From hating Bangkok to actually loving it for what it has given me. It has made me open my eyes to what a rat race we live in, people are just so busy within themselves and not bothered about anybody else. People here are very quick to judge, I have been called Osama, or they think I am an Arab or just a stinking ignorant Indian. When I tell them I am from the UK, they look at me with disbelief.
Apart from one, the Sikhs have been very unfriendly. This has actually stopped me from visiting the Gurdwara. My friend was doing an Akhand Paath, I asked what help can I give, he looked at me confused, help?! We just give the money to the Gurdwara and they take care of everything. We then only attend on Sunday. Here money talks…..!!
In the ‘ghetto’ you see people living in one bedroom houses, sorry that is incorrect and I should say one room houses. Everything is done in the one room, it is a living room, bedroom, kitchen and dining room in one, if lucky the toilet is outside. Yet, when you walk past they are happy to say hello and talk to you. Some people are actually offering me food! No matter how little food they have, they are always eating, smiling and joking as a family. We have so much yet we always want more…..!! The media, a fantastic marketing tool always brain washes us into thinking ‘we need that…..!’ Or ‘we should look like this…..!’
There is a huge drinking and drug culture here. From doing a quick search there is no support network here for people to talk or resolve their issues. There is a Kundalini Yoga class downtown but they charge 400 baht per class (about £8 GBP). This is a huge amount of money so the clientele will be well off.
The people in the ghetto have got used to me, well I do stand out! Probably the only guy there with a beard and moustache! They always have time to talk to me. The motorbike taxis are always discussing football, now I do not know a thing about the sport so I just mention a few club names and they cheer me! The stall holders are always asking how am I or where am I going. It is a genuine interest. Of course this relationship did not happen overnight but built over the last three months.
I have got so much out of Bangkok but given back nothing. Now this really upsets me, the Thais are amazing and once you build a bond are very friendly.
If you have any ideas how we can help, please do comment or email me…..
My friend Inderjit Singh from Bangkok picked me up and we visited his farm.
The drive took two hours, it felt great to be leaving the smog and seeing greenery! The air felt amazing and I was filling my lungs.
We brought back many bananas!
Inderjit Singh on the right sitting next to his helper. The helper is a very lucky man, a while back a king cobra came into his bed. Luckily he heard the hissing got out, killed and ate the snake! Apparently the king cobra is the tastiest!
50 acres of farm, ready for harvesting
The bananas we brought back.
Once Inderjit Singh has built a few huts to sleep in, he will be looking for WWOOFers. So if you do not mind snakes…..this will be a great area to learn about organic farming.
On the way back to bangkok we stopped for a late lunch at
Chokchai steak house. They do vegetarian meals, the staff are knowledgable about soups containing chicken broth.
Chokchai Steakhouse was first established in 1971 when Khun Chokchai Bulakul built “Chokchai Building”, the tallest skyscraper in Thailand at that time (26 storeys), and opened Chokchai Steakhouse on the 23rd floor. The restaurant was styled in a classic Country & Western motif, offering spectacular skyline views of Bangkok. Soon after the opening, Chokchai Steakhouse became famous for its high quality steak, offering both imported and Farm Chokchai beef.
In 1985, Chokchai Steakhouse expanded its business in the form of a fast food restaurant at the food center of MBK Shopping Center, which remained a success until 1990, when the space leasing contract was up.
In 1986, Chokchai Steakhouse, the Pakchong branch was established in the front area of Farm Chokchai, Pakchong, Nakhon Ratchasima. The restaurant has been so well-received from customers that it has been expanded to serve up to 600 guests, compared to 150 guests at the beginning, and is now housed in a three-storey building with meeting space.
In 1991, Chokchai Steakhouse, Rangsit branch, was founded with the dream of creating a steak house with a Modern Country style blended with a cowboy edge: the distinctive look of Chokchai Steakhouse.
In 1995, Khun Choak Bulakul launched Chokchai Prime Steak House, Sukhumvit 23 branch, in a different style which offered a luxurious Modern Western ambiance that still epitomizes the legendary cowboy of Farm Chokchai.
Gurdwara Sri Guru Singh Sabha
565, Chakraphet Road,
Pra Nakhorn,
Bangkok
10200,
Thailand
T: +66 0 2221 1011
F + 66 0 2224 8095
E: [email protected]
Master Pimu had arranged for First Gear to take me. Whilst i attended the Gurdwara service, First Gear waited for me near the Gurdwara.
The Darbar Sahib:
View from the public car park
It was great to be back with a sangat, I am very home sick and this has helped me. The only problem is that last time we were here it was with Sangeet. I keep hoping I can look over and she will be sitting there.
After the programme and whilst eating lungar, I met a guy called Inderjit Singh, a third generation Thai Sikh. It was great to meet him and we have exchanged numbers. Hoping he can help/guide me around Bangkok.
Around 2pm I met First Gear the journey back to WPT took 1.5 hours! Just so crazy how much traffic exists here, even on a Sunday!
The afternoon and evening I was very depressed. I am very home sick and missing my wife Sangeet.
In order for me to get my certificate to teach Kundalini Yoga, I needed to complete the white tantric. At summer solstice white tantric is held over three days, for the certificate, I only needed to complete one day.
About White Tantric Yoga® And Meditation
Our minds release 1000 thoughts per wink of an eye. Some of these thoughts get lost in the unconscious, and some get stuck in the subconscious and affect the conscious mind.These thoughts become feelings, emotions, desires, multi-realities or fantasies. Instead of mastering our mind, often our mind and thoughts direct or distract us, which can result in impulsive decisions, poor communication and self-imposed stress.White Tantric Yoga® enables you to break through these subconscious blocks, so you can have a more enjoyable life. In the shortest time, you can experience release from a lot of the burden you carry in your mind.When you see and act on each moment with clarity, you can gain a deeper understanding of yourself and your life can change.Your mind, body, and soul can act together as one.This is the path to personal freedom and awareness, and will bring more success to every area of your life.
White Tantric Yoga® enables you to break through these subconscious blocks, so you can have a more enjoyable life. In the shortest time, you can experience release from a lot of the burden you carry in your mind.When you see and act on each moment with clarity, you can gain a deeper understanding of yourself and your life can change.Your mind, body, and soul can act together as one.This is the path to personal freedom and awareness, and will bring more success to every area of your life.
When you see and act on each moment with clarity, you can gain a deeper understanding of yourself and your life can change.Your mind, body, and soul can act together as one.This is the path to personal freedom and awareness, and will bring more success to every area of your life.
What to Expect
White Tantric Yoga® is done in pairs as a group meditation.You sit facing a partner and follow instructions for meditation given on video by the Mahan Tantric,Yogi Bhajan. A representative of the Mahan Tantric will be present to facilitate White Tantric Yoga®. Each workshop consists of between six and eight kriyas. A kriya is a meditation incorporating one or all of the following:
• a yoga posture (asana)
• a breathing technique (pranayam)
• a mental focus
• and/or a mantra
• a hand position (mudra)
Sometimes the kriyas are accompanied by music. These kriyas vary in length up to sixty-two minutes. There are breaks in between each kriya.The environment is peaceful, and the atmosphere is friendly, supportive, and uplifting. A vegetarian lunch is provided.
How it Works
Envision the energy of the universe as both parallel and perpendicu- lar in nature, like a cloth woven together. As a cloth becomes stronger whenitisstretchedonthediagonal,sotheWhiteTantricYoga® diagonal, or ‘Z’ energy is stronger.This energy, when directed by the Mahan Tantric, cuts through the blocks that are stuck in the subconscious mind.
Using the diagonal energy, the Mahan Tantric,Yogi Bhajan, connects his subtle body to the subtle bodies of the participants through the course facilitator.This works the same way as a worldwide telephone system that relies on satellites and electromagnetic energy in order to connect two parties.
WhiteTantricYoga® should not be confused with blackor red tantric.Those forms of yoga also transform energy, but in a different way and for different purposes. Black tantric directs the energy to manipulate other human beings and red tantric directs the energy solely for sexual purposes.
In the evening we said our very long goodbyes and headed to the Sheraton Hotel in Albuquerque, the next day we headed back home.
In the morning there was the usual schedule, we went to a class by Gurvinderpal Singh on Kesh (hair), it was okay, he needs more improvement on public speaking.
For lunch I popped to Walmart. Got some fruit and went to pay, I walked out of the store and noticed I had forgotten my iPad in the shopping cart! I quickly ran back and was so relieved at the iPad still being there….phew!
This afternoon, the sangat celebrate ‘Peace Prayer Day’
1:30 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Guru Ram Das Puri, New Mexico
A Day of Music, Dance and Prayer—International Peace Prayer Day is a gathering on the sacred land of Guru Ram Das Puri where we can express our gratitude and hope for the future through yoga, meditation, chanting, and the Sacred Healing Walk. This is a potent time to offer your prayers for the peace, healing, and unity of all humanity, to bless and honor this sacred land, and—for those participating in the Summer Solstice Sadhana, to set ourselves to go through the transformative Solstice journey.
All are welcome to attend this free event.
The Peace Prayer Day Program
1:30-2:00 Snatam Kaur and Children
2:00-2:15 Bhangra
2:15-2:25 Miri Piri Academy Presentation
2:25-2:35 Gurmukh Kaur
2:35-3:00 Radhanath Swami
3:00-3:30 Live to Give Grant Winners
3:30-4:45 Kundalini Yoga with Nam Nidhan and Mirabai Ceiba
4:45-5:15 Guru Singh
5:15-6:00 Sat Siri and Sacred Healing Walk
6:00 Dinner
7:30-9:00 Mirabai Ceiba Concert opening with Matamandir Singh
Snatam Kaur and Children
The Sacred Healing Walk
The elders tell us that every hundred years the ancients and warriors would meet on this land and pray to the One Creator, the Great Spirit. They believed that anyone who walked the mile and a quarter circle on this site would be healed. It is said that the healing energy generated by the drums and the walk integrate your physical and mental being with your spirit. Be a part of this ancient ritual at the Annual International Peace Prayer Day.
Yogi Bhajan’s Vision of Peace
Yogi Bhajan inspired people to lead healthy, happy, and holy lives. A master of Kundalini Yoga, Yogi Bhajan was committed to helping create a loving world. The founding of International Peace Prayer Day–joining people of all faiths to pray for and celebrate peace—is one of his many legacies to humanity.
“Most beloved of God are those who are peace, at peace, share peace, and bring peace to all.” ~ Yogi Bhajan
International Peace Prayer Day History
Since 1986 musicians, entertainers, peace activists, public servants, and interfaith leaders have gathered together to celebrate International Peace Prayer Day. Come and experience the ceremony of the Sacred Healing Walk, live devotional music and dance from around the globe, the power of voices uplifted in prayer, and the sharing of joy and laughter in community.
Driving Directions
Map to Guru Ram Das Puri
From Albuquerque
Take I-25 North towards Santa Fe
Upon entering Santa Fe city limits, take the St. Francis Drive/Highway 285 exit. Drive through Santa Fe on Hwy 285/84 towards Española (approximately 25 miles).
In the town of Española, Hwy 285/84 turns into Riverside Drive. Follow Riverside Drive until you come to Fairview Drive (there is a Bank of America on your left). Turn left onto Fairview. The next stop light (across the bridge) is Paseo de Oñate.
Continue up Fairview after crossing Paseo de Oñate. A half a block down, look for the 3HO sign on your right and turn right, then look for the next 3HO sign very soon, and turn left onto what will quickly become a dirt road.
Follow this road up the mountain for approximately 8 miles.
PLEASE DRIVE SLOWLY AND CAREFULLY as the road from Española to the site is mostly unpaved. Look for the 3HO signs located along the road as you drive. The Guru Ram Das Puri campsite is eight miles up this road, on the right-hand side.
Driving Times
From Albuquerque – 2 hours
From Taos – 1.5 hours
From Santa Fe – 1 hour
From Española – 30 minutes
What to Bring
Sheepskins or mats for sitting
A water bottle (fresh and pure water is available on-site)
Reusable plates, eating utensils, and cloth napkins (in support of our Mother Earth, we do not provide disposable dinnerware/paper products)
Head covering (hat, scarf, etc.)
Sunglasses
Sunscreen and lip balm
Closed toe shoes for varied high desert terrain
Three offerings to leave at each Altar during the Sacred Healing Walk
Peace Flame Runners
This flame circled the globe before finding a permanent home in northern New Mexico at the Santuario de Chimayo. It originated with the torch that was carried around the world in 1986–the first run designating a United Nation’s International Year of Peace, and has burned at the Santuario ever since.
The same flame has been used in the Chimayo Prayer Pilgrimage for Peace every year since 1987 (the 5th year of the Peace Pilgrimage). It has been carried by International Peace Prayer Day runners to the Jemez Mountains site of International Peace Prayer Day at Guru Ram Das Puri for the past 26 years.
Be part of this uplifting event, as a Peace Flame Runner or part of the Support Team. Or join the Global Community at Guru Ram Das Puri to welcome the runners and the Peace Flame. Contact Dham Khalsa
May we “keep the flame alive” in our hearts. It represents the love of God within us which people of God are called to share with one another and with all of Mother Earth’s creatures.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Peace Flame Run:
Is this a race?
No, this is not a race; it is a group torch run to promote world peace.
How long is the run?
It is 20 miles long.
Do I have to run the whole 20 miles?
No, we have a support van that follows us the whole way, which you may ride whenever you please.
How fast is the pace?
We generally run a pace of 10-12 min/mile
What is the weather been in the past?
The weather can range from the mid to upper 90’s, with wind and dust. In the last 10 years of this run, it has only rained once.
Can I walk the course?
No, because this is such a small event, it is considered a group run.
What kind of support is provided at this event?
The following items will be kept in the support van for the participant; water, Gatorade, cola, bananas, oranges, Fig Newtons, first-aid, and sunscreen.
How long does the run take?
It usually takes 5-6 hours total. This includes stopping for hydration breaks.
Are showers available at the finish?
Yes, there are showers at the finish; only cold water is available.
Is the course difficult?
The general consensus is that this particular 20 miles is as difficult as doing a complete marathon.
Is this a timed event?
No, this is a group run.
Is there an entry fee?
No there is no entry fee. This is a non-profit event.
Do all entrants receive an event T-shirt?
Yes, there will be event T-shirts available to all the participants.
How do I register for this event?
Contact the event organizer at [email protected]
Will food be available at the finish?
Yes, there will be a free meal at the finish.
Where and when will we meet for this event?
Contact the event organizer for directions, times, and shuttle possibilities.
The evening’s programme by Mirabai Ceiba was amazing, hopefully video/pics coming soon.
The sacred healing walk is done by the native Americans, as I did not understand this and the ceremony behind it, I decided not to participate.
Hi, thanks for visiting my blog, feel free and have a look around.Here is a bit about me, as you may or may not have guessed my name is Mandeep,I work to travel as opposed to work to pay bills and die!Every trip for me is an adventure, I have been very fortunate to stumble across amazing places and meet awesome people along the way.
Why gaygoat? When I first started this blog I was a vegetarian, so gaygoat – happy goat! Also you have to admit it is catchy and a URL you will not forget!
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