the movement
honor ancestors, serve descendants, nourish all
Photo: In the town of Rishikesh, on the ghats (steps) on the Ganges River.
My husband Kyle just arrived back from the motherland of yoga. I asked him to share and write about his experience. Enjoy our guest writer!
Do the light thing.
In the blink of an eye, the dancing river is alive with flecks of rose and golden vitality. The sky turns fiery, a sublime orange. The air around me resonates with sound vibrations and an intense terracotta glow. A dynamic buzz wells up inside my soul.
After 25 years, I’m back in India; sunset on the banks of the Ganges River. After college, I spent a few months backpacking around the country experiencing long-distance bus rides, local hostels, and the incomparable experience that is India. This time is different. I’m staying in modern hotels, wearing suits and ties, delivering presentations to Indian government officials.
I investigate environmental crimes for the U.S. government. I’m currently focused on criminal schemes related to illegal deforestation around the world. Sometimes, this wood makes its way to the U.S. where the end-products are purchased by unsuspecting American consumers. It is estimated that Illegal Logging & Associated Trade (ILAT) may be the third highest generator of illicit revenue in the world after counterfeiting and narcotics.
As our U.S. team lands in New Delhi, the super-city is making dramatic international headlines by having the worst air quality in the world: brown skies, closed schools, flights rerouted, and pollution markers exceeding “healthy” standards by 50 times.
Arriving at the joint training I quickly realize our Indian partners are not the mid to lower-level operational types I expected, but upper managers in charge of dozens or hundreds of employees, directing the management and protection of national parks, huge state forests, and critical reserve areas.
What have I gotten myself into? I’m feeling somewhat overwhelmed, underprepared, jet-lagged and confused. How can a week-long training on forest crimes positively impact the environment in one of the most densely populated places on the planet?
Image: Kyle at mural of Arjuna & Krishna
In the Bhagavad Gita, one of the core texts of yogic philosophy, Lord Krishna advises Arjuna that it is Arjuna’s duty to fulfill his obligations and complete his best work on earth. At the same time, Krishna counsels Arjuna that he cannot be attached to the possible outcomes of his actions.
Krishna:
“Your right is to work only and never to the fruit thereof. Do not consider yourself to be the cause of the fruit of action; nor let your attachment be to inaction. Arjuna, perform your duties established in Yoga, renouncing attachment, and be even-minded in success and failure; evenness of mind is called Yoga.”
[verses 2:47-48, Gita Press translation (1923)]
To my delight, I find my Indian counterparts to be dedicated, highly educated, and quite articulate making nuanced points in English (a second or third language for most all of them). They ask piercing and questions and are quite curious about our systems of laws and procedures. What I offer them is received with regard and consideration. Perhaps my well-intentioned contributions to the program and humility are enough?
The training wraps up with the presentation of certificates and small gifts are exchanged. Some participants offer to keep in touch with hopes of working together again. The future of this collaboration and its effects are unknowable.
We have a free day before beginning our long journey home and head to Rishikesh, the holy town at base of the Himalayan foothills where the glacier-fed “mother” Ganges River emerges from the canyons to the plains. The city, packed with Hindu temples, is uniquely pedestrian, vegetarian, and alcohol free. Monks, holy-men, pilgrims, tourists, seekers, cows, and merchants all vie for space in the crowded alleys.
Image: Rishikesh town.
In the late afternoon we head to the ghats (steps) at the water’s edge below the Parmath Niketan Ashram to observe the evening Aarti (ritual offering) ceremony. We’re surprised to be seated almost directly at the center of events. Elementary school aged monks dressed in yellow, purple, and orange sit crossed-legged on ghats in formation around us. As the “golden hour” of sunset peaks in a haze of color, music begins. The most exquisite and soulful chanting erupts all around us accompanied by the drone of a harmonium and the ineffable ripples of the tabla drums.
Tears well up in my eyes. Humanity’s connection with Mother Nature and God is not lost. Tonight, the river is being worshipped here just as it has been for thousands of years. There is hope for the earth and our own souls. With clear minds and righteous effort, nothing can break our courage or shake our will. Yoga’s invitation is to do good work and to move with confidence and humility, knowing that light fills us all.
Story by Kyle Maher (aka Mr. Fran!)
December 2024
