Spending New Year's Eve at Maharaj-ji's Taos ashram has become one of my all time favorite events of the year. As New Year's eve 2000 approached, I asked myself where I would want to be for such a historical moment in my life. The question was short-lived as I remembered how beautiful past New Years' had been in Taos. By His grace I would welcome in the year 2000 sitting by His tucket.

On the weekend of December 31, 1999, I drove into Taos and was once again humbled by the beauty of the sacred mountains and far reaching Rio Grande Valley. In that valley, the light is reflected in such a way that I am able to remember the gift of living. When I arrived at the ashram, I was greeted by my dear family, our beloved satsang. We had come together to serve and celebrate His generosity.

On New Year's Eve day the ashram staff, guests, and satsang prepared for yet another bhandara. Exquisite food was made in the kitchen, faralitos were laid out on the walkways and rooftops, the temple room was cleaned, fresh flowers were offered, and Lord Hanuman was fully adorned. At 1pm the first of 108 Chaleesas were sung. Could there be any better way to send off 1999 and welcome in the year 2000? Maharaj-ji had given us yet another opportunity to remember the Divine and take part in His miracle.

Throughout the afternoon, Chaleesas were offered and food was prepared. As the sun set, the faralitos were lit and the ashram radiated beauty and love. There have been very few times in my life that I can remember such feelings of peace and contentment. There was no place on earth that I would rather have been on that evening. Maharaj-ji's warm heart held us all.

We sang throughout the night and received His sacred prasad. At the stroke of midnight, we finished the last of 108 Chaleesas and did arati to the Guru. "You are my mother and father in whom I take refuge, no other than you do I accept, of whom I accept everything."

The New Year's bhandara in Taos is yet another example of the stream of divine blessings that we all receive from Maharaj-ji. With each year I spend among the satsang of the Taos ashram, I discover greater levels of my own gratitude and love. By His grace I will carry a message of love and service to the world. Happy New Year, Dear Friends!