Two By Rumi
"To the eye is sometimes given a glimpse of vast beauties, a taste of perfection, but only enough to leave the heart impossibly lonely."
"Dragons flying into starlight. This is how true human beings cut the rope and come to me."
Posted by Mitch Ditkoff at 11:31 PM | Comments (0)
January 03, 2009We Are All In This Together
They're dancing in the aisles at the UN! Look at what can happen when inspired and committed people get together to deliver a message of peace and love. (In what ways can you and your friends come together and communicate a powerful message to the world?)
Thanks to Ron Frank for the link to this Amnesty International video.
Posted by Mitch Ditkoff at 04:31 PM | Comments (1)
January 02, 2009Bob Dylan On Life, Truth & Being Real
The history of planet Earth is the history of truth telling -- or at least the attempt to do so. Since the very first cave painting, people have been trying to communicate essence, meaning, and the timeless.
The messengers have been many: Masters, saints, philosophers, poets, artists, children, and songwriters just to name a few. Here's a sampling of what Bob Dylan has added to the conversation:
"If you try to be anyone but yourself, you will fail. If you are not true to your own heart, you will fail."
"I was born knowing the Truth. Everybody is. Trouble is, they get it knocked out of them before they can walk."
"Who cares about tomorrow and yesterday? People don't live there. They live now."
Continue reading "Bob Dylan On Life, Truth & Being Real"
Posted by Mitch Ditkoff at 01:27 PM | Comments (4)
December 31, 2008HAPPY NEW YEAR! Best Videos of 2008
Celebrating New Year's Eve? Letting go of the old and ushering in the new? Raising a glass of champagne to love? Then take a look at Heart of the Matter's Best Videos of 2008.
Some of them will make you laugh. Some of them will make you cry. But all of them will inspire you to go beyond your seeming limitations and dive more deeply into life.
If you're hosting a party, you may want to show a few of these to your guests.
Happy New Year! And a Happy Next Breath...
Continue reading "HAPPY NEW YEAR! Best Videos of 2008"
Posted by Mitch Ditkoff at 07:56 AM | Comments (3)
December 29, 2008Real Giving
Every year, about two days before Christmas, I experience something I am not particularly proud of.
Thinking about the gifts I've bought for my wife and kids, I get the feeling that I don't have enough for them. This feeling has almost nothing to do with how many gifts I've bought or made or how "good" the gifts are. Beyond the quantity and quality of my offerings is the sense that my efforts to express my love for them is lame and doesn't really measure up to how I feel -- and that, somehow, they will be disappointed.
Indeed, there have been some "nights before Christmas" where I've left the cozy warmth of my home to return to the mall, looking for the perfect gift. Ouch!
It's humbling to witness this behavior in me. And it's humbling to admit it. But it's also healing.
Continue reading "Real Giving"
Posted by Mitch Ditkoff at 07:26 AM | Comments (1)
December 25, 2008MERRY CHRISTMAS! What Is Life?
Posted by Mitch Ditkoff at 12:57 AM | Comments (1)
December 22, 2008The Whole World Is Dancing!
Take a look at what one person, with a good idea and a lot of chutzpah, can do. It's MATT, a self-described "32 year old deadbeat from Connecticut" who travelled to 42 countries on 7 continents in 6 months and got thousands of people dancing and laughing with him. What seemingly outlandish idea of YOURS is it time to unleash?
Posted by Mitch Ditkoff at 01:58 PM | Comments (0)
December 20, 2008The Story Behind the Story
Ahhh...the Holidays are coming -- that delightful time of year when we finally unplug from work, eat large amounts of pie, and open lots of presents. Yahoo!
And so, in that spirit, I thought it would be timely -- not to mention fun, bold, and highly subjective -- to bundle together some of my "moments with Maharaji" stories and present them to you, here.
Why in the world would you take the time to read about my experiences when you're busy having your own?
Because at the root of all our experiences, there is an invisible thread of humanity, devotion, longing, craziness, and love that links us all together. And though the details of my life are different from the details of your life, the fact remains that STORIES are a great way to access the heart and soul of who we are.
Merry Christmas and Happy Hannukah to all of you out there! (And thanks for all your support...)
Continue reading "The Story Behind the Story"
Posted by Mitch Ditkoff at 01:50 AM | Comments (3)
December 19, 2008FABLE: The Four Prophets
This is a sweet, five-minute fable with a powerful message for all people, including kids.
Posted by Mitch Ditkoff at 06:27 PM | Comments (1)
December 17, 2008RUMI: Inside This New Love
Inside this new love, die.
Your way begins on the other side.
Become the sky.
Take an axe to the prison wall.
Escape.
Walk out like someone suddenly born into color.
Do it now.
Thanks to Janet Wallace for forwarding the poem.
Photo by Joyful Revery
Posted by Mitch Ditkoff at 11:16 PM | Comments (1)
December 16, 2008The Letter
I found this very touching -- a letter from Maharaji, in 1992, to someone whose wife had just passed away. Timeless wisdom. Deep compassion. So much love and caring...
Posted by Mitch Ditkoff at 12:41 AM | Comments (0)
December 15, 2008VIDEO: Light the Lamp
Maharaji in Madras, India (10 minutes)
Posted by Mitch Ditkoff at 10:35 AM | Comments (0)
December 14, 2008A Note to Subscribers
If you subscribe to The Heart of the Matter via email alerts, please know that the best way to view each posting is to click on the TITLE of each email alert you receive. This will take you to the blog, itself, where the layout of the text is easiest to read and most complete. Once you're on the blog, you'll have total access to the archives, useful links, and the most recent 30 blog postings (viewable by scrolling). The URL for The Heart of the Matter is www.ideachampions.com/heart. Enjoy!
Posted by Mitch Ditkoff at 11:43 PM | Comments (0)
December 13, 2008The Shortest Posts of 2008
In keeping with my height (5'8"), today's posting will be short. More to the point, it will be a hyperlinked list of Heart of the Matter's TOP TEN shortest postings of 2008 -- kind of like an early Christmas present for people with ADD. Each one will take you less time to read than it's taken you, so far, to get through this introduction.
Continue reading "The Shortest Posts of 2008"
Posted by Mitch Ditkoff at 10:16 PM | Comments (0)
December 12, 2008VIDEO: Stand By Me
Some people say that laughter is the universal language. Others say love. The producers of the video below say music. Whatever language you speak, one thing is clear: at the core of our being, beyond our differences, we all speak the same language.
And thanks to Noel Philpot, poet extraordinaire, for forwarding this inspiring video.
Posted by Mitch Ditkoff at 07:28 PM | Comments (2)
December 11, 2008A Real Tour de Force
Well, there you have it. Maharaji's most recent world tour is now, it seems, completed (though one never really knows). Time now for Maharaji, I'm guessing, to get some much needed rest. How he travels so far and so often is a total mystery to me. It would be one thing if he was sitting back and napping in First Class between countries, but he's piloting his own plane!
I get tired just riding the stationary bike at my health club.
In any case, if you want to read highlights from selected tour events, click the link below. If you want to watch video or listen to CD excerpts from Mauritius, North America, Gwalior, Kurukshestra, Montreal, Toronto, or Asheville, log onto www.mspeaks.com
Continue reading "A Real Tour de Force"
Posted by Mitch Ditkoff at 11:09 PM | Comments (1)
December 10, 2008So Far Beyond the Blues (revisited)
In honor of Maharaji's birthday, what follows is a previously posted story about his 50th birthday event in San Diego last year -- or at least an aspect of it, seen through the eyes of yours truly. Happy 51st birthday, Maharaji! You have taught my heart to sing a song so far beyond the blues.
OK. Here's the scene...
It's December 3rd, five days before Maharaji's 50th birthday event in San Diego, when the phone rings in my kitchen. Its Kate, one of the program coordinators, wondering if I'm available to be the "back up MC."
"Back up, MC?" I ask. Kate laughs and deftly explains that Maharaji has already selected the MC for the event, but they always like to have a back up, "just in case."
"In case of what?" I'm thinking. "A heart attack?"
Two thoughts race through my mind...
Continue reading "So Far Beyond the Blues (revisited)"
Posted by Mitch Ditkoff at 06:18 PM | Comments (7)
December 09, 2008DANCE, DANCE, DANCE: The Sequel
Two days ago, I posted a one-minute video of Maharaji dancing, on stage, at one of his events ten years ago. A few hours later, a concerned Heart of the Matter reader emailed me and questioned how the video would play to the general public. He wondered if the video, taken out of context, might misrepresent Maharaji in any way or spark some kind of negative reaction. At first, I thought he was over-reacting, but then I saw his point. Maybe he was right...
Wanting to test his theory, I forwarded the link to 66 people I know who are not affiliated with Maharaji in any way and asked for their feedback and specific impressions of the video.
PHOTO: Shri Hans Ji Maharaji (Maharaji's father)
Continue reading "DANCE, DANCE, DANCE: The Sequel"
Posted by Mitch Ditkoff at 08:07 PM | Comments (3)
December 08, 2008Twinkle Twinkle
So there I am, 11 years ago, putting my 3-year old son to bed, when I notice it's an especially clear night, a perfect time, I think, to introduce him to the ancient art of "wishing on a star." Scooping him up in my arms, I tenderly carry him across the room, part the gauzy curtain, and position him just right so he can see the fullness of the brilliant night sky.
"Jesse," I whisper, pointing up at the sky, "do you see that star? If you make a wish right now while looking at it, your wish will come true."
He turns and looks at me as if I had just revealed the secret of the universe. "Really, Dada?" he says.
"Oh yes," I reply, waiting for my first born to make his first wish on this perfect summer night.
He continues staring out the window, searching, it seems, for some deep sense of what he really wants from life. "I wish...."
(I couldn't believe my good fortune, the honor of being allowed to witness this, his first real act of longing.)
"I wish... I wish," he says, looking up at the sky and pausing ever so slightly, "for... a... lot of pretzels."
PS: What do YOU wish for? And more than that, what do you KNOW is possible?
Posted by Mitch Ditkoff at 12:37 AM | Comments (0)
December 07, 2008Happy Birthday, Maharaji! (three days early)
A beautiful 9 minute film. No spoken words. None needed. Just love...
Posted by Mitch Ditkoff at 11:06 PM | Comments (0)
December 06, 2008Dance, Dance, Dance
Continue reading "Dance, Dance, Dance"
Posted by Mitch Ditkoff at 06:34 PM | Comments (1)
December 05, 2008The Laughing Baby
There's a reason this video has been viewed more than 68 million times on YouTube. Laughter is powerful medicine, a gift, and our birthright.
Click below for some great quotes on laughter...
Continue reading "The Laughing Baby"
Posted by Mitch Ditkoff at 06:54 PM | Comments (1)
50 Reasons Why People Like Being with Maharaji
Six months ago, on this blog, I posted 34 reasons why I like being with Maharaji -- my attempt to communicate some of the impact that seeing him, real-time, has on me. At the end of the post, I asked readers to add their own reasons. Eight people responded.
What follows is my original list and the additional reasons of the eight readers who responded.
Feel free to add your own reasons why you like being with Maharaji. After ten people respond, I'll publish version 3.0
Continue reading "50 Reasons Why People Like Being with Maharaji"
Posted by Mitch Ditkoff at 08:56 AM | Comments (10)
December 04, 2008Maharaji in Taiwan
Below are a few paraphrased highlights of Maharaji's presentation in Taiwan on November 30th. Thanks to Jan Buchalter for sharing her recollections with us.
"You are told that your lover, whom you have not seen for two years, is arriving at 4 pm. That morning, when you wake up, you will be extremely happy. When you are brushing your teeth, you will be happy, thinking of the time to come. At breakfast you will be dreaming of that time. All through the day your attention will be waiting for the moment when the two of you can be together. Three o'clock comes and you start looking at your watch every minute. The longing... the anticipation... the excitement... Finally, after so long, the time is drawing so near. By 3:55 you are floating on air. Approach Knowledge the same way."
"When a mother has a baby, where is her attention? No matter what she does, she is always thinking of her baby. Everything she goes through, her awareness is on her child's needs. Where is your awareness? If, in 20 minutes, you were told you were going to die, where would your focus be? In 10 minutes? You would not waste a minute. Make every moment count! Keep your priority of this life very, very clear."
Continue reading "Maharaji in Taiwan"
Posted by Mitch Ditkoff at 04:56 AM | Comments (3)
December 02, 2008The Whisper
Just like water takes many forms, Maharaji delivers his message in many ways: videos, live presentations, webcasts, DVDs, CDs, websites, blogs, magazines, brochures, casual meetings, one-on-one conversations and... er... whispering.
Whispering?
Yes, indeed. Allow me to explain.
The year was 1980 something and Maharaji was giving a 3-day program at the Miami Beach Convention Center. My service, at the event, was to be a lobby usher -- a simple task requiring mostly common sense and knowing where the bathrooms were.
I was just exiting the ladies room (after restocking the paper towels) when Doug Bernard -- one of the event organizers -- approaches me with a sly smile on his face...
Continue reading "The Whisper"
Posted by Mitch Ditkoff at 11:32 PM | Comments (0)
November 29, 2008Diving In Deeper
If you are new to Heart of the Matter, chances are good you've only seen a small percentage of what's available to you here -- more than 200 postings of all kinds: videos, slide shows, excerpts and reports from Maharaji's events, stories, personal reflections, poetry, humor, a talking puppet, links to cool resources, and much more.
You can always access the most recent 30 postings by logging onto the site and scrolling down. For the rest of the content, you'll need to click on the archives (in the sidebar beneath "Recent Entries"). But since you're already here right now, all you need to do is click the link below for a hot-linked list of all past postings. (If you find something you like, please feel free to forward it to friends, acquaintances, family, or neighbors. That's how word about this blog is getting out.)
Continue reading "Diving In Deeper"
Posted by Mitch Ditkoff at 05:12 PM | Comments (0)
Maharaji in Malaysia
What follows are a few paraphrased highlights of Maharaji's presentation in Shah Alam, Malaysia on November 27th. Thanks to Jan Buchalter for sharing her recollections with us.
"When you are having this experience of the unchanging truth, you can withstand the storms and be unphased. Such is the strength, such is the conviction of this enlightenment. What is foretold to take lifetimes to achieve is attained now because you have remained balanced in that center. What seemed so difficult before has now become easy, for practice has switched your gears and allowed you to gain proficiency in this art of maintaining that equilibrium regardless of whatever.
When there are ripples and everything is in motion, we cannot see that absolute self. However, in that time of concentration within, when all is settled, the true nature of ourselves begins to shine."
Posted by Mitch Ditkoff at 01:11 AM | Comments (0)
November 26, 2008Jump Starting Possibility, Creative Ideas, and Forward Movement
I begin this 204th blog posting with a big, fat assumption -- that you, dear reader, are enthusiastically involved in some kind of project, venture, or team that has something to do with inspiration, service, or spreading peace in the world.
Perhaps it has something to do with Maharaji's work. Perhaps not. In any case, I'm guessing that your project, venture, or team, gets in a rut from time to time.
Bold new ideas are needed... a more compelling vision of what's possible... and increased forward momentum. If so, click here. It will take you to an online brainstorming game designed to spark breakthroughs. The whole thing takes about five minutes. Reading about it, however, isn't enough. You actually have to DO it.
If anything useful comes of it, leave a comment here or send me an email. "If not YOU, who? If not NOW, when?"
Posted by Mitch Ditkoff at 12:31 PM | Comments (0)
November 25, 2008The Word is CELEBRATE!
A young monk arrives in a monastery where he is put to work as a copyist.
After a few days, he notices that the monks making copies of the scriptures are all working from copies -- not the original. This alarms the young monk because he thinks of how easy it would be for mistakes to be repeated. And so he goes to the Head Monk and expresses his concerns.
"Yes, brother," replies the Head Monk, "you have a valid point. But this is the way we've always done it. Still, I better check to make sure there are no errors."
So off he goes to the cellar where he spends the entire night carefully consulting the original scriptures. In the morning all of the brothers go down to the cellar and find the Head Monk crying.
"What's the matter?" they ask.
Between the loudest of sobs, he groans: "The word is celebrate!"
Maharaji, Amaroo, September, 2007
Thanks to Jean Paul Peretz for organizing the effort to collect Maharaji's stories and jokes.
Photo: Luo Shaoyang
http://www.flickr.com/photos/scenery/
Posted by Mitch Ditkoff at 12:24 AM | Comments (0)
November 24, 2008The Perfect Relationship
Posted by Mitch Ditkoff at 06:52 PM | Comments (0)
November 23, 2008Einstein Speaks!
Three weeks ago, my 11-year old daughter Mimi, (hugging Einstein's arm) and her two friends went to the Madame Tussaud Wax Museum in New York City. They had their pictures taken with all the legends; Brittany Spears, Robin Williams, John Lennon, Abraham Lincoln, and many others. Of all the pictures, the girls seemed most themselves with Einstein.
What a remarkable man he was -- the epitome of human brainpower and intelligence and yet, at the same time, a deeply soulful, spiritual, and humble man. Click below for some of the amazing pearls of wisdom he left behind...
Continue reading "Einstein Speaks!"
Posted by Mitch Ditkoff at 10:21 PM | Comments (0)
November 22, 2008The Wisdom of the Elders
What do Clint Eastwood, Madeline Albright, Willie Nelson, Alan Alda, Desmond Tutu, Jane Goodall, Ravi Shankar, Edward Kennedy, Andrew Wyeth, Frank Gehry and a host of other creative movers and shakers have in common beside fame?
Wisdom!
Click here to see what they've learned in their long and very diverse lives... and get a glimpse of the fabulous Wisdom Project produced by Andrew Zuckerman.
Continue reading "The Wisdom of the Elders"
Posted by Mitch Ditkoff at 03:24 PM | Comments (3)
November 21, 2008It's All About Love
Posted by Mitch Ditkoff at 09:02 PM | Comments (0)
November 20, 2008EXCERPTS: Maharaji in Kotputli
Thanks to Bhajan-ji for forwarding these excerpts of Maharaji's talk in Kotputli, India: 11/17/08
"If you weren't there, what would I do? And if I wasn't there, what would you do?"
"The well of joy is within you."
"Everyone has the treasure, but people have forgotten to open the treasure chest. That is why they feel poor."
"The Master does not only give water; he digs a well for you."
Posted by Mitch Ditkoff at 09:34 PM | Comments (0)
POLL RESULTS: Heart of the Matter Readers Share Their Feedback
Two weeks ago I posted a poll on this blog, asking readers for feedback. 77 people responded. What follows is a summary of the results, my reflections on the data, and an invitation for YOU to participate in the ongoing growth of the Heart of the Matter. Click the link below for more...
Continue reading "POLL RESULTS: Heart of the Matter Readers Share Their Feedback"
Posted by Mitch Ditkoff at 01:16 AM | Comments (0)
November 19, 2008EXCERPTS: Maharaji in Jaipur
Thanks to Bhajan-ji for forwarding the following excerpts from Maharaji's talk on 11/15 in Jaipur, India...
"If you listen to the Master, your ability to listen from your heart
will come back."
"What does the real Master have to say? Have the experience in your life of how fortunate you are!"
"When you open your eyes, you see the illusion and more illusion. When
you close your eyes, you see the true heart. To see this you need
devotion. Love is the real devotion. Bhakti is when you love that
thing inside of you."
"Love is the only thing that doesn't change. This power is beyond the mind and the intellect. If you need to have a habit, have the habit of devotion. Trust and listen to the Master."
"The master says practice. You say that you do not have time. The day will come when you do not have time and then you will want to practice."
"The hand of the Creator is always on your head."
Photo courtesy of Inner Nomads
Posted by Mitch Ditkoff at 09:02 PM | Comments (0)
EXPONENTIAL TIMES: The AvalancheA few years ago, Maharaji spoke about something he called "The Avalanche" -- a phenomenon that would enable people all over the world to hear about his message and, with the availability of The Keys and a growing number of Knowledge Session facilitators, find it easier than ever to receive his gift. How will that happen? I don't know. But the video below, produced by Sony, may offer some clues. QUESTION: In what ways might you and your community use technology more effectively and creatively to communicate what's in your heart?
Thanks to Alan Roettinger for the link.
Posted by Mitch Ditkoff at 01:07 PM | Comments (0)
November 18, 2008The 8 Irresistible Principles of Fun
I'm sure you've heard the expression, "Are we having fun yet?" Well, that's what the flash animation video below is all about -- the eight irresistible principles of fun done in time to Johann Strauss' The Blue Danube Waltz. Inspiring. Cool. And yes, fun!
Posted by Mitch Ditkoff at 05:51 PM | Comments (4)
November 17, 2008There Is No Door
I could tell you that my Master is the one who opened the door, but that would be a lie. There never was a door. I was never on the other side. We were always in this together, he and I. If you call the realization of this Oneness, the opening of a door, so be it -- but since I'm in a really good mood today, I'll save you the trouble of hacking your way through a love drunk's excess of metaphors. There is no door! Never was, never will be. The knocking you hear is only the sound of your own heart beating.
The One for whom it beats has always been with you,
so what's all this monkey business about a door?
Posted by Mitch Ditkoff at 06:40 AM | Comments (3)
This Man Has Practiced!Posted by Mitch Ditkoff at 12:46 AM | Comments (0)
November 16, 2008Maharaji in India: Part 4
VIDEO: (not from India -- 3:33)
Photo courtesy of Inner Nomads
Posted by Mitch Ditkoff at 11:59 PM | Comments (0)
November 15, 2008Golfing in Jaipur
Thanks, again, to Loring Baker for sharing his reflections from India...
Today I participated in the first Delhi TPRF Golf tournament. About 54 people played, including many young Indian Golf pros. I believe almost $100,000 was raised for TPRF. Major hats off to the people who organized the event, a simple example of focus + fun = more fun + fruit.
In a way it seemed surreal playing golf in India. But then I thought about it. Why does it seem surreal? It is just my idea about India. For the people who live there, playing golf is quite natural.
Hmmm... I wonder how much of my view of "reality" is defined by the limits I place on it.
Continue reading "Golfing in Jaipur"
Posted by Mitch Ditkoff at 12:19 AM | Comments (0)
November 14, 2008Puppet-Ji On Non-Attachment
All spiritual traditions talk about the importance of non-attachment -- a state of being in which actions are performed unconditionally, with no egoistic desire for results. Many holy books wax poetic about this state of being, but none deliver the message with quite the lucidity, style, and grace as the world-renowned Master of non-attachment himself, Puppet-Ji.
Posted by Mitch Ditkoff at 12:12 AM | Comments (0)
November 13, 2008Waiting for Maharaji
I have been a student of Maharaji since 1971. For the past 37 years, inspired by the feeling of deep peace and gladness he has awakened in me, I have been attempting -- in various unsuccessful ways -- to describe who he is.
In the beginning, my descriptions were extremely effusive. Borderline inflated, you might say, and tinged with a hint of the zealot -- not unlike the poetry of one in love for the first time and badly in need of an editor. Charming? For sure. Engaging? You bet. Attention getting? That, too. But also confusing to anyone sincerely wanting to understand what the big deal was all about.
In time, like wine, I have mellowed, no longer ruled by the need to label, define, and explain. It's a game I choose not to play any more. What does Maharaji say when people ask him who he is? "Just a human being" -- a mirror that helps people see their true reflection at that moment in time.
This has been my experience completely. Allow me to be more specific...
Continue reading "Waiting for Maharaji"
Posted by Mitch Ditkoff at 11:15 PM | Comments (2)
November 11, 200820 Ways to Introduce Maharaji to a Friend, Relative, or Neighbor
The act of introducing people to Maharaji and his gift of Knowledge is a curious challenge.
On one hand, some people are wide-open and experience his message to be very compelling. On the other hand, some find his message intriguing, but not necessarily for them. Still others are downight skeptical, believing it's too good to be true.
Clearly, there's no right way to introduce Maharaji. One size does not fit all.
For some people, seeing Maharaji, in person, is the best way to go. For others, viewing DVDs is the ticket. Still others prefer reading his words or listening to friends tell stories of their time with him. Or something else...
If YOU are interested in introducing Maharaji to somebody else and have a 15 minutes to explore a few new options, click below..
Continue reading "20 Ways to Introduce Maharaji to a Friend, Relative, or Neighbor"
Posted by Mitch Ditkoff at 10:19 AM | Comments (0)
November 10, 2008Maharaji in India: Part 3
What follows are Loring Baker's reflections on the third day of Maharaji's event in New Delhi...
"The joy of service." That phrase keeps playing in my head.
Yesterday was the last day of the event. Maharaji's focus was on the people getting ready to receive Knowledge. For each of the past three days the field was full of 50,000 people, but yesterday's audience seemed younger and even more joyous. A contagion of dancing broke out after he left the stage. Although my feet weren't moving much, my happiness couldn't help but bounce along with the dancers.
All good. All very good. Big huge smiles on everyone.
Walking back from the event though the grounds, along the palm-lined boulevard, past the rose gardens, this evolving verdant citadel Maharaji has created within the chaos of Delhi spoke to the transformational power of joy.
Continue reading "Maharaji in India: Part 3"
Posted by Mitch Ditkoff at 10:52 PM | Comments (0)
Maharaji in India: Part 2
RAJ VIDYA KENDER, Delhi: 11/10/09
This just in from Loring Baker, onsite at Maharaji's events in India...
I just got back from dinner after the event this afternoon. I am staying with an American man I do business with who lives in Delhi with his wife, the Belgian Consul. They both came to the event today (the public was invited).
I could feel Maharaji winning them over (along with me and everyone else) without a fight -- just simple generosity. Like a master Maitre D' welcoming his guests, Maharaji seemed to be saying, "So happy you could come. No pretensions are needed here -- please just enjoy the meal."
Continue reading "Maharaji in India: Part 2"
Posted by Mitch Ditkoff at 09:52 PM | Comments (0)
Maharaji in India: Part 1
Thanks to Loring Baker for sharing his on-site observations with us.
RAJ VIDYA KENDER, Delhi, 11/08/09 --
I'm wide awake after four hours sleep. Full jet lag, for sure, awake, but un-restless and remembering Maharaji from yesterday's event.
After a video focusing on the foundations of practicing Knowledge, he comes out on stage and sits with a quiet smile, as Arti, the classic Hindi devotional song, is being sung. The audience sits, quiet, feeling the rhythm of the song as a water ballet of gratitude starts swimming in my heart.
The rest of the 50,000 people in the audience seem connected, as one, in the same dance. The collective body language softens and, without really moving, seems to raise its hands, palms upward, in praise -- head slightly bowed in admiration.
Maharaji is completely still -- just presence. Arti over, he reaches for the mic and begins to speak.
Continue reading "Maharaji in India: Part 1"
Posted by Mitch Ditkoff at 06:44 AM | Comments (3)
November 08, 2008KABIR (& Duke Ellington):The Swing
Between the conscious and the unconscious,
the mind has put up a swing;
all earth creatures, even the supernovas,
sway between these two trees,
and it never winds down.
Angels, animals, humans, insects by the millions,
also the wheeling sun and moon;
ages go by, and it goes on.
Everything is swinging; heaven, earth, water, fire,
and the secret one slowly growing a body,
Kabir saw that for fifteen seconds,
and it made him a servant for life.
Painting: Rachel Clearfield
Translation: Robert Bly
Five minutes after posting this poem, I turned on the radio. Guess what was playing? Duke Ellington's It Don't Mean a Thing If It Ain't Got That Swing. I kid you, not.
Posted by Mitch Ditkoff at 01:16 PM | Comments (1)
November 07, 2008HEART OF THE MATTER POLL #2
Whether you're a first time reader or a long-term fan, I'd love your feedback about this blog. What would you like to see more of? Less of? What new features would you like added? I'd also like to learn more about who is logging on so I can continue evolving the content.
Click here to take the 4-minute poll. I'll post the results in a few weeks. Thanks, in advance, for your input. Mitch
PS: If you want to subscribe, via email alerts, simply enter your email address in the space provided in the sidebar OR you can subscribe via RSS feeds ...
Posted by Mitch Ditkoff at 08:22 AM | Comments (2)
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