A Long Drive on Highway No.1(Part One)

Santa Lucia Mountains

             Most of the people in U.S. relax themselves by enjoying the scenic drive along the Pacific Coastal region surrounded by beautiful hills, forest areas and mountain streams with many flora and fauna.You might have already guessed what I meant : it is the much admired and travel led California Highway No.1. All along the way you will find captivating sea beaches on one side and mountain slopes on the other side with dense  greenery,tall imposing trees and woods aglow with changing seasonal colors and multi-colored birds. Far  away from urban congestion and bustle one can feel a fresh invigorating experience with a sense of tranquility without foregoing modern facilities- I mean,wayside restaurants and shelters. We started our three day trip to Malibu from Sunnyvale to cover nearly a distance of three hundred miles.We stayed for the night at Buellton, a small town , as ours is a leisurely journey without any worldly day-to-day distractions.
             
            As we started toward south, cherry and strawberry gardens appeared adding co lour and charm ,
 to the busy roads so smooth and comfortable to travel by. Most of the villages we passed by, bore names connected with sea like Marina, Sea View, Sand city and Sea Side etc.On the way we passed by the pastoral river valley called Caramel River Valley surrounded by towering grey Santa Lucia mountains.This  valley is one of the finest areas of viniculture(cultivating vine gardens for making wine). The Caramel River flows through green plains flanked by dark cliffs of the Santa Lucia Mountains. Many state protected parks are here.Andrew Molera State Park is the largest State Park located near the Big Sur river with sandy beaches, oak trees and vast meadows.

Big Sur River

The Big Sur River is located near the scenic highway nearly 150 miles south of San Francisco and 300 miles from Los Angeles. It is flanked on one side by the majestic Santa Lucia Mountains and on the other side by the rocky Pacific coast. We halted at the Ripple-wood Resort, a restaurant with picturesque surroundings nestled in the valley surrounded by hills and greenery. It looked like a dwelling fit for Nature-lovers and artists.We passed  by Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park where hikers can walk eight miles and camp there. This park is spread over more than one thousand acres of forest comprising vast meadows and trees like redwood, maple,alder and oak trees. Small animals like deer, skunks, raccoons and grey squirrels are seen. The Big Sur River passes through the centre of the park surrounded by steep mountains. 

Los Padres National Forest

  

Andrew Molera State Park

Los Padres National Forest is another important place by which we passed.This forest is nearly 7890sq.kms in area and has many hills and is the place of origin for many rivers of Southern and central California.The Santa Barbara and Montery National Forest regions were merged in 1936 to form Los Padres National forest. On one side we saw the calm ripples of the Pacific with varying colors of blue, sea-green and silver-blue in the shimmering light of the warm sun.On the other side we saw high mountains with dense clumps of grass, brush- wood and tall trees with occasional sighting of birds and small wild creatures- two different fabulous charms  of Nature seen at one place. But at many places repair works were going on. So we had to travel at a speed less than thirty miles. At some places the roads were narrow with sharp curves and sharp turns.                                                            

Neptune Pool , Hearst  Castle

 We took diversion and went to see the famous Hearst Castle on the hill at Sam Simeon. A documentary film of about 45 minutes in duration was shown briefing the visitors about the life and achievements of William Randolph Hearst, who boldly undertook this Herculean task of building a huge mansion on a distant hill encompassing the features of a castle with precious artifacts and sculptures, spending millions of dollars and engaging a large number of workers and builders. Besides constructing this as a retreat, Mr.Hurst also created a favorable ambiance to preserve the surroundings in their pristine beauty and filled the woods with rare species of wild life enhancing the natural charm.
                                                                   

Hearst Castle

We were allowed to see only a few rooms in the castle which actually consists of 165 chambers Around the castle outside many marble sculptures and statues of Grecian and Roman art  were erected. The figures of nymphs, gods and goddesses in  graceful postures attract the attention of tourists very much.The audio-commentary given   while travelling by bus to and fro was quite impressive and informative.A visit to this castle makes us  realize how great people with a sense of dedication and  perseverance realize their dreams which seem to be too remote like stars at the beginning and how they finally                                                                                                touched them without going back.                                                                            .                                                                      

Santa Rosa Creek

After leaving the castle we passed through Cambria, a sea-side village six miles away south of Hearst Castle.   The village has many beautiful restaurants, art galleries and specialty shops. The blue sea on one side with small beaches and pine forests on the other side in the dim twilight, gave relief to our tired bodies. We passed by Santa Rosa Creek, a twenty-two mile long stream rising from the Hood Mountain.The river is flanked  by many rocky flats with dense vegetation and wild plants. We reached Buellton, a small town in Santa Ynez Valley County.We took our lodgings at Marriot, an  elegant restaurant with well-furnished rooms and facilities.Next morning we proceeded to Solvang (Danish word for sunny fields) , a small town near Santa Ynez.                                                                        

Danish houses at Solvang

  Windmill at Solvang

 This town is nearly ninety-two miles from Malibu and is considered as one of the most beautiful small towns in  the western U.S. This town with petty cottages, gift shops, restaurants, windmills and handicraft stalls gives us a pretty picture of a typical Danish town modeled in the style of displaying Danish culture and  tradition.This town was founded by the Danish immigrants in 1911. Many restaurants offer Danish cuisine with visitor friendly hosts. At Paule Pan Cake House we were served Danish pan cakes with sweet syrup. They looked like big Indian Dosas, but very soft melting in our mouths with creamy flavour. In this town there are three museums, many bakery shops, theatres and gift shops with many typical Danish items and artifacts  giving us a feel of their culture. The bust of Hans Christian Anderson., the famous Danish writer, is seen in the park. The replica of Copenhagen's round tower can be also seen there.

  (Replica of Copenhagen's Round Tower, Solvang )

                                                   ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++=
                                                                                                                         Somaseshu Gutala
                       15th May, 2013.

My Visit to Gilroy Temple, California

                                                                                                   

                                                                                                             

A small temple located on the top of a hill surrounded by lush growth of woods with meandering, narrow path has become a very popular and attractive destination for Hanuman devotees and health-conscious tourists as well. From Sunnyvale we started towards Gilroy gardens.On the way we came across spacious nursery farms,orchards,vineyards and vegetable farms with loads of fresh vegetables and fruits displayed for sale.We also saw stables with wide space where horses are trained for races. The road towards Mount Madonna affords a scenic drive through wooded curved winding paths with tall redwood trees and mighty oaks.The road branches off at various spots creating confusion to new tourists.Even GPS is not of much use as it directs us into narrow dangerous forest routes. So one has to be very careful in taking the proper road.

As we approached the temple, we saw a big school, Mt.Madonna School, with many rooms, transport vehicles and all modern amenities at this remote place on the hill. As we went farther up the hill, we saw many institutions like Ayurvedic School, Yoga Training Institute and Cultural and Physical Fitness centres. A small temple with a flag was seen after climbing a few steps. Statues of Lord Hanuman and Monkey Leaders were seen in various yogic and gymnastic postures implying the need for physical and spiritual training in human life. As we entered the temple precincts, a white American priest clad in Indian dress appeared performing worship (pooja) to the saffron-coated idol of Hanuman who bore the Sanjeeva Mountain in one hand and a mace in the other hand.The American priest chanted Sanskrit slokas(hymns) blessed us and gave us sacred prsadam (food items offered to God). The calm place surrounded by Madonna Hills and the lake beside seemed a fit place for those who want to relax and spend their time in a devotional manner. Even for city dwellers this spot proved to be a scenic resort to find peace and enjoy the pure and hygienic weather far from urban rush and restlessness. In ancient times and even now sages and philosophers selected such retreats to meditate and do yoga without any outward disturbances. I sat for a while on the floor closing my eyes and trying to fix my attention on the Lord. Beside the temple we found some construction work was in progress. Stone idols of hooded serpents with forked tongues   around the pedestal were seen. Perhaps some idol is going to be installed in the middle.We  saw a small

idol of Lord Shiva in the form of Linga with his mount,a tiny bull facing the lord. Just adjoining the temple in the open space statues of Lord Ganesha, Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Shiva sitting cross-legged in the act of meditation were seen.These idols though simple in form enhanced the religious feel in such calm surroundings.

    After coming down we went towards the restaurant where one could get hot tea and refreshments. On our right we saw a tiny statue of Buddha seated on a small pedestal . As the restaurant was not open we went a little bit farther and reached the summit of the cliff with railings around the edge. One could get a grand view of the scenery below with green massive trees and bluish peaks and winding paths.We found people residing in the wooden cottages near by.They might have come to learn yoga and meditation. Though the temple  seemed to be small with ascetic hermitage like surroundings, the place attracted many devotees. Regular Bhajans and discourses were conducted here. The presiding deity, Lord Hanuman, was named as Sankat Mochan which means liberator of troubles.Many devotees come here with deep faith and devotion.      

   This temple is located within three hundred and fifty five acres on the grounds of Mount Madonna

 Centre, a residential community dedicated to promotion of creative arts, culture and health sciences. 
 This temple is nearer to the city of Watsonville towards west of Gilroy. This temple was established    by the disciples of Swami Hari Dass in 1978.In 2001 they brought the idol of Hanuman and as per  the directions of Swami Hari Dass installed the idol here in 2003. Hanuman Fellowship, an  organisation based in California since 1974, manages the maintenance of the temple.  Swami Hari    Dass, a noble monk who has been observing the vow of silence since 1952 guides and gives counsel  in managing this temple. Born in Almora in 1923 he became a monk at a very young age and lived in  U.S.A. since 1971. He is a multi-faceted personality who is an Ayurvedic doctor, sculptor, yoga  teacher and author of many books on Ayurveda and yoga. He is available for Darshan on Tuesdays  and Saturdays in Mount Madonna Centre Community Building. Accomodation and other facilities  are provided for those interested in learning Yoga and meditation. Besides this organisation, many  others such as Kayakalpa Wellness Centre, Yoga Training Centre and Sri Ram Foundation  Ayurvedic Store also help and spread the message of service to society and integral development of  personality both physically and spiritually.   

  My visit to this temple made me realise that presence of God can be felt where one lives
 in harmonious relationship with Nature following a simple way of living and nourishing one's own
 mind with noble thoughts. The Gilroy Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple is a shining example of
 this truth. We feel the influence of serene surroundings and the sacred touch of God as well as    Nature.
                                                  ======           =======           ========                                                                                                                            
                                                                                                                          Somaseshu Gutala

       ( I acknowledge thanks and convey my hearty blessings to my son Subash and my
        daughter-in-law, Nikhila, without whose help and planning I could not have had the fortune of 
        visiting this sacred place located on the top of the hill with breath-taking view of nature.)                                 

                                                                                                                
    Note: From Sunnyvale one has to travel through Hecker Pass/HW152 and along Pole Line
              Road and then onto the Summit Road. As one travels through Hecker Pass, One can enjoy
              the beautiful view of Montery and Santa Clara County.The distance is nearly 42 miles from
              Sunnyvale.

NO Glorious Goal

                                                                                                              

                                                                                                        

                                                                 No Glorious Goal

                                                In myths and legends do we often hear
                                                Of strong-willed demons who deeply aspire
                                                And pray to Thee for years to grant their desires:
                                                A long self-torturing ritual to draw Thee near:
                                                Were they happy, free from worries and fear?
                                                Did they arrive at the end of their desires?
                                                Did they conquer all enemies entire?
                                                Mute silence replies; not an easy task mere;

                                                Desires like fabled poisonous creatures entice
                                                You into their tempting weird embrace
                                                Tightening their grip around you, till your soul
                                                Is trapped and like a hapless victim lies
                                                Adding more woes-- an endless race 
                                                Root out all my desires, Oh Lord! -- no glorious goal.

                                                             *********************
                       Note:
                                  In epics and legends we hear of demons who are greedy,
                                  avaricious and adamant and strive their utmost to get
                                  miraculous occult powers; but they misuse them for their
                                  own self-aggrandizement and for vindictive purposes even
                                  rebelling against gods themselves, destroying and harming
                                  devout people and innocent persons. So mere acquisition of 
                                  power and knowledge will lead us astray unless our intentions
                                  are noble. Just high goals without wisdom are of no use.                                              
                                                                                                                                                              
                                                                                                         Somaseshu Gutala
                                  

My Uninvited Guest

                                                    

   
                    1)  Each day he comes, nay, every morning
                         Though not invited shouting loud
                         His looks too sharp and strutting proud;
                         Turning his neck as if looking for something
                         His usual seat, a ledge, near the steps before
                         The door, calling his friends galore.

               2)      What kind of visitor this dusky fellow
                         No charming red or glowing face
                         A coal-black creature with an awkward pace
                         His tone too harsh, not sweet and mellow
                         Like dark shining beads his tiny eyes gleam
                         As he turns aside with a raucous scream.

               3)      He shouts for his friends to come and share
                         His booty with a jolly blend of thrill
                         Unheeding our angry warnings shrill
                         Unperturbed they enjoy their daily fare
                         With harsh dissonant cacophony
                         With a close-knit feeling of harmony.

               4)      His raucous cry not appealing to me
                         His black, gaunt figure not pleasing to my eyes
                         His daily visits intrusive--what a surprise!
                         A part of our family, frank and free:
                         A sense of void we felt if we could not behold
                         His dark feathered form near our threshold.

               5)      Though common yet he seemed to fly
                         From darker worlds beyond our sight
                         Where ancestral souls reside after they die
                         Supposed to assume darker forms, not bright
                         Is he the daily guest from them among
                         My dearest kin I missed so long!

               6)      I stared at him confounded dumb with  craze
                         Who might be this black creature I can't discern
                         Fabled mount of dark dreadful Saturn stern!
                         Or messenger of death with a sinister gaze
                         With a bewitching spell like Stygian weeds
                         With dark eyes shining like magic beads!

               7)      Who ever may be this dark ominous bird
                         His daily presence moved my heart;
                         Though not a heavenly bird of fabled thought
                         A kindred touch in his harsh voice I heard;
                         No deceitful colored arrogant show
                         In blackest terms stark truths in his feelings flow.

               8)      Our daily guest, though uninvited , I say
                         Honoring guests , a noble act , indeed ;
                         We take our lunch only after we feed
                         Our dark mysterious visitor grey
                         His croaking call rings with friendly intimacy
                         His slanting gaze with merry smiles we see.

                                          ===         ====     ====
                                                                                                   Somaseshu Gutala
                   Note:

               1)  According to Indian legends a crow is associated with ancestral
                    spirits. The manes are supposed to assume the form of a crow to
                    take the food offered by the family in funeral rites and annual ceremonies.

              2)   A crow is the mount (vahana) of Lord Saturn, one of the most powerful
                    planets  whose glance is supposed to create many ordeals and troubles.
                                   
              3)  The crow is also considered as a dark creature associated with witches
                   and their dark spells of magic.
               
             4)   Grey here implies some thing unknown or unexciting

     
             5)   Stygian means dark like the river Styx flowing in the underworld.

                                                 ++++++++++++++++++++++++
                                                --------------------------------------
 
                       





                       

When Violets Bloomed

      

                                                                

                                       1)      When violets bloomed just near my door
                                                 Spreading sweet smell in morning breeze
                                                 A friendly whisper with soulful ease
                                                 Fresh awakened bliss up to the core.

                                      2)      Your cheerful greeting made me glad
                                                Wide-eyed blossoming hearty smiles
                                                Pure like infant's and free from guile
                                                A healing touch--from you I had

                                     3)       No reason dry can gauge thy heart
                                                Neck-deep in worldly woes we drag.
                                                Such care-free thrill we never brag
                                                Thy world of joy beyond our chart.

                                     4)       Unperturbed like a prudent soul
                                                You dance freely with rhythmic swing
                                                What unheard strains you merrily sing?
                                                What secret tales from Nature's scroll?

                                     5)      What elves and sprites with thee commune?
                                               What happy myths and legends meet?
                                               What passions pure, a sweet retreat?
                                               What unseen worlds as you gently swoon?

                                     6)     Perfumed jewels of Divinities great!
                                              Fit ornaments of godly grace!
                                              Untouched by our self-centred ways!
                                              Like stars you shine beyond our state!

                                                       ===*****===****===*****=====

                                             Note: Meet= proper
                                                         
                                                                                                           Somaseshu Gutala
                                                                                                  
      

The Pangs of Uncertainty

                                         



                      

                         1 )          The seas of uncertainty seem like the darkest night
                                        Unaware of what is to be--beyond my guess--
                                        What pitfalls or up rise--a confused mess---
                                        With my frail reason I rave -- nothing within my sight--
                                         I question Fate as if my fundamental right
                                        As if creation rests on me--no more or less--
                                        I shout at God to clarify and press
                                        To show my goal--an explanation staraight--
                                        A vast expanse of stubborn silence reigns
                                        So many centuries flew off--beyond compare--
                                        My fate--a most insignificant case
                                        My pains--nothing ere this unending timeless terrain
                                        So many born,grew up and died under Thy care
                                        Thou, all-encompassing Lord of Time and Space!

                           2)          How many sins done? I know not--I doubt
                                        Repentance--just a flash in the pan!
                                        Though I did pray and try to ban
                                        Vile temptations with musings devout;
                                        From my bosom true faith did not sprout
                                        A goalless journey meseems this life--no plan:
                                        So many scriptures came but none can scan
                                        Thee in true terms, or what's this world about;                                  
                                        Your mystic smile behind the invisible veil
                                        Your motives--too abstruse--a challenging task;
                                        Your silence spells feelings beyond our words
                                        Your subtle controlling skills, Time conceals;
                                        Nature appears your miraculous mask;
                                        Change unwinds within imperceptible worlds.

                           3)         I banged and shouted--with words I fought
                                       You maintained stony silence odd
                                       I called Thee indifferent and insensitive God--
                                       A soulless power without any conscience or heart;
                                       I cursed my lot with melancholy fraught;
                                       Thy saintly attributes an utter fraud--
                                       This world unchanging like a boulder hard
                                       A dreary routine dissolving in naught!
                                       I never asked Thee for favors again ;
                                       I took everything in stride--nothing to complain;
                                       Meanwhile you showered happy events unsought
                                       You slaked my gloomy soul with heavenly rain
                                       A state beyond this earthly suffering and strain
                                       Puzzled-- I stood-- Your ways so strange beyond my thought!

                           4)        People pray to Thee pouring immense praise
                                      A thousand names describing Thy glory
                                      Can their golden paeans satisfy Thee?
                                      Chanting Thy holy names in various ways?
                                      Can vain human tongues match the divine lays
                                      Of Ambrosial grace of heavenly glee?
                                      Dost Thou require our feeble flickering praise
                                      That can't fathom Thy mysterious maze?
                                      Our words can't grasp Thy mighty supreme state
                                      Beyond these earthly limits, Space and Time
                                      None can move Thee with empty vociferous power
                                      Let me strive to feel Thy ever watching power great
                                      To comprehend Thy intentions sublime
                                      And be Thy humble child for ever.

                                                        =========
                                                                                                        SOMA GUTALA
                             (Written on 22-12-2009, 23-12-2009,24-12-2009 and 11-01-2010)

           Note: In the above four poems an attempt has been made to present the spiritual crisis in a
           metaphysical vein. The poets of the later 16th and 17th centuries in England brought about
           innovative changes in style and approach by use of colloquial and dramatic style, dialecti-
           cal style, argument, unusual and striking comparisons, satire and abrupt shift in rhythm
           and   meter with passionate intensity. Especially in poems of John Donne( 1572--1631)
           and  George Herbert (1593-1633) and others these features are clearly noticeable. I hope
           you will find some of these features in these poems where the inner tension and struggle
           find ultimate resolution in gradual reconciliation and acceptance of one's own destiny and .
           providence.
                                 
                                   
                                     
                               
                             
                                     
                                     

                                     



                                       
                             
   

On Meeting Again

                  

                                                                                              

                                                                        On Meeting Again                          

                                                   The pathway wore a dry desert-like look

                                                       No colorful glory of wild flowers dense ;
                                                       Someone has razed them down to clean and cleanse
                                                       I missed my blooming friends in every nook.
                                                       Who cut these tender shoots with merciless hook?
                                                       Deprived of green -- What an awful difference!
                                                       These crowded dusty roofs appear like dens;
                                                       Sheer destructive delight of modern crooks!

                                                       As time went on to my surprise I found
                                                       Fine-clustered flowers peeping through grass
                                                       Revelling themselves in luxuriance sleek
                                                       As if by magic spreading all around ;
                                                       Unperturbed by selfish human feelings gross
                                                       Laughing at me in playful hide-and-seek.
                                                                   ==== ***    ====  ***     ====     
                                                                                                                           Somaseshu Gutala
                                                                                                                                   14-2-2013                                                    Note: Hook= A poetic term for sickle 
                                                               used for cutting grass.                                                                                                                        
                                               ( Even in wild flowers and species one can
                                                 find beauty untarnished by artificial methods)