Nell Bank Shibir

We were blessed with beautiful weather during the North Vibhag Shibir at Nell Bank Outdoor Centre in the lovely Yorkshire Dales.

Following are some of experiences that were had by those attending the Shibir:


Aravind age 13

I thoroughly enjoyed my stay at Nell bank, being only two days long, I was wishing when it ended that it would continue. The atmosphere was always fun. I think that considering the limited time, the timetables were constructed very well, so that we were always busy and having a good time.


After going to SSV, I found that this felt like a test of what I had learned and I tried to perfect it. For the people who haven’t been though, Nell bank shibir was a great introduction and I’m sure everyone learned a lot, including me. I really enjoyed the food at Nell Bank. It was amazing! I like the way it tasted really good, but was also really healthy and nutritious. Pav bhajis, pasta, garlic bread Yum.


A lot of the activities that we did were team-building activities, the assault course was a really good way to improve communication and working as a group, they really got everyone involved; especially the mahakhel on the last day, games that got the whole shibir into two huge teams and really tested our ability to work as a team. This included a huge bench race, blindfolded guiding and a huge game of bench-ball.


I have a few highlights at Nell Bank which I will remember for a long time such as: Winning the orienteering competition with Shiv, and a few other competitions with Shiv on my team as well..., obviously the food as well, and the bonfire in the field. The bonfire was really memorable, we all were in anticipation of it and were worried because we had heard that they could not get a fire going but eventually we all ran down to the field in high spirits and we sang songs and story stories and jokes. It was the traditional night at the campfire and after wards, hot chocolate. The only thing I would change would probably be having ear-buds when I slept! There was so much talking in the night and snoring!


Nell Bank was a very memorable and enjoyable experience for me, I would definitely recommend it.



Akshay age 7




At first I felt very nervous because everyone was older than me in the group. Soon I realised everything was fun and enjoyable. My favourite activity was the “Khel” (Play). I learnt new games, songs and how to respond to traditional commands of the shikshaks. I enjoyed the nutritious food and the warm hot chocolate after the bonfire night, when I made others laugh with a few jokes. I will definitely go again.

Shiv Mistry age 13

When coming to Nell Bank this year all I was expecting it to be was fun, because I knew that after SSV this camp should be a piece of cake. Of course, I got that bit wrong! We had to be ready by 6:45, and me, Aravind and the other people in our room got up with fifteen minutes left.

Even though I had been before, I had forgotten how amazing the scenery was from Nell Bank. The first thing we did when we got there was have some sandwiches whilst enjoying the view. Our first activity was orienteering. Aravind and I had the perfect plan! He found the place on the map and I ran to it. Although we were followed by one other group, we ended up becoming really good friends with them. We completed the course in seven minutes which was a record according to our instructor (Vicky.) We then had some more activities which involved feeding a bear and a frog on a glacier and getting across a river full of piranhas, well that’s what she said.

The food was always fantastic, also it seemed that me and Aravind were going through more cups of juice than everybody else put together. The Sharerik (physical activities) were always very enjoyable, when we did Samata (order) it was just a recap on what we had learnt from SSV. Our Gana (group) was 13 and under so me and Aravind were the older ones. Although it was nice being bigger than people, it was hard not to hurt the younger people (which I learnt the bad way). Talking about age, Akshay was of course the youngest by three years in our group. Despite this Akshay mastered all the commands better than most people and ended up being one of the best players in khel.

For most people the assault course was the best part, but for me it was the maha khel. This is where everybody got together into two big teams, and we had to tackle lots of different challenges. Although there were a few shikshaks in our team I still got picked as team leader, and it is hard controlling a big group of rowdy boys. Although our team was winning for the first half of the khel, the other team won in the end. I found that because the groups at Nell bank were smaller than the ones at SSV it allowed you to bond more with new people.

I think that this shibhir is great for swayemsevaks who are too young to go to SSV. Although you do not learn as much as SSV, you get some starters and you get know people before you do go to SSV. I think next year we should get a bigger sankhia from Warrington, and I know that I will definitely be there.

Navratri 2011 in Warrington

The beginning of spring and the beginning of autumn are two very important junctions of climatic and solar influence. These two periods are taken as sacred opportunities for the worship of the Divine Mother. The dates of the festival are determined according to the lunar calendar.

Navaratri represents celebration of Goddess Durga, the manifestation of Deity in form of Shakti [Energy or Power]. The Navaratri festival or ‘Nine Nights festival’ becomes ‘ten days festival’ with the addition of the last day, Vijayadashami which is its culmination. On all these ten days, the various forms of Mother Mahisasura-mardini (Durga) are worshipped with fervor and devotion.

As you can see from the photos "Energy" Shakti was definitely flowing during the two days that it was celebrated in Warrington at the Pyramid Arts Centre
                                                                 
                                                                        Day 1

                                                                      Day 2

                                                             Day 2 Video Clip

HINDUISM-A FREE RELIGION AND VEDANTA INITIATOR OF DEMOCRACY

The beauty of being a Hindu lies in your freedom to be who you want to be. Nobody can tell you what to do, or what not to do. There is no central authority, no single leader of the faith. No one can pass an order to excommunicate you, or like in some countries, pass a decree that orders your death by stoning for walking with a strange man.

We don’t appreciate our freedom because we can’t feel the plight of others who aren’t free. Many religions have a central authority with awesome power over the individual. They have a clear chain of command, from the lowliest local priest to the highest central leader. Hinduism somehow escaped from such central authority, and the Hindu has miraculously managed to hold on to his freedom through the ages. How did this happen?

Vedanta is the answer. When the writers of Vedanta emerged, around 1500 BC, they faced an organised religion of orthodox Hinduism. This was the post Vedic age, where ritualism was practiced, and the masses had no choice but to follow. It was a coercive atmosphere.

The writers of Vedanta rebelled against this authority and moved away from society into forests. This was how the ‘Aranyakas’ were written, literally meaning ‘writings from the forest’. These later paved the way for the Upanishads, and Vedanta eventually caught the imagination of the masses. It emerged triumphant, bearing with it the clear voice of personal freedom.

This democracy of religious thought, so intrinsic to Vedantic intelligence, sank into the mindset of every Indian. Most couldn’t fathom the deep wisdom it contained, but this much was very clear. They understood that faith was an expression of personal freedom, and one could believe at will.That’s why Hinduism saw an explosion of Gods. There was a God for every need and every creed. If you wanted to build your muscles, you worshiped a God with fabulous muscles. If you wanted to pursue education, there was a Goddess of Learning. If it was wealth you were looking for, then you looked up to the Goddess of wealth — with gold coins coming out of her hands.If you wanted to live happily as a family, you worshiped Gods who specially blessed families. When you grew old and faced oncoming death, you spent time in contemplating a God whose business it was to dissolve everything — from an individual to the entire Universe.Everywhere, divinity appeared in the manner and form you wanted it to appear, and when its use was over, you quietly discarded that form of divinity and looked at new forms of the divine that was currently of use to you. ‘Yad Bhavam, tad Bhavati’… what you choose to believe becomes your personal truth, and freedom to believe is always more important than belief itself.

Behind all this — was the silent Vedantic wisdom that Gods are but figments of human imagination. As the Kena Upanishad says, “Brahma ha devebhyo vijigye…” — All Gods are mere subjects of the Self. It implies that it is far better that God serves Man than Men serve God. Because Men never really serve God — they only obey the dictates of a religious head who speaks for that God, who can turn them into slaves in God’s name.

Hindus have therefore never tried to convert anyone. Never waged war in the name of religion. The average Hindu happily makes Gods serve him as per his needs. He discards Gods when he has no use for them. And new Gods emerge all the time — in response to market needs. In this tumult, no central authority could survive. No single prophet could emerge and hold sway, no chain of command could be established.

Vedanta had injected an organised chaos into Hinduism, and that’s the way it has been from the last thirty five centuries. Vedanta is also responsible, by default, for sustaining democracy. When the British left India, it was assumed that the nation would soon break up. Nothing of that kind has happened.The pundits of doom forgot that the Indian had been used to religious freedom from thousands of years. When he got political freedom, he grabbed it naturally. After all, when you can discard Gods why can’t you discard leaders?

Leaders like Gods are completely expendable to the Indian mindset. They are tolerated as long as they serve the people, and are replaced when needs change. It’s the triumph of people over their leaders, and in this tumult, no dictator can ever take over and rule us. Strange how the thoughts of a few men living in forests, thirty five centuries ago, can echo inside the heart of every Indian. That’s a tribute to the resurgent power of India, and the fearlessness of its free thinking people..

Sewa Day - Activities

The word SEWA means selfless service. Warrington Shakha along with Manchester Shakha marked the Sewa Day by volunteering to carry out conservation work at Delamere Forest. We were assigned the task of clearing an area from Birch trees so that habitat can be created for Dragon flys etc. Although it was physically laborious work, all those Swayamsewaks and Sevikas taking part found a great sense of fulfilment doing something for our environment.

Navratri - 2011

Local Paper's Coverage of Warrington Mela

More Video Memories from the Mela

Mela Memories..

Warrington Mela - Dandiyaras

All our practice for 4 weeks finally paid off when Warrington Shakha performed at the Warrington Mela last Saturday. We have had nothing but praise and already we are looking forward to Navratri festival to demonstrate our new found dancing abilities.

GURU POOJA - Utsav

Here are some photos from last weeks Guru Pooja utsav.

GURU POOJA - Next Shakha - 15th July 2011

We will be celebrating Guru Pooja utsav next Shakha. Please be at the Peace Centre for 7:00pm. Please come in ganvesh of white top and black pants.

Ramji Vaidya will be our guest speaker. As well as our usual programme of exercise and games we will hold a ceremony to accept donations for Guru Pooja. Unmarked envelopes will be handed out so that you can make whatever donation so that we can carry on supporting the running of Shakha activities.

We will sing the following geet during the ceremony:

Click here > Vishwa Guru  < Click here

Namaskar.

Hasmukh D Mistry

Karyawaha Of Warrington Shakha

 Vishwa Guru

Vishwa Guru Tava Archanā Me,

Bheta Arpaṇa Kyā Kare,

Jaba Ki Tana Mana Dhana Tumhāre,

Aur Pūjan Kyā Kare….

Prāchi Kī Aruṇima Chhaṭā Hai

Yagña Kī Ābhā Vibhā Hai
Aruṇa Jyotirmaya Dhwajā Hai

Deepa Darshana Kyā Kare (1)

Veda Kī Pāvana Richā Se

Āja Taka Jo Rāga Gūnje
Vandanā Ke Ina Svaro Me

Tucchha Vandana Kyā Kare (2)

Rām Se Avatār Āye

Karmamaya Jīvana Chaḍhāye
Ajira Tana Terā Chalāye

Aur Archana Kyā Kare (3)

Patra Phala Aur Puṣhpa Jala Se

Bhāvanā Le Hṛdaya Tala Se
Prāṇa Ke Pala Pala Vipala Se

Āja Arādhana Kare (4)

विश्वगुरु तव अर्चना में

विश्वगुरु तव अर्चना में भेट अर्पण क्या करें
जब कि तन मन धन तुम्हारे और पूजन क्या करें

प्राची की अरुणिम छटा हैं यज्ञ की आभा विभा हैं
अरुण ज्योतिर्मय ध्वजा हैं दीप दर्शन क्या करें ॥१॥
वेद की पावन ऋचा से आज तक जो राग गूंजे
वन्दना के इन स्वरों मे तुच्छ वन्दन क्या करें ॥२॥
राम से अवतार आयें कर्ममय जीवन चढायें
अजिर तन तेरा चलायें और अर्चन क्या करें ॥३॥
पत्र फल और पुष्प जल से भावना ले हृदयतल से
प्राण के पल पल विपल से आज आराधन करें॥४॥

Meaning

O Universal Guru (Bhagwa Dhwaj), what can we offer you in worship? When our body, mind and wealth are all yours, what more can we offer?

You symbolise the saffron colour of the rising sun, and the sacred flames of a sacrificial fire. You are the embodiment of light and brilliance. How can I show a small flame (diya) to you?

Since the holy Vedic hymns, many have sung your glories. With all those words of prayers, what else can I say?

Avatars like Lord Rama came and led a life of relentless action. They laid their lives in your service, what then can I offer you?

With flowers, fruits, water and devotion from the bottom of our hearts, with every moment of our lives, we shall worship you.

The 3 Peaks Experience - Sonal Shivani Mistry

The Three Peaks Challenge was indeed a challenge… whether you did all three, two or one and a half- it was the sort of activity where everyone pushed themselves just beyond what is normal or to be expected of themselves. Someone mentioned during the shakha charcha that followed, that it is a rare occurrence that we explore beyond our limits and that every once in a while we surprise ourselves with just how capable we really are. And I couldn’t agree more! Here is my account of that stimulating day, Sunday 1^st May. 

The first peak was really enjoyable. Over 200 people from HSS set off together at about 7 am to climb the first peak, Pen-y-Ghent, and just that sight was incredible! From far above we must have looked like a team of ants scurrying up a mole hill. And we were a part of that! In the midst of it all we marched onwards and upwards, hardly daunted by the towering  694 m peak we were facing, so full of enthusiasm and energy were we. As we made our way amongst the masses we bumped into friends, old acquaintances and relatives, people I haven’t seen in years. And so it was with this spirit that we climbed up the first peak walking and talking animatedly, whilst falling in step with ever changing faces, and soon enough we had scrambled to the top. Maybe, it was a little bit harder than I am describing it, but really, I was having such a fun time that as far as I remember- it flew by! As we made our way down, down, down from the first peak, the team of ants began to dwindle into smaller groups with large gaps in between. I found myself with our own Aravind Narayan, Poonam Mistry of Leicester/Warrington, Amrita Patel of Leicester and Nandini Shah of Bradford, and lucky I was in such good company, for the walk between the first peaks to the second was long and my body was starting to complain- the loudest complaint coming from my stomach- was it time for our picnic yet?

But we weren't to stop until we reached the checkpoint, and so I had to drown the rumbling of the stomach with girly chit chat!  The distance was approximately 5 miles, but with good company, and words of encouragement, and the inducement of bateta nu shak sandwiches/of a good full picnic we made our way to the check point. It was lovely- we always say food never tastes as good as it does in the great outdoors! It was there our group got smaller still, and after having rested and replenished ourselves me, Aravind and Shaila Gosrani of Bradford set off from the check point to face our greatest challenge yet: Whernside, the second peak.

 So we made our way up, enjoying the sunshine and the beautiful scenery, but when we reached about ¾ of the way up the second peak- a point I should mention where it is best to keep going rather than to turn back- we were hit by winds so strong, I can only describe it as other-worldly! Never in my life have I been so much affected by the force of Mother Nature! I remember looking around at Shaila and Aravind only to find that they too were clinging onto the rocks on the side, pushing themselves up straight so as to stop the wind from utterly crushing them into the wall! We were taken by a mixture of hilarity and surprise at the situation at hand- not quite believing it. Now I should mention that the Whernside peak forms a plateau which continues for quite some distance before descending back down. And so we battled through the winds up to the top of the plateau and across it. Through out the whole time the winds did not relent, and we had to sometimes literally crawl our way through. We helped each other with words of encouragement, pulled the other up when fallen, and spurred each other on when fatigued. I felt like I was in one of those, Sci-Fi, end of the world, Day after tomorrow films, and it was all so unexpected that I couldn't help but laugh. I think the hardest part was on the descent, when we hoped that the winds would be less forceful- which of course they weren't. It was difficult to walk down the rubble strewn path when the wind was inching me further forward than is wise on a steep hill. 

We were so tired and battered by the time we reached the second check point. Collapsed, with arms and legs sprawled wide out on the soft bed of grass we ate and drank and smiled the smiles of the satisfied and contented. When the last call came for the third and final peak- Ingleborough, we all looked at one another and read the shared feelings of “That’s quite enough for one day.” 

Sonal Shivani Mistry


MORE PHOTOS HERE

3 Peaks - Our experiences

The alarm went off..it was 4 o'clock in the morning! I wanted to stay longer in the cosy bed but knew that we had to get away within one hour to make it in time for the start of the North Yorkshire 3 Peaks Challenge. The drive to Yorkshire from Warrington was quick and pleasant. Sonal took opportunity to grab extra sleep.Shiv and Aravind chatted away excitedly in the back whilst the rest of us enjoyed the glorious sunrise as the drab Motorway gave way to winding country road through the Penines.


We arrived at Horton-in-Ribblesdale with 30 mins to spare. This time was well spent renewing old acquaintances and wrapping up with extra layers as the morning chill warned that it would be much colder high up the hills. There was a briefing by the organisers and with a resounding "Vishwa Dharma Ki Jai!" we were off. Jai,Sonal,Shiv and Aravind raced ahead as they intended to complete all The 3 peaks. Salilji, Priti and myself adopted a leisurely pace as we chatted with old friends and made new ones along the way. As Pen-y-Ghent loomed ahead of us our chatting became less pronounced as we started using our precious energy for the climb. Gradually the cluster of walkers became a single file as the track became steeper. More we climbed higher the more we got rewarded by spectacular views as North Yorkshire Moors. Having climbed in the Himalayas, I knew it is best to keep a steady pace and breath rhythmically in order not to get puffed out. The last stage of the climb was almost vertical where we had to use hand to scramble up. The wind was now getting dangerous. It was strong enough to blow you around and it was obvious that the light weight trekkers were having real problems steadying themselves! Finally, with one enormous burst of effort we reached the summit of Pen-y-Ghent 694m (2,277ft). A well deserved break of sandwiches, chocolates and energy drinks was had.


The descent was a welcome relief as we were shielded from the biting winds on the other side of the peak. As we descended, conversations again started which nicely distracted the pain from now aching limbs.Suddenly, a bunch of Indian trekkers approached us walking in the opposite direction...it was Debkantji and friends! They had decided to do the trek the other way round. A pleasant cup of tea and Kit-Kats were waiting for us at our return. 


Suryaji,Priyaji,Akshay,Vinod and Naveenji,Bipasaji,Anant and Aryaman had decided to attempt one peak and were ready and waiting to go up Ingleborough. I will let them describe their experiences in a separate blog.


We all had a fantastic time climbing the peaks, meeting and making friends along the way.
418 individuals took part in the trek raising £ 3273.21 for the Charity Sewa International
Vishwa Dharma Ki Jai!


Individual achievements:


All 3 Peaks - Jai & Shiv
2 Peaks      - Sonal, Debkantji, Aravind, Hasmukhji
1 Peak        - Pritiji, Salilji, Suryaji, Priyaji, Akhshay, Vinod
                     - Naveenji, Bipashaji, Anant, Aryaman


Hasmukh Dahyabhai Mistry
Warrington Vivekananda Shakha

MORE PHOTOS - CLICK ON THIS LINK

Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge 01 May 2011

Trek base and car park is app 100 meters past the National Trust Car park
in Horton in Ribblesdale.
 
On registration each person will get a Reg Card with a NUMBER
which they carry at all times and show checkpoints and on completion.

Those who have sent reg forms early, you still have to collect your Reg Card

FINAL BRIEF please forward to your group members

ALL THREE PEAKS - start sharp at 07.00 am

1) To finish in 10 hours to 11.45 hrs. Guides will be spread out.
    There will be 2 guides at rear who will try and complete in 11.45 hrs

    
2) We will have a marshal at (1 mile down from summit of Pen-y- Ghent)
    where the path splits -  (a) left turn on Pennine Way back to BASE
    and (b) path for VIADUCT.

    Slow walkers will be encouraged to got for base and try two peaks only.
    Strict time limit of 08.45am for all 3 peak walkers OR if accompanied

    by the rear guides.

2)  Refreshment / checkpoints at junction of VIADUCT on B6479
     and second at bottom of Whernside on B6255 ( just before start of Ingleborough)
     Water, fruits and chocs will be provided. also first aid medication

3) Walkers who retire at VIADUCT and bottom of Whernside
    will get transport to BASE (HORTON in RIBB)
    PLEASE make a donation of £1 towards fuel cost.

   EACH PERSON MUST PRINT OWN MAP


ONE PEAK OR TWO PEAKS
We have guides for FAST, MEDIUM AND SLOW walkers

1) Pen-y-Ghent start at 07.00am  but walk slowly and return to base.

   Marshal will be at one mile down, left turn on Pennine Way back to BASE.
   This slow group will have 2 guides towards the rear and be back by 11.30 noon.

   Refreshments - tea, fruit and chocs will be provided. Water available at NT car park.
   Have your lunch at BASE, so carry less load.

3)  Walk Ingleborough at around 10.30am to 11.30am and return
     same way to base. Will meet the three peak walkers on their last section.
     Again there will be guides. Walk time from 4 to 6 hours.

 

ENJOY THE WALK AND MAKE NEW FRIENDS

print your own map
KEEP THE DALES CLEAN

CLICK ON IMAGE BELOW FOR THE MAP

Walk in the Park

Namaste,
There is no Shakha at the Peace Centre on Friday 22/04/2011, instead we are planning to meet up at Sankey Valley Park for a walk starting @ 3:30 pm until 5:30pm. Can you please get back to me by this evening and let me know if you will be coming so that we can decide whether to go ahead.
Pranam. hasmukh.mistry@nirvanasys.com

Picnic at Walton Garden

We will meet @ 11am on 10th of April 2011 for a picnic dedicated to Yogeshji Shahade & family who are returning to India. We wish them all the best and a speedy return back to UK.

Walton Lea Road

Higher Walton, Warrington WA44 6SN