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Who are Nature Mentors? What is their role?
Here’s a 5 point realistic fast forward to depict how the nature integrated human society will be based on a new world order steered by a band of new role models developed by Vikashalaya who will show the path as revolutionary mentors:
1. A shift towards sustainable living:
With the guidance of revolutionary mentors, people will be essentially accustomed with sustainable living practices. This will include a focus on reducing waste, using renewable resources, and minimizing the impact on the environment. Communities will be designed with nature in mind, integrating green spaces and utilizing natural materials.
2. Development of human minds will be focused on nature and environmental stewardship:
Education will be essentially aligned with the ways and direction of nature. Children will be mentors according to the principles of sustainability, conservation, and environmental responsibility. This will create a generation of environmentally conscious adults who will continue to value and honor nature in their daily lives.
3. A focus on community building and collaboration:
The new world order will be based on collaboration, interdependence and community building. People will work together to create sustainable solutions and build an awakened society which values the overall well-being of all its members. This will include a focus on social justice, equality, and inclusivity. Competitions will be obsolete and the new mentor-mentee work culture will be heralded generally.
4. Technology used for the greater good:
Technology will be used to enhance sustainability and improve the lives of people. For example, renewable energy sources will become more accessible and affordable, and transportation will shift towards renewable and sustainable natural energy resources. Technology will also be used to monitor and protect the environment, ensuring that it remains healthy and vibrant.
5. New role models leading the way:
Finally, new role models will emerge as leaders in this new world order. These individuals will be respected for their commitment to sustainability, environmental stewardship, and community building. They will serve as mentors, guiding others towards a better future and inspiring the next generation of leaders.
At Vikashalaya, our new nature-based developmental module is empowering children to become these new role models. By providing them with the knowledge and skills they need to prioritize nature and sustainability, we are creating a generation of leaders who will shape the future of our world.
Sympathetic Saviours vs. Visionary Changemakers: Unleashing the Power of Transformation
By Asit Ghosh, Trustee, Vikashalaya 14 June 2023
Introduction
In the realm of nonprofits and NGOs, there are two distinct categories that emerge: the sympathetic saviours and the visionary changemakers. While both have noble intentions, it is the latter category, represented by organisations like Vikashalaya, that truly delve into eradicating the root causes of societal evils. This article aims to shed light on the significant challenges faced by visionary changemakers and inspire readers to appreciate the depth of their mission, fostering a more generous and consistent response to their appeal.
The Story of the River’s Edge
Imagine a picturesque riverbank where a vibrant party is taking place. Laughter and music fill the air as friends and acquaintances gather together to celebrate. Suddenly, amidst the revelry, a cry for help breaks through the merriment—someone is in dire need of rescue.
“Save! Save!” echoes through the crowd, jolting everyone into action. They rush towards the riverbank, their hearts filled with a mix of fear and determination. Among the concerned faces, a strong and courageous man emerges—a symbol of unwavering strength and selflessness. Without a second thought, he dives into the water, his sole focus on rescuing the drowning individual.
Relief washes over the partygoers as they witness the heroic act unfold before their eyes. However, their respite is short-lived, for as they turn their attention back to the river, they notice two more individuals struggling to stay afloat, their voices fading into desperate screams for help.
Once again, the valiant man springs into action. Ignoring the risks, he fearlessly wades back into the treacherous currents. With sheer determination and unwavering strength, he manages to save the two individuals from the clutches of the river.
Yet, as the crowd watches with gratitude, their hearts sink when they realise that the number of drowning people has doubled once more. Four individuals now thrash about, desperately gasping for air. Their cries for salvation fill the air, blending with the collective pleas of the onlookers.
This time, however, the saviour’s unwavering resolve seems to waver. He stands by the river’s edge, his gaze distant and resolute. The crowd implores him to intervene once more, to rescue the four souls on the verge of their demise. But the man, now firm in his decision, knows there is a deeper problem at hand.
“I cannot save them again,” he declares firmly, his voice carrying over the clamour. “I must go up there to stop the man who is causing this.”
Without hesitation, the determined saviour sprints towards the uphill path, leaving behind the bewildered and concerned onlookers. Their faith in his abilities remains intact, even as he vanishes from sight, for they understand that his purpose transcends the immediate crisis at hand. The Message within the Story
The story of the river’s edge mirrors the distinction between sympathetic saviours and visionary changemakers in the world of nonprofits and NGOs. The sympathetic saviours, represented by the courageous man who risked his life to save drowning individuals, provide immediate relief and assistance. Their acts of kindness and emotional appeals stir the hearts of compassionate individuals, driving them to lend their support promptly.
However, the visionary changemakers, symbolised by the saviour’s decision to confront the root cause of the drownings, recognize that addressing the consequences is not enough. They understand that sustainable transformation lies in addressing the underlying issues, even if it requires leaving behind the immediate crises and venturing uphill to make a lasting difference.
The Challenges of Changemakers
The work undertaken by visionary changemakers, like Vikashalaya, is undeniably difficult and painstaking. Their mission requires meticulous planning, strategic interventions, and a deep understanding of the complexities of social problems. Unlike the sympathetic saviours, the changemakers may not evoke an instant emotional response from the general public due to the nature of their appeals. However, the impact they create goes beyond immediate relief, aiming for long-term transformation.
Appreciating the Depth of Mission
To truly appreciate the depth of mission undertaken by visionary changemakers, it is essential to understand the profound significance of their work. Their efforts go beyond alleviating immediate suffering, aiming instead to create a world where societal evils are diminished or eradicated entirely. By supporting these organisations, individuals become part of a larger movement that seeks to reshape society’s foundations and build a brighter future for all.
Inspiring Generosity and Consistency
Now, more than ever, the world needs individuals who appreciate the value of visionary changemakers. To inspire generosity and consistency in supporting their endeavours, we must share their stories, amplify their voices, and highlight the impact they create. By cultivating a deeper understanding of their mission, we can build a community that actively contributes to their cause, providing the necessary resources and support to drive long-lasting change.
Conclusion
In the realm of nonprofits and NGOs, there are two distinct categories: the sympathetic saviours and the visionary changemakers. While both play crucial roles in addressing societal evils, it is the visionary changemakers who confront the root causes and strive for sustainable transformation. Although their appeals may not evoke an immediate emotional response, it is essential to recognize the depth of their mission. By appreciating their efforts, supporting their cause, and actively engaging with their vision, we become catalysts for real change. Together, let us unleash the power of transformation and create a world where the root causes of societal evils are eradicated, leaving lasting positive change in their wake.
A Few Words About Vikashalaya
At Vikashalaya, we are more than just an NGO. We are a young organization fueled by unwavering resolve, a passionate team of Trustees, a responsible vision, and a towering mission. We embrace great challenges with even greater faith and the blessings of Mother Nature. Joining our community means working alongside our inspired team, supporting us, and feeling proud to make a discerning contribution in creating a new world order.
With several projects on the anvil, Vikashalaya is committed to making a meaningful impact in the lives of those in need. Our flagship project, Matrikul, stands as a unique home for the development of destitute children. This noble initiative finds its home in Santiniketan, a place steeped in the legacy of the iconic Rabindranath Tagore. By establishing Matrikul here, we aim to carry forward the spirit of creativity, education, and compassion that resonates in this sacred place.
But our endeavors don’t stop there. Vikashalaya is dedicated to launching a series of pioneering adult empowerment programs, seeking to uplift and transform lives at every stage. These programs will empower individuals to realize their potential, overcome obstacles, and contribute positively to society.
To achieve our goals, we rely on the support of dedicated volunteers, interns, as well as substantial funds and technology assistance from generous individuals, corporates, and institutions. By collaborating with like-minded partners, we can amplify our impact and reach more communities in need. Your involvement, whether through volunteering, providing financial support, or sharing your expertise, is a vital part of our journey towards creating lasting change.
If you resonate with our vision and mission, we invite you to connect with us. You can reach us at phone number 7009211076 or via email at [email protected]. Stay updated with our progress and future initiatives by visiting our website at www.vikashalaya.org (currently under construction).
Together, let us shape a brighter future, nurture lives, and build a world where compassion, empowerment, and sustainable change thrive. Join Vikashalaya and be a part of our transformative journey.*
Vikashalaya: Harmonising with the Divine Symphony of Purpose Exploring the Three Paths: Above Reason, Within Reason, and Below Reason Asit Ghosh, Trustee 16 June 2023
Introduction
Throughout the vast realm of spiritual literature, one can find various perspectives on the nature of reality and the paths we can take to navigate our existence. In this article, we will delve into the three paths: Above Reason, Within Reason, and Below Reason. While the specific source of these paths might be elusive, we can explore their essence and contemplate their implications for our lives.
I. Above Reason:
Aligned with the Creator’s Ways
In the realm of Above Reason, we find a world in harmony with the ways of the Creator, where humans are seen as awakened beings who consciously align themselves with the divine. Although the exact source might remain unidentified, the essence of this path can be discovered in numerous faiths and spiritual traditions.
Within the Above Reason world, there is an understanding that our existence is interconnected with a higher power, whether we refer to it as the Source, Creator, Consciousness, or Mother Nature. It is a place where we recognize our true nature and strive to live in alignment with the divine principles that govern the universe.
This path invites us to expand our consciousness, awakening to our inherent connection to all living beings and the world around us. It encourages us to cultivate virtues such as love, compassion, and gratitude, as we recognize that we are an expression of the Creator’s divine essence.
II. Within Reason:
The World of Human Minds
Within Reason encompasses the world created by human minds, where we perceive ourselves as separate entities seemingly detached from the Source or Creator. It is a path characterised by rational thinking and logical analysis, where our perceptions and actions are primarily guided by our intellect.
In this realm, we often view the world through the lens of science, philosophy, and human understanding. While these tools have propelled us to great advancements, there is a risk of losing touch with the deeper truths that lie beyond the realm of reason.
The Within Reason world acknowledges the importance of reason and critical thinking, but it also acknowledges its limitations. It reminds us that there is a vastness beyond what our minds can grasp and invites us to seek a balance between reason and intuition, integrating the wisdom of the heart and the intellect.
III. Below Reason:
The World of Delusion
The path below reason represents a state of delusion, where individuals are completely disconnected from the awakened awareness of their true nature. The reference to the Bhagavad Gita highlights the idea that the deluded fail to perceive the deeper realities and are confined within their limited understanding.
In the Below Reason world, individuals may be driven by ego, ignorance, or attachment to material desires. They are immersed in illusion, unable to recognize the interconnectedness of all things and the existence of a higher truth.
Living consciously in the Below Reason world involves recognizing the delusions that cloud our perceptions and seeking to transcend them. It calls for self-reflection, introspection, and the willingness to question our beliefs and attachments. Only through this process can we begin to awaken to a higher reality beyond our limited perspectives.
Living in the Reason World Consciously
Given these three paths, it becomes essential to consider how we can live in the Reason world more consciously, moving towards the realm of Above Reason. Here are some suggestions:
Be present and trust:
Practice mindfulness and cultivate present-moment awareness. Trust in the unfolding of life’s experiences, recognizing that there is a higher intelligence guiding us.
Seek and apply signals from above reason:
Be open to receiving guidance from the realm beyond reason. Pay attention to synchronicities, intuitive nudges, and subtle signs that may guide your path.
Embrace virtues and compassion:
Cultivate virtues such as love, compassion, kindness, and gratitude. Embody these qualities in your interactions with others, recognizing the interconnectedness of all beings.
Develop a spiritual practice:
Engage in practices that resonate with you, such as meditation, prayer, contemplation, or rituals. These practices can deepen your connection with the divine and help you align with the path of Above Reason.
Conclusion
The paths of Above Reason, Within Reason, and Below Reason provide us with frameworks to explore the nature of our existence and our connection to the divine. While the specific sources may vary, the underlying principles remain universal.
Living consciously in the Reason world involves integrating reason, intuition, and the wisdom that emanates from the realm of Above Reason. By nurturing our awareness, cultivating virtues, and embracing practices that align us with the divine, we can embark on a journey towards a deeper understanding of ourselves and the world around us.
Remember, the paths are not rigid divisions, but rather interconnected threads that offer us different perspectives on our journey. May we navigate this world consciously, harmonizing the realms of reason and intuition, and awakening to our true nature as integrated beings connected to the Source.
Author’s Note:
The preceding article delves into the three paths of Above Reason, Within Reason, and Below Reason, exploring their significance in our spiritual journey. While the specific source of these paths may elude us, their essence resonates across various faiths and traditions. The intention behind this article is to inspire contemplation and encourage a conscious exploration of our connection to the divine.
Author’s Note:
The mission of Vikashalaya, a humble nonprofit organization, stands as a testament to the signals received from the realm beyond reason. Guided by these profound messages, Asit, the founder, embarked on the creation of Vikashalaya with unwavering conviction and a sense of divine fulfilment. Mother Nature’s gentle whispers and profound nudges continue to inspire not only Asit but the entire team and institution as a whole. It is through these signals that Vikashalaya finds its purpose and strives to make a positive impact in the world.
Why Santiniketan?
It is the workplace of Rabindranath Tagore, who has been one of the most enriched minds of the last century. The greatest scientists, poets, philosophers, artists and visionaries from all over the world were influenced by his ideas and preaching. Many of them also visited Santiniketan to meet Tagore. The soil of Santiniketan has something very special. Those who have spent their time have experienced and confirmed this fact. We have a multifaceted University and hundreds of students from different parts of the world come here to study. The local school under the University still bears the legacy of conducting their outdoor classes under the tree and open sky even till date. The Music school Sangeetbhaban and the Art centre Kalabhaban are considered to be a mecca for many luminaries from the arena of music, dance, art and culture.Santiniketan is a place of knowledge, culture, and art where Rabindranath Tagore has left his mark of enlightenment and wisdom. It has a special spiritual atmosphere and a unique cultural ambience that offers an enriching experience. The University of Santiniketan has a rich academic environment, a vibrant community of faculty and students and a rich heritage of art and culture. The beautiful landscape and rich flora and fauna make it a perfect destination for visitors. The natural beauty of the surroundings and the laid-back atmosphere of the town make it a perfect place to relax and recharge. It is the perfect place for intellectuals and creative minds to come together, share ideas and explore the depths of creativity. It is a place where one can feel connected to nature, come alive and find inspiration.
Santiniketan in Tagore’s own words:
She is our own, the darling of our hearts, Santiniketan.
In the shadows of her trees we meet
in the freedom of her open sky.
Our dreams are rocked in her arms.
Her face is a fresh wonder of love every
time we see her,
for she is our own, the darling of our
hearts.
— Rabindranath Tagore
Important Links about santiniketan:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Santiniketan
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Notable_people_associated_with_Santiniketan
https://whc.unesco.org/en/tentativelists/5495/
https://newlearningonline.com/new-learning/chapter-2/supporting-material-1/rabindranath-tagores-school-at-shantiniketan
How is Vikashalaya different?
The Laws of Nature reflect the complex phenomena based on which our Universe works. There are two factors. On one side you have the dynamic cyclic function while on the other there is a vast, vast sustaining existential reality upon which the cycle functions.
The old earth has been functioning on the fictitious interpretation of this evergreen reality consistently learned and practised through aeons. A small fraction of the human race has now awakened from their dreams and illusions and rediscovered the reality of their essential coherence and eternal connection with one another. Consequently, they are inspired to be channels for reviving the long-forgotten inseparable integration. This awakening in itself represents their return to what is being described as A New Heaven and Earth – not an alternative to an old earth for that is a myth.
We are all about to rediscover the earth that we had lost on account of being unconscious and are now awakened to readily reclaim our authentic reality.. The age-old education system that has wreaked a deadly disaster upon the contemporary human race is due to this very ignorance of the deluded mankind. It’s high time we redefined our learning system based on the Laws of Nature.
Vikashalaya & Matrikul is our courageous response to this most crucial and valid need. Accordingly, every facet of our operation is carefully drawn to meet this need. In Vikashalaya, the basic development system is based on spontaneous communication with nature. Nature is a synonym of life and eventually stands for every need of humanity in that learning is a proactive, spontaneous, instantaneous and informal phenomenon that transcends every need for competing, proving and superseding anyone.
Does it mean that academic learning is redundant? Not exactly! However, here we value the need for learning theory to the extent of validation of the ever-flowing streams of knowledge available to retrieve every moment to moment – right here and now. This is unending, vivid and evergreen all at once and therefore, ignores every form of insecurity, fear and confinement.
In keeping with this principle and philosophy, Vikashalaya’s development environment has its own character. We trust every child is essentially complete and is an extension of Nature. They don’t need to learn anything; rather they need to be awakened to realise their dormant potential and discover their role aligned with the bigger role which Nature has to play through them.
Here, an awakened team of nature mentors will work with the children to help them reach out to the information served by nature such that rather than being enriched by new knowledge they will be ever filled with the awe of unfolding the nuances of realities that remained unmanifested until now.
Vikashalaya & Matrikul is a bold response to the need for a new educational system that reflects the Laws of Nature. We recognize that our current age-old education system is based on ignorance of the deluded mankind and that it is time to redefine our learning system based on the Laws of Nature. At Vikashalaya, the development system is based on spontaneous communication with nature. It is an ongoing, vivid and evergreen process that replaces competition, proving, and superseding with understanding, self-discovery, and awe.
We trust that each child is complete and is an extension of Nature, and our nature mentors work with the children to help them explore the information served by nature and realise their dormant potential. Our aim is not to step over or stand out, but to create a more peaceful, prosperous, interdependent, cohesive, and joyful earth.
We hesitate to declare that Vikashalaya is different. We rather say, here we have everything natural – being aligned with nature. We decry the over-practiced theme of stepping over or standing out, which happens to be the very cause of every disharmony on this earth. We invite everyone to support our cause simply because it’s your cause too. Who does not want a more peaceful, prosperous, interdependent, cohesive and joyful earth? We invite everyone to join us in this cause and help bring about the New Heaven and Earth.