At the Sri Ganapati Sachchidananda Ashrama (ashram) in Mysore, South India, there is a large auditorium dedicated to the power of music as well as magnificent gardens for medicinal purposes. (Ashram means place of spiritual dwelling.) The belief is that music heals and nature aligns us to our inner-self. One of the gardens is a unique collection of herbs while the other is an exquisite display of bonsai ('bon' means tray-like and 'sai' small tree). The art of bonsai originated from China and Japan in the 10th and 12th century. There are also clear indications of these miniature trees in the Ramayama (one of India’s great epic).

Okay but what does this have to do with September 11th?

Situated in the middle of the herbal garden is a very interesting statue. Upon first site it looks like an overly bumpy replica of displaced arms and faces coming out from all directions. Getting closer to it you can see that there are actually small heads, which make-up the entire surface.

The pillar is called a Stoopa; a terracotta figure in honour of all those who died untimely deaths either by accident, natural disaster or suicide. Those who approach the Stoopa should offer prayers to the deceased as it represents the idea of elevation and liberation (moksha) for the soul’s journey to peace. On the bottom of the pillar is a plate that reads: "This is a YOGA conception.”

Indeed it is the higher Yoga; the ultimate purpose of practice to relieve suffering, obtain liberation and break the cycle of death, and rebirth.

Given the recent passing of September 11th this pillar is more than appropriate.