Here at Amritapuri Ashram, Seva(selfless service) is an integral part of the spiritual practice of residents and visitors alike. When we work for others without expectation we reap the wealth of a peaceful mind and an open heart. Beyond that, when we participate in the daily upkeep of the Ashram we are in fact helping to maintain the headquarters of one of the most effective and far-reaching humanitarian organizations in India, and thereby bringing the light of love and compassion to the world.
During our visit, we are invited to contribute two hours of Seva daily. I am have been taking breakfast to a Spanish woman who is recovering here in the Ashram clinic. I haven't yet been able to converse with her, because she is perpetually meditating. My other Seva is physically demanding. I sweep, mop the floors, clean counters, and wash dishes in the western canteen.
The time flies though. I work with a Danish girl (Bodil) and an older Irish woman ( Morna). I am subjected to stories of their travels and advice about India--it is lovely. By the time my I am done, I am fully drenched in sweat. It feels good though. I am also randomly asked to help here and there, which I really enjoy.
Yesterday I helped 10 Indian woman carry books up and down the stairs of the Kali Temple. We were arranged in an assembly line, and each time I would hand a book over to Mangalum(the woman next to me), she would ask me a question, and then she would relay my reply to the next women in the line, and she would tell it to the next. So there was this little gossip chain weaving its way up the steps of the Kali temple. I laughed a lot.
Being that it is an average of 90 degrees here and only getting hotter, I go to the pool for an hour in the mornings. At first I thought I would be able to swim in the ocean, but it is extremely rough and dangerous here, so swimming is prohibited. The pool is blissful and the water is clear, unlike the rusty discolored water I use to wash my laundry and shower in. The sidewalk is lined with burgeoning hibiscus, overwhelming the pool side and suffering the impetuous wind which is my saving grace from the hot sun. My western-style bathing suit is of no use to me here, instead, women wear swim dresses; a sort of full body suit that is brightly patterned and fills with air when you enter the water and then makes bubbles as you push it down. I have almost let go of the fact that I won't be getting a tan here because of the strict dress code.
Being that it is an average of 90 degrees here and only getting hotter, I go to the pool for an hour in the mornings. At first I thought I would be able to swim in the ocean, but it is extremely rough and dangerous here, so swimming is prohibited. The pool is blissful and the water is clear, unlike the rusty discolored water I use to wash my laundry and shower in. The sidewalk is lined with burgeoning hibiscus, overwhelming the pool side and suffering the impetuous wind which is my saving grace from the hot sun. My western-style bathing suit is of no use to me here, instead, women wear swim dresses; a sort of full body suit that is brightly patterned and fills with air when you enter the water and then makes bubbles as you push it down. I have almost let go of the fact that I won't be getting a tan here because of the strict dress code.
The Ashram is located in a very traditional part of India. In accordance with the local customs, shorts, sleeveless tops, and transparent clothes are prohibited. It is very hard not to think about the heat, and wish I was wearing less material because I am constantly sweating and my skin is sticky. Adam and I are going to take a beach trip to a near town, Varkala. We will be able to be in the Arabian Sea a little bit there. We are also planning on taking a 20 minute bus ride down the road to a swimming beach--we have heard murmurs that there are dolphins there!
The food situation is interesting. There is spicy Indian food for free which includes about three things, watery rice in the morning with spicy sambar, plain rice for lunch with spicy sambar, and watery rice for dinner with spicy sambar. And then you have black chai tea to wash it all down. Lots of variety, right? And then....there is the western canteen--the food is sensational, and pretty cheap, but it adds up quickly. I don't know about other people, but I can only handle so much curry at a time. We have taken to eating the western food for breakfast, pancakes, and cheesy eggs are my indulgence. While eating, everyone has to be aware of the starving animals present. The dogs, cats, birds, and other animals often carry diseases, so feeding them encourages them to remain in the ashram where they might pose a threat. I have had no problems with them, the dogs are quite docile and fat, and I take pity on the scrawny emaciated kittens. Then there are the eagles. Favorite foods: pizza, eggs, toast, and pancakes. They are considerably smaller than the eagles in the states, but they are great at snitching food. At least once every meal time an eagle will swoop down and steal something. I haven't been a victim, yet. Then there are the crows, they are practically everywhere you look. Favorite foods: everything.
Our living accommodations are pleasantly basic. Small mats on the floor for sleeping. One sheet. A clothes line strung low across the room. Three barred windows overlooking the palm forest and the wild sea. One hand washing sink. One sink for doing laundry. One toilet, it is recommended that we don't use toilet paper--we are not accustomed to it yet. And one dinky ceiling fan that does a pretty good job compensating for the hot nights. We are on the ninth floor of 16 floors plus the roof where I hang the laundry. I am terrified of the elevator because it often loses power and I prefer not to be crammed in a small space with 6 people for 30 plus minutes; thus, I take the stairs, and it burns. Great for my legs though.
The food situation is interesting. There is spicy Indian food for free which includes about three things, watery rice in the morning with spicy sambar, plain rice for lunch with spicy sambar, and watery rice for dinner with spicy sambar. And then you have black chai tea to wash it all down. Lots of variety, right? And then....there is the western canteen--the food is sensational, and pretty cheap, but it adds up quickly. I don't know about other people, but I can only handle so much curry at a time. We have taken to eating the western food for breakfast, pancakes, and cheesy eggs are my indulgence. While eating, everyone has to be aware of the starving animals present. The dogs, cats, birds, and other animals often carry diseases, so feeding them encourages them to remain in the ashram where they might pose a threat. I have had no problems with them, the dogs are quite docile and fat, and I take pity on the scrawny emaciated kittens. Then there are the eagles. Favorite foods: pizza, eggs, toast, and pancakes. They are considerably smaller than the eagles in the states, but they are great at snitching food. At least once every meal time an eagle will swoop down and steal something. I haven't been a victim, yet. Then there are the crows, they are practically everywhere you look. Favorite foods: everything.
Our living accommodations are pleasantly basic. Small mats on the floor for sleeping. One sheet. A clothes line strung low across the room. Three barred windows overlooking the palm forest and the wild sea. One hand washing sink. One sink for doing laundry. One toilet, it is recommended that we don't use toilet paper--we are not accustomed to it yet. And one dinky ceiling fan that does a pretty good job compensating for the hot nights. We are on the ninth floor of 16 floors plus the roof where I hang the laundry. I am terrified of the elevator because it often loses power and I prefer not to be crammed in a small space with 6 people for 30 plus minutes; thus, I take the stairs, and it burns. Great for my legs though.
My jet lag is gone, and I am finally feeling comfortable here. I can fall asleep at 9:00pm now and wake to the beautiful sound of Archana ( chanting the 1,000 names of the Divine Mother). I have yet to attend Archana; I need to purchase the book so I can follow along.
-Eva
-Eva
