Hip Hop in the Slums and at the Gandhi Ashram

Yesterday was an amazing blessing. A day that will leave a deep imprint on the lives of the guests that came.

My life has been closely connected to the art form of hip hop over the past 15 years. And I really haven’t expressed that art form while living here in India. Yesterday, however, through the American Center at the American Consulate in India, we had Havikoro, a Houston-based hip hop group (breakdancing, beatboxing, djing and mcing) spend a whole day with our EKATVA kids as well as hundreds of our Manav Sadhna kids.

We started with a improvised breaking and beatboxing cipher in Rama Pir No Tekra (the biggest slum area in Gujarat, pop. 120,000).

Then we went to our Manav Sadhna community center, a beautiful gem in the middle of the slum, where the Havikoro group did a breakdancing workshop with our kids.

As well as a little freestyle session! 

We ended the day with a djing, beatboxing and rapping exhibition and workshop by Havikoro at the Gandhi Ashram with over 200 kids of ‘untouchable’ communities from Ahmedabad.

The kids were so powerfully charged with positive energy and gratitude for such a progressive and humble group to share their talent and love with them.

After the event, Virenbhai and I gave the Havikoro Group a tour of the Gandhi Ashram (and gifted each of them with an autobiography of Gandhiji)  in the late evening. In reflection of the entire day, the group expressed a deep feeling of gratitude. They were truly moved by their experience, the very human connections they made with the children all throughout day, the spirit of Manav Sadhna and the slum area. They were sincerely humbled and most importantly inspired. Chris and Marlin made it a point that they would sincerely want to come back to Ahmedabad and Manav Sadhna to share their talents with the kids for a longer time period.

The EKATVA journey is truly beautiful. But just like everything else in the world, it will come and go, seemingly unnoticed, perhaps, to most of the world. But we continue to walk in faith, that ripples of love and oneness will spread as long as our intention is pure.

I leave you with Mother Theresa’s heartfelt words:

“We can do no great things. Just small things with great love”.

Seva Cafe: Giving is Living

Seva Café is an experiment in the shared joy that comes from humble giving and selfless service. As we serve, we internalize the mantra of "Atithi Devo Bhava" which translates to "The Guest is God," a deep and ancient Indian view that honors each guest with reverence.

This was the experiment we wanted the kids to experience yesterday and today. Yesterday we took the Jamaalpur, Shankarbhuvan and Rama Pir No Tekra kids (9) and today we took the Ashramshalla kids (7). The kids truly enjoyed themselves in selfless service: washing dishes, cleaning tables, serving water, and welcoming guests.

After the kids were done volunteering, then we all sat down for a beautiful meal. This was the kids' first time ever eating at a 'resataurant' and so certain things needed to be explained, like what a fork is, and how you have to use a napkin to keep your mouth and hands clean. The beautiful thing was though it was all we could eat, there was no food wasted at all.

Sanjay ordered pasta thinking it was a grilled cheese sandwich. After a while, he asked me, 'do i have to eat this, i thought this pasta was supposed to be a sandwich". My response was simple, "Yes, please finish what you ordered. And next time ask. Make a habit of asking. Never assume, especially with stuff like this that you have never seen or had before." I kinda felt bad, but he understood and he needs to get in a habit of asking more, so this was a good chance for painless lesson.

Overall, the kids loved it! And want to know when they can come back to serve at Seva Café!

The joy of giving…

Love.

Here’s more background on Seva Café:

When you dine at Seva Café, you are not viewed as a customer, but instead as a treasured guest, as part of the Seva Café family.

Seva means service. When immersed in the heart of Seva, one finds a pathway to the Divine, and its this connectedness to which we ultimately aspire. Volunteering at Seva Café is a conscious exercise in staying tuned to that deep and true space of genuine service.

Our wholesome vegetarian meals are cooked and served with love by volunteers and by a small, modestly paid staff - mostly graduates from Manav Sadhna's Earn N' Learn program. Our menu changes daily and we offer a delicious variety of options, both Indian and continental.

When you dine at Seva Café, your meal is offered to you as a genuine gift, already paid for in full by previous guests. You become part of a Circle of Giving, which is modeled more closely to that of a family. Here, there are no bills. We leave it to you to pay it forward with your heart.

We hope everyone - volunteers, staff, and guests alike - all leave this space feeling more nourished - body, mind, and spirit - and that together we can help set in motion a more abundant, more generous mode of interacting that leaves everyone feeling happier and more closely connected. The inequities of our world derive from our own internal walls of separation from one another. As we grow in Seva, we leave these walls behind.

All of our costs and income are made clearly transparent, and 100% of any profits we take in are used to support social service projects. Please join us in participating in this genuine experiment in selfless service.

May we all grow together in love.

Akshay Patra: Part 1

Today the kids were injected with a wonderful opportunity, Akshay Patra.

Madhuji and Jyoshnadidi sat down with the kids and explained the experiment.  

For months now, a group of separate kids have been collecting 1 rupee a day in an Akshay Patra bottle provided to them by our Moved by Love family.

They are empty water bottles renovated by our Earn n’ Learn kids, through paint and color, transformed into beautiful piggy banks. The savings that go into these Akshay Patra bottles, eventually become mini-bank accounts to do good. But the children that are saving this money are taught about Sudh-bauvna before the saving process begins. Meaning, the good thoughts, pure thoughts, loving thoughts and feelings that are carried and transferred through that process of putting little amounts of money every day into the bottle, with the pure desire to do good for others. After prayer Jyoshnadidi explained this and then Madhuji shared the bag of collected Sudh-Bhauvna, do-good money, with all the kids. The bag weighed at least 12kg. 12 kg of Sudh-Bauvna money to do good! Wow! The kids kept their eyes closed and felt the weight of the bag of love and passed it on.

Then we discussed with our kids that we would give them 30 rupees each and they have to do something good, full of Sudh Bhauvna, for someone over the weekend and share their story of giving during our circle of sharing on Monday….

To Be Continued.

Love.

The Case of the Stolen Slippers

Unfortunately, a few days back Vishal had his shoes accidentally taken or stolen at the Ashram. Either way, he had to walk home barefooted. And even though new slippers only cost about a dollar, his family is not in financial condition to get him a new pair right away. So the next day his older brother lends him his slippers when he comes to practice, but his older brother is then left barefooted for the day… So we plotted:

2 days ago, I gave Bharat 100 rupees to buy Vishal a new pair of slippers, which he got from the bazaar for 40 rupees. Bharat is to give the slippers to one of the kids in our group that also lives in the Shankarbhuvan slums and instruct them to anonymously put these new slippers at Vishal’s doorstep without anyone knowing. The plot ensues successfully and here is the discussion at dance practice about who knows how the slippers got to Vishal’s front doorstep and who doesn’t.

Most importantly, Vishal still doesn’t have a clue as to how those slippers got there (see for yourself).

So instead of being left without slippers, he’s left with gratitude that people care enough to give him new slippers, but not claim credit for giving it to him. Kind of like smile cards. And the discussion that ensued with the kids actually brought back the topic of smile cards from the other day when Aditi Didi, a Charity Focus volunteer from London, visited us and shared with the kids the story and meaning behind smile cards.

Oh, how the world works. And how goodness connects the world!

Love.

Typical Car Ride to Dance Practice at Darpana Academy

The kids enjoying a ride to dance practice with Jagatbhai (our Manav Sadhna soul force) and Bicabhai (our Manav Sadhna driver).

We Shall Overcome

Last week we taught the kids how to sing “We Shall Overcome” in English. We passed out sheets to all the kids with the full lyrics on them. It was a fun group activity practicing together. Obviously, lots of work ahead...

But suprising and beautiful was that today as I was walking with the Shankarbhuvan kids to find them a rickshaw, Dipmala says “Sir, I’ve got the We Shall Overcome song down”. I responded with, “You mean you have it memorized”? She said, “Yes, without the paper, I can sing it”. I was pleasantly surprised and filled with joy. She took the time to practice and memorize it on her own time.

What better thing to do, than to have them stand on the side of the road and sing it…

1st Vali (Parents) Meeting

How can one explain the feeling felt when a deep longing joy within a child is shared with their parents. Well, that and much more, happened today, all within the span of 2 hours.

Over three months ago Bharat and I met with all the kids’ parents at each and everyone of their slum houses. This is when we had 26 kids selected and we were looking to narrow down to 18. Some kids lived very far and most others were within 2-8 kilometers proximity. Going to each home has gave us an opportunity to learn more about our kids, their families, their family and home environments, economic conditions, etc.  Each of those meetings were primarily to begin the process of developing a relationship, gain an understanding and verbal commitment from the parents that they were willing to support us and their kids through this project. Their support really means, supporting their children emotionally and mentally. Making sure the kids are studying at home and be willing to have their kids come to practice daily and come back home late.

Three months later, we had our first Vali Meeting (parents meeting)here at Manav Sadhna, Gandhi Ashram. It was truly powerful!

We had been telling the kids all week to tell both of their parents to arrive at 4pm on Friday, January 9^th, 2011. I even pseudo-threatened the kids that if both parents don’t come out, then we’ll assume that they are not supporting you in this project and we may have to take you out. In these types of meetings, it is usually always the case that the fathers do not come. Mainly because they are either working (many labor workers) who cannot take time off their job due to obvious financial reasons, or they are drinkers, which makes it difficult for them to come. For example, yesterday, I went to the Shankarbhuvan Slum area to talk to the kids’ parents, because Vicky, Vishal and Dharmaji all said that their fathers would not make it. As I met with their fathers I found out, Vicky’s father was half drunk, Vishal’s father was sick and Dharmaji’s father said he has to work tomorrow. Through some good conversation, I was able to convince Vicky’s father not to drink tomorrow and come and Dharmaji’s father to skip work for 2 hours to join. Wow, I thought, that wasn’t too hard….Come today, the fathers did not show up. All the mom’s showed up, and about half the fathers showed up, which I hear is still a really good turnout.

So the parents show up. We have them sit outside and fill out a form with all their information and confirmation that they support our kids for the project and even if we have to take the kids out of the city, state or country. Our eventual objective with the actual production of the show is to tour, so everyone should be prepared well in advance to support the idea of their kids going to other parts of the country or world if that ends up being the case. The parents tend to be very supportive, they almost see us as their kids’ second parents. The only thing they are truly concerned about is their childrens’ safety.

Once we reached around 430pm, Jayeshbhai and Virenbhai (our founders and soul and spirit of Manav Sadhna) came inside, as well as our kids. We gave our kids one white rose each and 2 beautiful hand-crafted puffy heart pins. They made two lines facing each other at the entrance of the door and then Jagatbhai started playing the dholak live. The parents were invited into the Manav Sadhna home and we welcomed them with love. Bharat and I were at the front door. The parents would walk by us first so we would bow down and touch their feet with love and respect. Many of these parents are actually younger than me, but to know they are the parents of these children, I treat them like my parents. Then as they walk by the row of our children, each of our kids bowed down and touch the feet of another kids’ parents and then pinned the heart onto their chest and handed them a white rose with lots of love.

This is a small seed planting activity for our kids in Oneness, but very important – that each kid bows down to the feet of another kids’ parents and gives a rose to another kids’ parent. All while Jagat bhai is continually playing the dholak live. The kids were so excited to welcome their parents and you can feel the love the parents felt in entering in the MS home. A beautiful and powerful interaction. Love and bonds are built in these ways – you can see it happening.

As the welcome was complete, all 45 of us, sat in prayer and then in silence. Even Dipmala's 3 year old sister, Surya, closed her eyes and prayed with us.

The words “Jai Jagat” (“Hail to the whole world”) awakened the silence and then we proceeded to introduce all the kids and parents to each other. One of our kids would raise their hand, then the respective parents would raise their hands. It was a family getting to know each other.

I then talked for a little while in my limited Gujarati, thanking the parents for coming. Explaining what this project means to all of us, where we all come from-the roots of EKATVA and Manav Sadhna –Ishwar Dada, Jayeshbhai, Virenbhai, Anar Didi. And really sharing the energy and commitment that we all have towards these kids.

Jayeshbhai then spoke very powerfully, bringing truth, light, love and strength to the parent’s hearts and eyes.

Bharat continued thereafter sharing his thoughts on how we all need to work together, parents included, to pull off this type of project. He compared this process to the likes of building a house. The engineer, carpenter, architect, laborers, etc. all have to work in unison for this to bloom like rose.

And lastly Virenbhai shared his powerful love and wisdom towards the parents, once again deepening their trust and connection to the EKATVA experiment.

Then the parents shared their loving thoughts and growth that they have seen in their children since they have been involved with the EKATVA project. They also voiced a few concerns, mainly to do with timing and transportation for the kids.

Lastly, we had a surprise act: the kids performing for the parents, what they have learned to date at Darpana Academy. Prior to performing, each kid got on the mic and expressed what this EKATVA journey has meant to them. That was truly beautiful and powerful, to see the confidence with which they expressed themselves and the gratitude they shared.

The kids performance was beautiful! Beautiful because they were as excited as if they were performing a real show. They did a good job for their first performance, everyone loved it!

Kamaraben made some beautiful mint chai for all the family members.

We all loudly and in unison chanted “Hum Sub EK He!!!”, three times (“We are all ONE”!). And then in beautiful prayer and silence we finally ended our meeting.

The children, for the first time, departed back home from the Ashram not by themselves, but with their parents in hand.

EKATVA. The journey begins, continues and is ongoing.

Love.

Mom and Dad Must Come to Ashram

Tomorrow is our 1^st parents meeting. From the beginning of the week, we have told all 16 of our kids that both their parents have to attend this parent meeting. If both parents do not attend, then we get assume that their parents are not interested in supporting this effort and thus we may have to drop those children who’s both mom and dad do not attend. Through these types of meetings we help continue to build our relationship with all the parents and families, develop a mutual sense of trust and understanding and enjoy some time together.

Today, all three boys from Shankarbhuvan Slum area: Dharmaji, Vishal and Vicky, said at least one of their parents would not be able to make the parents meeting. This was a little disturbing. So I went to all of their homes after practice to discuss and further understand why.

Vicky: His father, unfortunately is a drunk, as many slum dwelling male adults are. As I sat down in Vicky’s house, peeling garlic with his mother preparing for their dinner, she shared with me that it would be more embarrassing if they brought him along, because he drinks day and night. I told them that I would at least like to talk to him. So Vicky went by the river where he his father was drinking and called him in. We talk and I requested that he not drink tomorrow and come and share his time with us. He agreed, but let’s see what happens.

Dharmaji: His father was against coming, because he cannot leave his work. I requested that for just 2 hours out of the whole year, it would be worth if he can make it. His wife is out of town so we requested that he come with his oldest daughter. In the end, after, what felt like some form of bargaining, he agreed. Let’s see what happens :)

Vishal: Vishal’s dad was really sick lying in bed. So I told him to not worry at all. As I sat down to talk with his family, mom, father, brother and grandmother, the kids joined me. Vishal’s mom started feeding me tepla, hot and fresh off the stove. It was delicious. She was telling me exactly these words: “We may be poor, but we still make good food!”. Beautiful!  We had a good time talking about the show, eating and joking around. I shared my tepla with Dharmaji, Vicky and Vishal as well. Oh yeh, Vishal got his slippers stolen yesterday, so he was wearing his brothers’ slippers today. A story that’s to be continued…

Our final stop was Dipmala’s house. She was making omelletes with her mom. Dad was still at work. Both of her parents have agreed to come tomorrow.

Man, the slum areas are really works of art and for some reason I sense and feel that more in the night as we’re walking from one house to another: The way its designed. How each square foot of space is utilized. The beautiful colors. The smells. The integration of animals and man. The warmth and aliveness of these type of areas. A beautiful and extensive topic for another day. But yes, this is where these kids live and it is a beautiful home!

Love.

Dharmaji Finds 1000 Rupees

Dharmaji spread ripples of hope, inspiration, and trust. During practice yesterday there was a group of foreigners from America that came to the ashram and were sitting nearby where we were practicing. After practice when everyone had left, Dharmaji and I were sitting down talking and then all of a sudden he pointed across the way and said “Hey, there’s a 1000 rupee note over there”. Amazingly enough, there was: 1000 rupees quietly sitting on the seat cushion diagonally across from us.

Now, considering Dharmaji’s life situation, 1000 rupees is a very big deal. For a middle class person in America, its equivalent to finding about $2500. Dharmaji’s family doesn’t really have a stable house setting, but are owners of 3 donkeys. He goes to school, but then spends his free time, manning the donkeys, feeding them, cleaning them and taking them to different places where they transport dirt for various people. These people will pay them 25-50 rupees for their use of the donkeys.

Dharmaji’s life, financial situation and family environment is not conducive to the development of virtuous habits and values, but his reaction to finding so much money, sheds a lot of light on the depth of his heart and mind. His story is small, but real and powerful. It’s a true reflection of EKATVA and the journey we are all trying to walk on.

Vishal, shared with us today, at our circle of sharing, that Dharmaji told him yesterday “the feeling of telling someone else about the lost money and finding the right owners, felt so much better than if I had kept it…it made me really happy!”.

Just Beautiful. Thank you Dharmaji for feed our hearts and souls.

A Journalist, English Class and Late Night Theatre...Fun, Fun, Fun!

Today was a wonderful day.

First we had a chance to sit down and have a discussion with Minkashi ben, a journalist from the Ahmedabad Mirror (who also wrote this story on our close brother Uday Bhai). She was able to share insight with the kids on what it means to be a journalist and what the importance of news is.

She wanted to write a story on EKATVA, our show and the kids. However, I felt its too early in the process still. Maybe as we get closer to an actual production being in place, then it will feel more worthy to publicize, but until then, keep working, keep developing, keep growing.

After time with Minakshi we had English class with Kathleen Didi and Roshni Didi. They really put together great, fun, interactive classes (hats off!). After that we had wonderful kichdi and kudhi that Kamaraben made for us. Then all 20 of us piled in our Manav Sadhna Qualis and Bica Bhai took us to Darpana for the show. Three words: It was awesome!!!

Here are a few clips from the show itself.

After the show, Roshni, Kathleen and I dropped the Tekra kids back to their homes. Bharat, Kiran and Bica Bhai dropped off the rest of the kids to Shankarbhuvan, Jamaalpur and Ashramshalla. Because it got late, around 1030pmish, we had to go to each individual kids homes in each of the different slum areas and drop them literally to each over their doorsteps - as their mom's and dad's are eagerly waiting. An intricate late night process, but with everyone's help it is possible. And it is absolutely worth it, for the kids would never get this type of exposure in their lives otherwise.

Keep walking with love.

WE vs. EVERYONE

A great discussion took place today at prarthna.

Our daily prayer is the following:

Sathe Ramiye, Sathe Jamiye, Sathe Kariye Saara Kam.

We play together, we eat together, we do good work together.

Kayama Rahejo APANI Sathe,

God may you always be by OUR side

Gata, Gata Vasuta Shri Bhagvan.

God you are in every small particle in this great universe.

Ohm, Shanti, Shanti, Shanti.

Peace, Peace, Peace.

There are actually two ways the second line is said:

“God may you always be by OUR side”

OR

“God may you always be by EVERYONE’S side”

Today after prayer, Krishna asked out loud, “Sir, why do we say “God may you always be by everyone’s side” and everyone at school says “God may you always be by OUR side”.

What a great question, I thought to myself.  Jayeshbhai actually brought this change to our attention 3 months ago. We used to say ‘our’, but since he suggested the rightful change, over the past three months we changed it to ‘everyone’s’.

Going from me, my and ours to yours, ours and everyone’s is a big shift in thinking and living. Moving from self-centered to others-centered; moving from a national anthem to a global anthem; from human beings to all matter, from one belief to all beliefs. To see God in everyone and everything is EKATVA, is Oneness.

The discussion didn’t get so deep. It was enough just to explain that we should not just think of ourselves, but more importantly think of everyone, including strangers and people we don’t know. That’s just the right thing to do. The kids agreed J

Love All Serve All. 

Remembering Ishwar Dada

Beautiful story shared by Nipunbhai:

Few days ago, one of the legends of Gandhian service passed away in India -- Ishwar Patel. When he went unconscious around 4AM on Dec 26th, doctors thought that was his last. But when his mourning family gathered around him in the morning, he remarkably opened his eyes and gave everyone a chance for a final goodbye. He smiled, looked at them with compassionate eyes, and spoke his final words: "Jai Jalaram." It was a phrase to salute the divine, that he had shared with his wife every day for the last 52 years of their marriage. Having served selflessly for over 60 years, building over 500,000 toilets for the poorest communities, Ishwar-kaka knew a thing or two about changing the world. Yet to his beloved son, Jayesh Patel, his parting advice was simple:

 

"Keep doing small things."

In lieu of practice today, we sat in the front courtyard of Ishwar Dada’s ESI, remembering him, understanding him and celebrating him. This is the same courtyard from which Manav Sadhna actually started 21 years ago. It all came full circle: from Ishwar Dada sprouted Manav Sadhna and from that sprouted a generation of kids, 21 years later, who are sitting in his courtyard understanding who this great man is and how they are children of his heart.

Here we decorated, with love in heart and mind, Ishwar Dada’s true home.

Then we had a heartfelt discussion with Sureshbhai, about Ishwar Dada and his life. Sureshbhai, has spent the past 3 months, 24 hours a day, with Ishwar Dada. He served Ishwar Dada through the last 3 months of Ishwar Dada’s health struggle. Sureshbhai had learned a lot from Ishwar Dada, and was more than glad to spend some time with the kids sharing his learnings from a very humble saint, Ishwar Dada.

And at the end of our gathering we did prayer for Ishwar Dada’s soul and spirit, on the very toilet samples he had used to teach and explain about sanitation to the thousands that have visited him over the past 30 years.

EKATVA FINAL KIDS SELECTION

Final selection of the Kids took place today. A long journey it has been. From January 2010 to December 2010. From 250 of our slum children to 16. The kids range from a distinct set of slum areas, Rama Pir Nor Tekra, Shankarbhuvan Slum, Jamaalpur Slum, and few others.

We have finally  made final selections and are ready to embark upon yet another phase.

The objective categories we used to select our kids, aside from our intuition and time spent with all of them over the past year, are listed below in order of importance:

Their Team Player Attitude and nature

Their Studies and commitment to Schooling

Their overall attitude towards the entire EKATVA process and project so far

Extra Support they may need due to difficulties/obstacles they may have in their personal family life

Dancing Ability

Their Learning Aptitude

Expression/Acting Ability

Their family support

As one may notice, Dancing ability and acting ability were low on the list of importance as we got down to the final selection of kids. Though we really look forward to the theatrical production and the entire creative journey, its really the internal transformation of the team and in the individuals within that we hope to at least spark. Thus teamwork, studies and attitude are of extreme importance in the process.

Another important factor was looking at kids that have the potential, but have a tougher, more obstacle-filled family and financial status. Imagine that, how do you get to a tougher financial status or situation then the average slum income of two to three dollars a day. For example when Bharat and I went to go visit Dharmesh’s family, he led us to the side of a dirt road where is Mom and Dad were sitting on worn- out plastic bags, in the middle of a polluted and dusty road environment. Dharmesh, doesn’t have it easy, but he works hard. He was not a great fit in the beginning for us. He didn’t go to school, couldn’t even speak Gujarati clearly, didn’t have a great set of manners, etc. But slowly he’s developed some discipline, is getting more focused, attending school more regularly and we know if we just support his journey we can help him get to a better place.

This is the ultimate goal. Help the journey, enable positive transformation and empowerment. Plant seeds and nurture them. Let God bear the fruits.

Love.

OUR FINAL KIDS LIST

Dipmala                Bhavnik

Priyanka               Gaurang

Chandini              Devram

Nikita                    Dharmaji

Bharti                    Vicky

Krishna                 Vishal

Payal                     Nitesh

Asha                      Sanjay

In Meditation We Trust

Today was a special day for us. We came to Darpana for practice today. And as usual we get their about a half hour early so that we can do our group prayer, meditation and sharing before the teacher, Kishore Sir, gets their.

As we finish prayer and silence into meditation its always a unique experience. I lead our meditation by suggesting different things for the kids to do each time. Today I suggested, while all our eyes were closed, for all of us to take notice of any specific sound in the environment, whether it be in the room, outside, of nature or machine, anything. And try to keep your focus on that sound for the next minute or two. If your mind wanders away from that sound, no worries. Once you realize it has wandered just bring it back. Then we will share all our respective sounds that we connected with after meditation is complete.

But something was different this time. For the first time, over the many months that we have been doing prayer and meditation, I didn’t feel this internal tension that the kids are restless during meditation. For some reason or another, something in the air, felt like the kids were comfortable in this space of silence.

After meditation was complete and everyone shared their sounds, it just felt right to ask the kids about how they were feeling about meditation. From the many months which we have been religiously practicing, 2 times a day (before and after practice), 6 days a week, have they notice a difference in how they are feeling in this space of silence. The majority of the kids were excited to respond and really shared their comfort and joy in the meditation process. I really wanted to encourage it being okay, if someone was not comfortable and so finally Guddi responded saying that she feels really impatient still in the process. Then Krishna followed up saying that she used to feel really impatient and restless as well, but now doesn’t feel that way.

The question was asked (a question we have previously discussed in depth), ‘why do we do meditation’? To bring peace to our minds and our bodies. To train and exercise our minds. To take out bad thoughts. To quiet the mind and body that is constantly running all day. To just listen without judgement.

Bharat then shared how he just can not find a peace of mind. He said he has a lot of anger inside of him. We continued on a in-depth discussion, as a group, about Bharat’s anger and why it might be there, and what are some potential roads to easing that anger and bringing a little more positive energy and peace.

Its beautiful, that we were at dance class today, but that meditation felt like the more powerful experience of the day.

Love.

Our Spirited Father, Ishwar Dada

Our love and prayers are flowing towards Ishwar Dada, our founding father in the path of spirituality and selfless service. Ishwar Dada is the inspiration behind many of our local NGO’s here in Ahmedabad, including Manav Sadhna, Environmental Sanitation Institute, Gramshree, Seva Café, Harijan Sevak Trust and more. He’s truly the inspiration behind Jayeshbhai, Virenbhai and Anar Didi, that ones that have selflessly paved a unique path for hundreds and hundreds of beautiful souls on the path of service and thousands upon thousands of souls who are receiving their direct or indirect love daily.

Today we skipped practice. Ishwar Dada is tremendously ill in the hospital with a variety of complications so we wanted to bring our love and energy to him and the Sanjeevini  Hospital that he is staying at.

The plan was simple ;>

Make a big card for Ishwar Dada, with all the children’s handprints on it. Jagatbhai beautifully to the rescue. 

Walk to the hospital in dedication and prayer for Ishwar Dada’s health. The walk was a humble ode to his life. Ishwar Dada is known as Dr. Toilet, for he dedicated over 50 years of his life to work that most people considered only for untouchables, sanitation and cleaning. So Dharmaji carried a big plastic bag and the rest of us picked up all possible trash that we could find along our path to the hospital.

We also passed out chicki ladoo’s to many along our way, in celebration of Nitesh’s birthday. Many people along the sides of the road were observing us with curiosity.

All along, Madhuji was so beautifully capturing the moments with his camera. Thank you Madhuji!

Once we arrived to the hospital, we went straight up to the rooftop, where many of the nurses and staff followed us up, curious as to what we were doing, all 20 of us. We explained and they smiled. Madhu and Mam studios had arranged for spreading love throughout the hospital with yellow and white roses. The roses were provided as a result of children savings from AkshayPatra Savings Bottles made by MAM Studios and Earn n’ Learn kids. What a beautiful circle of giving. Our kids partnered with varying nurses at the hospital and went on to share the roses with patients and loved ones in the hospital.

We then all sat down together on the rooftop to write a heartfelt message on the card to Ishwar Dada and then all the kids signed it. While this was going on, we somehow managed to carry the printer and a laptop with us on our walk to the hospital so that we could print and cut out all the photos that were being taken by Madhuji and paste them on Ishwar Dada’s card during that very moment. The card was finally done. Nitesh, our birthday boy and Dipmala were sent downstairs to deliver the card to Ishwar Dada’s room. We did not want to bother him as he’s in critical condition, but it eventually turned out that Jayeshbhai invited all the children to share their glows and joy with Ishwar Dada for a short time.

Ishwar Dada is a true blessing;  a true spirit of God if we were to envision one. Amidst the 18 punctures in his body, various illnesses and infections, diabetes, 4 days without sleep, as he cannot lie down otherwise his breathing is blocked, and troubled breathing, he has attended to all his guests, shared loving advice and blessings with all and never complained once, but rather accepted his situation as what it should be and how it is, nothing more, nothing less. 

We were blessed to share this evening in spirit and love with him. And continue to feel and pray his health returns.

Love.

The Magic of EKATVA

The magic of this EKATVA experiment, is that our children are being exposed to beautiful, amazing parts of the world, daily. Things they would never have heard of or seen otherwise.

Today was practice at Darpana Performing arts academy. This means that 14 of us pile in a car and the other 5 kids who are coming from a different slum area, meet us directly at Darpana. Upon our arrival to Darpana, we have all our kids line up in a single file line. Get to a space of silence and quietly walk ourselves to the back room near the Nutrani stage, where we all practice. The kids do give their attention and ‘Namaste’ to the security guard. If Mallika Didi or any other teachers are passing by, they will stop, bow down and touch the teachers’ feet with respect and continue to the back room. Before entering the room, we all remove our shoes or slippers and place them in a perfect line to the side of the door.

This time around as we were taking our shoes off, we heard a beautiful sound coming from within the room. It was the sweet sounds of an opera singer practicing for an upcoming show. Her name is Camille and she’s part of the Les Autres Musictheatre in Amsterdamn.

She was kind enough to allow us to enter the room and begin preparation for our practice. After an explanation of the EKATVA project and a little background on our kids, along with some of our kids pleasantly requesting her to share her talents with us, she most lovingly shared a part of a song she will be singing for the upcoming December 22nd show at Nutrani, Orfeo in India.

Our children were truly amazed ! How can such a powerful and beautiful voice come out of a human body ? We were all filled with great joy. Thank you for sharing Camille. After Camille’s performance, the kids took turns doing their own versions of opera singing.

Truly a blessing to have our kids be exposed to the world in this way.

Love.

Compassionate Chefs Cafe

EKATVA,  a journey in Oneness.  If we step back and contemplate, if and how Oneness in this world could be possible, we realize it can only happen if we all let go and trust that everyone will be looking out for the good of each other. That we will eventually move from self-centered to heart-centered. What a simple, but foreign concept for humanity, huh? Sad to say that its so foreign. That we have to imagine and dream of a day that people would actually and genuinely care enough for others and trust that others would do the same for them.

Well, this EKATVA experiment we continue is in the same spirit. We don’t have any idea where and how we will pull this entire show and an upcoming global tour off –including the fundraising, the logistics, etc., but we do have lots of faith and confidence in the hearts of humanity. And that faith has just become stronger. The hearts of very compassionate chefs (http://www.compassionatechefs.org/) from San Francisco have reached out to help the EKATVA experiment.

A close friend of ours, Robin Sukhadia, an important leader in the Project Ahimsa organization and efforts (www.projectahimsa.org), connected our story with Ranjan Dey from the Compassionate Chefs Café organization. An organization who’s ultimate goal is to uplift the lives of underprivileged children in different parts of the Globe. Once they heard of the EKATVA mission, they connected with the experiment and are now helping support the snacks, local transportation costs and other costs involved in handling and managing a wholistic development program for the kids leading up to the training of and eventual performance of the EKATVA show.

This desire to help in our mission by the Compassionate Chefs Café, has given us even deeper faith in the process. Trusting, that as we continue marching on, all will unfold as it should. With this trust we keep walking with our flashlight, seeing only 15 feet in front of us, as we take a new step, we see the next few feet ahead.  One step at a time.

March on. With whatever you are doing. If you believe and trust in it, continue marching.

Love.

Circle of Sharing: Ravana and Lanka

After practice today, we entered our prayer and circle of sharing. Its nice to see how a consistent forum and safe environment for children can lead them to opening up and sharing very beautiful, random things. Sanjay, raised his hand today during our circle of sharing. He said: “Did you know that Ravan, in the Ramayan, didn’t always own Lanka. It was gifted to him by Lord Shiva.” I was surprised to hear that. I never quite studied our Indian Mythology, but this fact did come as a surprise to me. So I did my research. And there was definitely some validity to his sharing:

Following his conquest of Lanka, Ravana encountered Shiva at his abode in Kailash. Ravana at first went to meet Shiva. Nandi the vehicle of Shiva, refused to let Ravana in. He got annoyed and started teasing Nandi. Nandi in turn got annoyed and cursed Ravana that LANKA would be destroyed by a monkey. To show NANDI his love for Shiva, Ravana attempted to uproot and move the mountain on a whim. Shiva, annoyed by Ravana's arrogance, pressed his littlest Toe on Kailash, pinning him firmly and painfully under it. His ganas informed Ravana of whom he had crossed, upon which Ravana became penitent. He composed and sang songs praising Shiva, and is said to have done so for years until Shiva released him from his bondage.

So according to this, maybe Lanka was not necessarily gifted to Ravana by Lord Shiva, but I can see how Sanjay may have heard this or interpreted this from the above facts. Either way, its exciting to have a forum where our kids can share random tidbits of information whenever they'd like.

English Class, Tabla Games and a Sad Girl

Today was an exciting day for the kids!

For one, we started English class. Two Manav Sadhna Volunteers, Kathleen and Roshni, have been kind enough to dedicate a half hour twice or thrice a week to start the process of improving what little English our kids already know. After a few writing and reading tests today, we realized there’s a lot to work on. But no problem, we’ll learn as much as we can, with whatever time we have available and through time, I’m sure the kids will catch up beautifully. The goal is to teach them enough English speaking so they can communicate with others the basics about who they are, ask questions, talk about the show and its roots, etc. The kids seem excited to learn this language and others. They are already saying “Arregato” and “Como Estas”!

After some time writing the alphabet and some quick reading excercises to gauge all the kids’ levels, Robin bhai, our very close and talented friend from Project Ahimsa (http://www.projectahimsa.org/), took the kids outside for Tabla and Music interactions and games.

Robin and Project Ahimsa, have been very closely connected with Manav Sadhna through the past years, supporting music and instrument programs for many of the underpriveleged children here in Ahmedabad. Robin, who recently finished his MFA in World Music from Cal Arts, one of the top Art Schools in the world, is now on a Fulbright Scholarship in India seeking to combine music and education to connect, teach and transform underpriveleged children.

Today, he played an amazing game with the kids, where they were empowered with the opportunity to direct a live ‘human’ orchestra. Each group of kids played a specific sound, that depicted one of the notes in the Tabla Matra. Then after Robin bhai’s examples, one kid at a time, started playing the director role, having the different groups play their sounds on rhythm at different times, in different intensities, to create their own unique musical pieces. What a fantastic interaction!

He then brought it to the practical and real, by gathering them around the actual tabla and demonstrating live how to create some basic sounds with their hands. He arranged tablas for the kids to touch, feel and play while he was showing them how to play it.

At closing prayer and sharing, Nikita shared that she was sad, because she didn’t have a chance to play the music director role or the tabla today. What a beautiful thing, that she can feel open enough to share a sad feeling, instead of holding it inside. It was nice to hear her share this. We then talked about how...[drum rolls please]...this is life. We don’t always get to do everything we want. We don’t always get every opportunity that everyone else gets. But then we also discussed how, taking a step back, we should realize how beautiful it is that God has even given us this huge opportunity to be sitting here together on this EKATVA mission - and much much more. We are all truly blessed.