receive when it comes back to us? And it certainly does as I’ve also discovered: a thousand-fold. I understand that when I am not watchful of this dynamic, I have a tendency to miss the many blessings on the rebound. As any basketball player knows, rebounds are important. They are game-changers, and in my experience just as relevlant when it comes to the great game of Love.
I wavered this summer between being really into taking pictures and archiving them, to not being interested at all. Many times I was simply enjoying the events so much and just couldn’t bring myself to pull out the camera and play paparazzi. e cosi. it is like this. So in a sense, this tour collage is more a series of impressions than a thorough documentation. Bottom line anyway, it is always difficult to capture the moment, the real magic, with the snap of a shutter. Sometimes one gets lucky, but for the most part, photos are at the most an echo of the reality. Yet, having said this, photos are fun and give a taste, an impression that can be savored and enjoyed.
The tour comprised a series of solo events I facilitated alone (sometimes joined by friends along the way) and the band events which totaled four weeks altogether. Every event was a delight without exception. I guess if I had to describe the summer in one word it would be: FUN. And nourishing. Immensely nourishing.
When I posted the last update in May, not all the USA photos had come in yet. So I want to start by sharing a taste of the Upstate New York event at Shaker Mill Inn which happened beginning of May, then proceeding to Europe at the end of May for the first band event: the Rainbow Spirit Festival in Baden Baden, Germany. From there, the photos will do the rest of the talking. Enjoy!
Shaker Mill Inn, New York – Meditation and Creativity Workshop
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
Rainbow Spirit Festival – Baden Baden, Germany
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
Amsterdam, The Netherlands
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
Essence-Human Space – Athens, Greece
 |
Osho RISK Center, Denmark – midsummer
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
Lisbon, Portugal – Osho Darshan Zen Center
 |
 |
Osho RISK Summer Festival, Denmark
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 One Sky Band – Swagato, Pratibha, Palash, Salima, Milarepa, Isa, Chandira, Bindu |
WOW! – The Humaniversity, The Netherlands
 |
 |
Osho Tao Center – Munich, Germany
 Prem Isa – tablas; Rishi – frame drum; Luna – silver flute |
Milano & Varazze – Italy
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
Summer Festival – Zurich, Switzerland
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
Sugama Summer Festival – Czech Republic
 |
 |
 |
 |
Ljubljana, Slovenia
 |
Love, Devotion, Surrender with Svarup and Premartha – Lesvos, Greece
Soleluna Festival – Umbria, Italy
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
More Than Words Can Say
It has been quite a month traveling across America with the events. Not all the photos are in as of this writing, but enough to give an impression of the joy, the magic, and the celebration it has been: New York, Boulder, Chicago, San Rafael, Atlanta, and Dallas. What can I say except — Bravo America!
The Europe summer events come into focus. Also, if you peruse the schedule page, you’ll see a new event will be happening the week immediately after the USA tour – Costa Rica! It is is surely to be special.
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
Transitions
I transitioned the end of February like the changing seasons, moving from a period of rest and into the tours which started earlier this year than usual. I made a conscious decision rather than wait around for spring to come (because who knows?), it was far better to manifest it myself.
Like every tour, this one was an adventure, taking me to new places such as Romania. And Turkey, where I enjoyed Istanbul which I had not visited since returning overland from India in 1976. The workshops in Stockholm and Moscow proved two points: One, that I am able to survive winters in even the most-northern latitudes. And two, that when the heart opens and a healthy dose of meditation and celebration is applied, who really cares where one is. Is it not like this?
I passed by Osho RISK in Denmark several times along the way. During my first visit, Rishi and Palash happened to be there and we assembled the band for some high-energy grooving in the therapist training group. The second time through, spring had started to appear and I enjoyed some nice singing with Pratibha for the evening meditation meetings.
On Easter Sunday, just before my return flight to the States, I learned Neera left-her-body. I spoke with Dinraj, her longtime partner, the previous day. Something he said touched me very much: That she requested her friends not mourn her passing, nor dwell on being sad, but rather rejoice and celebrate her life and death. And I felt yes! This is the right way. Of course I will miss her by my side where she stood for so many years in the celebrations. And yes, certainly there is sadness … and tears … but the love and space I know with her – the music, the laughter, her divine voice … so many things … will live on in my heart. This is how it is. I have searched my archive for a few favorite photos of her to share at the end of this update, just a little tribute and way of saying, in all gratitude: Neera, I love you!
The long shadows of winter become shorter in these late-April days as existence reminds with its new flowers and fresh leaves: spring is definitely here! A new season, a precious time of transitions, reflecting inside and out.
Starting in a few weeks on May 1, I will make a one-month tour across America. The schedule of events, plus the summer tour schedule, are posted. Please have a look. Everyone is welcome to join the caravanserai whenever and wherever possible.
USA – February
Virginia
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
Europe – March and April
Flowering Center – Stockholm
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
Romania
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
Moscow, Russia
 |
 |
 |
 |
Istanbul, Turkey
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
Denmark
 |
 |
 |
 |
Neera, Beloved of the Heart
 |
 |
 |
 |
Sailing Home
Once again, the line marking the year that was and the the year that is, blurs. I worked right up through December 27 and spent New Year’s Eve on a transatlantic flight from Tokyo to Washington, D.C. I will remember 2008 as a year of travel. Also one of completion, as many projects came to their fruition, most-notably the Stepping Stones Meditation Series. I had an opportunity visit the Far East twice in one year and during my favorite seasons to be there: Spring and Fall. The following pictures are from the latter of these visits.
I started the autumn tour landing in cold and windy Osaka City, then traveled over-night by ferry to Kyushu. Japan has four main islands and thousands of lesser ones. Kyushu is the southern-most of the main four. Shikoku, where I traveled next, is the eastern-most and has a beautiful coastline facing the Pacific Ocean. Honshu to the west is often considered the main island of Japan and includes all the major cities: Tokyo, Nagoya, Osaka, and Kyoto to name a few. The fourth is Hokkaido to the north, which I have visited several times, but not on this trip.
Every event in Japan and Taiwan was a delight. I met many old friends and enjoyed making new ones. All along the way, musician friends joined bringing light and joy to the celebrations. Many events this time were evening and one-day gatherings, but in Taiwan I had the opportunity to facilitate a three-day workshop. The extra days gave people time to relax, open up, and dive deeper into the meditations. I allowed myself the rare luxury of being a participant, so the group was like a retreat for me – very nice after such a busy year.
My visits to the Far East are infinitely inspiring, not to mention intriguing. I always try to capture something of its essence with my camera lens, but I find its qualities fleeting and ephemeral at best. I wrote some small poems this time, so perhaps together with the photos I will come a little closer to sharing its essence.
I write these words from the aloneness of my rural retreat in USA, where the tide of year 2008 has washed me up on the shores of 2009. Slipping into the New Year, like one would into the warm waters of a Japanese hotspring, nice and easy, I’ve made my resolution to invite more laughter, love, and light into my life. Browsing back through the previous year’s photos and the ones for this update, I am reminded how every moment captured by my camera represents an experience lived and all these moments taken together has brought me to the place I am today. With this understanding and all gratitude for the wonderful year that was, I embrace the moment and turn my gaze to the horizon, stepping forward into an unknown year waiting to unfold and be discovered. I wish everyone enjoying this page a happy and creative New Year. May your visions unfold and your deepest longings be realized.
Japan
Down the back streets of an unfamiliar town
One step at a time
Home wherever I am
Kyushu
Shikoku
 |
 |
 |
Katsuo is a specialty of Shikoku. Fresh slabs of tuna are rubbed with salt, then seared over a hot fire made from straw.
It is usually eaten with fresh ginger and garlic. Delicious!
Honshu
 |
 |
Okayama and Kurashiki
Sunset
Paints the leaves of kaki trees
Heavy with the sweetness of
Autumn’s longing
 |
 |
 |
This is kakioka. It a kind of okonomiyaki, a vegetable pancake made with either cabbage, soba noodles, or sometimes both depending on the region. Every place has its own style. Here it is being prepared with fresh oysters(‘kaki’ in japanese), which are a local speciality of this area. There are several sauces to go along side and it is prepared on hot plates everyone sits around. Okonomiyaki goes very well with cold beer and the company of good friends.
Morning.
Road through the market
Ends at the temple gates
Always open
 |
 |
Nagoya
Tokyo
Matsumoto
 |
 |
 |
Autumn leaves
Scattered on the frosty ground
In winter’s silence
The promise of Spring
Lies hidden
Taiwan
Evening breeze
Ripples on flooded rice fields
Old Lao Tzu stirring in his sleep
Maebashi (Japan) – end of tour
The last few days of 2008, I passed back through Japan after Taiwan and had a short visit with my friends Vimal, Mukti, daughter Aineh, and Snowy before continuing my onward journey to America. After all the year’s travels and adventures, it was the moment to relax and let-go. We enjoyed easy days together, hotspring, good food, and ALOT of laughter – perfect ending to a wonderful year.
2009? I predict a year of miracles.
The USA Events
Something felt different at this year’s events. I can’t exactly say what it was. Something like a fresh breeze, a letting go of the old, a making space for new things yet to unfold. One thing I can say for sure, the network of friends in Chicago and New York has a distinct buddhafield energy and this is a nice thing to feel happening in America. The music was divine because I am a lucky guy. I am blessed to have talented, loving friends to play with. There was a good mix of young and old energy this time. Some participants had been around Osho for a long time, while others where experiencing things for the first time. Those familiar with this crazy love-affair found themselves peppered with questions from new, enthusiastic seekers asking things like: “who is Osho” and “what was it like”, etc. Everyone played their roles well: sound, rational answers from the one side, good attentive listening from the other. But what to say, really? This phenomenon called ‘Osho’ is a conundrum, so impossible to define and put into words. And yet? Let’s just say it made for many a lively conversation during mealtimes and breaks. Perhaps this little anecdote describes it best: One participant from NYC approached me at the start of the weekend saying he would like to get me aside at some point because he had a LOT of questions for me. We never seemed to find time to sit down, but our paths crossed at lunchtime the last day. His face by this time was soft and changed. Tears in eyes, he looked at me and shrugged, “All my questions have answered themselves.” I had to smile. I think his experience reflects most everyone’s this year. Questions evaporate, leaving behind a golden nugget of truth: The real answers come from within.
Chicago
New York
Sun & Moon
New photos just arrived from two wonderful recent events: the Soleluna Festival in Italy which concluded the Europe summer tour and Opening to the Mystery in Bimini, The Bahamas. I would also like to share a new song from Sudhananda he wrote during our days in Bimini. I feel it reflects not only his own experience but perhaps that of every participant, myself included. It is an inspiring tribute to a truly divine week with the dolphins, ocean, music, meditation, laughter, joy, tears, and heartful communion with fellow travelers.
Soleluna Festival – Citta di Castello (Umbria), Italy
Opening to the Mystery – Bimini, The Bahamas
OCEAN ANGELS by Sudhananda
Ocean angels, come swim with me
I long to see you in the deep blue sea
How I honor and wish you good
Will you come closer?
Come closer to me
Ocean angels in the heavens below
Let me come near you, teach me all you know
Of this life and the deep mysteries
Share your ancient wisdom with me
Ocean angels with the buddha smile
Ocean angels, playful like a child
Ocean angels, I love your spirit
Pure and wild
Ocean angels, how different we are
You have fins and tails, but you know
That our hearts beat in time to the same song of love
Below and above the sea
Ocean angels, in the deep blue ocean
Under infinite sky there’s a radiant joy
I see, shining in your eyes
Ocean angels
Europe Summer Tour
It was a busy summer with both tour and cd projects running concurrently. Events with the band started in early May with the Rainbow Spirit Festival in Baden Baden. The next event in Oslo I facilitated without the band. It was also my first visit to Norway. During gaps between events, I continued work on the cd projects: the new Yin Yang Dance and Five Senses meditations; also re-editing of Chakra Healing, Circle of Love, and Lotus Paradise.
The band reconvened mid-June for the Zurich and Czech events, followed by the Osho RISK Summer Festival. Afterwards, I traveled to Greece, again without the band, to facilitate the Love, Devotion, and Surrender group with Svarup and Premartha. It was an especially beautiful group and represented another first visit: the island of Lesbos where the Osho Afroz Center is located. The following weekend I traveled to Latvia, another first time visit. The event was a few hours northeast of Riga in the direction of the Russian border. The weather was pristine, and the countryside and its people wonderful. Singing is a specialty of the Latvians, so I felt very-much at home with them!
After Latvia, the band came together again in a different configuration for the rest of the summer events which included Osho RISK (Denmark), UTA (Koln), Parimal, Munich, and finishing in Italy with Sommacampagna, Arihant, and the Miasto and Soleluna festivals. It was a lot of traveling, yes. But also a LOT of fun!
The following selection of photos gives a taste of the great summer it’s been.
Rainbow Spirit Festival – Baden Baden, Germany
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
Oslo, Norway
 |
 |
Zurich, Switzerland
Sugama Summer Festival, Czech Republic
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
Osho RISK Summer Festival, Denmark
 Rishi, Atmo, Harisharan, Palash, Swagato, Jaldhara
|
“Love, Devotion, Surrender” – Osho Afroz Center, Lesbos, Greece
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
Denmark – Germany – Italy
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
Taiwan & Japan Spring Tour
Since almost two months, I have been traveling in Taiwan and Japan. The new meditation series was well-received and every event was a delight. I am especially happy with the new 45-minute format which I think suits meditation in the 21st century marketplace. People also enjoyed the Yin Yang Dance Meditation. I experienced it differently everytime I did it. For the most part, I found the first stage (hara breathing) and second stage (dancing the negative principle) were the most easy for me. I seemed to have the most difficulty with the third stage, dancing the positive principle, for some reason. It seemed to require more inward searching to access this space in myself, but by the last event I was able to find it more easily, dancing my inner-child from a space of wonder, celebrating my light.
Unfortunatly, my camera broke in Taiwan near the start of the tour, so I wasn’t able to take my own photos. However, especially in Japan, many people took photos at the events and I was able to compile them.
At the time of this typing I am passing through the USA for just six days. The europe tour and summer projects come into focus now, more stepping stones along the way.
