Bhakti Fest West 2013 Day 2

Image by Mitchell Manz Photography

We rose charged from opening day energy here at Joshua Tree Retreat Center. With so many classes and kirtan to catch, nothing could start the day better than a bit of toasty Manna Bread washed down with a brewed blend from Java GoGo. For those who love rich roasted flavors, but curb caffeine, a warm cup of Teecino made the perfect morning fix.

Early day workshops were devoted to a better understanding of deep-rooted, burning issues. One which focused on the turbulent buzz topic of money. Michael Thomas Robinson engaged participants in “Bhakti Yoga: The Path to Peace and Abundance.” The focus for this class revolved around timeless wisdom taught by many masters about how to cultivate a copious life--from the Buddah to Amma.
Michael emphasized that abundance comes to those who truly “believe that they can be masters of attainment.” He opened up the discussion by asking if anyone knew what abundance means. A timid room hesitated to answer. The awkward silence was broken with another question: “How can you attain something if you don’t know what it is?” He explained that through using our spiritual practice as a life compass, we can put ourselves in alignment with the wisdom that brought so much abundance to the greatest teachers in our human history.

On the stages, Philippo Francini’s evocative sound settled, or stirred the inner worlds of yogis who joined him at the Hanuman stage. Meanwhile, Sharanam Anandama shot Main stage goers into a sweet swaying ecstatic dance with his harmonic musical offerings.

Image of Janet Stone by Mitchell Manz Photography

The late morning rolled on with the high vibe teachings of Janet Stone, sweet kundalini of Kia Miller and playful practice of our dear desert-dweller yogini Kristin Olsen. Hint water kept us hydrated into high noon, and E-boost in our canteens helped energy levels stay high under the hot sun.

Legendary visionary artist Paul Heussenstam shed insight into the secrets and powers of mandalas. His workshop held in the NamasteLight sanctuary revealed mandalas as a psychic map to guide one towards a truly open heart. He shared his personal story a about how the sacred designs helped him “see the patterns in reality,” and how in being able to truly see those patterns we can “have courage, seek peace, and understand all that is truly real.” He told us that in “paintings are souls--they’re a magic window through time and space that a artist creates,” that, “we are all artists, and that artists are divine manifestoes.”

In the New Chapter Yoga Hall I, Sean Johnson and the Wild Lotus Band gathered all around for “Bhakti on the Mat.” The class opened with an invitation from Sean to gather around for a story, and began to tell us that “One upon a time there was a yogi...” He continued to tell the tale of the Kali Durga who was conceived out of the need to heal a world where impure thoughts were law, and wild unruly destruction reined. Our asana evolved into a dance that interpreted this battle with our own bodies and minds.

Image of Jai Uttal by
Mitchell Manz  Photography

Micheline Berry wrapped up the yoga classes in Yoga Hall II, while Newton Campbell led yogis through sunset salutations. Big swigs of KeVita probiotic drinks kept yogi tummy happy and revitalized after asana so they could enjoy the music of the evening.

The visceral sounds of Arjun Baba transported the crowd to a suspended moment of time and grace. The crowd danced with delight to the sound of their own collective voices. At the main stage Deva Premal and Miten mesmerized yogis with traditional mantras which raised vibrations to the emerging stars glittering in the royal blue night.

To close the second evening Jai Uttal took on a magic yoga mat ride though time. In classic Jai style he took our souls to sky heights, and we chanted the holy names until bliss bloated every cell. As a whole we floated and danced in the magic desert dust until it was time to tuck in for the next day in yogi paradise.

By Bernadette Lynn Ignacio