Kanha Shantivanam 11th - 13th July 2024

11th July

In the early hours of the morning, around 6:30 am, Daaji made an unexpected visit to the institution's land, much to the delight of the volunteers who had already been working in the field since early morning. Their faces lit up with joy at the surprise visit from Daaji and they requested a group photo with him, which Daaji obliged affectionately. Thus capturing a moment to be cherished. He surveyed the papaya garden and coconut trees. 

Daaji has been dedicated to the cause of Forests by Heartfulness. He was in touch with the teams in Kanha guiding them and providing feedback on their regular updates to the ongoing work. This initiative helps not only set the benchmark in environmental efforts but also acts as a model for other organizations to emulate. Jeybal discussed several ideas on cultivation plans for that spot where even more vegetables could be grown on a large scale. After coming home Daaji went around the garden for a while. 

12th July

As soon as he was up and about for the day, Daaji got to work. He was at his computer desk attending to the necessary work. Then he went on a long walk along with Jeybal. Daaji inspected various areas of the garden with keen interest. He talked about a special project he had been contemplating, aimed at transforming a section of the institution's land into a denser forest. Daaji mentioned that a particular oil could serve as a biofuel and improve the fertility of the soil. He explained the concept of repurposing used cooking oil for sustainable purposes, and that this initiative would be announced with the larger audience soon. At a very high level, the plan is to collect used cooking oil from all the homes, the main kitchen, and the canteen in Kanha to pilot this eco-friendly project here.

13th July

In the morning, Daaji went to his office at the back of the meditation hall stage to meet with a few abhyasis waiting for him. 

His arrival was marked by a warm greeting from an elderly abhyasi who was celebrating his birthday. This brother presented Daaji with a large bottle of his homemade golden honey, which Daaji accepted gracefully, extending his heartfelt birthday wishes.

An abhyasi from Tumkunkta ashram, located on the outskirts of Secunderabad city, met him and said that the abhyasis there were eager to know when he’d visit the ashram. Daaji assured them that he'd like to visit them soon and wondered if they could leave that day itself and hold the next day’s Sunday satsangh there. However, when some other work came up at Kanha, he decided that he would visit at another time. 

When it was the ashram management team’s turn to present their updates of the ongoing work in Kanha, Daaji conveyed his satisfaction to the ashram manager & chairman, Vineet Ranawat, commending him and his team for managing the affairs of the ashram so well. Consequently, there was no need for him to further review the ongoing programs that brother Vineet had brought to show him.

Daaji conducted satsangh for all those who were present in the office room, and after that, he continued to attend to those who had gathered in the room. The abhyasis affectionately approached him, each with their requests, stories to tell, and news to share. Some shared joyous tidings, while others sought clarity amidst confusion, and a few others approached with tears, sharing their painful experiences. Daaji listened attentively to each person, providing guidance, sympathy, and direction as needed.  Everyone felt heard and was grateful for the time Daaji spent with them. He had to return home for some other work that was awaiting him. But instead, he stretched himself to be available to all those who needed him there at the time.