Our 7th country on this marvelous Lord of Miracles Tour is Chile. This long narrow country [named after the green chile pepper because of its shape] extends from Peru in the north to the South Pole and is a result of millions of years of volcanic activity. Part of the ring of fire circling the Pacific Ocean, Chile is perhaps one of the most diverse geographical countries in the world. In the north is the great Atacama Desert. The east is the most gorgeous Andean Mountains. The Pacific Ocean is on the west with Patagonia and Antarctica to the south. Culturally, Chile is rich in German, Indigenous and Italian influence. It is perhaps one of the richest countries in the world with a population of less than 18 million. It is also the most advanced in all of South America.
Kundalini Yoga, Shabad Guru and the extensive teachings of Yogi Bhajan are literally taught in every town, city and village of Chile. For the past 25 years, Chile has perhaps the most exposure to Sikh Dharma and 3HO. The Chilean sangat is bright, generous and beautiful. The programs they offer extend from the first Langar program in South America called Langar CHILE to their annual Kundalini Yoga Festival [info@kundaliniyoga festival.cl]. Every Thursday evening sangat members go into the poorest areas of Santiago, the capital, and serve Langar to the homeless who live in boxes on the street. Their service is known all over the country and now many other centers in Chile are adopting this form of seva. Our beloved sister S.S. Nam Nidhan Kaur Khalsa, a Jordanian- Chilean has been instrumental in the expansion of Kundalini Yoga and Sikh Dharma throughout South America. Her tireless effort, great spirit and nonstop seva has earned her the title of “Madre Santa de Sudamerica” [Holy Mother of South America].
During our short time in Santiago, we held our Lord of Miracles lecture, a beautiful outside Gurdwara, a great gatka class taught by Ram Das Singh, open time to visit as a family with the entire sangat and eat great pizza!
To the northeast of Chile resides the soul of South America, Bolivia. A beautiful rugged country set high in Andes Mountains, Bolivia is the epitome of ancient Indigenous Andean Culture. The Bolivians themselves are gracious, hospitable, and beautiful. Their manners in communication and action are nothing less than saintly. Their warmth is shown in their faces, smiles and kindness. When you look at the pictures of Bolivia notice the faces and depth of soul in the eyes of them.
La Paz, the capital, is located at the same height as Hemkunt Sahib [15,000 feet above sea level]. It usually takes 2-3 days to acclimate to the altitude. You have to eat light and drink coca tea. Every hotel offers oxygen for the out of town guests. Everywhere you look in La Paz you think you are in a national park. Geographically it is stunning, second to the rich Indigenous people and culture that surrounds you every step of the way.
Yogi Bhajan established Super Health which is a program for drug and substance abuse addiction. It incorporates a lot of yoga, meditation, message, diet, exercise, counseling, and juices to treat the body, mind and spirit. It is the most successful anti-addiction program in the USA. Bolivia has opened its doors to Super Health. On our first day we met with the minister of Health and several prominent drug addiction counselors. We presented them with the entire Super Health program. They loved it and requested how we can immediately start to implement the program for Bolivia. That evening we also held a lecture on Politics, Yoga and Business which was attended by the most powerful and influential businessman in Bolivia. The insight and information that they received during the lecture was impactful. This series of lectures also included “Anti Stress Techniques” and “Developing Prosperity”. The Lord of Miracles Lecture was attended by a great cross section of government, business and political leaders and organizations of the country.
During our stay in Bolivia we were hosted by Rashpal Singh Kalsi and his beautiful wife, Sadhana Kaur of the Danish Embassy. Both of them are with the Government of Denmark for the past 20 years and for the last 2 years have been posted in La Paz. Their spirit, energy, and devotion to the Guru are beautiful. When they first arrived in Bolivia they thought they were the only Sikhs until one day they saw a poster of Guru Ram Das and since then have participated in every activity involving our community from Langar to helping the disadvantaged. On one afternoon we enjoyed their company and their delicious Langar. The Government of Denmark is very proud of the service they offer to the country.
Many other activities filled our 5 days in Bolivia. We did one television show for 30 minutes on Yoga, Shabad Guru and the Lord of Miracles Tour. It was so popular that the nationally televised show requested that we return for one more hour of sharing the wisdom of Yogi Bhajan in a direct question and answer format with people who call in. The phones were so busy that they requested we do another hour of questions and answers the following day. In the history of their daytime television program it was the most viewed ever. And people from all the cities of Bolivia called in with their problems asking for advice. We even took phone calls after the show!
The beautiful sangat of Bolivia, under the direction of Sham Kaur, do a lot of seva. They support 80 people who live underneath a bridge with Langar and clothing to the many indigenous and environmental programs. They are all known throughout every level of government and business. One day we visited 2 distinct homes for the homeless and brought them Yogi Bhajan’s favorite, Dal and rice and chocolate cake. You will see in their faces and smiles how happy they were. Their prayers of gratitude for us are so powerful.
After 8 countries and 11 cities, The 6th Lord of Miracles Tour concludes for 2008. It was a tour that created a lot of understanding of who we are and what is our purpose for life. I would like to share with you three understandings we have gained and taught in this tour. First, our purpose of life is to serve our souls, our higher self and our humanity. The second is to develop a strong relationship with your intuition where you stop listening to the mind and start acting on the subtle voice of your own soul. Finally, have an attitude of gratitude for all that is given to you. It is with great respect and gratitude that we offer this humble tour unto Guru Ram Das in his memory.
Thank You for reading our report and we look forward to keeping you informed on the 7th Lord of Miracles Tour in Honor of Guru Ram Das 2009!
