Other Writings…
After eleven days of traveling by oxcart into the countryside, I reached my ultimate destination: the compound of Bhagava Brachmacharya, Yogi and Mystic, set between a factory that produced rickshaw mirrors and a home for retired Rajas. "Bhagi," as he's known to his followers, invited me to a purity bath my very first evening, and as I rubbed oil on his head, I knew that I'd found my spiritual home. I was put on a strict diet of jackfruit and a half cup of rice per day to uncloud the vision of my third eye, and became an eager explorer as Bhagi introduced me to new worlds: tantric yoga, psychedelics, French New Wave cinema, and Mongolian throat singing. It was a happy time.
An update on Sri Bhagava Brachmacharya… can he beat federal RICO charges?!
In the heavily guarded compound 11 oxcart hours outside of Mumbai, Bhagava Brachmacharya, Yogi and Mystic (“Bhagi”), introduced me to a universe I hadn't known existed: a world scented not by kielbasa, petroleum refineries, and existential angst, but by night blooming jasmine, monkey scat, and enlightenment. To the sounds of his first album, Moonlight and Mango Lassi—which played on a continuous loop over the compound's loudspeakers—I shed my legwarmers and inhibitions and emerged as a full-fledged devotee of Bhagi. My days were spent in blissful anticipation of my guru's needs, and the shiv-making skills I'd learned as a child in New Jersey came in handy as I competed with the other devotees to clip my guru's toenails and hold his ear candles.
The New Revised Standard Version
Most of what we know about letters of consolation comes from Greek and Roman sources, wherein consolation was not concerned solely with bereavement, but with all forms of mental distress. Sympathy was part of consolation, but the letters of consolation might also include practical advice about restoring emotional balance, a reminder to behave responsibly during times of turmoil, a warning not to complain against God, examples of others who have overcome similar hardships, or even a scolding.
“I don’t think the role of the priest has changed as much as the situations and circumstances in which we do ministry have changed. As our communities change, priests have to adapt to meet the needs of those communities. If a priest is not willing to adapt to changing times, the Church will become just another country club that will eventually close.”
Reimagining the Road Ahead - Creation Care for the Future
“I had a mentor years ago who told me, ‘Never underestimate the power of Maundy Thursday when it comes to getting rid of things you just don't want anymore… The pandemic has done a lot more than just give us time to strip the altar. It’s provided a huge opportunity to think about what we don’t want, and what we do want, for the future.”
Our Beers [B] Side Descriptions - Not Appropriate for All Audiences, Damn!
Funk Me Pumps takes Aunt Linda’s Thanksgiving classic and adds what’s been missing all along: Beer. It’s Beer Pie for winners, sinners, and holiday dinners. So squeeze those hammertoes into some Funk Me Pumps and start celebrating like you’re meant to, with beer pie. Hell, you might just get invited to sit at the grownups table this year.