WYSIWYG

What You See Is What You Get. This is a journal blog, an explore-blog, a bit of this and that blog. Sharing where the mood takes me. Perhaps it will take you too.

Menoculayshunal; Getting Going

All students arrived at the ashram by August 29th with a view to starting studies a week later. In that first week, there was quite a bit to organise to get us going. We were all measured up for our 'सफ़ेद कपड़े' (safed kapade - white clothes); we were all gifted our foodware - one गिलास (gilass - tumbler), one थाली (thaalii - plate), one चम्मच (chammach - spoon); we had various texts required to start courses - particularly for Sanskrit; there was paper work to sort. 

For those of us who had travelled from overseas (and a fair number of NRI [non-resident Indians] attended), it was necessary to report to the Police Commissioner's "Special Branch Office" to have our visas and passports validated. It was a day out.



That unlikely looking back street entrance in central Mumbai housed a warren of bureaucratic happening. We first had to wait behind this barrier. Then we were called upstairs to a passageway with chairs and another lengthy wait. Then through security to enter the interview waiting area. then eventually into the interview spots themselves, where everything was vetted closely, photocopied, stamped at least three times and questions asked and then asked a different way. 

All this because India has a significant influx of illegal immigrants. ...

Back at Sandeepany, we were encouraged to take all the meals on offer, but the evening meal was not compulsory for those of us considered 'elders'. The food was simple and subtle and, to start with, I took all that was on offer. It was important to acknowledge that the food was provided as 'bhiksha' - alms - by wealthy patrons seeking to provide for those who follow the spiritual path. Food was also one of the spiritual challenges, as will be described in later posts.

Other than that, the first week was spent familiarising oneself with the grounds and buildings and enjoying the tranquillity provided, despite all the noise and activity on the other side of the boundary. Tomorrow, you will find quite a few photos from the ashram surrounds, but here's a couple to whet your interest.




11 comments:

  1. We are impressed with how clean everything looks. We look forward to hearing more.

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  2. Now you got me wondering about the food.
    Coffee is on and stay safe

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  3. Lovely anecdote. Looking forward to the subsequent parts.

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  4. Residency paperwork can be incredibly daunti g without someone to get you at least as far as the starting gste armed with the right paperwork. In all bar one of the countries where ive been through it, the queue alone says much about the perceived status of the applicant (not worth putting on extra staff to handle, come back tomorrow) xxx F

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  5. that is interesting to read... that paperworks can be sneaky , we agree ;O)

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  6. I guess an encounter with India's legendary bureaucracy is an essential part of any stay in India.
    You should hear the stories my colleagues came back with after they'd been seconded to work in an Indian owned oil company in Delhi for six months... Fill in multiple forms that passed up and down three levels of management before they were allowed to request information from a colleague sitting next to them..
    Cheers! Gail.

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  7. that next to the last photo is beautiful, i love the architecture. and when I saw this 'सफ़ेद कपड़े I thought how beautiful. it looks like a piece of art, just the word.. i would not do well with eating the donated foods, i am very picky about what i eat..

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  8. I agree with Sandra that next to last photo is so peaceful and would offer one lots of good places to meditate.
    Hugs cecilia

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  9. This is very interesting and we can't wait to learn more about this part of your life.

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  10. I have heard about the Indian bureaucracy. Greater Vancouver is multi-ethnic with about 18% of the population being South and South East Asian. Working for a technology firm our percentage was about 30%. About half were immigrants. We had an office in India and stories about travel and working there (around bureaucracy) were incredible!
    I am enjoying hearing about your experiences. I've know a few who have spent time in ashrams and everyone's is similar, but different. I am so looking forward to hearing more. Thanks for stopping by and I hope you have a marvellously happy day!

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  11. Hi Yam - it must have been a mind-opening experience ... so interesting that you're sharing with us. I'm looking forward to seeing and reading more - thank you ... Hilary

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