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Satsang
& Meditation Hall
The current
dining hall is being used for satsang, but it could
barely hold the 200 yatris on our trip. Therefore, Pujya
Swamiji decided that a special satsang/meditation
hall, which can also serve as a dormitory,
is needed.
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| The details were planned
and permission granted to build a large satsang hall/dormitory on
the land just adjacent to the ashram, directly on the banks of Lake
Mansarovar. Pilgrims will have the divine darshan of Kailash through
the windows as they sit and listen to satsang or stay in the dormitory.
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The local people
and Village Chief expressed their great gratitude for this divine
ashram and clinic. The Clinic is open to not only yatris, but also
to the local people. We brought a great deal of medicine and supplies
along with us, and also selected the particular machines (including
an oxygen machine) which will be provided.
Additionally, all
of the profits which are earned from donations from yatris go directly
to the local 450 families who live in the Mansarovar region. This
year (the first year for which the ashram was open) the profits
went to improve sanitation and health for the local people and they
also donated to the local school. The ashram is being managed by
the Village Chief, so he is the one most aware of what the village's
needs are.
Now, with a satsang
hall/meditation hall and dormitory, the Ashram will be even
of more benefit to yatris and the local people. |
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Help
to Local Farmers
The local
farmers and Village Chief said they need a tractor
and also water pumps to carry water from the
lake to their fields and houses. Pujya Swamiji has agreed
to provide both of these. |
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| Special, authorized
soil samples were also taken which will be given to special
scientists in Delhi and Rishikesh who will analyze what can be grown
in the fertile soil. Currently the people subsist mainly on yak meat
which is occasionally supplemented by potatoes or a special kind of
wheat. However, the farmers are not sure how best to grow these things
nor do they know what else can be cultivated. Pujya Swamiji assured
them that we will help them cultivate the land. |
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Adoption
of Local School
There is one school
with 40 children studying in the entire area. Pujya Swamiji has
said we will adopt the school in cooperation with the Village Chief
and sponsor it. |
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Ashrams
in Saga and Prayang
Further, Pujya Swamiji
initiated the bhoomi puja (ground breaking ceremonies) for ashrams
(tourist rest houses) and other charitable projects in Saga and
Prayang along the way to Mansarovar, and has also received
permission to build at Dirapuk (4909 meters) and Zuthul
Puk (5650 meters) along the sacred Kailash parikrama route. Further,
discussions are underway for an ashram in Taklakote, which
is where those entering via helicopter first reach Tibet, and it
is also the location where the Indian yatra, entering via Uttranchal,
enters Tibet. |
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| The
sacred Brahmaputra river in Saga, the site of
the next Ashram. |
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| Bhoomi
puja and prayers are performed in Prayang and
Saga. |
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| His aim is not only
to provide much-needed facilities for the pious yatris, but also to
build a bridge of friendship, trust and assistance between India and
China. |
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