PARAGUAY Photo Album
Paraguay is the heart of South America. A centrally located country of 5 million inhabitants, the major languages are Spanish and indigenous Guarani. Everyone in the country speaks and studies in both languages.
The capital of Asuncion is located in the south of the country on the Argentine border. The people are smiling, sweet and beautiful. Their manners, deportment and language are kind, royal and graceful. It is here in Asuncion, Paraguay that we have the center for all of our projects in South America. El Camino Real [The Royal Path] and Centro Dharma as we are known is the office of Sikh Dharma IberoAmerica. Sat Pal Kaur Fernandez, Executive Director, coordinates all of our efforts throughout South America. It is through her great dedication and devotion that the teachings of Yogi Bhajan and Shabad Guru have expanded so much throughout Paraguay as well.On the first day we were received by the Arch Bishop of Paraguay, Monsignor Pastor Cuquejo. The Arch Bishop is the highest ranking official of the Catholic Church in Paraguay. His knowledge of the human spirit and spiritual life and its challenges was obvious. It was a very beautiful meeting.
Later that day, we were also welcomed by the Minister of Indigenous Affairs, Margarita Mbywangi. This is the first time in the history of Paraguay that an indigenous became director of this most important office. When she was four years old she was sold several times as a slave in the jungle and forced to work. Now as a 46 year old mother of 3, she is a gentle woman who shares the hopes, aspirations and challenges of more than a quarter of a million indigenous people of the country. Her grace and receptivity to our presence and what we had to offer concerning health and development in the rural areas was overwhelming. We are now developing a project to bring 45 water wells to the remote villages in the arid Chaco [desert] areas of Paraguay. She was happy to know that the House of Guru Ram Das stands with her and her people.
The following day, we had the privilege of meeting with the Minister of Woman's Affairs. Gloria Rubin received us with a great warmth and grace. During our meeting she suggested that we immediately meet with the heads of her department
for a 30 minute meditation session to help them with their stress. Within 5 minutes, 25 department heads were seated around a large conference table learning how to meditate and listening to "Japa Man Sat Nam" shabad. By the time we were finished, everyone was literally in bliss. She further requested us to come to the next National Woman's Congress where thousands of women from all over Paraguay will attend so that they too can learn these wonderful teachings. As head of Women's affairs in Paraguay she understands that if the woman is not right, nothing is right neither in the family nor in the society.
As if all of this wasn't enough, Guru Ram Das had a special surprise for us. On this incredible tour we had the further privilege of meeting the new President of the Republic of Paraguay, Fernando Lugo, and a former Bishop in the Catholic Church. For 35 minutes, we had the honor of discussing Sikh Dharma IberoAmerica, Kundalini Yoga, Seva, and our lifestyle. The President was warm, graceful and engaging during our visit to Palacio Lopez. Moreover, we were able to share with him preventative measures against mosquito born illness's which affect millions in his country. We proposed a national campaign of including ginger, onions and garlic [masala] in the Paraguayan diet as a prevention to any airborne diseases. He was very receptive to the idea and grateful for any help we could give the country. After our private meeting, we were invited to a nationally televised press conference explaining how we can help save lives through this simple addition to their diet.
The following day we were received by the Minister of Education who has retained his position with the new administration. After 10 minutes of speaking, Minister Horacio Galeano Perrone told us that he welcomed having these teachings implemented in the educational system in the country. He was so supportive of our work in teaching yoga and meditation that he actually promised that he would start to come to our center, Dharma. He appreciated the fact that including yoga and meditation in the daily lives of the youth would decrease substance abuse, anger and fear while increasing self- esteem, mental clarity and intuition.
Finally, we were graciously received by the Minister of Health, Doctor Esperanza Martinez, who was very receptive to including "masala" in their national campaign for the prevention of "dengue and yellow fevers". Moreover, she will be sending representatives to our SUPER HEALTH program that is currently being offered in Paraguay. Super Health is a complete program that Yogi Bhajan has given for those who want to break from any kind of substance abuse and addiction.
Our program in Paraguay was also filled with a host of nationally broadcasted radio shows discussing the teachings of Yogi Bhajan and Shabad Guru; a variety of lectures including the Lord of Miracles Class and a lot of delicious food, traditional Paraguayan music and dance.
After 5 days, we boarded our flight to Buenos Aires and Salta, Argentina, our 6th and 7th city on this most blessed 6th Lord of Miracles Tour in Honor of Guru Ram Das.
To Be Continued............
