Wednesday, November 21, 2007
Peace Pocket Preservation
Walking the SE boundary of the property today for the first time, Nature has a way of getting your attention and brining you to a complete standstill.
Three trees with just the right kind of branches; perfect for making a tree hut to live in or observe a commanding view the sacred valley. Maybe a hut for someone needing to sit in their silence and grow their love and joy of nature and God and God’s children.
Walking on until, again, Nature’s gentle call. I’m not sure how it awakens my awareness - sort of an expansion of peace and ‘alive-ness’. A small, flat, open piece of land, again, with a 180 degree arresting vista - arresting any thoughts in the mind, that is. A perfect place for a eco-hut; maybe straw-bale, maybe cob, but a place a person could spend a few days or weeks or months, and really sink deep into their Soul’s perfect silence and joy and beauty and inspired ‘awake-ness’.
Moving down to the south corner of the plot (the rectangular plot runs NE to SW, & SE to NW), another two plots are ideal for yet more eco-huts. The last space offers some extra-special silent peace.
Now walking across the back border, some larger open spaces suggest ideas for a larger gathering, maybe a teepee and a fire pit for festivals.
Reaching the west corner, and walking back up toward the ashram, is tentatively dubbed the ‘Water Path’ because that side of the property is bordered by a wonderful stream. There is a path down to the stream in one part where it is damp and shady, and suitable for growing brahmi (gotu kola). Maybe we’ll call that place Brahmi Bog. In most places, there is a drop-off to reach the water, but here, the land melts down to meet the stream, so you can walk right up to the flowing nectar and offer prayers with water.
Further up the stream toward the ashram is a very special small, open, flat piece of land - not too much views, but abutting the spring. The peace there invites some real ancient and wise sage to spend their time there. Another eco-hut, or perhaps a cave?
Just a few yards from this spot is a lovely, sweet-scented, double Pine tree, perfect for sitting under and having satsang (sacred talks). I’ve dubbed this, Double Pines classroom.
As I move toward the Peace Bridge to take me over the stream and back to the ashram, it dawns on me that the land is ideal for people who have a real need to experience and integrate the silence of their Souls. And this land, with its pockets of peace and peaceful vistas, can offer them a safe haven while their minds are focused on their highest spiritual aspirations.
