Hiking far from the maddening crowd

Mindful Breathing, Four Elements

Sometimes it's enough. Sometimes one needs to get away, faraway, far from the maddening crowd, Dharma Bums in search of enlightenment. On return to the U.S., it's straight to Dharma Bum Temple in Southern California.

Imagine wandering in ancient India (Buddhist Emperor Ashoka's Great Bharat) in search of peace and a permanent end to ALL further suffering (disappointment, lack of fulfillment, ill, woe, misery).

Wandering like one lost, suddenly one is not lost. One is a wandering ascetic, a shramana (shaman), on a spiritual quest for stillness and wisdom (samadhi and panna). Going about from village to village in search of alms, like a deer that lists where it may, one stumbles on Thimmappana Betta Twin rocks.

• The ultimate origin of Sanskrit sramana (Buddhist Pali samaṇa) may be the Evenki language word сама̄н (samān) "shaman," possibly via Middle Chinese or Tocharian B; however, the etymology of this word, which is also found in other Tungusic languages, is controversial (see Shamanism § Etymology).
• A wandering ascetic (Buddhist monastic) has three pursuits: training in the higher virtue, higher thought, and higher insight. One must follow these pursuits keenly, otherwise, it is said, one's presence in the Buddha's Monastic Order (Sangha) will be like that of an ass in a herd of cattle (A.i.229).
• A samana (or shramana) is a person "who labors, toils, or exerts...for some higher or religious purpose" [1][2], "seeker, or ascetic, one who performs acts of austerity" [3][4][5][6]. The term in early Vedic literature is predominantly used as an epithet for seers (rishis) with reference to śrama associated with ritual exertion.
• The term in [pre-Hindu] Vedic (and subsequently Hindu) texts does not express non-Vedic connotations found in post-Vedic Buddhist and Jain canonical texts [7].
• During its later semantic development, the term came to refer to non-Brahmanical ascetic movements parallel to but separate from the old Vedic religion [4][5][8].
• The śramaṇa tradition includes Buddhism [10], Jainism [9], and others.
• In this Noble Sangha (attained spiritual community) four kinds of monastic are to be found: stream-enterers (sotāpannas), once-returners (sakadāgāmins), non-returners (anāgāmins), and full-enlightened ones (arahants). These are not to be found among the followers of other dharmas, contrary teachings (Samana Sutta, A.ii.238).
• The Samana Sutta (A.iv.340) covers the different names by which a Tathāgata ("Wayfarer," the word the Buddha chose in referring to himself) is known.
• (Descriptions derived from the Buddhist Dictionary of Pali Proper Names, Samana Sutta, by G. P. Malalasekera, Pali Text Society, London edited for Wisdom Quarterly by Dhr. Seven)

(All Trails) It's an easy hike to Thimmappana Betta Twin rocks in Ramanagara, Karnataka, India.

DIRECTIONS

The trail to Thimmappana Betta Twin rocks is only 0.6 miles long with a 91-foot elevation gain. It will take 30 to 60 minutes to arrive. The Twin Rocks near it are one of the popular tourist destinations in Kuttagallu.

Spectacular views make up the landscapes of this location, which are green with a bit of a rocky outcrop. Along with being green, this location is diverse as well and is home to various species of flora and fauna.

The trailhead rests by Bettada Kalyani at Kuttagallu and can be reached via various transportation options, such as taxi, cab, private vehicle, or foot.

TOP SIGHTS

Thimmappana Betta peak, Chakrateertha Pond. Twin Rocks. Expect some pesky mosquitos along the trail. It may even rain. It is not crowded. The best time to go is after summer and before monsoon season. Parking: Free, small lot. More

How shall we meditate when we get there?

Standing in the face of adversity

"Meditators, there are five types of warriors found existing in the world. What are these five?

"There is a warrior who, on seeing a cloud of dust [stirred up by an enemy army], falters, faints, does not steel oneself, cannot engage in battle. This is the first type of warrior found existing in the world. More

• SUTRA: How the Buddha's 'warriors' practice

Mt. Everest: Storm traps 1,000 rich climbers

Hundreds trapped by out-of-season blizzard conditions on Mount Everest

COST: Price of completing the world’s most iconic mountain climbs (outforia.com)

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(NBC News) Oct. 5, 2025: Rescue efforts were underway on Sunday on Tibet’s eastern slope of Mount Everest, where nearly 1,000 [rich] people [spending at least $84,000 in 1922 prices for the attempt to summit and gain bragging rights] were trapped by a blizzard, according to Chinese state media reports. NBC News’ Camila Bernal has the latest. For more context and news coverage of the most important stories of the day, click: nbcnews.com. #nbcnews #currentevents

(BBC News) Rescuers bringing down rich, trapped, Everest climbers

(DW News) Heavy snowfall has trapped hikers on slopes of Mt. Everest

Heavy snowfall, wind, rain has trapped hikers on the slopes of Mount Everest

(DW News) Oct. 6, 2025: DW (Deutsche World) is a German public broadcast service. One trekker has died. Rescuers have guided hundreds of other trekkers trapped on Everest to safety. Unusually heavy snowfall and rainfall have battered the Himalayas. According to Chinese state media, the hikers have reached the small township of Qudang, Tingri County, and rescuers have made contact with the remaining 200 trekkers. Kenton Cool, a British mountaineer, talks about the situation and rescue efforts.

Secrets Beneath: The Maya, underworlds

(Space and Science) Secrets Beneath the Maya: Lost Worlds and Ancient Tunnels | Underground Worlds (documentary)

• Pillars of the Past: Lost city impossible to reach in Peru
• Chichen Itza pyramid temple of the Maya peoples
• Maya peoples (the Maya of Mesoamerica)

Mountain Queen: Sherpa summits Mt. Everest

Mountain Queen: The Summits of Lhakpa Sherpa

Mountain Queen: The Summits of Lhakpa Sherpa (rated R) from 2023 has now being released. It's one hour and 45 minutes about a single Vajrayana Buddhist mother working as a dishwasher. She has another life as a record-breaking mountain climber in Nepal. As a single mother, she works as a dishwasher. In reality, one can meet her in the U.S., working at Whole Foods. Her personality is such that one wants to be around her and hear from her. Directed by Lucy Walker. It stars climber Lhakpa Sherpa, Shiny Dijmarescu, Nima Sherpa, and Sunny Dijmarescu. More: IMDb

• FilmWeek REVIEW (LAist.com)

Mountaineer loses Guinness world record

Will Taylor (@WillTaylor_news) LBC, 9/26/23; CC Liu, Sheldon S. (eds.), Wisdom Quarterly

This is Bull Scheiße!

Legendary mountain climber stripped of Guinness World Records after map enthusiast claims he stopped 5 meters short of real summit. Westerner Reinhold Messner has been stripped of his Guinness World Records.

The famed mountaineer who believed he had scaled the 14 highest peaks on the planet is furious after he was stripped of his Guinness World Records when a map enthusiast said he stopped five meters short of the true summit on one of those climbs, namely, Annapurna.

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  Annapurna mountain, Nepal (Alamy)

  [However, Buddhist Sherpa guides and porters did make it to the top of the highest mountains and have been doing so for a long time without the glory. Without them, no Westerner would be making it to the top of Mt. Everest, Annapurna, or K-2, allegedly the highest summit in the world, even taller than Everest.]

Reinhold Messner mad at Guinness Book folks

Reinhold Messner was recognized as having been the first man to climb the world's 8,000-meter summits. But Eberhard Jurgalski, after using German space agency imagery, has said he fell just short of reaching the actual peak of Annapurna in the Himalayas when he climbed it in 1985.

After a decade of work, Jurgalski believes he stopped five meters away, and that mountaineers failed to properly complete the summits on three different peaks. More

Hike to Griffith Park and meditation (11/13)

Griffith Park is Los Angeles' "Central Park"

Ashwin Yoga and Ayurveda has organized a FREE hike in Griffith Park to Royce's Canyon and onward to Mt. Chapel and Cathy's Corner.

Hikers will meditate halfway through hike and return for brunch together at a nearby restaurant. All hiking levels are welcome. Meet at Griffith Park's Merry-Go-Round at Lot #2 (coordinates: 34.134080,-118.285121)

The hiking group changes every week.

Start time is at 8:00 am, Sunday, Nov. 13, 2022. Optional: Before the hike, all are welcome to join a warmup yoga class and meditation session (6:30-7:30 am) in Glendale at Ashwin Yoga.

As always come in hiking shoes, with two liters of water and other necessary items (listed below), and please the entirety of the instructions. Questions? Please feel free to reach out as necessary, Ashwin: (323) 702-1211. Namaste 🙏 More

Hiking to two LA peaks on Sunday (11/6)

Hiking is good for the sole, both of them. It also clears the mind and puts everything into perspective.

Let's hike via the lesser-known trail to Rabbit Peak and the tree-covered Granite Mountain, starting at the beautiful Monte Cristo Campground located in the Angeles National Forest above LA.

These two serene peaks stand along same ridge. We will pause halfway on the hike for meditation and return for brunch. This is not for newbies. Must be able to hike 6 miles in 3 hours.

• Meet and park:
• Carpools at Ashwin Yoga and Ayurveda
• 111 S. Kenwood St., Glendale CA 91205
• or Monte Cristo Campground
• Coordinates: 34.341764,-118.109704
• Meet at 7:20 am for carpool from yoga studio
• Or meet us at 8:00 am at the trailhead
• Questions: call or text (323) 702-1211

Only hiking shoes are permitted. Please carry the minimum with these essentials (noted below. Please read below in its entirety.

Every Sunday we hike with "awareness," as we enjoy being with Mother Nature, mostly in silence 🔕. We pause midway through the hike to meditate and after the hike we enjoy a healthy brunch at a local cafe, time permitting.

We hike a variety of trails in locales around Glendale, generally within a 30-minute drive to the trailhead.

Hikes include Angeles National Forest, Griffith Park, Verdugo Mountain (Library Brand Park), Malibu Creek State Park, Topanga State Park, and so on. We try to keep hikes within the easy to moderate range, taking a route of around 3 hours hiking time. Beginners welcome.

Start with yoga at 6:30 am

All are welcome to join a yoga class that includes breathwork (pranayama), and meditation at 6:30 am to 7:20 am at Ashwin Yoga. Many enjoy a good yoga stretch and strengthening before the hike, alo learning about Ancient Vedic Sciences.

What to bring

HIKING shoes or boots (no tennis shoes, running shoes, etc.) minimum 2 liters of water, a snack, sunscreen/protection, electrolyte mix/drink, sunglasses, etc. Ashwin Kumar. Questions? Just text or call Ashwin (323) 702-1211. Blessings/Namaste,

NOTICE: Please be aware that assistant organizers, event hosts, and support hikers are only volunteers who organize hikes without compensation and assume absolutely no responsibility for hikers or their guests. By participating in a hike, or any other event organized by this group, every participant is acknowledging that you are aware and made your guests aware of the risks, dangers, and hazards associated with any outdoor activity and that you accept and fully assume all such risks, dangers, and hazards, and further agree to release and discharge the organizer, assistant organizers, and event hosts from and against any and all liability arising from your and/or your guest's participation in these group activities. Please also see the Meetup.com terms of service agreement meetup.com/terms.

How was the Great Pyramid built? (video)

National Geographic, Oct. 31, 2008; Seth Auberon, Pfc. Sandoval (eds.), Wisdom Quarterly

Great Pyramid Mystery Solved?

How were the blocks raised to the top of the 489 foot Great Pyramid of Giza? An architect developed a theory about a snaking internal ramp that he says has been hidden inside the pyramid for 4,500 years. The world's largest pyramid is the Great Pyramid of Cholula in Mexico. It's not in Egypt at all, but it's still exciting to see how any pyramid was built by any ancient human civilization.

Climbing the Great Pyramid

3-D technology offers clues to how Egypt’s pyramids were built

(National Geographic, Oct. 20, 2016) Archeologist Yukinori Kawae is leading an interdisciplinary approach to studying the Egyptian pyramids by combining computer science, 3-D data, and the latest technology to help decode how and why the pyramids were built. Oh, and he climbs them, too.

➡ Subscribe: bit.ly/NatGeoSubscribe: National Geographic is the world's premium destination for science, exploration, and adventure. Through its world-class scientists, photographers, journalists, and filmmakers, Nat Geo gets closer to the stories that matter and past the edge of what's possible [into what's probable].

How I survived Mt. Everest (video)

HBO, Sept. 11, 2018; Wonder, Oct. 13, 2018; Dhr. Seven, Seth Auberon (eds.), Wisdom Quarterly

Glory or Death: Climbing Mount Everest

(HBO, Real Sports w/ Bryant Gumbel) For some, climbing Mt. Everest is an achievement. For the indigenous Sherpas, it's life and death. Helping climbers climb is the deadliest job in the world. #RealSportsHBO

 

I Survived a Night at the Top of Mt. Everest; I Shouldn't be Alive

(Wonder/ITV Global) On Mt. Everest a climber falls into unconsciousness at 28,000 feet. His Sherpa guides leave him for dead, but then he wakes up. Now he faces the impossible -- to survive the night alone, with no oxygen or shelter, on the world's highest mountain.

WONDER is packed with binge-worthy reality documentaries; it is a hub of diverse and empowering stories that explore the extreme side of life!

Climbers die in Himalayan storm, Nepal

Associated Press (ap.org, Oct. 15, 2018); Dhr. Seven, CC Liu (eds.), Wisdom Quarterly

Mt. Everest beckons climbers like a magnet.

KATHMANDU, Nepal - The nine climbers who died during the worst disaster on a Nepalese mountain in recent years included the first South Korean to summit all 14 Himalayan peaks over 26,247 feet (8,000 meters) without using supplemental oxygen.

PHOTO: Officials unload the bodies after a helicopter carrying bodies of those killed in Gurja Himal mountain arrives at the Teaching Hospital in Kathmandu, Nepal, Sunday, Oct. 14, 2018. Rescuers retrieved the bodies of five South Korean climbers and their four Nepalese guides from Gurja Himal Mountain, where they were killed when their base camp was swept by a strong storm.
 

An official from the South Korea's Corean Alpine Club said the bodies of Kim Chang-ho and four other South Koreans killed will arrive in South Korea on Wednesday. Four Nepalese guides were also killed when a storm swept the climbers' base camp on Gurja Himal Mountain (Dhaulagiri) Friday.

 

Sudden weather changes are common.

Rescuers had retrieved the climbers' bodies on Sunday after weather cleared. The body of one of the guides was taken to his village, while the eight others were flown to Nepal's capital, Kathmandu.

"It was the worst mountaineering disaster in Nepal in recent years and an unimaginable one," said Rameshwor Niraula of Nepal's Mountaineering Department, which issues climbing permits and monitors expeditions.

 

Niraula said officials were still gathering details of what exactly happened. But from what rescuers described, the climbers were blown over by the blast of the blizzard-like wind conditions. More

Sex is causing Bali volcano's eruption

Sean Martin (Express); smh.com.au; Pat Macpherson, Ashley Wells (eds.), Wisdom Quarterly

Climbers having sex on Mt. Agung angers the volcano which will lead to an eruption.

What have the bule done to our land?

Foreigners have disrespected the mountain which has angered Agung, "the Beast," and this is why it is about to erupt, residents living near to Mt. Agung insist.

The Indonesian volcano looks set to blow as up to 400 earthquakes have hit the region over the last few days, causing 75,000 people to flee the danger zone.

Bali volcano update: Climbers having SEX on Agung are to blame, say locals.

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While the imminent eruption is a natural phenomenon, a priest of a nearby village, Muntig, a Balinese village inside the volcano evacuation zone, says that the mountain is angry because the “bule” -- white people [actually any “foreigner”] -- have been having sex and menstruating on it, according to Australia’s Fairfax Media.

Jaya, the priest of the village, said: "The climbers did that.”

No-one can predict when Agung will erupt, say the villagers but the biggest warning sign will be when the animals start fleeing.

 

Another local, Ketut, said: "The old people advised us the heat from the mountain will make them flee. All kinds of animals -- deer, snakes, wild cows, anything.” More

"Climbers did that"!
Jewel Topsfield, Amilia Rosa (Sydney Morning Herald, Sept. 27, 2017)

Jaya's priest said Mount Agung -- the largest and most sacred mountain in Bali -- is wrathful because the "bule" (white people) had sex and menstruated on the mountain. "The climbers did that," Jaya said. Mt. Agung looked deceptively calm on Wednesday, with a puff of white cloud hovering above the peak. More

• Satellite image reveals new crack in Mount Agung crater
• VIDEO: Mission to Mars OFF? Mainstream science news with Elon Musk
• Bizarre crop circle "from aliens" appears days before solar eclipse
• Shock as 'pyramid found on moon'… UFO hunter claims 'significant find'
• ‘UFO PORTALS’ found beneath International Space Station in shock video

A Bule in Bali: American in Indonesia

Bule Neal From, OutdoorJournal.com

Indonesia on the other hand, that’s a place that doesn’t really come up much in everyday American life.

China, Russia, India, sure, I know those places. I read about them. Sometimes stuff that happens there shows up on my Facebook feed. I can even show you where they are on a map.

 

Indonesia, however, I’ve seen it on some t-shirt tags, and that’s about it. Indonesia is the fourth most populous country in the world, but to a lot of us, that’s just that place that had that tsunami. Or at least, that’s what it was to me when I agreed to go live there. See, Americans... More

Ukraine: photos of secret "Moscow" summit

Wisdom Quarterly (eds.); FEMEN; Robert Krulwich, photographer Vitaliy Raskalov (NPR)

Deva and topless protester in Ukraine sends [censored] message to Pres. Putin (femen.org)

A view from the summit of Moscow Bridge, Kiev, Ukraine (Vitaliy Raskalov)

 

The view from the top of Shanghai (VR)

Okay, this isn't that kind of summit. Putin wasn't there. It was the literal kind of summit, as in the verb for "to climb." And this one was so gripping, so breathless, so crazy, so illegal that I think everyone is going to forgive me as you all watch four freestyle climbers doing this amazingly unsafe thing. Here's their leader (or, at any rate, his feet).

We're bored, bored like crazy. This is exciting.

It's Vitaliy Raskalov, dangling in the clouds from a skyscraper in Shanghai, China. The summiting I'm talking about, however, took place in Ukraine, in Kiev, with Vitaliy and a team of three.
More (plus video)

• AUDIO: Is Putin "insane" or "Hitler," as Clinton called him? Masha Gessen (who writes about Russia's Putin and Pussy Riot) on Morning Edition (NPR.org, March 15, 2014)
• AUDIO: After prison, Pussy Riot keeps protesting gov't

Bored daredevil making a bold statement: "Hey, check this out, dude"! (Vitaliy Raskalov)

FEMEN activists going topless to protest Putin and Russia in Ukraine/Crimea (femen.org)

 

FEMEN for liberation and equality

Women all over the world stand up and protect freedom with bare chests and brave body art messages. Femen receives body messages with slogans like Stop Putin's War from all corners of the world. To join our freedom-loving topless campaign, make a topless photo and send it to Wisdom Quarterly (private comment) or femen.ua@gmail.com. Express yourself, show courage and creativity. The world will be free!