News from Sikh Dharma International

I've been travelling through India for the last couple weeks leading another yatra (spiritual pilgrimage) and I realized that something was feeling a little different - a little off from when I normally travel here. After some reflection it dawned on me that I'm in India and loving all the aspects of this incredible country. It can be challenging for the Western mind to come here and learn to slow down, relax, go with the flow, and not fight the natural course of another culture. I've visited India almost every year for the last 10 years so it's not like I don't know what to expect, but somehow this visit has been a much more calm and happy experience. I know it has to do with the space I was in when I arrived. I was determined to not fight the challenges, but to embrace them and it's made all the difference.

I really have been happy on this trip regardless of it being tested - waiting 9 hours in the airport for a delayed flight; having an already grueling 10 hour bus ride turn into 15 when among other things it gets stuck under an overpass because of our oversized luggage and ultimately breaks down on the side of the road; jumping out of a moving car and having my calf being hit by the moving tire; using gasoline to remove a stain off my clothing and almost passing out - But regardless of these minor hiccups throughout the trip, I've kept a good attitude, I've keep up my Sadhana and I never got sick so I really am in a state of being healthy, happy and holy!

But I do have to admit that it's been an interesting process...this happiness, this relaxed way of being here, this "being one" with the loosey goosey law of the universe. What an experience of bringing my daily practice to where ever I go, to live it and breath it regardless of what is handed to me - or more appropriately in India - thrown my way! It really makes me appreciate our technology that is a way of life. And travelling helps me realize that it must be a way of life - not just once a day when I'm doing Sadhana or going to a yoga class - but every day - all day long - and no matter where I am!

I can't wait for our Yatra of Bliss this November when we'll dive into the bani of Anand Sahib while staying in the house that the Siri Singh Sahib, Yogi Bhajan built in Anandpur Sahib. Anand - bliss. A perfect topic for India. Study in the tranquility of Anandpur Sahib, travel to the places that Guru Amar Das lived and served, do a day of seva at the Golden Temple, serve langar to other traveling pilgrims, and find your own bliss. I invite you to join us this November for the Yatra of Bliss...come and experience the wonder, beauty, and inspiration of India!

Ravi Kaur
Executive Director, SDI