Change Yourself, Change the World

Pancho's Message From Tijuana

For 93 days, Pancho walked from Oakland to the Mexico border, building living bridges across human hearts, wherever life took him. Earth Familia. As Angela summarized, "Pancho carried no food, no water, no currency, no intoxicants, no doubts. Just love!"

Here is Day 1 blessing before he departed, on March 12th, the anniversary of the Gandhi's salt March:



At the border, he climbed up the metal rods and barbed wire, to represent an Earth flag. Randall shared, "To see Pancho express his 'One Earth' vision so directly to the dehumanized machine sends chills down our spine ... because it reminds us of our own humanity."

To every interrogation question, he responded with his unflinching broader frame. Where are you from? Planet Called Earth. How old are you? 4.6 billion years. Do you have an ID? No, just my humanity. Anything else? I want you to know that I love you.

He was released into Tijuana, incidentally on "silent Monday". As he crossed the border yesterday, surely, his entire being was vibrating to the tune of "Jai Jagat. Gloria el Planeta! Glory to the Planet." John (Malloy) aptly said, "Generations to come will benefit this pilgrimage of the heart."

From Tijuana, Pancho sent us this email last night:

Jai Jagat beloved Metta Family!

So powerful to have felt you all as I was in jail for a couple of days. As the tradition has been, this is my first email before catching up with the rest of the inbox. Now that I'm in Tijuana, I've getting sporadic cellphone reception through Signal and Whats App.

Over the last few days, when I was in small prison cell (3.5m x 5m) with 15 fellow migrant detainees in it, some of them got curious about meditation, so we meditated -- with some instructions in Spanish. It is always rewarding to feel the shift in energy of the place afterwards and hearing them describing that "unreachable-by-the-system inner peace", a glimpse of equanimity and real freedom.

Despite having been denied to make a single phone call, many of them detained already for 17 days and still without external communication -- with some of us sleeping on the floor next to the toilet where everyone can see you urinating and pooping ... despite all this, the signs of solidarity and kindness among the inmates/roommates was very touching. As a routine welcome for a new "roommate", they share tips to make strings to hold your pants or make shoelaces out of the emergency mylar thermal blankets.

My sweet cousin -- who took care of me when I was less than a lap around the Sun and when she herself was just 14 -- took me to her home as I got out in Tijuana.

As we walked the streets of Tijuana downtown, the rivers of smells and people and colors and sounds were a test to keep cultivating the pilgrim awareness and the inevitable wonder that bridges the gap of what sometimes feels like an abyss that separate us from ourselves... all of a sudden --in the midst of this storm of sensations -- a silent prayer descends to our heartmind, a nothingness at the center of all loves, a suchness that knows that we cannot find the meaning of life by ourselves alone, we find it with one another, we find it in the intimacy of connecting with another sentient being, a deep vibrating of one's entire being in the form of a smile that resonates as a string attached to the wood instrument of everything that is.

There's awe -- and tragedy, as I hear 12 gunshots just now. As most people sleep, an unfortunate message is imprinted into this city's field and our collective subconscious. In the morning, though, I am heading to "Little Haiti" where an amazing pastor --hermano Gustavo-- is doing great service for the migrant families and community in general.

Please know that I carry each and every one of you deep in my heart of hearts. As this Jai Jagat journey and pilgrimage carries on, it has been only been possible thanks to all the inspiration and deep love I continue to receive. It makes a difference, an Astronomical difference.

May all become compassionate, courageous and wise.

Kosmic ablessos on your way!

See you on and off the cushion!

Love,

Panchito

[P.S. Speaking of small acts of kindness, the first thing Pancho did is call the family members of his 15 inmates, who have been refused to make an external contact for the last 17 days and whose families are since worried sick if their loved ones are still alive. No paper or pen were allowed, but it would be just like Pancho to memorize them. Never wasting a chance to be of service. #OnlyPancho]

We love you Pancho!

Posted by Harshida Mehta on Jun 18, 2019 | permalink

• Swara Pandya wrote ...

  Dear brother Pancho,
  Gratitude for what you bring in the world and my heart feels more committed to the spirit of Jai Jagat every time. Like you say it is a collective journey. Love and metta

• Kristy wrote ...

  Ahhh Pancho so good to hear your voice. This journey of unity, equanimity and love continues. I can feel your heart beating in time with all those who carry peace through the communities of this universe we share. Blessings to you and all who you encounter along your way. I’ll meet you in silent breaths in the forests and on the wind.

• Urenda wrote ...

  Hermano Pancho,
  Eres un gran ejemplo de vida. Gracias por enseñarnos tanto, en especial que todos somos una gran familia de amor y que este mundo merece que empecemos a vernos a las caras. Abrazo grande desde San Luis Potosí.  
  
  [Google Translate: Brother Pancho, you are a great example of life. Thank you for teaching us so much, especially that we are all a great family of love and that this world deserves us to start seeing each other in the face. Big hug from San Luis Potosí.]

• Brinda Govindan wrote ...

  Dear brother Pancho,
  Feel your radiance in every word and your love and compassion stronger than any "force" in the world. Huge gratitude and hugs.

• Aryae Coopersmith wrote ...

  Thank you Harshida for this report. Brother Pancho — you are an amazing inspiration and light in this world. I can see the spirit of Gandhi ji walking with you wherever you go. May the great love that is infusing you and all those who are with you grow stronger every day.

• MIchele Blumberg wrote ...

  Good to see you and to read this update. We miss you and feel your spirit still with us here in Encinitas. Hope we can join you again someday in this pilgrimage with "no beginning and no end". Sending love- Jai Jagat! Michele, Pandu and Amy.

• Ariel Nessel wrote ...

  Dear Panchitto,
  Knowing we are kindred spirits, there is a part of me that walks with you and benefits quite directly from the merit of this pilgrimage. I will do my best to pay it forward by embodying the principles your journey embodies. As the final words in Dr Seuess' book the Lorax says...
  "Now that you're here, the word of the Lorax seems perfectly clear. UNLESS someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better. It's not."
  
  So long as there are people like you who care a whole awful lot for our shared humanity (in an embodied way), I am confident there is soil to receive such seeds for which new trees of wisdom and compassion shall flourish.
  Jai Jagat!

• Gayathri Subramanian wrote ...

  Dear Dear Pancho: Such warrior of light! Keep on shining your beautiful, calming and peaceful light :)) love n hugs..

• Somik Raha wrote ...

  Pancho, will miss you in the bay area and now feel your love from across the border. I am so glad you are safe, and I know Mexico will never be the same again. Sad that we won't be sharing space time at Awakin circles in Santa Clara in the foreseeable future, and glad that this loss is making me feel you in my heart right now. Much love brother!

• Paul Livingstone wrote ...

  amazing love!!!

• Kristin wrote ...

  Jai Jagat! Am forever inspired and in awe. I am imagining the relief and joy of the families of the inmates to get an update from detained loved ones. Leave it to Pancho to memorize 15 phone numbers. It has been a gift to witness this journey, through stories and photos and meditation, and am so grateful! Muchas gracias y con amor.

• Bradley Stoll wrote ...

  Pancho, you've inspired so many, including one particular student of ours, Cynthia. This is what she had to say when I told her you had been physically detained: "It was a true honor and pleasure to meet someone as honest, kind, and wholesome as Pancho and his company...Pancho has made his lasting mark on the many people that he has encountered on his journey, including me and you." Who doesn't remember their first time of being in your physical presence, as you look them intensely in the eyes and say to them, "I want you to know that I love you." You say it not just with words, but with your entire being. Nothing ever feels the same again<3. Thank you for walking the talk and being our teacher! See you on the cushion one day again:).

• Lavinia Fratila wrote ...

  WOW this is so right! We should not be amazed by these acts..but they should become our way of living! It is a great inspiration to see people like him around the world, with love and dedication for Nature and people

• Akhil wrote ...

  I am so very moved and inspired with the extraordinary commitment of Pancho towards humanity and discarding physical boundaries. It is within each of us to give to our humanity. I am so impressed with the demonstration of this truth by Pancho. May our love and care for him carry us along. My love, regards and prayers. Akhil

• Rajalakshmi Sriram wrote ...

  Dear Harshida ben,
  Thanks so much for sharing this. Have only heard about Poncho, and his great acts of kindness.
  Hearing his voice through your posting...makes one feel committed to the cause. Being part of his journey in spirit and sending him love and good wishes.

• Raquel wrote ...

  Pancho querido, you truly are an inspirational human being . Thank you for sharing your interesting journey and providing those of need with hope, meditation, kind words, compassion and love. You're all heart and your presence alone is a ray of sunshine. Espero de corazón verte pronto, eres un ejemplo. ¡Gloria a ti y al planeta! miss you all dear Mehta Family

• Jamie Kwak wrote ...

  Thank you for sharing, Aunt Harshida. When I went to bed last night, I thought about Pancho wishing that he is in a safe place with foods and linens. When he says I love you, then the love overflows. so miracle!

• Jyoti wrote ...

  Love you brother Pancho. Thank you for your courage.

• Elizabeth Pimentel-Gopal wrote ...

  Jai Jagat/ Gloria al Planet Panchito -Eres una inspiración en nuestras vidas - plantando semillas de amor a cada respiración que tomas. Estamos apoyandote de lejitos y solo pensando buenos/gloriosos pensamientos sobre ti para que solo las buenas vibras te lleguen. Te quiero MUcho hermanito.... Y Hasta Pronto... Y a seguir cosechando lo que has plantado en Oakland y en el resto del planeta Tierra... THANK YOU VERY MUCH Mama Harshida for posting this beautiful/inspiring message. My heart /soul is happy knowing Pancho is well

• Avni wrote ...

  Pancho - This brought me to tears. Thank you for this deeply powerful pilgrimage, the love you give the world, and the trans-formative steps made. <3

• Arlena wrote ...

  Pancho, so glad to hear you have succeeded in your journey. It sounds like This path will lead you to another journey.

• Micky wrote ...

  {{{{{Harshida and Pancho and Earth Family}}}}} I read this the day you posted it Harshida. Thank you! Dear Pancho, thank you for shining so brightly and loving so much that I can see your light and feel your heart all the way on the East Coast. I hope we meet someday. You've inspired me for a few years now just by being you. Sending hugs and love across the miles! ♥.

• Donna Kuck wrote ...

  Dear Auntie Harchida - thank you so much for this update. Dearest Pancho - thank you for sharing yourself with us and with everyone on your life's journey. You are a change-maker. Wherever you go, life gets stirred up in a wonderful way! My heart is with you. Sending love and hugs!

• Amy wrote ...

  Traveling the journey of 18" on a daily. Seeing it in others. Will keep at it all the days of life.

• Neil wrote ...

  Dear Hermano,
  
  I love you dearly. My prayers and blessings are with you always. Thank you for your inspirational message, and who you are :) Until we reconnect in physical form, your presence is always with us irrespective of borders.
  
  Jai Jagat!

• Ankur wrote ...

  Jai Jagat!