Appendix 2. Fiji. December,1971.
At this time I decided to take a trip to Fiji...
My trip to Fiji was a most unusual experience, an associate Tony H's father was a big shot chief in the government. He had recommended the place for a holiday. As it happened another friend and associate, Steve Thompson, was returning to Canada so I decided to go as far as Fiji with him and stay a week or two. It turned out to be mostly an alcoholic binge with some very strange sideshows. Steve could not hold his liquor very well and when drunk he was rather over-affectionate towards women, he didn't know. One day in Nadi we were drinking in a bar and wearing sulus, Fijian skirts. Somehow or other Steve got talking to a couple of American girls. I was not interested, but he thought differently. Unfortunately he saw them when we went outside and in a drunken state put his hand up one of the girl's skirts. Well that was it, never have I seen such a commotion, they were screaming abuse and shouting for the police. Steve took off running and I wasn't going to wait so I followed. We ran behind the stores through all these little Indian clothes factories. Eventually the police arrived and we gave ourselves up. We were put in a landrover and taken down to the Nadi lock-up. Whilst in there they chinned Steve and took his belt and emptied his pockets. Whilst this was going on there was an extremely large, crowd looking through the open windows and the American girls were screaming abuse through the windows. I tried to reason with them but they were on the vengeance trail. At this point I realised that I may be charged with drunkeness or anything. So I knew it was time for action, I gave a big speech about how Fiji will lose its culture if the American Hotel Owners have their way. I said that if they thought things were tough under the British it would be worse under the Americans and they would end up like the Hawaians. They would lose everything and be just servants in their own country. It must have been a good speech for the Inspector, and the large crowd, agreed with me and told us to sit down. I then told him about Tony Harcourt whose father was either the Prime Minister or the Govenor-General, George Cakenbau, I think, and I dropped another name of a politician, that Tony had given me, with ‘the’ Fijian political party. This, all worked magic and we were not locked up, but put under supervision by a young policeman. The American girls were told everything would be taken care of and to leave it with the police. They then left the area, with very disgruntled looks on their faces, while the rest of the large crowd, of Fijians, was highly amused, and in fact were clapping.
After a while in the station I said to our guard ‘Diffie’ could we leave and he said, yes but he would have to come too. So we got into our rent a car and DF said lets go to this way. He told us to stop outside a building and we went in. I realised it was the Farmer's Club and then the penny dropped. So I asked Diffie if he would like a drink and of course he did. We drank there for a while and then Diffie said how lucky he was to be drinking with us and how unfortunate the boys in the police station were. We stayed for a few drinks and then I took a couple of cases of beer up to the station for the boys. We then went to the Back of the Moon bar with Diffie and spent the evening drinking and meeting other policemen. I didn't know whether we were still under guard or not but who cares?
Diffie wanted to borrow the car whilst we were there so I lent it to him, after all it couldn't be safer. Anyway he arrived back and wanted us to accompany him to the District Officer's house. When we arrived we noticed the garage door was broken, Diffie had driven the car into the door and damaged both the car and the door. A senior fellow was there but we didn't wait around but drove back to the club.
The next day the police arrived at our lodgings near the Hibiscus Hotel and told us we must come with them. On arrival at the senior officer's place he went on about his wrecked garage door. I had found out that Diffie didn't have a licence so I said that I did it and offered to pay to fix it. I knew that it didn't matter to me if I was charged for I would be leaving anyway but I knew that Diffie would lose his job and that would be disastrous. So I signed a statement to that effect and would not be budged off it. The senior officer said I was lying but I stuck to my story and signed the statement. Diffie was off the hook and we were popular. We then took Diffie to a shop and I bought his child a tricycle as a present. This got us an invitation to dinner at the police barracks which we duly attended and met the family. I felt that we were responsible for the events anyway for if the Canadian hadn't have done what he did to the American girls none of this would have happened.
We were heroes around the place for a while, and were quite noticeable in our sulus. We were even invited to a wedding, at the local Methodist Church. This was quite an event, and we first met with the boys, for drinks and Yaquona, or Kava. It is a mild narcotic and makes your lips numb, and puts a stupid smile on your face. Mixed with alcohol, it was definitely potent. Steve Thompson was ‘non compus mentis’, again, and I had to watch him carefully, there and at the wedding ceremony. We actually couldn’t fit in the Church, so when the drum or Loli, a hollowed out tree trunk, was beaten, we lined up outside. Steve, of course fell asleep and I enjoyed the beautiful Fijian songs. After the songs everyone had to go into the hall and place presents, before the bride and groom, which I did. Then the dancing and festivities really started. They were such a happy unsophisticated people, I hope they don’t lose their country to the trans-nationals.
Anyway we met an American Peace Corps worker and organised to meet him in Suva at the University of the South Pacific,which we did. In fact we slept over there and had a nice visit. Nothing much happened in Suva except I had an altercation with a Japanese at the Golden Dragon Nightclub and I nearly was thrown down the stairs
We drove back to Nadi where we stayed at Ross's Whitmore’s Guest House again. We did a trip out to an island and snorkelled and picnicked for a day. We visited with the Fijians in their villages and really finished off the trip, then I returned to Australia and Steve to Canada. The only spiritual thought I had on this trip was I bought my mother a wooden carved Jesus and Mary that looked like they were Indians.
Ireland.1975.
Whilst in Toronto,I decided to pay a visit to the U.K. and Ireland, prior to returning to Queensland's Gold Coast. My friend Bernie wanted to move on to Europe anyway,so we went over together. On arrival in Shannon we caught a cab to our hotel and then down to "Dirty Nellie's" and Bunratty Castle.I had heard about this place from Ricky H,in Australia ,when he had been working with me. We sat and had a couple of drinks by the peat fire and waited for the banquet to start in the castle.It was a medieval show and good fun,I even had to get up and sing a few songs,after being thrown in the dungeon.From there we went up to Galway and spent the night there after visiting one of the local folk pubs.
The next day heralded a series of strange events. First of all on the train to Dublin a lady came up to me and asked if I were a certain person and I of course said no. On arrival in Dublin we stayed at the Royal Dublin, on O'Connell Street. That evening I wanted to go over the river to O'Donohoes,where Brendan Behan used to drink. On arrival we sat in the back and listened to folk music.I went with Bernie to get some drinks and the strangeness started. The barman told Bernie he could have a drink but that I couldn't. I asked why and he said "you know what you did,"I protested but to no avail. So we went over the road to another pub.I stood back and Bernie went to the bar, but he was told the same thing. He could have a drink but I couldn't. This was getting frustrating so we decided to go over the other side of town. We asked about a club and we were told "Rafferty's". So we hailed a cab and over we went. On arrival we had to climb some stairs to the bar and as Bernie reached the doorman I could hear the doorman saying "you can come in but your friend can't." I tried to explain but to no avail, my double must be a really bad riotous guy. So back to O'Donohoes and this time I was showing my passports and Canadian Identification. He still did not believe me but said I can go only into the back room,where the music was and Bernie would have to buy the drinks. We never did get to the bottom of this mistaken identity case. However my life has always been full of coincidences and strange events. Even as we boarded a ferry for Liverpool we ran into two fellows we had met in Shannon. I've run into people I know in all parts of the world,sometimes thousands of miles from where I met them,consequently I take notice of coincidences.(I have run into people in bars that I went to school with 10,000 miles away and many years previously.)
Bernie Lorimer and I visited with my family in Merseyside for a couple of days and then we went up to Glasgow to visit with his. I left Bernie in Scotland and then flew back to Canada, not to meet him for several years. Bernie and I had been through all of North Queensland together on business, he was my assistant. We had survived possibly fatal car accidents and we had played the ouija board together many times. We had raised Spirits and talked a lot about the unseen and unknown and psychic phenomena.We had also been a very successful business team, breaking all performance records in the business that probably stand to this day.
Appendix a.. Puttarparthi. How I got sucked into the cult of Sai.
This chapter is also interesting in as much as it is a study of my psychology in a cult. There is a transference of Sai Baba's name on to my own and everybody else's Higher Self. This seems to extend to everything and although is a move in the right direction in 'oneness', it is dangerous when only identified with one person. Also believing one thing seems to open up the floodgates of believing anything and everything. In fact looking back it seems that I was temporarily brainwashed to the point of insane beliefs. This is the problem caused by thinking that Sai Baba was Jesus or Buddha type descent. This is also why people stay in the cult for they have nowhere spiritually to go. I was lucky that I was into the beginnings of non dualism and Advaita.
At this time I was staying with my son
and his family in Chelmer,Brisbane and I took the train a lot.Just about
everyday I walked past some trees and I had the habit of joining my
consciousness with them.On one particular day as I talked to the tree it talked
back.However it was Swami's voice and I could hear him talking to someone,Danny
Greer!Swami was saying,"Where is your friend?"and Danny
replied,"which friend Swami?"and Swami replied,"your friend,your
friend!"Danny then said", Oh! Tony he's in Australia."then Swami
said"Tell him to come!" So I took this as a message,via the trees,to come to Puttaparthi.So I went ahead and
booked my ticket and within ten days I was on my way to India.Sean at the
centre told me that it would be Guru Purnima in July,so I decided to be there
for that.I would go to Prashanti to visit my Guru on that day.I am probably the
only person that I know who was called to visit The Lord through the mediation
of a tree.I suppose that is the ultimate in tree-hugging,and it demonstrated
the universality of His Consciousness!--Yes conned myself again!
I flew down from Brisbane and spent a couple of days with my mother,in Sydney and also with my son Daniel.I then headed off to Madras via Singapore.On arrival in Singapore I ran into the Regional Director of ISKON,who I had met in Brisbane,at the weekly feast and chant.He invited me to stay in any of their centres in the region.I didn't leave the airport and soon boarded a flight to India.It was a short haul plane and was very crowded with traders,but the food was quite good.
On arrival in Madras I was quite surprised at the conditions at the airport,considering I had to spend the night there,whilst waiting for the plane to Bangalore.Whilst sitting on the benches I struck up a conversation with lady from Gladstone,Australia and discovered that she was a Sai Devotee and a member of A.A.She was actually a Polish lady and I knew that this was one of Swami's co-incidences.I was very glad that we met,for I didn't know the way to the Ashram.We talked a lot about Baba and addictions and got on very well.I was glad she was there for we could mind each other's bags when we went to the bathroom.I use that word very loosely for the smelly,dirty,mosquito infested toilet was hardly a bathroom. She was taking the bus from Bangalore to Prashanti,so I decided to accompany her.The taxi was about $70 and the bus about $2.This idea suited me for I would get a good idea of what the villages and the country looked like,as the journey was a long one with lots of stops.
(It actually was a very interesting trip and we stopped quite a lot.The villages were very typically Indian and very medieval in appearance.I think I was of more interest to the passengers than they were to me.Obviously some had not seen a European before and they would turn around and stare at me.It was quite a bustle on the bus and people had all kinds of parcels and bags.At one stop we had to use the bathroom,which was in a particular shop.We had to walk through the shop,past people sleeping on cots to a backyard.Well backyard is used loosely it was in fact a back field and the bathroom was where you wanted it to be.The trip took all day and was bumpy and dusty,but interesting and I wouldn't have missed it for the world.)
On arrival in Bangalore we took a motorised rickshaw or Tuk-Tuk as they were very cheap.Miss P said that we would go to the Ananda Bhavan Hotel to have tea and freshen up.As we drove the streets everything seemed very familiar and I did not feel like that this was my first time in India.I felt very much at home,and I thought that I must have lived here in a previous lifetime.The smells,scents sounds and colors,the cattle on the streets,the ox-carts amongst the cars and scooters,the entire organised chaos of big town India,all were not knew to me.We soon turned into a wooded street,somewhat reminiscent of an England many years ago,with a colonial Indian flavour of course.The Hotel was a large greyish structure,built in the style of the "British Raj',and probably was originally a home.The entire street of Grant Road was somewhat similar.The owner a certain Mr.Gupta was very friendly,who had been there since the days of the British.We took tea,cleaned up and chatted for a while,Miss P had stayed there before.
After some time we took another tuk-tuk to the bus station.On arrival at the station I was left in charge of the bags while Miss P went to get the tickets.I was soon surrounded by a group of youngsters,who seemed quite friendly,but you never know.So I put my back to a wall and brought the bags in closer to me.I wasn't afraid but I was worried about thieves.I was saying my Om Sai Rams just in case for there was a whole bunch of them,and I was worried about being swarmed.I never did find out for P turned up saying that she had found the bus and we should go.We left our bags in the cage at the front and settled in for a stand-up ride.Luckily we were able to buy a seat on the bus,thanks to a couple of people,who kindly gave up their's.I think we paid the conductor an extra few Rupees.The passengers were friendly and we chatted a lot all the way.The journey was long and bumpy but I enjoyed seeing all the villages on the way.I wouldn't have missed the trip for anything.After many bumpy miles and a few stops we arrived at Prashanti bus station,where we hired a rickshaw to transport our bags down to the Ashram office.In those days,1989,you could still go through the front gate and there was no real security problem.We checked in,submitted our passports and paid for our first ten days.I said goodbye to my friend and I made my way up to the round-house,where my room was.I was lucky for it was monsoon season and the Ashram was not crowded.In those days there were times when it wasn't so crowded,unlike now.
On arrival at my room I was met by my room-mates;from Mexico,America and Holland.Quite a mixed bag and very entertaining.Dave from L.A. was quite a story teller and had lots of tales about Tijuana and Mexico,as his wife was Mexican.There was a big guy from Houston,who fascinated the locals,who thought that as he was black,he must be a sportsman.(He actually was a nurse.)The Mexican fellow was a pharmacist named Oscar and the Dutchman was named Peter,I think.Peter had been up in the Himalayas and had met "Babaji",some years before.He is presently writing a cook-book.It is believed that "Babaji" was Yogananda's Guru's Guru and that he had lived there for hundreds of years.He left the body for as Swami was here there was no need for the presence.Peter had a ring that Swami had made for him with Swami's picture on it.Swami as," The Mother of the Vedas."
Anyway to get back to my arrival.After dropping my gear myself and Oscar took off for Darshan.After kicking off my shoes I walked into the Mandir courtyard or compound and stood watching as Swami glided across the yard.(There was no covered Mandap in those days.)Many voices were telling me to sit down,which I did,and I watched the object of my years of meditation walking along the Darshan line.I don't know what I initially felt but I do know that it was subtle.No bells or whistles but a strange quiet feeing inside.I was so happy and peaceful and I had no desire to go anywhere or do anything but stay here in the presence of The Lord.What I had waited lifetimes for had arrived,I was with the Avatar!!!
I later had a look around the ashram and the village and then settled into the canteen,for a meal.In those days there was no Western Canteen,so at one end North Indian food was served and at the other end South Indian.(On wednesdays they served pizza at the bakery,which was a popular event with long line-ups.)After the meal I returned to my room and chatted with my room-mates before retiring for the night.I had to make sure I had a torch for electricity didn't run all the time,in those days.
I rose early for the Pradakshina and Sankirtan,about 3 am,and then lined up for the Darshan.This time I was caught up in all the excitement and wanted to get to the front of the lines.I was thinking things like,"will I get an interview?" "will He notice me?",all the usual ego driven thoughts.I had with me some letters and a magazine from Brisbane,which Peter Mills,from Redcliffe,wanted me to have blessed.Swami didn't take anything the first day but I did draw front row in one particular Darshan.I was right up near the first corner and Swami came right up to me.I handed Him the package and He touched but didn't take the newsletter or the letters.(He actually was Blessing the Magazine.)I proffered them again and He intimated that I should keep the newsletter,now that He had touched it.He kind of pushed then gently to me,but they kind of flew on their own accord.Swami was saying,almost silently,for me to take them as they were for me.I kept the magazine but I mailed the letters.It's amazing that I thought Swami didn't understand that the magazine was for Him,and I was pushing it back to Him after He had blessed it.I forgot that He knows everything and for a moment I thought that He was like us!
I became involved in the routine of the Ashram,going to lectures and the like,including the planetarium.It was like I was really home for the first time in my many wanderings around the world.
................ GURUPURNIMA.
Gurupurnima is a day to pay respects ostensibly to Sage Vyasa,who wrote the Mahabharata,which contains the Bhagavad Gita, but is extended to include all Spiritual Preceptors.
The days before the festival people were drifting into the Ashram from everywhere,There were people from overseas and from different parts of India.Many were from the villages and were adorned in jewelry of all kinds,some looked very much like they may even be tribals.I was glad we had a room and didn't have to move down to the sheds.For there were people camped everywhere on the Ashram,even the security forces and police were camped out.I'm afraid everything was stretched to the maximum and the crowd got bigger by the day.On the day before and on the day thousands turned up.Perhaps fifty to a hundred thousand people were crowded on to the Ashram.People were sleeping on the ground and everywhere and the police presence was quite noticeable.Many were obviously from the villages or were tribals with all the rings and decorations.
The schedule for the day was the usual except Swami was to give a discourse in the Purnachandra Hall.Well there were crowds around the hall I thought we'll never get in here.Luckily however foreigners got first preference,so in I went.Well it was full and all the sides were up and crowded as well.
We had the added joy of Swami walking amongst us giving Darshan and laughing and joking with some of the characters present.He seemed to have an extra laugh with a toothless old fellow from Perth,who was getting his pension in India and staying six months at a time,sleeping where he could.He walked right in to the crowd,much to our delight,and weaved His way here and there through the hall.The atmoshere was very charged and the devotional energy was very high.It was a great experience and it was shared by tens of thousands of people.Swami gave a discourse and everyone listened to every word.It was a joyful experience and I felt blessed that my first visit to the Ashram included this Sacred day.I was so happy that Swami had called me here so I could pay my respects to my Preceptor,My Guru Baba.I thank Sean in Brisbane for pointing out the date of Gurupurnima to me,he was Swami's instrument,as we all are.
I also visited Swami's birthplace,where there is a Siva Temple now.I also went to the wish-fulfilling tree,where all types of fruit used to appear.In fact I went to all the places I had read about,including Swami's parent's Samadhi.
After I had been at the Ashram for a while,I wondered if Swami would Bless Me.I couldn't expect an interview for I was traveling alone,but perhaps something.I had noticed that as His eyes crossed my chest I could feel it in my heart chakra.I assumed that was what it was,a feeing in my subtle body or mind."The Guru Within." So as Swami did that I knew He was doing it from the inside,He was Narayan;The Indweller in every heart. This is a psychological effect one does to one self....as the phoney gurus know.
One particular evening I wore a new Siva Bangle to Darshan plus of course I had my Pre-Inca ring on.I was watching Swami moving gracefully,taking letters,manifesting vibhuti,and as He approached the corner I noticed Him look at me.Or rather He seemed to be also looking at my hand.Whether He was looking at the ring or the bangle or both I don't know.For I had my hands in the prayer or namaste mode.That was the last thing that I remember until I felt people tapping my shoulder and pointing to His feet.All I could see in front of me was red,Swami was right there in front of me.So I bent over and touched His feet and had Padanamaskar,I was both elated and overwhelmed.My consciousness had just returned for my mind had been empty for a while.I knew Swami had done it but I couldn't explain the feeling for there wasn't one.I just know that I was in the presence of Divinity and that was overwhelming.
On another day in my room,just before the afternoon siesta,I was lying there completely relaxed,in between sleep and wakefulness.When a little Yogi appeared,an old man dressed in virtual rags.He was old,balding and wore a brown robe of some sort.He told me to touch his back near his right shoulder,this was all done telepathically,I must be on the Astral Plane,and I didn't know whether I was out of my body or what.I touched his shoulder then he took me up through all kinds of planes,from Astral to Mental and more.He took me through the level of form to a level of colours,shimmering vibrations.I saw forms,beings on the different levels,the shimmering colours,and energies were also beings.He took me up to another level I have no memory of,but I knew that I had been there.I awoke on my mattress and realised that I had been traveling out of my body.It was different from dreaming,so real, so conscious,and he set the agenda not I,or so it seemed to me.I had had "out of body experiences" before but not like this.
One time in Brisbane,before coming to India,I had a very strong experience,but at a lower level.I awoke one morning to find myself out of my body and kneeling beside it.I was examining the body and in particular some wiggly sun growths around my chest and neck area.I can remember thinking how cold and clammy my skin was.I then realised it was nearly 7a.m.and I had to get up.Instantaneously I was awake in my body but I realised what had happened and noted it.I then rose from my bed,which was on a cold ,damp,sleep-out verandah,hence the cold clammy skin.
Another strange experience was"The
Cosmic Sai" There was a large full length photo of Swami,that someone had
left on the wall,and I used to lie looking at it.On several occasions His body
used to disappear and all that was left was the robe.This happened quite a few
times and I took it to mean,get away from body consciousness.It is strange that
I took the manifestation of Vibhuti so calmly as well.For Swami often manifests
it whilst the Darshan is going on ,for people sitting watching.( This was not real of course but conjuring ash tablets).
One day I was photographing, Swami from
outside the compound.For in those days you could still take photos from over
the wall.As He came up to the avenue gap,in front of the Mandir,I had the
chance of a good shot or two.As I peered through the lens I saw Him looking
right at me and then an energy went right through me.It was a lovely experience
and it seemed to extend and join me to the physical surroundings.A unifying
feeling expanding outwards and around me,at the same time,a conscious
expansion.I felt the energy go through me,as it had so many times before in my
life,but this time it was more universal and unifying;the Shakti.---Yes coming from inside myself.
On one day the monsoon rain was so heavy that Swami didn't come out for Darshan.I happened to be talking to this young fellow and the conversation turned to Karma.I explained what I knew about it and what I had read in Edgar Cayce,and of course in Swami's teachings.He was an Indian chap but hadn't really thought deeply about the subject.Anyway he ended up telling me about his brother who was disabled.He was a little perturbed that Swami hadn't cured him and was somewhat upset at Swami over this.I explained that as this was Karmic,the man had to learn a lesson and had in fact deliberately taken birth in the disabled body.He had in fact done it to himself.
He then said "So what you are saying is that he has wished this on himself?"I told him that was so and it was in order to learn and progress.I told him that if he was cured too early he may have to be born disabled again in a future life.He then told me he wasn't angry anymore about it and respected his brother for doing it,and being so brave.So the rainstorm was turned into a little lesson by Swami with me as the instrument.Swami doesn't come out if it is raining too hard in order that the devotees don't wait for Him and get wet.
There were some interesting meetings at the Ashram also,one in particular that was surely organised by Swami.My first coincidence was with Dr.V.Singh,the President of the Canadian Sai Council.When I was having difficulty at the Vancouver Centre I had tried to contact him but to no avail.I either didn't get my calls returned or he was unavailable for one reason or another.As Secretary of the centre I was entitled to discuss my office problems with him,if I was not getting any satisfaction elsewhere.I had been trying to make changes that would make the Vancouver Centre more universal,in the Sai Spirit.After all Swami had come for all mankind and all religions.We needed at least some English Bhajans,some more females in the office positions,some more democracy and more teachings of other Faiths,after all,ALL IS ONE.So I felt rightly or wrongly that it was also a problem for Dr.Singh,and he should answer my calls and talk to me,but for whatever reason he did not.Of course it was partly a misunderstanding on my part.I didn't realise that some people have a religious rather than a spiritual view of being a Sai Devotee.Especially some Indians who are really looking at the situation from a Hindu perspective.Westerners tend to have moved from static religion and are already on a broad eclectic path.They in fact have sacrificed something to follow BABA.Unless you have suffered and sacrificed the values are untried,in most cases.If this were not so ,Westerners wouldn't be teaching Easterners their own Philosophy.(Swami has referred to this fact.)I suppose what I'm really saying is that I didn't expect to find Fundamentalists in the Sai Organisation.Nor did I expect to find Egos and Politics.I think I imagined that I would find only mystics,as the rule not the exception.As Swami says His Members are from a cross section of society.Sometimes it is the sick person that needs the medicine.Oh!boy did I have a lot to learn.I have no hard feelings from these days and I get on well with all the members.
On one day I was standing outside the Ashram office,for no apparent reason,when a taxi drew up.I was standing right opposite the door of the cab.As the occupant alighted the first person he saw was myself. The occupant was Dr.Singh,so as he alighted I stepped forward and shook his hand and said,"just the person I want to talk to."I could not believe my luck and Dr Singh was quite surprised.I reintroduced myself for we had met before in Vancouver.I then told him we needed to talk and he said we could speak later.I didn't know how or when and I probably had my doubts about whether a meeting would happen.
The next day I decided to go to a bookshop in the village in order to perhaps purchase a book or two.As I walked into the shop I found it empty of all customers but for one, Dr Singh! This meeting was going to happen and I unloaded a lot of stuff that I had wanted to tell him in Canada.So I explained all my suggestions for the Vancouver Centre and he listened patiently.I switched to talking about A.A.and he said that he had an employee that was in it.I gave him a copy of the 12 Steps and he was surprised to find it so Spiritual.So I explained that was what it was all about "Surrender to a Higher Power",for we can't control the habit without God.
I also spoke about the Australian Centres and how they appealed to a broader spectrum of the population than did Canadian Centres.Anyway we parted without resolving anything but on good terms.So I took my ideas to the World Council Leaders,in their offices on the Ashram.I explained my suggestions for Vancouver and suggested that perhaps the Australian model would be suitable for Canada,as they were having more luck in reaching the Non-Indian population.They agreed that it was a good idea and we disussed a few other things,and I then took my leave.The Vancouver Centre today is somewhat more enlightened these days,just as Swami told me it would be,when he told me," leave it to Me!"
On another day I was standing outside the office again when I ran into Harm Dhillon and his wife Sandy.So I teamed up with them and a few others to form a Canadian group.Within days Rai Ludwig and Zoe turned up,also from the Vancouver Centre.I was elected leader and we met for every Darshan,but we were not really a cohesive group as such,we hadn't all travelled together.
One day I was walking in the main gate when I ran into Zoe surrounded by little beggars.She was very upset at seeing such poverty and the rascals knew she was a newcomer.So I gave her a hug and consoled her and explained that they were running a business.I also told her that Swami had said not to give them money.Swami said that they can go to school if they want to and be fed at the Ashram,but they don't want that.I believe Swami said don't encourage them to beg otherwise you may come back as a beggar in your next life.
On another day I visited the planetarium show,as mentioned,which was very good.I also visited the museum in the Administration Building which contained many gifts that had been donated to Swami from around the world.The tour was conducted by a young man that had been supposedly resurrected by Swami,after he had been killed in a car accident.??????????????????? Swami organised everything at the Ashram and it was proved to me one day.I had been singing Bhajans in the central walkway space in front of the mandir.This avenue goes right down to the main gate and is lined with stones with sayings on.You couldn't be late or you would lose a position.This particular day I was running late and I thought I will be at the very back for sure.I won't be with the singers and I will have a bad spot for extra Darshan.As I arrived at the avenue it was full of people already but I was signaled by the Seva Dhals to go right up to the front!!!There was a space right in the front row;a space where the little dwarf used to sit,"Swami's Dwarf".For some reason the little man was absent that day and I was given his place and it was saved for me by the Seva Dhals.So I had an extra Darshan and Swami came right over to the avenue.I was blessed and I realised it,I was so grateful that Swami had saved the front row for me, even though I was late.I was amazed for it demonstrated Swami's omnipotence and omniscience and his control and guidance in our lives.This position was a good one for Swami had to walk past twice on each Darshan and it was right on the edge of the inner courtyard.Sometimes He would come very close so people in the avenue could have Darshan,whilst they were singing.--Conned again.
On other days I went up to the meditation tree,where Swami had materialised and buried a mystical copper plate,to help meditation.I found it possible to get very deep meditation there.
I also met Al Drucker for the first time,which was pleasing for I was reading his book on the Bhagavad Gita at the time.In fact you meet the great and small in the canteens at the Ashram and in those days almost all people were Devotees.There were lots of Lectures and Bhajans to go to as well.Anyway the time to leave came and I decided to take some photos of Swami.You could take photos from over the compound wall in those days.I took a few good shots from by the avenue and then Swami came right over to the break in the wall.
I eventually took a taxi down to Bangalore, which in itself is a hair raising ride. For the traffic drives at great speed all over the road, all except bullock-carts that is.
Mysore
After a lunch of dosas, in the restaurant,we headed down to Mahatma Ghandi road to do some shopping and sightseeing. We spent quite a few hours buying gifts and souvenirs. In the evening we went to a Chinese Restaurant for a meal. The restaurant was on Brigade Road, near the corner of M.G. road, and was owned by a sister of the Dalai Lama, or so we were told. There is a Tibetan Monastery south of Bangalore. We had a very good vegetarian meal and spent some time talking and drinking tea. After an evening stroll we took a tuk-tuk back to the hotel. We made arrangements to leave our luggage in the store room the next day. Mike booked our tickets on the bus to Mysore for the next day. Always book "luxury", otherwise you will end up in a cattle car.,it is worth the few extra Rupees.
The trip down was an unbelievable experience, a virtual roller-coaster of a ride. The driving was hair-raising and at breakneck speed. In fact at one point we actually clipped a bus going in the opposite direction. Poor Jan, who was in the front seat behind the driver, was beside herself and was chanting her mantra. She was quite upset about the terrifying driving.
The countryside was totally different to Andhra Pradesh,which is very similar to West Australia. In Andhra there were Eucalyptus trees and the same red earth and rocks as in Australia. The view in Karnataka was similar to North Queensland and very tropical, with lots of palm trees and sugar cane fields. Many of the huts had thatched roofs and were obviously suitable to the climate.
Eventually
we arrived at Sri Rangapatna, where the Orphanage and Temple were located.
The full title being Sri Sai Seva Orphanage Trust, Paschimavahini Road, Sri Rangapatna, Jan said that the kids will have a Bhajan later so we should look around the town, and see if we could find any overnight accommodation. How I came to be here is an interesting story in itself. One day a few years ago, in the Vancouver Sai Centre, Raman Dhanji was giving out Amritam,that he had received at Halagappa's.
On receipt of mine I ate it and then asked for a little more, which I put on my forehead, by my third eye. As I did this, a diamond appeared in my minds eye, a beautifully cut white diamond. It never went away and is still there and I use it for meditation procedures. It never goes away,I can always see it,if my mind isn't preoccupied with something else. ( It is long gone now though.)So I know that this is representing my" third eye, "for Swami says "Die-Mind" and that you need a diamond to cut a diamond. Jnana cuts through the intellect and brings "Realisation". So I decided that when I next went to the Ashram I would visit the Orphanage and Halagappa's Temple.
It was quite an interesting place; there was an Ancient Jain Temple and an old fort. It was once the Capital of Hyder Ali and Tipu Sultan and there was a Mosque inside. Tipu Sultan was killed fighing the British, back in the early days. There is an English Country Mansion style house ,of the 1700s,near the river, and now is part of a tourist complex. There is a plaque saying it was built by some British General. However it was nearly time to go back to Halagappa's Orphanage. Halagappa is a story in himself; he was a thief and even stole on the Ashram. One time he had a suitcase of stuff up on the hill and Swami told him to bring it down and it would be returned. Later Swami even gave him money to live on. Swami however changed him and now he runs the orphanage and temple. Unfortunately the children wouldn't be singing that day but we met them and had a chat and took some photos. Halagappa was a plump fellow dressed in a dhoti and white shirt. He also wore glasses and generally had a warm friendly demeanour. After a while Halagappa opened the temple and left us in there to meditate. Inside on the shrine there was a huge picture of Swami, covered in Vibhuti and a small box for donations. We each put in some money and after some time Halagappa returned and we sang some Bhajans together. When we had finished he put two little enamel pendants in our hands,one person after another. He put the lockets on the heel of one's hand in turn. As he did the medals started oozing copious amounts of Amritam, or Ambrosia. One medal was of Shirdi the other of Sathya Sai and they both gave off so much Amritam that Haligappa had to scoop it up with a spoon and put it in a jar beneath our hands, which was filling up rapidly. (I was a bit suspicious about the spoon and the ability of the medal to hold fluid, but as I was still a Sai Baba Follower, I dismissed it, in ‘True Believer’ fashion.) I had seen something similar to this before in Chagan's Kosmadia's house in Vancouver nevertheless it was inspiring. At the end of the session Haligappa put Vibhuti and Amritam in our containers for us. I had a walkman with me and a tape of Swami's speech, so Halagappa asked to listen to it. He listened to Swami's voice for a short while and the session came to an end. One thing I remember though was Halagappa's face when he was dealing with me, there was a knowing, nodding smile on his face, as if he knew something. I could indentify with Halagappa and he seemed familiar to me. Also I knew that it is difficult to give up the instincts of a thief. For although I had not been a thief I had been in some rough businesses ,where the instincts are the same. Halagappa asked Mike to do something for him and then we returned to chatting with the children. The children ranged in age from about four years old to teenagers. They were a very happy and smiling bunch, even though the living conditions are spartan to say the least. It seemed to me that it would be a good idea if an overseas centre adopted the orphanage. Perhaps not so glamourous but there is a great opportunity there, especially as so many people go straight from the Ashram home, these days. The complex was on the banks of The Cauvery River and was a three floors high,with a car repair pit attached. It was not lavish but sufficient in the Indian Style. That is verandahs and balconies and all very colourful,greens and reds and blues and a big sign saying "Sathyan Shivam Sundaram."
I think the lasting memory will be the happy children and it was inspiring to see how Swami could change a thief into a Seva worker of this magnitude. Swami says My greatest miracles are how I change people. I can vouch for myself, for Swami changed me,( that is how deluded I was). After finishing our visit we caught another bus down to Mysore. On arrival we checked into an hotel near the bus station. This was the usual Indian hotel with jammed windows, dirty bedsheets, and a stand up toilet. We then walked through the town to a large roundabout with a statue in the middle. We had a meal at a nice restaurant and then headed off to visit the Maharaja's Palace. The Palace was built in 1911-12 and is one of the biggest in India. It is a combination of Hindu and Arabic style; there are lots of archways, domes, turrets, columns and there is a large awning, which overlooks the court. In the marriage hall there beautiful paintings of the Dussehra procession plus there is a figure of the Maharaja in the large Durbar Hall. The entrance to the Palace consists of a very large ornate stone archway. Which is quite famous I believe and is surrounded by vendors plying their wares, including pot, unfortunately. The next day we returned to Bangalore and then on to Singapore for a day,which is always enjoyable. Finally arriving in Australia a couple of days later.