One hot afternoon this week, I put together an amazing vegan snack… a plate filled with the following: raw macadamia nuts, clover sprouts, cilantro, and basil leaves, topped with the juice of half a lime, a few sprinkles of Himalayan krystal salt, and a few shakes of Nama shoyu (raw or unpasteurized soy sauce). It tasted so phenomenally great!

As always, please buy organic, vegan foods whenever possible. Your body will thank you, and this sacred mother earth will thank you. Oh, and all the creatures will thank you, too!

May all beings everywhere be free. May all the humans learn to love and protect all the creatures. May we all directly experience the interconnectedness of everyone and everything!

Om Shanti (Peace),

Yogini Tejaswini

To see a short video of me talking about Love Soups, my vegetarian soup cookbook, please click here: Yogini-Bliss on YouTube.

Photo of Teja’s Amazing Afternoon Vegan Snack taken by Teja Shankara.

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Earlier this week, I suddenly felt inspired to place an ad on Craig’s List, “Vegan Barefoot Yogini Seeks Entrepreneur(s) to Collaborate With!” The ad reads:

“Vegan barefoot yogini seeks entrepreneur(s) to collaborate with... highly energetic, creative, responsible and idea-filled Lightworker looking for inspired and generous entrepreneur(s) to work with in manifesting great creative services in the world... i.e., a vegan café with healing arts studio beside a rushing creek... willing to work earnestly to serve many beings... need to connect with high-vibration beings who have a lot of money and intend to do a lot of good... are you one of those beings? If so, please contact me!”

After posting that ad, I’ve once again been reflecting on the whole process of “manifesting intentions” and once again I am witnessing myself experiencing many hilarious internal conversations. And what it once again comes down to, as I wrote in a blog article on February 2^nd, 2010 (“Manifesting Intentions from a State of Knowingness”), is I DON’T KNOW! Laughing as I type… I know what wonderful gifts I have to offer this world, but I just don’t know how or when they are going to manifest… and so I need to learn to simply say to the Full Moon, “I don’t know. I’m willing to do a lot of great work… Oh Beloved Universe, use me as YOU see fit!”

Laughing all the way home, saying the “I don’t know” mantra with each breath… 

May all beings everywhere surrender into Deep Acceptance and Flowing Peace.

Om Shanti (Peace),

Yogini Tejaswini

Photo of July Full Moon on Mt. Ashland taken by Teja Shankara.

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A couple of days ago, before going to give a Reiki healing session, I was blessed to receive the darshan (“vision” or blessing by a holy being) of a red dragonfly in my yard. Like a small child, I became very excited when I saw that being, and so I began talking to it in a very animated way, and for the next thirty minutes, we connected soul-to-soul. That little being looked in my eyes and flew around flirting with me! And when I ran inside to get the camera, it seemed very pleased and flitted around in different poses for me! I share those photos with you here, so that you may also receive the red dragonfly darshan!

Remembering that everything and everyone is connected in one, continuous web of energy and vibration, I walked a few blocks barefoot and gave a wonderfully warm and loving Reiki energy healing session.

May all beings know how interconnected we all are… 

Om Shanti (Peace),

Yogini Tejaswini

Photos of red dragonfly darshan taken by Teja Shankara.

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Photo by Ashley Marie - CC License

On this playground of life, we get to choose how we spend our time: we can choose to run around doing things that lower our vibrations, OR we can choose to commit to regular, daily spiritual practices that raise our vibrations. Each small change that we make within ourselves then ripples out and benefits all of Creation. This year I intend to help raise the vibration of the human species, through my work as a cheerleader for spiritual practices. (This paragraph is repeated each month for emphasis, since this is the theme for the 2011 newsletters.)

Here is some recent news from the playground of my life ~

~ In keeping with my goal to visit Mt. Shasta at least 1-2 times per month, at the end of June my dear friend Jill and I drove down to attend the Shasta Amma Satsang. We arrived early to have some exploration time, during which we drove up the mountain as far as the road is cleared… and I delighted to take a few barefoot steps in the snow! Then we filled our water bottles at the Headwaters of the Sacramento River, and settled in for the satsang, which rekindled the Amma sparks in my heart… and I met a shining woman who gave me a great affirmation to say when I am wishing I could move to a different locale: “I am multidimensional.” For more details about this delightful Shasta pilgrimage, please read my blog article “An Amma Devotee’s Pilgrimage by Sacred Mt. Shasta”

~ This year the Americana Holiday of the Fourth of July offered me a big surprise: a very deep connection with my inner Happiness. I joyfully watched as even more Fiery Teja returned to my being that day. I wasn’t expecting to have such a fun day alone, and I wrote a really great blog article about my experience: “Teja’s Independent Independence Day!”

~ My older son turned 14 on July 7^th, and I am feeling super grateful for the special time that he and I shared that morning over cups of soy chai at a local coffee shop. Our family then gathered for a birthday lunch. I served the fixings for TLT’s (tempeh, lettuce, and tomato sandwiches), along with BBQ chips, vegan chocolate cake, and several flavors of Coconut Bliss non-dairy, vegan frozen delight. My little niece Lily (born May 21^st) also graced the party with her sweet presence, and then she took a three-hour nap at my cottage! All in all, this has been a summer filled with wonderful family connections, and I am feeling very blessed by that.

~ On the July Full Moon, I took one of my brothers and one of my sons with me up to Mt. Ashland to enjoy the sunset and the full moon rising. Although quite cold, we had a fabulous time hiking around and sipping hot cocoa. While sitting on some tall rocks and gazing at the full moon, I said we should speak our intentions to the moon. My son immediately said that he’d like to find a billion dollars, to which I quickly responded, “Oh, that’s similar to my intention!” It’s not so much the money that I’m desiring, as it is the freedom that the money would give me to travel… to both give & take retreats. The retreat that I am most interested in attending is December 7^th-12^th on Maui, Hawaii… it will be led by Ram Dass, Krishna Das, and Sharon Salzberg. So I spoke my intention to the Full Moon, saying that my ideal plan would be to visit Amma in Castro Valley over Thanksgiving, and then to fly to Maui for that retreat, and then for my boys to join me on Maui for a Christmas vacation. I added that I am willing to surrender those plans if they aren’t meant to be, but I really would like for them to be!

~ Last weekend I drove to Mt. Shasta by myself and enjoyed a magical time hiking barefoot and chanting in an enchanted forest. Then I attended an evening of Amma bhajans (devotional songs) that filled me with incredible Bliss. Please read the blog I wrote about my hike that day: “Happy Teja Chanting the Hanuman Chalisa on Barefoot Hike at Red Fir Flat (on Sacred Mt. Shasta)” and please view the 21-second video I took of myself chanting Om Namah Shivaya while hiking barefoot, with bells on my ankles: Yogini-Bliss on YouTube.

~ Although this has been one of the busiest, craziest summers of my life, somehow I have found the time to continue writing regular articles for the Teja Blog. This month I have already published 16 blog articles, and most of those articles are about the transformational time I spent with Amma in June. Also, last week I posted a book review of Krishna Das’ spiritual classic, Chants of a Lifetime: Searching for a Heart of Gold, and they posted the link for my review on Krishna Das’ website! You can see that link and follow it to read my review here: http://www.krishnadas.com/press_cuttings.cfm

~ This week I am happy to introduce a new feature here on the Teja Blog… it’s called “Ask Teja”… if you have any questions you can email them to me (teja@yogini-bliss.com) and I will do my best to answer them! For more information about this, please see "New Teja Blog Feature: Ask Teja!"

~ And finally, if you haven’t already experienced the Stay Strong video, I highly recommend it! With many of my favorite chant artists in one video, I cry every time I see it! Here’s the link: Stay Strong

~ On this great playground of life, “let’s all come together and take care of each other… stay strong and keep your faith alive!”

May all beings everywhere know the Strength of Deep Inner Happiness.

Om Shanti (Peace),

Yogini Tejaswini

Photo of Teja filling water bottles at the Headwaters taken by Jill Rothman; photo of Teja and sons on the birthday taken by the boys’ papa; photo of Teja with sunset on Mt. Ashland taken by Teja’s son Gabe.

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Today I am happy to announce a new feature here on the Teja Blog: Ask Teja! Yes, now anyone at anytime can ask me questions… simply send me an email with any questions you have, and I’ll do my best to answer them! My email address:

teja@yogini-bliss.com

If you wish to remain anonymous, that is fine… and if you wish to have your name and photo on the Teja Blog along with your question(s), that is also fine… Just let me know your preference when you send me your question(s)…

My beloved teacher, who left his body on July 21^st, 2009, David La Chapelle, predicted that one day people would be asking me questions, and I shrugged my shoulders, like “Yeah, right” but now the time has come when I do feel ready and available to field some questions… after all, those silver hairs on my head did not come from a hair frosting kit! Lol, those silver hairs have come from some hard knocks and some dark nights of the soul, which gratefully have given me some wisdom… So, please send me your questions!

Om Shanti (Peace),

Yogini Tejaswini

Photo of Teja with new leopard-skin seat cover (on her old Schwinn bicycle) taken by Teja’s Mom.

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My dear friend Jill accompanied me for the drive home from Amma’s ashram in June… Before leaving Amma’s Field, I had set an intention to be happy as I returned home, because when I returned home from Amma’s in November, I was quite unhappy since I was feeling really “done” with living in Ashland, Oregon (after 18 years here!), but I can’t move away just yet since my boys have seven more years of schooling in this town… As I drove into town that cold November night, I was overcome by a long, uncontrollable sobbing cry… But this time, after a totally amazing time of transformation with Amma, I was feeling happy and strong in my center again.

As we drove over the mountain pass and into the sunny town, I told Jill that I felt as though the time with Amma, and that happy drive home, were like a “reset” button. I felt as though I got myself back, and I felt ready to begin this final Ashland chapter with a much better attitude. With deep Gratitude, I cultivated the witness and saw all this Bliss and Love surrounding me and my family. Energized to share all that Love with others, I joyfully returned to Ashland… And I am grateful to report that after being home for over one month now, I am still feeling the Amma Love and still feeling quite happy and centered inside my own being.

Jai MA! Victory to the Divine Mother!

May all beings everywhere know Happiness and Peace.

Om Shanti (Peace),

Yogini Tejaswini

Photo of Teja Blissful with Mt. Shasta behind her taken by Jill Rothman. Photo of Teja’s feet heading home taken by Teja Shankara.

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One of the most transformative times of my life occurred this June, on the last night of my time with Amma… it was Devi Bhava night, the night when Amma dresses as the Divine Mother and many devotees stay up all night chanting, praying, and watching Amma give darshan (hugs and blessings) into the morning hours. I have stayed up all night many times for Devi Bhava, but this June I didn’t think I was going to be able to do it, since I was feeling so exhausted… but I kept praying that I would be able to do it, and my prayers were answered twenty-fold! Not only was I able to stay up all night, but in the morning I still had plenty of energy!

The evening began with a special puja (ritual worship) in which Amma blessed the water, which was then distributed to everyone present. Amma also gave a talk, in which she said the following:

“We blame fate for unexpected things, but fate is like a seed that grows into actions. Fate, in the form of a seed, becomes the thoughts that arise in the mind as repeated desires, and then those desires become actions. We can change our fate with awareness. Fate’s power only extends to the thoughts that arise in the mind as repeated desires. The seeds of our vasanas (negative tendencies) cannot grow in the Light of Awareness. When we understand the nature of worldly objects, then we lose our attraction to them. When we develop discernment, then we can destroy the negativities as they arise. We should have complete control over our minds. Strict daily routines help develop purity of actions. Constant practice awakens Awareness…. We will see the results of our practices after some time.”

Swami-ji (one of Amma’s revered teachers) then led a beautiful meditation for peace. He said that just as a flower opens up to the sun, our heart opens up to the Universe… then he said that Amma asks us all to pray for World Peace – to pray for those in Japan and other places with natural disasters… Amma says that Nature is agitated and only Divine Grace can help us… Amma asks us to pray for the Entire Creation, even our enemies… Om Lokah Samastah Sukhino Bhavantu ~ May all beings everywhere be happy.

As I said above, it was incredibly easy for me to stay up that whole night. So much Love filled my being and it was as if I floated through the whole night on a Bliss Cloud! Then, as the first light appeared in the sky, I took the above photo of the hills… but somehow the flash made it look as if it was still dark… and lots of little orb beings showed up in the photo!

Then, as I was leaving Amma’s Field (around 10:00am), my primary vasana (negative tendency) suddenly flared up quite strongly, and I could see it more clearly than ever before: I could see that it isn’t me – it is like a kink in my system, like an entity or structure that is separate from me. I got very angry at the vasana and in a flash of Kali-like fire, I took a no-drama vow. The details of this vow are a secret until after I complete the six months, and then I will share about it, so stay tuned here on the Teja Blog! (To read the background story of my primary vasana, please order my spiritual memoir, The Rita Lila: A Western Yogini’s Journey to Bliss)

May all beings commit to doing spiritual practices that help them to develop mind control and purity of actions. May we all live in Harmony together on this sacred planet earth. 

Om Shanti (Peace),

Yogini Tejaswini

Photo of orbs over Amma’s hills taken by Teja Shankara. The Rita Lila book cover designed by Gaelyn Larrick.

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One of my favorite parts of retreats with Amma (at her ashram in Castro Valley, California), is the Question and Answer session out in the meadow. This June, Amma answered three questions, and it is the third question that I will share in this blog article, because her answer touched me so deeply and gave me great inspiration to continue my daily spiritual practices in earnest.

A devotee asked, “Amma, would you please give us some advice around death – how can we best support our loved ones who have gone?” Amma answered:

“Even after death, the departed souls would probably still be expecting us to do good deeds – if we do good deeds, that will make them happy… in Sanatana Dharma (Hinduism), rites are performed for the departed souls, offerings are made to the priests, and food is given to the poor – these rituals are to remember them and pay back what they have given for us… However, once you turn to spirituality and dedicate your life to God, you don’t need to do these rituals anymore, because 3 generations before you and 4 generations after you will be benefited by your spiritual practices. But for people focused materially, then the ancestor rites are important to do annually… Good actions help the departed souls as well as those who are still alive. God works through our hands and feet.”

After Amma said that, I just kept staring at those words written in my journal: 3 generations before you and 4 generations after you will be benefited by your spiritual practices. Although I had heard that before, somehow this time it really hit a deep, deep place in me… 3 generations before you and 4 generations after you will be benefited by your spiritual practices… Wow, and as if that wasn’t enough, right then, Amma asked everyone to play paddycake with each other while she sang and led a chant! Oh, she is adorable beyond words!

May all beings be inspired to do daily spiritual practices… and may at least one million of them order my pocket book of spiritual practices very soon! ~ Radiance Rising: Spiritual Practices for Daily Living ~ available on this website’s store in print or e-book version… please order today… and please tell all of your friends and family about it…

Om Shanti (Peace),

Yogini Tejaswini

Photo of Durga Lion in Amma’s Meadow taken by Teja Shankara. Radiance Rising book cover designed by Gaelyn Larrick.

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Last Spring I organized an all-night chanting event on ShivaRatri (click on these blog titles for more information on ShivaRatri: “ShivaRatri All-Night Chanting Brings Auspiciousness” and “Happy Yogini in Warm ShivaRatri Field”), and it was such an amazing experience that I’m already planning for ShivaRatri 2012 in Ashland! So when I went down to see Amma in June, I took some little flyers to hand out about the event, which will be an all-night chanting fundraiser for Amma’s charitable organizations.

In June, one of Amma’s sweet Swamis (highly revered teachers) said the following in an evening program talk:

“Lord Shiva was the Adi Guru, the First Guru… Lord Shiva liked to hunt… in a prayer written by Adi Shankaracharya, he called out O My Dearest Shiva, I know that you like to go hunting and I am offering you this dark forest of my heart, with lots of wild animals in it – the wild animals of envy, jealousy, anger, and greed – Please come to my heart and hunt & hunt & hunt!”

The Swami continued, “Amma is the Hunter of negative qualities… but we have to help too – we have to put forth effort. Amma says that if we take one step towards her, she will take 100 steps towards us.”

He closed his talk by telling us about Amma’s newest project, which is clean-ups in India. Big work parties gather to clean up the garbage in the streets and villages. To read more about Amma’s charitable activities in India and around the world, click here: Embracing the World.

So, please mark your calendars now: Sunday, February 19^th, 2012… ShivaRatri All-Night Chanting in Ashland for Amma! (9:00PM – 8:00AM, CultureWorks Performing Arts Center & Organic Vegetarian Café)

May all beings everywhere offer their hearts to be cleaned of negative qualities, so we can all live in Deep Peace and Harmony!

Om Shanti (Peace),

Yogini Tejaswini

Photo of the Shiva Lingam next to Amma’s Pond taken by Teja Shankara.

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Currently my favorite spiritual book is Chants of a Lifetime: Searching For a Heart of Gold, by Krishna Das. The quote on the back cover, by Daniel Goleman (author of Emotional Intelligence), says it all: “Krishna Das offers a gift of love – this candid, lively, and helpful guide to the path that opens the heart. Chants of a Lifetime is an instant spiritual classic.” Indeed! Even though I finished reading the book while visiting Amma, I continue to read through the parts I highlighted with red pen. As I read those parts again and again (and take notes down from them), I realize that this book is most definitely an instant spiritual classic.

I have read quite a few books by various Neem Karoli Baba devotees, and they are all good in their own ways, but this book by Krishna Das outshines them all because he brings Neem Karoli Baba through in a way that only he could do – with his own unique “Krishna Das-ness”! He not only transmits the Presence of Neem Karoli Baba, but he also conveys brilliant spiritual wisdom of his own… and whether he’s exposing his raw, heartwrenching dark times, or creating wonderful metaphors, he expresses it all with a hilarious and earthy sense of humor.

There are so many great parts I’d like to share, but then I would just be copying down most of the book here… so I’ll close this little book review blog with one section that really captures his delightful writing style:

“It’s as if we’re living on the front lawn of our own home. We’ve been locked out of ourselves for so long that we forget there is a house to live in. We buy all kinds of stuff and put it on the lawn. Yes, all that furniture and that expensive flat-screen HDTV are on the lawn. Then when they get rained on and ruined, causing us unhappiness, we think that that’s the way it has to be. We’ve forgotten what a house is for. We’ve forgotten that there even is a house. We’ve forgotten that there is shelter inside of our own hearts. The guru calls us up from the phone inside the house, “Hey! Look in the window! I’m inside here. Come on in!” We know all the right words – “God is within,” “Guru, God, and Self are one” – but we’re talking from outside of ourselves, sitting on the front lawn. That’s why we Westerners can do so much practice without it actually changing our lives. It’s relatively easy to do practice; we’re great at doing stuff, but we’re even better at making sure that it doesn’t have any real effect on us. Why? Because we’ve lost that connection to our simple inner being. We don’t trust ourselves, and we don’t know how to be good to ourselves…. In the case of chanting, the medicine of the Name removes the illness of looking outside for love, and awakens an inner strength and confidence and a feeling of well-being as we move deeper into our own hearts.”

After chanting along with Krishna Das’ CDs for more than eight years, I can attest to the Truth of that – I definitely feel much stronger now, and I am super grateful to Krishna Das for how much he has helped me on the path. I bow down with Infinite Gratitude for all of the good seva (service) that he offers this sacred planet.

May all beings everywhere know Happiness.

Om Shanti (Peace),

Yogini Tejaswini

Photo of Chants of Lifetime on Teja’s coffee table taken by Teja Shankara.

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