It was 2014, the first year Sri Dharma came to Baltimore. I had produced a Yoga Festival that Sri Dharma was headlining and it was a great fortune to have him stay with us on the festival grounds for a few days- an organic farm owned by local yoga students.

At one point I was explaining to Sri Dharma where everything would be located on the farm. Toward the conclusion of my description, I explained people would be camping and there would be a bonfire in the middle of the camping field. Sri Dharma made the little “hmm” noise he does sometimes and then said, “I don’t like bonfires too much.” He paused and I didn’t say anything. Then he said, “They disturb the insects.” And then he made the little half smile he does.

I didn’t say anything but my thoughts were coming quickly. I was thinking “Of course, that’s why people like bonfires.” But in that moment I recognized that Sri Dharma taught me something. And all the moments since I’ve thought about how to apply compassion for all beings on a more subtle level. After all, Sri Dharma says “compassion means, do not hurt the comfort of another living being.”

Om Shanti.

With Love & Kindness,
Gabrielle (Yogini Kali Om)