art | cinema | performance | theatre | galleries | poets | conversation

BioFuel Station Opens in Berkeley
By now we know that oil usage is a huge environmental, economic and even political problem. Yet many of us are unsure how to deal with this in the car-centric state of California. Thankfully BioFuel Oasis, a female-owned and operated business, has stepped in to help by working to make biodiesel available to the general public. Biofuels are fully renewable fuels that now, with available technology, can be used in existing vehicles. Biodiesel is a non-petroleum fuel comprised of vegetable oil, often soybean oil in the U.S. and waste sourced vegetable oils. It is a stable, nontoxic, medium viscous oil substance that can be used in any diesel engine without alterations or conversions. It has numerous advantages: 70% less green house gasses and a significant reduction in tailpipe-outputs that affect global warming, smog, asthma, and more. It is also cleaner burning, safer to use, handle, and store than its petroleum alternatives. Biodiesel is a critical part of cleaning our air and reducing our dependence on petroleum oil, oil drilling, and military interventions involving the world oil market. Located on 4th and Dwight, this is the first and only operating public biodiesel fueling station in the Bay Area. Become part of the solution and make the change! For more information on usage and stations go to www.BioFuelOasis.com. - EcoAdvocate

Vajra Living: Bringing Ayurveda to La Jolla
Ayurveda is a 5,000-year-old wisdom and healing discipline from India. Ayur means “life” or “living”, and Veda means “knowledge” or “wisdom”, thus the word in its entirety means “wisdom of life.” This holistic science is the knowledge of complete balance of the body, mind and spirit, including the emotions and psychology, on all levels. It includes in its consideration longevity, rejuvenation and self-realization therapies through herbs, diet, exercise, yoga, massage, aromas, tantras, mantras, and meditation. According to Ayurvedic tradition, health is the balance of the elements air, earth, fire, and water—and illness is as excess or deficiency of any particular element. Ayurveda treats illness at its source, rather than at the level of symptoms, and helps an individual to take responsibility for his/her own health and well-being. At Vajra Living, located in La Jolla, owners Bharat Gogia and Shazia Jabeen are committed to spreading the word about this ancient form of self-healing and care to help balance the technologically heavy way of life that we all practice today. Vajra Living is not just another local store carrying holistic products. The Sanskrit word Vajra translates literally to “the indestructible” or “brilliance like a diamond” and the quality of the products found at Vajra Living measure up to this notion. The store is dedicated to serving its customers with nothing but the best natural products. Stop by to check out their offerings, including Ayurvedic herbs, Pashmina shawls, colorful Eastern-influenced clothing, chakra oils, incense, jewelry and gems, meditation tools, bath and hair products, exotic chai and teas, music, rare Ayurvedic books, and more. Vajra Living is located at 7556-G Fay Ave. La Jolla, CA. For information or directions go to www.vajraliving.com or call 858/454-2281. –JD

Short Cut to Nirvana a Pilgrimage to the Kumbh Mela
I haven’t been to India for over ten years but when I watched a new film called Short Cut to Nirvana I was transported right back to the ecstatic chaos that is India. It was ironic that I was trying to find time in my hectic schedule to view this film and when I actually sat down and watched it I was incredibly moved by its powerful message of love and the pursuit of inner peace. So rich in its imagery of this historic event I could almost smell the curry, feel the heat and dust on my face and hear the cacophony of noise that one finds in this magical land.
Produced and directed by Maurizio Benazzo and Nick Day, this amazingly vivid account of the ancient Maha (great) Kumbh Mela is recorded as the largest gathering of people that has taken place on the planet. Arranged to take place on highly auspicious days when the planets are in perfect alignment and more astounding is that this ritual gathering is believed to have been occurring for over 10,000 years. Attendees believe that this nexus of cosmic energy converges every 144 years, bringing dramatic changes in the destiny of humanity.
The basic premise of the Kumbh Mela is for pilgrims to bathe at certain sacred spots on certain auspicious days. A large tented city is erected and pilgrims stay at tents owned by Pandas (religious and spiritual guides) and at various ashrams. Attendees may fast, pray or chant, offering homage to Shiva, Brahmins, Jains and the Sun. Sadhus, sanyasis and intellectuals from all over the country converge to participate in this ancient tradition thought to purify the body and soul. The pilgrimage occurs four times every twelve years, once at each of the four locations, Prayag, Haridwar, Ujain and Nasik. Every major sect in India is represented with many gurus surrounded by their devotees in either humble or elaborate camps. 70 million people attended this gathering in 2001 and on the day of ritual bathing over 25 million people entered the holy rivers.
In Short Cut to Nirvana we see the Kumbh Mela through the eyes of a few young Americans and a young Indian named Swami Krisnanand. Krisnanand was able to obtain private audiences with some of the most prominent gurus and yogis in attendance. Each of their teachings have something to offer our fast paced culture. The music that accompanied Shortcut had a remarkably uplifting vibe and as I watched and listened I found myself slowing down and opening up. Heartfelt and intoxicating the message from this film is one of opening, opening oneself to the magic of life and living. See Short Cut to Nirvana at a theatre near you, or visit www.melafilms.com. Coming to Landmark’s Hillcrest Theater March 4th. www.Landmarktheaters.com -SLM

Tibetan Heart: Art Show to Benefit
Tsunami Survivors
Many people on Valentine’s Day shell out unnecessary funds for silly chocolates, bright pink teddy bears, or red underwear with enough hearts on them to make you certain you’ll never actually wear them. This Valentine’s Day, why not take your belle or beau and your hard earned money to an event of a different nature, one that won’t leave you feeling like an empty consumer. Lotus Gallery, in conjunction with the E Street Café in Encinitas, will be hosting a Tibetan Heart Show on February 14 from 4-9 p.m. The show serves as a celebration of both modern and antique Tibetan art and all art sale proceeds will benefit tsunami survivors in Phuket, Thailand. The exhibit will include pieces by three different artists: Prem Lama, who has painted in a unique Thangka (sacred scroll paintings) style for over thirty years, Tsering Nyanduk, a young innovative Tibetan, who works mostly in oils, and Ang Sang, who creates unusual images with a combination of wood block prints with pigments such as lapis, coral, and turquoise. The celebration will also include a lecture and astrology readings by Jhampa Kalsang, Ph.D.; a Tibetan doctors lecture; and an art presentation by Jim Aplington. So make this Valentine’s Day a special one, give the gift of art, a gift that can last all year round—unlike those chocolates—and can help those much in need in Thailand. The art can also be viewed at the café from Feb. 2 through March 30. For more information go to www.lotusgallerynepal.com or call 858/756-1550. –JD

Body Mind Spirit Expo
Since its origination in Ashland, Oregon, Body Mind Spirit Expo has become the largest health and wellness expo in the United States. Founder Steve Strickland hopes that those in search of change can find ways at the Expo to take charge of their own well-being. Coming to San Diego for the 5th year on February 26-27 at the Scottish Rite Center, Body Mind Spirit Expo will bring to life a positive, healing environment. BMSE exhibitors will offer everything from natural and holistic health products to spiritual books and enlightened art, while healers provide treatments ranging from massage and yoga techniques to intuitive readings offering advice. In addition to the 80 plus exhibitors, the two days of the expo will feature 50 free lectures on such topics as the power of crystals and guided healing meditations. Weekend admission of $10 includes all lectures and demos as well as admission to the exhibit hall. Come rejuvenate! Get a massage, soak in a detoxifying footbath, and open yourself to new ideas, familiar revelations or shift your perspective altogether. Call 541/482-3722 or go to www.bmse.net.