Second Week in Pune

Second week in Pune

Starting to get into the groove of ours days here in Pune.

It has been good and I feel very fortunate but hard not to get a bit homesick. 

That is until I heard we had snow :)

I have some really great roommates. We are able to share a few meals and discussions and also feel ok when taking time to ourselves and to practice. Really a big part of this trip is the practice.  The teachings are wonderful, but to have the space physically and mentally to absorb and consolidate is a huge part of what coming here is.  All your fears, insecurities, longings, excitement, etc. Comes out right in front of you to be faced. Also, being out of the normal flow of life at home allows one to maybe shed a few layers and release the true self that sometimes gets misplaced in the busyness of life.

Last night at the Patanjali Jayanti a question was asked on the image of Patanajli. Much wonderful information was given by Prashant but one ☝️ interesting point was that it was the persona of Patanajli, not really what he looked like.  Interesting to consider what each of us might look like without our outer coverings.

So, after recovering from the Jet lag I have gone on a few adventures, mostly in the afternoon after lunch. 

The park closes from 12-4, so often go there at 4 to wander a bit. I’ve also done a bit of a walking tour with a roommate which was fun and ended at the rooftop restaurant for lime soda.  

 It gets dark here quite early so by the time we walked back it was dark and many people were out shopping in preparation for Diwali, the Festival of Lights.  I’ll try and get some night photos with all the lights.  This morning we went to the park to take in the early morning concert. Really packed for a 7 am concert, yes 7 A.M.!🥁🎼🎤

Beautiful music by very talented musicians. Lots of firecrackers go off at all times of the day. I’ve heard it’s much better then used to be. It is supposed to only be between 8-10p.m., but some still feel the urge to set off at any time 🎆

Took a tuk-tuk with my roommates to a statue shop. This is where many of Guruji’s statues have come from. He has some lovely photos together with Guruji hanging in his shop.  The choices and products were beautiful. My roommate bought a beautiful hand carving of two palms together in Anjali mudra (namaste palms). Nicely decorated on the outside as if had henna on them. When the palms open up there is a carving in each side of the palms. One is of the goddess Lakshmi, goddess of wealth, fortune and prosperity.  On the other is Lord Ganesha, remover of obstacles. It is beautifully detailed. I’ll post a few videos on my Instagram page @plnyoga of our ride with NaNa the tuk-tuk driver. He has been driving foreign students from the institute for years so knows all the great places to go and which spots are the best to stop for ☕️ chai.

I’m sure I could write more, but will leave you for now.

I hope you are all doing well.

Om Shanti,

Pam