The real catalyst in getting out East that first time around was the burning desire to see the lands of my descendants. Several generations back those ancestors came from Calcutta somehow finding themselves in the West-indies on the Island of St. Lucia. In 2023 I joined Sri Sudarshan and a few other yogis of Skylight Yoga on the expedition to India. First arriving in the big city of Mumbai and then venturing into the heart of India; the Maharashtra region specifically Lonvala, Ellora & Trimbak. This trip really left some deep impressions on the Chitta after visiting very ancient & sacred pilgrimage sights like the Kailasa Temple of Ellora which is the worlds largest monolithic rock structure.
Another highlight from that trip was the journey to Kalsubai peak. 5,400 ft above sea-level making it the highest point in Maharashtra; Ahmednagar District. This was a six hour level seven hike in dark which wasn't too strenuous but still pretty energy consuming ascending up to the peak to meet the rising star. It helped that six other yogi's from Skylight Yoga were there at every step. Once we made it to the temple located at the very top we sat down in Siddasana and fought off the monkey's attempting at our phones and water bottles. The goal in greeting the morning star with strong Sanga was met. Jai Mahadeva!
Thousands of pilgrims visit Haridwar and Rishikesh every year thirsting for a dip in India's most sacred Ganga River. On my second return to India aside from completing a Yoga teacher training course the next biggest endeavor was to commit to twelve plunges before leaving. I’ve had a few fresh water experiences in Florida Springs and the west-indies but nothing as beautiful as this. Gangaji is soul-stirring and euphoric. Her color is blue and extremely clear, pure, and sanctifying. At first, she is quite cold but a little attention to the breath and the body acclimates in a short time. Joy fills the heart and the mind immediately becomes withdrawn. It is said that Mother Ganga bestows seen and unseen powers which are not found in any other river in our world. I pray to Gangaji. She has taught me adaptability and shown me great comfort.
This still taken on a ferry which helps people cross Ma Ganga between the Tapovan and Lakshmanjhula. Unlike Tapovan, Lakshmanjula is relatively flat and runs along the Ganges. In general there’s a narrative in any direction in India making it so fun to do some rangefinder shooting! On this day the #leicam6reissue definitely got a lot of action however, with all the excitement checking to see if the rewind crank spun as I advanced the #Ektar100 roll upon loading wasn’t in my awareness. I only realized that there was an error when the frame counter went past 35. So, out of fifteen rolls shot during the seven weeks, two were absolute duds from this day. Haste makes waste and definitely a great lesson of detachment for a yogi.
Maharishi Mahesh Yogi had built 121 meditation chambers in Chaurasi Kutia Ashram in Rishikesh so that Sadhus could reside, do their spiritual practices and take their meals. These buildings are post-Beatles’ memorable stay - which made this Ashram world famous in February 1968 when the band went there to deepen their experience of Transcendental Meditation practice.
Ceremonial Aarti at Parmath Niketan Ashram the largest ashram in Rishikesh, India and one of the largest spiritual institutions in India. Its president and spiritual head, Pujya Swami Chidanand Saraswatiji is a world renowned spiritual guide and peacemaker. He is a frequent delegate at the United Nations, the Parliament of World Religions and other international, interfaith summits and parliaments. He travels the world bringing drops of divine nectar to people of all cultures, all religions, all languages and all walks of life.
Tapovan is pretty lively at all hours. Cows rule the streets while motorcyclist and Tuk-Tuk's weave around tractors and larger public transport vehicles. My college professor Tony A. Chirinos would encourage us to get out on foot for shots from the passenger seat to avoid reflection shooting through car windows. However I really enjoy the narrative here. There wasn't much time to spend in town while completing a 300hr Yoga Teachers Training Course so every moment was milked. Although Ektar 100 is super slow it really compliments any part of India and with fine grain as a plus. The colors and tones come together even in a desaturated scene such as this one.
SWAYAM JYOTIS, 2023 The light from this container of photographs is non-dual from the innate light within each one of us. So too is physical light reflected in a jar of water or subtle light projected from the Chitta (mind-heart) in dream state. At its best the camera is a simple tool to transfer light through a lens recorded by a censor. At its root, consciousness is all-pervading and who we are. Consciousness, the Light of lights, proceeds from us and lends itself into the moment. The practice of Vichar (self-inquiry) reminds us of that same light appearing as the Jiva (individual-soul) and leads us to the revelation of Atman (universal-soul) and "Who Am I?" With that realization Nkosi Sri Govindaji approaches India with complete adoration and awareness of the Absolute Self in all, Brahman.
“Every moment regardless of its energetic expression has gotten us this far. All life is an experience in the field of consciousness.”