JGD beloved Kaliji, Yoga Mataji
Thank You for all and beyond:-)
I was meant to travel this path with you. The more time with you, the deeper my commitment, the more expansive my heart, and the more connected I am within and without.
JGD
Always
Sudevi
The special day of Sankranthi was followed by another auspicious day - the solar eclipse on January 15th. According to vedic astrology, a solar eclipse has a powerful influence on the mind. It can work in both negative and positive ways. It is said that if one does sadhana (spiritual practice) and austerities on this day, it ensures multiplied benefits on the spiritual journey.
The TriYogis began this day with a long flow practice. A sunlit room with a view over the Himalayas and the Ganga was the perfect place for the practice.
View from the yoga room
It is considered very special to bathe in the Ganga waters on the Solar Eclipse.
There were thousands, if not millions, of people willing to “wash away their sins” in the city of Haridwar. January 15th was the first day of the Kumbha Mela. It is the largest spiritual gathering in the world, taking place once in 12 years in one of a few cities, including Haridwar.
Haridwar, where the Kumbha Mela is taking place
Driving through the main part of the city was like watching a movie, a great show. All were very happy to witness it. None of those with Kaliji had ever seen anything like that before. The moving crowd looked like one continuously flowing river that was getting larger and larger and “flooded” the whole city.
The TriYogis had very much fun and none had a desire to find themselves in the middle of a million people. The car window was the perfect observation point. Yet, all were eager to take another auspicious bath in the river Ganga. Kaliji took the group to Sri Swamiji’s ashrama in Haridwar, called Bhadra Kaali Peetham. Every other year, this ashrama’s ghats (banks) of the Ganga offered a secluded, almost private, place for going into the water. Not this time. The ghats were full of people. As soon as the eclipse was over, all of them were in the water.
So the group was lucky to experience the great show of Kumbha Mela firsthand.
With Kaliji, there is always a magic of the flow. As soon as it was time to take the bath, the crowd literally disappeared. Once again, austerities with Kaliji were fun, yet filled with deep spiritual feeling and inner transformations. Later, Sunshine from China said that it was one of the events he would remember for the rest of his life. He feels that it was the beginning of a new life. His words expressed the feeling of many.
The next day, all enjoyed walking around the heart of Haridwar and its famous shopping area. To shop in India is very fun. Just to look at the stores, at all the colors, varieties of items, their shapes, at people and their ways of bring is such a joy.
And Kaliji is great at shopping. In no time, she finds the best item for each person, whether it is a book, deity, bells, jewelry or clothes. It is amazing to partake from this shopping flow and see all happy with their purchases.
Krishna’s family
Later that evening, the group had the honor to accompany Kaliji for dinner at the house of Krishna, who owns jewelry stores in the area. He and his family met Kaliji a few years ago and immediately felt her energy. During dinner, which was the most delicious Indian food, he said that Kaliji is all about making others happy, she always comes from the heart and he can feel it. His father, with a big smile on his face, joined this heartfelt conversation: “She is Ganga. For us, Indian people, Ganga is the most purifying, so is Kaliji, and she is also the purest. Besides, she is like a mother who constantly attends to the needs of her numerous children all over the planet.”
And speaking of the Kumbha Mela, Krishna and his brothers took two baths on that day, one at 4am and another at 4pm, making a total of 51 dips!
On the last day in Rishikesh, after a 2.5 hour TriYoga class, the flow continued in the streets of the city and its famous Sadhu lane, with great views over the Ganga.
When the group stopped for the final group photo, Monica (from Berlin, Germany) who had joined the TriYoga group for the first time on this tour, gave a thankful speech to Kaliji and all in the group.
Monica gives her testimonial
Among other things she said “Kaliji is a Being from Heaven. She has the divine capacity to transform, and everybody here is a bright example of this. Everybody has a life-changing experience with TriYoga! Kaliji is like the sun, that keeps everybody happy, patient and makes the group like a family. I have never met such a friendly, united group. Even though I am new here, I never felt like an outsider. I felt embraced with love by everybody from the very first moment. Thank you all. Thank you, my dear Kaliji.”
All were deeply touched and grateful to Monica for sharing her feelings in such beautiful words.
On BC’s roof
For the last sunset in the Himalayas, Kaliji and TriYogis met on the roof of BC’s house, enjoying an extraordinary view over the Ganga and having a a variety of delicious vegan desserts.
Vegan desserts prepared for Kaliji and TriYogis. At bottom right is a birthday cake from one of the dinners they attended.
View from the roof
It was a treat to meet BC’s family, his wife Meenakshi and 6 children.
BC’s family
Beautiful recycled-paper journals made by Meenakshi
When packing for an early morning departure, everyone in the group could not believe that the tour was over. For all, it was an extraordinary journey, both internally and externally. Each felt like a completely new person. Sudevi from Santa Cruz said “I never thought that I could be that joyful, peaceful and happy, all at the same time. I never thought that my heart can be that open like here, in India with Kaliji!”
Throughout the tour, photos and videos were taken by Katya, Maxim, Madan and Ganga.
Ganga, always with camera in hand to tape for the KRIYA site, and Madan facing forward with camera, waiting for next life scene to capture.
North India news continues on page 2
On January 11th, the TriYoga Yatra continued in North India, in the sacred cities located at the foot of the Himalayas and along the banks of the river Ganga.
Brothers Deepak and Krishna went to greet Kaliji near the Ganga. They sell fine jewelery and handicrafts in Rishikesh ~ see their website.
In the morning, outside Kaliji’s window in Rishikesh, came monkeys ~ they visited, groomed each other, and viewed the Ganges.
After one night in Rishikesh, Kaliji and the group went for a 2-day trip higher up in the mountains. The first destination was Rudraprayag, at an altitude of 600 meters. A 5-hour drive is nothing but pure joy when it takes place in the Himalayas.
Rudraprayag
Winding roads, panoramic views of the steep mountains and the most beautiful, glacier-colored river Ganga. The views and colors continuously changed, depending on the time of the day and altitude. All were breathtaking and permeated with peace. Kaliji also reminded all that so many famous yogis, like Shankaracharya, were walking these very roads and doing tapas (austeries) here. Her comment contributed to the expanding feeling of reverence for this place.
Kaliji at Rudraprayag
Upon arrival to Rudraprayag, all enjoyed a TriYoga class, which was a perfect conclusion for the day - to internalize the beauty witnessed during the day.
The next morning, BC, the organizer of the trip, came to the hotel very excitedly. “It is snowing in the mountains!”, he said. All smiled back, but none could really understand what he was so excited about. Besides, it was rainy, cloudy and cold outside. Kaliji always sees the best in each situation. Walking out into the rain, she smiled and to think of the rain as another form to receive Ganga’s blessings, since they were not going to take a dip in the river itself on that day.
Within a 3-hour drive of more breathtaking views, the jeeps reached an altitude of 2700 meters (over 7700 feet). “Wow! That is unbelievable. So beautiful”, one could hear these words coming out of every car. Yes, it was snowing in the mountains, in the place called Chopta, that is often referred to as Switzerland of the Himalayas. Now all understood what BC was so excited about. It felt as if the group drove into a fairy tale! The higher the jeeps went, the thicker the snowfall was, leaving the winding road and the trees white. Everything around felt so still and present. Kaliji smiled saying that now all got the blessings of Ganga in the form of snow.
Snowcaps were hidden in the fog and clouds, which, in a way, made those spectacular views even more mysterious and magical. From time to time a snowcap would reveal itself, allowing all to catch a glimpse of its majestic beauty. “When it is clear, it looks like heaven!”, said BC. All got out of the cars to take photos. Playful Kaliji threw a couple of snowballs, which made picture time so much fun.
After the snow and cold, a traditional Indian lunch (vegan) of delicious aloo parathas, dal and vegetables warmed everybody up for the next adventure - a visit to an ancient temple in Ukhimath.
Ukhinath
This 11th century temple serves as a winter abode for Lord Shiva. Usually, He (Lord Shiva) resides in Kedarnath. This place is so high up in the mountains, that winter snow makes it difficult for people to get there. That’s why each year a special procession is arrange to bring Shivalingam (Shiva’s symbol) to Ukhimath, so that all can still get Shiva’s blessings.
Full of excitement, covered up in shawls, hats, and gloves, the TriYogis were waiting for the priest to open the temple doors. Their excitement quickly gave into hesitation, when the priest asked them to leave their shoes in the little construction a few feet away from the temple. That meant to walk barefoot through puddles, on the coldest stone pavement and floor. While all were still deciding, radiant Kaliji was already barefoot and in the temple. Her example is always catching, all immediately regained their excitement and followed in. No need to say that the special place was worth the austerity.
More joyful austerities followed on the next day, which was the holiday of Sankranthi, the first day of spring, according to the Indian calendar. It is considered very auspicious to take a dip in the holy waters of the Ganga on this day.
From the hotel the group walked to Rudraprayag, the origin of Alaknanda, one of the 3 rivers forming the Ganga. The path stretched through steep mountains with huge, edgy rocks.
To cross the river all had to go across a long rope bridge. The height of this bridge was breathtaking. It took some courage and trust to walk it, especially after BC said “Only two people at a time can cross it”. Of course, once on this bridge, one could enjoy the stunning view over Rudraprayag.
The coldest water of Rudraprayag did not stop the TriYogis from taking the holy dip. One after another they went into the river, getting wet up to the top of the head, laughing and trembling from cold and providing great entertainment for Kaliji.
The next place for austerity was Devaprayag, the origin of the Ganga. Once again, all TriYogis went for the tapas. Fortunately, there was a little stone cave that served as a dressing room. Soon there was a line of shivering, soaking wet and utterly excited TriYogis.
Devaprayag
On the way back to Rishikesh all were sharing their feelings and thoughts. Everybody felt so fortunate to come to these places with Kaliji. None of this experience would have been the same without her guidance, explanation, lightness and…humor.
North India news continues on page 2
Early on the morning of January 6th, the group had darshana (meeting) with Sri Swamiji. Once again the flow of timing was amazing. Close to the time when it was 10:30pm on Jan 5th, on the East Coast of US (when and where Kriyavati began), Kaliji and those with her on this yatra were present at the most beautiful Sri Cakra Puja (ritual of offering to Devi) by Sri Swamiji. That was followed by darshana with Him. When Kaliji mentioned all those magical flows and timings to Sri Swamiji, He smiled and replied that in Kaliji’s life every moment is magic, every moment is precious.
On the 8th of January, Kaliji offered a program at the Vedvyasa Foundation, at the house of Dr Pai’s, organizer of the TriYoga Yatra. Kaliji played a few chants, accompanied by Prasann on tabla. Kaliji’s talk on mudra was as always filled with deep spiritual knowledge and the best sense of humor. To conclude, Kaliji did Devi Dance, while Dr Pai chanted Sanskrit mantras. The moment the Devi Dance began, the lights went out! It only contributed to the magic, and beauty of the flow. Kaliji continued flowing, with candles all around her.
Kaliji received “Mysore Peta” (peta means “turban). This is a traditional Mysore honor, as it was worn by the kings of Mysore and is now conferred on distinguished people.
The same evening, there was a celebration of Bala Swamiji’s (Sri Swamiji’s successor) birthday. “We should always celebrate life. And it is always good to get together. When we come together for the good cause, it is satsanga. Whenever we get together, we become a group. What does this word mean? It means to grow up, grow and up, then “w” (double u) becomes one. When we are united, when we become one, we grow up. So it is very important to come together and celebrate life”.
On January 10th, the day the group was to leave Mysore, they had a chance to have a private darshana with Bala Swamiji. Kaliji showed him a photo slideshow of mudras, he was very happy to see it and said: “We learn 10 mudras to peform, to learn 24 is considered great, but Kaliji has over 1000! Her mudras come from a higher blessing!”
Later that afternoon, Balas Swamiji performed Sri Swamiji’s bhajans for 2 hours, accompanied by the Celestial Troupe musicians. The energy of the chanting was dynamic, joyful and uplifting. That was a great ending to the great time in Mysore ashrama.
As soon as the bhajans were over, Kaliji and 11 with her departed for Bangalore, to continue their journey up North in the sacred Himalayas.
In addition to the programs and music lessons, all had a chance to enjoy ayurvedic massages in a very beautiful Ayurvedic Spa, to go sightseeing and visit the famous Mysore Palace, as well as to climb 1008 steps to Chamundi Hill where the famous Devi Temple is.
On Janaury 5th, Kaliji and TriYogis visited Sogala, the birthplace of Matajayalaksmi.
The energy is felt immediately, especially in the room with Matajayaksmi’s murti (statue). It is so powerful, profound and peaceful. The moment that Kaliji sat down in front of the murti, mudras began to flow through her hands. All kept silent, treasuring these special moments, the feeling of reverence for this magic.
Seeing Kaliji at the entrance of the house, local kids crowded around her, full of curiosity and excitement. She greeted them with a warm and radiant smile and shared with them some mudras. They gathered around her, fully concentrated, with big smiles. They looked so cute, repeating each word and movement after her. Each child was so excited when Kaliji gave him or her special attention, helping to put their little fingers into the correct position. No doubt, for them, those 10 minutes around her was a big event to remember.
Mysore news continues on page 3
The second half the week in Mysore was focused on music immersion. Prasann, the great tabla player who accompanied Kaliji during chanting in the Goa retreat, agreed to come down to Mysore to teach tabla and bells. Of course, as always in the flow, he arrived on January 5th. All are happy with the opportunity to develop musical skills. Classes start at 8 am and finish at 10pm.
For those who are interested in melody, there are daily morning classes with Sheetal right in Nada Mantapam. Sheetal is a support keyboard player for Sri Swamiji’s Celestial troupe. He is the only westerner to win the ashrama bhajan competition. He lives and breathes music and loves teaching others to play and sing Sri Swamiji’s bhajans. A group of TriYogis are learning the Sri Mata bhajan composed by Sri Matajayalaksmi Herself.
The days begin and end with music!
Mysore news continues on page 3
Accoring to Vedic astrology, TriYoga’s 30th anniversary happened to be on January 3rd. The celebration on both January 3rd and 5th unfolded as a beautiful flow. Days before, the plans were made to visit the place where Sri Swamiji was born (Mekedatu) and the birthplace of Sri Matajayalaksmi (Sogala). Both visits took place on the dates of TriYoga’s anniversary, even though it was not preplanned so.
It was a sunny morning on January 4th, when the group was ready to start a 4-hour drive to the little town of Mekedatu. In the US, it was still January 3d, and even more so, it was right about the time when Kriyavati siddhi was flowing through Kaliji for the first time. All were amazed at the timing!
Usually when people come to the place of Sri Swamiji’s birth, they visit the place of Sri Matajayalaksmi’s family home, which is now a small beautiful ashrama of Sri Swamiji on the banks of the Kaveri river.
This area is also famous for its powerful spritual nature spot - the confluence of three sacred rivers Kaveri, Guptagamini and Arkaveri. It is considered very auspicious to take a bath in those waters. Here, Kaliji stands at the confluence of the three rivers.
Kaliji and the group did visit those two and most of 12 people did not miss the chance of auspicious bathing…thus getting themselves soaking wet and utterly happy and excited for the rest of Mekedatu journey.
That morning, Sri Swamiji gave Kaliji special permission to visit the actual place of His birth, Brahma Kunda, so the journey continued there. The place is located among enormous rocks with jagged edges. It is very treacherous to climb, but once on top, one’s breath is taken away by the beautiful view over the river, rocks and mountains.
To get there, the group took a bus. A vehicle so old and rusty that it is hard to imagine that it still drives, yet it did and took all through the curvy unpaved dirt road. Getting on that bus, all were even more excited for the coming experience. “What a party!” said one of the group, and the rest just laughed in response.
The road that the group experienced as a very bumpy funny ride, Matajayalaksmi walked in the night all by herself, pregnant. To be precise, she was about to give birth to her child. While climbing up the huge rocks, everybody’s wonder kept growing ~ “How could she do it?” Whatever it was, it was pure magic. This magical story is described in detail in Sri Swamiji’s bio ‘Reflection of the Absolute”.
In Brahma Kunda itself, excitement from the bus drive gave way to the state of reverence, peace and contemplation, which stayed with everybody on the way back to Mysore ashrama.
Kaliji on the spot where Sri Swamiji was born.
Message from Kaliji ~
JAYA GURU DEVI
In India as I write this, in front of Sri Swamiji performing Sri Cakra Puja, it is the evening of January 5th in the USA.
It is the time KRIYAVATI Siddhi began on the east coast.
I am very happy for all who have gained greater health, wisdom, and happiness through the grace of TriYoga.
TriYoga is now practiced in over 30 countries. The success of TriYoga is first due to the DEVI Blessing. And second, it is due to those who had the capacity to recognize and immerse in the divine flow of energy; those who were called within to teach TY; and as a result of the dear disciples who have devoted their lives to offer their service behind the scenes through overseeing the TYI office, the TY Centers, and the TY Teacher Training program.
I was blessed to bring forth the ancient TriYoga to Earth
and I am blessed to have met and re-met each of you who have found their spiritual hOMe in TriYoga.
It is just the beginning…
Let us join together to share this gift with everyone who desires to experience the endless benefits of TriYoga.
JAYA GURU DEVI
Jaya Guru Mata,
I am so privileged to have shared TY with you for the last 14 years; it has become the sacred bindu around which everything in my life revolves.
Thank you for sharing this timeless wisdom in such a pure yet structured manner that so many are able to understand and enjoy.
I delight in a deep sense of awareness of you and look forward to any and all opportunities to be in your presence ……. .
In gratitude and the limitless flow,
Barbara
Read more testimonials, the story of how TriYoga began, watch video and more here.
Mysore news continues on page 2, page 3
On January 1st, Kaliji and the group traveling with her returned to Mysore. Of course, with great timing - they arrived at the ashrama right in time for Sri Swamiji’s live performance. To honor the New Year, Sri Swamiji inaugurated His new (as he refers to it) friend and devotee, the piano. All were mesmerized by the unique, beautiful, profound Nadam (sound) coming out of this instrument. It was a fascinating experience to be welcomed to the ashrma in such a way.
The group that accompanies Kaliji has grown bigger and become international. There are a total of 12 students from the US, Germany, Austria, Russia and China. All cannot help sharing excitement with each other. Sudevi, who joined Kaliji in Goa, says that it still feels surreal that she is here, “like the best dream!”
Madan and Ganga who have been to India a few times before, say that it feels like they never left, that they are home.
John and Stephanie, senior TY teachers, have joined Kaliji as well. For the past 6 months, they have been in China conducting TYTTs from Basics to Level 3. They said that the moment they saw Kaliji, they felt as if they have been around for all this time. As for India, they were here before but by themselves. “This experience is so distinctly different!” Together with them came Kiki, TY translator in China.
Ekaterina from Austria is on her 3rd trip to India with Kaliji and she is excited even more!
Monica from Germany, was in India before, but is eager to experience it with Kaliji.
Kaliji with Swami Manasa and Sri Kant, Kaliji’s driver and assistant in South India.
The days are full of prearranged programs (concerts, TY classes) and great unexpected flows.
Today’s greatest experience was time with Swami Manasa Datta, one of the top secretaries of DattaPeetham. Many TriYogis know him from his outstanding voice chanting sanskrit mantras or the bhajan “He Mata.”
Though busy with all the duties and teaching programs, he found time to spend with Kaliji’s students. To say that Swami Manasa knows everything will not be overestated. Eleven languages, 6 degrees in various sciences, outstanding music skills and talents, and more and more. Yet, he is the most humble, funny, loving, accessible and sharing person most have ever met. All were left wordless after he shared the story of his experiences with Sri Swamiji, full of miracles and inner transformations. As Kaliji says: “Jnana (yoga philosophy) just pours out of him.” Every word of his had a deep message for all to ponder about. Even though he was due to leave to teach in another country that night, he did not miss playing tabla, which he is the master of, at a regular evening chanting at the ashrama. All in the group were so grateful for his time and his sharing true yoga message in his words and by his actions.
All are very grateful to Kaliji for the opportunity to meet this great yogi, and for this unique and rare experience.
Evrybody in the ashrama is eager to greet Kaliji. For those who are around her, it is always a chance to hear more magical stories with Sri Swamiji, all containing deep life messages.
Dr Supriya shared her amazing story on how Sri Swamiji taught her to never give up and always keep trying. She was miraculously guided by Sri Swamiji to go for her MD degree in Odessa, Ukraine. She did not know anybody there, nor did she speke Russian. Sri Swamiji told her to not imagine how it was going to be, to just accept and adjust to all the difficulties. It was not easy, but due to His words, she had all the strength to face the difficulties and she felt constant support and guidance (with many miracles) and felt at peace. Now she is a highly educated physician at Sri Swamiji’s Ayurvedic hospital.