More People: A baby, an "African" swami and associates, a maestro "iron man"!

For me, by far the best aspect of India is the people. The Indian people, by and large, are warm and big-hearted.  The addage that "The guest is God" has been a part of their culture for millenia. Granted, there are those who seem to have lost sight of the ancient and beautiful teachings, especially if, for them, business and making money are at the forefront. (This is true everywhere in the world, is it not?) Still, I am happy to say that, in the course of my travels, I have had the good fortune to meet some of the most extraordinary people. Some of these meetings were brief encounters; others were profound and the start of deep connections...basically, what I know will be lifelong friendships. 

Not every one of these people has been photographed by me. In fact, in this short series here, only two such friendships are included, but they are the most important and profound connections I have made: that of the "African Swami" and his companion, Manakshi Giri (aka Maria). More about them--and how we met-- below. 

This beautiful baby, in the arms of her mother, was in front of me at a pharmacy I went to in Chennai. I couldn't help but take her photo, not sure of mom's reaction. In fact, the mother was pleased that her child was photo worthy! We had a nice conversation before going our separate ways. 

This is the "African Swami", so named because his guru told him that his dharma--or destiny--was to go to Africa and bring the teachings of yoga to that part of the world. I had the good fortune of meeting him and Manaksi Giri at an International Yoga Festival in Pondicherry (more about that in the subsequent blog.) We have stayed in touch, and the Swami's caves in Maharashtra are my next destination. This man is the genuine article: He has been a wandering sadhu for the past twenty years, traveling around India doing spiritual practice. He connects with different people everywhere he goes, spreading his light, joy and good humor. He is well-educated (with a master's degree, but I forget in what field), well-spoken, refined, clever, deeply spiritual and the kindest, most generous human being I have ever met. What great good fortune (and destiny?!) to have met them both!

Did I forget to mention, talented? He is also a flautest and a poet extraordinaire. 

Yea, he is also a fellow backpacker, traipsing around India with a modest backpack and bedroll! 

Here they both are in Goa: He and Manakshi Giri amuse themselves by investigating the tiny crabs living in these seaside rocks. 

I don't recall where they were in this photo they sent to me... But as you can see, the two of them are about to take a boating excursion on a river somewhere. Manakshi Giri took sanyas (a vow of monkhood) and became Swami's disciple--and personal secretary of sorts-- back in July. A lovely, light-hearted and beautiful being herself, she is originally from Russia. Their common language is English, of course, and quite excellent. She is a fantastic singer and musician and has put Swami's poetry to music. It is positively astral! 

Clearly the Swami loves dogs as much as I do! Most people ignore these wild ones, at best; at the worst, chase them away with sticks and rocks. They desperately need positive attention and love!! 

While I was in Pondicherry, I went on a temple tour with the two of them (see the Pondicherry blog). Here, we are standing with the head swami and caretaker of one such temple. 

Before setting out on our temple tour that particular day, the three of us were invited to a magnificent Indian breakfast at the home of a very devout, very wealthy business man in Pondicherry. It was a phenomenal experience! The other two, deeply spiritual gentlemen here are friends of the Swami's....he meets--and makes friends with--many people, wherever he goes. They put him up in their homes, feed him lavish meals, buy him tickets to his various destinations, and so forth. He is a truly magnetic person, yet very humble as well. 

The man in white was another sort of swami, I believe, but never did quite figure out who he was exactly! They were quite a colorful and interesting lot, and I felt very fortunate to be part of this unusual gathering! 

I called this guy the "iron man" because it was, quite literally, his profession: ironing clothes professionally! That was truly all he did, and he was a master at it. I watched him iron some clothes I had laundered at his shop, and then stood around watching him for a good half hour, because his skill was so amazing. He was a perfectionist. The deftness of his fingers, the speed at which he ironed each garment, the grace of his movements... it was truly something to behold! The iron is heavy, but it was light in his hands. His fingers were quite close to it but never touched it... the burns would have been horrific if they had made contact. I was truly an admirer, and tipped him handsomely when he finished with my clothes! It was probably a first for him...he was bowled over with gratitude and gave me the most beautiful smile of thanks!

This cute little boy is the son of the most amazing rangoli artist.... more about that in my blog about rangolis!