The country, the village, and the city

The crow finding morning prashad

Going to the ashram three times a day is interesting how the focus is single-pointed, but it is housed in three different experiences:  the country, the village, and the city.  If it wasn't for Gurudev's presence in the "city" and in the "village", the "country" experience of sitting under the tree, with the morning breeze, open skies, and the animals milling about would be my favorite.  Oh how I love The Divine's expression through nature.  There is a flag in the corner that must have some small bits of metal sewn into the corners, because when the breeze blows, it is a musical sound similar to the women walking with their ankle bracelets.  Watching the expression of light emerging from the darkness, hearing the birds vocalize the beginning of the new day, and then finally, people start to appear adding to the morning noises.  I understand the horse's sensitivity to the language of footsteps.  While sitting in the morning stillness, I have gotten to know the weight and rhythm of each persons movement.  No surprise, Gurudev's steps are steady and light--barely leaving an impression as he touches the ground. I could sit there forever.  It reminds me of the time spent sitting in the beautiful, little gazebo at Sterling Farms where similar features were shared--only my cat and goat where usually my companions.  Now, I have a different companion--consciousness with God.

The village experience is midday when there is a lower flow of humans and the ashram production is getting under way for the outer world to appear.  Sometimes I am alone and other times there are a few disciples. For me it is a time to practice stillness with light distraction.  There is a richness in each incoming and outgoing human presence as if there is more time and clarity for each appearance.  I take the opportunity to sit at various points within the ashram to experience the teachings and wisdom of the Divine presences on the walls/shrines.

The "city"

The city is the nightly bustle when the majority of people are coming at the end of the day. Around 6:00 the music/sound part of the day begins and this seems to be a fitting introduction to the continuous stream of beings who pass through the ashram.  The area where Gurudev hangs out is often full and overflowing--some people coming for advice and others for spiritual deepening.  All of us sharing the grace of this experience.

The day starts and ends with darkness to and from the ashram.  My habit of riding in the dark is coming in handy for navigating the cows, potholes, cow patties, small streams of water, stairs, and whatever else may show up.