As I stated in my last post, Guruji brings us all together as family, but the level of generosity, openness, and kindness that I have experienced in India at the YSS ashrams is unparalleled in my experience. When he brings certain ones of us together, like my loved ones at Lake Shrine (that means you Caitlin and MK!), or like Nanjun, Isabel, and Karola at Dwarahat — and SO MANY others impossible to name all — I like to say that Guruji is arranging his flowers. He is actively present in all our interactions and enhances the beauty of every bouquet that he crafts with his loving hands.

When I met Sangeeta and Mahender at the YSS Noida Ashram on Yogananda’s birthday, I received the gift of their friendship and hospitality. I quickly learned that they had two sons in the United States, one in Seattle and the other in Boston, and had just returned from visiting them. They managed to squeeze in a trip to our beloved Lake Shrine Temple and even to Universal City:) We had a lot to talk about, and within minutes they invited me to come spend an evening with them at their apartment in Dwarka.

I told them that I would ride the Delhi Metro to get there, eager to try it out and not knowing that it would take me no less than 46 stops to get there! Actually. It was a pleasant ride and only got crowded as we crossed through the center of the city. The suburbs are divided into Sectors, like Sector 62 or Dwarka 14. I made a lot of new friends in that 90-minute ride! Mahender picked me up and drove us through a spacious, quiet part of town void of the incessant horn-blowing and chaos.

Sangeeta welcomed me into their gorgeous home. Although they hadn’t had time to move back into their newly renovated apartment since their return from the USA, many beautiful artifacts and pieces of furniture already decorated the spacious rooms, and the main wall of the living room featured an elaborate altar with, of course, Guruji featured, Mahavatar Babaji and Lahiri Mahasaya, as well as photos of some other saints/yogis like Neem Karoli Baba, who is a reincarnation of Hanuman. Sangeeta is deeply devoted to Hanuman and Master, and throughout my stay we meditated together, chanted, and sang some songs. The level of their humility and devotion touched my heart deeply and spread through me like a warm wave, as if I had known them all of my life. Maybe I did in a previous life!

I then enjoyed the best meal I’ve had in India! As you can see from the photo, I did not stop myself from stuffing my face and ballooned into a giant brown ball. Seriously, both of them would not stop handing me new dishes to try. They ignored their own needs and only wanted to make me happy. I felt entirely spoiled. After Aarti and an evening walk in a neighboring park, they provided me with a luxurious bed for the night. Thank you so much, Mahender and Sangeeta. Spending time with you was a top highlight of my trip. I now have family in Delhi and look forward to repaying your kindness in the USA when you return.

The next morning they drove me to the airport so I could fly to Hubli, spend the night and then drive for three hours to Hampi, where I am now situated and in a continual state of amazement and euphoria. Be sure to check out my next post where I will attempt to describe this most sacred and historical site, located in what feels like a cross between lush jungle, Joshua Tree National Park and ancient India. If that seems like a contradiction, well, I will try to explain in tomorrow’s post!