10.10.07
Sitting on the rooftop early this morning, there was a distinct difference in the feel of the air. It seems that winter may be on the way. A little chill is a much welcome change to a sweat-drenched suit! The edge to the air, made the sun rising over the Ganges even more beautiful. When the rays of the sun hit my face, it was much easier to savor rather than immediately wonder when it was going to start blasting!
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Lessons with PSMN yesterday were a delight as always. I am studying a Sanskrit grammar text with him (LaghukamudI of Varadaraja) and finding it very interesting to see how a 16th century Sanskrit primer approaches the subject. Although I am afraid it might be more than I can handle, anything that he would be willing to teach me, I would find fascinating. He is so full of love, kindness, and knowledge that I cannot help but want to know whatever he wants to share. One of the sweetest things about going to his house to sit is watching the interaction between him and his six-year-old granddaughter. Whenever they see each other, both of them just light up like candles. Over our post lesson cup of chai yesterday he was talking about her inquisitive mind and mature speech and then mentioned a bit of wisdom about returning to the innocence of a six-year-old child. It is said in the Brihadaranyaka Upanishad that when one becomes enlightened, one acts like a child- full of wonder and easily moving from one situation to the next. It is when we “grow” that we develop lasting enmity, fiercer judgements and harder boundries. He also was pleased to point out that we are not really growing at all, but rather quite the opposite. Every moment we live is taking us closer and closer to our death (though we may not know when it comes) so we should learn to take full advantage of it the way that a six-year-old might.

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09.10.07
On Saturday, I received a surprise- 2 lovely yoga Australian students (who also happen to be yoga teachers)! My friend Sunit, from the Travel/tour agency called me up to see if I would be willing to be the “Varanasi yoga teacher” for their yoga tour! Absolutely! I’ll spare the details, but looks like I might get a number of gigs!

So, for the last few days, I’ve been teaching 5:30 AM yoga classes on the guesthouse rooftop overlooking the sunrise on the Ganges. Yesterday I was struck with an overwhelming sense of gratitude and wonder for privilege to be not only studying but also teaching in this truly wondrous place. Teaching in this environment seems almost effortless; everything is so much closer to the surface and easier to access. The spirit of the place just seems to seep into the words, the practices and the rhythm of the class.

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The newness of being here is starting to wear off and there have been (not infrequent) moments of missing all my friends, family and students! (not so subtle hint to leave comments or email me! he he). I am developing some community here too, but it takes time and my lack of Hindi does not exactly make the process faster! Depa and Rekha (Praveen’s and Salil’s wives) are doing their best to get me up to speed. Most days I stop by for chai and a snack and learn how to say at least a few basic things!
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