Yoga, Dinner and A Movie

This article was last updated on April 16, 2022

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Episode 11

Gunga Din; Bela’s Indian Style Split Pea Soup: Music Meditation

Gunga Din

This movie was a lot of great fun, probably because it has such an interesting cast with Sam Jaffe, (remember him as the High Lama in Lost Horizon?), and Cary Grant, who always lends a bit of chic to any film. The movie is based on the classic poem by Rudyard Kipling, Gunga Din, about a lowly water boy who aspires to be more than his caste. He aspires to be a regal and proper British soldier in the King’s Army. Amid war and the search for lost treasure in the Gold Temple, Gunga Din carries out the commands of his superiors. He also covets a prize of great value; the bugle of the regiment, which he longs to play. Because of his loyalty he wins the friendship of one of the soldiers played by Cary Grant, who with his comrades, is hoping the find that treasure, even though there is a war going on. There are loads of karmic lessons in this film and Gunga Din never ceases to be a source of inspiration. In order to find out who is our movie’s hero, you’ll have to find a copy and watch for yourself, or grab a copy of the old poem. In the meantime, a good hearty soup will sustain you as will some soothing music in our Music Meditation.

Bela’s Indian Style Split Pea Soup

2 Cups of split peas

2 carrots, peeled and diced

1 large onion, chopped

2 Tablespoons butter

1 Tablespoon oil

1 Tablespoon dried, ground coriander

2 teaspoons dried, ground cumin

1 teaspoon, ground turmeric

Place the split peas and carrots in a large soup pot and cover with 2 inches of water. Bring to a boil and simmer until the peas are soft and beginning to blend into the water and the carrots are tender.

In a small skillet, sauté the oil, butter, onions and spices. Add a little water to the mixture to keep the onions and spices from burning.

When the onions are tender, pour the entire onion-spice mix over the soup and stir through.

Serve with warm Pita bread. Then don’t forget the Yoga.

A Music Meditation

It’s important to choose music that is soothing and that doesn’t have a beat. Something like classic sitar or flute, or orchestral music as long as it is not brash.

Find a comfortable place to recline and place your left hand over your abdomen and your right hand over your heart or over your eyes, across your forehead.

Listen intently as if flowing into the music and simply breathe with your hands in place. Practice for about 5-10 minutes.

Don’t worry, Gunga Din won’t blow his bugle.

Happy Eating, Happy Yoga!

Click HERE to read the previous episode of Yoga, Dinner and A Movie.

Excerpts from Yoga, Dinner and a Movie will appear weekly. For those who prefer not to wait for the whole book, please visit Amazon.com where you can purchase it in its entirety.

Author, Speaker and Visionary, Acharya Sri Khadi Madama is the recipient of the Jewel of India Award, in New Delhi in 2009. You may visit her website at www.yourstrulyyogatv.com