Message 1: Wedding countdown: 2 days!
My parents have come Monday for their first time to India! It was almost surreal to welcome them at the Bangalore airport! For all my previous visits to India, I was only able to communicate with them trough Skype and through my blog. Being able to share what India is really about with them was really exciting. Furthermore, being able to share with them what has changed my life (Art of Living) is even more exquisite, since they have just started yesterday the Art of Living (Part 1) course in Bangalore ashram!
The wedding is only 2 days ahead, and preparations are well on the way. Whenever I invite people to the wedding, they all tell me they have already attended! This is because of the Mala exchange we did after Navaratri! The wedding Monday will be very special, and all the pictures and details will be on the next blog post, I promise!
Message 2: Navaratri 2010, Bangalore ashram
Mala exchange with Guruji after Navaratri!Wow! Navaratri was mind-blowing. I contemplated for some time after Navaratri about writing down my experience, but the more I thought about it, I realized the big limitation of words. When it comes to describe such a subtle experience with the self, the deep meditations and the enchanting ceremonies that were performed, only somebody who has been there in person (forget the videos, too!) would understand. All I can say is that at my first Navaratri, last year, I took the intention to never miss this celebration. Well, this year again, I am renewing this intention and I am booking my return ticket to India at that time for sure! Come, you won’t regret it!
On a related note, I had the thought on the last day of the ceremonies last year that, should I get married in my life, it should be on that last day (10th day of the ceremonies, which is considered an auspicious day to start new things in life). Well, so it happens that we did Mala (garland) exchange in front of Guruji and around 15 000 people this year’s 10th day! Let me tell you it was magical, and I am very thankful that many of my Canadian friends were present that day (we finished with a party in the kitchen that night!).
Message 3: Canada VS India
The number one question I have been asked since I came to India, is where we will settle after wedding. “Good question” was my favorite answer, since I love to keep things open until the last moment (everything changes, isn’t it!). Since time is running out, we had to make a decision, Muthu and I finally decided that the most logical choice to start our new life would be to settle in … are you ready! … Canada! As much as I love India, it will have to wait for now. So much work is needed for next year in Montreal (in Art of Living), with Guruji’s visits for His birthday in May and for the first ever Guru Purnima in July. Also, it makes sense for me to start my career in Montreal and get paid around 7 times more than for a similar position in India! Already I have applied for 25 jobs in Montreal, including Facebook ! And it looks like our apartment is already booked! Also, Guruji is coming at the end of the month for a visit at the Canadian ashram. Muthu is already scheduled to teach the Art Excel course, and they asked for my translation skills. All is well!
Message 4: Advanced Course no. 9 with Rishi Nityapragyad
After writing this post, I have now completed 10 Advanced courses (Part 2, or the Silence course)! This course happened mid-September, where for the first time Rishiji came to Chennai to take a course! I was told that there are 3 people with whom you should do Part 2, Rishiji being one of them. I understand why now! Not only the way he presented the knowledge was very powerful and simple, his evening satsangs were rocking concerts! The presence this man has makes him look like a king, so much strength and love is pouring out of him. Somebody to meet in person, for sure. I will put the videos shortly on YouTube, but a search under his name will reveal so many already there. Check them out!
Attachments: Wedding invitation
For those in India, or even abroad, you are invited to our wedding in Bangalore ashram, on November 8th, 2010.
Wow :)
ReplyDeleteCongrats for marriage!
Wishing YOU a very Happy married life :)
n u really write it all so well :)
Max, Good Luck,
ReplyDeleteDo tell us who are the other 2 people do Advance course?. Canada is better destination. Will see you soon.
Max, you forgot to mention couple of things.
ReplyDeleteInterestingly 3 weddings and 1 mala exchange happened that day and 3 out of 4 couples were: the guy is french and the girl is Indian. of course Max would deny that to be more appropriate he is 'french canadian'
One is Deepali and Serge, Max and me (mala exchange) and other wedding is Francois and his wife(maybe 60th)
and the other thing you forgot is that I designed the invitation myself, infact my very first design :-)