ashram amazements

am learning so much with every conversation in this community i've found.
Ashrams
i suppose it could be called an intentional spiritual community. something like a monastery. many of them following a different schedule and philosophy.
I am in the middle of India moving between Gandhi's Ashram in Sevagram, and Vinoba Bhave's Ashram in Paunar. Both incredible places full of amazing people.
I first went to the Vinoba Ashram in Paunar. It is run by 30 women who practice rural sustainability, non-violence, daily prayer, and a consensus community. Following the philosophy of Vinoba Bhave.
Vinoba was a brilliant man who is known for starting the Bhoodan Movement. Bhoo means Land, dan means gift. the Land-Gift Movement.
He walked all of India for 14 years asking rich people to give a sixth of their land to the poor. In total he, along with many others who walked with him, got 4.5million acres of land donated. THis benefitted 1.5 million poor families.
It's amazing to be at the ashram and meet women (and one man) who walked with Vinoba for 7, 10, 13 years,
It's humbling.
Here are some journal thoughts after conversations with various sisters:

*After dinner Sheila took me to talk and watch the sun set over the river where Vinoba was cremated. Wise woman.
Letting og of the ego, Seeing self as part of god. she described bowls of water reflecting the moon. we are the bowls reflecting god..but no so much reflecting as beaing part of god. i like the imagery of Self as bowl of water holding and reflecting that which draws near.
Our outer body is not us. This hair, fancy glasses, eyes, even ideas and thoughts are the the true me. When looking in a mirror to see the reflection it might be dirty and we must wipe it cean to see properly., The mind is like this (the mind being true self). we must wash it clean to properly see ourselves. How? By letting go of the physical that shadows sight. By being in direct communication with god, which means with yourself, as we are all part of this god and god is part of us.
And get rid of the ego.
Thoughts and ideas change. Must find the person beneath all that. Who am I if not defned by my values and thoughts? Where else do I look?

*We are all one with each other and with everything around us. Because ultimately when we're put in the ground the same thing happens to all of us. We are part of the same cell they say. An imporatnt philosophy for respecting our impact in the world.

*When one bends to touch the feet of their guru or god, it is an ext of removing the ego.

* I am enjoying having routine and a discipline to follow. Christianity certainly encourages one to be a better person, love they neighbour as yourself etc. but it doesn't instruct clearly on how to deepen personal awareness. No intention in action. No routine or practice. (not in my christiantiy anyway).
Laws and rules governing what you eat -I used to think them to be overly strict and depriving ones enjoyment in life. But now I see that they put intention in every part of your day. It alerts your belief system everytime you 're hungry or see food. It teaches control. THe ability to say no. Mastering the mind.

*The Gita describes 7 powers immanent in women:
Kirti - honour
Shri - fortune
Vak - speech
Smriti - recollection
Madha - prudence
Dhriti - firmness
kshama- forgiveness

* AFter speaking with Gautam, a brother
Science is material. Science for the sake of science has no directio. it cannot determine righ from wrong. Good from bad. THis is thus potentially dangerous. It needs to be paired with spirituality to give direction. It's like an auto. The accelerator without a steering wheel is dangerous. Science is the accelerator. Spirituality the steering wheel.


Those are some thoughts from the first cuople days.
It's long, so i'll write other learnings later.

Breath with intention and think about where your food comes from. Who grew it? who made it? how far did it travel? is it worth it?

lots of love
lauren