For me, the journey began at five minutes past three in the morning, as the
taxi drew up in front of our house in the Swansea valley. It heralded the start
of a four-hour journey by coach, to London. All over the world other yogis were
probably doing the same thing, crossing islands and continents to get to their
point of embarkation. This was evident as I arrived in Los Angeles, some seventeen
hours later, at the same time as them.
The American collective lovingly took care of our every need, whilst the hosting
countries gathered themselves in readiness to take over the duty entrusted in
us by Sri Matai. Soon began the choreographed process of transporting the growing
number of arrivals to the site where the puja would be held; the Lake Piru wilderness
preserve, where tents were being erected in anticipation. A refrigerated truck
had to be secured on site to hold all the breakfasts we would consume in the
coming weeks. There were sweet American buns; fruit eggs, cereal and milk, all
selected by Sri Mataji herself.
The Americans were relieved when the caterers, a group of Indian yogis, took
over their responsibility of providing our lunch and dinner. We were most satisfied.
All the endeavours of those whose duty it was to take care of the collective
needs, were undertaken with utmost of bliss and joviality, even when mistakes
were made, and it felt as though we had had a great blessing bestowed upon us
to be given such an honour. I personally have felt myself grow tremendously
as a result.
 Lake
Piru National Park is situated in the hills of Sacramento, California, on the
edge of the Mojave Desert. As the story goes, the original owner of the land
had hoped that, one day, it might be used as a place for people of all nations
to come together in peace. He planted thick olive groves over much of the area,
symbolic of his dream for a new Jerusalem. The campsite is perched high up on
a hillside, amongst the olive trees, overlooking the lake. The pendal is pitched
down below, a short walk away, in a flat, sandy, open space next to the stream
which feeds the lake. The only green grass for miles around lies along the banks
of this stream, and the atmosphere is cool. Deer roam freely about in the bushes
and are sited frequently. Foxes, squirrels, and Racoons are also occasionally
seen, and the footprints of Puma and bears have also been sighted by the water’s
edge, where the animals must go to drink.
Nearby, the yogis and yoginis eat their meals on a field of green, shaded by
young trees. The children laugh and play in carefully tended groups, or spontaneously
amongst everyone, their laughter punctuating the gentle conversation of loving
brothers and sisters as they share their thoughts and feelings. The vibrations
grew as preparations for puja continued apace in the nearby pendal. People going
in and out with unhurried urgency.
 Shri
Mataji arrived some time in the late evening of the Saturday just as the finishing
touches were added to the stage and its decorations. She was seated in front
of us all, at the foot of the stage, with Sir C.P. and other immediate family
beside her, accepting our invitation to a night of entertainment.
Atheeta envelopes us all by puja night, cleared out by the tenderness and beauty
of Sri Bhoomi Devi and the anticipation of our holy Mother’s gracious countenance,
as She offers Her holy feet for worship. As darkness fell on the Sunday night,
She arrived.
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