New Years 2024

A Look Behind - The Year Ahead

Dear White Lotus Community,

Gratitude is everything. In looking back, we have such gratitude for the incredible people we have had the opportunity to share Yoga with, since 1967. Thank you for bringing your open hearts, your inquiring minds, and your expansive spirits. In humans we trust...at least we hope to.

We have all weathered unusual and even challenging years, but we have also seen courage, kindness, acts of humanity, inspiration, and creativity brought forth. We look forward for these qualities to guide us in the new year.

We are still here holding space for those who wish to meditate, be still, commune with nature, breathe, and inquire, or to explore more deeply into their individual practices. We have a very small staff, but we are still here to serve you. Perhaps you will join us in the coming year.

White Lotus Sanctuary-Personal Meditation Retreat is currently available...

The Bare Necessities

The Simple Bare Necessities of Life

We often overlook that which is simple. And yet, the things that are accessible to us and within our grasp, often elude us. As we all embark on another year, it's good to remember the simple bare necessities of life.

Join us in setting off into a new year by welcoming in the simple but profound and meaningful measures that will set us up for well being. Here's our list. Feel free to expand on it and make it your own...

Bhramari

The Bees

That buzzing in your head may not mean you're going crazy, but it could look like it if someone were to observe you practicing it. Bhramari pranayama, also known as, The Bees, is a high-pitched hum you create by directing your vocal vibrations against the roof of your mouth and projecting the sound towards the top of your head. It's not always easy to execute, but when you get that buzz just right, something akin to a high-tension wire, then you are in perfect pitch.

Bhramari is said to clear your head. It's certainly fun to try. Although this may be best taught in person, we will try to explain it here for your listening (and laughing) pleasure...

In Memoriam

Michael Krohnen
September 15, 1943 – December 19, 2023
1001 Lunches with J. Krishnamurti

I don't believe we knew how truly wise a man Michael Krohnen was, because he was such a kind and lovely man that your impression may have just stopped there. But a lovely, kind, and very wise man passed away recently. He was one of a dwindling group who actually shared intimate time with J. Krishnamurti.

Michael was with the Krishnamurti Foundation since the early 1970's. He served as cook, and even on occasion, a teacher, at the small, newly formed Foundation's Oak Grove School in Ojai at the time. He also served as personal chef to Krishnamurti for several months every year when the teacher was in residence. The Kitchen Chronicles: 1001 Lunches with J. Krishnamurti, is Michael's beautiful recollection and collection of stories from those days.

We were fortunate to spend an afternoon with Michael at Pine Cottage, the home of Krishnaji, not too long ago, where he and Ganga shared...

Lovers of Jazz

Sven's Nod to Jeff Beck

We were once again treated to fab jazz fusion by Sven. One fine Sunday afternoon, we gathered on an outdoor patio downtown while Channel Five played a few, very cool sets of classic tunes. An absolute fave was "Cause We Ended As Lovers", a Jeff Beck tune written by none-other-than, the also legendary, Stevie Wonder. Our local Channel Five, and especially Sven, did it proud.

Let the legends live on in the capable hands of those who honor them. Thank you, gentlemen, here and departed, for your gifts and your talents.