Shanti Sewa Ashram - Hopes and Dreams

 

Sue Cooper, UK Volunteer

 

Shanti Sewa Ashram, situated in Koteshwor , Kathmandu, just 15 minutes walk from HVP Central, continues to be a community and spiritual centre and hub of activity.  The Ashram has recently been extended, and now consists of 3 floors providing ample space for the community groups who use it.

 

Whilst volunteering here in Nepal, I have had the pleasure and honour of being invited to several programs here.  The programs are hugely spiritually uplifting - the bajans wonderful to hear, and it is here that I personally feel spiritually awake and surrounded by people who support and understand each others’ goals and dreams for peace. I also like the fact that the centre is used for more concrete pursuits - training woman, and helping children, providing them with guidance and some fun.

 

The Ashram was established five years ago, under the leadership if Dr C M Yogi, and 21 various community groups who continue to support him.  Is used regularly for various programmes,

 

Ÿ        meetings and satsangs which strengthen the intention of peace and promote interfaith co-operation

Ÿ        Workshops and discussion groups for YSP (Youth Society for Peace)

Ÿ        Saturday morning programs for local children - the so-called Seeds of Peace (SOP)

Ÿ        A place for training local woman - most recently with skills to make handicrafts

 

The Ashram is supported financially and spiritually by members of the Yogi family, by close friends in Nepal, and the community groups mentioned above.  The focus is very much on spirituality based community service.

 

The ultimate dream of the leaders of the Ashram, is to diversify and expand the range of services it can provide and the people is can help.  Inspired by the dynamic and dedicated Dr CM Yogi, the plan is to obtain a bigger site on a piece of land in a more rural area, still in the Kathmandu Valley. but closer to nature so that all the benefits of being away from the city can be enjoyed.  Funds are needed at this point, only to purchase the land. Once bought, it is planned for many, many social groups to benefit from activities on the site.  Old people, orphans, and war victims are all people in desperate need of shelter and guidance, and this will all be provided.  In keeping with Dr Yogi’s philosophy, there will be no restriction as to the people who will benefit - underprivileged woman, Dalit (the so called untouchable caste), Janjati (ethnic community), and any other needy groups - all will be offered shelter regardless of caste, creed or religious belief. There are plans too, for a centre for visitors from anywhere in the world to visit and so support the Ashrams efforts. An area where holistic pursuits such as yoga, meditation and retreats will be arranged along with courses to teach naturopathic medicine and alternative health.  The land will also offer an opportunity for young and old to work and learn together - producing organic fruits, vegetables and herbs for consumption by the occupants, and making the site more self sufficient.

 

To conclude, Dr Yogi says, “ There are so many people in need here in Nepal, and we are in a fortunate position to be able to assist them.  We hope our dream will be fulfilled, and our friends will continue to support us and help us to expand and realise our vision.”

 

I share Dr Yogi’s hopes for the Ashram, and hope that he and his friends and followers will be given the opportunity to reach their ultimate goal, thus helping the most needy and vunerable people in this wonderfully inspiring country.