As we get ready to host a national seminar on the theme – ‘Experiencing the Spirit of India through Cultural and Heritage Tourism’ we present a travelogue – in Hindi. But this is a travelogue with a difference; it takes you to the inner dimension of what conscious travel can mean when we are not merely a tourist but are open to experiencing the spirit of a place, its history and culture.
In this part, the author begins with some misperceptions people have about Yoga and describes beautifully the practice of Integral Yoga at Sri Aurobindo Ashram.
Sawani Shetye shares with us some insights on how travel can be used effectively to learn and appreciate the diverse histories of India and her rich heritage.
Offering physical service for the Divine can be a means to elevate the individual’s consciousness. We explore here some seva rituals at temples.
This issue is all about Space, or should we say, Spaces. Spaces within and without, inner and outer and in between. Spaces in their stillness and immensity, in their emptiness and richness. Spaces that are sacred and that are made sacred. Spaces that are infinitely vast and intimately personal. Along with spaces come in memories and experiences – historical, cultural, personal, psychological, spiritual. These and other related themes are explored in the diversity of pieces selected for this issue.
In this month’s Guiding Light section we highlight three poems of Sri Aurobindo which speak of Silence, Space and Spirit.
“When a memory is made tangible through an architectural symbolism, we are dealing with a defining moment in the life of a community.” An educationist from Auroville writes about a special memory behind a special door at the Matrimandir.
Have you ever wondered what makes one space feel harmoniously beautiful and another space, sometimes even the most well-designed space, feel jarring, out of order almost? And how is all this related to the inner spaces in which we dwell – spaces where practicing harmony is both an art and a science of life and living.
An artist – sculptor and painter, muses on the inner dimensions of space, consciousness, art and experience. The piece has a meditative quality to it, and takes the reader to a space within where the inner gradually begins to merge with the outer infinite which is not different from the infinity within.
India is not a mere piece of land. It is a Shakti, a power, a godhead. To this Shakti that is Mother India is dedicated this small poem in Hindi invoking the sacredness that is She. An English translation of the poem is also included.
A young Indian-American college student who recently visited Pondicherry and Auroville, writes about the elements that make a space sacred and how peace manifests in such sacred spaces.
A poem expressing the marvels of Mother Nature which make a dawn contemplative and beautiful giving the entire space – within and without – a deep sense of sacredness and serenity.
