This Ashram Is Not Meant to Run Smoothly

We were reminded of this anecdote last month in Costa Rica by beloved Deva Premal, while melting into space at a Tantra Mantra retreat with her & the adorable 3 M’s … Miten, Manose, and Rafia Morgan. Deva says: Neelam, Osho’s secretary at the time, once told Miten that she’d had occasion to speak to Osho about the chaos and turmoil that had arisen in one of the departments. To her surprise, Osho seemed very pleased to hear the news. When questioned about his response he gave a mischievous smile and explained: “Neelam, this place is not meant to run smoothly!” Here is the full scoop. On Facebook, of all places.

Well, at the moment I am not entirely clear how this here ashram will continue to run at all but I’m sure there is a lot of spiritual growth in facing death, taxes, and email overwhelm. This mantra has helped me a lot in the past (especially in my marriage with Scott) so I’m grateful for the reminder. I chant it to myself every day … things are not meant to run smoothly here!

What else keeps to keep me going is, of course being with you in this deeply imperfect, impermanent enterprise of paying attention (while paying taxes) so we can continue reclaiming our outrageous, creative, expressive life … before death do us part.

As the surfers say, it’s all good. I look forward to catching another wave with you — hopefully not too long from now, not too far from here.