Santa Cruz

I’ve longed to visit the West Coast, not only because I’ve always felt an affinity to some of the major locations that produced so much of what has defined the counter culture movements all over the UK and Europe.

While we were in wonderful Oakland visiting a good friend, we decided to all together go to Santa Cruz to take in the sun, sand and ocean. We spent four wonderful days amidst chaotic waves and wonderful sunny weather always accompanied with delightful visits to cafes with wonderful vegan food.

I was surprised to find so much Buddhist and Hindu symbolism and art in so many of the charming little houses in Santa Cruz. However, it was only on the third day of our trip that I received a mental cosmic slap while sitting over a cup of coffee in the morning, reminding me that, perhaps, Nome, a teacher whom I have admired and followed for over a decade, whose several editions of translations of the Ribhu Gita sits in the most prominent space on the highest shelf, who has done so much for Tamil Advaita texts and teachings, was only about a ten minute drive away from where we were staying.

Sadly the temple was closed but we still drove to the property to pay my respects before we headed down the road to meet with wisdom to the Giant Redwoods in Henry Cowell just minutes away from the temple.

Once we reached San Fransisco that same evening, I went to watch Zoh Amba, play with Chris Corsano and Bill Orcutt at the The Chapel. A very powerful performance and for those who may not be aware, Zoh spends time at the Advaita Society of New York, another Vedanta school that is important to me.

Laks

Boston, MA