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The farmer channels water to his land.
The fletcher whittles his arrows.
The carpenter turns his wood.
And the wise man masters himself.
*from The Dhammapada
This day, I will sail across the water
This day, I will sail across the sea
This day, I will reach the far horizon
Where the sun gives all its colors to the sky
This day, I will sing a song a freedom
This day, I will dance my destiny
This day, I will live each precious moment
In the Pure Land of the Buddha
I turn to face a thousand suns
There’s nowhere else for me to run
So much joy and happiness I’m coming home
From the album “Lotus Paradise” (click ‘Celebration’)
Musicians:
Amlas (bass)
Gustaf (lap steel guitar)
Isa (drums)
Milarepa (guitar, vocals)
Neera (vocals)
Sidhamo (piano)
Vedam (flute)
Free download:
This day
I offer up my song of gratitude
Blessings upon blessings
Here Now
Love dwells in Eternity
Osho, Master of Masters
I made this video in the early 1990’s after Osho left-the-body.
I had an idea to create a music video with a simple script
about Man’s search, his spiritual journey.
Parallel to the storyline, I wanted to have Sufi whirling.
I selected a track discourse music titled called
“Spiritual Heart” that I thought would fit the concept.
Bhikkhu and Waduda used it on their New Earth Record’s
Garden of the Beloved compilation.
I found a location for the shoot in the middle of nowhere,
in the dry, barren hills outside Pune City.
It had a mysterious ring of stones which I have no idea
how they came to be placed there.
Zahira, known for her whirling groups, was in Pune at the time.
She’s a beautiful whirler, very aesthetic.
I asked her if she would participate and also bring some of her
people for the filming and she said ‘yes’.
My Australian friend, Darpan, was also in town and agreed to
act as “the seeker” while friends, Mutribo, Ashvagosha,
Mark, and Vimal helped with the filming and production.
We got up way before sunrise, had buckets of chai, and drove
out to the hills as an entourage.
The idea was to finish the whole shoot in before it got too hot.
It was hot season in India, if you know what I mean.
It was a fun project, one of which I lost track of it over the years.
Bhikkhu recently discovered it sitting on his hard drive.
It has been so nice seeing it again.
After thirty some years!
The music coordinator during my time at the Oregon Ranch, Garimo, once said to me, “We don’t know why people take sannyas.” Her words have stayed with me over the years. Initially, I was surprised by this statement. Living in the commune, I naively assumed that we all shared similar thoughts and feelings—at least those similar to my own! However, her statement opened my mind to the diverse perspectives that others might hold. It served as a powerful reminder that we are all individuals, each a unique universe unto ourselves.
Every time someone takes sannyas at an event, I find myself faced with a conundrum. The word “conundrum” perfectly encapsulates my predicament because I also don’t understand why people choose to take sannyas. I can explain why I made that decision and what it means to me. But when it comes to understanding the motivations of others—why they would make seemingly illogical or crazy choices—it remains a mystery.
Sometimes, I ask people directly, “Why do you want to take sannyas? Your life is fine as it is. What do you hope to gain from it?” Most of the time, they look at me, fall silent, and are unable to articulate their reasons. Their inability to express their motivations might actually be the closest explanation of sannyas.
In my view, sannyas is akin to love; it exists in a similar dimension. When someone is in love and is asked why, they often can’t articulate a reason. They may look at you as if YOU are the crazy one! Love, much like sannyas, confounds the mind. It is inexplicable, yet its essence is undeniable. Even if one cannot explain it, one knows it.
I was reminded of this once again at Oshofest Dallas 2025 when three individuals decided to take the leap into sannyas. As I tuned my guitar for the celebration, I pondered, “What compels a person to reach such a pivotal moment in their life?” This highlights the beautiful mystery that defines sannyas. Sannyas represents a leap—a significant leap of faith—a life-changing plunge into uncharted waters. Only those who have taken that leap truly understand its meaning. Such is the paradox of love and sannyas.
We celebrate the sannyas of Ma Deva Nalini, Ma Anand Amiyo, and Ma Deva Mamta, honoring them with our songs and dances as they embark on what can only be described as an inexplicable journey.
In the words of Osho:
“Meditation is the awareness that I am not the mind. When the awareness goes deeper and deeper in you, slowly slowly, few moments arrive, moments of silence, moments of pure space, moments of transparency, moments when nothing stirs in you and everything is still. In those still moments, you will know who you are. And you will know what is the mystery of this existence. And once you have tasted those few dewdrops of nectar, great longing will arise in you to go deeper and deeper into it. Irresistible longing will arise in you, a great thirst. You will become afire. That’s what sannyas is all about: when you have tasted few moments of silence of joy of meditativeness, you would like this state to become your constant state, a continuum. The desire to make meditation your whole lifestyle is what sannyas is all about.” Philosophia Perennis, Series 2, Chapter 5
I would like to share some insights from the three-day Oshofest festival in Dallas, Texas, October 2024. It was a high-energy event filled with joy, heart, silence, and of course … Osho!
Initially, I created a clip to share with the participants via their mobile devices (hence the formatting) and neglected to post it on the One Sky YouTube channel. However, it’s never too late. For celebration!
I want to extend my deepest gratitude to Sangeeta (our organizer), her family, and the beautiful Osho Simran Center who continue this yearly tradition with grace and generosity.
Also, a big thank you to the talented One Sky Band, which for this festival included Rishi on drums, Prabodh on bass, and Lee on saxophone.
It was a wonderful one-day event in Manhattan, June 1st. It had the perfect title: “Nothing To Lose But Your Head”. Indeed, this is what happened. How quickly we all slipped into meditation and celebration; hearts opened as we sang and danced; connections with ourselves and others flowed effortlessly.
Although this clip features Morning Satsang and Heart Dance, powerful sessions were also shared by Deva Sofia (Breath and Movement) and Teerth (Drumming Circle). Sofia had played in Oshofest Dallas the week before and brought some of that high energy with her.
It was great to see some of the older NYC network in attendance. There were new faces, too, some traveling as far away as Virginia, New Jersey, Connecticut, and Upstate New York — everyone adding their unique spice to what was truly a transforming feast.
Many thanks to Niseema for coordinating. And a big thank you to the musicians (Milarepa, Sofia, Teerth). Ripples from the new Heart Dance song were felt long after last goodbyes and hugs were shared.
We open our arms
To welcome the sun
Hand in hand
Our journey’s begun
Lift our song
Up to the sky
Heart to heart
Ready to fly
“Meditation’s ultimate conclusion is: live the moment to its totality, intensively, joyously … Live moment to moment, trusting the whole existence as the birds are trusting it, as the trees are trusting it. Don’t separate yourself from existence. Become part of it and existence will take care of you.” Osho, paraphrased from “The New Dawn”
Oshofest Dallas 2025: What wonderful festival! Many thanks to Anurag and Sangeeta of the beautiful Osho Simran Center for welcoming all of us so gracefully.
And to the talented One Sky Band (Lee, Rishi, Prabodh, and Sofia), I bow to each of you, flowers that you are.
Peak after sunlit peak, spirits soared higher with each meditation. I think I speak for everyone: it took a long time to come back to earth. I dare say, the ripples of transformation will go on and on for a long time to come.
Last but hardly least, gratitude to Osho for lighting the way forward with meditation, love, laughter, and celebration.
Oshofest Dallas May 23 – 26, 2025
Featuring the One Sky Band with Lee, Milarepa, Prabodh, Rishi and special guest Sofia
* Recharge with active and silent meditations, song, dance, and heart-opening activities
* Delicious vegetarian cuisine
* Relax and unwind
* Set the busy mind aside. Let go and drop stress. Enjoy a break from the demands of work
* Reconnect with yourself and inner silence
Location: Dallas, TX 76226
For details and reservations, contact Sangeeta at (214) 724-1991 / oshomeera1313@gmail.com
Video Invite (https://youtu.be/ldnOrutAEkI)
OSHOfest Dallas
May 23 – 26, 2025
Featuring the One Sky Band with Lee, Milarepa, Prabodh, Rishi and special guest Sofia (flute)
* Recharge with active and silent meditations, song, dance, and heart-opening activities
* Delicious vegetarian cuisine
* Relax and unwind
* Let go, drop the stress, and enjoy a break from the demands of the world
* Reconnect with inner silence
Location: Dallas, TX 76226
Contact Sangeeta (214-724-1991) / oshomeera1313@gmail.com
