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11/30/2007

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This small country in the northern part of the South American continent is everything but small. The grandiose nature of the people is happy, smiling, gracious and hospitable. Their communication to one another is very, very sweet. They are kind, considerate and compassionate. I have yet to hear someone speak ill of anyone. It is no wonder that the teachings of Shabd Guru, Kundalini Yoga and the Sikh lifestyle have become a big part of the lives of those who have been touched by these teachings. It is natural in their culture to live the most fundamental identity of Sikhi: Cherdi Kalaa and wishing good to all.

The Sangat in Ecuador is constantly growing and evolving. They have recently started Langar Ecuador in the capital of Quito where they will be serving hundreds of their fellow countrymen. In fact, Ecuador is the 5 th country in South America to offer langar to its people. Besides Quito, we visited Cuenca, the 3rd largest city in Ecuador. Cuenca looks like Quito 40 years ago. It is rich with colonial architecture and there you can get a sense what Andean culture and life was like a century ago. As a province, the people are very religious, open hearted and respectful. Their food is fabulous. From our meetings with the Catholic Bishops of both Quito and Cuenca, to our lengthy meeting with the Honorable Mayor of Cuenca we found that everyone wants to know how to handle stress and understand what their reality is. In Cuenca we were surprised that a large part of the business community showed up for the Lord of Miracles lecture. The response was overwhelming and to see mostly men [usually these lectures are attended by more women] meditating in their suits and ties and leaving with a huge smile on their faces – was inspiring!

Perhaps the most interesting aspect of traveling throughout South America is that everyone acknowledges your presence with a smile and a question. Daily we are stopped on the street by a person asking a question of who we are and within a few moments there are 10-20 people stopping, listening and asking questions. It has been my experience that when you do banis, wear white bana, practice simran and seva , AND put a smile on your face, your presence has a great impact.


The following pictures will give you a glimpse of our 8th country on this wonderful 5th Lord of Miracles Tour in Honor of Guru Ram Das:







The welcoming lunch in Quito, Ecuador where we ate the famous dish of
Ecuador "japingauchos" and enjoyed the folkloric music of the "Quitanos".





S.S. Gurubachan Singh Khalsa and S.S. Guru Rattan Kaur Khalsa with
Martha and Santiago Gonzalez, the founders and chancellors of this San Francisco University in Quito, Ecuador - one of the most prestegious and beautiful universities in all of South America.




S.S. Gurubachan Singh Khalsa on screen giving an interview about the
science of breath and what it is we do on the Lord of Miracles Tour.





The Lord of Miracles Lecture in Quito, Ecuador led by S.S. Gurubachan Singh Khalsa.





S.S. Guru Rattan Kaur Khalsa meditating with a young boy from Quito by her side.





An interview with the media in Cuenca, Ecuador about Kundalini Yoga.




Our final Lord of Miracles Tour Lecture was held in Cuenca, Ecuador. This lecture was attended by the most influential businessmen and women from Ecuador's third largest city. It is an amazing experience to see so many people practicing the science of breath and Shabd Guru.





A view of the overall lecture in Cuenca.





Guru Amrit Kaur Khalsa and Ram Das Singh Khalsa spar
and give a demonstration of Gathka.





The Lord of Miracles Tour visits a seva project that supports several hundred indigenous children of Ecuador with books clothing and food.




Our group poses for a picture in the office of the Mayor in Cuenca, Ecuador.





S.S. Gurubachan Singh Khalsa with the Mayor of Cuenca.







We met with the Mayor and spoke about developing yogic courses for the youth of Cuenca.





Ram Das Singh Khalsa and S.S. Gurubachan Singh Khalsa get together
with a local doctor of Cuenca (Abinashi Singh) who practices Kundalini Yoga.





Our group after sharing a beautiful dinner in the house of Mr. and Mrs. Gonzalez.





S.S. Gurubachan Singh Khalsa and our group met with the Bishop in Quito, Ecuador to further relations with the Catholic community.

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