The Newsletter The Bede Griffiths Sangha is committed to the search for the truth at the heart of all religions.

Summer 2008 Volume 10 Issue 6 The Meeting of West with East. CONTENTS: The inspiration for the work of the Sangha, although primarily dedicated to the universal vision of Fr Bede Griffiths, has also Sangha Contacts 2 stemmed from the lives of two other spiritual giants who bridged the gulf between Christianity and the spirituality of - Fr Henri Le Saux, later known as Swami Abhishiktananda, and The Hermits of 2/3 Saccidananda. Fr Jules Monchanin, who together founded the Shantivanam in , where later Bede lived for 25 years. Swami Abhishktananda In 2010 the Sangha will be celebrating the centenary of the birth Centenary Gathering 3 of Abhishktananda and in this Issue we again bring you recently recorded memories from the man who was their cook and friend Islam in Istambul 4/5 at the time of the establishment of Shantivanam. We also include a letter from the present Abbot, Father George, about the rebuilding of the Temple and a fascinating account by a Father Bede and 5 Sangha member of her introduction to the inner truth of Islam Inter-faith in Istambul. There is our regular glimpse into the wisdom of , news on the charitable projects in India from the Bede The Sangha Study 6 Griffiths Charitable Trust, reports of Sangha events and Weekend. announcements of activities to come. Timothy Glazier

Sanskrit Corner 7 Hermits of Saccitananda. 7 Memories of Swami Abhishiktananda Correspondence from the early days of Shantivanam. Page 2/3 The Temple at 8 Shantivanam Rebuilding the Shantivanam Temple. Hermits in Company 9 Update on the work to enlarge and strengthen the Ashram Temple. Page 8 “The Lord is 9 Everywhere” Islam in Istambul Witnessing tolerance, peace and understanding within the Istambul Muslim News from the Bede 10 Griffiths Charitable community. Trust Page 4/5

Sangha News, Retreats 11 “It’s easy and Resources ...the Lord is Everywhere.” Regional Contacts 12 A visit to one of India’s holy mountains. Page 9. www.bedegriffithssangha.org.uk 2 THE BEDE GRIFFITHS SANGHA NEWSLETTER Welcome to the Hermits of Saccitananda. Atmajyoti (Carrie Lock) Summer 2008 Edition This article is a continuation of of the Bede Griffiths “You sometimes tell me that Sangha Newsletter the extraordinary conversation that Atmajyoti (Carrie Lock) had my life is so difficult to This Newsletter is published last year with Mr Vishvasam who understand. In fact, it was three times a year to provide a was cook to the founding Fathers hardly my own choice, it has forum for articles and comment of Shantivanam, which gives an landed me from above, day within the remit of the Sangha to insight into the character, wit and after day, year after year. search for the truth at the heart challenges of these two And truly it is marvellous. of all religions, to record Sangha indomitable individuals. If at least I could pass on to activities and give details of the Christian world the honey future events and resources I first met Mr. Vishvasam at his home which I gather in the Hindu available. Correspondence and in the village of Tannirpalli, close to world, and vice versa, contributions for inclusion in Shantivanam, in late 2007. When we however dislocating it may future editions are welcome and met, he was seated under an old black sometimes be” will be considered by the and white photograph which featured Swami Abhishiktananda editorial team. five people, one of whom was unmis- 18th April 1969 Life 237-38. takably Swami Abhishiktananda. To receive a printed copy of the Newsletter, please send your I had initially visited Mr. Vishvasam Mr Vishvasam’s Memories details to the Editor for to record his memories of of Swami Abhishiktananda inclusion on our data base. The Fr. Monchanin. It was immediately “Fr. Le Saux was like an Indian. He publication is free but a donation clear though, that the stories of Fr. lived a very simple life. He had no towards costs will be invited. Monchanin, Swami Abhishiktananda money; he suffered like a very Copies, for friends or interested poor man. But he was very organisations, can be provided. happy and always laughed. Fr. Le Saux was a true Current and back numbers of sannyasi. the Newsletter are available on www.bedegriffithssangha.org.uk The affection the Hermits felt for Mr. Vishvasam was clear SANGHA CONTACTS: as he told the following touch- Newsletter Editor ing incident: Timothy Glazier, 2 Tynings Road, “Once, I had a quarrel with Nailsworth, Glos GL6 0EJ someone at Kulittalai and so I 01453 839488 left and went to [email protected] (laughing). After about ten days I came back. During Sangha Contact and Welcome that time, Fr. Le Saux and Fr. Joan Walters, Church House, Steynton, Milford Haven, Pembs Monchanin managed without SA73 1AW 01646 692496 a cook. I returned one morn- [email protected] ing at about 4am. As soon as Fr. Le Saux saw me, he Sangha Working Group hugged me and cried with joy Jane Lichnowski, 82 Gloucester and said, ‘one day or another Road, Cirencester, GL7 2LJ you would come back, I knew 01285 651381 [email protected] Swami Abhishiktananda, Mr. Vishvasam and family, August 1968 you would!’ Fr. Le Saux was crying tears of joy. Fr. Le UK Contact with Shantivanam and Shantivanam were all intrinsical- Saux and I then both went to Michael Giddings 07810 366860 ly inter-linked in the heart and mind Kulittalai and bought some dhal, rice [email protected] of Mr. Vishvasam. Further to the and chillie and we prepared the article in the last edition of this Bede Griffiths Charitable Trust lunch. We three, including Fr. newsletter, here are some more of Mr. Monchanin, then had lunch together.” Jill Hemmings, Beech Tree Cottage, Vishvasam’s memories of those years Gushmere, Selling, Kent, ME 13 so long ago (1949-1968), when he 9RH. 01227 752871 “In 1957, when I stopped working [email protected] was not only the cook for Fr. full-time at the Ashram, I started Monchanin and Swami working at the nearby sugar factory. For Regional Contacts and Abhishiktananda, but more Fr. Le Saux helped me get that job. details of Groups, preciously, their friend. see back page. THE BEDE GRIFFITHS SANGHA NEWSLETTER 3 After finishing my duties each day at after finishing his lunch, at around take my son on one shoulder and my the factory, I would come back here to 1pm. We went to the Trichy railway daughter on the other and he’d walk look after the ashram. I helped look station with him and stayed there. We to the nearby village of Pattavarthi after Shantivanam until 1968, when saw him off on the 10pm with a turban around his Fr. Le Saux left Shantivanam (to live train for Chennai.” head. He’d buy some in his hermitage at Uttarkashi). Fr. pots there for cooking at Le Saux would send me money for my Mr. Vishvasam’s wife, Shantivanam.” family during that time but there was Antonia sat on the floor no work for me to do at the ashram as nearby, listening atten- “We gave the name of such.” tively to her husband’s ‘Le Saux’ to my grand- stories. I asked if she had son (born 2000), in “In 1968, Fr. Le Saux packed up all any memories she wished remembrance of Fr. Le his things, took his luggage and to share. Saux and all the help he happily went to Uttarkashi, via gave us.” Chennai, where he spent some time, “Fr. Le Saux accompa- and there he stayed in his kutiya her- nied Vishvasam to see my Mr Vishvasam ended mitage until 1973, the year he passed parents. Fr. Le Saux with the words, “Fr. away. asked my parents Monchanin and Fr. Le permission and we got Saux were my friends. No-one, no candidate, was willing to married in January 1961. They never thought of me stay in Shantivanam. For the twenty After, Fr. Le Saux as the cook, or treated years that Swamiji was at managed to buy us a four me as a servant, but they Shantivanam no-one wished to be cent block of land and to Mr. Vishvasam and saw me as a friend, like here with him. When he left he was construct us a house, so his grandson Le Saux. a brother, till the end. very sad about that.” that we could be here and remember There were no differences between us. his name. That’s how it is that we are I was happy”. “This photograph (featured) was here in this house, due to his great taken the last time I saw Fr. Le Saux; blessing.” Atmajyoti (Carrie Lock) is a member of it was in August 1968. When Fr. Le Ajatananda Ashram, an interreligious Saux was about to leave Shantivanam “When Father would return from the monastic ashram on the bank of the to go to North India, he had this pho- North, we would go to the ashram to in . The Ashram is tograph taken of our family as a see him and we would help him. He inspired by the life and message of memento. The photo was taken in was very kind to us. He would spend Swami Abhishiktananda and his disciple, Swami Ajatananda. Atmajyoti can be Kulittalai between 8-9am. He left time with our two children. He would contacted at [email protected]

Swami Abhishiktananda Centenary Gathering Gaunts House July 2010 2010 is the Centenary of the birth of In Swami Abhishiktananda - Essential Father Henri Le Saux known as Writings Shirley du Boulay writes: Swami Abhishiktananda. In honour “Swami Abhishiktananda would have of this occasion the Sangha is to hold been seen at any time as a remarkable a Centenary Gathering at Gaunts man, for he was uncompromising, pas- House in Dorset in July 2010. As sionate, bold, eloquent and fearless. well as presentations from a line up So what puts this Breton-born country of notable speakers, who have already been invited, we would value boy among the most significant figures ideas from any Sangha member as to of the twentieth century, deserving a how, at this event, you feel his life place in a series called “Modern could be most appropriately remem- Spiritual Masters”? He has earned it bered and celebrated, by telling us for the courage with which he endured how your life has been touched by the anguish of being torn between two this remarkable man - through his great religious traditions, for the radi- ideas, writings or example. Dom Henri Le Saux, a Benedictine monk, ance that emanated from him after his later to be known by his Indian name Swami Abhishiktananda (1910-1973). great “awakening” experience and for Please write to the Editor with your his legacy of diaries, books and letters, thoughts before the end of September. For the best which confirm that he was not only a pioneer in inter- suggestions submitted the Editorial team will give a faith relations, but a mystic on a par with Meister signed copy of Shirley du Boulay’s two acclaimed books - his biography The Cave of the Heart and Eckhart, St John of the Cross, and Swami Abhishiktananda - Essential Writings. the Dalai .” 4 THE BEDE GRIFFITHS SANGHA NEWSLETTER Islam in Istanbul Angelika Monteux “Those who travel learn more Blue Mosque and the Haghia Sophia. The Dialogue Society than those who read” The chanting was hauntingly beauti- The Dialogue Society was established ful and powerful and I went to bed in 1999 by a group of Turkish- This sentence was spoken by a 14 still wondering what this week would Muslim intellectuals, academics and year old boy who I met in Istanbul in bring, still unclear about the purpose volunteers as a not-for-profit charita- June 2007 when I was invited to his of the invitation to this cultural trip. ble organisation. Their aim is to be a family for a festive evening meal. ‘New Voice for Peace’: How did I get there? This is a long First Impressions story: On the first day we had a historic tour The objective of the Dialogue Society through the old Istanbul, learning fas- is to promote tolerance, understand- The invitation cinating aspects of Middle Eastern ing, mutual respected and acceptance At the end of last year I went to a per- and Turkish culture, art and history; of people as they are, between people formance of Sufi music, poetry and The Blue Mosque and Haghia Sophia from all walks of life. The Dialogue dancing in Aberdeen. During the are of course magnificent and impres- Society therefore actively encourages break there was a raffle to win a cul- sive, but three things left a strong and nurtures dialogue between fol- tural trip to Istanbul and among the impression on me: lowers of different ideologies, differ- ten lucky winners were four co-work- ent ethnic communities, adherents of ers of the Camphill Rudolf Steiner The front door of the Haghia Sophia different religions and members of Schools! We were told that we only has a large iron arrow on it to show society generally. had to pay for the journey – every- the way in. When it was a Christian thing else would be free and that we Church this used to be a cross; Again and again we were told how would hear details later. instead of destroying it the Muslim important love, understanding, human conquerors took the cross beam and values and dialogue are to create We had to wait a long time, but even- turned it into the arrow head – trans- worldwide peace and that these val- tually some more bits of information formation rather than destruction! ues and attitudes are rooted in Islam came and finally we boarded the and the Qur’an: plane to Istanbul, still not knowing what exactly to expect and who “We are all children of Adam and would meet us when we arrived. Eve, we are brothers and sisters, and this planet is the only place where we We need not have worried: once we can live, so we better make peace had read all the hundreds of signs with each other!” held up by the crowds in the arrivals hall and found one saying: ‘English It is important to point out that these Trip’ we were safe. A group of people are not religious fundamental- young people was waiting for us and ists and that their aim is not to spread took us to a restaurant for a welcome Islam all over the world. They want dinner. There we were introduced to to build bridges between East and our ‘sponsors’ who told us how West, integrate old Islamic traditions happy and grateful they were that we and wisdom with modern scientific had come and offered us a most deli- achievements. They represent a toler- cious meal. ant, loving and peaceful Islam, they A Whirling Dervish or Semazen. want to strengthen and build on the Hardly any one of them could speak values of respect, tolerance, compas- English, however, so it was not easy Inside is a grave marked in the mar- sion, non-violence of the Qur’an; to find out who these gentlemen in ble floor: that of a crusader who died Aggression, terrorism, hate and vio- suits and ties actually were and why there in battle. lence have no place in Islam and the they were so happy to meet us and as Qur’an forbids the killing of any we were tired from the journey it was Outside there is a hollow pillar. This other human being. all a bit confusing. Then we were used to be the place where the rich “You cannot be a Muslim and a ter- taken to our hotel, the ‘Golden Horn’ people would leave money for the rorist at the same time” in the old part of Istanbul, a very posh poor who could come after Morning 4star hotel. Prayer to take what they needed. This The founder of and inspiration behind was done when it was still dark, to the Dialogue Society is Fethulla Just as I started to unpack my suitcase avoid embarrassment. Gülen, an Islamic Sufi scholar, writer the calls to prayer began at the nearby and poet. One of his great concerns mosque and when I opened the win- By this time we had discovered that is the need for the right Education, dow I found out that it was not just our hosts were an organisation known because he is convinced that hate, any mosque, but actually two and that as the Dialogue Society. intolerance and terrorism are ground- the hotel was right next to the famous ed in ignorance. THE BEDE GRIFFITHS SANGHA NEWSLETTER 5 Sufism nating in regard to belief, class or “Be so tolerant that your bosom Sufism is a mystical and esoteric race. Contrary to popular belief, the becomes wide like the ocean. stream within Islam with an especial- semazen’s goal is not to lose con- Become inspired with faith and love ly strong quality of contemplation sciousness or to fall into a state of for human beings. Let there be no and inwardness, and addresses the ecstasy. Instead, by revolving in har- troubled souls to whom you do not heart forces of love and compassion; mony with all things in nature, with offer a hand and about whom you it is a path towards utmost humility the smallest cells and with the stars in remain unconcerned.” (Gülen 1998 in: and submission to the will of Allah, the firmament, the semazen testifies Hunt, A. R. 57) leading to love and compassion for to the existence and majesty of the Angelika Monteux, August 2007 the whole of creation. Jelaleddin Creator, thinks of him, gives thanks to Angelika is a long standing member of Rumi is just one of the outstanding him and prays to him.” (Aydin.E. the Sangha and is Curative Education Sufi teachers and poets. 2004, 14-15) Programme Director at Camphill Rudolf Steiner School, Aberdeen. A special group within Sufism is the This beautiful and quiet, yet powerful order of the Whirling Dervishes or striving lies at the heart of true Islam Bibliography: Semazens. and inspires the life and work of the Aydin, E. (Ed.) (2004): ‘Mevlana members of the Dialogue Society Jelaleddin Rumi’. London: Dialogue “Sema – the ritual of whirling is not who aim to make us aware of the val- Society. a performance, but a deeply spiritual ues of Islamic culture that are sadly Gülen, F. (2006): ‘Essays, Perspectives, ritual. ‘Sema’ means to hear or to lis- hidden and not proclaimed loudly Opinions’. Somerset, New Jersey: The Light. ten. It is the whirling out of bliss enough in our part of the world. Hunt, R. A. (Ed.) (2007): ‘Muslim whilst listening to the meaning of the Therefore I finish with a quote from Citizens of the Globalized World – Qur’an and the purpose is to make a Fethulla Gülen which sums up every- Contributions of the Gülen Movement’. spiritual journey towards God and to thing we met during this magic week Somerset, New Jersey: The Light. return, able to love and serve the amongst Turkish Muslims and which www.DialogueSociety.org whole of creation without discrimi- can be a call to all of us: www.Zaman.org Father Bede and Inter-faith There is little doubt that Father Father Bede might equally have included this Rumi Bede would have empathised with poem in Universal Wisdom: this initiative of the Dialogue ‘What shall I do, O Muslims? I do not recognise Society. In his introduction to myself Universal Wisdom he said: “One I am neither Christian nor Jew, nor Magian, nor of the greatest needs of humanity Muslim. today is to transcend the cultural I am not of the East, nor the West, not of the land, limitations of the great religions and nor the sea. to find a wisdom, a philosophy, I am not from nature’s mine, nor from the circling which can reconcile their differ- stars. ences and reveal the unity which I am neither of earth nor water, neither of wind nor Father Bede Griffiths underlies all their diversities.” and fire. one of the writings he included within Universal I am not of the empyrean, nor of the dust on this Wisdom p 362 are these words of the Sufi poet Rumi: ‘ carpet. ‘I have bestowed on every one a particular mode of I am not of the deep, nor from afar. I am not of worship…the idiom of Hindustan is excellent for India nor China, not of Bulgaria, nor Saqsin; Hindus, the idiom of Sind is excellent for the people I am not of this world nor the next, not of heaven, of Sind. nor of purgatory. I look not at tongue or speech, I look at the spirit My place is the placeless, my trace is the traceless. and the inward feeling……. It is not the body nor is it the soul, for I belong to The religion of love is apart from all religions. the soul of my love. The lovers of God have no religion but God alone..’ I have put duality away and seen the two worlds as one. In A New Vision of Reality he writes: “For the Semitic One I seek, One I know, One I see, One I call. religions in particular, Judaism, Christianity and Islam, He is the first, He is the last. He is the outward, He it is important that they give up the exclusive claims is the inward which characterise them. This would free them to I know of nothing but it, none but Him. recognise the action of God in all humanity from the Intoxicated with the cup of Love, two worlds slip beginnings of history. For the Semitic religions this is a from my hands. particularly difficult problem. All three tend to extreme If once in my life I pass a moment without You, I exclusivism and on that account have brought so much repent my life from that moment on.' conflict into the world.” TG 6 THE BEDE GRIFFITHS SANGHA NEWSLETTER Remembering The Sangha Study Weekend at Fintry, May 2008 ‘Spring and the Garden are the messengers from the Paradise of the Unseen; listen, since it is only for the messenger to deliver the message.’ Rumi Arising from the success of two previous Study Days, the Sangha held a Study Weekend, facilitated by Ken Knight at the house of the Fintry Trust in Surrey. In accordance with the theme of Remembering, those attending were invited to memorise this Rumi verse before moving on to consideration of the four great statements from the Veda, the Mahavakyas: Prajnanam Brahma - Consciousness is Brahaman, Aham Brahmami - I am Brahaman, Tattvamasi - Thou art that and Ayamatma Brahma - Brahman is the Self. Here are two reactions from those who attended the weekend.

Purposeful Tranquillity Remembering with a different eye and a different Some twenty of us met at Fintry for The wonderful warm welcome from ear. In fact our senses are released the Sangha Study Weekend. It was Fintry in the most beautiful peaceful from their usual expectations. good to see the study group enlarg- surroundings began the time of the ing, no doubt because a two-day Heart I was about to encounter over He asked us to consider during our session with an overnight stay the weekend. I had so much anticipa- time together ‘what is the point of enabled Sangha members to come tion, in the form of a yearning, for contact between me and the tree’. from further afield. Both the weather what was about to unfold into the and the welcome from the Fintry unknown. My experience was instantaneous and hosts were agreeably warm, and the I felt the yearning move to my chest timing was auspicious, Sunday being Ken Knight created immediately, as as I could have groaned. the feast of Pentecost, as Ken Knight is his gift, a relaxed informal but very reminded us in his introduction. important space. It was a space of The loosening of the words to Spirit. discover Brahman behind all things It was a full programme. The focus was a physical was the Mahavakyas, the four great experience for me. sayings of , which declare the unity of the individual with In taking me out of Brahman. Ken had prepared an intro- the bondage of the duction to these through a programme language I am exiled of readings, and it was good to have to use I had a him share with us his own study of discovery of ‘being’ Sanskrit texts. Throughout, there the Word in Christ were opportunities for reflection Consciousness, in and discussion. Brahman.

In the event time did not allow for a Through chant, both full consideration of all the Indian and Taize, Mahavakyas, a situation which some Ken Knight addressing the group on the Sangha Weekend at Fintry. through Rumi’s of us, I think, found disappointing. In We gathered immediately into the words, through the beloved sacred particular I would have liked more Silence that holds us always as a scripture of the Vedas and the Gospel time and opportunity to look at group, it beautifully clarified the path and in the silence and stillness of our Tattvamasi, and to reflect on it. for the feast to come. being, we encountered something of Nevertheless the ground we covered the unknown, uncreated. was both revealing and thought- Ken speaks directly to my heart so provoking, and the study weekend it is difficult to recover what was Ken has a gift of shining the light provided another opportunity for experienced and place into form. within him so brightly you cant help Sangha members to work purposeful- catching fire. ly together and keep good company. The fruit of our time was discovering the essence of Remembering. Our I am still nourished and the fruits of Fintry was an excellent location for remembrance back to the beginning, this banquet are in my life each day. the weekend; we were made to feel to form and complete the circle. Once again, I look forward to when comfortable, and were able to eat we meet again. together well and at ease, and to share In opening up and tearing apart our in the peacefulness of the place. Our concepts in the form of words using Amanda Moss thanks go to Ken and to all who the origin of words alongside Sanskrit helped to make this a positive week- Ken is able to help us see and hear end. Eric Cunningham THE BEDE GRIFFITHS SANGHA NEWSLETTER 7

Sanskrit Corner Ken Knight. [email protected] Atman boundless and all-pervading. To I am the door of the sheep (10v7-9), When we first encounter Eastern realise this, the paths of action, devo- I am the Good Shepherd (10v10-16), thought we bring with us our learned tion or knowledge may be undertaken I am the Resurrection and the life meanings and try to superimpose to dissolve the ignorance arising from (11v24-26), I am the Way, the Truth these onto the new words; so some attachments to ‘name and form’ in and the Light (14v5-7) and I am the have translated atman as soul. The such statements as ‘I am Ken, I like true vine (15v1-8). danger here is that traditionally the Maths, I don’t like basketball.’ word ‘soul’ gives us an image of a In the Vedic tradition the I am is the separate particle, whereas atman is These attachments ‘cover’ the brahman/atman union which is the better envisaged as an all pervading underlying, all-pervading truth of the underlying, unchanging unity breath- ‘wavelet’ as in quantum physics. I am, the atman. They can be ing behind the veils of separation and Mary’s pronouncement, ‘My soul individual or embedded in our social is the ultimate . doth magnify the Lord’ may then also and religious traditions and teachings Note: To see how the links between Christian be understood as the outward flow of which we have assimilated. Release and Advaitin teaching on the atman and the I the atman/brahman, the all-pervad- or salvation, moksha, is then a matter am statements of the Judaic tradition can be ing, expanding continuum and this of removing these veils or a ‘thinning understood, may I recommend you look at an article by David Godman: http://www.david- would be more in accord with the of the fabric of the universe’ as godman.org/rteach/fnofgod1.shtml Vedic vision. Archbishop Rowan Williams describes it. Or, in the advaitin tradi- SANSKRIT DISTANCE LEARNING In some systems of Indian philoso- tion, ‘We come out of what we are not For those wishing to start on a study phy, atman may indeed be regarded to realise whom we really are.’ of Sanskrit as a language, a Distance Learning Course has been developed by as atomic but in , the Isabelle Glover, BA Hons Sanskrit. philosophy favoured by Father Bede, Abhishiktananda was greatly attract- The aim of the Course is for Sanskrit to atman is a unity that is all pervading. ed to the teaching of Ramana become accessible to all-comers It cannot be experienced but nothing Maharshi who described the Judaic however much or little time they have is experienced without it. It is self- traditional I am sayings as some of for learning it. The Course is an intro- duction to Sanskrit and, as such, it revealing. the great statements of Truth. There covers some of the basic groundwork of is a highly subtle and important the grammar as well as an introduction The root meaning of atman shows discussion to be had on the teaching to some of the literature. that it comes from ap which means of the ‘I’ and the ‘I am’ in The Course Book contains 34 lessons ‘to pervade’, or at meaning ‘to Asian and Western spirituality, too with answers and is accompanied with a Chant Book and CD giving the breathe’. These are the meanings at much for it to be undertaken here in a pronunciation of the alphabet and the the core of the RgVeda where it is brief article. Chants. Purchase of the course (price usually termed tman. £90) gives access to Isabelle as tutor. For full details or to order the course, However, a pointer can be given for contact Isabelle direct: With this meaning of Atman the individual study through reference to Isabelle Glover, Flat 2, 28 Blakesley question of salvation or liberation the I am sayings of Jesus, particularly Avenue, Ealing, London W5 2DW cannot be understood in the usual John: I am the Bread of Life (6v32-35), Tel: 020 8997 3544 way. The atman is ever free for it is I am the Light of the world (8v12-16), e-mail: [email protected] Correspondence A letter from Nicholas Dewey Psychology) under the then leader- enrich the spiritual life of Study ship of Dr Francis Roles. Society members for almost half a Transcendental Meditation century. and the Study Society. It was his initiative, as early as 1959 or 1960, not only introduced mem- Readers of the Sangha Newsletter who As a footnote to the articles in the bers of that Society to this method of would like to learn more about the work Spring issue of the Newsletter by meditation, but also enabled of the Study Society are welcome to get in Father Adrian Smith and Tim Glazier, contact to be established later with touch by writing to the Secretary at Colet concerning Transcendental the successor to the Maharishi’s House, 151 Talgarth Road, London W14 Meditation and the late Maharishi, it teacher, Brahmananda (Guru Dev), 9DA or phone 020 8748 9338. There is is worth recording that one of the as the Shankaracharya of Jyotir Math also a website www.studysociety.net very first groups to respond seriously in Northern India. This was His Branches currently exist in the United to his mission in the UK was the Holiness Shantanand Saraswati, States, Canada, Australia , New Zealand Study Society (also known as the whose teaching based on the ancient and Mexico. Society for the Study of Normal tradition of Advaita has continued to 8 THE BEDE GRIFFITHS SANGHA NEWSLETTER The Temple at Shantivanam A Letter from Father George Fr.George has written about the reconstruction of the Temple at Shantivanam. I was there when the branch of the tree went through the corner of the building, and also when the roof and walls were knocked down. It was a great shock. That building held many important memories for me, and for a while I grieved. However I realised that what was happening was a vivid reminder of ! Before I left Shantivanam at the end of March, the foundations of the new building were well under way. It will be octagonal in shape and similar in design to the meditation hall opposite Fr.Bede's hut. It will be more user friendly - for example mosquito netting! The orig- inal Vimana and Shrine will be incorporated into the design. As Fr.George has said, they have raised half of the money needed to rebuild. I know that any financial help from Sangha members will be most gratefully received. Michael Giddings To all our benefactors and friends, We have to say that it has not been an easy decision but a request for help to the reconstruction we assure you that the Temple will be simple; it will be in harmony with the rest of the architecture of the Ashram of Temple at Shantivanam. building - and more than all it will be a comfortable place for the people to meditate and pray. was estab- lished by Fr. Jules Monchanin and The present estimation of the struc- Henri Le Saux OSB on 21th March tural part of the temple is around 1950, on the feast day of St. Rs. 10,00,000.00 ( $25,000, or Benedict on the banks of the river £15,000). The decorative part will Cauvery near , be extra which is not yet finalized. Tamilnadu. The work has already begun and reached to the level of foundation. Monchanin and Le Saux built the original temple in 1950 with I am delighted that we have already Sanctum Sanctorum and a small received around Rs. 5,00,000.00, Mandapam (front portion) with half the cost of the locally made simple tiles. In the Temple construction seventies Fr. Bede built the present Construction of the which has enabled us to Vimana over the Sanctum foundation of the new start work, so we are Sanctorum. In the eighties it was Temple, and the Temple as many of us remember it. now making this general felt that the Mandapam was very appeal to all our benefac- small to accommodate the visitors so Fr. Bede extended tors and friends to con- it. However, because the original foundation of the tribute towards this task Mandapam and Sanctum Sanctorum were very shallow significant development and the pillars made of mud, and because the Vimana is in the life of also in urgent need of repair, it was becoming clear that Shantivanam Ashram. urgent work needed to be carried out. Then recently, dur- ing a heavy rain, a big branch broke off the nearby badam The cheques can be sent to the address below made out to tree and fell on the roof, badly damaging it, as a result of Saccidananda Ashram: which the tree has had to be cut down. Saccidananda Ashram, Shantivanam, Taking all these things into account, and following con- Thannirpalli -639107, sultations with the superiors of our congregation who via Marudur, have visited the Ashram and seen the situation and with Karur Dt.Tamilnadu, South India. other friends and well wishers of the Ashram, it was Or money can be transfered direct to our Ashram account: decided to go ahead with the reconstruction of the temple. State Bank of India, Main Branch, Being the first Catholic Ashram in India it was important 620001,Tamilnadu, India to preserve its heritage and message, so after consultation, Account No. 10848480873 the new design, which takes into account the sandy nature SWIFT CODE: SBININBB467 of land and proximity to the river which overflows peri- odically, has been approved by the Community. The Prior and community of Shantivanam request that you give a generous contribution to fulfil this desire of the Wishing to be sensitive to the vision of the founders the reconstruction of the Temple. Whatever is your contribu- original Sanctum Sanctorum with Vimana will be tion, we will be grateful to you. strengthened and preserved, so also the entrance Gopuram (door) of the temple, which was built by Monchanin and Yours in Christ, Le Saux. Fr. George and Community of Shantivanam THE BEDE GRIFFITHS SANGHA NEWSLETTER 9 Hermits in Company Silent Retreat Tymawr Convent, Monmouth May 2008 Hermits in Company consists of This year we avoided distractions a group of around fifteen Sangha by having no discussions, talks, members, which meets over the nor guided meditation, nor group May bank holiday each year for a walks. However, we enjoyed weekend of silent retreat. The some lovely music on CD during silence is broken only by conver- two of the evenings. Some sation in the kitchen, as we pre- found joy in joining the nuns at pare and cook simple food some of their services. We felt together, though we speak until we became bonded through the after supper the first evening, so silence at a deep level. that we can get to know one another a little. Our days follow We have been alternating our the familiar pattern that we expe- venue between Tymawr Convent rience at Shantivanam. The Hermits Guesthouse, south of Monmouth, and the Guildhouse, in the Cotswolds. In May, at This year, at Tymawr, our theme was, “simply being pre- Tymawr, the spring green of the trees, the flowers, and sent, supporting each others’ silence”. We bring flowers birdsong, the cuckoo’s call and the hoot of owls, all to decorate, and candles to light the shrine, on which are helped to bring the group into a profoundly contemplative placed a Christian icon, a Buddha, a Shiva, and photos of space, and we blessed the time together, wishing we, and Bede Griffiths, and other great teachers. Our chanting others of the Sangha, could meet more often in such a may be Christian, Hindu, or Buddhist, thus bringing nourishing way, and hoping it might somehow be together these religions in expressions of Divine love, and arranged. For me, it was indeed, refreshment for my soul! honour to the world. Valerie Cherry “Its easy...... you just have to realize that the Lord is Everywhere” How wonderful to be back in India! Shiva as the different elements. But in due course I reached the great The chaos, the smells, the traffic, the central for me was a day in temple where I received a blessing impassable pavements – but every- – the home of mount from the trunk of the temple elephant where, in roadside shrines, great Arunachala, which is seen, and with a thump on my head: then to temple, on the sides of lorries, in worshiped as an incarnation of Shiva. experience the great pilgrim destina- every motor richshaw and taxi, in the We had had a very busy schedule of tion of Ramana Maharshi’s Ashram, homes that we visited and, to my travel up to this point and so, while from which I set off up the mountain surprise, also in the workshops and the rest of the group opted to relax in to the hermitage where Ramana lived offices – acknowledgements of the our hotel overlooking Arunachala and for many years, close to the cave, divine in the form of shrines, icons, overlooking the temple below, that pictures and calendars! One of our was such a turning point in the hosts was even wearing a kurta shirt spiritual journey of Abhishiktanda. printed with the Gayatri Mantra! Half way up I fell into conversation It was seven years since I was last in with a friendly Sadu resting on a India, when Victoria and I spent rock: he asked where I was from and three months of pilgimage, starting then my age. When I replied he at Shantivanam and including three stood up and invited me to sit on his weeks at the Maha Khumba Mela in rock with the words “but I am only Allahabad. 56!” Although tempted I declined Mount Arunachala at dawn. ‘Aruna’ means ‘dawn light’. saying that I bowed to his holiness, This time my visit was not primarily a swim in the pool, I set off on my to which he laughingly replied “but a pilgrimage – if a visit to India can own before dawn on the route that is easy – you just have to realise be anything other – as I had joined a trodden by thousands of pilgrims that the Lord is everywhere.” small party of local friends with an throughout the year, the 12 kilometre interest in textiles, to see traditional circumambulation of this sacred I have to admit that when he said it, village textile manufacture in Tamil mountain, that has been important to there on the side of this sacred moun- Nadu. In fact the trip, beautifully so many saints, including Swami tain, revered as the incarnation of organised by a friend’s small tour Abhishiktananda and, of course, Shiva, it really did seem easy! company, Kamala Tours*, was Ramana Maharshi. Timothy Glazier dominated by the Lord Shiva, with visits to see the beautiful Chola Pausing at many of the myriad *Kamala Tours are organising further bronze Natarajas – Shiva as Lord of shrines, sharing with a begging Sadu ‘Temples and Textiles of South India’ tours the Dance – in the Chennai Museum, the nan bread that I had brought with in November 08 and February 09. For details contact Camila Hale on: then to various temples dedicated to me from the previous night’s supper, 01453 751370 [email protected] 10 THE BEDE GRIFFITHS SANGHA NEWSLETTER News from the Bede Griffiths Charitable Trust As readers of the Sangha Newsletter will know, through the extraordinary enterprise and dedication of Jill Hemmings and others in creating the Bede Griffiths Charitable Trust and the phenomenal generosity of those who have donated to the Trust, a number of remarkable projects have been supported. One of these has been the building of the St Adrian’s Reachout Centre for children of Muttom, a village devasted by the 2004 Tsunami. Here Jill updates us on the progress of this project and the work of the Trust. Hazel Eyles, a new trustee, Katherine O’Donovan and I own school and go home for weekends. All the children spent a wonderful three weeks in January visiting all the passed their end of year exams, a considerable achieve- projects supported by the Trust. We began in Muttom, the ment! village devastated by the Tsunami, at the St Adrian’s Reachout Centre (SARC) children’s centre. News of our visit to the projects around Shantivanam will be covered in the next edition of the Katherine writes “The first Newsletter but I would like just to say surprise was the warm welcome I they are all thriving, in particular the received on arrival at the airport new English medium school being from Sr Selvi and by the children. built by Senthil in a very poor, dry The second was that each and area in memory of his beloved mentor every child is engaging in their Fr Bede. own way and so appreciative of love and attention. One can sense The Trustees met in April to allocate just how much they need warmth grants to all the projects, a total of and adult response. Perhaps this £37k. Greville Norman the treasurer relates to the trauma suffered by writes “Over the 4 years of the Trust’s the whole community. Of course existence £238k has been raised and they are not angels but I saw no used for the projects. A total of less tantrums, moodiness, aggression - than £2k - less than 1% of income - just happiness and love. has been spent on administration. Whilst the Trustees are happy that we Lots of aspects are very touching. have been able to support so many Tata the gardener is elderly but excellent projects and invest dona- maintains a bountiful garden tions so quickly, we are keen to raise which supplies the centre with further funds to meet the ongoing vegetables, tapioca and fruit. A requirements of the projects, not least widower, he was turned out by his Katherine O’Donovan (back) and Hazel Eyles (front), with because India is suffering serious Sr Selvi (front right), Sadhu Videhi and children from the children and has found a haven in St Adrian Outreach Centre, Muttom, Tamil Nadu. inflation.. Don’t forget gift aid adds his old age. 28p in the pound!”

We visited some of the children’s homes on the rocks, In other words we need to raise more money! Do help if where the houses survived the Tsunami but little else. In you can, a small amount of our money still goes a long one of the houses, from which two girls attend the centre, way. Its a miracle that so much money has been raised. there are three more girls in the family and virtually noth- A BIG THANK YOU to everyone for all your support. ing in the house. The mother is a widow, the future for these girls is bleak without a dowry, so the Centre is all- With love Jill Hemmings important in ensuring educational success for the girls For details of how to donate to the Bede Griffiths and support for their mother. Charitable Trust please contact Jill at: Beech Tree Cottage, Gushmere, Selling, Kent ME13 9HR The saddest image I have of my visit is the graveyard at 01227 752871 [email protected] Muttom. Near the entrance were the tiny graves of children swept away by the water; just a little mound In the last Newsletter Hazel Eyles wrote: There is a above the level of the ground. Some had a stone record- plan that small groups might enjoy a week's holiday at ing name, date of Tsunami, but others showed evidence of SARC as 'eco tourists' seeing India where life is very poverty of parents, with the simplest crosses, with maybe simple indeed. Tamil Nadu is one of the poorest states a name fading already.” in India and few white people visit. Those who come would pay for their holiday and would be well looked Now that the upstairs building work is finished at the after, as I have experienced, and would feel they have Centre, Sister Selvi is able to take the full complement of been in touch with rural India. We hope some Sangha 30 children for the new term starting on the 6th June. (If members may be interested to find out more about additional funding can be found she could increase that to such a holiday. 35). The children live with her all week, attending their For more information email: [email protected] THE BEDE GRIFFITHS SANGHA NEWSLETTER 11 Sangha News, Retreats and Resources Sangha Working Group Centrespace The Bede Griffiths Sangha is run by a Working Rev. Richard Podger & Heike Podger, Group, who are responsible for all aspects of the friends of the Sangha, would like you to know about Sangha’s activities. The next Working Group their retreat house near Canterbury. “A place to spend some time quietly – a few hours or days meeting is to be held on Saturday 27th September to reflect – rest – re-create – read – pray – meditate” in Cirencester. Anyone interested in playing a Read more on our website: greater part in the running of the Sangha should www.centrespace.freeserve.co.uk contact Jane Lichnowski: Phone: 01227 4620383 82 Gloucester Road, Cirencester.Glos. GL7 2LJ Tel 01285 – 651381 email [email protected] God without God. Michael Hampson Caldey Island Autumn retreat This is a stimulating and scholarly book written by a The Afternoon of Saturday 6th theologian, who for 13 years was an Anglican clergy- to the morning of Saturday 13th September 2008 man, that “rejects the God of presumptive monotheism – A silent retreat with the theme: the wrathful, autocratic, vengeful and demanding king – Holy Water ~ Holy Well and acknowledges and seeks the God who is … the This retreat is now fully booked. Organisers: ground of all being, and the essence of all that is good.” Martin or Aileen Neilan on 01834 871 433 At a time when a feature of popular publishing is the or email to [email protected] success of evangelising atheism, this is a reassuring and thought provoking book. In his clear restating of the Sangha Advent Retreat basis of the Western Spiritual tradition, The Ammerdown Centre Michael Hampson penetrates the mystery 12th-14th December 2008 at the heart of faith in chapters that include God, the Bible, the Creed, Prayer, Once again the Sangha will be meeting together Community and Sacrements and he raises at Advent at the beautiful Ammerdown Centre, challenging questions on the nature and Radstock, Nr Bath, to consider an Advent theme in implications of belief. preparation for the celebration of Christmas. Published by O Books £9.99 Paper Bk. Booking Forms, with full details, will be sent out with the Autumn Newsletter in September. Those wishing to make a provisional BOOKS FROM THE SANGHA. booking can contact Victoria Glazier on 01453 839488 Beyond the Darkness [email protected] Shirley du Boulay’s definitive biography of Father Bede Griffiths. “Beyond the darkness is a magnificently The Abbey clear, finely written and untimately Sutton Courtenay inspiring biography of one of the Oxon OX14 4AF twentieth century’s greatest spiritual “Rest and Renewal in a pioneers”. Andrew Harvey unique medieval setting” The Four O’Clock Talks “What it is to be human” Transcripts of Brother Martin’s daily talks A weekend retreat with Brother Martin. at Shantivanam, recorded and presented by Fri 11 – Sun 13 July. £150/£165 (sgl supp) Atmajyoti (Carrie Lock) “ for Everyday Life” Suggested donation of £6.00 each to cover cost and postage. A silent retreat with Pete Lowry, Cheques made out to “Bede Griffiths Sangha” to: Senior Fellow of the Western Chan Fellowship. Timothy Glazier, 2 Tynings Road, Nailsworth,GL6 0EJ. Sat 16 – Sun 17 Aug £120/£135 (sgl supp) Deep Creativity FROM THE WCCM Weekend workshop in meditation and inspiration from the Buddhist tradition with Alistair Appleton. BOOKS, DVD’S AND CASSETTES OF FATHER BEDE Fri 22 – Sun 24 August £150/£165 (sgl supp) AND BOOKS AND TAPES ON MEDITATION Buddhist Christian Retreat Ask for complete list of Father Bede Griffith’s and Father John Main’s books, CD’s, Videos and DVD’s. With Candasiri of Amaravati Monastery and Elizabeth West. Fri 29 Nov – Mon 1 Dec. £150/£165 (sgl supp) All available from MEDIO MEDIA with donations to the teachers. St Mark's, Myddelton Square, London EC1R 1XX www.theabbey.uk.com [email protected] Call Jan Dunsford on 020 7278 2070 Add £1.00 postage in the UK orders; postage on overseas 01235 847401 orders will be charged according to weight. 12 THE BEDE GRIFFITHS SANGHA NEWSLETTER Regional and Overseas Sangha Contacts For Sangha and Newsletter Contacts see page 2 Overseas contacts If any one would like to have their names removed Argentina Magdelena Puebla. or added as local contacts please let us know. [email protected] 00542204761641 England Australia Andrew Howie [email protected] Beds: Bedford - Peter Forrest 01234 831361 Bucks: East St Kilda - Samantha Semmens Cornwall: Penzance - Swami Nityamuktananda [email protected] 01736 350510 Chile Carlos Carranza. Devon: Totnes - Susan Hannis. 01803 867416 [email protected] [email protected]. Denmark Vicky Lasheras: [email protected] Dorset: Michael Giddings 07810 366860 or Eire Michael Woods +35 312 888075 [email protected] France Nerte Chaix [email protected] Essex: Revd. Chris Collingwood 020 8501 5771 Germany Sabine Deller [email protected] Gloucestershire: Timothy and Victoria Glazier India Br. Martin: [email protected] 01453 839488 Italy Mario la Floresta [email protected] Hertfordshire Graham Thwaits. 01279 834315 Malta Godwin Genovese [email protected] Kent: Canterbury, Jill Hemmings 01227 752871 New Zealand Kevin Moran, Christchurch London N4 - Ann O’Donoghue 0207 359 1929 [email protected] London SE (Kent) - Hilary Knight 0168 986 1004 USA Florida - Michael Spillane London N/Herts - Edgar Holroyd-Doveton [email protected] 020 8386 4323 Oklahoma - Carolyn Cowan: Middlesex Pinner. Catherine Widdicombe [email protected] [email protected] Nevada - Jackie Greedy 775 883 0854 Norfolk: Chris Smythe 01493 664725 California Santa Barbara - Nicholas Dewey Northants: Henry Worthy 01604 513032 805 898 0865 Somerset: Taunton - Valeria Ives 01823 432468 Big Sur - Father Cyprian Consiglio Bath - Kevin Tingay 01761 470249 [email protected] Staffs: Stoke on Trent - Sr Sophia 01782 816036 Suffolk: Wendy Mulford 01728 604169 Meditation Groups W. Sussex: Gillian Maher 01444 455334 Chichester: Therese O’Neill 01730 814879 Gloucestershire: Nailsworth. Timothy and Victoria Glazier Worcs Nick & Mary Saddler. 01386 751443 01453 839488 Mondays 6.30pm Yorks: Barnsley: Margaret Cadnam Hertfordshire: Bishop Stortford. Graham Thwaits. 01226 217042 Group 01279 834315 Thursdays 6.30pm London : SE (Kent) - Hilary Knight 0168 986 1004 Northern Ireland Wednesdays 7.30. Ballyhornan: Stan Papenfus 02844 841451 SW (Barnes) Stefan Reynolds 07930679905 [email protected] Wednesdays. Scotland Middlesex: Pinner. Catherine Widdicombe Aberdeen: Angelika Monteux 01224 867409 [email protected] Fridays 8.00pm Glasgow: Steve Woodward 01355 224937 Northants: Henry Worthy 01604 513032 Edinburgh: Laird McLean 0131 478 1673 Thurs at 8 p.m. Easter Ross: Revd George Coppen 01862 842381 Surrey: Woking. Kath Higgens 01483 833101 [email protected] Wednedays. 5.30pm Sussex: Chichester. Therese O’Neill 01730 814879 Wales 2nd Wed of each month. West Wales: Martin and Aileen Neilan 01834 871 433 Arundel. Mary Corbyn 01903 882508 Mid Wales: Montgomery - Jonathan Robinson Tuesdays. 01588 620779 Yorkshire: Mirfield. Margaret Cadnam 01226 217042 Holywell - Philip Francis 01352 711620 1st Thurs of each month WCCM Groups WCCM contact - Kim Nataraja Channel Islands Jersey: [email protected] Sean Arnold. 01534 747643. 020 7727 6779 [email protected] www.bedegriffithssangha.org.uk