Picture: Salt Lake City Cathedral
Our pilgrimage continues. Corliss had recommended that we camp near Thousand Springs Falls Idaho. 90 Miles away a river dives subterranean into lava tubes and travels underground until it finally emerges from the midst of a cliff face and drops down to join the Snake river below. It is a beautiful oasis in the midst of desert; an excellent tip for an overnight stay.
Our next stop was Shoshone Falls. Taller than Niagara Falls, the rock formations formed by the fluidic master engraver are really breathtaking. We pilgrims took our time to imbibe the special feeling of peace and vital energy while there. From there we travelled south into Utah. Our next “home” came next to the Great Salt Lake at Willard Bay State Park. The park mostly empty this time of year was a welcome respite and provided a peaceful haven in which to stay with a rich population of birds and expansive views of the unique Salt Lake.
Then on to Salt Lake City. Settled by the Mormons, I had wanted to visit the holy sites that drew these intrepid pioneers. Establishing a Temple for the living God was an important mission for Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Brigham Young said he did not like to say too much about the revelations he received from God, but he definitely felt the Spirit of God was present where he said the Temple should be built.
Through much hardship the settlers not only worked to eke out a living but also donated their time for 40 years in order to complete the Temple. Using quarry rock from 20 miles away the granite stones were at first hauled by wagon, but later a railroad system that was built to accomplish the task. Truly a beautiful Temple was constructed and the manicured grounds surrounding the Temple have a very peaceful feeling to them.
We were also treated to an organ recital at the Mormon Tabernacle with its amazing sound acoustics beautifully engineered into the oval roofed structure featuring the biggest organ I have ever seen. It was a wonderful treat. A local recommended we eat at the Red Iguana, a Mexican restaurant. We were treated to the most delicious tacos ever. The tightly packed tables and noisy ambience reminded me of Yogi Berra’s (yes, the Yankee catcher was named after Hindu yogis!) comment, “Well, no wonder nobody eats here, it’s so darn crowded!” But the taste of those delicious tacos stay with us still.
Carla had made me promise that if certain physical symptoms continued by the time we had arrived at the city then I would see a doctor here. Frequent shortness of breath, pounding heart, dizziness, and lack of physical energy have been my constant companions these past months; making it an act of will to do the simplest of activities. Dr. Fiona Ying saw me at the University Walk-in Clinic. Both an allopathic and a Chinese medicine doctor, she tested me for blood pressure, heart and lungs, as well as oxygen intake etc. I tested out perfectly in all categories. Dr. Ying was perplexed by my symptoms and apparent perfect health. She asked if I would be open to some Chinese formulas for breathing and dizziness; I have been taking them for the last couple of days; so far without noticeable effect.
One of the legacies of receiving Mother’s Spiritual Mantle has been the taking on of every form of ailment and psychological condition from others. The Grace that goes with this work that I do for Mother is that I know God’s Presence from beginning to end. This makes all the difference. It does not mean that I do not meet with frustration at times, or feel that what He is giving me is too much, but these are passing phases; I would not trade my life for any other.
When I leave on a pilgrimage trek I smile when someone says, “Have a nice vacation.” I appreciate the sentiment, but there is never a time God does not have me at work. This life I live I find fascinating, even as a spectator of a sporting event would find the play on the field fully engaging.
We left Salt Lake City feeling that we had an opportunity to experience the holy sites here. Carla said that it was the cleanest city she had ever been in; I told her it rivaled Singapore in that respect. The people were all friendly and the emphasis on healthy family was evident. It is wonderful to come to a city where the Temple is the center attraction.
As we traveled south we were surprised at the dense population that continued past the city proper. Eventually we felt the relief of leaving the dense population and felt the open skies unfurling before us. We are now stationed at Yuba State Park, looking out over Yuba Lake. The soft colors of desert hills charm us, then as the sun sets a vibrant thunder and lightning storm is passing nearby. We are thankful for our dry dharmashala on wheels and all the comforts of home (in miniature). This morning the early morning skies herald the rising sun with trumpets of orange, gold and blues colors streaking overhead.
Note: We recently received word that Sheela (of Prem and Sheela) has left the body. Sheela had been having health problems for some time. We always remember Sheela for opening her San Diego home to all of us so freely and lovingly, delicious meals and their Thursday night kirtans. Sheela had a wonderful sense of humor, and was totally devoted to Prem (Papa Ramdas’ grandson), Papa, Mataji and Swamiji. I always remember her saying as she lovingly looked upon her husband Prem, “The only thing harder than being a saint is living with one!” I am sure that they were all there for her transition into her new life, now free in joyful Spirit. Om Sri Ram Jai Ram Jai Jai Ram!
Carla and I both pass on our loving thoughts to you and may God and the Masters ever bless you.