Not Death Valley

Monday, November 2nd, 2026

Venables Valley, British Columbia

The snow here had come and gone, well, most of it. A few patches lie here and there.

It was a smooth drive to get here from Kelowna via Highways 97, 8 and 1. Very remote. Little to no reception. That's what made the drive so peaceful. The only thing is, I could not access my zoom call for the MANTRA retreat call to discuss next year's date which will be our 10th Anniversary. I will certainly catch up with news on that important meeting. I did come to hear that dates are set for 2027 to begin on Oct 1st.

Now back to the valley. Having some snow during a dry year was welcome. Since the major fire that ripped through two plus years ago — Saranagati, the village, nestled in Venables Valley, looks quite devastated. Luckily new green growth is coming up. Even bears are slowly on the return. Many trees, blackened by the fire stand erect like massive incense trees. There are Douglas fir, Ponderosa pine. Some trembling aspen survived, cottonwood and birch are hanging in there. Except for three homes that were downed, all the rest are still gloriously standing.

Despite the look of death there is still a draw and Saranagati can be seen as a hauntingly beautiful place. When Jaya Govinda, Damodara and I took a walk, a snazzy-looking car slowed down with two curious Southeast Asian men inside. At the full stop they asked about the mandir, the temple, and the goshala, where the cows are kept. We directed them and they were happy. Amazing that on Monday afternoon when winter started, a couple of city dwellers came to check out the scene.

After all, there is an amazing feel of bhakti in the atmosphere. In fact, in the evening residents of the valley all converged at one of the homeowners where all participated in Damodarastaka, a song and play of lights occurred to enhance devotional sentiments.

MAY THE SOURCE BE WITH YOU

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