I’m back in Ubud now, but let’s get caught up on the last few days, shall we?

So, all of that beach decadence made me feel like I really oughta’ up the devotional practice, which fit in perfectly with my already-organized trip out to the Gedong Gandhi Ashram in Candidasa. I’d wanted an excuse to get to the east side of Bali anyway, so the location was an added bonus. My purpose there was to learn more about the ashram, understand how it fits in within the larger community structure and, naturally, provide a little bit of service while I’m at it (it *is* named after Gandhi, after all).

To take care of the first two items on my agenda, the ashram’s director sat with me for over 2 hours on the day I arrived, reviewing its history, function and future, from general things like the NGO (nongovernmental organization) system in Bali to charitable financing. This is what I call worthwhile; it definitely gave me a better understanding of both the community development and charitable organizations here, amidst a strong-willed government and huge focus on for-profit tourism.

Regarding the service component of my visit, I found that, as usual, I probably got more than I gave. For starters — and I realize that I may be destroying my credibility at this point, since I tend to say this a lot — the place was really lovely. Behind a fairly dilapidated front building (under construction) lies a free acupuncture clinic, a beautiful garden, a kindergarten classroom and ocean-view residences for both volunteers and guests (available for a reasonable donation of $10-20). There is even a T-shaped stone terrace in the sea, which I found great for yoga practice at sunrise.

Anyway, that’s the visual. Though volunteers must usually make a one-month commitment, I was fortunate enough to receive a pass and contribute for just the few days I had — and let me tell you, the days were packed. Action began at 5 a.m. sharp with prayer/chanting, a fire lighting ceremony at 5:30, followed by breakfast, then various assigned duties throughout the day (school, laundry, cooking, tending grounds, etc.), then another prayer and fire lighting ceremony at 5 p.m., and finally dinner, followed by English tutoring with yours truly. In addition to the conversational practice I provided, my duties included going to the market and, you guessed it, teaching a little yoga to the little ones in kindergarten class. Fun, fun, fun.

I may continue to do some work with the ashram in the future, but for now, suffice it to say that being there was a highlight of my Indonesia experience. I was welcomed with open arms by everyone, from being served specially-prepared meals, to getting an invitation from Lily, one of the girls in my yoga class, to come visit her home (which, by the way, was very fruitful — more on that later, though). Sitting alongside the kids after sunset as they softly sang prayer chants before bed, sharing Jimi Hendrix and Nina Simone with a fifty-something woman who’d never heard “Western” music before (or heard of an iPod), discussing ideas on charitable service with one of Bali’s longtime leaders in the field…this is good stuff, guys. And I’m all the better for it.

Counting Yoga Game

Gandhi Ashram Guesthouse (i.e., stay here to support efforts)

Sunset from Stone Terrace