Springtime for Kundan and California

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I have gone through four or more drafts of my travel update without settling on the right format to describe my journey. However, the title was too good to pass up and if I don’t write soon, I’d lose the chance to use it.

Last week, I spent three days at Harbin Hot Springs ( http://www.harbin.org/intro.htm ) in Napa county two and a half hours from my sister’s house in Chico, two hours north of San Francisco. If you have even the slightest chance of going there, please take it. It’s located up a fully wooded valley and is veeery relaxing. The centre is the main pool area. Six pools: a swimming pool that was a pleasant temperature for doing laps and fooling around. A heart shaped soaking pool. A cold pool. Sauna and steam rooms. Then, a large warm soaking pool about five foot deep. Next to it, the hot pool and above another cold pool. There are large decks for sunbathing and hanging out. The hot pool is 102+F (39C). The sign says to begin with no more than 2 minutes. I tend toward one minute. Then, off to the cold pool for a short dip. A pause for a long drink of my electrolyte enhanced water and back to the hot pool where I found that I was immediately enjoying the deep relaxing heat. I would do this circuit three or four times.

About timing of your visit. I arrived Thursday midday and left Sunday. The difference in population of the pools between friday and saturday was considerable. One way around it: I found myself awake at four thirty in the morning and went down to the pools. Only two other people there. After my rounds, I returned to morph into the most relaxing puddle of Kundan in my bed.

Other attractions are a number of varying degrees of difficulty hikes around the large property. Fabulous views. Many quiet spots. The restaurant is informal with a deck looking out on the wooded valley. I shared a table with some very interesting people.

There are events happening most nights and, of course, yoga, massage and other bodywork. I chose to have a Watsu session. This was a new experience for me. Watsu is described as “water shiatsu”, though, I would say that that is much more than that. The session happens in a shallow, maybe four foot deep warm salt water pool. I had a crick in my neck and a tight lower back, so, Patti, my practitioner, said that she would give me a gentle session. She put velcroed straps just below my knees to add floatation, then, I just lay back in her arms and let go. There was gentle massaging of my neck and lower back but mostly it was gentle movement of my body through the water stretching it in various ways. I felt totally supported. About three quarters of the way through the hour, my head lolled against her cheek and I suddenly felt like I was a babe in my mothers arms. My heart melted. Wow, wowww, wowwww.

And, it even released my neck and back.

On top of all that Harbin has to offer everyone, I also met up with a couple old friends. Sheelu was visiting and the Ramadeva lives there. Ramadeva teaches Feldenkrais classes twice a week and does other work. I first met him when he was the lead facilitator of the first Mystic Rose that I participated in. That day, he was walking the hiking trails looking for people who needed assistance. Nice work, especially on a cool spring day. Oh, and, did I mention how relaxed I was at the end of only three days. Truly and oasis.

So, that was the most recent treat of my journey in Californialand. Mostly this has been a time of enjoying being with my sister, brother and sister-in-law, as well as my nephews and nieces. I managed to bump into some friends along the way and make new friends as well. My sister Mary, in between quilting and playing bridge, has been attending a class about Rumi’s poems. I went along to a couple class meetings as well as a couple informal gatherings. The leader is a beautiful woman who is passionately absorbed in the poetry of Rumi and other Sufis. A great way to touch one’s heart. While in SLO town, I got to sit and chat with my brother John in the morning before he went off to work and spend time in the afternoons at the breakfast counter talking with my sister-in-law, Stephanie when she got home from work. It’s such a pleasure to just be together with each of them. John and Steph, had just bought a vacation home at Lake Shasta on the California/Oregon border. We loaded up a trailer and made a stop at Ikea on the way. Then, it was moving in and cleaning up (I am now an expert Ikea assembler). Next weekend, I go up to the Lake House again for Memorial day weekend and, then, head south to SLO again for the month of July.

In all, it’s just been a very cruizy time. Oh, yeh, there was the spring garden tour. I’ll be uploading some photos to my flickr pages.

Cheers

An Interesting Twist in Cyberspace

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Hi All:
Well, the blogosphere is abuzz with analysis of the quote attributed to Martin Luther King that I sent to you. Apparently, it should have read thus:

I will mourn the loss of thousands of precious lives, but I will not rejoice in the death of one, not even an enemy. “Returning hate for hate multiplies hate, adding deeper darkness to a night already devoid of stars. Darkness cannot drive out darkness: only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate, only love can do that.” – Martin Luther King Jr.

The difference is the placement of the quotes. The story goes that except for the first sentence, it was a quote from a speech by MLK. The original author of the posting, wrote as you see above. It went viral. Then, someone tweeted it and to save space, because of tweeting limitations, removed the quotes. It makes one smile at how these things happen.

However, I still consider the whole to express an important message. I also would bet that old Martin Luther King would have agreed with the additional opening sentence.

Here is my explanation why I felt it was important to pass on the above. There is no mention of whether Osama Bin Ladin or any other man should be killed or not. This is not really about that question. What it is about is our reaction to such an event. I can understand why those people were dancing in the streets, however, I feel that there is a much better way to respond to this event.

We may feel relief that a danger has passed or been reduced. However, if one believes that a person has committed an act that people believe requires his killing, my own perspective is that we should be saddened that the world is in such a state that such an action is necessary. Rather than rejoicing, we need to look for the source of this malignancy and take responsibility for those parts that are our doing. There may be things that we can not change but there are many ways that we can make this a much more humane and just world. And, they come through the heart.

Love, Kundan

Consider this, then, read it again.

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“I will mourn the loss of thousands of precious lives, but I will not rejoice in the death of one, not even an enemy. Returning hate for hate multiplies hate, adding deeper darkness to a night already devoid of stars. Darkness cannot drive out darkness: only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate, only love can do that.” – Martin Luther King Jr.

A Conscious Consumer

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Dear Friends:
Below is an email that was forwarded to me. It is aimed at people in the USA and most of those that I am writing to are living outside the US. I am sending this on because it is important to me to be a conscious consumer and this is a simple example of a difference a little bit of conscious consuming can make.

I have to say that I am not against international trade. It is a healthy human interaction. I am for supporting local economies when possible. So often, we only look at the price of a product without considering the cost of the product. In the example below, they mention how there would be an increase of 200,000 jobs in the US if people bought USA made. There would also be other consequences, such as, a decrease in the amount of oil used to ship and distribute said goods.
Though supporting local is, I feel, very important, there is more to conscious consuming. When I shop for a product that I am not familiar with, I read the ingredients as well as where is was produced. I compare. The first time may take a few extra minutes, however, I only need to do it once and I know what I am getting.

There is another level that I find even more important. Is consumption our prime reason in life?

There is an exaggerated importance that consuming has in our lives. The obvious example is the role that credit buying was involved in the current economic upheaval. There is also the glaring “must have the latest version” that pushes so many people into wasteful spending. I came to California with the intention of buying the latest iPad 2. It’s a very impressive device. I could afford it. Yet, do I really need it? There is a big debate going on in my mind. I have a very capable Macbook that, though it is heavier and bigger, can do more than I need. I already have an iPod touch as a portable device that still amazes me. Yes, I do travel often, however, it is usually in a way that the extra size and weight of my Macbook is not a hindrance.

There is a need to bring our awareness to ourselves and our own inner dialogue and resulting actions. I have watched this dialogue within myself and been a bit shocked and red faced. “Shopping therapy” is more than a cute comment. It is very much built into our minds. The belief that buying something will somehow make us feel better is so deeply ingrained that we don’t notice it.

When was the last time that you were downtown and didn’t buy anything? How often have you said, “Wow, that’s beautiful but I don’t really need it” and walked away?

Following is the email that I forwarded to my “bloggies” list:

MAY 1 – JUNE 1

Did you see that Diane Sawyer has a special report coming up this week? They removed ALL items from a typical, middle class family’s home that were not made in the USA.  There was hardly anything left.  Literally. During the special they are going to show truckloads of items – USA made – being brought in to replace everything and will be talking about how to find these items and the difference in price etc..

It was interesting that Diane said that if every American spent just $64 more than normal on USA made items this year, it would create something like 200,000 new jobs!

For instance, at Walmart you can buy the “Our Family” Brand of madarin oranges from China or for a few more cents you can buy the Liberty Gold or Dole brand from California.

Why are Americans buying without thinking while the Chinese, knowingly and intentionally, export inferior and even toxic products and dangerous toys and goods to be sold in American markets?

70% of Americans believe that the trading privileges afforded to the Chinese should be suspended.

Why do you need the government to suspend trading privileges? DO IT YOURSELF, AMERICA!!

Simply look on the bottom of every product you buy, and if it says ‘Made in China’ or ‘PRC’ (and that now includes Hong Kong), simply choose another product, or none at all.  You will be amazed at how dependent you are on Chinese products, and you will be equally amazed at what you can do without.

Who needs plastic eggs to celebrate Easter? If you must have eggs, use real ones and benefit some American farmer. Easter is just an example. The point is, do not wait for the government to act. Just go ahead and assume control on your own.

THINK ABOUT THIS: If 200 million Americans refuse to buy just $20 each of Chinese goods, that’s a billion dollar trade imbalance resolved in our favor…fast!!

Most of the people who have been reading about this matter are planning on implementing this on MAY 1st and continue it until JUNE 1st.

Remember, MAY 1 TO JUNE 1st !!!!!!

START NOW.

Changes

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My life has been one of many changes. They continue.

We need to step back a bit to get a better perspective of what has led to my present choices.

A current influence has been my ever increasing obsession with myshakuhachi. For four years now, I have been pursuing that state where there is no difference between Kundan and his shakuhachi. At times, recently, I have felt something that might be this illusory state whispering by like a passing feather on the edge of my aura.

The external manifestation of this experience has been a series of continuing jumps in the quality of my playing on these beautifully crafted lengths of bamboo. It has been a snowballing effect that, at times, finds me striding around my rooms exclaiming in difficult to believe joy.

These experiences resulted in my decision, not so long ago, to set aside my Great European Cycling Adventure to better focus on my shakuhachi evolution.  A difficult decision but one that felt right for me. My new plan was announced as the “Pacific Solution”. It involved two visits to Japan for study and travel with a visit to California in the middle. Such a plan led me to a renewed inculcating of the Japanese language into this predominately monolingual brain.

I finally took the bull by the horns and truly learned the two 52 character syllabic alphabets. Having accomplished that task successfully, I was so chuffed that I ventured on into expanding my few readings of the Chinese ideograms that were adopted and adapted by our Japanese ancestors. I am pleased to say that I have made some progress with my present regular recognition of approximately 125 Kanji. Just a few days ago, I added another dozen to the study list in my flash card app.
Concurrent with the advancement of two streams of study, I commenced with the logistical side of my new venture. There was the calculation of travel dates based on seasonal variations and the availability of accommodation in Chichibu as well as my teacher’s presence in his hometown. I found myself with four weeks in the late spring to travel by thumb and couch through western Japan. This was something that I had been promising myself for some years. It was a further stimulus to my language studies.

A departure date of 23 March was set and tickets purchased well in advance. (My good friend Anagara’s 60th Birthday Party was influential on the settling of this date.) I began accumulating equipment and supplies. Lists and gifts and ideas. I visited all my various health care practitioners . Excitement rose as preparations advanced apace. I found a buyer for my car with incredible easy. The time drew nigh. Five weeks shakuhachi intensive in Chichibu here I come. I had postponed a trip earlier in the year and I could hardly wait.

All was in Harmony in Heaven and on Earth.

Then, one evening, I had the urge to tune into the ABC news channel earlier than usual. The helicopters were just beginning the live broadcast of the tsunami as it swept through Sendai. I watched stunned and unaware of how much this would impact my life.

As the tragedy in Northeastern Japan unfolded, my concern was for those affected directly and indirectly grew. My own travel plans were not in doubt. I grew up in LA where earthquakes were a normal part of life. When I lived in Tokyo in the late ’70’s, I would be woken in the night by strong tremblers. I would roll over and go back to sleep. I am a fatalist in relation to earthquakes.

However, as the days passed other factors began to disturb me. The most obvious being the developing crisis at the Fukushima nuclear power plant. Still, my concern focused on the stress being experienced by the people and infrastructure of the Sendai and Tokyo regions. I was scheduled to fly into Tokyo in a weeks time. No one could say what would happen in that time. I was hoping for the best but I decided that I did not feel right to add to the strain being experienced in the Tokyo region. I made plans instead to go to Kyoto to wait until I felt it was right to be travel to Chichibu. I would still be in Japan and I had planned to to visit Kyoto and Nara during this visit. I would just change my schedule in this way and wait there as things resolved.

On Thursday, I visited a close friend and told him of my change of plans. My friend  replied, “I understand how difficult it is for you to change you plans to visit Japan. However, all of the people of Japan are going through a time of trauma, grieving and incredible uncertainty. They need to sort this out themselves. You would be intruding if you went there now. It wouldn’t be  right for you to go to Japan now.”

The truth of  my friend’s words struck home. When I left his house, I went directly to my travel agent and began arrangements to cancel my existing ticket and book a flight direct from Australia to California. When I got home, I rang my teacher, Kaoru, and told him of my decision. I felt unable to adequately explain myself. I was in emotional turmoil. I did not feel any sense of relief that I have avoided any possible danger. I feel a deep sadness for the situation of the people of Japan that has caused me to reach my decision. I let go as the sadness poured through me. I came to peace with it.

The possibility of spending time with my family in California is very welcome. My thoughts and heart are constantly with Japan as I continue on my journey.

Let the light shine from our hearts to all parts of this world.

Love, Kundan

An Indian Feast

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Indian Feast last night at Satyamo and Sambodh’s house. We did the sounding meditation at 4 pm instead of the usual 11 am. Everyone brought a plate (potluck in Amerispeak). Fresh chapatis. Filled my plate with 20 different choices. I brought two chutneys. A sweet Tomato one and an Orange and Apricot tangy one. Put on a Bollywood dance dvd after dinner and danced like mad. Made some new friends. A Great Night.

The Itinerary

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Here’s my itinerary so far:

I will be leaving the fair shores of Oz on 23 March en route to Japan. For five weeks, I will be enjoying another shakuhachi intensive in Chichibu. I will then sling a pack on my back to hitch-hike for a further four weeks. I intend at that time to visit Kyoto, Hiroshima and Kyushu. I will be experiencing the Couch Surfing network along the way. Much unknown involved.

The first of June will find me once again boarding Singapore Air for a flight to California. Visiting family and doing short trips on the west coast for the summer. It looks as if my sister Mary and I will be heading up into the Northwest together as she had already planned such a trip toward the end of June. My birthplace of Billings, Montana may be graced by my presence once again.

31st of August finds me leaving LAX to return to Japan. Right now, it looks like a couple weeks of more travelling around Japan by thumb. Heading north this time. Then, six weeks of shakuhachi before returning to the land down under.

There is enough space in my plans for a good deal of unexpected adventure!

Looks Like The Pacific Solution

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Tossed it around some more and, barring unforeseen circumstances, I will give Europe a miss this year. It was a great plan. Still is! However, it would be hampered by my attempts to put in the amount of shakuhachi practice that I am now doing and want to continue for the immediate future. I’m at a stage in my learning/playing where I feel the need to be more stable. The beauty of the Europe Cycling Plan is the movement and exploration.

So, I have decided to do a Brisbane- Tokyo- LAX- Tokyo- Brisbane trip. I will do some travelling; hitching in Japan, train trips in the US, however, these will be of shorter duration with the northern summer mostly spent at my brother or sister’s.

That’s how it’s looking. I just need to settle on the dates.

Making it a Challenge

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After considering the question in my previous post, I decided that my bicycle tour of Europe feels too right to skip this year. So, instead, I have decided that my challenge will be to maintain my practice throughout the tour. This may take, will most likely take, some inventiveness at times. Finding a place to practice a wind instrument is sometimes a challenge, especially, in a city.

Europe Cycling Postponed?

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Just yesterday, I started questioning the timing of my planned cycle tour of Europe. The situation is that I am in a phase in my shakuhachi studies that I feel the need to put in a lot of practice every day. If I were on a cycling tour of Europe, this would be difficult and interfere with the easy attitude that I would like to have on such a tour.

I am considering plans that would take me to Japan as scheduled but instead of doing the round the world through Europe bit, just fly direct from Japan to the US and back on a separate ticket as I did a few years ago. The Oz- Japan section could be on Singapore Air and allow a stop over on the way back with a short trip to Orchard Hut in nothern India and Tapoban Commune near Kathmandu, Nepal.

I have a couple months to think it over. Hmmm….