Shiva Ratri -- Boom Shiva!

So I got back on Sunday night, and then Monday night was Shiva Ratri. Shiva Ratri is a Hindu holiday that the community here observes. From what I understand, it is considered the darkest night of the year, spiritually, and thus the most auspicious night for observance and spiritual practice (there's a whole lot of great story to go with this but I'm not even going to try). The tradition is that you fast for 24 hours, and then stay up all night, denying yourself both food and sleep, singing kirtans (devotional chants) and doing ritual to Shiva. During the day before the ritual night, 1008 clay "lingams" are made, which together symbolize Shiva, and become the centre of the temple and ritual for the night. The main room was decorated and used as a temple, and the community gathered by candlelight from about 7pm to 7am. There were some incredible and beautiful moments, musically -- some really talented people around here. Then we all processed up to the pond on the property, and immersed ourselves, along with our clay Shiva lingams, into the (cold) water.

(Are you worried that I've joined a cult yet?)

It was really great, actually. I almost packed it in around midnight, feeling really really tired. (Not everyone stays till morning, and that's totally fine.) But I stayed, and then I stayed longer, and after about 2am I realized I might as well just go for it. When daylight came, it was a gorgeous bright and sunny day, and after the ceremonial dip in the pond, I felt fantastic. I stayed up all day yesterday, riding on the sunshine and singing Shiva chants in my head.
Om Namah Shivaya!

So........ that's news. I'm still kinda tired and not quite back in equilibrium after that experience. But I feel good. There's something special about a group experience like that. I'm glad I was here for it.

Oh, and funny story... as I went to the temple for the first ritual of the evening, I surveyed the crowd gathered... and spotted none other than Baba Brinkman, a friend from back in Vancouver, sitting there. I was so surprised!! Long story, but basically, he was just in the neighbourhood -- and didn't know I was here, any more than I knew he was coming. So I've had my update on BC politics, and the experience
of showing someone new around, and the treat of a face from home, which has been fun. Anyone else wanna come visit?