The Beggar Cow

Today I wished I was a beggar cow.
In India every neighborhood, whether it's the capital city or a small back-country village, has it's own local hangout area of the local stray cows. They are mostly male cows that get sent out of their birth homes, since Indian families are mostly interested in female cows for their milk. In any case, some of this very large male cows patrol the local food stoles in the center of their locality, and beg for food. When evening sets in, they slowly rise up in a relaxed content pace, with full confidence supported by the long history of their respected ancestors, they set off for dinner. Standing at the entrance to restaurants, with their undeniably large presence, their sheer size speaks their wish, and patiently await their share - a chapati, a piece of sweet, something small but rewarding. Once they receive their small offering, they politely leave and keep going to the next shop. This is how they spend dinner time. The rest of the afternoon they lay peacefully at the center divider, watching traffic go by.

Well, today after I made dinner; Dhal with tamarind and veggies, and Gobi with Kaju, I decided to run to the restaurant near by to fetch some tandoori rotis for my meal. I ordered my roti, and unlike the usual 2 minute wait, it was busier, and I waited awhile. This is when I viewed the beggar cow. I was impressed how quickly he got what he wanted. He was standing there for a short moment waiting his share. No one paid much attention at first, however, as soon as he decided it was time to be noticed, he had only to take two steps in the door and someone rushed out quickly with a hot roti, fresh out the tandoori, passed right by me, and the cow followed obediently. Needless to say, I was standing there, still waiting my turn, amazed at how gracefully and peacefully this large creature managed to get his needs met in such an overly populated, poverty stricken, humming and buzzing place as India.

I collect all of our food scraps in our house and go down to the street to offer these to the passerby cows. Sometimes the stray dogs join the meal. I noticed the cows always give the dogs first choice. They have such a calm way about them. I admire their peaceful, yet persistent, unwavering focus. They certainly have their way of getting what they want.
I only wish the men here will give such respectful care and careful attention to their women as they give their cows. Maybe they would if we grow two large horns?

The Journey Here

I'm a dancer and a Yogini. Writing was never something I put much value into, and I seldom used it as a channel of creative expression. I've been traveling the world, living in many foreign countries, where I often didn't understand the local tongues. Naturally, as an adaptation, I convinced myself that I didn't need much of a 'real language' to communicate with, and I gradually placed more value on communicating through movement. However, after making my home in the US for many years, living with English on a daily basis, establishing a vast web of connections, immersing myself in life, community, and general busy-ness, I noticed a natural emergence of passion for language and writing. I discovered in me a new fascination with English, as well as other languages.

I came across the blogging idea as I joined the Online Odissi group, and a blog was automatically assigned to my member profile. I heard about the blogging phenomenon for awhile, but frankly, never had much interest in all this writing business. However, once I was gifted with my very own blog, I was intrigued to discover the possibilities with it, and my fancy blog page was blank, and needed me to adorn it with 'text'. So I felt compelled to get my shiny new blog page ready to present to the world. I hurried to write my very first blog. That was back in March of 2008 (My blog page keep track of these details:). And since, I lost the momentum. Or maybe never started it. Always so involved with my Yoga center, my dancing, my spiritual practice, my family... - life as we all know it. Blogging was at the bottom of my 'To Do' list.

Now, after we sold our Yoga center, moved out of our home in AZ, said goodbye to family and friends and traveled East, and then some more East - to Europe, Israel, and India, and then settled in Orissa, I feel ready to use this medium to share with you all who are interested.

I'm spending this winter in Bhubaneswar, the capital of Orissa. It was once the ancient center of the Tantric Temple culture, and is now the vibrant center of Odissi Dance. 

 64 Yogini Temple

It's been over a month now that I'm here, and the process of setting into harmonious routine of dance, inner practice, and the joys and chores of daily life is taking its course. I'm so happy to have a long winter here, allowing me to really immerse myself in the Odissi culture and art, and drop deeper into the subtleties of this mysterious and magical dance.

I've been continuously deepening my understanding of Odissi, the core yogic alignment that lay in its foundation, and the energetic possibilities of expression that naturally unfold out of its spirally movement. I find tremendous wealth of knowledge bubbling out of my inner source as I continue to practice and dance. I receive precious inspiration from the ancient Temples around me, and valuable information from the community of dancers and researchers living and practicing here. Of course my teachers and dance community are a constant inspiration and support, and the audience who come to watch me when I perform are the most enthusiastic and appreciative crowed! I'm looking forward to this very special winter, rich and full with dance passion. And I look forward to sharing the little stories of my life here with you.

Namaste,

Revital