Onward

I tramp a perpetual journey,
My signs are a rain-proof coat and good shoes and a staff cut from the
woods;
No friend of mine takes his ease in my chair,
I have no chair, nor church, nor philosophy;
I lead no man to a dinner-table, or library or exchange,
But each man and each woman of you I lead upon a knoll,
My left hand hooks you round the waist,
My right hand points to the landscapes of continents, and a plain public
road.

Not I, nor any one else can travel that road for you,
You must travel it for yourself.

It is not far...it is within reach,
Perhaps you have been on it since you were born, and did not
know,
Perhaps it is every where on water and on land.

Shoulder your duds, and I will mine, and let us hasten forth;
Wonderful cities and free nations we shall fetch as we go.

If you tire, give me both burdens, and rest the chuff of your hand on
my hip,
And in due time you shall repay the same service to me;
For after we start we never lie by again.

This day before dawn I ascended a hill and looked at the crowded
heaven,
And I said to my spirit, When we become the enfolders of those orbs
and the pleasure and knowledge of every thing in them, shall we
be filled and satisfied then?
And my spirit said No, we level that lift to pass and continue
beyond.

You are also asking me questions, and I hear you;
I answer that I cannot answer...you must find out for yourself.

—Excerpt from Leaves of Grass by Walt Whitman

Peace, Love and Vegetables

Vegan Food at Heathrow Airport

A few weeks ago after the amazing Jivamukti Tribe Gathering I was flying from London to Munich to teach at the Jivamukti schools there. I had not had anything to eat before leaving and was not expecting much maybe just some beans and toast. After walking around terminal 2 for about 15 minutes I can across a restaurant called Giraffe. After looking at the menu I realized they had a few vegan options even veggie sausages. The waiter was extremely nice and was very much aware of what was and was not vegan and in fact the sausages were vegan! I was able to get a whole vegan breakfast. First time ever in all my travels that I was able to have such an easy time with vegan breakfast. If you are passing through London please check this place out. It is incredible how quickly things are changing and it is all because people are asking for it. Whenever I am in a restaurant I ask what is vegan even if I already know as it makes the wait staff question and let's the management know that there is a demand for vegan food. It is a good practice and you can do it anywhere.


Peace, Love and Vegetables.


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Praha

This blog update is brought to you by the amazing internet access at the Vodafone store in the center of Prague. About 6 inches of snow here but as with all cities it melts quickly with salt, cars and general dislike of the snows impact on the daily routines. Teaching an open class in a few hours with Martina an amazing Jivamukti and presence here in Prague.

I wanted to share a story that happened on December 7th my birthday. I was fortunate to have so many birthday calls and wishes in so many forms. I do not usually celebrate my birthday and ask people to donate to an animal charity instead of giving me gifts.

Emma Henry a dear friend and Jivamukti teacher in London was with me on my birthday and siad she had gotten me a surprise present. I was not excited. I picked her up after class and I was surprised indeed. She had put together some nuts and seeds for us to feed to the birds on our way to dinner. I was touched and the birds were very thankful. The winter is hard on us humans but especially so on the other animals. Where do birds eat during the winter. We have taken over so much of the land and given back to so little.

So please next time you go for a walk this winter bring some seeds and feed the birds or whatever animals that you find are in need humans or otherwise

Peace, Love and Vegetables

With That Moon Language

With That Moon Language

Admit something:

Everyone you see, you say to them, "Love me."

Of course you do not do this out loud, otherwise someone would call the cops.

Still, though, think about this, this great pull in us to connect.

Why not become the one who lives with a full moon in each eye

that is always saying,

with that sweet moon language,

what every other eye in this world is dying to hear?

Hafiz as translated by Daniel Landinsky from the book Love Poems From God.


This poem was shared by Sharon Gannon at the Jivamukti Immersn at Omega this past September and it has stayed with me. Daniel Landinsky has some very contemporary translations. A great resource for teaching but also for sharing...read it to a friend a stranger or a beloved.

Leave the fur on the animals!

Blessings through participation

David Life interviewed for BigThink.com

Vegan Travels

On the road it can be super hard to be vegan and get a meal that is not completely deep fried or boring. I thought for sure that South Africa would be hard but many people were willing to make anything into a vegan option. In Johannesburg I went to Greenside Cafe which is veggy only as is The Leafy Green but that were closed when we got there. The adjoining Italian restaurant however, was very knowledgeable about and accommodating to our vegan desires.

Capetown I did not find any veg only spots...boooo! Maybe they are there but I did not really have the time to check it out.

On the way back to the states I had a 6hr layover in Amsterdam. The food on plane was not exciting as usual so I made a trip into the city to "grab some food." One of my favorites is Joselitos. A spanish tapas spot on Nieuwendjik by central station. There was at least 5 vegan options and most all of them were delicious and you can get full for 6 euros.

Now in Costa Rica and the living is easy. Above is a picture after making our way up to a ridge line. Here it is not only the most common but also usually the cheapest; the veggy food is fresh and quick. For some reason mayonnaise is sometimes poured on things or as a side. Cooked a few times and the store had organic tvp. Below is a pic of veggy casado interpretation: rice, beans, yuca w/onion&pepper, homemade mango salsa (amazing) and homemade guacamole (also amazing) and a not homemade corn tortilla.

SA All Day

My last day in South Africa and the living is easy....This has been an amazing trip. Teaching in Johannesburg has been incredible. Went to The University of Witswatersrand for a day and sat in on Cherryl's philosophy classes where the topic was utilitarianism and had lunch on Campus for 5 Rand! (less than a dollar)

Last weekend we made it down to Cape Town for 3 classes at Yoga Zone. Did not teach much and had a lot of time off which usually I do not like however, classes were great fun and the students there made it all worth it. Cherryl and I took a early morning walk up to Lions Head a beautiful small mountain overlooking Camps Bay. We got there in time to watch the sun come over the city and before anyone had really woken up. In both cities we found so really great vegan food. I thought it would be very difficult to eat here but when Cherryls husband Jarred was not cooking up a delicious meal at home most places were happy to offer vegan fare.

Today flying out to NYC 25hrs in total with a 6.5hr stopover in Amsterdam...darn.

Pictures to come...

Transcending

The ability to rise and go beyond is the definition of transcendence. While this force constitutes our nature and fires our spirit, an honest exploration of it must contend with this counter question: Why, with a history so rich in noble ideals and lofty philosophies that reach for the transcendent, do we exhibit such abominable behaviors? Our violence towards ourselves and the planet is an issue that overshadows makes a mockery of all our high aspirations.

Excerpt from: Biology of Transcendence by Joseph Chilton Pearce

This is the book I am reading now and if you can pick it up. It is a bit dense but amazing. Mr. Pearce is also the author of The Crack in the Cosmic Egg

He goes on to explain new research in the field of Biology and Neuroscience and how it relates to the idea of transcendence and spiritual evolution.

SASS!

South Africa Saturday and Sunday... Last weekend teaching at Living Yoga in Johannesburg. Saturday started with a radio interview at 6am. I am not the best at the morning but we made it in time. I was interview with Sarah Bentz another Jivamukti teacher based here in JHB. We were on Talk Radio 702. I did not think that many people would be up on a sat at 6am but the host said there was about 80,000 people tuning in.

After the interview we came back to teach two classes and it was then I realized there were some amazing pictures of Cherryl Duncan co-owner of living yoga and fellow jivamukti teacher. Veganism is not very big in SA to say the least so Cherryl took it upon herself to start an amazing campaign to raise awareness. Above is just one picture of the series. for more please check out the website www.livingyoga.co.za

JHB

Taught my first class in Africa today...very exciting. 4 more classes to go here before Capetown. A little cold here as it is winter. Tomorrow doing a radio interview with a national station. It starts at 6am though and I am not sure how many people will be up listening at that time on a Sunday...off to sleep now...


peace and light

Sharon-jis new CD

I had no idea that she had so many amazing reviews have you seen what people are saying?

“Of all human endeavors, music is perhaps closest to representing the world of the spirit. In music we attempt to render into form what is essentially formless, we attempt to describe what is beyond description, to frame silence, to measure infinity. This work has been Sharon’s mission not only in her practice of Yoga but also in the practice of music, where she applies the same dedication to the pursuit of the ineffable as she brings to her yoga practice, inspired, daring and essential.”Sting, musician

“Sharon Gannon is an enchanting chantress. On this beautiful album she breathes new life into these ancient Sanskrit mantras. "Deva Premal & Miten musicians

"Sharon Gannon has a heart that embraces the universe, and just as big. Emanating a boundless love and compassion for every living creature, she carries out her mission to heal the world every moment of every day through her yoga practice, her writing, her day to day living and through her music. Sharon believes in what she sings, and sings what she believes in-Love."John Zorn, musician/ composer

“When I am with Sharon I feel myself surrounded by her love and devotion. When I listen to her music it is the same experience—a door to a world of endless light is opened."Donna de Lory, musician

“Every decade or so an extraordinary artist comes along--someone who carries us to a new musical frontier, Sharon Gannon is such an artist. Her vocals soar, pure as fresh snow on the mountain, colorful and harmonic as a field of spring flowers bursting in colors. Creatively and musically this album is a milestone—the crossroads of Kirtan and Mainstream Pop where so many have tried to go, this record crosses that threshold and carries the genre along. It is delicious, satisfying, emotional, and inspiring. Genius! Bravo!"Larry Dvoskin , multi Grammy nominated musician/producer

“A stunning collection of prayers, chants and devotional songs effulgent with joy, spirit, shakti, musicality and sharon-ness......this CD perfectly expresses the radiance and sweetness of my good friend, Sharon Gannon”Jai Uttal, bhakti vagabond

"Sharon Gannon transports us to a world where all beings are safe, happy & free. Sharanam is spiritual medicine in the form of music"MC Yogi, rap artist

Paris

Flying to South Africa today and had a 11hr stop~over in Paris. Luckily there is an amazing Jivamukti teacher here by the name of Carol Issa. I met her and she cooked up an amazing vegan lunch that saved me. Also had the chance to catch up with Mika Di Brito. Incredible musician and yoga teacher.

Carol took me on a long walk that got me ready for the next 10 hrs on my bum.

SA here we come....

Why is is that only humans repress, manipulate, kill, try to conquer the natural flow in nature?

Man is not a being, man is a becoming. This is one of the most fundamental things to be understood...he is a process. And with the process the problem arises: you can fall below or you can rise above. Man is not born fully complete; he is not born entire; birth is only a beginning of a process. Now this process can take any form: it can become deformed, it can take a wrong route, it can go astray...

Excerpt from "Joking Around" by Osho


We all do stupid things from time to time. But they only appear stupid because we know that we really have the amazing potential to be so much more. Why we deny our potential I do not know. I do it often although I try not too. It is easier to deny out intelligence, to turn a blind eye to not be bothered. It is harder to take responsibility for our actions to continue to become something great. To continue to evolve...

Peace and Light
jules

Jivmaukti Immersion

In September I will be teaching a Jivamukti Immersion with Sharonji Davidji and Gabriella Bozic from Munich Germany. Below is a fun video by Will Lau from Hong Kong. You may not be able to understand the video but there is a description below. Jivamukti has been for years drawing students from around the world. Perhaps we will see you there.

Jivamukti Yoga Immersion takes you deeper into the study of Jivamukti Yoga and its five tenets: ahimsa (nonviolence and compassion), scripture, meditation, nada (deep listening), and bhakti (devotion to God). Perfect for Jivamukti Yoga teachers who are looking for a refresher course, yoga students from other disciplines who are curious about what goes on in a Jivamukti Yoga training, and those brand new to yoga, this immersion provides a terrific opportunity to inspire your yoga practice, meet old and new friends, network, and build a yoga community. Anyone at any level of experience is welcome.

Jivamukti's passionate focus on the original meaning of the Sanskrit word "asana"—as seat, connection, relationship to the Earth—is as practical as it is radical during this time of global consciousness shift. Taught by the creators of the Jivamukti method, Sharon Gannon and David Life, along with Gabriela Bozic, Jules Febre, and Shyamdas, the week promises to be a mystical adventure into the transcendental. The immersion includes: * Meditation instruction and practice * Daily asana practice, including sessions focued on inversions and vinyasa * Study of the Bhagavad Gita and Patanjali's Yoga Sutra * Practical exploration of the link between yoga and vegetarianism * Question-and-answer sessions with faculty

Ketchup

Has been a while since my last post. First the Jivamukti Teacher Training was incredible. I will be there next year as well as lead mentor. If you want to see pictures there are about ten thousand on facebook. Right after I taught a retreat in Bodrum Turkey with Emma Henry from London. We did our training together and have taught together but this was our first retreat together. We had sooooo much fun almost sold out the hotel. The group was filled with people from all over the world...NYC, Moscow, London, Ukraine and more. Afterwards I went to Istanbul. I would not have had such a good time if I had not been able to experience the incredible hospitality of Filiz and her Mother. Without them I would not have been able to have such a full and amazing experience. We did the usual touristy things but also made it to a concert by the piano prodigy Lang Lang and with the Istanbul Philharmonic Orchestra butt right after went to the end of the European Heritage Awards where we saw another great concert held in the TopKapi Palace.
Now in Prague with Jessica and her family. About to take a walk to Babicka's house and visit a little cousin. Teaching this week with Martina and Lenka in Prague city center. I did not bring me camera adapter for the comp but will try to post some pictures soon.

The Circus is not fun!

I got an email the other day from a dear friend V.V. It was on the topic of Ringling Brothers Circus coming to NYC to Coney Island in fact. If you are not aware of what happens at the circus please check out this link on circuses.

This is what she said

Dear Friends,

For the second summer in a row, Ringling Brothers Circus has been allowed to do business in Coney Island, with the blessings of many of our legislators.

Last summer, I attended many protests of the shows, because of Ringling's blatant cruelty and exploitation of the animals they have enslaved (see www.circuses.com).

On Monday, May 10 at 5:00pm, there will be a protest demonstration of Ringling Brothers Circus outside of a fund raiser event where many Brooklyn legislators are expected to attend. This may be the first protest of Ringling this summer. Posters and literature has been provided by People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals.

Please call me or just come if you are able to join the demo... after this evening I will not be able to see email until Tuesday. Please forward this information to anyone who may be interested.

Here are details about the fund raiser / reception for Congressman Michael McMahon, culled from the invitation:

Place: Sirico's, 8015 13th Ave, Brooklyn NY 11228 (D and M train stop: 79th Street - near 17th Av)
Some of the legislators who are hosting:
Peter Abbate
William Colton
Vincent Gentile
Vito Lopez
Dominic Recchia (City Council Member representing Coney Island in favor of the circus)
Alec Brook-Krasny
David Greenfield
Janele Hyer-Spencer
Marty Markowitz (Brooklyn Borough President in favor of the circus)
Diane Savino

Thanks,

If you can make it please do or pass on the word...

Peace and Light
jules

Davidji giving a talk

Sunrise

One of the good things about jet lag is that when you wake up at 3:45am you have time to walk to the water and watch the sunrise...sun in the sky and a sun painted on the ground. Walked over to the swings and watched the sun come up the rest of the way over the east river.

Poor dog

All last night I heard a dog crying. So today after classes went looking. I found a dog chained in a parking lot. Not more than 6-9 months. Took a walk and found some street vendors selling what looked like meat. Bought some and gave it to the dog who was super scared. He or she ate it up in seconds so had to go buy more. I am sad that I cannot do more but hopefully there will be no need for it to cry tonight. What good is teaching yoga of practicing asana when all around us a hell realm for other creatures. Why become more flexible when we refuse to extend an hand to help another being who is suffering. Please when you can be of service do what you can. People looked t me like I was crazy. In South Korea dogs are not treated well unless they are a poodle or yorkie. Never doubt the power of compassion or the power of your actions they are the only things that matter.


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Water

The last day in Saga I went with Megumi to see where she got her drinking water. Every two weeks or so her and her husband Steve go collect water from a natural spring. The pic below is Megumi and Yusui. The sign for the spring is basically saying Amrit






After gettig the water we went for a nice log hike and below are some pictures. If you are in japan please check out Saga. Also Steve and Meg are getting a write up in the national paper for being vegan and growing their own food.

Beware

The sign says beware if dangerous crows that drop rocks on cars.




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Some fun pictures

Lily and I in harajuku


Tomo hanging at the aichi prefectural museum in Nagoya



Interctive art

Guma Carrots

Saw some carrots the other day that made me wonder. The pic is upside down but you get the idea.





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The Saga continues

Got into Saga last night. Saga is on Kyushu which is the second largest of the islands that make up Japan. We went for a walk and came across some beautiful cows which we fed with some nearby grass. At first they were afraid of us but by the time we left they were almost knocking over the fence to come with us. We were contemplating the same.









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Vegan in Nagoya

Its not always easy being vegan in Japan in fact one might say it can be freggin hard. The first meal in Nagoya consisted of fries and a lot of them...the veggy burger was not vegan so some of us had to pass...













we ate all of them

















The second spot was much easier and although the picture may not be amazing the food was. It was Sri Lankan curry and the place could only fit about 7 people...tiny japanese style
















Finally we made it to my favorite spot in Nagoya. A place called Nagoyaka. Please check out there blog. If you do not speak Japanese then it may be hard but the picture are nice and its a good opportunity to learn some Japanese...maybe not. Anyway if you are ever in Nagoya please check them out...this is a pic with me and the owner forgot to take a pic of the food...

Sharon Gannon Does it Again

There is a great new interview with Sharon Gannon about Yoga and Vegetarianism please follow the link and leave a comment

VEGAN SANCTUARY: SHARON GANNON

Japan road trip

Japan trip is going amazing of course. Tomo, another friend Yusui and I are dring the length of Honshu. We started in Tokyo and once classes there were finished we headed south. I took an ashtanga class in shonan taught by yusui. We are now somewhere between Tokyo and Nagoya. I had to take a pic of the rest stop stall...blue lights


But no standing in the toilet.

Walking around 3/19

Two of my favorite things food and fashion






Hobbit abode in Itabasshi





Of course I missed yet another blockbuster in the states only to discover it here

Kamakura

There is a special place just outside Tokyo about on hour by train. Kamakura is right on the coast. Kumiko Baba hosted a jivamukti open class and satsang in a small temple by the sea. If you ever come to japan be sure to check it out
www.kamakurayoga.com



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Teaching yoga makes me hungry


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Dinner in Tokyo

Learning how to cook marcobiotic

walking around

Whenever I am in a new place I try to walk around as much as possible. Here are some pictures from the itabasshi section of Tokyo. The cat looks pissed. The road sign says traffic safety playground. It's a whole park dedicated to learning the rules of the road for toddlers.

Tokyo

First day in tokyo. Staying with an amazing macrobiotic chef. Going to take a class with her later today. Dinner at my place when I get back.

Taipei

Soooooo teaching PURE in asia for the first time outside of the Asia Yoga Conference. Today teaching an Open class assisted by the amazing Jivamukti Teachers here in Taipei. Lynn, Nora and Shanti have been taken amazing care of me not too mention Suming. Suming took the jivamukti teacher training in 2007 at the suggestion of her daughter. She had not taken Jivamukti before and had no idea how intense it was going to be. She just trusted her daughter and showed up...amazing no? Especially if you know what the Jivamukti TT is like. She has been allowing me to stay at her amazing apt. I wish I could show a picture. You can see most of Taipei out of her window. I will try to post something later. Whenever I find myself in a new place I pick one direction and walk as far as I can and then walk back...choose another direction walk as far as I can and then back soooo of for my walk...peace

New Webby

Its finally here the new website please leave any feedback as we are looking at how it can change and improve also please check out the web designer Alessia at thupamodel.com...she is amazing...anyway I am in Taipei now teaching at Pure then off to Japan and Korea...maybe see you soon...

peace and light
jules