The Grateful Dead: Garcia and the Ganges
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Garcia and the Ganges
One of the most interesting reactions to the book Motorcycle Yoga came from long-time Grateful Dead member Bobby Weir. Bobby called me from a journey into Mexico to discuss his appreciation of my words. Bobby told me about the death of Jerry Garcia, whom he called his big brother. When Jerry died, his family wanted to bury him in the cemetery of an Episcopal Church in ritzy Tiburon, California. By some “miracle” Bobby insisted on Jerry being cremated and his ashes submerged in the Ganges. He told me about how Jerry Garcia’s remains were soon submerged in the mighty Mandakini, so famous for her ability to deliver souls as Shri Patita Pavani. You see, Bob went to Rishikesh with the ashes of Jerry Garcia.
For one hour on the phone that day, Bobby Weir, whom I used to see performing in Golden Gate Park in ’67, recounted his joy of realizing that Jerry’s destiny had been fulfilled by the grace of final sacred waters. And he said that Motorcycle Yoga’s chapter “Rolling With the River” about my trips along the Bhopal Road to Bhera Ghat, reminded him of his spiritual communion with India. “Thanks for writing this book,” Bobby kept saying with such warmth that I was immediately drawn to him.
Still More on Motorcycle Yoga
“Riding Solo to the Top of the World”
Recently my friend and fellow Enfield Bullet rider Gaurav Jani showed his one-man film Riding Solo to the Top of the World at a number of worldwide film festivals, where it was piled upon with fantastic reviews and prestigious awards. When the film played at our Bay Area Mill Valley Film Festival, Gaurav invited me to bring a few friends. I called up my riding buddy, Brent Becvar, who had bought about a dozen Motorcycle Yogas for friends, and he brought Bonnie Rait.
Gaurav is a rider who is in a class by himself in terms of raw guts, heroism and the courage to keep on going when all others would have turned back. Learn more about Gaurav’s unique film from his website, www.dirtrackproductions.com.
Here’s the letter Gaurav Jani wrote to me about Motorcycle Yoga:
Dear Pavan ji,
Here is what I feel after reading this amazing book by you. Frankly speaking, many of the things you have mentioned or have tried to explain will take most people some time to comprehend what it is all about. For example, me and my friends talk a lot about navigation and travel instincts: a perfect—yet subconscious—way to reach your goal or destination without trying very hard. How it comes naturally to some people and how some people just don’t get it, is a mystery. You are also trying to say that in the book, not only about travel but to reach to a higher understanding and a higher state. It is with the same reference I say that some people might not just get it, but still will be fascinated with the romantic idea of experiencing one day. I don’t know if I am making sense, but the wisdom, experience and contemplation in the book is by a person who, I think, is no longer a student, but a master, who has an instinct to find his way, it comes naturally to him. The book, I feel is as much about your journey on motorcycle as it is about the journey of your soul which you have under perfect control.Unlike other books, you tell what the truth is, but leave it for others to seek it. The passion is naked and that’s what I really like about it. I think I agree with the Yogis who say that you have had a connection with India in your past life. Pavan ji, I am not flattering you here. Maybe I am not as good as you when it comes to expressing thoughts in words, but I had the feeling even before you mentioned in your book. Only an Indian can criticize with an open heart yet fall madly in love with this land. With foreigners its the other way around.
There is so much I want to say (and will say it in subsequent e-mails) for my Motorcycle Yoga was about you, your transformation, although you don’t talk much in details about life before that, but images from past and from your family in the book tell me it is about the journey of your own life and a the wandering of a beautiful mind which calls India home.
Pranams and respect, I wish I had read Motorcycle Yoga before I met you, there is so much more we could have talked about, something which I find very difficult to express over e-mails.
Gaurav
Gaurav Jani, Writer-Director-Producer of
Riding Solo to the Top of the World
Audience Award for Best Documentary: Kathmandu Int’l Film Festival (2006)
Golden Conch for Best Documentary: Mumbai Int’l. Film Festival (2006)
National Critics Award: Mumbai Int’l. Film Festival (2006)
Best Documentary Award (Biography): Signs Film Festival, Kerala (2006)
-Thank you for the very kind words, Gaurav. You know that I also appreciate your search and bless your road and your journey. –Pavan, Ed.
For copies of Motorcycle Yoga, please obtain your copy from Lawrence Ferlinghetti’s City Lights Book Store, Columbus and Broadway, North Beach, San Francisco, CA 94133 or from pavandas@sbcglobal.net.
May 3, 2008 at 11:09 am
I recently came across this lovely website by chance and was so thrilled to learn that it was created and maintained by Sri Patita Pavan Das Prabhu, an old friend and esteemed Godbrother from many years ago. For those aware of just how significant the Grateful Dead has been — and continues to be — in modern American history and culture, your achievement of reaching Bobby Weir of the Dead is nothing less than first-class preaching of the highest order. The effects of your sincere efforts will only continue to expand both far and wide. Of course, I expect nothing less from such a dynamic, intelligent, and enthusiastic disciple of Srila Prabhupada. Your legacy of extraordinary service to His Divine Grace continues unabated.
I’ll always remember the time when I was in India in the early 70’s, quite the novice there back then, and I fell seriously ill. Lo and behold, Sri Patita Pavan Das Prabhu appeared out of nowhere and went to extraordinary lengths to help me in all respects, spending much time and effort taking me to various doctors, vaidyas, and even hospitals in different Indian cities in search of a cure. Prabhu never asked me for anything in return — not even a rupee. As a younger aspiring Godbrother, he took me under his wing without any desire for credit or remuneration. His selfless service and kindness stemmed only from a sincere desire to render service to even one so undeserving as me. Thank you so much, Prabhu.
Later, I somehow met you and your good wife in a hotel in Delhi (I think), as I was preparing to leave India. Those couple of days were the highlight of my stay in India because you, my brother, were so kind and friendly to me, a young nobody from Canada. Your humble and generous attitude to an obvious junior in all respects was exemplary, and still impresses me to no end to this very day.
Years later, I received a stack of papers in the mail consisting of Srila Prabhupada’s superexcellent writings from his early “Back to Godhead” magazines in India before he left for the West. Along with those letters, you included your own hand-written note to me: “Use these wisely.” Well Prabhu, I hand-typed them and posted them on the Internet; and I’m happy to report to you that the last time I checked, almost 2,000,000 readers have perused those very pages of Srila Prabhupada, thanks to you. I hope that you’re pleased with this humble service to your kind instruction.
So thank you for everything, Prabhu. It’s a great honor to have met and befriended you in this lifetime, by the kind will of Providence and Srila Prabhupada’s grace combined.
I hope to someday soon read your enticing book, “Motorcycle Yoga,” which I’m sure is nothing less than pure spiritual dynamite. Surely Prabhupada is pleased with your lifetime of unique and fearless service on his behalf. Despite my many disqualifications, I hope that you’ll always consider me as your humble friend and well-wisher — to both you and your wonderful family. All the best to you in every respect. All glories to Srila Prabhupada! Thank you once again.