During summer of Golden Year 4 (2007), I had the privilege of visiting the province of Rajasthan in North West India. As with many other states in this well-known spiritual wonderland, most of the inhabitants are vegetarian and many small villages are fully vegetarian. In 2003 during a severe famine, many locals came into direct contact with Master’s unconditional love (refer to News #144 “Trucks Bring Timely Relief to Drought Victims” in the Media Reports section). During the relief work, several aid workers requested initiation and since then have been very active spreading our precious dharma. One of these brothers in Phalodi works as a teacher, farmer and social worker; it is in his district that this story is based. This part of the world is like the Sahara desert; it normally reaches over 50 degrees Celsius (122 degrees Fahrenheit) in summer, and well below zero at night in winter, with very little vegetation and a lack of water. Most of us would consider it hell, but appearances can be deceiving. There is a movie called “Lost Horizon” that Master often refers to, based on the mystical “Shangri-la,” and even sings some of the movie’s catchy tunes. This movie depicts an idealistic life far away from it all, of moderation, kindness and consideration for others, simplicity, living in harmony with nature, and self sufficiency – in other words, Heaven on earth. In Shangri-la people live a long healthy life, void of illness, debt and emotional stress. The villages that I visited were of a similar making. In one village, community members built a school for children in the area where several teachers including the head master are initiated, promising a brighter future for all. Children/teachers walk at least 5km to school under the scorching sun, yet there is something about these people – they are content. They did not perceive the harshness that I saw, and certainly did not want to move to a cooler location! All their needs were met, because they needed little. These villages have been vegetarian for hundreds of years; their culture and beliefs are based on love, respect and sharing. Tradition and gracious living still play an important part of life, and electricity used sparingly, if at all. Radio and TV are almost non-existent and contamination with the modern world limited. Cows and goats are kept for milk and sheep for wool, but unlike our dairies, all animals can graze freely without fencing anywhere in sight for miles around, and mother and baby are not separated. In fact, they seem to really enjoy life, taking a siesta in the shade and very happily walking around without fear of humans and eager to serve. They even know when it’s milking time so return to the village. No animal is killed or sold for food; they live by God’s will with natural population control via the elements. Seasonal crops are also grown using underground bore water then dried and stored for the winter months. The vast majority of their diet is self grown. Excess crops are sold and the money used to supplement their needs. Each community has a guest house made of mud/straw/dung with a thatch roof; only material available in the surrounding area is used. Its purpose is to serve as a resting place for absolutely anyone who happens to walk in, like nomads or foreigners, at no cost. It offers water, a place to sleep and if needed, food. Even the main house does not have dedicated rooms, instead family members sleep wherever they need to. Attachment and possession as we know it does not exist; a much nobler concept of shared ownership is adopted.
By ensuring the village is healthy, the individuals who compose it are also blessed. An elderly man called Baba came to welcome us; he is 85 and fit as a fiddle. He just finished working the fields with his hands, and could sit with the agility of a teen. Other men also showed the same strength, youth and incredibly cheerful spirit. At night time the desert has a subtle romance of Arabian proportions. There is a sweet elixir in the air; the tranquility and isolation impose stillness within that initiates in cities can only dream of. It’s no wonder both Master and Jesus spent considerable time on retreat, in the desert. These humble people are the living embodiment of Master’s
teachings, their dark faces shining bright with infectious smiles
that ignite the entire cosmos. Their integrity and dignity is something
the so-called civilized world can only aspire to achieve. By keeping
a simple and pure life, God has bestowed upon these noble souls the
secret of happy living. The same secret that Master has been sharing
with us for many years – if only we would listen!
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