The Covid situation in India is undoubtedly concerning, and it will worsen over the following weeks. However, because of the rush of aid from many countries (the US, UK, and Germany in particular), it should come under control in a few months.

Reasons for this situation. India declared a premature victory over covid in March of this year. The combination of low protective measures coupled with enormous political and religious gatherings created this perfect storm.

We still maintain our plans to travel to India in Jan 2022. However, safety has always been our top priority. Although we have many students ready and willing to travel with India in 2022, we will continue to monitor the situation carefully.

The main issue in India is the lack of oxygen available for those who have contracted covid and require hospitalization. This situation will change with the arrival of oxygen manufacturing equipment that the US recently sent via military aircraft. The UK and Germany are also strongly committed to helping India with vaccines and remedial drugs. The US will send millions of doses of Astrazeneca to help. India is also the leading manufacturer of vaccines in the world.

Tamilnadu, where we travel on pilgrimage and where we have family, is in good shape. Although the spread has increased, the hospitalization and death rate is nowhere near those areas featured in western news outlets.
Presently, covid is overwhelming in the states of Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Gujarat, and Karnataka.

We have spoken with family and friends. We also talked to the abbot of the ashram and inquired about the monks' health at the ashram. Finally, we've checked in with those workers who help us during our pilgrimage. Everyone is well and in good spirits at this time. In any event, we ask that you remember them all in prayer.

Some of you have emailed us asking how you can help. We have donated to an organization called Sewa International USA. Should you be interested in learning more and donating, click here.

The circle of people we connect with within India has touched many of our lives profoundly. We are grateful for them in our lives and our consciousness as we are for you.

In One Heart,

Asha and Russill