Mystical Burnings
I’m a yogini, part-time writer and photographer living in London. I’m passionate about travel and my yoga path has led me to sacred places in India and Nepal in pursuit of yogic philosophy and Buddhist wisdom. The journey has been a search for authenticity on the spiritual path; one that reveals yoga’s true purpose – to control the mind, to diminish suffering and attain Moksha freedom (or perhaps just sanity).
These ‘Mystical Burnings’ are a selection of writing and photography of a spiritual nature. Just as being in a sacred place, or in the presence of a spiritual master, can purify or reveal one’s true nature, these essays symbolise a kind of mystical burning, or devotion, an inner self-discipline (tapas) that burns away impurities and kindles the sparks of divinity. They mark the journey inward and are a metaphor for the ‘inner limbs’ of yoga.
....Living in a 400-year old Portuguese house during monsoon in Assagao, feeding stray dogs as yoga seva, falling in love with Rajita, and strategies to cope with Covid lockdown in Goa.
....Just before dawn we slip into a small wooden boat and float out on the mighty Ganga. It’s so pleasurable, gently drifting across the water as the city awakens. I can see why devout Hindus refer to Varanasi as ‘Kashi’ – the Luminous One, the City of Light.
....My travels take me along the Ganga, to Manikarnika burning Ghat, the Aghori ashram, and along the Panchakroshi pilgrimage circuit to undercover a sacred city in the shape of a comic mandala.
....Death on the Ganges. The street leads to the largest burning ghat, Manikarnika. Probably all streets lead to Manikarnika as it is the center of the city. There is a saying in Varanasi that the ghats are not there for the city, but the city exists for the ghats.
....Aghor is the easy path - a natural and spontaneous state of consciousness. It’s not a cult or a religion. It’s a state of reality you can experience. Aghor is a tantric practice that removes feelings of fear, hatred, disgust or discrimination. It’s the path of utter love and devotion.
....The pilgrimage circuits of Varanasi are a physical expression of a celestial cosmic plan. As a modern yogini running out of time, I jump on the back of Umesh’s scooter and circumambulate the Pancakroshi Yatra in an afternoon.
....The Valais holiday resort of Zinal is situated at an altitude of 1670 m at the end of the Val d'Anniviers (Eifischtal) where it becomes the Zinal Valley.
....Finding my Buddha Nature with the likes of the Karmapa, Tenzin Palmo, Chamtrul Rinpoche and Orgyen Tobgyal Rinpoche.
....Spinning the Wheel of Dharma with Chamtrul Rinpoche in Dharamsala. Although I understand almost nothing, I'm captivated by everything he says.
....Todgen Yogis, Tashi Jong Gompa & Orgyen Tobgyal Rinpoche at Deer Park Institute. Orygen Tobgyal Rinpoche's teaching is held in the Manjusuri Hall with a giant gilded statue of Manjushrii Buddha (Wisdom). Even against such a magnificent backdrop, Orgyen Tobgyal Rinpoche (OT) with his inimitable style as a great orator takes center stage.
I arrive at Dongyu Gatsal Ling Nunnery for tea with visit with Ani Tenzin Palmo. Her private study is spacious and packed with books and a writing desk, dark brown and burgundy, with clear light streaming through the windows. She sits in an upholstered chair in her robes. If I was at all nervous, her genuine kindness and humour immediately puts me at ease.
