100 rupees

AHEMDABAD, GUJARAT - I'm going back a few weeks...
We spent the last few days in Ahmedabad helping out (aka hanging out) at Seva Cafe, the new phenomenon to hit Ahemdabad. For a descriptionof the place, visit another blog (sameersampat.blogspot.com, nipun.charityfocus.org, or archanapatel.blogspot.com).

There was an informal meeting there, with Nipun and some of the guys and gals from Yuva Ahmedabad. Nipun, being his usual self, was sharingis stories and views on service, and really inspiring these folks. Afterwards, they all stayed at the cafe and had dinner. As they were leaving, one of the young women from Yuva placed 400 rupees in to Nipun's pocket. After explaining to her that donations to Seva Cafe gointo the blank envelope... she said that the 400 rupees was for him, for him to do something nice and to serve others on her behalf. After being taken aback for a moment, Nipun saw the sincerity in her offer and connectivity of it all, said "Thank you" and accepted it.

A few Minutes later, Sameer, Arch, and I were sitting with Nipun at a table at the cafe. He told us what just happenned... and said he's going to spread the "spirit of service" and give each of us 100 rupees (Rupal Soni getting the other 100 rupees). We decided that we'd use the 100 rupees during the following day, and then come back and share our stories. Nipun would then share these stories wit the young woman that first extended her hand, and sparked this.

So, I woke up that Sunday morning, and had my day mentally planned out. First, we would go to Swadhyay. Next, I would get some lunch. Then, I would do some work that I wanted to get done on the internet (putting up photos, planning out our next step, etc.). And, finaly, Iwould roam around and figure out how to use the 100 rps.

After getting off the computer, I started to roam the streets of Ahmedabad. First, I realized the pressure I was feeling. This wasn't just any 100 rps... but this was 100 rps that had a spirit of service behind it, and the faith that it would be used for a good cause. Second, I realized that it's a completely uncomfortable feeling to try to "look for" an act of kindness. Carrying around the 100 rps, I felt that I was looking for someone that was less fortunate that I could help. That was definitely not the feeling I was looking for. Things just didn't feel right, and I was getting tired. I was trying to think of a creative way to spend the money, but the only thing I could think of was finding some street kids, getting them some food, and eating with them. I was thinking too much... if the right moment were to arise, then it would come about naturally. I headed back to the flat (we lived with Dharmesh and Anup... thanks guys), and went to take a nap. To my surprise, Dharmesh, who usually does Indicorps work 24 hours/day was also preparing to take a nap. We talked for a good 30-45 minutes, and I shared the 100 rps story, and went to sleep.

After waking up, it was now around 5 PM.... I sat in silence for awhile, and just tried to clear my head. At this moment, I thought of how my sister told me to go meet Upen. Upen lives in the "tekra" (slum area) near Manav Sadna, and has been a "Manav Sadna kid" for some years now. When my sister was out here working with MS and Indicorps, she grew really close to Upen and their family... and up to this point, I hadn't met them.

So, I got out of the apartment, and walked to the "tekra"... I had never been there alone, although it's not really that big of a deal. When I got there, I met Kiran, another Manav Sadna youth. He said he was heading to MS where he was going to meet some of the other kids, and then they were going for some cultural show rehearsal that they were performing at on the following day. First, he had to go back to his house and wait for his brother... so, I joined him. I asked him if he knew Upen and where he would be. He's like, "You mean Upendra? You know him, too... we've been doing garba together, and he's been helping ut at the cafe, as well." Aa-hah... I did know Upendra, but just never quite made the Upen - Upendra connection. So, I headed over to MS.

All the youths were a little scattered and on edge as they were late to the rehearsal... I decided to go with them. I love dance, and was definitely interested in waching their rehearsal. For a moment, a thought crept in, "but what about finding how to use the 100 rps?" but I was able to dismiss it. I ended up walking part of the way with Upen and Kamlesh, and then taking a rikshaw with them. I told Upen that Ami Kanani was my sister, and he got all excited! He invited me over to his house, and said his parents would love to meet me, etc. It felt good to see the incredible impression that my sister left.

After watching the rehearsal for a while (around 8:30 pm), I decided that I would go back to Seva Cafe and give back my 100 rps to Nipun. I didn't want to force anything. As I was walking in the direction of the cafe, I saw a 8-9 year old girl carrying a baby, begging for money. She appoached me, and I asked, if what she wanted... she could have anything... toys, candy, ice cream, food, etc...... and she said that she wanted food. Soon, streetkids from all over started coming over as they saw me talking to this girl. I asked them all if they wanted to join me for dinner? And, they said "yes".... I asked them where the nearest place was that we could get food from.... and they said "down the street"... so I told them to join me. They asked me to bring the food to the street corner instead, since the restaurant owners don't react to well when the "beggar kids" come into the restaurant. So, I said "okay.. I'll come back, you all wait here..."

I walk down the street, and finally (after about a 15 minute walk) find a "vadaa-pau waalaa". First I ask him how his sandwiches are, etc. He's wondering if I'm going to buy one or not, probably. Then, I ask him for 20! He was a little surprised... and asked me why I wanted 20, so I told him the whole story about the 100 rupees. He gave me a "ketchup" squeeze-bottle, and asked me to bring it back to him.

I get all this food, and a few bottles of water, and head back over to the street corner. I look around, and none of the kids are in sight! For a minute... I'm stnading there with these two bags of food and water, and I'm wondering to myself, "Oh man.. what am I going to do now..." Just then, I see the the first girl and the baby walking towards me, and then ssoon all the other kids are walking toward the street corner as well.

It ended up being 9 kids, and a mother. Perfect, 10 people, two sandwiches for each of them. As I pass out the sandwiches, I make sure they tell me their names first... The mother thanks me and tells me that God will bless me for serving the poor. At this point, I tell her that I'm doing nothing at all! I told them that the money I used to buy the food wasn't even mine, and I told them the story of where the 400 rupees came from. They were a little confused, but appreciative. I told them that I was glad that I just had the opportunity to sit and talk with them. And I told them that I wanted to have some fun... soon, we were singing garbos. We talked about all kinds of things... what they like to do for fun, why they can't go to school, how the "begging business" works (the kids usually have a target for the day that they have to bring back to their parents, auntie, uncle.. whoever is caring for them). We weren't that far from Manav Sadna, so I told them about it and that they should go check it out. One of the older boys (around 12-13) said that he's been there before, and that he makes more money on the street than they give to the "card-makers". Whatever we talked about, he seemed to have a pretty pessimistic attitude. But, I felt a bit of a connection there.

There was this one little girl, Pinky, who completely scarfed down her first sandwich... I was trying to tell her to enjoy it and eat it slower. When everyone finished their first sandwich, I started passing around the second sandwiches. The first one, I gave to Pinky. As I saw her tear open the wrapper.. I stopped her, and said that I was going to give each sandwich to her... and she would pass them out to each of the kids there. After she was done passing out the sandwiches, she wrapped hers back up. I asked her why she was wrapping it up. She said that she was going to take it to her sister. Maybe... the feeling of service was passed on?

As we sat there, I explained to them that I was just a middle person, and that each one should promise me that they'll do an act of service the next day. The 12-13 year old boy replied, "But we are poor, what can we do?" I asked him if he had intellect, he said yes. Then I said, well, then I think you'll be able to figure something out. After a minute or so, he talked about a way that he could help his mom the next day, and asked if that counts..... of course!

Finally, it was time for me to leave... I wanted to get to Seva Cafe before it was too late, and everyone left... but I still had that ketchup squeeze-bottle that I had to deliver back. I looked at the kids, and told them that the ketchup bottle had to go back to the vendor, and asked if anyone would deliver it for me. They all looked at each other, and then at me. They didn't want to do it. They talked about how they still had to beg for money as they hadn't met the quota for the day, and that it was getting late, etc. Making all kinds of excuses. I told them that one person's good deed would be done if they could take it back. Still, no takers. Then, I said I was just going to leave it there, and that I trusted them that they would return it.

As I left, I saw the 12-13 year old boy pick it up... but I'm not sure what he did with it. The next day, I went back to the vendor, and immediately, he asked me, "Where's my bottle?" No one had brought it back... so, I paid him for his lost bottle.

Maybe, the kids didn't have time on that night... and would bring it back the next night?

As forced and generic as the "act of kindness" was... when I was actually in the moment, it felt right. Once the connection with the other human beings begins... all thoughts and hesitations seem to fall away. Ideally, these "acts of kindness" just come natural and are a part of me.... but, for now, they don't seem like they are.... soo... what's the right path? To "force" them until they become more natural and habitual? Or to just wait until the moment is ripe and when it just feels "right"?

Being in Ahmedabad, surounded by Indicorps folks; Manav Sadna folks; friends like Nipun, Arch, etc.; Yuva Ahmedabad folks..... it's a good feeling to be surrounded by such positive vibes... where the spirit of service is contagious.

And we're off... (I think)

AHMEDABAD, GUJARAT - So, we've been here for a while now. We've really found a comfort zone... hanging out with all the NRI's, getting inspired by all sorts of people -- Nipun and Guri, Akanksha people, MS kids, other NRI's, Indicorps staff, Jayeshbhai/Anarbhen, Bharat Uncle, NRI Vidhyarthees that are on break that we met, Buch Ma and Dada, Swadhyay Uncle- KantiKaka, etc. We did come to India to get inspired, but, we didn't come to India to find a comfort zone.. I could just stay in Ahmedabad, do some work, and be happy... but, we've came here to really push our limits, mentally and, partly, physically, as well. Nipun really reminded us of this when we first saw and talked to him at MS. We're still not pushing TOO hard... the travels that we went on, at first... was a mental challenge.. but after a while, we found a comfort zone. Now, we should try to push ourselves a little more. We're headed to Saurashtra to visit some Swadhyay ghams tomorrow (if we can get the train ticket!). It's not a big push... the trip is planned... we have some contacts... we're not going completely into the 'unknown'... but, it's making sure that we don't get too comfortable. This first portion of our trip.... there are certain things that we want to learn about, explore, and experience.. and we're going to continue to do that.

So, the plan... is to train to Veraval... and contact a couple of Mit and Arpit's contacts down there. Arpit and the other other NRI Vidhyarthees just came from there, and Arpit told them that he's giving their contact info to a couple of Mitul's close friends who may be coming soon.... sooo, I think they're expecting us.

Being involved with Swadhyay since I was about 5 years old... we've always heard, "To see real Swadhyay kaam, you have to go to the ghaams..."... sooo, here we go.

Kanti Kaka

AHMEDABAD, GUJARAT - Ami and Swati Buch's grandparents... Bhalendu Uncle's parents... commonly known as "Ma and Dada" are here in Ahmedabad. So, Sampat and I took out some time to go visit them.... it's always good to see familiar faces... especially faces that you've been seeing since you were reallly young!

We called Ma at around 4 pm, and she said that they were leaving for Vidhyanagar at around 6 pm... so, if we wanted to come, to come right then. We were off.. and got to their place around 4:20 pm. Chit-chatting, drinking sherbert, eating snacks... we told them how we want to go to Saurashtra and visit Swadhyay ghams. As soon as the word "Swadhyaya" came up... they thought of this "Uncle" named Kanti Kaka who lived about 15-20 minutes away.

They called him and told him that there are two youth here who's grown up with Swadhyay, and want to know more, etc, so would he talk to them and give them advice on how to possibly go to Saurashtra, etc. Kanti Uncle didn't ask to talk to us... instead, he said he'd come over, right then. Ma told him that they'll be leaving in about 20-30 minutes... but, he had no problem... he wanted to meet us and talk to us.

Already, this man seemed to be doing everything out of real devotion. The CATCH is... he has a disability in both his legs! He walks on crutches.. and even struggles to do this. Yet, he still jumped on his scooter to come see us. At first, we asked him practical, logistical questions on what gham we could visit, who we should contact, etc. His responses were just so genuine and pure, it was awesome. He replied, "Oh, if my legs were good, I would come with you, and take you right now!"

Eventually, we started talking about Swadhyay, God, self-development.. everything. Ma and Dada's ride didn't come for another hour... soo, we talked with Kanti Uncle for an hour. We asked him about some of the questions we've had recently. For example, "It seems like people are starting to separate "Swadhyayees" and "non-Swadhyayees"... what do you think?" And his genuine reply, "A Swadhyayee is anyone who has contentment on his face, anyone who is striving to live a good life and towards self-development. Some people that come to kendra every Sunday, they are not Swadhyayees. It is liking dipping a container into the Ganga... it's only going to get filled with water if the lid is off. Many people come to kendra with the lid on and don't get anything out of it." He also stressed not to look around you and judge other people... he said look at the faults in yourself and try to improve them, but, in others... look at their qualities and see how you can develop them. In the end, Swadhyay is for your own self-development, if you let others affect you negatively, then you are the only one that loses. We continued to talk about seeking God... in which, he responded, "Many people seek God... but never find him. Instead, live your life such that God will SEEK you."

Powerful stuff. It reminded me about the strenghth that lies within the "vichaar" (thoughts) that I've grown up with. We went to Swadhyay again today, and are headed out to the Swadhyay ghams, tomorrow. We're going to try to be as honest as we can be with the people we meet about our questions and concerns... at least once we have formed a relationship with them. I think the greatest "teacher" is going to be just seeing and experiencing the work in action.

9 nights.

AHMEDABAD, GUJARAT -

Night 1 - Rajpath Club Garba. After a waiting 4 hours in the middle of the night at a train station, and then a 15 hour train ride, we arrived in Ahmedabad at Jay and Neil's Ba's place at 8 pm. We found out that no one really does garba on the first night.... do you think that stopped us? I came to Gujarat to GARBA! (The garba was hi-fi, everyone does it in their own circles, and if you're not with a bunch of your friends.... not that much fun. But cool to see all the CRAZY costumes, and their styles, and their talent)

Night 2 - Nova Village Club Garba. This time... we rolled deep. Random NRI's, Indicorps, Manav Sadna, Yuva Ahmedabad, relatives, friends.... we are rolled out together. I don't think we've ever even rolled this deep in the Bay, or at UCLA.... (well, it was close)

Night 3 - Society Garba. We wanted to check out a different scene, so we went with Bharat Uncle (Jay's family friend) to his society garba... it was me, Jay, Rishi (Viral Parkekh's cousin, Cal alum), Mans Shah, and Sampat.... this place was tight! They actually did it in one circle, like we do in the States, and the music was awesome! If we weren't all tired from the night before, and we didn't have a little mishap (mans shah 'lost' some stuff), it would've been even more fun!

Night 4 - CEPT College Garba. NRI's up the waaaazooo. We rolled with about 15-20 NRI's, and it was like Swadhyay camp... everyone meeting each other, finding out what they're doing out here, etc.. It's pretty amazing to see all these young NRI's doing all sorts of things.... Indicorps, service work, pilgrimmages, "self-disovery", travelling... etc. The garba was a little strange... EVERYONE did ONE step the ENTIRE time (4 hours)

Night 5 - NID College Garba. This was awesome... I did so much garba! It was only me, Mans Shah, Karthik, and Jay (Sampat took the night off).... huge garba, lots of people, very colorful, everyone doing it in one big circle but doing whatever step they want (like our garbas), lot of young good-looking people... and the music was goood and got prealllly fast!

Night 6 - Sugadh Indicorps/Manav Sadna Garba. This was the "garba slumber party". Some of the Indicorps and MS peeps made dinner for everyone, then we garbaed till the wee hours (3 am), and then we all spent the night in Sugadh! Sugah is where Indicorps has its office.. about 30 minutes from Ahemdabad. Lot of the MS kids stayed up all night playing Antakshari (Choks, these kids were goood.. they would took you to school...), and then lot of peeps played ultimate at 6:30 am!

Night 7 - NID Garba. So good, I had to go again, this time with Sampat and more people. Everyone was a little tired, but I held my own!

Night 8 - Manav Sadna. We were going to go to the Tekra (slum area that MS works in) and check out their "garba" scene... but we got to MS, and there was so much work that needed to be done for Seva Cafe (I'll write about that later), so we just stayed there. We did garba for a while at Manav Sadna... they have garba for the ashram kids. Pretty sweet.. I did the Dhoom step with them. We met Nipun on this day... and have done a lot of conversing with him since then.

Night 9 - No garba! Oh my, my goal was to do 9 nights in a row... but after spending the day until 5 pm, in silence and introspection, I then went to do a little work at Seva Cafe as the opening day was the next day!


Overall... the ACTUAL garbas... I think I like ones in the U.S. better. But, out here... it's just incredible because garba is EVERYWHERE! You're in the streets, and all the girls are ready to go in their chanya cholis, and all the guys are ready to impress the girls.... you hear the music at every street corner... and just to imagine, that this entire state is just caught up in this euphoria for 9 days.... it's just awesome! The ultimate party... the natural high... it's intoxicating...

Earthquake...

AHEMDABAD, GUJARAT - Many of you have probably heard about the massive earthquake that struck near the Pakistan-India Line of Control a couple days ago. We didn't feel the earthquake in Ahemdabad, and we haven't felt any aftershocks, either.

It is scary to think that we were just in that area about two weeks ago. We made a contact up there in Srinagar, and will probably call him soon, and see what the situation is like, and make sure that his family is okay. Maybe we end up going up there to do some relief work... we'll see what the situation is like, and what our plans are.

Swadhyaya

AHEMDABAD, GUJARAT - So, we went to Swadhyay out here in Ahemdabad. Hopefully, once we settle down into one place out here, we can get back into the swing of things with Swadhyay, and get involved. We talked to Rajeshbhai (Yatin Uncle's brother) and are trying to set-up some visits to Swadhyaya ghams out in the Saurashtra area. Hopefully, we can spend some time out there... the only thing I'm wondering about... is what would we do there? I'd like to spend a few days to a week in each gham, so we can really get a good feel for what it's like... and the effects of the Swadhyaya thoughts on that area. But, hopefully, we're not just sitting around all day, and can do something. If anyone has done prayog darshan like this, and have went to the ghams... what is it like? any advice?

For the first time in a few years, I heard the Gujarati "Dukha Harathaa" Aarti... the "Swadhyaya" Aarti. I love it. Even after ot having done it in 2-3 years, probably, I still know it all... and know it better than I know any other Aarti. It just reminded me how much a part of me and my life, Swadhyay has been. It was an awesome feeling singing it again.

There are still some questions and hesitations that I have about Swadhyaya, and the events over the last couple years. But I'm trying to take an independent view at it, and then see if, at some point, I can actually start putting some of my thoughts and words into actions.

NRI invasion in Ahemdabad!

So, we're garba-ing it up in Ahemdabad... and the craziest part... is, most of the time, I forget that I'm in India, as we have been surrounded by NRI's -- the Indicorps crew which is really cool.. Dharmesh, Yatin, Rupal, Shivana, Anjali, Rashmi, Laxmi... and friends doing independent things... Mansi Shah, Jay, Arch (Indicorps), Rishi... and we seem to add more to the crew daily. We also have made some local friends though "Yuva Ahemdabad" -- this new volunteer organization that consists of college students across Ahemdabad.

The "society" garba was cool... they actually did it in big circles and the music was getting better and better as the night went on. We were dead tired though, and left at 12:30... right when it was really starting to get good. The huge "club" garbas is where all the "hip" youngsters go... but, so far, from what we've seen... they're not as fun, as everyone is separate in their own little friend circles during garba... and they don't do raas at all... and some of the people, even girls, are wearing Western clothes... and you have to pay to get in these... All this being said... we're going to another "club" garba, tonight.

Islam and "Hinduism" (Indian spirituality)

GURGAON, near DELHI - We stayed with Jay... Neil's brother... in Gurgaon for 3 nights. Most of the time was spent listening to Sampat and Jay go back-n-forth arguing their viewpoints on Islam, Hinduism... the origin of the Taj Mahal (http://www.bbc.co.uk/dna/h2g2/alabaster/A5220) ... etc. (see sameer's blog for the nature of these "discussions"). The greatest moment was when both of them sat with laptops, and both were looking for information on the internet to disprove the other. I added in my two cents every-now-and-then... but, usually, just stayed quiet. I'm still developing my thoughts on the topic, and don't have ENOUGH information to back up my arguments...

My PERSONAL thoughts right now - the great enlightened saints of India have usually came to the conclusion that all religions have the ability to lead one to God. And, I believe this. I am not a huge fan of "organized religion" and do not believe that it is the "end-all, be-all". To me, it is a spiritual step that may be needed by some people, maybe by most people... but at some point, one must transcend "organized" religion and individualize this "spirituality" and make it much more personal than "organized" religion. This doesn't mean that they reject the religion, but they realize the separateness of the "organization" and "spirituality". In this respect, I believe all the organized religions can be this stepping stone... as they develop selflessness, devotion, connects them with a bigger Purpose, etc. Also, for this purpose, I believe that many of the great spiritual minds, including the Dalai Lama and Gandhiji, are against converting to another religion... unless it is COMPLETELY thought out and reasoned!

This brings me to my view on "Hinduism". The word "Hindu" was not created by Indians, but was created by others for those Indians that lived next to the Sind River. "Hinduism" does not have one main prophet, it doesn't have one scripture that everyone MUST follow. So, for me, to call "Hinduism" a religion, is a misnomer. I like using the term "Indian spirituality" or "Sanskruti"... and to me, what this represents is an EVOLUTION of thought that has taken place in this great land. Spirituality and life are one... they aren't compartmentalized... according to our "Sanskruti" and practices for thousands of years, religion and way-of-life are not separate, but are One. None of the scriptures were written all at once... but were written over a period of time. To me, all these thoughts lead to a tolerance of all relgions and all practices. Everyone is on this path to God, but not everyone can take the same path. Everyone's nature is different, and everyone is on different spiritual levels as well (based on their karma). From the little I know about Islam, I do not believe that everything in their religion is true... but I do see how that religion can lead someone closer to the Goal. I don't see all Indian practices as true, either... but, again, they are just steps. The goal isn't just to get to heaven... but the goal is for perfection... the realization that the ATMA (individual soul) and BRAHMA (universal God) are one and the same. And this may take many lives.. or it may take one life... but we are all on this same path... no matter what creed.

This is my view of Islam... and my understanding of Indian spirituality ("Hinduism"), and I would love to see what others think. The main underlying fact is that this is all just "reasoning" and "rational thinking"... until it is REALLY experienced. Reasoning only goes so far...