|
One Man’s Inspiration and Vision Experiences shared by Tina Lindhard of Spain from her visit to Mysore 3 - 7 August 2008 |
|
Main Page | Arka Foundation | Petals of Living | More Events |
|
My visit to India and Mysore arose out of a Dhyana session. It really was not consciously planned – it just sort of happened. I arrived in Mysore on the 3rd of August 2008. One of the main reasons for my visit was to ascertain the possibility of international groups coming to Mysore in the near future and I was pleased with what I found. At least the physical part of the Foundation was well laid and obviously expanding rapidly. I was assured that the meditation hall would also be ready next year. I spent three days there and again, on many other levels, I was also surprised and delighted. The Arka Foundation team in Mysore were not all present, but those who were, filled me with their wonderful enthusiasm and vision for the Project. They were also very realistic and at the same time, very aware that an undertaking of this nature needs a lot of funds. Hence they have started projects so that they are not only dependent on funds from outside. |
|
When seeds are planted traditionally they pass through warm hands instead of being scattered by a machine. The end result is not only very neat and tidy fields, but that the deep connection between man and nature is honoured and re-established. One morning when I woke up, I found the neighbour had come with his oxen to give a helping hand in preparing a little more of the land for planting. Maybe he had a quiet chuckle to himself as this stranger rushed around with her camera to capture these special moments. In the modern world one hardly sees these activities but from his perspective, they would have been just a normal morning’s activity. The Arka Foundation is set up to serve the local community. With this in mind, the committee have already been introducing Arka Dhyana in surrounding schools. In addition they had been imparting training on health, how to improve memory and other topics of general importance. This work is based on the teachings of Srinivas Arka particularly those found in his book Light of Learning. The ‘team’ suggested we visit one of the schools and the subject they decided to introduce was ‘pollution’. This was a fascinating experience as rather than us talking, we asked the children what they knew about pollution and much to our pleasant surprise they were very aware of it from many different aspects – air, sound, physical pollution, and also water pollution. In general they seemed very well informed and actually very concerned. When asked where they would prefer to live – in the city with its harsh noises or in the countryside with its soft gentle natural sounds, they unanimously said ‘the countryside’. We also took the opportunity of practising Arka Dhyana and we found it needed very little refreshing – a good basis had already been laid. They all happily took their thumb and forefinger of their right hand together and lowered this gesture, which is both symbolic and energetic, from their heads to their hearts. On asking them afterwards how they felt or what they had noticed, one of the boys immediately replied that he had noticed how ‘the mind went away’ – um what a lovely observation from an innocent heart. These little ones are really hungry for knowledge and for experiences. Also in some things they are much more aware than many town children of the same age. On the topic of pollution, it would be lovely for somebody to start a collection point or a recycling plant of plastics in the district for the young population are certainly aware of the dangers and drawbacks of plastic bags and other materials but really are at a loss of what to do with their waste which is not biodegradable. Any successful solution could be extended all over India, as the disposal of plastic is a tremendous problem. |
|
I must really congratulate the members of the Arka Foundation for the good work they are doing in the schools – and I really hope it extends to many more institutions. India’s future rests in the hands of her children and introducing Arka Dhyana at such an early age helps to bring a balance to their young lives which one hopes will stay with them for ever. I left Mysore feeling very happy. One man’s vision and continual support on every level has made this dream possible. He has not only inspired and recognized the talents of a team of youngsters but is, above all, giving them the opportunity to develop their inner gifts in a very unique project. I feel sure many, many people will join and add their support to this initiative and I see it growing and spreading in many ways. To Srinivas Arka – we all give our deepest gratitude and thanks. His guidance is more in the form of inspiration – it is subtle rather than formal but it has the unique ability to join so many people from such different backgrounds into a co-ordinated whole or unity. Let us truly hope that this unity extends not only to many different people but to many different countries as well. |
|
Arka Dhyana demonstration by Tina and Smitha |
|
Distributing stationery items to school children |
|
Planting of tree at Arka Foundation Centre |