Yesterday I visited Meherabad, 6 kms from Ahmednagar-Maharashtra-India.
Its a pilgrimage spot of Meher Baba.....the Samadhi shrine is situated there.....
Its a beautiful, serene place spread over 2000 acres of land...I lived in the hostel accomodation.....The Samadhi shrine is very artistic and aesthetic....with murals on the walls...and the aarti every morning and evening is universal in nature....right from devotional songs in English/Hindi/Marathi to South Indian are sung there.
The walk from the hostel to the shrine connects one to Natures essence.....
The Nizbat of the self, the Nizbat of the divine both intermingled there
Sunday, March 15, 2009
Monday, March 9, 2009
Crystal connection
Yesterday I visited the Gargoti mineral museum in Nasik,Maharashtra.
It has a collection of crystal fromations found in mines all over India and some from abroad. The collection is vivid and varied. Very well maintained......
The museum also showcases a moon fragment and one from Mars......interesting stuff..
Metaphysicians, crystal healers and even lovers of art visit this place to have a collection.The Shiuva lingas from Narmada river were enthralling. So were the Ganesh crsytals from hIMALAYAS.
It has a collection of crystal fromations found in mines all over India and some from abroad. The collection is vivid and varied. Very well maintained......
The museum also showcases a moon fragment and one from Mars......interesting stuff..
Metaphysicians, crystal healers and even lovers of art visit this place to have a collection.The Shiuva lingas from Narmada river were enthralling. So were the Ganesh crsytals from hIMALAYAS.
Thursday, March 5, 2009
GRASS ROUTES
"I just knew I didnt want to work in chemistry, but wanted to do something different" says Inir, a strikingly tall science graduate armed with an MBA. "And in the corporate world, there is little concern for anything but the self anf profitability. I didn't want to sell my soul to this, but instead wanted to figure out if there was more to life than profit." So how did he go about that?
For the past three years, having set up and run Grassroutes, a sustainable rural tourism project, Inir has managed to turn around the fortunes of villagers in Maharastra, whilst at the same time give urban dwellers the chance to experience the simple joys of Indian country life.
"Although I haven't travelled as much as I would have liked around India, I had seen enough of the country to realise that we needed changemakers." And change is what Inir has brought to two villages just over 200km outside of Mumbai. Since 2006, he has focused his enrgies on training villagers to be guides, hosts and cooks to tourists from nearby Mumbai and Pune, so that they can enjoy India's abundant natural environment, and of course savour the delights of seasonal produce cooked by local women. "We've targeted people form cities who have somehow lost the ability to watch a bird, use their own hands to grow plants or simply sit idle and watch an amazing sunset."
His efforts are helping to transform the lives of the villagers by providing an alternative means of income, which has alsohelped to stem the seemingly inevitable migration of villagers to cities. "Because there isn't any employment in the village" explained one of the female hosts, "usually one parent would have to move away to look for work. But now with the tourists coming, we can both stay in the village and live like a proper family." Three years on, the villagers have welcomed families, youth groups, college students and have also hosted a number of corporate team-building away days.
Inir explains that despite the fatigue, confusion and long days, he has experienced a personal journey the he could not ever have dreamed of. "I have been able to have heartfelt conversations with farmers in their local language, with heads of some top multinational companies and everyone inbetween. I have learnt a lot about myself and am grateful to be fulfilling a dream of mine to try to address some of the disturbing balances that I see around me." He goes onto add, "I've had a very decent life and right now I have the time, freedom and space to do this kind of work. My family and friends have been amazingly supportive in my endeavour, even if they still dont quite understand why I'm doing it when it is not highly paid!" he says laughingly.
So has Inir found the alternative to profi and corporate life? "I've learnt many things, but especially that there is wealth not only in money, but also in people, communities and traditions."
For the past three years, having set up and run Grassroutes, a sustainable rural tourism project, Inir has managed to turn around the fortunes of villagers in Maharastra, whilst at the same time give urban dwellers the chance to experience the simple joys of Indian country life.
"Although I haven't travelled as much as I would have liked around India, I had seen enough of the country to realise that we needed changemakers." And change is what Inir has brought to two villages just over 200km outside of Mumbai. Since 2006, he has focused his enrgies on training villagers to be guides, hosts and cooks to tourists from nearby Mumbai and Pune, so that they can enjoy India's abundant natural environment, and of course savour the delights of seasonal produce cooked by local women. "We've targeted people form cities who have somehow lost the ability to watch a bird, use their own hands to grow plants or simply sit idle and watch an amazing sunset."
His efforts are helping to transform the lives of the villagers by providing an alternative means of income, which has alsohelped to stem the seemingly inevitable migration of villagers to cities. "Because there isn't any employment in the village" explained one of the female hosts, "usually one parent would have to move away to look for work. But now with the tourists coming, we can both stay in the village and live like a proper family." Three years on, the villagers have welcomed families, youth groups, college students and have also hosted a number of corporate team-building away days.
Inir explains that despite the fatigue, confusion and long days, he has experienced a personal journey the he could not ever have dreamed of. "I have been able to have heartfelt conversations with farmers in their local language, with heads of some top multinational companies and everyone inbetween. I have learnt a lot about myself and am grateful to be fulfilling a dream of mine to try to address some of the disturbing balances that I see around me." He goes onto add, "I've had a very decent life and right now I have the time, freedom and space to do this kind of work. My family and friends have been amazingly supportive in my endeavour, even if they still dont quite understand why I'm doing it when it is not highly paid!" he says laughingly.
So has Inir found the alternative to profi and corporate life? "I've learnt many things, but especially that there is wealth not only in money, but also in people, communities and traditions."
Saturday, January 31, 2009
2009
Connecting back to people after my travel last 3 months has been unique experience....
Looking back, reflecting, channelising through the various interactions I had with all of you .......brings out something new each time......Renewal.....just like seasons, earth cycles, relationships, redefinitions .........
While training we emphasise on reiteration......guess life also is like that....
Some friends ask me what keeps me going, what makes me tick...how can I smile and laugh so much......these little nuances of life.....sharings.....helping friends....friends seeking help.....the sun set in Nimboli-Fire mountain Mandagini...the straw huts,,,,,the children running barefoot in scorching sun......the temple bells ringing and the pretty bead trinkets bought from the village fair.........the hope that today is better than yesterday and the belief that tomorrow will be the best......the reiteration through Vedas till power of now.........LIVE IN THE MOMENT ....yet live an eternity in a moment.....
Looking back, reflecting, channelising through the various interactions I had with all of you .......brings out something new each time......Renewal.....just like seasons, earth cycles, relationships, redefinitions .........
While training we emphasise on reiteration......guess life also is like that....
Some friends ask me what keeps me going, what makes me tick...how can I smile and laugh so much......these little nuances of life.....sharings.....helping friends....friends seeking help.....the sun set in Nimboli-Fire mountain Mandagini...the straw huts,,,,,the children running barefoot in scorching sun......the temple bells ringing and the pretty bead trinkets bought from the village fair.........the hope that today is better than yesterday and the belief that tomorrow will be the best......the reiteration through Vedas till power of now.........LIVE IN THE MOMENT ....yet live an eternity in a moment.....
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
Me Myself
Last few weeks have been busy , reflecting contemplating......ruminating.
Just finished devising some training content for emotions management and empathy for nurses......Ganeshpuri is very rejuvenating as usual......its bit chilly now....
Nowadays my connection to self and body awareness is increasing......Questions about my life purpose keep on bouncing at me from inner voice, from close friends and associates......Its fascinating to experience inner engineering.......
2009 has been named year of astronomy......for someone like me thats exciting! stars and planets enthrall me:) I always wonder what is in Andromedia galaxy?
And people find it amusing when i ask them their zodiacs.....hmmmmmm......
Nizbat has a birth date...was conceived in Nimboli...a village near Ganeshpuri in front of Mandagani a sacred mountain......in May 2008......Taurean perhaps....
Its overwhelming to discover love in subtle ways and forms and not in conventional compartments our society has defined....
for me 2008 brought LOVE the strongest emotion on this planet to the fore.....and caught my attention wherever I went......
Unconditional love...........was alien to me few years ago......am on its journey now......finally......
Just finished devising some training content for emotions management and empathy for nurses......Ganeshpuri is very rejuvenating as usual......its bit chilly now....
Nowadays my connection to self and body awareness is increasing......Questions about my life purpose keep on bouncing at me from inner voice, from close friends and associates......Its fascinating to experience inner engineering.......
2009 has been named year of astronomy......for someone like me thats exciting! stars and planets enthrall me:) I always wonder what is in Andromedia galaxy?
And people find it amusing when i ask them their zodiacs.....hmmmmmm......
Nizbat has a birth date...was conceived in Nimboli...a village near Ganeshpuri in front of Mandagani a sacred mountain......in May 2008......Taurean perhaps....
Its overwhelming to discover love in subtle ways and forms and not in conventional compartments our society has defined....
for me 2008 brought LOVE the strongest emotion on this planet to the fore.....and caught my attention wherever I went......
Unconditional love...........was alien to me few years ago......am on its journey now......finally......
Saturday, December 6, 2008
Behavioural Science Network
In response to the recent terrorist attacks The Behavioural Science Network is starting a discussion group for people interested in doing something positive. Tentatively we are calling this Micro Activism Anonymous (MAA). The idea behind this is that small groups of people can get together and do something constructive in a humanistic way that enables each one to make a positive contribution.
The Behavioural Science Network will provide group coordinators training in a variety of Conceptual, Behavioural, Motivational and Leadership techniques and tools that activist groups have used successfully to bring about positive social change.
We believe that no single approach has the key to the truth and any small initiative has the potential to spread rapidly and mimetically, doing its bit to create a better world.
Enraged by the recent terrorist attacks there are many people wanting to reform politicians, the bureaucracy, police and even the media. A few are even advocating war. Hopefully something positive will emerge from this.
In the book "The Battle for God" Karen Armstrong, an ex-nun, tells of how a massacre by crusaders centuries ago has continued into an ongoing and unending battle. One must choose one's battles carefully. In the long run we must give creating peace a priority.
To do something more enduring we really need people willing and able to step back and look at any peaceful non-fundamentalist initiative that could be transformative. Anger when aroused needs a target and a response. We must try and channel it into positive directions.
France and Germany fought two world wars where millions were killed or maimed. With peace they have now merged into the European Economic Community. Demonstrating the possibility of bring about peace even if it is only economics interests that help bring about peace and cooperation between ex-enemies.
We must remember that terrorism from neighbouring countries is only one danger that may pall in comparison to others that we can expect in the near future. One danger especially to the wealthy among us is the grave danger from groups like the Naxalites or others trying to divide people on the basis of caste, creed and linguistic or regional differences. Increasing violent crime, extortion and robberies are others. Then there are global issues: Global Warming, for instance - What will we do if Bangladesh gets submerged due to rising sea levels and refugees start pouring into India.
We must pay much more attention to the causes behind terrorism and violence such as poverty, alienation, oppression, child rearing practices, propaganda, and focus on correcting them. Helping build a civic society where the basics like food, shelter and quality health care are basic rights to stop people feeling disadvantaged and exploited.
We would aim at forming small units, each functioning independently and networking loosely with the other. We would eschew leaders or hierarchy. Each cell generating small amounts needed to function from within. Some meetings will happen online other at ground level to prevent it from becoming elitist. Groups would provide feedback to each this we hope will prevent forceful people pushing any harmful agendas and the anonymity and small size keep away publicity or power hungry individuals.
If you are interested please email us at behavnet@fastermail.com with Micro Activism in the subject line.
Warm regards to all
Dr Dayal Mirchandani, M.D. D.P.M.
The Behavioural Science Network will provide group coordinators training in a variety of Conceptual, Behavioural, Motivational and Leadership techniques and tools that activist groups have used successfully to bring about positive social change.
We believe that no single approach has the key to the truth and any small initiative has the potential to spread rapidly and mimetically, doing its bit to create a better world.
Enraged by the recent terrorist attacks there are many people wanting to reform politicians, the bureaucracy, police and even the media. A few are even advocating war. Hopefully something positive will emerge from this.
In the book "The Battle for God" Karen Armstrong, an ex-nun, tells of how a massacre by crusaders centuries ago has continued into an ongoing and unending battle. One must choose one's battles carefully. In the long run we must give creating peace a priority.
To do something more enduring we really need people willing and able to step back and look at any peaceful non-fundamentalist initiative that could be transformative. Anger when aroused needs a target and a response. We must try and channel it into positive directions.
France and Germany fought two world wars where millions were killed or maimed. With peace they have now merged into the European Economic Community. Demonstrating the possibility of bring about peace even if it is only economics interests that help bring about peace and cooperation between ex-enemies.
We must remember that terrorism from neighbouring countries is only one danger that may pall in comparison to others that we can expect in the near future. One danger especially to the wealthy among us is the grave danger from groups like the Naxalites or others trying to divide people on the basis of caste, creed and linguistic or regional differences. Increasing violent crime, extortion and robberies are others. Then there are global issues: Global Warming, for instance - What will we do if Bangladesh gets submerged due to rising sea levels and refugees start pouring into India.
We must pay much more attention to the causes behind terrorism and violence such as poverty, alienation, oppression, child rearing practices, propaganda, and focus on correcting them. Helping build a civic society where the basics like food, shelter and quality health care are basic rights to stop people feeling disadvantaged and exploited.
We would aim at forming small units, each functioning independently and networking loosely with the other. We would eschew leaders or hierarchy. Each cell generating small amounts needed to function from within. Some meetings will happen online other at ground level to prevent it from becoming elitist. Groups would provide feedback to each this we hope will prevent forceful people pushing any harmful agendas and the anonymity and small size keep away publicity or power hungry individuals.
If you are interested please email us at behavnet@fastermail.com with Micro Activism in the subject line.
Warm regards to all
Dr Dayal Mirchandani, M.D. D.P.M.
friends
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Friendship....whatever i say is less....cannot be totally expressed in words....can be felt more.....can I ever define it? guess not......the Amsterdam and Uk trip has been so overwhelming.....meeting old friends...making new ones....and then the connection between old and new ones.....amazing!
dinner at renaissance with pradnya, bhupinder and devendra was a warm and happy experience....relaxed, fun, homely and most of all the oneness......a home away from home.....
Thursday, December 4, 2008
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