Our dear, beloved Ravi returned home to his precious parents and
India. Jai Ma! Jai Ma! Jai Ma! It certainly was a victorious homecoming.
The festive faces of his parents lit up as they beheld the celestial vision of their only son alighting from the aircraft in Bengalaru, India.
For six months Ravi's Mom coddled, cherished and doted on her only son, taking him to temples and making rounds to relatives who hadn't heard from him since he disappeared without a trace over three years ago.
After his joyous reunion with family, Ravi returned to the states. We welcomed him into our home for one month, after which he had the option of seeking refuge in the comforting arms of the Buddha
with a room reserved for him at the temple.
However, the warmth and coziness of family, friends and a loving home, stirred a longing in him for normalcy, progress and hope for a brighter future.
Ravi knew well the horrible pangs of being homeless. For five months he endured the terrifying experience of living out on the streets. The halfway houses in this area were full to capacity, so, he slept across from a hotel, where a kind manager offered him breakfast every morning. He was alone, vulnerable and frightened,
meanwhile in India, his parents lit candles and prayed for his safe return.
I thought about all the homeless people living in tent cities throughout USA, one of the most wealthiest countries in the world,
their plight and suffering certainly a humanitarian crisis. Over 500,000 people currently homeless.
Home Sweet Home my heart breaks for them.
Ravi, myself and David sat for prayer early Monday morning. The quiet, suppressed euphoria of a new beginning, streaked intermittent blue lightning through the atmosphere.
Ravi's beautiful prayer rang out like cathedral bells as we gazed at the shimmering brass idol of Lord Ganesha, Remover of Obstacles:
"O Lord
Please resurrect me
Make me whole
so that I can serve You
and others"
