The first full day of the Ganeshpuri Retreat 201 — I realize I have entered a time warp, where in an instant I switch between the modern world of cell phones, Wi-Fi, cars and planes to a time period of more than 5,000 years ago.

At 4:20 this morning most of our group, even many who had arrived only two hours before , were sitting on the floor in the Nityananda Temple.  Suddenly, the air was rent by a thunderous chorus of soundings from a conch shell, ringing bells, cymbals and kettle drums. What a nice way to wake up Nityananda’s bigger-than-life size, golden murti for his morning bath! A murti is an enlivened statue, and Nityananda’s “Sakti was certainly present.

For the next two hours, He was bathed with water, yogurt, milk and honey and then rinsed off so lovingly by the Temple priests and the four women guests who were honored with the opportunity to help today. With priests chanting in Sanskrit the whole time, Nityananda was bathed, dressed and adorned with garlands of flowers that we had just bought from the vendors outside. To reach Nityananda’s head when draping the garlands, the priest and guest assistants climb on a tall stool behind the murti.  At the end of the ceremony He was shining and bedecked.

What came to my mind were descriptions of the ceremonies and worship of the ancient Jews at the Temple in Jerusalem. Aside from the obvious difference that that the Jews were worshipping the formless and that the yogis are worshipping a form of the formless, all the other elements were present: priests dressed in special vestments were chanting an ancient language and waving flaming candles and firepans; musical instruments were playing; incense was being waved; offerings of flowers and food were made; and afterwards the blessed food (prasad) was distributed to the rapt crowd who had brought offerings as well as their supplications and prayers.

The prayer service in Jerusalem today is no longer the same as in ancient times; Temple sacrifices and rituals were replaced by prayer only after the Temple was destroyed 2,000 years ago. But in Ganeshpuri, the morning prayers in Nityananda’s Temple are a continuation of the same worship that existed 5,000 years ago. The two hours go quickly, and it is easy to slip in and out of meditation.  I am filled with immense gratitude.

Soon it is time to file past the murti to receive our bindi of kumkum (a red powder used to create the forehead dot), to extend our hands (right hand over left) to receive prasad, and go outside to find our sandals.  It is still dark and temporarily quiet. I return to the 21^st Century.

Each morning our group rises by 4:00 AM to attend the abhishek ceremony at Nityananda’s Mahasamadhi Temple. Afterwards on the first morning, someone asked me, “How was your experience?”  And I answered, “Overwhelming. “

During abhishek, the huge, life size, golden murti (statue) of Nityananda is woken up, bathed, dressed, and adorned with garlands of greenery and of flowers, like Hawaiian leis, by two Brahmin priests and their assistants. On this first morning of our yatra (pilgrimage), they were joined by four women. For at least an hour, all my senses were alive and enlivened by the disrobing of the golden murti, the water splashing, scrubbing with a white cream, drying each body part and each deep fold, re-robing with beautiful fabrics, incense burning, the waving of flaming ghee candles (arati), bells ringing, and drums booming.  We were invited to come forward three times during the ceremony: beforehand — to put our hands and head on the engraving of Nityananda’s feet; during — to receive from the head priest some of the bath water; and afterwards — for prasad (sacred refreshments).  My body, mind and heart vibrated to the beat of the drum and the clapping of our hands during the Jaya Jaya Arati chant to Nityananda at the end of the ceremony.  Inside and outside, Nityananda was there with me, and I was with him.  We were alive together, One.

Interestingly, I have never been a Nityananda devotee.  Now, however, I am.  He is the source, my heritage, the Guru who gave Muktananda his Self; and Muktananda who in turn gave Swamiji her Self.  Now it’s my turn — I can still feel the Guru in my Self, as my Self.  We are all The One.

Years ago I was a person who enjoyed extreme experiences — pursuing a PhD in my professional field and a university faculty position, while being a mother, wife, daughter and more.  Along the way I took up biking, running and swimming daily, loving the extreme training.  For what?

My life has always been purposeful, filled with many uplifting, strong experiences.  So here I am in Ganeshpuri India, with Swamiji and many other wonderful yogis, plus a staff of people who facilitate our daily living and practices.  I get to live all day long in the overwhelming experience of the early morning abhishek.  What a gift from Swamiji.  Thank you Swami.  All I have is gratitude and love for Swamiji and for this opportunity to live in the overwhelming experience of Ganeshpuri for two weeks.