New Delhi, December 2008.
Dear Friends,
I would like to share my story during the second outreach of Action For Life. We are 6 weeks away from Asia Plateau Panchagani. First week, We went to Dharamsala, where Tibetan in exile. We went there by 2 days in train. In Dahramshala, in the Himalayan foothills we were privileged to meet with student for free Tibet, we heard that they believe really confident to see the free Tibet through their movement of using non violence and inspired by his Holiness Dalailama. I am really touched by one Tibetan friend who accompanied us during a week visit. She mentioned what means to be Tibetan now? What is my vision for Tibet, instead of blaming and complaining others she is grateful for she has now and be a spiritual gift for the world even tough Tibet as a country is not exist.
The following day we had met with Prof.Samdhong Rinpoche, the ‘Prime Minister in exile who told us that non –violence cooperation is the only way. His warmth and listening to us are really amazing and touched us. we also met with His Holiness Karmapa, 21 year old leader after His Holiness Dalai Lama.
We had chance to meet and interact with students in a Tibetan Children Village and the ‘Transit School’, young people like us who had walked out of Tibet, over for 20 days through the Himalayas, to get better education in India. For me its really hard effort to do, their vision to improve their quality life and see the brighter future, India has generosity for the refugees and help them to live with their culture and spirituality.
From Dharamshala we moved by bus to Risikesh and Haridwar, holy Hindu cities on the Ganges. After joining the ‘Aarti’ prayers of devotion at sundown, we met Swami Chidanand Saraswati who told us, ‘God is one but He loves diversity.’ As a Muslim I was really touched by him and what he is doing to teach children and bring them to get better education and help people after tsunami and Flood. He also cares to poor woman and builds health centre for the villagers. He is really reminding me that whatever your religion the importance is how we care for Humanity needs and the best of people in front of God are who really mindful of God and be meaningful to others.
In Haridwar we were hosted in Himalayan Hospital Institute, founded by Swami Rama, his vision of integrated between science and spirituality for people around Himalayan. He built a hospital, nurse and medical institute and Rural Development institute, we had chance to visit the village under Himalayan foot hill, which they supported for water sanitation and education program for the village. We traveled by car for 5 hours and walk to the village for 6 hours. We felt so exhausted but we felt so impressed and touched how Swami Rama put the vision for the village, The people in the village can’t visit the hospital but we should visit them. We also met with the Villagers and listen to their story, the children should walk a way for school every day and the women have to bring the grass on their head for caws.
The following week we moved to New Delhi, the capital city of India. I found its really cold as a winter season.
I am staying with other 2 friends in the centre of Won Buddhism who originally from Korea and lead by Mother Park whom I met last 4 years a go in APYC Cambodia. Every morning we have a very good breakfast and laugh with 2 Korean nan who serve us with Korean Food.
Here we have chance to meet people from IC-Centre For Governance, who are mainly retired government officers and still want to use their time for good governance. I met Mr.Prabat Kumar, the former cabinet secretary of India government, he is the chair person of Ic centre for Governance, event I didn’t talk to him much but I can see his aura of leadership and the way he listened and cared to us are really touched me. We also met Viral Mazumdar, who organized the annual youth camp in Panchgani, I met him in 2005 in Kenya. He is really brilliant in diamond business and still committed to train young Indian future leader. I am inspired by his conviction and vision to run the annual youth camp with the clear message to bring young people finding their strength and their purpose of life.
I also had chance to meet Adi Matur, senior MRA India who met Soekarno when he was a student Leader of New Delhi University. In his age of 24 he met MRA and Frank Buchman and committed to work with MRA and sacrificed his ambitions on Political carrier. Listening to his story, my blood and spirit raised up to live my life meaningfully. His energy and care to us were really touching us, I felt like in real meeting with Franc Buchman, his experience working for MRA is real example and really inspired me to continue that I can be part of the hope and answer for this world.
Besides meeting with other people I also learn to renew my life, I am used to reading a book before sleeping, I read “Monk Who Sold his Ferrari”. I found its interesting, it reminded me to master my mind, body, and soul. Another point that really struck me is how to find my inner strength everyday by looking at myself leadership; I am in charge of my life, I am the boss of myself. Second is Personal Responsibility; nobody can hurt me, my life is in my hand. Third, Spiritual enlightened, I should surrender my life to God, only to him I ask help. I want to keep reading to fulfill my mind, and soul.
I wish you happy Merry Christmas and Happy New Year 2009.
Cheers.
Huda
