My day has been sleep! Courtesy of Zyrtec for my throat. But the rest of the group attended the Sunday mediation service in the ashram chapel, and were joined by hundreds from the local community. Our room is only steps from the chapel. The overflow crowd were sitting on the patio (which was also full) and the service was broadcast outside for them as well, so I was able to attend from my bed. The best of both worlds for me! The service ended with the presiding monk offering prasad to any and all who wished, and this was everyone. Even me, sleepy eyed and stumbling along.
After the service, the ashram fed lunch to all who attended who wished to stay. Some of us got places at one of the many tables; others sat on mats on the floor. All in silence. So much harmony here.
The late afternoon included plans to visits P Yogananda's childhood home, as well as Vivekananda's home and the ashram of the Levitating Saint from the AY. In true Indian style a flat tire threw our schedule out the window. So, again in true Indian style, everyone simply got out of the car and went for tea.
At last: tea over, tire fixed and we stop first to visit Swami Vivekananda's restored home and museum. Next, into old old Kolkata to see the home and ashram of the Levitating Saint of the AY, Nagendra Hath Bhaduri, where we were able to meditate and talk with one of the monks. Special holy place.
And then to Yogananda's home at 4 Garpar Rd. We were shown inside by the current resident, Yogananda's great niece-in-law. We walked throughout the house which still has many of the same objects it had when he lived there. And as we walked she told us family stories that are not published. We actually meditated in his little attic meditation room! After the tour, we gathered in the kitchen to look at more pictures, hear more stories, and for prasad. If you were fortunate to meet her and her husband at Convocation, then you know that the more stories she tells, the more energized she becomes. If our guide had not drawn the evening to a close we would probably still be there happily meditating and listening and meditating. A very special evening indeed!
After the service, the ashram fed lunch to all who attended who wished to stay. Some of us got places at one of the many tables; others sat on mats on the floor. All in silence. So much harmony here.
The late afternoon included plans to visits P Yogananda's childhood home, as well as Vivekananda's home and the ashram of the Levitating Saint from the AY. In true Indian style a flat tire threw our schedule out the window. So, again in true Indian style, everyone simply got out of the car and went for tea.
At last: tea over, tire fixed and we stop first to visit Swami Vivekananda's restored home and museum. Next, into old old Kolkata to see the home and ashram of the Levitating Saint of the AY, Nagendra Hath Bhaduri, where we were able to meditate and talk with one of the monks. Special holy place.
And then to Yogananda's home at 4 Garpar Rd. We were shown inside by the current resident, Yogananda's great niece-in-law. We walked throughout the house which still has many of the same objects it had when he lived there. And as we walked she told us family stories that are not published. We actually meditated in his little attic meditation room! After the tour, we gathered in the kitchen to look at more pictures, hear more stories, and for prasad. If you were fortunate to meet her and her husband at Convocation, then you know that the more stories she tells, the more energized she becomes. If our guide had not drawn the evening to a close we would probably still be there happily meditating and listening and meditating. A very special evening indeed!
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