Preparing for this Pilgrimage

Pranams great souls.

We are getting closer to our holy pilgrimage in India. As we all know, Mother India is a land of deepest spirituality, where God and the great Masters have walked for thousands of years. Every particle of India vibrates with the incredible joy of God's presence -- but it is not always easy to see on the surface. One has to go inside, into the inner stillness, in order to experience it. Along our way we will see many situations which some people are not accustomed to seeing: poverty, begging, sellers persistently touting their wares, air pollution, and a different level of hygiene in many areas, including trains and some accommodations. Organized trash collection is a relatively new concept to many towns, and still not available in many places. But when we look beyond these material surfaces to the depth of spirituality, we will realize the treasure trove that is available to us in India.

There are several ways of preparing ourselves for this great opportunity, so that we get the deepest spiritual experience from our journey. The following are some thoughts on how to get ready for this pilgrimage on a physical, mental-emotional, and spiritual level.

Physical Preparation:

• Take daily exercises until you perspire a little (only if your physical condition allows it).
• Take long walks in nature with deep and conscious breathing.
• Integrate a raw vegetable and fruit diet, or a sattvic, vegetarian diet.
• Drink at least 3 liters of water per day.
• Take vitamin/mineral supplements which strengthen the immune system (including Vitamin C, magnesium, and Vitamin B).

Mental-emotional Preparation:

• Spend time regularly in solitude and silence.
• Read inspiring and uplifting books, especially about Lahiri Mahasaya and the Kriya Masters.
• Chant or sing devotional songs, either out loud or even silently, mentally to yourself.
• Avoid TV, news and modern agitating music.

Spiritual Preparation:

• Meditate as much as you can
• Pray and talk inwardly with God and Gurus in a joyful mood.
• Contemplate why you are making this pilgrimage.
• Offer everything you do lovingly to God and Gurus.
• Feel God's infinite sweetness in every breath.

 Packing Preparation:

• Energy bars, nuts or other healthful snack
• Powdered electrolytes packets (also known as soluble integrators)
• Hand sanitizer, cleaning tissue, personal medicines, toiletries, Bach Rescue Remedy
• Small zip-lock plastic bags for toiletries, and large plastic bags for laundry
• Easy to dry bath towel (also called a quick-dry travel towel)
• Day bag or back pack with zipper that you can close (No open bags)
• Ear plugs and eye mask
• Comfortable hiking shoes
• Warm clothes for the mountains
• Comfortable clothing for traveling and sightseeing in the warmer climate
• Sleeping bag or blanket
• Credit card in case of emergency (NOT American Express, which is not usually accepted)
• Small flashlight

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