Each day felt timeless; the outside world totally irrelevant. Seeking “Nothing” and doing “Nothing” were the primary focus of all – experiencing the silent bliss of God by being with The Presence who could transport us to these states. Day and night, perpetually and forever, SatGurunath worked on the evolution of our consciousness – whether in our waking or sleeping state.

Mahashivratri itself was a momentous day, and SatGurunath shared the scientific meaning of this day, available in the video of the month, “The Scientific Meaning of Mahashivratri”. The Nandi that had been in front of SatGurunath’s meditation cave near the dining area for years was consecrated in its new home in front of the temple entrance. This day was further celebrated by musical performances by classical Indian musicians and dancers and with Abishek of the mercury Shivalingham later in the evening. That night, SatGurunath held a goshti, or fireside satsang that continued on into the early hours of the morning. What a treat and blessing!

The Himalayas welcomed SatGurunath with a beautiful sunset on our arrival in Dehradun.  We spent one night in Rishikesh, then departed on the long drive up the mountain towards Ushamath – the location of the Omakareshwar temple, more commonly known as the wedding place of Krishna’s grandson to Usha.  However, SatGurunath shared that this temple is blessed, protected by, and a place to worship the great Mahandatta, who stands behind the statue of Lord Shiva when you look carefully within the sanctum sanctorum of the temple.  Lucky disciples also got to visit the Kali Math temple.

The pilgrimage ended in Rishikesh where a satsang by the banks of the Ganges took place, and disciples bathed and rafted in the holy waters. It felt like these pilgrimages took years off of our physical lives and progressed us years in our spiritual lives.  Jai SatGurunath!