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Originally posted by tadeas

Finally something about AYP in print... Now you or AYP can get that wikipedia page :)

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Originally posted by philji42

Actually, I'm much more of a practitioner than an intellectual.
"Honorable mention" is not the term I used, but Yogani's wry way of saying that AYP is described briefly in my book.
Thank you, Yogani, for mentioning my tour schedule.
Phil

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Dear Friends,
 
May your coming year be prosperous, healthy, and fulfilling in every way. 
 
Some of you have asked for my impressions of my recent speaking tour of India, to mark the Indian publication of "American Veda."  Here is a short version. 
 
One month, 28 lectures, and 18 cities may sound exhausting (and at times it was), but it was mostly exhilarating, illuminating, and extremely gratifying.  The Sanskrit saying, Atithi devo bhavah, means “The guest is God.” That is how I was made to feel.  Without exception, everyone involved with organizing my tour, arranging my accommodations, feeding me, and getting me from place to place was gracious, friendly, and kind.  And, because of the special nature of my visit, I got to meet people, see things, and have conversations that most travelers do not.  Every day was a gift.
 
Audiences at my talks were attentive and eager to hear what I had to say.  Because of cultural differences, I had to modify some of my usual language, dispense with certain jokes, and explain things that need no explaining in the U.S. (like who the Beatles were, believe it or not).  People were thrilled to learn that India’s ancient wisdom has seeped into U.S. soil and transformed the lives of millions of Americans.  On behalf of all of us, I expressed my gratitude. 
 
Early on, I was told that young people in India look to America as a role model, as they focus on building careers and advancing the material progress of their families and their country.  Many think their own spiritual heritage is irrelevant and obsolete, even an obstacle to development.  I was asked to address that subject when I spoke at universities.  I was reluctant, but the issue kept coming up, and I found myself saying two things: 1) Be discerning about what you take from America; you don’t want our junk food and runaway materialism, for instance.  2) America is a giant laboratory; we try things out, and if they prove useful we adopt them and the rest of the world takes notice.  And guess what! We tested yoga, meditation, and other elements of India’s spiritual legacy, and found them to be indispensible for modern life.  That, I suggested, might be worth emulating. 
 
The irony of a Western author telling Indians how valuable their own tradition is was not lost on anyone.  I can only hope that the country’s march to modernization and prosperity does not overshadow the timeless revelations of their rishis. 
 
May India and America continue to enrich one another, and may the hidden treasures in all our hearts awaken fully in the coming year.  
 
With gratitude,
 
Phil
 
http://www.americanveda.com

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