I visited India with a large group of Datta’s devotees. When a large group of us were in India this past month (February 2008), Datta arranged for us to have a very special Tarpanam ceremony for our deceased ancestors. This ritual was performed in a special place and at a most auspicious time. This Tarpanam ceremony invited our deceased ancestors to come, receive gifts offered, and be satisfied with this earthly life and then to move on to be with God in Heaven. This was the first time in my visits to temples in India when I felt completely at one with the ceremony.

During the ceremony, I believe that my ancestors were there with us and were grateful for it, too. Since then, I have felt a change. My thought patterns have changed: thoughts which were disturbing my peace have disappeared. In their place, I have a new clarity and calmness. And now, when I do daily Tarpanam, I feel the peace and happiness of my ancestors standing with me. Thank you, Datta, Holy Guru, for what you have done for all of us. Om Dattatreya Siva Baba Namaha!

[related video: Peggy Cowles: helping the world: YouTube video with Datta, about Tarpanam]