About JAIMAL YOGIS As an award-winning journalist and photographer, Jaimal spends much of his spare time surfing and traveling the globe.  With a master’s degree in Journalism from Columbia University, his work has been published in The Washington Post, The Chicago Tribune, The Toronto Star, The Surfers Journal, Belief.net, Tricycle, San Francisco Magazine, and many others.  His first book, Saltwater Buddha, has been internationally praised and is the subject of a forthcoming PBS documentary. Nevertheless, he is currently working on a second release, while also traveling on an extensive book tour (along the coasts of course).

LM: Your book is a delight to read.  I came away with similar feelings I had come away with when reading Siddhartha.  There were so many ‘A-haa’ moments that I experienced.  Without forcing it on the reader, you  share some beautiful prose and help us all to focus on what is truly important — living more mindfully, being aware of our own happiness.  Have you always been on a quest for spiritual understanding?  When did this interest first strike you?

JY: It goes back as far as I can remember. I wouldn’t have called it spiritual when I was really young, but I’ve always had the desire to know what is “behind” so-called reality. I’ve always wanted to know the source of everything, why we’re here and all that.  When I was about 10 years old I was a little pretentious and even created my own religion called Jaimalism. The only tenant was that whatever you firmly believe would become your reality, afterlife included. I joke about it but I guess I’m still basically a Jaimalist.

LM: As a Junior High student, you ran away to Hawaii, equipped with little more than a copy of  Hermann Hesse’s Siddhartha.  Can you share with us the reason for your trip?  Before this time, had you surfed, or was this your first experience?

JY: I had this impulsive feeling that running away to Hawaii was going to save my life. I was running into a lot of bad stuff in my hometown – drugs, trivialities, stagnation. I felt bad for putting my parents through all that worry, but running away really was the beginning of my spiritual path and the beginning of a quest to follow my heart, a quest I’m still on. I’d surfed a couple times before that in Cocoa Beach and I’d body boarded a bit, but as I write in the book, it didn’t prepare me for what I found in Hawaii. I had to get pretty beaten up before I even started to learn the basics.

LM: In your book, “Saltwater Buddha: A Surfer’s Quest to Find Zen on the Sea” (Wisdom Publications, $14.95), you trace your steps through the islands of Hawaii, while also discussing your travels to Mexico, UC Santa Cruz, India and a Berkeley Chinese monastery known for its strictness.  Of all the places you have visited, can you share with us the most spiritual of journeys you have taken thus far?  What was it about that specific trip that left you with a feeling that you were no longer the same person you were when you first stepped out on that quest?

JY: The cool, and sometimes difficult thing about traveling, is that you always come back a different person. The people and places literally become a part of you and you’re never the same. I can’t say any of the places were more spiritual or more life changing than the other, but India – specifically becoming very close with a Tibetan monk named Sonam, which I write about in an upcoming Shambhala Sun article – stands out in my mind as one of the happiest.  Perhaps it was because we were in the Himalayas. Those mountains will change anyone. Plus, I was coming out of a very sad break-up and just starting to feel my freedom and stability again.

LM: As a journalist and photographer, did you set out to document your story, thus creating Saltwater Buddha or did the idea for the book come about more organically?

JY: It arose organically. I was meditating in my room during graduate school in journalism, very stressed about deadlines, and I felt like I was drowning in bad thoughts: “You’re not good enough, etc.” I was able to pop out of that bad state by imagining that my bad thoughts were just really ugly waves that I could let pass over me like I do in a stormy surf session. I didn’t have to ride any of them, or identify with them. I wrote an article about this kind of surfing-meditation metaphor and that article became really popular online. One of the magazines that republished the story asked me what I wanted in my bio, and I said, “why don’t you say I’m working on a book about zen and surfing”.  I had only started the book in my head, but a few weeks later, Wisdom called me and asked if they could publish it. I said, “Sure, I just have to write it.”

Surfing Buddha By Brandon Duke

LM: You have many friends who consider themselves avid surfers, while also being practicing Buddhists.  Do you see Buddhism being a commanality amongst the surfing community?

JY: I didn’t realize how prevalent surfing Buddhists were until I wrote the book, but it’s incredible how many I’ve met since Saltwater Buddha hit the shelves. We’re all over the globe. It seems to be a burgeoning community which is really exciting to me.  Most surfers consider surfing spiritual, but a lot of us haven’t learned to take the peace we get from surfing into our land lives . Buddhism offers practices that teach you to maintain mindfullness in any situation, surfing included.  I think they’re a great combo.

LM: With all the places you have travelled to, what is your favorite place to surf and why?

JY: I still love surfing most in San Francisco with my friends. The water’s cold but I just feel at home there. There’s nothing like feeling totally at home while floating in the vastness of the ocean.

Dharamsala by Kenji Babasaki

LM: While in India, what did you focus on? Was it a spiritual quest, were you travelling throughout the country?  What was the one thing you remember when you think back to your travels to India and her people?

JY: I was studying journalism and finishing my undergraduate degree in religious studies, but my main goal was spiritual.  I spent about a month in silent retreat up in the Himalayas and met some incredible hermits.  Getting one hermit’s blessing was a life-changing experience.  He approached me randomly on the street in Dharmasala.  I’ve never seen such compassion in a human’s eyes.  It solidified my faith in meditation and prayer as a vehicle for improvement and freedom.

LM: If there were one goal you want readers to come away with after reading Saltwater Buddha, would it be that we each need to follow our dreams, live our dreams, create our own destiny?  If so, why do you feel that this is important to each of us as we travel down this road called life?

JY: Yea, I’d like everyone to have the faith to follow a dream. But I think it’s important to do so without being caught in a narrow result. To follow a dream, or to follow your heart, and not be attached to the outcome, remain open to life and what it brings, is an art I’m still working on. But I have a hunch that that art is ultimately how we can be free and happy while still living in the world.

What do we mean when we say someone or something is normal?
All of us compare ourselves to others and wonder how we fit in, and if we are “normal”

In his new book, Delusions of Normality: Sanity, Drugs, Sex, Money and Beliefs in America, J. P. Harpignies marshals considerable evidence to persuasively argue that we Americans are collectively far less mentally stable, far more corruptible or financially irrational, far druggier, far more covert and kinkier in our sex lives and [Read more →]

Vesak or Visakha is an important day for the followers of Buddhism, it is a time for rededication.  The day when Gotama Buddha`s birth, enlightenment, death and his achievement of Nirvana are celebrated with lots of fervor.  The festival is also popularly known as Buddha Purnima or Buddha Jayanti.  Generally celebrated in the month of May, the festivities take place on a full moon night (the legends say that Buddha`s mother, gave birth to him on such a day).

Though the exact date of Buddha`s birth is unknown, the decision to celebrate Vesak was taken at the First Conference of the World Fellowship of Buddhists in 1950 in Sri Lanka.  However, in Buddhist tradition,Vesak had been celebrated for a long time.  Today, in almost all the Asian countries, this day is a public holiday.

Devotees are enjoined to make a special effort to refrain from killing of any kind and are encouraged to partake of vegetarian food for the day.  Though celebrated in different ways in different parts of the world the essence of the celebration is the same everywhere.  On this auspicious day,  all the Buddhist monks and devotees are expected to gather in various Buddhist temples before dawn.  Then the followers hoist the Buddhist flag and sing hymns to praise the sacred Triple Gem: The Buddha, The Dharma (his teachings), and The Sangha (his disciples).

Buddhist Flag

Devotees bring simple offerings like flowers, incense sticks and joss sticks (These symbolic offerings are to remind followers that just as the beautiful flowers would wither away after a short while and the candles and joss-sticks would soon burn out, so too is life subject to decay and destruction).

Also on this holy day, birds, insects and animals are released by the thousands in what is known as a ’symbolic act to liberation’; of giving freedom to those who are in captivity, imprisoned, or tortured against their will.  Some devout Buddhists will wear a simple white dress and spend the whole day in temples with renewed determination to observe the observance of the Ten Precepts.  Another remarkable aspect of Vesak is that on this special day efforts are made to bring happiness to the poor, aged, sick and handicapped.  The Eightfold Principles of Buddha are once more presented before the world.  It is that time of the year when devotees need to remind themselves about these principles and live up to them.

Gotama Buddha

The core reason to celebrate Vesak is to propagate love, peace and universal brotherhood.  To live in peace, it is important to free one`s mind of the defilements and Vesak is the right time to make a resolution for creating a better world by following Buddha`s principles.

Vesak festival  celebration:

• In 2009 / Saturday, May 9th.
• In 2010 / Friday, May 21st.
• In 2011 / Tuesday, May 10th.
• In 2012 / Saturday, April 28th.

Certified Executive/Life Coach, Dr. Jeffrey Hull, MBA, Ph.D.

About Jeffrey Hull: Jeffrey Hull, MBA, Ph.D. is a writer, psychotherapist, and certified executive/life coach whose clients range from single individuals in private practice to multinational Fortune 500 corporations. Throughout his professional career, Dr. Hull has worked with hundreds of individuals, organizational teams, and community groups, and is widely recognized as a pioneer in the fields of performance coaching for executives and life coaching for individuals.  A former Director of Human Resources at Booz, Allen & Hamilton, Dr. Hull has worked with senior executives at AT&T, Banque Paribas, Bankers Trust, MasterCard International, TD Ameritrade, and HSBC.

Over the past decade in private practice, Dr. Hull has created an innovative approach to healing and personal growth called The Life-Shifting Method ™ that synthesizes the most up-to-date methods of life coaching and psychotherapy.  He works with clients in every domain-mental, emotional, physical and spiritual-addressing the full spectrum of life’s challenges.  His new book, “Shift! How to Let Go of Fear and Get Your Life in Gear” will be published by GPP (Globe Pequot) books later this year.

An avid meditator and yoga practitioner, Dr. Hull is a certified Vinyasa yoga instructor and regularly leads retreats and workshops for East/West Living, One Spirit Interfaith Alliance, The Forge Institute and SpiritJourneys, Inc.  Dr. Hull has been featured in the NY Times and IBD (Investors Business Daily) and has published numerous articles in the New York Jung Institute Journal, Quadrant, and the San Francisco Jung Institute Library Journal. He has appeared on NBC news and was featured in a story on “Creativity in Business” for Good Morning America on CBS-TV.  You can learn more about Dr. Hull and the Life-Shifting Method at www.life-shifting.com.

LM: At what point in your life did you say, “I’m going to become a life coach and help people find joy in their lives”?

JH: I’m not sure that I ever did say such a thing specifically.  I started “coaching” people as a natural outgrowth of my job as a Human Resources Director for Booz, Allen & Hamilton, back in the mid-90’s.  My favorite part of the job was interviewing candidates, asking them about their dreams and talents, and holding meaningful “career discussions” with the consulting staff.

It was always so gratifying to help someone experience that “aha” moment of awareness around their passions, interests and talents.  I’m not sure exactly how it came to pass, but one day I found myself in a workshop with Thomas Leonard, the founder of Coach University, and lo and behold, discovered that one could actually make a living counseling people and supporting them in manifesting their dreams.

LM: You are recognized as a pioneer in the fields of performance coaching for executives and life coaching for individuals.  Can you expound on the key components for both Performance Coaching and Life Coaching?  Are there any key similarities between the training you provide in these two fields?

JH: In my work, “performance coaching” specifically refers to supporting executives in “raising their game” as leaders.  In the corporate and professional worlds, I work with leaders who are interested in developing their skills, talents and capabilities as strategic thinkers, creative collaborators, and team builders.  It is crucial, especially in today’s challenging economic environment that executives and professionals of all kinds constantly seek out opportunities for personal growth.  “Performance coaching” can be a powerful contributor to this goal.

Executive at Play

For me, the critical success factor for “high performance” almost always comes down to [Read more →]

Once again New York will be hosting Amma Ji, “the Hugging Saint” during her U.S. Summer Tour.  She will be at the Manhattan Center in New York City on  July 7th, 8th and 9th.  All programs will be  free of charge.

Her outreach takes two principal forms:

1. Her darshan programs (Where she reaches people individually)
2. Her charities (Designed to improve peoples’ lives on a broader scale)

Dont miss your chance to experience “the Mother of Compassion” as the media dubbed her.

LOVE IS RECESSION PROOF, INVEST IN IT!

Barbara Biziou, Owner, Blue Lotus Productions

About Barbara Biziou: Barbara Biziou, author of The joy of ritual and The Joy of Family Rituals, is an internationally acclaimed teacher of practical spirituality. A national television and radio guest, she is president of Blue Lotus Productions, a multi-media company, specializing in wellness and personal growth.

Barbara inspires her clients to create goals that reflect their values and dreams and offers them the tools, options, and courage to turn those dreams into realities. Her teachings, practices, and rituals gently allow others to incorporate spirituality into their hectic schedules and existing lifestyles without creating extra work or stress! In her words, “it’s practical spirituality,” a modern approach to age-old customs and traditions from a variety of cultures around the globe.

Barbara is a certified coach, hypnotherapist, voice dialogue facilitator, meditation teacher and Inter-faith minister whose workshops attract an eclectic crowd of upwardly mobile professionals, artists, celebrities, high profile personalities, and Fortune 500 corporations. She has consulted for the likes of Coca-Cola, Weight Watchers, JP Morgan Chase, International Red Cross, Lord & Taylor, Equinox Gym, and Calvary Hospital.

With her never-ending wealth of knowledge, warm, inviting heart, open mind, and natural gift for teaching, she brings her global travels, from Bali to South America, and personal experience to her work, enlightening everyone she meets along the way. She is on the faculty of the American Management Association (AMA), The New York Open Center, East West Living, and One Spirit Learning Alliance. She is also on the board of the New York Women’s Wellness Society and Miriam’s Well.

Barbara has been featured in Body & Soul, Harper’s Bazaar, New York Magazine, and Parents Magazine. She also starred on Morgan Spurlock’s hit F/X show 30 Days and was the everyday ritual expert on New Morning airing on the Hallmark Channel.

LM: You have often been described as a teacher of “practical spirituality,” can you tell us a little bit more about this?

BB: I believe that we need to integrate spirituality into our everyday lives. It is easy to be centered when you are away in a retreat, but the key is how to do it in the midst of chaos. I have studied with many amazing teachers and like to integrate many modalities into my work.

LM: Can you tell us a little bit about your practice with rituals and life coaching?

BB: I became passionate about using rituals after a very personal experience. I lost my sister when I was 6 weeks pregnant and because I was fearful of harming my child, I never really grieved. Years later, while in retreat in Arizona, I found myself creating a ritual to honor my sister. Without knowing it, I brought in elements of Native American, Balinese and ancient women’s rituals. When I was finished, I felt a feeling of lightness that I had not experienced for years. I realized [Read more →]

Darshan with Amma Ji.

Erica McDonald, a New York photographer wants to create a photo-narrative about individuals in India and around the world who benefit from Amma Ji’s humanitarian activities, bringing more awareness to the possibility of a selfless life.

And you can help her achieve her dream!

Erica has entered her project at Name Your Dream Assignment.
A contest for photographers of all backgrounds.  Where the winning idea will win $50,000 to bring his or her dream assignment to life.

So, in the spirit of Amma Ji: Do a  selfless act and spread the love.
Vote,  forward the link to your friends.  Be sure to get your entries in by April 3rd, when voting closes.

Om Amriteshwaryai Namaha!

K. Michael Ferranti along side Hindu Saddhus

About K. Michael Ferranti: A medically trained professional, integrating both eastern and western medical traditions for over a decade. A licensed allopathic, Physician Associate/Assistant for the past 15 years, after many years of practice, K. Michael realized that he wanted to concentrate on the inner healing of his patients and felt a strong link between the “diseased” physical body with the imbalances of the mind and spiritual bodies. There was a symbiotic relationship between them. So, being frustrated with the restrictions of western medicine, K. Michael was in search of a real immersive, traditional Ayurvedic program in the US. This lead him to The Kripalu Center for Yoga and Health, in Lenox, Massachusetts. He attended the first class of The Kripalu School of Ayurveda, an 18 month comprehensive Ayurvedic Medical training. Highlights of his Ayurvedic gurukula education included being taught by great Ayurvedic vidyas (Ayurvedic teachers) such as Dr. Vasant Lad, Dr. John Douillard, Dr. Robert Svoboda, Dr. Shekar Annambhotla, Dr. Jay Apte, and Dr. Sunil Joshi.

In March 2007, K. Michael studied in India with world renowned Ayurvedic Physician, Dr. Partap Chauhan at Jiva Ayurvedic Institute, completing course work on ‘Ayurveda and Incurable Diseases.’ At the Jiva Institute, he learned the interconnection between the body, mind, and spirit and how they affect the disease process. Concentrating on the emotional and spiritual bodies to heal the physical body, “Dr.Chauhan taught us the ways to heal “chronic, incurable diseases”, focusing on various Ayurvedic healing modalities, such as herbal preparations, lifestyle and diet recommendations, herbalized massage, panchakarma (detoxifying and cleansing treatments), yogic and breathing techniques, and developing a connection to your spiritual body”.

His introduction to a life of spiritual growth and enlightenment started as a very young child. Thanks to his parents, he was initiated with a mantra into the Transcendental Meditation (TM) movement by the Maharishi Mahesh Yogi at age 6. Then when he was a young adult, K. Michael volunteered as a missionary in Russia, as he was invited there by the Patriarch of Moscow. Travelling around Russia, he taught the New Testament, in small villages where religion was forbidden by the Communist government. “My heart was awakened while witnessing these suppressed people with such an eagerness to have spirituality in their bleak lives. The year was 1991, I witnessed the fall of Communism. This experience was paramount to my spiritual journey. Studying the Bhagavad-Gita and being Krishna conscious at a young age, spiritual growth through various Vedic texts, Buddhist Eastern thought, and Christian mysticism became central to my life. Since I was young, I was always in search of my “truth” and found solace in finding it through the development of my spiritual body, knowing I needed to detach from the attachment of the material world.”

Receiving Darsan from Amma Ji

LM: Western medicine generally relies on established scientific authority. What is the source of authority in Ayurveda?

KMF: Ayurveda, being the oldest, most traditional form of “medicine” as we know it today, relies on our instinctual insight to heal ourselves with the gifts of Mother Earth, that have been used for centuries and taught to many other cultures and civilizations by the Indians. If one consciously trusts in the power of self-healing and surrenders the power over to themselves to heal, then the healing process will naturally start the transformational process of homeostasis (bringing the body to a healthy state). The body does not like being sick, injured, imbalanced, or in pain. The plant kingdom that Mother Earth has blessed us with to sustain life, has a vibrational healing energy, that cannot be duplicated by a “lab tested” small white pill, produced in a cold lab somewhere, or one in which Western culture has become addicted to. Especially when it comes to herbal therapies, not only do the herbs receive the energy of the Mother Earth and the Sun feeding it, but the people harvesting and preparing the herbs are praying over the herbs, infusing them with a lot of heart grounded loving energy, to maximize their healing effect, even before being ingested. Therefore, the source of authority in Ayurveda is [Read more →]

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