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Spiritual Food for the New Millennium |
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MAIL ORDER SERVICE OF SATTWIC
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During the past few months the world has witnessed a kind of madness. World leaders have mimicked terrorists in attempting to right their perceived wrongs in this world with violations of international law and senseless acts of violence. The following proposal expresses one way in which one of society's most pressing problems could be handled in a more responsible and humane manner. . |
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MAKING TIME ASHRAM PROJECT (A proposal for a prisoner rehabilitation program based on yoga and sattwic/organic farming practices) Introduction This outline is a proposal for a rehabilitation, or re-education program, for convicts serving time in jail, to be undertaken ideally by a non-profit organization, specifically created for this purpose, in a joint venture with the federal government. Outline of the Project Anchorites, hermits, the early Christians, the Fathers of the Desert, yogis in the Himalayan caves, all have something in common: they are in seclusion, staying away from the world in order to perfect their spiritual practices. Nowadays, Trappist monks and other similar orders follow the same precept. Seclusion is one of the secrets that leads to significant transformation. Research has been done with positive results of the benefits of sensory deprivation. This confirms the effectiveness of pratyahara--the fifth limb in the system of Raja Yoga-- meaning "control of the senses". Many people who look at the situation of individuals paying their debt to society in jails and prisons all over the world, realize that these individuals could in reality benefit from that period of time and be useful members of society if a positive transformation were to take place. Many attempts have been made and are still being made, to effect this process of transformation, even though, in most cases, those responsible for running the lives of these prisoners, do not seem to share this interest. Nevertheless, those members of society who believe not only that it is something that deserves to be tried, but feel it is an obligation of human beings to offer a new opportunity to those who have failed, must continue working in that direction. Therefore this project is another attempt to present an alternative. As we said before, many similar projects have been undertaken. Positive results accomplished by the Human Kindness Foundation under the direction of Bo Lozoff and the Self-Mastery Program conducted by the Himalayan Institute, within prisons that offer the most challenging and unsupportive environment, demonstrate that such work is viable. The elements which distinguish this project from other attempts are, we believe, the key for accomplishing a significant transformation in the selected individuals. As will be explained below, we are talking about creating a totally new environment for this specific project; carefully screening and selecting those who would benefit; and within this specially designed environment, employing the scientific techniques of yoga for inner transformation. Other attempts to rehabilitate prisoners have at times been based on using a certain faith as a model for personal reform. Sometimes the approach has even been interfaith. Every such attempt however has faced political difficulties. Our own experience from the work at the Shanti Yoga Ashram shows the capacity that yoga has for the positive transformation of individuals. Individuals from different faiths and even those who had renounced their faith were able not only to transform their lives but also go back to their faith with a new vision and renewed enthusiasm. Now the difference we find between faith-based approaches we mentioned and our proposal is that yoga can be employed as a scientific method, therefore avoiding the natural tendency of competition between individuals of different faiths. This we see as a first and foremost advantage, since it is very clear that one of the main sources of serious dissension in general and with these projects is the differences amongst religions. Our proposal implies making a pilot program that creates a total environment. This is necessary because the practice of yoga is not simply a series of exercises, as is generally thought, but rather a way of life, that involves every aspect of one's existence. The external environment plays a significant role in the effect that yoga has on the individual, and that is why what we propose is to build or dedicate a completely separate facility for individuals participating in this project. Ideally, this facility should be located in a climate where vegetables can be grown year round, the reason being that the quality and preparation of food have a very important part in the process of personal transformation. Therefore, this facility would be large enough so that the prisoners themselves can grow vegetables, take care of animals to provide milk (which can also be used for making cheese and butter), eggs, and manure for fertilizing the land. The inmates would be carefully screened from amongst volunteers, ideally selected from prisons all over the United States, who have a minimum of ten years left to remain in jail. A panel of experienced individuals will then select from those who volunteer to participate and who would agree to abide by all the regulations and disciplines that will be established, These details will be made known to them at the moment that the invitation is circulated. Their commitment would be to faithfully participate in all the lectures, classes, practices and chores assigned to each one of them. That means, they will be in charge of, as stated, keeping up the farm and preparing the food, as well as cleaning up the prison, and maintaining it in good condition. We think that in this initial pilot project it would be absolutely necessary to include certain individuals (with whom we have contact) from India, who would come and live in the facility as permanent residents. They would be in charge of conducting the lectures, classes, asanas (yoga postures), pranayam (breathing excercises), and meditation, as well as teaching inmates how to prepare food properly. The diet will certainly be Sattvic-vegetarian.* The custodians or guards of the prison must be adequately prepared for this experiment; that means, their attitude towards the prisoners should be devoid of hostility, so that it will contribute to maintaining the right environment. Ample time for training these personnel is an important part of preparing for this pilot program, considering that this prison should be designed specifically for this purpose: to provide a non-violent, supportive, though secure environment which stimulates people to grow beyond a criminal mentality. The daily schedule will be highly regimented, starting very early in the morning with asanas; meditation; breathing exercises; lectures; in the morning, study/working period; lunchtime; study/working period in the afternoon; and in the late afternoon and evening again lectures; breathing exercises; asanas; and meditation. We estimate that a sample of 25-30 individuals would be a convenient size for this pilot program. Some of these individuals at the termination of the experiment could participate in the running of similar projects in different parts of the country. Main Components of the Project The premises could be either, ideally, built specifically for this project, or a military base, monastery, or some similar facility that's no longer in use. It should be able to hold between 25 and 30 prisoners. It would be in a climate where the temperatures allow the growing of vegetables year round; with enough space to have, along with cells for the prisoners and homes for the staff, guards, etc, a "mini farm" with a vegetable garden, animals (cows, horses, chickens) and a processing facility for making cheese, butter, etc. Selection of the prisoners: Some basic guidelines would be individuals who are first offenders, and have been given a sentence of a minimum of 5 to 10 years, who are physically able, know how to read and write, have enough ability to learn and understand and who are willing to volunteer for this program with a full understanding of its responsibilities and benefits. Staff: The main staff instructors will be our associates from India who have experience in teaching yoga, i.e, asanas, hatha yoga, and meditation, and food preparation people with experience in vegetarian cooking in the yogic and Ayurvedic tradition.. Ideally they would live in the prison or outside the prison in a nearby town, where they could commute every day and be with their families, if they bring families with them. Guards in charge of maintaining the security of the prison would be specially trained for the project, possibly to include ex-convicts who have been re-educated with a similar project such that of Mr. Bo Lozoff's community Operations: The prisoners themselves would be responsible for the operation of the prison meaning that crews of about six people, headed by one or more staff persons, would be in charge of farming and taking care of the animals and the orchards, preparation of the food, which includes making the butter and the cheese; maintenance of the facilities (cleaning, janitorial work, painting, repairing, and maintaining the tractors or vehicles); administration, i.e., ordering whatever needs to be bought externally for the functioning of the prison, keeping track of the allotment of funds, and so forth--general administration of the ashram. In the first or initial stage we would probably need farmers to give instruction on the basics of the art of farming, and it may be the same for maintenance, and so forth. Here we need to explain why we consider it best to have inmates with at least ten years' sentence. We believe, based on our experience, using as a model the programs that we work with at the Shanti Yoga Center, the courses Shanti Marga and Shanti Kshatriya, meaning, respectively, "the Path of Peace" and "the Path of the Warrior", we can expect that within five years a significant transformation will have taken place in the selected individuals. And then they will spend the rest of the sentence, another five years, becoming the teachers of other inmates. Of course it is an option that they could be paroled and become employees, but those are details that would have to be worked out as the project develops. Once the project has been designed, the planning stage implemented, and funding--at least for the initial stages-guaranteed, then all the components: the premises, rules and regulations, security guards, staff, and selection of the inmates, could be pursued in a simultaneous way, by people with expertise in these areas. *Diet is of principle importance in yoga. The mind/body connection is now a widely accepted concept: it is very difficult to have a healthy mind without the support of a healthy body. Conventional agriculture-using poisonous chemical fertilizers and pesticides-produces food loaded with toxins, and devoid of the nutrients with which nature endows them. Commercially processed food-mainly white flour and sugar-loads the body with indigestible substances that clog the intestines and dull the mind. Yoga and Ayurveda (the health system of yoga), emphasize that when we eat the flesh of an animal which has had a violent death, we are also consuming its negative energy. Moreover ,ahimsa-nonviolence-is the first step to a life which is in harmony with others and the laws of nature. For all these reasons, a farm environment-with fresh air and all-natural agricultural methods, and fresh, vegetarian (Sattvic) food, would be essential to promote the rehabilitation of the inmates. We would appreciate your comments and suggestions Om Shanti, Vyasa . |
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Buried Treasures Thoughts About Growing Things There is a peacefulness about planting, waking the sleeping earth with hoe or tractor, burying the small treasures that will grow into gifts of life-sustaining beauty and abundance. In the midst of the recent season of war, the season of life could not be deterred. It comes, with its songbirds and seedlings, its blossoms and gentle breezes, reminding us that there is something even more powerful than our 10 ton bombs, even more powerful than greed or long-standing hatreds. It is the force of energy that brings life and it keeps on coming, despite man's foolishness; it keeps on bringing its miracles - a handful of tiny seeds that grow into lush plants bearing enough fruit to feed whole families and communities. Man is forever seeking divine signs and miracles to prove to him that there is "a God." What could be more miraculous than a tomato plant or an apple tree or a peony- one small seed bringing all that dazzling, life-giving treasure. Perhaps it's the witnessing of this miracle over and over again that keeps farmers farming and gardeners gardening, using our God-given energy (in partnership with the Earth) to bring order and renewal into the chaos of life. Here are some other thoughts about the miracle of all kinds of growing things: .
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Headlines from Shanti Yoga Share of Prasad This winter the School of Life CSA had its first ever Winter CSA. This was a feat of organization by Vyasa and Linette Landa, since greens were flown in from as far away as Marian Farms in California! In addition, members received kale, sweet potatoes, and more from Next Step Produce in La Plata, MD. This was a good introduction to the work of farmer Heinz Thomet, who was chosen to become the local CSA farmer (see below). Summer 2002 CSA Members and new friends were very pleased to have access to precious Sattvic Organic food through the spring, leaving just a small break til the Summer CSA. The apples from Hugh Williams' Threshold Farms and squash from Jeff Poppins Long Hungry Creek were as usual, superb and this year we were able to buy the entire crop of oranges from John Krohn of Ladybug Oak Grove, something we have been wanting to do for a long time. Kimberton Hills-La Plata CSA Years ago when the CSA was first started with Tim and Fabienne Rapsey in Kimberton Hills, it was with the understanding that eventually the Bethesda group would find a farmer closer by. The intention was not to change however until enough shares were found to replace those that would leave Kimberton. 2003 was the transition year, and it has happened that Bethesda is now being served from two CSA farms-Kimberton Hills and Heinz Thomet's Next Step Produce, in La Plata Maryland. The new farm's pick-up is on Wednesdays, the other is still on Saturdays. Although there are less shares this year than anticipated, the volunteer spirit in members seems to be stronger. And opinion on the new food is unanimous- it is not only delicious but is especially beautiful looking. Global Coalition for Peace Gets Off the Ground Since 9-11, the School of Life's karma yoga (selfless service) activities have been mainly centered on peace work. Our membership at this time has grown to over 70 individuals and 16 partner groups, including organizations in India, Moscow and the Gambia. Much individual effort has been spent to make GCFP a real force for peace. Linette Landa (Lakshmi) acquired virtually by herself non-profit status for the organization; and GCFP's indefatigable manager, Rose Lord (Mirabai), put so much work into making the website a valuable source of information that the Library of Congress archived it! She is also Vyasa's major collaborator in developing programs. And of course, Vyasa, the founder and director, creates all the projects. He considers women's role pivotal in bringing about world peace, and to this end has created projects for women, including the Mother to Mother for Peace and Nonviolence Program, which you can read about on the website. Much group effort has also been made-GCFP members attended every major march or rally for peace, including two in New York and five in D.C., prominently sporting two beautiful blue and gold banners, designed and made by West Penn Sign Corp., owned and run by Frank Valley, bearing the message of Ahimsa-non-violence-- and a call for women peacemakers to unite. (A picture of these banners made the front page of the New York Times.) In all these events GCFP sought to provide a peaceful, spiritual presence. Music was an important way to reach people and to keep us united; we all played instruments, but were led by Ganesh (Richard Miller) and Carlos Arrien, who provided our chorus "Give Peace A Chance". Now that the war is over, GCFP will change its emphasis to supporting projects conducive to world peace. For information about GCFP's mission and activities, and to join, please visit the website at www.globalcoalitionforpeace.org,. 1 Year Anniversary for Newest Ashramite This summer, Ganesh-formerly known as Richard Miller-completed one year at the ashram. While he still makes his living outside, he has been able to change his work routine significantly to spend as much time within the community as possible. May God bless him on his spiritual path. School of Life Membership Changes The School of Life has reorganized its membership format. New members spend one year as neophytes, participating in all group activities, but not taking on any commitments to the School. Once this period is completed, members are eligible to become Aspirants; if the requirements for this level are completed, they may move on to become Helpers. The new neophytes are Edgar Asebey, Eszter Szabo and Ann Dowling. Mirabai (Rose Lord), Ganesh, and Shia Pinkney recently attained the Helper's degree. This represents a real step along the path and is a cause for great joy in the community. Shanti Kshatriya Class Shanti Kshatriya means Warrior of Peace. It is the class Helpers are eligible for after completing Shanti Marga (the Road to Peace.) The motto for the class-"A soldier learns to kill, a warrior learns to die", certainly takes on an added significance in war times, when the philosophy of ahimsa is pitted against the option of violence. As Gandhi said, nonviolence is incompatible with cowardice. May everyone develop the internal strength needed to practice nonviolence in their daily lives. Ahimsa Class Vyasa is teaching a new class, Ahimsa, where students develop external strength through balancing postures, and internal strength by learning Gandhi's philosophy of non-violence, ahimsa. It is a wonderful opportunity to calm the body and the heart. Worldwide Sequential Meditation for Peace Given the tremendous amount of negative energy in the world from the war developments, and given the proven effectiveness of group meditation-especially in large numbers-- on reducing manifestations of violence, one of GCFP's first projects was the Sequential Meditation for World Peace. Since its inception, participants have meditated at 6 p.m. every Saturday in whatever time zone they are in. The ideal is eventually to have someone meditating for peace in every time zone in the world-"to embrace the world in a mantle of love", as Vyasa described it. Recently, the ashram was very fortunate to become friends with Dr. Gyanendra Mahapatra (affectionately known as Maha), a meditation teacher from India with 25 years experience. Maha has trained thousands of people to meditate for world peace; for years, he worked with a group of 8000 meditators who meditated twice a day. Now he is offering his services for the Sequential Meditation project, training interested people who are willing to commit to private meditation twice daily and to group meditations once a month. He will also travel anywhere there is a group of 25 or more inter-ested people. So far more than 70 people have received the training, which is offered at no charge. Children's Yoga Shanti Yoga now offers a class for children 3-6 years old. These little yogis learn deep breathing, relaxation, and have a lot of fun with the asanas! The older children's class is going strong, with a core group of five to six children who have now completed four sessions. This class emphasizes work with the yamas and niyamas-the ethical practices of yoga-as well as learning a classical yoga routine. Non-violent Stories for Children Mirabai and Saraswati (or Jennifer Moulden) are collaborating to write and illustrate (respectively) non-violent stories for children. The stories are delightful reading and viewing for grownups as well as children, and emphasize themes such as honesty, trust and working together. We are all looking forward to a collection! What I've Learned About Food and Peace Another development in the book department is that Mirabai/Rose Lord's book What I've Learned About Food and Peace has been picked up by two major distributors-Amazon and the Fellowship of Reconciliation. Congratulations! You can also visit the book's website at www.foodandpeace.com to find out more about the book and to order it for yourself and friends. Spiritual Motherhood Classes Expanding As mentioned last issue, Lakshmi (Linette) has been able to devote more time to developing the spiritual motherhood program. Childbirth education classes-known nationwide as HypnoBirthing-- are now being offered. HypnoBirthing is a technique which works with the whole birthing family to make birthing a peaceful and positive experience, especially for the baby! As the literature says, this technique "returns birthing to the beautiful, peaceful experience nature intended." Prenatal classes are now being offered in two locations-at Gymbugs, a very family oriented center for children, and the Maternity Center. In addition, there is a Mommy and Me class for mothers to do yoga with their young children. And in the works are Ayurveda classes for mothers and a preconception seminar for couples. Winter Camp For winter camp 2002 the Shanti Yogis returned to "the Shanty" at Jane's Island. Again we observed a mono-diet of rice pudding, taking turns by twos to prepare for the group. Daily regimen at the camps includes sunrise and sunset agni hotra (Vedic fire ritual), morning prayers, morning and evening yoga, spiritual study (in this case the Bhagavad Gita), and evening satsang (meditation, prayers and chanting). The special treat this year was to practice a brand new yoga routine by Vyasa, which is both meditative and intense. The School of Life took on its New Year's resolutions, and we each had the opportunity to review and refresh our practice with Vyasa. The camps are truly a wonderful chance to go within, and to come together as a community. |
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USDA CHOOSES INDUSTRY OVER CHILDREN IN SCHOOL LUNCH DECISION Despite thousands of comments to the federal government from parents, teachers and children nationwide opposing irradiated meat in the National School Lunch Program, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) ignored the will of its constituents and approved the use of irradiation for the federal nutrition program on May 29, 2003. By offering schools the option of purchasing irradiated meat for school lunches, which feed 27 million children each year, the USDA could become the largest distributor of irradiated food in the world. USDA's press release on irradiated foods in the school lunch program can be found at http://mailhost.groundspring.org/cgi-bin/t.pl?id=16866:569738. However, all is not lost! Here are several positive indications that can influence this process:
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Editor's Journal ap-a-thy - 1.lack of emotion 2.lack of interest; indifference There was a moment on January 15th, 2003 when it looked as though we might have struck gold. Millions of people all over the world were in the streets saying, "NO" to war, demanding a better way of resolving the world's differences. The people were making their voices heard in a manner unequaled in the history of mankind. The magnitude of the movement was incredible. So many people putting their hearts and souls into creating peace. It couldn't fail. But the war happened anyway, taking its toll in human life, in precious resources, and in truth; washing away our golden hopes like so many worthless nuggets. Sometimes, as a kind of self-preservation process, we find it necessary to shut down our emotions; to, at least temporarily, deny that they exist. The outward symptoms of this internal process are an apparent lack of interest or indifference. This apathy syndrome seems to currently be infecting many people who hoped for, prayed for and worked for the avoidance of war and the beginning of a new era of nonviolent solutions to humanity's problems. Who can blame people for wanting to put war out of their minds and focus on their own peace, their own lives, their own families? Who can blame them for abandoning this seemingly false vein of hope. But, if we dig a little deeper, we find that not everyone has been infected by the apathy bug. There is a very strong core of people who will never give up the struggle to create a world based on respect, understanding and compassion. Those people can be found working just as diligently as before the war, in organizations like Code Pink, MoveOn.Org, Mothers Acting Up and a host of others. And we have the old stand-bys like the Fellowship of Reconciliation and American Friends Service Committee as shining examples of unwavering determination to make a better world for all of us. Do they know something that the rest of us don't? Maybe we should follow them, throw off this apathy bug and see whether they can lead us all to that mother lode of PEACE. Rose (Mirabai) Lord . |
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Spiritual Food for the New Millennium |
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4217 East-West Highway,
Bethesda, MD 20814 |
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