Free Diwali Gift from Sadhguru

Diwali is the Indian "Festival of Light", conveying prayers and blessings for clarity, brilliance and illumination. 

To celebrate, Sadhguru, the founder of Isha Foundation is offering his online "Inner Engineering" course for free only until October 29. 

Click here to learn more and to register.

For the Love of Marigolds

Photo of Atul Dubey by Ken Hermann

You all know how much I love marigold flowers!

For that reason alone, Danish artist Ken Hermann might just be my new favorite photographer.

His series of Flower Men portraits shot in Kolkata on the banks of the Hooghly River is so spellbinding I had to share it with you.

This video really brings Ken's inspiration and the fascinating city of Kolkata to life.

Also, be sure to check out his series of portraits titled Holy Men.

Ok, I have to go make a marigold mala now, enjoy!

International Day of Yoga, the Other Side of the Story

Image Source: Wikipedia

International Day of Yoga Will Not Solve Climate Change, Here's Why, by Dr. Patrick McCartney

Pandit Debasish Bhattacharya, Tonight in Edmonton

Debasish Bhattacharya, Image Source: Edmonton Journal

Edmonton's Raga Mala Society has been bringing the best of Indian music and dance to our local stage since 1983.

Tonight, Pandit Debasish Bhattacharya and Pandit Swapan Chaudhuri are expanding the scope of Indian classical music with their hypnotic, hybrid approach featuring original and centuries-old compositions and Bhattacharya's custom-designed trinity of slide guitars.

Tickets are available at the door for $20 each.

For more information on Panditji's pioneering style check out this article by Roger Levesque in the Edmonton Journal.

Goddesses of Creation at the Art Gallery of Alberta

She is devouring, ferocious, and awe-inspiring. She is nurturing, tender and benevolent. In Hinduism the Goddess (Shakti) enacts the cycle of creation as envisioned by the Gods Vishnu and Shiva. The Goddess is represented in various forms throughout the history of art in India, and in classical Sanskrit religious literature, like the Mahabharata and Ramayana.

Recent scholarship asserts that many important characteristics of the female divine are derived from folk and oral traditions, as well as from aristocratic and literary ones. For example, the Goddess Kali can be seen to have roots in the fierce Goddesses of village traditions, and as such has been called by revered Hindu scholar A.K. Ramanujan a "Goddess of the Tooth". In contrast, he calls the benign and motherly Lakshmi and Bhudevi "Goddesses of the Breast." Featuring the return of the AGA’s 12th century Shiva Bhairava, the exhibition encourages the viewer to discover the multiplicity of forms and meanings in these images of the Goddess.

On Now:  December 1, 2018 – March 24, 2019
Thursday, January 10:  FREE Bharatanatyam Performance from 6-7 pm

Organized by the Art Gallery of Alberta. Curated by Elizabeth Herbert.

Happy 150th Birthday, Gandhi

Gandhi: Image Source

This year marks the 150th anniversary of the birth of Mohandas K. Gandhi, also known as Mahatma Gandhi.

Gandhi dedicated his life to truth (satya) and is well known for his policy of Satyagraha, a form of non-violent civil resistance which led to the independence of India in 1947 and inspired civil rights movements around the world.

To honor this special anniversary, the Government of India, Ministry of External Affairs has released a medley of Gandhi's Favourite Bhajan featuring artists from 124 countries.

You can read the beautiful lyrics of this 15th-century Gujarati song, called Vaishnava Jan To here.

And listen to Gandhi's translation of the Bhagavad Gita here.

Gordon Ramsay Goes to an Ashram

Paper Dosa, Savoy South Indian Kitchen, Edmonton

Have you seen this? 

It's from 2013 but I only encountered it a short while ago. 

If you can tune out the swearing it's hilarious and educational, and refreshing to see Gordon Ramsay a tiny bit calmer and perhaps even slightly humbled...

Gordon's Great Escape India - Part 1

Gordon Ramsay's Great Escape India - Part 2

Gordon Ramsay's Great Escape India - Part 3

The "Proper Guru" Gordon meets in Part Three is Sadhguru, founder of Isha whom I featured in the previous post.

If you don't have time for the whole series, here are some choice highlights:

Highlights: Gordon Ramsay Meets Sadhguru

Anybody feel like going for dosas?

Turn up the Volume of Love

Image Source:  NDTV

Its been 50 years since The Beatles made their world famous trip to an ashram in Rishikesh, India.

Here are two short-but-sweet videos from UPLIFT TV highlighting the power of Love and the influence The Beatles had on Yoga in the west.

All You Need is Love

The Beatles and Mantra with Miten

Hanumanasana, Leaping Beyond Limits

Tara Woltjen in Hanumanasana

Some things in life don't come easy.

Hanumanasana is one of them.

Known in English as "the splits" Hanumanasana requires considerable flexibility in the legs and back.

It is a posture that demands your complete physical attention and yet may only become an asana when you bring more to it than mere physical effort.

Hanuman is a popular character in Hindu mythology.  In the epic Ramayana, it is Hanuman the monkey who locates the kidnapped princess Sita and leaps across the ocean between the southern tip of India and the island of Lanka to deliver a message of encouragement and hope along with her husband's ring.

Similarly, on the mat, the posture that mimics Hanuman's giant leap demands patience, persistence, steady breathing, truthfulness and positive intention.

"To start the journey, I needed firm intention." Hanuman said. "To make the leap I needed strength and courage.  To overcome the obstacles along the way, I needed flexibility and cunning.  To find you, I needed perseverance.  To speak with you and win your trust, I needed patience and discrimination.  Through Lord Rama's grace, I found all these qualities within myself, and was able to complete this journey." Quote from "Hanuman's Great Leap"

You can learn more about the mythology behind Hanumanasana here.

If you would like to experience this exhilarating posture for yourself, please check out this blog post first, for some great tips and warm ups.

Snow Shovelling Bhangra

Just a little Snow Shovelling Bhangra to brighten up the waning days of winter.  Balle Balle!

Swami Kashi is Opening an Ashram!

Chaitanya Tapovan Ashram in India

Wow!  I'm so excited to share the news! Swami Kashi is opening an ashram in India!

He's already been leading yatras and retreats there for a few years now, but after 16 years of living in India, it will be fantastic for him to have his own centre!

Take a look at his 2017 schedule of events taking place around the world.

Fonte Avellana Monastery in Italy

This Vicharana Retreat in Italy looks spectacular!  It will be held at a beautiful 1000 year old Christian monastery three hours from Florence.  If you sign up before March 1, 2017 you can save $100 off the registration.

You can also watch his free lectures on YouTube.

I encourage you to attend whatever live teachings are taking place in your neighborhood or call to you from across the globe.

Swamiji's teachings are well grounded in countless hours of sincere self enquiry, study and service. By the way, he's also one of the best storytellers I know!

Swamiji's new puppies!

And guess what?  These cute fluffy little pups, a boy and a girl, are the new residents of the ashram!

They don't have names yet, so if you have any suggestions you can send them to:

TheHeartPilgrim@gmail.com

Swami Kashi Muktananda Sarasvati Ki - Jai!

Happy Navratri 2016!

Image Source

Every Autumn, my Mom and I participate in a festival known as Navratri or "nine nights".

It is a celebration of the feminine principle, or Divine Mother personified in the multiple forms of Durga, Lakshmi and Saraswati.  This year it takes place from October 1 - October 11.

In India, it is popular for ladies to wear colorful clothes as an all-day reminder of the beauty and power (shakti) of creativity.

During this auspicious and exciting time, delicious sweets are served, ancient stories are retold, dancing and celebrations spread happiness and the Goddess is said to shower blessings and fulfil wishes.

If you wish to attend local celebrations check out the schedule of events at the Bhartiya Cultural Society of Alberta.

May you (yoginis AND yogis) unleash your creative potential and shower the world with compassion, abundance and wisdom!

Jai Mata Di!

Small Things with Great Love

Image Source: Wikipedia

Last weekend, Mother Teresa of Calcutta, one of the greatest Karma Yoginis of our time was officially recognised as a Saint.

Having visited Nirmal Hriday, Mother Teresa's Kalighat Home for the Destitute and Dying in 1999 I can tell you it is the most terrifying place I have ever been.  The sickness and suffering of the patients was unforgettable, but the faith, kindness and dedication of the volunteers was truly the most awe-inspiring and unparalleled gift of Karma Yoga, or selfless service that I have ever had the privilege to witness.

As a small token of my thanks, respect and admiration for Saint Teresa and the countless volunteers and donors who have made her mission possible, I share the prayer which is said to have hung on her wall for many years:

People are often unreasonable, irrational, and self-centered.
Forgive them anyway.
If you are kind, people may accuse you of selfish, ulterior motives,
Be kind anyway.
If you are successful, you will win some unfaithful friends and some genuine enemies,
Succeed anyway.
If you are honest and sincere people may deceive you,
Be honest and sincere anyway.
What you spend years creating, others could destroy overnight,
Create anyway.
If you find serenity and happiness, some may be jealous,
Be happy anyway.
The good you do today, will often be forgotten,
Do good anyway.
Give the best you have, and it will never be enough,
Give your best anyway.
In the final analysis, it is between you and God. 
It was never between you and them anyway.

Here is a beautiful quote you can print and color to remind yourself that every small thing done with great love makes an impact:  Saint Teresa Quote Coloring Page

St. Mother Teresa of Calcutta ki - Jai!!!

Earth Day Love Stories

Beautiful Blossoms in the Bahamas

Do you love a good love story?

Here are three true tales of presence and passion to warm your heart:

First, this story about Will and Joan, a husband and wife eco-tourism team, founders of the Earth Preservation Fund, who helped make the very first Earth Day in 1970 a success.  They protect natural and cultural resources around the world, and this year's campaign helps endangered elephants in India.

Next, Alaffia is a skin and hair care company with the motto "Equality, Empowerment, Beauty".  They founded fair-trade coconut and shea butter co-operatives in West Africa to maintain traditional, natural methods of processing these raw ingredients and support the lives of the women who harvest them.

The story begins with Rose, an ethno-botanist from the United States and Olowo-n'djo, one of 42 children from a family in Togo who fell in love, and together they... well, its amazing!  Just watch the video.

Finally, Swami Kashi just shared a sweet and poetic essay titled "The Spiritual Path of Hope" by Peter Head reminding us to slow down and appreciate the glorious natural beauty around and within us.

By the way, the registration for Swamiji's second Himalayan Yatra is now open if you'd like to check out that magnificent sacred scenery for yourself.

Thank you yet again for visiting my blog, and for being my noble companions on this journey!

Lots and lots of love,
Tara

Tibetan Bazaar 2014, Sept. 20-21

The Holiest River in the World

Athabasca River, Jasper Alberta

"What is the holiest river in the world?

Some might say the Ganges in India. Others would propose the Jordan River or the River Nile.

But I say the holiest river is the one that's closest to where you are right now.

Go to that river and commune with it. Throw a small treasure into it as an offering.

Next, find a holy sidewalk to walk on, praise the holiness in a bus driver, kiss a holy tree, and shop at a holy store."

By:  Rob Brezsney author of Pronoia Is the Antidote for Paranoia: How the Whole World Is Conspiring to Shower You with Blessings.



Prayers for BKS Iyengar

My copy of Iyengar's, Light on Life

BKS Iyengar said, "Live happily and die majestically."

A fond farewell to him, as after 95 rich and vibrant years he ventures into the beyond, attains auspicious rebirth or release from samsara, the cycle of birth and death.

Iyengar led by example, inspiring countless yogis to go beyond their perceived limitations, to aspire to their full potential, and to honor and treasure the teachings of yoga without diluting the lineage, discipline and dedication that kept it alive for thousands of years.

His children, his students and his books, Light on Yoga, Light on Pranayama, and Light on Life, will continue to keep his teachings alive for countless more. 

For more inspiring quotes on life, yoga, and your body from this great modern master,  link to this article at Care2.

Noble Teacher, may your journey be a peaceful one.  Thank you.

Pranam to Swami Kashi Muktananda Saraswati

Sandals representing the Guru

Pranam, or greetings and salutations to Swami Kashi! 

Congratulations to Brahmachari Shankar on taking a great big step on his spiritual path.  On Guru Purnima day, by the banks of the holy river Ganga, in the company of Swamis and Sadhus, Shankar traded in his yellow robes for ochre ones and was given a new name as he was initiated into Sannyasa or the role of Swami.

In his words, "There are few possible meanings for the name. One of them I like in particular was given by Acharya Swami Vishnu Tirtha: Kashi Mukta is one who was liberated while living in Uttarkashi. This refers to Swami Chaitanyananda my Guru. The Ananda or bliss that a person devoted to him gets is Kashi Muktananda. May I be worthy of this name."

Blessings and good wishes to you always, Swamiji!



Ayurvedic Tea for Your Dosha



Cardamom, Cloves, Licorice, Cinnamon, Roses, and Fennel

 Ayurveda is the sister science of yoga, practiced in India for more than 5000 years.  Some say it is the world's oldest health care system! 

Ayurveda promotes vitality by removing toxins from the body, and harmonizing body, mind and spirit using foods, spices, herbs, and mantras.

You can determine your personal Dosha or constitution by taking this Dosha Quiz from the Chopra Center or this one from Doctor Oz or this one from Yoga Journal.

Ayurvedic teas are a wonderful way to introduce this ancient wisdom to your life.  They are delicious, and easy to make from herbs and spices in your garden, whole foods store, or your favorite Indian grocer.

Here are three recipes that calm and energize the body and mind without caffeine.  They also promote healthy digestive and immune systems. 

Click here for the recipe source and more information about their indications and benefits.

Vata Chai:  Licorice root, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, fennel, and stevia.

Pitta Chai:  Licorice root, rose petals, fennel, cardamom, ginger, and stevia.

Kapha Chai:  Ginger, licorice root, cinnamon, cloves, black pepper, and cardamom.

Drink to your pleasure and health!

Om Shri Dhanvantre Namaha: Mantra for Healing

Click here to listen to this mantra by Deva Premal on YouTube.

"Salutations to Dhanvantari, the embodiment and power of healing!"

Dhanvantari is the 17th avatar of Vishnu, physician of the gods, and the father of Ayurveda. 

This mantra can help us find the path to healing and direct us to the best health practitioners for our situation.  It may be chanted during cooking to charge the food with healing vibrations, to prevent disease and benefit those who are ill.  In addition to physical dis-ease, this mantra can be chanted for any situation that needs to be healed. 

Remember that the path of healing is not always what we expect!