4 July 2016 This a.m. I was struck by how much stuff we have all brought . . . We are all carrying more stuff than many Indians own, myself included. As I was preparing for the trip I tried to anticipate every possible illness, contingency, clothing need, etc. I sort of gave up when I saw some Tibetan pilgrims (in photographs) on their way carrying a single bag over their shoulder. Granted, that’s a different type of trip, with fewer needs, or perhaps more needs met, but still . . . For me Navdanya has been a wonderful antidote to New Delhi and Rishikesh. N.D. was overwhelming, R. made me sick (though I liked the setting and or course loved seeing the Ganga) but here I was able to actually listen to and talk with some Indians as well. Working in the rice field was absolutely healing, and I could do that for a long time. I’ve always found gardening to get me out of myself. Of course, the women with whom I was working were making a living, and if they have a quota system, perhaps it’s not a restful job. But nobody here seemed oppressed, everyone had good, healthy food to eat (though eaten in separate quarters and separate styles) and so even though it is labor, and wage labor at that, I think there is a sense of purpose (or imagine such) among those who are fortunate enough to work here. The woman who showed us the ropes has 2 children—a 21-year-old daughter and a 20-year-old son—and I admit that I was pleased to learn that neither was married and both are in school. One last thing, I am writing this because the stench of bug spray . . . is making me sick. [Navdanya is an organic farm that does not utilize insecticide; but those of us in the group used it liberally.] Comments are closed.
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Author Rebecca Moore is Professor Emerita of Religious Studies at San Diego State University. She is currently Reviews Editor for Nova Religio: The Journal of Alternative and Emergent Religions and Co-Director of The Jonestown Institute. Archives
December 2021
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