My stay at BG5 Eastern Dorm, Kanha Shantivanam during Lalaji’s Bhandara from 25th to 27th Jan 2023 which was truly a magical experience. The sprawling 1400 acres Kanha Shantivanam was a feast for my eyes and heart. It was a sight to behold, with beauty lying in every nook and corner and every minute particle of Kanha Shantivanam. The green cover having medicinal along with indigenous variety species was a treat for the senses, and several beauty spots that was a sight to remember.
My stay at Kanha made me realise that even a Municipal Ward like mine - Doddanekundi has the potential to transform with the right planning and execution into a beautiful place. The well-planned and impeccably designed Kanha was a lesson in the power of planning. I was in awe of the beauty that surrounded me, and it left a lasting impression on my mind.
What surprised me the most during my stay at Kanha was the fact that Kanha can host around 60,000 to 70,000 people without any hassle or discomfort. The drainage system, irrigation facilities, segregation of garbage and its maintenance, rain water pits across corners were impressive, as they helped maintain the water table and properly taken care of carbon emission. Despite the large number of people, I didn’t see a single fruit fly or a mosquito, a testament to the deeply rooted discipline and adherence to the rules and regulations at Kanha. The attention to detail and meticulous planning at Kanha was an inspiration and a model that we can learn from.
In conclusion, it was not easy to leave Kanha, our mind lingers and demands to revisit again and again or stay there for longer to relish the beauty with soul.
Despite the fact that siblings don’t prefer to share living spaces, this experience taught me the value of community living among approximately 9,000 people, sharing the common bathrooms, feeling safe and comfortable with no fear of theft or loneliness, volunteering in the Dining room to serve food to all the Abhyasis was another beautiful experience. Daily habits and disciplines, such as waking up early to join Satsang, attending evening programs, wrapping up the day with Satsang, timely meals, etc. along with few other aspects of eagerness to engulf the warmth and beauty of the nature with our senses.
The most impressive and appreciable in Kanha was atmosphere of liberty in thoughts and movements, which allowed me to explore my inner self and cultivate a deeper sense of self-awareness. This liberty of thoughts made it possible to bridge the gap between heart and mind to enabling me to make more informed and conscious decision.