Celebrate the Spirit of Christmas

'Tis the time to celebrate the spirit of Christmas no matter what race, creed or religion you adhere to. It's a time of giving and receiving gifts and sharing memorable moments with acquaintances, colleagues, pals, friends and family.

Remember to have compassion for those who cross your path because you may not be aware of their woes or worries. Remember to forgive those who are so self-absorbed in their own personal dramas that they forget to ask how you are feeling. 'Tis the nature of some people but as this is the holiday season, let's celebrate the goodness that can emanate from human nature.

Now, let light and love and joy enter your life.

Namaste!

Observations of China

On my recent trip to China what impressed me most was its modernization and consumerism that has been in development since the past 15 years. Its growth has been phenomenal and recognized by the media, business and world political leaders. Even more interesting is China’s ruling Communist Party development plan for the economy (2011-2015) that will address strategies on how to decrease the inequalities between the rich and poor and coastal and inland areas because the leaders are aware of social unrest if these disparities are not addressed, and also political reform may be on their agenda to focus on democracy and freedom. The Communist Party wants to deal with any instability issues as it would undermine their remarkable economic growth. China doesn’t want to follow the example of the former Soviet Union that disintegrated the former Soviet Union into Russia and many smaller states. It is my belief that the leaders of China want to keep their country intact by pragmatic leadership and steady economic development.

Granted, I climbed the Great Wall, visited the historic sites and contemporary art districts in both Beijing and Shanghai, and even received VIP treatment at the Shanghai World Expo 2010 thanks to a friend of mine who is a dignitary that allowed us to see the China Pavilion without a five hour queue which was very impressive but in the end what made my journey memorable were the people I traveled with, the people I met and the stories that I heard about China past, present and future.

For further information about the World Expo, visit: http://en.expo2010.cn

Khajuraho, Ancient City of Erotic Temples

Varanasi may be the present City of Shiva (Shivpuri), but Khajuraho was also once known as Shivpuri, the city that celebrated the marriage of Shiva, goddess of creative and destructive energy, to Parvati as depicted by intricately carved erotic temples now dedicated as a World Heritage site. India is an ancient civilization resplendent with many myths and the birthplace of many religions that have been transported across the world. It’s a fascinating country filled with unending stories.

In Khajuraho, these temples were discovered in a dense jungle by a British engineer in 1819 and upon excavation and research; it was revealed that the creators of these remarkable temples were the legacy of the Chandella dynasty of Rajput origin during the 10th and 11th centuries.

Although the temples are renowned for the eroticism of its sculptures, there are many other sculptural scenes depicting Buddhism, Jainism, sun worship and animistic cults. In fact, the best time to visit these temples is at sunrise and sunset which magnifies a soft, reddish hue of light bathe the sculpted figures and friezes. It’s recommended to take some time and look carefully at the carvings of the marriage processions, domestic scenes of the deities, along with musicians and dancers celebrating life.

According to Hindu legend, in order to reach the celestial realm or nirvana, or the highest spiritual experience, it is done through utilizing all the senses during lovemaking physically, mentally and spiritually. At these temples, one witnesses Kama, the pursuit of pleasure, by the union of the divine Shiva and Parvati illustrating the importance of the creation of life. The pursuit of pleasure to seek deliverance was considered a legitimate aim then and now.

Perhaps the overarching message of this visit is quite simple: Make love not war!

Varanasi, India

From the Buddha trail to Varanasi, the holiest city in India for the Hindus; a trip not for the faint of heart to say the least. I was extremely fortunate to have a Brahman priest as my government approved local guide who also happens to be the spiritual guru for Goldie Hawn, Heidi Klum and Seal. Dr. Shailesh Tripathi introduced me to Varanasi not as a city of beauty but to feel it with all five senses. With an open-mind, I explored this ancient living city as old as Babylon.

In Varanasi, life flows around the Ganga (Ganges) River physically and spiritually. The Hindus try to make a pilgrimage to this river at least once in their lifetime to purify their spirits either by bathing in the waters or sprinkling a few droplets of water on the head while chanting a prayer. The Brahman priest did this for me while a boatman rowed an old, wooden boat down the river. According to this ritual, the waters clear the karma of the past and present so one is prepared for death and rebirth into a better life. Although I'm not a Hindu, Indians are open-minded and say it can apply to anyone of any faith and even those who are agnostic. Hopefully, from now on my life will be better and I'm most grateful to have participated in this ancient practice of the Hindu religion.

As mentioned earlier, this city is primarily for Hindu pilgrims. I would suggest sticking to boat rides at sunrise and sunset to experience the Brahman priests, gurus, yogis welcoming the day with music and prayer beneath the high walls of the maharajas' old, riverside palaces, and also the notice the numerous ghats where the the faithful Hindus bathe and pray (see photo). And, every evening at sunset, watch the beautiful, Hindu ceremony Ganga Arati dedicated to the river and performed by priests with music, incense, chanting and fire.

Despite the magic and mystery behind these Hindu rituals, as a Westerner and a non-Hindu pilgrim, I would avoid walking through the narrow alleys in the heart of the city directly behind the ghats that are marked by smelly, cow dung everywhere as the cow is considered holy. If you do decide to venture dwon these filthy streets off the beaten path, then watch your step! Again, this is not an easy city to visit and I would recommend visiting the Golden Triangle (Delhi, Agra, Jaipur) first, but once you feel or think you're ready for your own spiritual pilgrimage, then Varanasi may become one of the most memorable places you've ever visited during your worldwide travels.

Sarnath, India

This is Part 1 of a three series blog about my recent trip to India that commences in Sarnath about 6 miles north of central Varanasi. After leaving Varanasi known as the holiest city for Hindus which I'll recount in another story, my spiritual journey led me to Sarnath. Sarnath is where the Lord Buddha gave his first sermon to his disciples and King Ashoka 300 B.C. built a Dhammekha Stupa in Deer Park honoring this sermon.

As fate would have it, here I am standing with Burmese monks in front of the stupa (please see photo below) that will make my Burmese friends in New York happy, one who also became a lay monk but leads a civilian life with his lovely family.

While Varanasi jolted my six senses and turned my world upside down in a good way, Sarnath calmed my spirit like a cool, ocean breeze kissing my face despite my being in the middle of a dry, dusty desert like atmosphere; even though Deer Park is spotted with trees and preserved like a World Heritage site.

My take away from Buddhism is about walking the middle path, acting with loving kindness and enacting tolerance. In short, let's be respectful of religious diversity as all faiths lead to the same destination.

Medley Song

A tale of two cities: New York and Paris are my favorite cities in the world from the point of view of culture, cuisine, art, architecture + design and the sheer sensation of fun of discovering each city by foot. Dickens, Charles Dickens wrote about London and Paris, although he did visit America. Dickens is an author I emulate and perhaps I was his muse in Paris, if you believe in reincarnation.

Speaking about reincarnation, Michael Feinstein is a firm believer. He states his belief in front of Broadway audiences from all over the world in his performance with Dame Edna in All About Me. It’s a charming musical and an ode to Ira Gershwin and the great American songbook. In the end, the story is really about us which brings me to the theme of love.

Love is the oldest love story in the world and what better love story is there than Romeo & Juliette written by Shakespeare. Recently, I saw a musical adaptation of this famous love story at Le Palais des Congres in Paris by Gerard Presgurvic. It was powerful and energetic with exquisite vocals accompanied by modern dance and ballet. It’s the best version I’ve yet to see and highly recommend it.

Back in New York, I saw the classic fairytale of Sleeping Beauty performed by the American Ballet at The Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts. We all dream of finding our Prince. In fairytales, it’s happily ever after. In Shakespeare’s reality, it’s true love found that ends tragically but ultimately unites families or rivals; therefore, bittersweet. Hopefully, for most of us, we fall in the middle. We fall-in-love with our dream partner but realize we have to work at the relationship with excellent communication skills and continue to grow in loving ways and fun along the way, too.

Love is beautiful but life can be like a comedy. Once again, I saw a vaudeville performance at Maxim’s in Paris. The famed restaurant now houses a tiny theatre. Lots of laughs with Parisian humor about love triangles, family members, neighbors and lots of misunderstandings. Return to New York, I watch a comedic opera La Fille du Regiment, a story about star-crossed lovers but actually turned out on a good note with magnificent singing, operatic voices and performances. Both were love stories with comic twists. It’s good to be reminded to see the lighter side of life.

For one whole week, I decided to not take life so seriously, and it was a glorious high. Since then, I’ve crashed landed but shall try to live my life in balance between the highs and lows and between New York and Paris, my beloved cities.

Happy Spring!

Season's Greetings in New York

HAPPY HOLIDAYS

&

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

'Tis the season of giving, being with loved ones and family and also, enjoying all of the activities that New York City has to offer which is too numerable to mention here. But I will name a few of my favorite things, such as, the Christmas lighting at Rockefeller Center that starts the festivities. Then, off we go to see George Balanchine's The Nutcracker performed by the New York City Ballet at Lincoln Center. Another fun event for children is to watch the Big Apple Circus and Bello is Back! The kids really love Grandma the Clown. I guess we all love our grandmothers. They have a special place in our hearts.

A way to usher in the Winter Solstice is to listen to Paul Winter's ensemble at the Cathedral of St. John the Divine and celebrate the return of the sun after the longest night of the year which is tonight. Musical magic inspires all who come from all over the world to see this magnificent performance and worth the trek through the foot high snow. Yes, this year we New Yorkers will have a White Christmas roasting chestnuts over the fire listening to Nat King Cole's beautiful voice in the background.

This is just a slice of festive life around the holidays that I wanted to share with you. I wish all of you a New Year filled with joy, love, laughter, fun, adventure and prosperity!