Sai Ram Beloved Sai Family
We journeyed north to Santa Barbara which truly has to be one of the most beautiful cities in America. Driving along the exquisite coastline of the alluring Pacific Ocean was just sheer enchantment. Sandy mountains plunged joyously into the open arms of the sea. Curving around western hills with patches of cactus, sagebrush only to be surprised by happy green pastures of farmlands. Migrant workers bent over picking strawberries, their floppy hats and clothing billowing out like kites para-sailing over the wide open fields.
We reached Santa Barbara early before our planned lunch engagement with a friend of David's. As we drove through the city trying to decide what to do, David said the Santa Barbara Mission would be nice to visit I agreed so we made our way to Mission Street and soon saw the exalted white towers of the Santa Barbara Mission center. A Franciscan order The mission housed about 120 active residents but at one time served over 2000 community members. The main reason for the establishment of the Mission center was to evangelize the Chumash Native American population.
The Mission center was quite large with multiple courtyards resembling an intricate labyrinth that we both easily got lost in. The courtyards were adorned with lovely gardens of peonies, roses and lush green foliage. Sacred statues of friars, saints and Jesus blessed the holy Sanctuary.
St. Francis of Assisi sent his disciples out into the world to evangelize and bring people to Christ. He was a mystic and lover of God, animals and nature. St. Francis of Assisi's mantra was so awesome:
"My God, My All."
The Mission had a beautiful cathedral where David and I sat for a lovely meditation, we also toured the museum and lit a candle for world peace. At the conclusion of our tour we were given a special treat. David inquired at the office if he could speak to any of the friars. At first they said no one was available. A man in native Chumash dress named Russell chatted with me offering tips for our travel. We were about to leave when a Friar unexpectedly appeared- Father Larry. He took us into his private office and told us a little bit about the history of the mission. He said he was a Vietnam vet and had a transforming spiritual experience that inspired him to surrender completely to God and become a friar. It was the crowning touch to wonderful experience. We left the mission spiritually sated and blissed out.
LAKE SHRINE OF PARAMAHAMSA YOGANANDA
We traveled south on California 1 again through truly gorgeous ocean and mountain vistas. The sapphire blue surf of the pacific ocean splashing its jewels across the rocky shores. We were off to visit the Lake Shrine of Paramahamsa Yogananda. Swami Paramahamsa Yogananda brought Yoga to the West, he also had a special affinity to the teachings of Jesus the Christ. His book "The Autobiography of a Yogi" is a world renowned and awesome book.
We stopped to take pictures at a particularly beautiful spot. A kind couple in a white pickup truck asked if we would like our picture taken. We agreed they took our picture with the Pacific Ocean sufi dancing in the background. This sweet couple took their dogs out for a walk and unfortunately locked themselves out of the truck. They came over to us requesting help to call triple A. We started talking about spiritual matters, the couple said that there was a Hari Krishna temple nearby. We told them about Lake Shrine they appeared very interested. We exchanged emails and left feeling very blessed. Finally, we made it to Lake Shrine. Words cannot describe the unparalleled beauty and sacred vibration of this place. As we strolled towards the lake, giddy flowers and gigantic rose blossoms welcomed visitors with glowing beauty. We passed the Gandhi Memorial and took holy pranams. This place was indeed a slice of heaven in the middle of LA. I began to sing a bhajan to the Celestial Mother while standing by the lake. Hummingbirds joined the chorus flirting and flitting about. I was a bit disappointed when I did not see the Divine Swans I had heard so much about floating tranquilly on the reflective, meditative surface of the lake. We encountered a young man named Gary who was a host at the shrine. Gary was from Britain and was very helpful and loving. He was currently unemployed and actually lived off one meal a day and a lot of meditation. He pointed out Paramahamsa's boat house residence on the lake and the wind mill Temple under construction. David and I were standing on the small pier watching painted turtles when suddenly my eyes were drawn to two huge white lotus looking blossoms in the corner of the lake where the construction was going on. Then the apparition became clear there were two swans building a nest. Eagerly I rushed over to the area where they were diligently plucking and pulling bits of reeds and grass for their swan nest. Again, I sang a song to the Divine Mother praying that she would grace me with a vision of the lovely Swan swimming on the lake. After a short while the male Swan waddled into the water and sailed serenely and royally before my eyes. "Thank You beloved Devi Ma!" I continued to watch contemplating the Grandeur and magnificence of this sanctified place.
David and I climbed the hundred and five steps to the main temple. We entered the temple and sat for meditation. Divine peace enveloped us, we both had wonderful visions. David said that at one point in his meditation he saw a vision of a young Sai Baba. Baba reappeared again later in his meditation. In my meditation I observed a short man standing by what looked like a cooler. He looked at me and said "We will cool you off," then he handed me a card and a can. Immediately after that I had a hot flash... hahaha. As I went deeper into the meditation two staircases opened up and I saw saints and holy personages descending. After that Sai Baba's face appeared very large extending out to the mountains and across the sky, I turned and saw Lord Shiva, the Ganges gushing from His locks sitting atop a mountain.
Our meditation lasted about 45 minutes, after which we explored the bookstore and the gift shop before concluding our our heavenly visit to Lake shrine.
We journeyed north to Santa Barbara which truly has to be one of the most beautiful cities in America. Driving along the exquisite coastline of the alluring Pacific Ocean was just sheer enchantment. Sandy mountains plunged joyously into the open arms of the sea. Curving around western hills with patches of cactus, sagebrush only to be surprised by happy green pastures of farmlands. Migrant workers bent over picking strawberries, their floppy hats and clothing billowing out like kites para-sailing over the wide open fields.
We reached Santa Barbara early before our planned lunch engagement with a friend of David's. As we drove through the city trying to decide what to do, David said the Santa Barbara Mission would be nice to visit I agreed so we made our way to Mission Street and soon saw the exalted white towers of the Santa Barbara Mission center. A Franciscan order The mission housed about 120 active residents but at one time served over 2000 community members. The main reason for the establishment of the Mission center was to evangelize the Chumash Native American population.
The Mission center was quite large with multiple courtyards resembling an intricate labyrinth that we both easily got lost in. The courtyards were adorned with lovely gardens of peonies, roses and lush green foliage. Sacred statues of friars, saints and Jesus blessed the holy Sanctuary.
St. Francis of Assisi sent his disciples out into the world to evangelize and bring people to Christ. He was a mystic and lover of God, animals and nature. St. Francis of Assisi's mantra was so awesome:
"My God, My All."
The Mission had a beautiful cathedral where David and I sat for a lovely meditation, we also toured the museum and lit a candle for world peace. At the conclusion of our tour we were given a special treat. David inquired at the office if he could speak to any of the friars. At first they said no one was available. A man in native Chumash dress named Russell chatted with me offering tips for our travel. We were about to leave when a Friar unexpectedly appeared- Father Larry. He took us into his private office and told us a little bit about the history of the mission. He said he was a Vietnam vet and had a transforming spiritual experience that inspired him to surrender completely to God and become a friar. It was the crowning touch to wonderful experience. We left the mission spiritually sated and blissed out.
LAKE SHRINE OF PARAMAHAMSA YOGANANDA
We traveled south on California 1 again through truly gorgeous ocean and mountain vistas. The sapphire blue surf of the pacific ocean splashing its jewels across the rocky shores. We were off to visit the Lake Shrine of Paramahamsa Yogananda. Swami Paramahamsa Yogananda brought Yoga to the West, he also had a special affinity to the teachings of Jesus the Christ. His book "The Autobiography of a Yogi" is a world renowned and awesome book.
We stopped to take pictures at a particularly beautiful spot. A kind couple in a white pickup truck asked if we would like our picture taken. We agreed they took our picture with the Pacific Ocean sufi dancing in the background. This sweet couple took their dogs out for a walk and unfortunately locked themselves out of the truck. They came over to us requesting help to call triple A. We started talking about spiritual matters, the couple said that there was a Hari Krishna temple nearby. We told them about Lake Shrine they appeared very interested. We exchanged emails and left feeling very blessed. Finally, we made it to Lake Shrine. Words cannot describe the unparalleled beauty and sacred vibration of this place. As we strolled towards the lake, giddy flowers and gigantic rose blossoms welcomed visitors with glowing beauty. We passed the Gandhi Memorial and took holy pranams. This place was indeed a slice of heaven in the middle of LA. I began to sing a bhajan to the Celestial Mother while standing by the lake. Hummingbirds joined the chorus flirting and flitting about. I was a bit disappointed when I did not see the Divine Swans I had heard so much about floating tranquilly on the reflective, meditative surface of the lake. We encountered a young man named Gary who was a host at the shrine. Gary was from Britain and was very helpful and loving. He was currently unemployed and actually lived off one meal a day and a lot of meditation. He pointed out Paramahamsa's boat house residence on the lake and the wind mill Temple under construction. David and I were standing on the small pier watching painted turtles when suddenly my eyes were drawn to two huge white lotus looking blossoms in the corner of the lake where the construction was going on. Then the apparition became clear there were two swans building a nest. Eagerly I rushed over to the area where they were diligently plucking and pulling bits of reeds and grass for their swan nest. Again, I sang a song to the Divine Mother praying that she would grace me with a vision of the lovely Swan swimming on the lake. After a short while the male Swan waddled into the water and sailed serenely and royally before my eyes. "Thank You beloved Devi Ma!" I continued to watch contemplating the Grandeur and magnificence of this sanctified place.
David and I climbed the hundred and five steps to the main temple. We entered the temple and sat for meditation. Divine peace enveloped us, we both had wonderful visions. David said that at one point in his meditation he saw a vision of a young Sai Baba. Baba reappeared again later in his meditation. In my meditation I observed a short man standing by what looked like a cooler. He looked at me and said "We will cool you off," then he handed me a card and a can. Immediately after that I had a hot flash... hahaha. As I went deeper into the meditation two staircases opened up and I saw saints and holy personages descending. After that Sai Baba's face appeared very large extending out to the mountains and across the sky, I turned and saw Lord Shiva, the Ganges gushing from His locks sitting atop a mountain.
Our meditation lasted about 45 minutes, after which we explored the bookstore and the gift shop before concluding our our heavenly visit to Lake shrine.
