One of the least mental things we’ve done here is to learn Sanskrit script and the sounds associated with each character. Not that this is an easy thing to learn, but we’re having a lot of fun learning it. The picture above is my first attempt at doing this.

We’ve spent many hours in the auditorium chanting, learning philosophy, and doing Asana (poses) and Pranayama (breath control).

Friday’s schedule ends at noon, and I’m looking forward to getting home and putting into practice all that I’ve learned.

Another highlight of my week is that my cottage is only about 50 feet from the stable where there are two horses and a tackle shed nearby with carrots, and I’ve been able to feed them. The horse on the right is on top of things. He moves quickly to the gate when someone approaches with carrots. The horse on the left is a little more shy and it takes some coaxing (but not a lot) for him to come out of his shelter. They like the carrots.

I’ve been so busy I only realized tonight that I missed Nati’s with Bill, and wondered if anyone organized it???

Blogged on Amma’s iPad from Lake Arrowhead with LOVE!

I have this little cabin all to myself (not counting the spiders). The inside is small, but I don’t have to share the bed with any dogs.

They’re feeding us really good here. I’m worried I’m going to come home 5 lbs heavier than I left. They’re not used to cooking for a bunch of vegetarians, so most of the meals are heavy carbohydrates. This was one of my lunches – baked potato with vegetarian chili & cornbread.

This was by far the best dinner we’ve had – salad, orange rice with stir fry veggies and spring rolls.

Today I got tricked into eating a beet, which I thought it was a purple fingerling potato…

Sunday night around 10 pm we had an earthquake centered near Big Bear (which is close), and today it rained, complete with thunder and a power outage.

It’s been quite a week so far. We found out Monday that Guruji was in the hospital, not doing well, and that his family had been called. We spent a great deal of time chanting on his behalf. Yesterday, a portion of our workshop was set aside to do some more chants. We finished at 2:45 pm our time, and immediately following our session, we learned that Guruji passed away at 3:15 am Pune time. Coincidentally, this was the exact time we completed our chanting.

These words were sent to the press yesterday from Geetaji, Guruji’s daughter:

“Only his body has ended. One person’s efforts from inside out changed the acceptance of yoga throughout the world. Nothing was hidden, from the time he began to practice, to his illness and death. Even last night he was telling Abhijata, “I have shown you all these things, now realize them for yourself.” What he has given cannot be encompassed by words. If a disciple is more developed, then that person will understand. What can be said in words is that he was precious to us.” (Abhijata is Guruji’s granddaughter)

He has written many books and his teachings have touched people of all ages, races and gender around the world. There was a recent effort to have him nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize.

When I was in India, Guruji was 95 and still actively practicing and (indirectly) teaching yoga daily, always present in the practice room.

I am grateful for the many blessings I’ve received through Guruji’s teachings.

Above – a recent photo of Guruji with one of my senior teachers, Gloria Goldberg, who studied with him for about 30 years.

Blogged from Lake Arrowhead with LOVE!