Perhaps Gandhi was right

Matrimandir at dawn with a bonfire celebrating the 42nd Anniversary of Auroville

I recall that Gandhi said something to the effect that you should be the change that you want to see in the world. - Actually, he said "You must be the change you want to see in the world" - I looked it up rather than ramble based on my aging memory.

Yesterday, I had the opportunity to visit another project in a village near Auroville. In this case, what I saw was the effort of a smallish group of people who are bridging Auroville with the Tamil communities nearby. This one was taking place in the village of EDAIYANCHAVADI.

Here I was introduced to a community healing centre where, amongst other things, some of the women are being introduced to yoga which has allowed them to get off things like medications. They are also learning ways to preserve some of the historical healing methods as well as receive some healing activities like massage.

There is also a centre for the children where there is a playground as well as a renovated Tamil home that serves as the centre. Here children hear stories read in English to help their language developemnt, play and are also offered opportunities to do their homework. This is a very active centre.

Both buildings needed significant renovation. It runs on donations.

One might consider that these are small efforts that are unlikely to impact the larger social issues within Tamil Nadu - you might be right. There are large scale issues here for sure. The Hindu today spoke about research that shows that 53% of children in India have been sexually abused. Changing that level of activity within a national social fabric is quite difficult. But, if you don't start somewhere, how will change occur.

So, on this the 42nd anniversary of Auroville, seeing a small group at work in one village willing to be the change they want to see is an example of how change can occur.

The day finished, as by chance for me, with seeing a mandala being put together in the terrace near next to an Aurovuille coffee shop. It was created by various people just joining in. A meditation was held and then, in accordance with the laws of impermanence, it was then destroyed.

If you want to know more about mandalas, check out http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mandala

During the break up of the meditation, I took a picture that shows the full moon but also a plethora of orbs. These are evidence of a strong spiritual presence. If you think I am crazy, check out the book by in this link:

http://www.acviews.com/kh/theorbproject1.pdf