MAY 2010.
19-5-10.Thursday.
01-00A.M. (IST)
Left Rajiv Gandhi International
Airport, Hyderabad by Lufthansa Flight.
20-5-10.Thursday.
11-40 A.M (P.S.T./Local time).
Arrived at San Francisco
International Airport. (Total journey time about 23 hours including one brief
halt at Frankfurt Airport of Germany en route).
Received by son chy. Prasad and
daughter-in-law chy.sow.Swetha. Reached the home at Elan Village Lane, San Jose
city, California State in son's car.
22-5-10.Saturday.(7-00 to 10-30.P.M.)
Participated in a Sastang
conducted in the house of ISKCON devotee Shri Kishore Nandyala (called as
Kishore Prabhu by devotee friends) close to our residence at Elan village
Apartments. The Sastang included reciting some slokas from a Chapter from
Bhagavat Gita along with meaning, discussion and question-answer session
specially on Devotional Path, a small quiz, some games and chanting Hare Rama
and Hare Krishna mantra for 108 times (1 mala).
23-5-10. Sunday. (Evening).
Sunnyvale Hindu Temple. Attended public talk by Jayaprakash
Narayan (Loksatta Leader).
The event was organized by People
for Lok Satta, Foster City, California, a non profit political organization
formed by young and enthusiastic NRIs working outside India. Shri Jayaprakash
Narayan founder president of Lok satta Party addressed a good gathering of 1200
people in the community hall of the temple. He spoke both of greatness like
unity and integrity of India and its weaknesses which are plaguing India now,
like corruption and criminalization of politics. He talked of need for
establishment of citizen centric Government in India through Lok Satta by
building self-motivated teams and leaders, executing people empowerment
programs, creating awareness which leads to organic and sustainable growth.
After the end of his talk, several questions were asked and he patiently
answered. The event though went on very well, was marked by some demonstrators exhibiting
play cards containing slogans like 'JP to justify his statement made earlier
that there is no organized discrimination against Telangana people in A.P.'
Lok Satta's
mission, he explained is to rejuvenate India to its fullest potential transcending
religion, region, caste and language.
26-5-10. Wednesday.(Evening).
Attended Iskcon Temple, San Jose,
where Narasimha Jayanthi celebrations were conducted and Temple Acharya
Vaisesika Das Prabhu gave pravachan on the subject of Prahlad charitra as
detailed in Sri Mahabhagavat and exhorted the devotees to cultivate such
qualities to walk on the path of Bhakti. Later Bhajans were sung in praise of
the Supreme Lord.
27-5-10. Thursday.
Morning.
Annamacharya Jayanthi celebrations were organised by Silicon Andhra at
Sunnyvale Hindu Temple. We four attended with traditional dresses and
participated in the singing of the Kirtanas of Annamayya.
Evening.
Buddha Jayanthi celebrations were conducted in a Buddhist Temple. Myself
and Prasad attended the temple and listened to a 'pravachan' given by revered
Buddhist Monk. The teacher dwelt upon the subject of eightfold path as given by
Lord Buddha.
29-5-10. Saturday
Visited Livermore Temple. The temple also is known as Shiva -Vishnu Temple (www.livermoretemple.org). Various other deities of Hindu Gods are also consecrated here.
Visited Livermore Temple. The temple also is known as Shiva -Vishnu Temple (www.livermoretemple.org). Various other deities of Hindu Gods are also consecrated here.
This Hindu Community and Cultural
Center was incorporated in 1977. The need for a place where Hindus can pray,
study religion and have cultural programs was seen as necessary and it was in
this mood the birth of this organization took place.
Human Services: - Serving God by
Serving Humanity.
Looking at the Service activities being organized by the Temple
Committee, it can be said that adequate steps are being taken in serving the
community at large by making a difference in the lives of needy people which
seems as one of the important functions of the HCCC (Hindu Community and
Cultural Center). I have gathered
that in the past years, several social programs were successfully executed on
different occasions like assisting needy people by supporting student education
activities and providing relief for victims of natural disasters.
When I hear of these activities being organized here, I recollect
inspirationally what great people have said about such works.
"Through
selfless work, love of God grows in the heart.
Then, through his
grace, one realizes Him in course of time.
God can be seen. One
can talk to Him as I am talking to you."
-Ramakrishna Paramahamsa
It is not how much we
do, but how much love we put in the doing
It is not how much we
give, but how much love we put in giving.
- Mother Teresa
When you get rid of
attachment, there will be LOVE.
-J. Krishnamoorty
Entrance to the
Livermore Temple.
JUNE 2010.
05-6-2010. Saturday. (Evening)
Darshan of Mata Amritanandamayi.
Four
of us (self, wife, son and daughter-in-law) along with chy. Amit, cousin of
chy.sow.Swetha who was instrumental in taking us there went to the USA Main
Center at San Ramon, California at 06-00 P.M. (1 hour road journey from our
residence) to have darshan of Mata Amritanandamayi and to listen to her
discourse. Large number of people came over to the center to have her darshan
and our turn came at midnight and it was doubtlessly a unique and wonderful
experience while having Amma's darshan. She has unique way of blessing the
devotees through an extraordinary expression of universal love when she hugs
and chants words of wisdom. It is pertinent to recollect what she replied to
BBC when asked why she hugs people. She replied that "It is like asking a
river, 'Why do you flow?' It simply flows because that is its nature and in the
same way this is Amma's nature- a mother expressing her love to children.
Through her extraordinary
acts of love and self-sacrifice, Amma has endeared herself to millions of
people around the world. It is reported that Amma in the past 38 years, has
physically hugged more than 2.8 crore people from all parts of the world. Her teachings
are universal and whenever she is asked by her religion she replies that her
religion is Love. She does not ask anyone to believe in God or to change their
faith but only to inquire into their own real nature, and to believe in
themselves.
Her
tireless spirit of dedication to uplifting others has inspired a vast network
of charitable activities round the world through which people are discovering
the sense of peace that comes from selflessly serving others.
12-6-10. Saturday.
Visited Sunnyvale Hindu Temple.
Attended discourse
by Swami Mukundananda at this temple. http://www.jkyog.org/swami_mukundananda.htm
While priests were performing
puja and other rituals inside the temple and several devotees were participating
in these programs, Swamiji was giving discourse in the adjoining hall and was
attended by even more number of devotees. I like this aspect most because the
temple environment catered to all types of spiritual seekers like those
performing puja, carrying out devotional service and attaining knowledge
through listening to spiritual teachers.
Swami Mukundananda
who learnt Vedic knowledge through his master Jagadgure Shree Kripalji Maharaj
dwelt on the subjects of necessity of being spiritual in the age of science and
as to why the mind is considered the basis for bondage and liberation from this
world and how to conquer the mind. He further said that mere chanting the name
of Lord without attaching the mind towards the Lord would not bring the result.
In other words, he mentioned about an alert mind while reciting and attaching
it towards the God instead of mechanically chanting.
He took the example of an
ex-wicked person (Ajamila) who is known to have obtained liberation (after
Yamadutas and Vishnudutas had an altercation) when he called the name of his
child (Narayan) on his death bed. Swami mentioned that after this episode,
Ajamila went for a deep meditation on the holy name with alert mind and only
after penance did he get the real liberation.
13-6-10.Sunday.
9-00 A.M.to 11-00 A.M. Attended HSS (Hindu Swayam Sevak
Sangh). Bay Area- Jijamata Shakha, Milpitas, CA. Prabhat Shakha along with son.
There were lady participants too who are called as Sevikas and kids who were
called Bala gaN. Here in USA the
Shakhas consist of both gents and ladies. We played games and participated in
discussion on subject “Shivaji Maharaj, a brave and noble ruler.” The Shakha
concluded with Prarthana (prayer) as usual. We then were invited to the house
of Mukhya Shikshak (Shri Nilesh Pathak, at his residence in Fremont, CA) for
Tea and returned home at about 1-00 P.M.
18-6-10
to 27-6-10.
Vipasaana
Meditation Centre, California.
Sat in 8-day Satipattana Course at California Vipassana Centre, North
Fork, California from 18th to 27th Morning. The teachers were Shri Roy Meckenjes
and Smt.Surekha. Notable among the Indian students were Shri Naru Shiva, Adesh
jain, Ramesh, Bansal,. I had experienced food problem there specially during
lunch time (11:00 AM) since the dishes were not to my liking and Indian menu
was not there. In the evening of course there was only lemon juice and I was
happy with that. I managed the breakfast reasonably well (6:30 AM)
25-6-10.
Saturday. (Evening.)
Dr. Subrahmanya Swamy's public talk. (Attended by
Prasad, Swetha and Usha since I was away on Vipassana mediation residential
course)
The talk was on the topic “Emerging and competing
Economies of India and China’. He dealt on the advantages and disadvantages of
Indian and Chinese economies. He mentioned that most of the products used in
the western countries are assembled/ processed in China, but the raw parts are
manufactured in other south east asian countries. If India’s infrastructure is
improved, then most of these semi-processed goods can be routed to India and
assembled. India’s population (especially the youth), which recently has been looked
as a burden is now taken as ‘demographic dividend’. If this resources is used
productively, then India is destined to become a super power. He forecasted
that India, China and US will be the major powers in the near future.
27-6-2010.
Sunday. And 28-6-10 Monday.
Visit
to Yosemite National Park.www.nps.gov/yose/
I completed my Vipassana residential meditation camp (Satipattana
Sutta) by 9:00 AM on 27th June at California Vipassana Centre, North
Fork, California. We had planned the trip to Yosemite National Park such that
Prasasd would come in car on 27th June at 11:00 AM and meet me on
the way
while I return in Shri N.Shiva's car (another student of
Vipassana) from Vipassana Centre.
Prasad picked me up enroute (near Moccasin River, CA) to the
National Park. We reached the place (Park) at 1-30P.M. Then we took a 2-hour
guided Bus Tour from 2:30 PM to 4:30 PM in the Valley. We stayed overnight on
27th June in a hotel 20 miles from the Park site. On 28th
June Monday, we took a 4-hour guided Bus Tour to the Glacier Point (which is
located on the South wall of Yosemite Valley at an elevation of 7214 ft/ 2199m
and provides a wonderful view of the Yosemite Valley) from 8:30 AM to 12:30 PM.
After lunch, we toured valley sites; water falls and watched a film depicting
the significance and historical truths about Yosemite's natural beauty.
We saw amazing mountains, valleys, meadows, trees, creeks, rivers,
lakes, deserts, glaciers, snow fields, plateaus, waterfalls, passes, camp sites
etc., beginning from 27th afternoon to the evening of 28th.
We left for home at 5:00 PM on 28thJune. The sheer beauty of nature
at every step was absolutely refreshing, elevating and humbling. When the
beauty of material nature is so uplifting, is it possible to describe the
splendor of God's spiritual opulence?
A view of Yosemite National Park.
JULY 2010
01-7-10. To 10-7-10.
A 10-day visit to East
Coast.(Washington D.C., New Jersey, New York, Niagara, Boston.)
Left for
Washington DC from Oakland International Airport at California on 1st
July at 11:30 PM.
Arrived on Friday, July 2nd at 9:00 AM
(EST) at Washington (Dulles) Airport. Chy. Maruthi received us and took us to
his house some 3.5 miles away from the airport.
Chy Sow. Aparna packed lunch for us and Chy Maruthi
took us in his car to Washington (D.C). We had lunch in a park near Tidal Basin
adjoining Jefferson memorial and later visited the following places:
Friday, July 2nd 2010:
- Smithsonian museum of American history
We found the museum displaying
America's historic treasures. The museum was opened to public in January 1964
as the National museum of History and Technology. It is learnt that more than 4
million people visit the museum each year. The Archives Center identifies,
acquires, and preserves archival records in many media and formats to document
America’s history and its diverse cultures. Center staff arrange, describe,
preserve, and make collections accessible to support scholarship, exhibitions,
publications, and education. It also provides expert advice on accepted
archival practices and standards and strives to clarify the role that organized
archives play in American life.
Some of the prominent exhibits are:-
·
Paper Engineering.
·
Cosmos in Miniature. The remarkable star map of
Simeon De Witt.
·
Artifact Walls.- Celluloid- The first plastic.
·
Artifact Walls- 50 years of Lasers.
·
Gunboat Philadelphia.
·
Lighting a Revolution – Electricity Hall.
·
Musical Instruments.
·
National treasures of Pouular Culture
·
On the water: - Stories from Maritime America.
·
Power Machinery- Science in American life.
2.
Air and Space museum (Watched 'Journey to the
stars' movie)
3.
Capitol Building (Place where Barack Obama's
Presidential oath taking ceremony took place on January' 2009)
On Saturday, July 3rd, visited
the following places:
4.
Archives Center
6. White
house
7. Washington
Monument
A View of Whitehouse, Washington DC.
Later in the evening, we traveled by underground train from
Washington D.C. To Virginia and had a thrilling experience.
July 4th, Sunday.
In the
morning went to Vijji's house and had breakfast along with the family of
Maruthi.
LURAY CAVERNS
Luray Caverns, which is USA's Natural Land Mark and which has been
renowned as one of the world's most spectacular natural wonders located just
west of Luray, beneath Virginia's Shenandoah Valley now called as Luray
Caverns is a large and celebrated commercial cave which was discovered in
1878. Millions of visitors have made it most popular in Eastern America
and an internationally acclaimed destination since the caverns have an
“infinite diversity of beauty.”
The underground cave system with well- lighted, paved walkways lead us
through cathedral-sized rooms with ceilings 10 stories high. Enormous chambers
are filled with towering stone columns, shimmering draperies and crystal-clear
pools. We heard rocks sing in this wonderland when we experienced the haunting
sounds of the world's largest musical instrument, the Great Stalacpipe Organ.
Unique tones are created by this instrument which makes concert-quality music
from the surrounding stalactite formations covering more than 3 acres.
We have seen a spring of water called Dream Lake which gives
a mirror like appearance. Stalactites are reflected in the water making
them appear to be stalagmites. But it is actually an illusion since we can not
see the real bottom of this lake. It looks quite deep, as the stalactites are
higher above the water, but at its deepest point the water is only around
20 inches deep. The lake is connected to a spring that continues deeper
into the caves.
Then we have noticed a Wishing Well which is a green pond with coins
three feet deep at the bottom. Like Dream Lake, the well also gives an
illusion, however it is reversed. The pond looks 3–4 feet deep but at its
deepest point it is actually 6–7 feet deep.
The Luray Caverns thus is a world of magic and majesty marvelously
beautiful and can be aptly called a “a fairyland in stone.”
Inside Luray Caverns (stalagmites
in the background)
We reached back to Chy. Maruthi’s
home in the evening. Witnessed the firecrackers show in view of American
Independence day on 4th night at Maruthi's home.
05-7-10. Monday.
Took the pre-booked rental car from Washington DC at 11:30
AM and proceeded to New Jersey.
While driving to New Jersey, we
stopped at a Rest Area and had Lunch prepared by Aparna. Saw some buddhist
monks and took a picture with them.
After a total of 5 hours drive,
arrived at New Jersey by 7:00 PM and stayed in Days Inn Hotel. Had dinner in
the house of Spandana (cousin sister of Swetha). Met chy. Rohan in Spandana’s house.
Later, in the night at 10:00 PM visited the house of Kesav Dev, an activist of
Sangh and his father Shri Mahadev (VHP Activist). They were to leave for Sangh
Siksha Varg from 7th July and offered to take us in their car since
it was close to Niagara where we were to go. But since we had only 1 day at
Niagara to see the places, we could not go with them.
6-7-10. Tuesday.
At 9:00 AM, took NJ transit train from Edison Station in New
Jersey to Penn station in New York. (Journey time: 52 minutes). The Penn
station is an underground station in Madison Square Garden.
Took a cab from Madison Square
Garden to Times Square, where we used Gray Line sightseeing tour's Hop-on
Hop-off double decker bus and visited the following places in New York City.
·
Downtown loop:
(Greenwich Village, Times Square, Empire State Building, Flatiron building, Union Square, Soho,
Chinatown, Little Italy, Lower East Side, East Village, Rockefeller Center)
Statue
of Liberty in the island by traveling in a boat.
·
World
Trade Center- Place of collapsed site and W.T.C. memorial museum.
·
Night Loop:
(The Empire
State Building, Greenwich Village, Soho, Chinatown, Rockefeller Center, Manhattan
Bridge, Brooklyn)
Boat ride to
Statue of Liberty
Had lunch at Pizza hut (near WTC) and dinner in Taco bell
(underground NY Penn station). Returned to New Jersey Hotel by train by 11:30
PM (Journey time 1 hour.)
07-7-10. Wednesday.
At 9:00 AM, again took NJ
transit train from Edison station in New Jersey to Penn station in New York.
(Journey time 55 minutes).
Visited the following places by
Hop-on Hop-off double decker bus.
- Empire State Building, New York sky ride (a simulation ride on hydraulic chairs) on the 2nd floor of the building.
- Observatory deck at 86th floor of Empire State Building (The elevator took us to 86th floor in under 45 seconds)
- Human Bodies exhibition
- Brooklyn Bridge.
- Manhattan Downtown
Had dinner with Dr. Amruth (Twin brother of Ameeth/ Son of
Dr. Ratnakar) at Saravanna Bhavan, an Indian restaurant in New York City.
Returned to New Jersey Hotel by train from New York at
11-00.P.M. (Journey time 1 hour.)
08-7-10. Thursday. (Afternoon).
Visited Princeton University, New
Jersey. Luckily the Asian Art museum inside the university was open up to
10:00PM that day being Thursday and we had the chance to see although we went
at 05-00. P.M. (Normal closing time is 4-00 P.M.). The Museum was prominent due to its vast collection of
historical artifacts of South Asian art.
Had dinner in Spandana’s house (cousin sister of Swetha).
Spent nice time with Spandana's in-laws and her husband
Rajnikant and their 3month old Son (Neev).
09-7-10, Friday.
Visited Niagara Falls.
From the hotel Days Inn of New Jersey, proceeded to New York John F.
Kennedy International AirPort by a Taxi by road in the early morning. Left New
York on 9th July at 06:00 AM by flight and reached Buffalo AirPort
at 07:00 AM. Took a rental car from the Airport and reached Niagara Tourism
Information Center which is half an hour journey by road.
Although the Falls at Niagara are
about 12,000 years old, the story of their formation can be traced back
hundreds of millions of years into the past. Five hundred million years ago the
Earth was very different from the way it is today. Its climate was mostly
tropical. Present rate of erosion of the Falls has been slowed by the diversion
of water upstream for the generation of electricity. The shape of today’s
Niagara Falls is now maintained by the regulation of water flow over specific
portions of the cliff, but these human-caused effects will not be permanent.
The Falls of Niagara are constantly changing, providing a living example of the
geologic processes that formed them.
Places visited at Niagara
Falls.
·
Cave of the Winds
The
Cave of the Winds trip takes us closer to the waters of Niagara Falls than we
thought possible. We ride an elevator 175 feet (53 meters) deep into the
Niagara Gorge. Then, clad in a bright yellow poncho and wearing the special
footwear provided, we follow a tour guide over a series of wooden walkways to
the famous "Hurricane Deck". As we stand at the railing, we are a
mere 20 feet (6 meters) from the billowing torrents of Bridal Veil Falls. The
rushing waters loom above us, dousing us with a generous spray as we face the
thundering Falls head-on. Rainbows are usually visible day and night. Everyone
can experience the sights of Niagara Falls. A deck has been built 150 feet from
the base of the Falls especially designed for handicapped and adults with
children in arms.
While
there is no actual cave anymore, the original cave was a natural cave behind
Bridal Veil Falls 130 feet (40m) high, 100 feet (30m) wide and 30 feet (9m) in
depth. It was discovered in 1834, and originally dubbed Aeolus' Cave, after the
Greek god of winds. Guided tours began officially in 1841, and continued until
a rock fall in 1920 made it clear the passage was no longer safe. The cave was
obliterated in a massive 1954 rock fall and subsequent dynamiting of a
dangerous overhang.
- Maid of the Mist. (Boat Tour that takes us near the Horseshoe Falls).
- Niagara Hydro Electric Power Station museum
- A film(in 4D) showing historical background of Niagara Falls.
- Rainbow Bridge over Niagara river. (A link bridge of two countries USA and Canada).
09-7-10. Friday.
Reached Boston at 08:00 PM. And stayed in the house of
daughter of Shri C.Yasodhar Rao garu. All the four members Shri Yasodhara Rao
and his family and his daughter Chy.sow.Suma and her husband Shri Swarup were
there and very hospitable.
10-7-10. Saturday.
Visited the following at Boston:-
- Harvard University.
- MIT (Massachusetts Institute of Technology).
All 8 of us had lunch at an Indian restaurant (Desi Dhaba) in Boston and
there was sudden downpour due to which the adjacent street was waterlogged and due
to the flooding of the street, water went inside our rental car causing anxiety
as to how to do safe return of the car. However, in about 2hours time water
slightly receded in the street and we drained out water from the car taking the
help of hotel staff and then set out to the house of Swarup. We again drained
out the remaining water from the car using blower. Took leave off Shri Yasodhar
Rao garu and his family and then went to Boston Airport, returned the rental
car to Hertz rental car agency. Due to these unexpected tense movements, we had
to cancel a boat tour at Boston Sea Port so as to be in time at the Airport.
Though with anxious movements, we were right in time and got into the
Jet Blue flight at 7:00 PM (EST) and reached Oakland Air Port (California) at
11:00PM (PST). The journey time was 5.30. Hrs. Shri Gurudev Bhatt, a nice and gentle person and friend of
chy.Prasad and Iskcon devotee came over to the Airport and dropped us in the car
back at our home.
14-7-10. Wednesday.
Visited ISKCON Temple. (All four of us.)
Listened to the discourse by senior swamy of ISKCON Swamy Devamrita (www.devaswami.com).
His main thrust was on Absorption a sort of transcendental
happiness and said that when we deeply involve into devotional service, the
Absorption will be sustainable and if it is mundane related however deep and rigorous, it will not
be sustainable.
17-7-10. Saturday.
Attended birthday celebrations of chy. Goura Krishna, son of Kishore
Prabhu, an Iskcon devotee. The
celebrations were conducted in an atmosphere full of Devotion wherein Kirtans
and Bhakti songs were rendered by ISKCON temple head Shri Vaisesika Das Prabhu
for about 1 and half hours and cake cutting event also was conducted under his
guidance. There was lot of fun too since games were conducted for both children
and elders and peaceful and friendly atmosphere prevailed throughout the
period.
18-7-10. Sunday.
Participated in a 5K walking conducted under the auspices of Sevathon at
Bayland Park, Sunnyvale, California. The proceeds will go to several charitable
institutions notably Sri Sankara Eye Foundation.
I got my health checked up too at
this event and readings showed good results like cholesterol and BP levels.
This was due to my regular walking and active lifestyle. The American lady
doctor commented “Keep up the good work!”
24-7-10. Saturday. 12-30. P.M.
(After reservation made on line)
Visited Hanuman Temple located at Mount Madonna Center, a 355 acre
mountain-top with redwood forest and grassland overlooking Monterey Bay.
(between Santa Cruz and Monterey). The priest was an American, who conducted
puja, chanted some Hanuman mantras and offered Prasad.
Had darshan of Swamy Baba Hari Dass at the community Office.
Some questions were asked by me
and Prasad to him and he replied in writing, since he is on a vow of silence
for the last 40 years.
Question 1: How to control mind
Answer: Live a virtuous life.
Question 2: What is enlightenment?
Answer: A
mental stage where there is neither aversion nor craving. The real state
however is beyond description.
Question 3: Buddha never talked of God, but showed path of
enlightenment. Several were enlightened by following his preachings. What is
your opinion about that path?
Answer: Certainly. It is possible if you make continuous
effort.
Question 4. Any message/ upadesh:
Answer: Practice meditation regularly.
Question 6: What should be the object of meditation?
Answer: Any spiritual object or Akash.
Then in the evening from 6-00 P.M. went round the 17 mile drive along
the Coast of Pacific Ocean in the car upto 9-00 P.M. The drove to the house of
Rama Krishna friend of Prasad and had dinner in his house. Left his house after
dinner and reached our home at 1-00 A.M.
25-7-10. Sunday. (Guru Pournami
day)
Attended H.S.S. (Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh) Shakha at Milpitas along with
chy.Prasad from 9-30 A.M. to 11-30 A.M.
In U.S.A., H.S.S. organizes 6 festivals out of which Guru Pournami day
is one. Bouddhik was given by Shri
Jaideep Unni who covers 15 Shakhas in the Bay Area of California as bouddhik
pramukh. Giving the significance of Guru Pournami, its relevance and importance
to H.S.S., he recounted how with foresight Doctorji the founder of R.S.S. in
1925 has conceived the idea of taking Bhagavat Dhwaj (Saffron flag) as Guru
instead of any human since no human can be eternal and totally free from
slightest fallibility. Through Bhagavat Dhwaj one can derive inspiration to
lead a life of purity, morality, sacrifice and fearlessness as the saffron
colour represents these qualities. He pointed out that Sangh as an organization
stood the test of time in playing the role of character building, strengthening
unity, fraternity amongst people and has been assiduously working for
protecting our ancient culture. The Mukhya Sikshak is Nilesh Pathak and new
members introduced were Shri Chandra Sekhar and a lady karyavah of the Shakha. Nishant, Yuva Pramukh was earlier
introduced. Games were organized by Srhi Chandra Sekhar.
25-7-10. Sunday. 4-30 P.M.
Attended Pamasri Dr Shobharaju's concert (Annamayya fame). The concert
began with the children who learnt from her. After completion by them and by
another batch of students who learnt from her, she conducted and rendered
several Annamayya Kirtanas for 3 hours from 5-30 P.M. Her songs drew loud
applauses from the audience (around six hundred) and created a completed
devotional atmosphere. The event was held under collaboration of BATA and TANA.
Since Usha was college friend of Shobha Raju, at Padmavathi College, Tirupathi
during 1970s, we met her after the event inside the auditorium and spoke to her
for 20 minutes and had a group photo with her.
It is
pertinent to note what Dr.Shobha Raju has to say in her own words.
“We clean our house,
we clean roads, and we have pollution checks for our automobiles. Do we have
checks for pollution created by wrong thoughts? My prayerful music is to wipe out
the thought pollution. I have adopted Annamacharya Sankeertanas, the powerful
“MANTRAS” (Holy Hymns) for this cause. All the disasters in the world are due
to vibrations caused by wrong thoughts. LET US CREATE A WORLD OF PEACE AND LOVE
THROUGHT MUSIC.”
In the night visited the Sunnyvale Hindu Temple where Guru Pournami
celebrations were organized with Satyanarayana Vratam and had the 'prasad'.
Book Reading:-
One of my
favorite pastimes is reading newspapers and books (especially philosophical)
and one book which I liked most here is “SPIRITUAL WARRIOR I” by B.T.Swami a
close disciple of His Divine Grace A.C Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada (ISKCON
founder). He mentioned in one place that the present times are both worst and
best. He substantiated the worst times by talking of little stability in the
world today from both political point of view and social point of view. Talking
of impending economic crisis and polluted political atmosphere, and many
countries having acquired chemical and nuclear weapons, he calls it a period of
great unrest and turmoil.
He at the
same time calls it as the best of times since it is a period conducive to
assess our spiritual growth and
carry on further to take further steps in that direction. According to him,
with so many inputs available in the present day, one can make rapid progress
in the spiritual path if one desires. I feel the author has made a very
accurate analysis of the present world scenario.
He says that
this is one of the most credible times to be a part of this universe. There are
entities that are waiting for many million of years to take birth at this time
so that they can gain spiritual strength so as to take back to the spiritual
world. Since we are already bestowed with that Grace with a birth in these
times so as to be part of that enfoldment, the author exhorts us to align with
such people and practices which would enable us to raise our consciousness
paving the way to align ourselves with the Universe and God.
27-7-10. Tuesday.
Watched Tennis Match conducted at Stanford University Sports Stadium at
California from 7-00 P.M to 9-00 P.M.
The match was organized by Sony Ericsson Championship WTA Tour and the
match we witnessed was between three-time Grand slam champion and former No.1
Maria Sharapova of Russia and Jie Zheng of China. It was a thrilling match
since the later Zheng gave a good fight and it was neck and neck fight between
the two. The match was won by Maria Sharapova with scores 6-4, 7-5 by winning
the first two sets. Later at the end of the event we had a close look at her
and took a photograph. No
spectators are permitted to the visitor’s gallery when game is on and are
permitted only after the game in the session is completed.
After the
completion of the match (Sharapova is near the score board)
28-7-10. Wednesday.
In the evening two Sangh (HSS) functionaries Shri Anupam Shekavat and
Nilesh Pathak visited our house and narrated about some of the programmes being
organised here and about the coming Hindu Heritage Camp (HHC) on 4th,
5th, 6th August at Sunnyvale Temple. We also discussed
about the activities being carried out through Viswa Samvad Kendras in India.
Also spoke on phone with Shri Vijaya Simha another functionary of Sangh from
Bay Area of California who is originally from Andhra Pradesh.
30-7-10.
Friday.
Talk by Param Pujya Didi Maa Sadhvi Ritambhara:-
Evening from 7:00 P.M.to 10:00 P.M. At Sunnyvale Hindu Temple.
Attended
discourse on “Shreemad Bhagwat Katha” by Param Pujya Didi Maa Sadhvi Ritambhara
founder of Vastalya Gram on an invitation from Param Shakti Peeth of USA. She is here giving discourse for 5 days
from July 30th to 3rd August. She says that thousands of
children in the world are waiting for a permanent place to call Home and that
Home is Vatsalya Gram and wants to adopt one village in every State of India in
the coming 10 years period for overall development of the village. She says that
“the whole world needs maternal love. Every child should get a mother's lap so
that no child may feel deprived”.
31-7-10.
Saturday:-
In the
evening attended ISKCON Satsang conducted at the house of Kishore Prabhu. He
read out from Bhagavat Gita and the topic was on the qualities required to be
eligible for getting Lord's Grace. Human effort will yield results only when
aided by the Grace of God according to the Scripture.
AUG
2010
01-8-10.
Sunday:-
Participated in
one day Vipassana course at South Bay Vipassana Hall from 9-00 A.M. To 4-00
P.M. The name of the assistant teacher is Shri Harry Synder. The course manager
is Shri Sudhakar Reddy from Hyderabad and was pleasantly surprised to see him
in a one day course. After the course is over, he brought me in his car to our
house and spent with us from 4-30 P.M. to 8-00 P.M. He gave overview of
Vipassana meditation technique to Prasad and answered questions raised by him
regarding the subject patiently, shared knowledge on spirituality in general
and vipassana in particular and
felt very happy with his exposition of the subject and about spiritual
experiences during vipassana meditation practice.
From
28-7-10(Wednesday) to 08-8-10. (Sunday)
In the evenings daily Shri Ramachary founder of Little Musicians Academy
has taught music classes at
Milpitas Satyanarayanaswamy temple. Usha has joined to learn and Swetha has
coordinatded the activities with about 50 students in the evening. Morning
session also is there for another about 40 students at the same venue.
From 02-8-10 to 08-8-10. Evening discourse by Swami
Tattvavidananda.
Arsha Vidya Centre at BAYVP (Bay Area
Youth Vaishnava Parivar) of Milpitas has organized this programme. The discourse
is on Bhakta Hanuman. Myself and Prasad have attended on 2nd, 3rd, 4th,
and 6th August. Swamiji
has explained it nicely on comparing and linking with the contemporary
times. He first explained as to
how Ramayana is treated as Adi
Kavya written by Maharshi Valmiki. He then narrated the story in Kishikanda
Kanda and Sundera Kanda and about the qualities of Hanuman which are
inspiration to one and all for emulation.
Swami Tattvavidanana leaving
after the end of the discourse.
05-8-10.
Thursday. Evening.
ISKCON Senior Acharya Radhanath Swamy gave a talk on the subject
“ecology and protection” in
one Hall of Stanford University, California. He later released an autobiography
of him namely “Journey Home”. We
purchased one book and took his blessings with his signature in it. I asked
some questions and he answered. I asked why equal importance is given to
practical aspect of Vedanta as is given to theoretical aspect. I said to him
that real transformation in the people would come if equal importance is given
to practice of Dharma by the people and Acharyas could guide them in this
direction. He agreed and said that to some extent it is happening.
Radhanath swamy during book signing event.
07-8-10.
Saturday.
Shri
Ramachary founder of Little Musicians Academy at Hyderabad visited our house in
the evening along with Silicon Andhra Committee members Shri Vijaya Saradhi,
Vamshi and others and had dinner with us. Shri Ramachary a cheerful and helpful
person narrated about the activities of LMA (Little Musicians Academy) where he
is teaching music free. Since they do not have own building for his teaching and practice by the
students they are proposing to raise resources through donations for owning a
place for pursuing this objective. The place could be somewhere around
Nallakunta area in Hyderabad.
08-8-10.
Sunday.
Rath
Yatra.
Myself and Prasad went by car to San Francisco Golden Gate Park in
Northern California about 100 km. from the area of our residence and
participated in the Rath Yatra festival organized by ISKCON. On the Chariot
seated were the deities of Lord Krishna, Balabhadra and Subhadra.
Myself
pulling the cart.
We spent at the festival from 12-00 Hrs to 4-00 P.M. What I liked most
was the devotional aspect of the nearly three thousand participants some
looking absorbed in the devotional songs played during the Rath Yatra. Some of
the participants came over not only from other parts of USA but also from
countries like Canada, Mexico.
Myself and Prasad spoke to Senior Acharya Radhanath
Swamy and asked about the three photos of J.Krishna Murty, Dalai Lama and
Acharya S.N.Goenka principal Teacher of Vipassana appearing in the central page
of his autobiography “The journey Home” and wanted to know whether their
preachings based on Lord Buddha's philosophy were in anyway differing from the
preachings of ISKCON or such similar philosophies and he answered that there
was no difference and this would be known on reading the above book.
08-8-10. Sunday evening.
Silicon Andhra Annual Day. (From 5-00 P.M. to 10-00 P.M.)
Silicon Andhra Annual Day. (From 5-00 P.M. to 10-00 P.M.)
There were were two
programmes organised by Silicon Andhra.
·
Discourse by Brahmasri Samavedam Shanmukha Sarma.
·
Music Programme by Shri Rama Chary and his students.
Shri Rama Chary and his students mostly
children and some adults total numbering nearly 85 gave a very good musical
presentation by singing both devotional and Folk songs. The last song was a
patriotic song “Vandanam” with a dance by 6 students which included my
daughter-in-law Swetha amidst a big applause by the audience. The whole musical
event which lasted nearly 2.5 hours from 7-00 P.M. To 9-30 P.M. speaks of the
teaching ability of Shri Ramachary who within a fortnight shaped the students
to be able to perform on a stage. He has the art of teaching the music while
entertaining the kids. The audience for the above events was about 1200.
09-8-10. Monday.
Evening.
Discourse by Brahmasri Samavedam Shanmukha Sarma.
Discourse by Brahmasri Samavedam Shanmukha Sarma.
Attended his discourse on
the topic “Sri Vidya” organized by Sri Veda Vidya peetham in a devotee's house
at San Jose, California. The subject relates to connection between Mantra and
Yantra a figure derived out of
vibrations of the sound of Mantra and the figure (Chakra) formed
with sound vibrations of ”OM” is “Sri
Vidya”. By worshipping “Sri Vidya” beginning from gross to subtle and subtlest
levels with dedication and devotion, one attains four 'Purushadrhas' namely:
Dharma, Artha, Kama & Moksha. “Sri Vidya” Goddess has all the forms of
gross, subtle, subtler and subtlest.
10-8-10. Tuesday.
Evening.
Discourse by Brahmasri Samavedam Shanmukha Sarma.
Discourse by Brahmasri Samavedam Shanmukha Sarma.
Attended his disscourse on the topic “Satyanarayana Mahatyam” conducted
at Satyanarayana Swamy Temple at Milpitas, California in the evening from 7-00
to 9-00 P.M. He explained that
Satyanarayana Vratam falls within the ambit of performing three important Karmas ie., Yajna, Dana and Tapo
Karmas with dedication. These three Karmas are essential part of our Sanatana
Dharma if one has to achieve any progress in spiritual path. He mentioned that
the Vratam involves in Aahuta, Sannihita (close) and Vyapaka (spreading) where
ritual practice leads to invoking these three attributes of Satyanarayana
Swamy. He said that Lord dwells in Sat Karmas and exhorted the devotees to
worship the truth itself ie., by speaking the truth as Lord Narayana. He gave
the example of Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa who did so. After explaining the
procedure of performing Vratam which includes the proper positioning of the
main and subsidiary idols, he narrated the five stories contained in the Vrata
Katha along with message. The underlying message he said was to develop and
grow in Sattva Guna minimizing Rajo and Tamo Gunas and ultimately to transcend
all these three Gunas which leads to real spiritual progress.
12-8-10. Thursday.
(Las Vegas Trip & Grand Canyon Trip)
(Las Vegas Trip & Grand Canyon Trip)
Left San Fransisco in the night
at 8-00.P.M. and arrived Las Vegas at 9-30. P.M. Stayed in Hotel Stratosphere
at Las Vegas from 12th to 15th August.
13-8-10. Friday.
Las Vegas a city with
shows, shops, restaurants, sights, nightlife and tours. Witnessed a Magic Show
at a Theater in Luxor Hotel (which is in the shape of famed Egyptian Pyramid).
The magic show named as “Believe” was interesting conducted by Criss Angels.
There were several similarities with that of noted Indian magicians like P.C
Sorcar like disappearance of the star performer Criss Angels from the stage and
his appearance amongst the audience. We also had a boat ride (Gondala Ride in a
creek in “The Venetian” Hotel) in a created evening setting which was so
interesting and memorable with a Roman prayer song by the boatman. It resembled
as if we were boat-riding in a creek at Venice, Italy. We went on top of Eiffel
Tower of Las Vegas and from there observed water fountains emanating from
Bellagio Water Lake every 15 minutes once. The interesting scene lasted 5
minutes each time.
A view of Bellagio hotel from top of Eiffel tower; In front of Eiffel tower, Las Vegas.
Inside
the Venetian Hotel, Las Vegas.
14-8-10. Saturday.
14-8-10. Saturday.
The day was spent with two visits one to Hoover Dam built across
Colorado River and the other to Grand Canyon.
·
Hoover
Dam:
The dam named after
great engineer and designer was built across river Colorado during great
recession of 1932 in U.S.A. and each worker involved in the massive
construction of the dam was paid at an average of $4 per day. There is a giant hydro electric project
with an installed capacity of 2000 Megawatts and the electricity generated with
it is catering to the power needs of two States Nevada and Arizona and which
has brought prosperity two these two States.
Hoover Dam, Arizona.
·
Grand
Canyon West:
After watching the
Hoover Dam, we went to see Grand Canyon West situated close to Colorado River in
the State of Arizona. Grand Canyon West is privately owned and operated by the
Hualapai Tribe and requires the purchase of a permit and Legacy tour package
for entry. We first went to the Grand Canyon Visitor Place and purchased tour
tickets and visited the following spots:
·
Grand
Canyon West Eagle Point.
At this point we were overwhelmed with spiritual emotions as we viewed
and experienced the vast beauty of the canyon along with entire hill ranges
with rocky cliffs. With Eagle Point, the beautiful Colorado River 4000 feet
below, the ever changing panorama of color, from the light of the day and until
Sun sets, and the views were amazing and surreal.
·
Grand
Canyon Skywalk at Eagle Point.
It was indeed a wonderful experience studded with thrill to watch the
Grand Canyon from the Glass Bridge which is suspended 4,000 feet above the
Colorado River on the very edge of the Grand Canyon. We walked on the Glass
Bridge and since it was so transparent, we were able to watch the entire valley
portion by walking on it which otherwise was not visible.
Water
Efficiency: We noticed one useful equipment in the rest rooms at Grand
Canyon Visitor's Room where Sloan Technology based equipment in the form of
dual-flush Flushometers and fixtures were used which has taken water efficiency
to new heights. There can not be second opinion to say that using water
efficiently is more than taking care of the Earth's most precious natural
resource. I felt that water
conservation starts with each of us. Sloan is a plumbing company
and their commitment to the environment is demonstrated through their
revolutionary designs, an uncompromising commitment to quality and their
sustainable manufacturing processes. Sloan is making real changes to meet the
water challenges of the future who are credited to have innovated for the first
time sensor-operated Flushometers and faucets during 1970s and 1980s which
helped increase hygiene and raise awareness of water efficiency in public
restrooms. It seems Sloan
Monitored Systems and recycled water technology are new additions, which are
increasing the efficiencies of the water used in restrooms even further.
A
Green Life. I strongly feel that since this whole process speaks of
sustainability which involves caring about our communities and respecting our
environment such experiments should continue and be brought to use throughout
the world. It is learnt that these dual-flush Flushometers are made from a high
level of recycled/recovered
material and are 100 percent recyclable.
15-8-10. Sunday.
The day was spent by visits to various places in Las Vegas like shops,
restaurants and shows at Bellagio, Monte Carlo, Mandalay Bay, Excalibur, Luxor,
New York New York. We travelled by tram from Mandalay Bay to Excalibur an
interesting journey. We witnessed three highest thrill rides on top of
Stratosphere Hotel where we stayed and the rides were called as Big Shot,
Insanity and X Scream. We witnessed another memorable stage show “The Lion
king” enacted in the theater of Mandaylay Bay Hotel depicting life of animal
kingdom with direction by Roger Allers and Rob Minkoff with the lion role
enacted by Jelani Remy known by the name Simba. A total of more than 60 artists participated in the show.
The show was very good with memorable music and Lyrics by Elton John&Tim
Rice and an excellent Orchestra by Robert Elhai.
We returned to San Francisco on the morning of 16th
August from Las Vegas.
22-8-10. Sunday.
SOCIETY OF ABIDANCE IN TRUTH.
(S.A.T.)
Visited
the Ramana Maharshi Ashram (SAT) and attended the sunday Satsang from 9-30 A.M.
To 11-30 A.M. The event was held under the leadership of Shri Nome, a master in preachings of
Ramana Maharshi. After a brief discourse by Shri Nome question answer session
was held which I very much liked. He answered several intricate questions
patiently and smilingly. S.A.T is a spiritual non profit organization
consecrated to the teachings of Advaita Vedanta, especially as revealed by Shri
Ramana Maharshi. These teachings emphasize nondual Self-Knowledge and deal with
Self-Realisation, the primary means of attaining which is the spiritual practice
of Self-enquiry.
The message is
this:- “Something in you is constantly knowing or observing the perceptions and
thoughts which flow past. This something is Consciousness, and it has always
been the same throughout your entire life.” by Shri Nome.
www.satramana.org
·
Mystery Spot
We
then visited Mystery Spot located in San Francisco. Its importance is as
follows:-
There is a gravitational anomaly located in the redwood forests covering
a circular area of around 150 feet in diameter just outside of Santa Cruz,
California. When we went inside this area, we were stunned to find that our
perceptions of the laws of physics and gravity were at variance. The Mystery
Spot was first discovered in 1939 by a group of surveyors and opened to the
public in 1940.
What is
perplexing is the puzzling variations of gravity, perspective and height in
this particular patch of area.
There are different theories in speculation for this mystery. One
opinion is that cones of metal were secretly brought here and buried in our
earth as guidance systems for their spacecraft. Some others opine that
spacecraft itself was buried deep within the ground there. Some other opinions
include carbon dioxide permeating from the earth, a hole in the ozone layer and
the highest dielectric bio-cosmic radiation known anywhere in the world.
Whatever the real cause is, the Mystery Spot is fun for all ages and takes
about 45 minutes to cover the area and it is a great place to spend with the
whole family.
28-8-10. Saturday.
Visited San Francisco and spent 1.5
hours on joy ride in Pacific back Bay through a mechanized boat starting from
Pier 32 and passing under Golden Bridge and then passing close to an island
where Alcatraz prison was maintained till recently and reached back at Pier 32.
We also experienced an interesting journey through a cable car for a
distance of about 4km. inside busy roads of San Francisco. There were several
ups and downs of the roads and it was of interest to travel in a car which is
neither driven with petrol or electricity but only with cable (which is powered
by motors at a central location in the city) that runs underground. The Cable
car hooks to this moving underground cable and then travels uphill.
29-8-10. Sunday.
We attended Raksha Bandhan function from 9-30 A.M. to 11-30 A.M. Organized by H.S.S.(Hindu Sevak Sangh)
at Milpitas of Northern California. The Police Chief of Milpitas was the chief
guest and he addressed the members of the H.S.S. Sakha (also called as Bala
Gokulam) and exhorted the kids to develop wisdom after learning discipline and
values which are inculcated through such Sakha programmes. Later a small stage
play was enacted by the Sangh karyakartas signifying the importance of Rakha
Bandhan and tying of Rakhees was done between two members with volition that
each stands as protector of the other.
Interacting
with the police chief of the City of Milpitas.
SEPT 2010
02-9-10. Thursday.
Left for Los Angeles at 7-00 P.M. after Shri Kishore Prabhu, an ardent
devotee of Iskcon and Prasad's
friend dropped us at the local San Jose Air port.Reached Los Angeles at 8-30
P.M. and took a rental car for site seeing for 6 days up to 8th
September and stayed in a hotel.
03-9-10. Friday.
Visit to San Diego Wild Animal Park. (Name under change now to San Diego Zoo Safari Park).
Visit to San Diego Wild Animal Park. (Name under change now to San Diego Zoo Safari Park).
It is located in beautiful San Pasqual Valley about 30 miles north east
of San Diego. It is understood that this 1,800-acre San Diego Zoo's Wild Animal
Park is operated by the San Diego Zoo which includes a 900-acre native species
reserve. The organization focuses on conservation and research work around the
globe, educates millions of individuals a year about wild life and maintains
accredited horticultural, animal, library and photo collections. It is to the
credit of the Zoo that it also manages the San Diego Zoo and the San Diego
Zoo's institute for Conservation Research. It is learnt that The Foundation of
the Zoological Society of San Diego supports the important conservation and
science work of these entities.
We undertook the tram tour ride which gave us a feeling of a journey
into the wilds of Africa and had a chance to observe animals in expansive,
naturalistic enclosures. Next ride was Flight Line but taken only by chy.Prasad
and chy.sow Swetha which involved a zipline adventure by soaring like a condor
to as high as 160 feet above the ground starting from a ridgetop along a sturdy
cable “trolley”as they glided approximately 2/3 of a mile over exotic animals
and open exhibits, the picturesque San Pasqual Valley unfolding before them.
This is the ultimate recreational experience for those looking for excitement.
This first Flightline run is 470 feet long and carries one through fragrant,
shady trees. The complete Flightline experience from orientation to final
landing took nearly 1 hour for them.
We then took a ride in Balloon Safari in a quiet tethered helium-filled
balloon which has a capacity of carrying up to 30 people and we rose to a
height of 400 feet above ground level which gave us panoramic view of lions,
rhinos, giraffes as well as the entire Park and surrounding areas. We witnessed
an exciting 4D Film known as “Zoo Werks-The Ride” conducted in a closed theater
which we witnessed by sitting in a chair which was a simulator ride. We had a
chance of seeing 3 lions from close quarters which were roaming in “Lion Camp”.
We had also seen Gorillas, elephants, Zebras and Giraffes from close quarters.
In the evening we had witness a very interesting Nigerien acrobatics show
conducted by six people. The show presented by them was so successful with their
perfection in time management and skill.
A cheetah from the Wild Animal Park.
04-9-10. Saturday.
Visit to Sea World.
Visit to Sea World.
Today
entire day we spent in Sea World of San Diego located in an area of 189 acres
at San Diego, California which is an animal theme park, oceanarium, and marine
mammal park. We heard that originally it was planned to construct an underwater
restaurant and but it was not technically feasible and hence the concept grew
into the marine zoological park on 22 acres along the shore of Mission Bay at San Diego. It is learnt
that Sea World was founded in 1964 by four graduates of the University of
California Los Angeles. With an initial investment of $1.5 million, 45 employees,
several dolphins, sea lions, and two seawater aquariums, Sea World drew more
than 400,000 visitors its first year.
·
Shamu Show at Shamu Stadium: Shamu is a killer whale
found in Ocean and is very dangerous sea animal. It was a 25 minute
show. It was amazing to notice killer whales performing acrobatics in the water
and periodically jumping above the water and coming on to the bank of the water
and greeting the audience. They were so well trained by the instructors that
the whales did with precision.
Orcas (The Killer Whale):
SeaWorld's main attraction is its orcas, several of which are housed in 7
million gallon habitats that are each known as Shamu Stadium. Shamu was the
name of the first orca brought to SeaWorld San Diego in the 1960s.
"Shamu" is now used as a stage name for adult Orcas in performances
at SeaWorld parks. The Orcas all have individual names. We collected the names
of seven orcas that live at Sea World San Diego and the other six names are :-
Corky, Kasatka, Ulises, Orkid, Nakai
and Kali.
SeaWorld San Diego has two species
of toothed-whales:
Pacific short-finned pilot
whales. Bubbles, Shadow and Sully, a young male that was rescued, but unable to
be returned to the wild.
Beluga whales:
Allua (originally housed in Vancouver, BC at the Vancouver
Aquarium), Ferdinand, Nanuq ( also originally housed in Vancouver at
the Vancouver Aquarium ) , Ruby, and Ruby's calf (female born on June 23rd )
Dolphins:
There are three species of dolphins at SeaWorld San Diego,including a Common
dolphin, along with both Atlantic/Pacific Bottlenose dolphins and Commerson's
dolphins. The Bottlenose dolphins looked like rotating between Blue Horizons,
Rocky Point Preserve, and the Dolphin Interaction Program. The Commerson's
dolphins live at an exhibit near Journey to Atlantis.
·
Dolphin Cove (Seaworld).
The Dolphin
Encounter Program and Dolphin Interaction Program was found at this exhibit. We
saw the popular bottlenose dolphins on exhibit here in a pool where we had free
access to pet the dolphins and observed our neighbors interacting with the
dolphins by feeding the dolphins with fish. Dolphins produce clicking sounds
that travel through the water. Then they listen for the echoes these sound waves
make when they bounce off an object. Dolphins can tell a lot about an object
that reflects the sound. They can determine its size, shape, distance and if it
is moving, its speed and direction. Dolphins make sounds to communicate.
Probably by moving air through nasal sacs near the low hole. Hubbs-Sea World
Research Institute scientists continue to study how dolphins produce and hear
sounds.
·
Shrek 4 D show.
·
Shipwreck Rapids: It is a raft ride that ventures into the shipwrecks of the
deep with twist and turns. I did not take this ride but Usha, Prasad and Swetha
undertook this ride. At one point they passed through a live turtle exhibit and
at another point they went underneath a waterfall and would have become
completely wet but for the rain coat they were wearing.
We also witnessed the
following Animal Encounters:
·
Penguin Encounter: SeaWorld's Penguin Encounter
exhibit features over 300
Antarctic penguins representing eight different species in an icy polar
environment. It is only one of two places in the world where Emperor Penguins
are kept in captivity, including the only successful captive breeding program.
The penguins are not named and are referred to by a three digit number. (We
watched the movie 'March of the Penguins' later after returning from the trip.)
·
Polar Bears: SeaWorld's Wild Arctic exhibit is
home to three polar bears: Charly (M), Szenja (F), and Snowflake (F).
·
Shark Encounter.
We have seen one of the world's largest displays of sharks while walking
through a submerged acrylic viewing tube.
·
Wild Arctic. While
passing through this chilly exhibit we came face to face with polar bears,
beluga whales and walruses. This exhibit is home to three polar bears. 1.Charly
(male). 2.Szenja(female).3.Snowflake.(female).
·
Wonders of the River.
We have seen variety of large and small exotic freshwater fish in a
larger-than-life aquarium which was located next to the Shark Encounter.
·
World of the Sea
Aquarium:
It was interesting
to see undersea communities of coral reefs, kelp beds, schooling fish and
gamefish.
·
Forbidden Reef:
We found bat rays and sting rays in a shallow lagoon and came face to
face with moray eels.
·
Rocky Point
Preserve:
We observed bottle nose dolphins and watched playful sea otters during
Otter presentation.
·
Pacific Point:
We found harbor seals and sea lions.
·
Fireworks:
At 9-50. P.M. sharp there were colorful fireworks conducted in the Sea
World. It was in fact a treat to watch these colorful fireworks and sparkling
color bombs directed towards the sky
05-9-10. Sunday.
Visit to San Diego Zoo.
Visit to San Diego Zoo.
Brief history:-
The San Diego Zoo in Balboa Park, San Diego, California is one of the
largest and most progressive zoos in the world, with over 4,000 animals of more
than 800 species in an area of 107 acres. It is also one of the few zoos in the
world that houses the giant pandas. The San Diego Zoo is dedicated to the
preservation and display of endangered species.
San Diego Zoo grew out
of exotic animal exhibitions abandoned after the 1915 Panama-California
Exposition. A permanent tract of land in Balboa Park was set aside in August
1921, and the zoo began to move in the following year. The San Diego Zoo has
been a pioneer in building "cage less" exhibits. Dr. Harry M.
Wegeforth who founded the Zoological Society of San Diego was determined to
create moated exhibits from the start, and the first lion area at the San Diego
Zoo without enclosing wires opened in 1922. The publication ZooNooz commenced in early 1925.
Tours that we underwent in the
Zoo are as follows:-
·
Guided Bus Tour. We undertook a narrated bus
tour for 35 minute round-trip adventure through 70% of the Zoo's grounds.
·
Skyfari Aerial Tram:- We had spectacular views
over the treetops to the opposite side of the Zoo while traveling through the
aerial tram above the ground level.
·
Panda Canyon:- There were two pandas that we saw and found those eating
bamboo sticks so easily as one eats sugar cane much to the delight of the audience. There was a large queue
to witness the pandas perhaps due to the fact that pandas are rarely housed in
most of the zoos in the world. We
saw a Panda relishing Bamboo sticks!.
·
Giraffe feeding:- We witnessed the giraffes from
close quarters at arms distance and saw the co tourists feeding those with
biscuits.
We had also seen through urban
jungle lions, cheetahs, bears, rhinos, elephants, zebras and other wild animals
from close quarters to our delight. Also seen were polar bears kept in the
Polar Rim.
Shows witnessed:
·
Take Flight: An Avian Adventure. It was a Bird
show in a stadium witnessed by around 300 people and we liked it which was a feathery,
free-flight fun. It was a 25 minute show which included a song rendering by a
parrot.
We spent in the Zoo up to the
evening, and directly proceeded to Los Angeles in the rented car (we checked
out of the hotel in San Diego in Sunday morning itsellf) and checked into a
motel in Los Angeles (Hollywood) for the next three days.
06-9-10. Monday.
Most of the day on 6th September was spent on visits to spiritual centers around Los Angles.
Most of the day on 6th September was spent on visits to spiritual centers around Los Angles.
- Iskcon Temple. We visited the temple in the morning which is also known as New Dwaraka Dhama, Dhama, Srila Prabhupada's Western World Headquarters at Los Angeles, California.
According to the Iskcon philosophy there is a meaning behind chanting the
Maha-Mantra of Hare Krishna and Hare Rama. The name Krishna means “the All
Attractive One,” the name Rama means “the All- Pleasing One”, and name Hare is
an address to the Lord's Internal Energy. So the Maha-Mantra means “O
All-Attractive, All Pleasing Lord, O energy of the Lord, please engage me in
Your devotional service.”
Five centuries ago, while spreading the Maha-Mantra throughout India,
Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu prayed, “O Supreme Lord, in your names you have
invested all of Your transcendental energies.” The transcendental sound vibration
which is established by the chanting of this Maha-Mantra is the sublime method
for reviving our original, natural God Consciousness. This chanting is enacted
from the spiritual platform. By practical experience, one can perceive that by
chanting this Maha-Mantra, one can at once feel transcendental ecstasy,
surpassing all lower levels of consciousness, namely, sensual, mental and
intellectual. Iskcon claims that no other means of spiritual realization is as
effective in this Age of Quarrel and Hypocrisy as this Maha-Mantra.
- Visit to Malibu Hindu Temple.
In the
afternoon we visited the Venkateswara temple and liked the place and spent some
time there.
·
J.Krishnamurti's
Center:
We visited the former home of philosopher and spiritual teacher
J.Krishnamurti, Pepper tree retreat which is located at the east end of the
Ojai Valley next to the Los Padres National Forest, Southern California. Jiddu
Krishnamurti who was born on 12th May 1895, in Madanapalle, South
India. He traveled all over the world speaking spontaneously to large audiences
from 1929 till his passing away in 1986. He had a unique style of conveying his
message by engaging in dialogues with religious leaders, scientists,
professors, authors, psychologists, computer experts and people from many
different backgrounds deeply questioning their daily life. His talks and
dialogues have been compiled and published in more than fifty books and
translated to as many different languages.
According to him Truth is a pathless land and one cannot approach it by
any path whatsoever, by any religion, by any sect. Truth being limitless,
unconditioned, unapproachable by any path whatsoever, cannot be organized nor
should any organization to be formed to lead or to coerce people along any
particular path. No one can come to realize truth through any organization,
through any creed, through any dogma, priest or ritual, nor through any philosophical
knowledge or psychological technique. One should find it through the
understanding of the contents of one's own mind, thorough observation and not
through any intellectual analysis or introspective dissection.
He explained that each one of us can come to understand the content of
our own consciousness, and discover that it is common to all humanity. He
suggested that our violent, conflict-ridden world, cannot be transformed into a
life of goodness, love, compassion by any political, social or economic
strategies but only through our own observation and fundamental change. The
transformation can come through first-hand understanding without depending on
any guru, system or organized religion.
We spent some time at the same place where he used to stay in the above
mentioned Pepper tree retreat and found the place so peaceful and full of
tranquility and went through some of the great philosophical books of his own as well as some others.
Library was not opened during our visit and hence we could not go inside the
library.
While returning to hotel, we visited Shri Srinivas (Swetha
and Spandana's friend and mentor) and Sunita in their house in Los Angeles and
had dinner.
07-9-10. Tuesday.
Visit to the Universal Studios.
Visit to the Universal Studios.
Universal
Studios Hollywood is a movie studio and theme park in the unincorporated
Universal City community of Los Angeles County, California, United States. It
is one of the oldest and most famous Hollywood movie studios still in use. Its
official marketing headline is "The Entertainment Capital of LA",
though during the summer it is often advertised as "The Coolest Place in
LA." It was initially created to offer tours of the real Universal Studios
sound stages and sets. It is the first of many fully-fledged Universal Studios
Theme Parks located across the world. Woody Woodpecker is the mascot for
Universal Studios Hollywood.
Universal Studios Hollywood is
split into two areas on different levels, connected by a series of escalators
called the Star way. These areas are known as the Upper lot and Lower lot. Each
lot features a collection of rides, shows and attractions as well as food,
beverage and merchandise shops.
The Upper lot is home to a
variety of family based attractions and shows. It is also home to many dining
and merchandise shops as well as the park's entrance. For children and families
The Adventures of Curious George and The Simpson's Ride are offered. For older
guests the park offers Universal's House of Horrors, a year-round haunted
house.
This lot is also home to all of
the park's shows including The Blues
Brothers Revue, the Special Effects Stage, the Studio Tour, Universal's Animal Actors and
Waterworld: A live Sea War Spectacular.
The Upper lot is also home to two 3-D films: Shrek 4-D
(which features additional immersive features) and T2 3-D: Battle Across Time. There
are several themed retail outlets located near their respective rides in the
Upper lot. In homage to the previous simulator ride before The Simpsons
Ride, Doc Brown's Chicken shop has remained open.
The Lower lot is the smaller of
the two lots. It is home to Jurassic Park: The Ride, The NBC Universal Experience, Revenge
of the Mummy.
Similar to other Universal
theme parks around the world, where duplicates of Jurassic Park: The
Ride exist, the area surrounding the ride features a Jurassic Park
merchandise shop named Jurassic Outfitters and a dining facility named Jurassic
Café. Similarly a Revenge of the Mummy gift shop, called Tomb Treasures, greets
guests as they exit that ride.
·
Studio
Tour.
We experienced the largest movie set street expansion built with
creative consultation from Steven Spielberg himself. We were immersed in the
full back lot experience from the comfort of our new trams with
built-in-state-of-the-art HD monitors.
King Kong 360 3-D.
We had
encountered en route on our tour King Kong 360 3-D created by Peter Jackson on
the world's largest and most intense 3-D experience.
We also encountered
awe-inspiring wreckage like never before from the sets of the movie “war of the
worlds”.
·
Special
Effects Stage.
We witnessed the secrets behind the making of our favorite
block-buster movies.
·
Shrek 4-D Show.
We watched this show which looked like an adventure to the next
dimension in Shrek 4-D the attraction that put us in the action with
hair-raising, eye-popping, butt-busting effects so real, all our senses were on
ogre-time. Shrek 4-D featured an
original 3-D film starring the vocal talents of the movies' original cast. After emerging into a 3-D theater where
special effects were used, we felt the film experience so lively by using
miracle of ogre vision glasses.
We have seen, heard and actually felt the action as moving seats, water,
wind, mist and other special effects put us right in the middle of this fairy
tale adventure.
·
Water World. A Live Sea
War Spectacular.
We witnessed one remarkable show called as “Water World” enacted
in a water enclosure which was indeed a live Sea War Spectacular action show
and we liked it. It is an attraction based on the 1995 film Waterworld
found at Universal Studios Hollywood (1995), Universal Studios Japan
(2001) and Universal Studios
Singapore (2010). The original
attraction opened at the same time as the film. The attraction's story occurs
after the events of the movie, beginning with Helen's return from
"Dryland" to get her friends from the "Atoll", and includes
the characters Helen, the Deacon, and the Mariner as well as several
"Atollers" and "Smokers".
The show is 16 minutes long and includes stunts on water, land, and
overhead, supported by many pyrotechnic, flame, water, and other special
effects, including the explosive crash landing of the seaplane. The
stunt-show's unique soundtrack was crafted from snips from the movie
score.
The seating is in three sections of arena seating. The front seats are
the "Soak Zones", which are the target of splashes from the Jet-Skis
and various wet special effects.
·
Self-Realization
Fellowship (Hollywood temple).
After completion of the tour in Universal Studios at 6-00 P.M., we went
to see Paramahansa Yogananda's temple which is also known as Self-Realization
Fellowship which was founded in 1920 by Paramahansa Yogananda.
We spent in meditation for 1 hour from 6-30 to 7-30 in the evening in
the meditation hall. We also went round India house which is part of the temple
with the help of one experienced meditator involved in organization of
Self-Realisation Fellowship. The following thoughts were reverberating
throughout our stay at the temple as spoken by Paramahansa Yogananda.
“There is great value in visiting places where saints have lived. Such
places are forever permeated with the vibrations left there by the divine souls
who walked those grounds. Their vibrations will remain until this earth is
dissolved. Where souls have communed with God, there you will find greater
communion and response from God. Often such pilgrimages completely change one's
life for the better.”
Kriya Yoga taught by Paramahansa Yogananda is an advanaced Raja Yoga
technique which reinforces and revitalizes subtle currents of life energy in
the body, enabling the normal activities of heart and lungs to slow down
naturally. Because of this, the consciousness is drawn to higher levels of
perception gradually bringing about an an inner awakening more blissful and
more deeply satisfying than any of the the experiences that the mind or the
senses or the ordinary human emotions can give.
One technique of energization enables one to draw energy consciously
into the body from the Cosmic Source. This technique of life-energy control
purifies and strengthens the body and prepares it for meditation, making it
easier to direct the energy inward in order to reach higher states of
consciousness.
I understand that most of his students then as now are men and women
with responsibilities to work and family who learn through the Self-Realization
teachings how to balance their active lives with mediation. It is pertinent to
recollect the tribute paid by the Government of India to him while issuing a
commemorative stamp in his honor. In a descriptive leaflet distributed with the
stamp, the following words were expressed.
“The ideal of love for God and
service to humanity found full expression in the life of Parmahansa Yogananda.
He had but one goal: God-realization, and one program:to unite East and West by
spiritual understanding. Though the major part of his life was spent outside
India, still Paramahansa Yogananda takes his place among our great saints. His
work continues to grow and shine ever more brightly, drawing people everywhere
on the path of the pilgrimage of the Spirit.”
08-09-10. Wednesday.
Visit to Kodak Theater.
We visited Kodak Theater where Oscar
awards (Academy awards) are given annually.
Visit to The Getty Center.
Today we set out to see an important museum known by the name Getty
Center. In 1983 the J.Paul Getty Tryst purchased about 750 acres in the
foothills of the Santa Monica Mountains. The following year, after an
international search, architect Richard Meier was chosen to design the Getty
Center. The Getty Center opened to the public in December 1997. The Getty
Center includes an art collection so large it takes four exhibit pavilions just
to show part of it, and the complex includes nine buildings in total.
Most notable is the Central
Garden- the creation of the artist Robert Irwin, who has called it “ a
sculpture in the form of a garden aspiring to be art.”
Moving
up: We went by a tram which is essentially a horizontal elevator 1km up
the hill at a top speed of 15 km per hour. It is an electric, cable-driven
system; the frictionless cars ride on a cushion of air. It is just 5-minute
ride to the summit, which is 881 feet above sea level.
Garden
as gallery: While starting our visit at the lower Tram Station, we
noticed modern sculpture in the Fran and Ray Stark Sculpture Garden. We found
the garden functioning as a kind of open-air gallery in which the sculptures
could be experienced. This garden also provides a 'green roof' for the parking
garage which is situated below reducing heat on its surface.
Museum
Courtyard Fountains. The museum courtyard featured a 120-foot linear
fountain which is bordered on one side by a row of graceful cypress trees by
combining architectural and landscape elements. We have seen a
massive,blue-veined marble boulders grouped in a pool near the West Pavilion.
.
The Museum's
collections are organized from oldest in the North Pavilion to most recent in
the West Pavilion.
Getty Museum Review: We
found the architecture here as a work of art so entrancing but we did not have
sufficient time to spend inside the galleries. The collections were very impressive and included some fine
pieces of art. We can rate the Getty Museum 5 stars out of 5
for Richard Meier's awesome architecture, creating what we think is one of
California's greatest outdoor spaces. It looked to be one of our favorite Los
Angeles places.
11-9-10. Saturday.
Performed Ganesh Puja in the house.
12-9-10. Sunday.
Attended Ganesh Puja conducted at Balagokulam (H.S.S.) shakha at
Milpitas.
In the evening attended A.R.Rahman's musical show at Oracle indoor
stadium.
18-9-10.
Saturday.
Participated in the one day Vipassana meditation course at Santa Clara
South Bay Vipassana Meditation hall.
OCTOBER 2010
Oct
9, 2010 Saturday
Andhra
Cultural Festival (Silicon Andhra)
We attended the 10th Andhra Cultural Festival
organized by Silicon Andhra at the Flint Center Auditorium in DeAnza College,
Cupertino from 1:00pm to 10:00pm. The event was highly successful with several
cultural programs like Dasavataram, Tamasoma Jyotirgamaya enacted through dance
ballet amongst others and a popular Pouranik play “Sri Krishna Rayabaram” with
Krishna’s role played by Sri Gummadi Gopala Krishna. My daughter-in-law
performed in Tamasoma Jyotirgamaya.
Oct
16, 2010 Golden Gate Bridge
Visited Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, one of the most famous suspension bridges in the world, built over the Pacific Bay during 1933-1937. The bridge is an amazing engineering marvel.
Visited Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, one of the most famous suspension bridges in the world, built over the Pacific Bay during 1933-1937. The bridge is an amazing engineering marvel.
Oct
19, 2010
We left USA for home country in the evening on 19th
October (6:30PM PST) by British Airways and reached Hyderabad in the early
morning on 21st October (IST).
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