Asanga Judge, 74, is a vegetable grower, water colour artist, crystal bowl player and retired GP who lives in a beautiful farm on 14 acres of land in N Wales. Asanga is sanskrit and means alone – he says he’s working towards that form of contentment. He lived in the ashram with Osho in Poona and the US in the 70s and 80s. He also happens to be the location-independent partner of our editor, Rose Rouse.
WHAT IS YOUR NAME?
Asanga Judge
WHAT IS YOUR AGE?
74
WHERE DO YOU LIVE?
North Wales
WHAT DO YOU DO?
Water colour painting, play crystal singing bowls for relaxation, meditation and healing. Grow vegetables. Go for walks on local beaches with my dog, swim in the sea, climb rocks.
WHAT IS IS LIKE TO BE YOUR AGE?
Difficult to say, but physically am not as strong or fit as I used to be and my body has gone through natural changes. Doing things more slowly is good.
WHAT DO YOU HAVE NOW THAT YOU DIDN’T HAVE AT 25?
More time on my hands and more money to use. More wisdom, self confidence and experience.
WHAT ABOUT SEX?
I still do it and enjoy it. The emphasis has changed – the intimate exchange of energy is more important than having an orgasm. Savouring the journey rather than being obsessed with the end result.
AND RELATIONSHIPS?
Have been in a committed heterosexual relationship for last four years. An ongoing, evolving dynamic.
HOW FREE DO YOU FEEL?
Not something I think much about.
WHAT ARE YOU MOST PROUD OF?
Being a survivor and despite being involved in a serious climbing accident over 20 years ago, I live life to the full within certain physical limitations. And of the fact that I now have more self-knowledge and can relate interpersonally with more consciousness.
WHAT KEEPS YOU INSPIRED?
People, the beauty of Nature, ability to enjoy simple pleasures.
WHEN ARE YOU HAPPIEST?
Dissolving into a loving embrace with my partner, being in Nature and enjoying the silence.
WHERE DOES YOUR CREATIVITY GO?
Painting landscapes and buildings in watercolour, playing crystal singing bowls, sharing feelings and doing an appreciation exercise with my partner.
WHAT IS YOUR PHILOSOPHY OF LIVING?
I try to be in the moment and take responsibility for my actions and creating my reality.
AND DYING?
I want my death to be a wonderful spiritual experience of which I am in control yet also surrendered.
ARE YOU STILL DREAMING?
Yes, and I will never stop. I believe dreaming is the source of all important breakthroughs in human history.
WHAT WAS A RECENT OUTRAGEOUS ACTION OF YOURS?
I don’t think of myself as being outrageous, although my partner sees this as being part of my personality. I used to live for the thrill of rock climbing, until a falling rock smashed up my body. I still manage to keep my hand in, so to speak, on the small cliffs above my local beach. Last week I was there and a group of schoolboys were being given the experience of abseiling, with an extra safety rope controlled by the leader on the top. While this was going on I casually scaled the sheer rock face nearby, of course with no rope. When I got to the top I looked down to see the boys on the beach lined up watching me, and clapping. It made me laugh, especially as I need to use a walking stick since the accident, and this was hanging by its strap from my wrist while climbing.
