Kurisumala, Beyond the Thoughts

Kurisumala

Kurisumala Ashram is at the heart of the Sahya Mountains, which run parallel to India's south west coast. It is a place sanctified by the breeze which blows softly across the valleys and by the overwhelming beauty of the creation, and the mediative thoughts which arise from the depth of silence. Even today people move to the mountains in search of peace of mind and of God-experience.

What we write here about Francis Acharya, the head and architect of the Ashram, was heard from the sadhakas of Kurisumala. Mountains are the place of God-experience. In the wilderness of Sinai, Moses the prophet heard great revelations. Jesus loved to retire to the mountains, in the silence of the night to have a colloquy of love with His Father.The spirituality of understanding is all-pervading here.

Today Kurisumala has become the Mount of Transfiguration, as it gives to all who come to the Ashram for a visit or to spend a few days, the feeling that, " It is good to be here", as Peeter said on Mount Tabor. Here the seeker's soul realizes the commands of God. Here are relevantly assembled 'Om karam', the primordial sound of the ancient seers of India and the Cross.

Kurusumla History

Kurisumala Ashram is a community of spiritual seekers who have become one in the spirit. The spiritual light of Kurisumala is the Acharya, the leader of seekers. The history of Kurisumala Ashram is the history of Acharya. It was in 1955 that John, at baptism, a Belgian by birth, but brother Francis as a Cistercian monk, and an Indian citizen since 1968, reached Kerala. He was prompted by an inner call, a call to a new life.

He had travelled all over India to have a direct knowledge and experience of Her people. He felt, as by touch, the spiritual nature of India through learning, travelling and spiritual seeking. He visited and stayed in most of the great Ahrams of India.

In 1950, Abbe J. Monchanin (Swami Parama Arubi Ananda), a French missionary priest and H. Le Saux(Swami Abhishiktananda), a Benedictine monk, had founded the Christian way of life on the bank of river Kaveri, near Trichy (Tiruchirappally). Saccidananda Ashram, Shantivanam, was a Christian Ashram, based on Indian spiritual tradition. Br.Francis joined them and studied with them for a long time. He was specially interested in the Ashram life-style. John had come under the influence of Mahatma Gandhi when he was studying in London in1931. Gandhiji who had come for the Round Table Conference of the British Dominions had been contemptously spoken of as a half-naked fakir, yet it was in his simple Inidan dress that he led the delegates into Bucckingham Palace for an audience with Queen Mary. The nobility of his character and the simplicity of his life deeply touched John's heart. This influence promoted John to study the ancient culture of India to which he was from now on looking as to the land of Promise for him.

It was in 1955, after clebrating Chritmas night in a small village at the fiitgukks if tge mountains, that Zacharias Mar Athanasios, Bishop of Tiruvalla, a Syrian Catholic Church, invited Fr. Francis to make a monastic foundation in his diocese. It was therefore quite procidential that a few months later a gift of 88 acres of virgin land, in the Sahya Mountains was offered to him by Shri. K.V. Thomas Pottenkulam. Fr. Francis was then still alone but there was no delay in the fulfilment of his dream. Soon an English Benedictine monk offered to help him and, when they had settled on the land and built a small monastery for some twenty monks, in spite of the isolation and quasi-inaccessibility of the place, within three years, the community counted 15 members. At present they are 20; 16 'sannyasis', 1 'brahmachari' and 3 'sadhkas'.

Acharya does not wish the number of members to exceed twenty. Their life is dedication to God and neighbour. They ignore their own likes and dislikes. Five of them are priests. Ordination is given only when a priest is needed for Holy Eucharist and other sacramental ministries. He who is to receive ordination is selected by Acharya. They depart form their house and family for ever, there are no official home visits, but their families come to visit them at the ashram. Acharya was not interested to develop the community into a non astic order. It is so, that the number of members is restricted. Several 'sannyasis' founded Ashrams in other parts of Kerala, in Tamil Nadu and Karanataka, some who were members of this Asharam joined the Missionaries of Charity of Mother Teresa, working in leprosy colonies and homes for mentally handicapped. But, with a view to assure the future of the community they sought affiliation with Acharaya's former monstic order and were officially incorporated in the order od the Cistercians of the Strict Observance on May 24, 1988.

Features

The most important feature of Kurisumala is its silence which truly pervades the Asharam. The silence is broken there only by the sweet sound of wind and birds which bring a quasi-divine message. The sadhakas listen to the whisperings of the spirit. They experience that the concentratoion of prayer is 'aanandamaya' , full of joy. All beings originate from Ananda, joy. They live in Ananda and they return to Ananda. Gandhiji said : "Experience teaches that silence is the strength of all seekers of truth". These words of Ganhiji, and the Inidan monstic life-style prompted Acharya to give an important place to silence in the Ashram. He keeps day silence. Rock-hewn caves, solitary hermitages and trees, which recall to the mind of Buddha's enlightenment, favour meditation. It is a divine experience offered to visitors to participate in the sadhakas ascentiscim and contemplation through communion with nature. They welcome people of all, because even the guests who come from far and nar pray with " the Harp of the Spirit", like us, and expand or koinonia, our communion to the four quarters of the earth".

Kurisumala is a mountain from where milk and honey are flowing. Honey is found in the rocky clefts of this mountain, where bees make their hives. The means by which the monks make their livelihood is the breeding of cows. Around 1500 litres of milk are produced or collected here. About 100 families live by breeding milk cows in co-operation with the Ashram farm. Milk collected here is distributed in the plains. Thus the milk which is needed for the spiritual and bodily growth, benefits people who lice in the cities.
Acharaya received the formula of bread-labour from Gandhiji who taught that in every work there is glory. They spend about five hours daily for culitivation, cooking and keeping the house. The monks who consider food as God's gift do not allow even guests to waste food. A share is always given to the poor

The place where the monks, who have been called to the presence of the heavenly Father rest, is on the top-most area of the land, called "Resurrection Garden".

Swami Dharmanad Giril, long associated with the Ramakrishna Mission spoke about the last seven years of his life which he spent at Kurisumala. 'I came as a stranger and took me in. Their activites impressed me as a life of all for one, and one for all, proclamining both the dignity of labour and the greatness of the spiritual quest.' It is for this experince that many people from different religions and life situations come to this Ashram where they find peace. 'I once stayed with Cistercian monks. They are votaries of divine love, of poverty and chastity. Their monastery was a veritable garden. There was a sweet silence pervading the whole atmosphere. I still live under the charm of their ciells. It would be may ideal to found such an institution.'

Day-to-Day Life

It is interesting to know the day to day life of the Asharam. They join meditation and devotion, study and service in life. A day is divided almost equally in hours for prayer, study, work and rest. Prayer starts at 4.00 a.m. in the morning. As was common in the early monastic tradition they maintain the spirit of prayer in the various works of the day. Prayer with the Harp of the Spirit, in 4 vols., is their main prayer book. Immersed in asceticim and prayer for 25 years Acharya translated this from the Syriac Penqitho of Mosal in the Anthiochen liturgical tradition. Satsang, in the evening is a common feature in Indian Ashrams long practised at Krisumala. This is an ooccasion for a, monks and guests, to join more freely in bhajans and spiritual songs. The traditional Upasana meditation, consisting in sravana, the inner listening, manana, the active reflcetion, and nididhasana, the contemplative concentraction is also used. The Sadhakas who recite all the day, Om Shri Yesu Bhagavate Namah (I bow before you, Jesus) in their heart and on their lips, pray to that beloved : Om, Lokah Samastha, Sukhino Bhavantu', (Om, May all the world be happy!). The formation of the sadhakas takes place in the community with the help of the experienced senior members

How to Reach

Vagamon

It is a very ideal tourist spot surrounded by the greenery of tea gardens, beautiful meadows, deep puzzling valleys and dales. The enchanting hill station dotted with tea gardens will soon be one of India's foremost eco-tourism projects.

All the trekking enthusiasts will enjoy climbing this 1100 metres tall hill. This tourist place also has to offer Thangal Para, the Indo-Swiss Project and Kurisumala Ashram. Welcome to a land which would make you come back again and again. So that you could rejuvenate yourself and cherish memories of this enchantingly beautiful land.

Grass covered hills, velvet lawns and the cool mountain air make Vagamon a perfect holiday retreat. A curious blend of religious mysticism and European legacies, this hillside village is a haven of tranquility. The chain of three hills - Thangal Hill, Murugan Hill and Kurisumala - is a mark of religious harmony. The dairy farm managed by the Kurisumala monks is worth a visit.


If you have not been to Vagamon you have not seen God's Own Country.Vagamon provides unlimited holidaying fantasies round the year, except with the season being slightly off during the monsoons. Vagamon, the final word in your holiday options, provides unlimited holidaying fantasies round the year, except with the season being slightly off during the monsoons. A land, which would make a person come back again and again, so that you could rejuvenate yourself and cherish memories of this enchantingly beautiful land.

Like a lot of other beautiful things in life, Vagamon too has to be experienced, not read about or its stories merely listened to. What you've got to do is get yourself some means of transport, head straight for Idukki district and then on to Vagamon. Vagamon is roughly 100km from Cochin, the commercial capital of the state. It is also 60 kms from Kottayam -the nearest railway station. It is easily accessible by road from Kottayam and Cochin. Other tourist attractions around Vagamon like Bird Sanctuary at Kumarakom, Hill resorts at Munnar and Kodaikanal etc are easily accessible by road from Vagamon.




Water fall

This is essentially a lake and it's catchment area, with grassy hillocks stretching into the forest on one side and ending at the cliff on the other. This large tract of land has a small stream originating at the lake and going through.

Water falls and the ravine. The steep hill tract which provides access to the water fall area is along the ridge and there can be many pavilions along that to enjoy rain, wind, and the infinite view of the hillscapes. There can also be performance podiums with the mountainous landscape as the background.The stream goes along the ravine and can be developed as a trekking path as it is a rugged route, with rocks and rough undulations. A small facility like a coffee bar and the like would add the richness of the place with more participation. A reservoir up stream would ensure the presence of enough amount of water even during dry season. A stepped path leading to the water fall itself is a thing of interest.

Rocky out crop

The steep rocky hill tract is almost mountainous in character. The cliff and ravine topography area is ideal for adventure activities that would attract people who like gliding, rope climbing, jumping and the like. There can be viewing pavilions too, as gufas in the vertical surface of the hill which would attract people for staying inside. This can be carved out of the rocks and would provide an adventurous stay.

Forest

Around 100 acres of forest area could be developed as a holistic health care center with Ayurveda as the theme. Providing treatment, health care facility, rejuvenation centers, yoga and meditation center, naturopathy clinics, herbal garden etc. emphasizing the theme of living with nature and exploring the aeons old way of life. Tree walks, medicines preparation areas, etc. all designed to a character of ashrams.
Grassy planes
Features:
1. Eucalyptus plantation
2. Road side slope
3. Grassy hills
4. School hill
5. Cliff side

The area is rather featureless compared to other parts of the site, with grassy, slowly rolling plains. It has a direct access from the road and slopes down from there ending at the cliff. At present there are plantations of eucalyptus, tea and some agricultural crops here.

This plot section can be reserved for residential school or some similar institutional use. The relative flatness of the site and gentle slope is ideal for this. The land is generally buildable also.

The area near the main road could be reserved for exploiting the future commercial potential. This long strip can be developed for the future public amenities and facilities that have commercial viability. Land value will also increase as the place develops and demand for plots with accessibility will increase.

Camping site

A unique type of space with stream, rocky terrain and forest meet. This can be developed to a camping site, a small lake and a special abode, for evening tea and the like.

Lake

The entertainment center and related activities like boating leisure walking etc. could be organized around the lake. Lawned rolling hills and flowers that grow along the ground can be provided as a part of the landscaping. This should be developed with minimum intervention of built. This place (node) should be developed to communicate the essence of this site, to a passerby along the public road as this portion is visible from the road as a lake between three knolls. A stage for performance, crafts, arts center, pedestrian path etc. can concentrate around this node.






Wild Orchid
The area is a stretch of rolling hills with green meadows.A unique cottage resort built in a rugged village style and is eco friendly in all features especially in the disposal of water, conservation of resources, building material use and construction techniques. A total of 50 cottages are coming up on one side of a beautiful lake and common facilities like restaurant, theatre etc. on other bank of the lake.

How to Reach
Vagamon is roughly 100 kms from Cochin, the commercial capital of the State. It is also 64 kms from Kottayam -the nearest railway station. It is easily accessible by road from Kottayam and Cochin. Other tourist attractions around Vagamon like Bird Sanctuary at Kumarakom, Hill resorts at Munnar, Kodaikanal etc. are easily accessible by road from Vagamon.

Dandeli - An Introduction

Dandeli

Dandeli governed by city municipal council in Uttara Kannada district in the state of Karnataka, India. It is a picturesque city set amidst Large scale Industries and the backdrop of the Western Ghats Known as National integrated city and multicultured, it boasts more cultural values. Dussera is the main attraction as its celebrated here in a very grand way. Dandeli is one of 57 Karnataka cities in the Nirmala Nagara - Municipal eGovernance project.

The city is located along the banks of the Kali River with the Western Ghats as a backdrop. The location is surrounded by dense deciduous forests, which is one of the richest wildlife habitats in the world. It is very famous for Wild sanctuary, Paper Mills, Syntheri Rock and Forest Resorts. Kali river is the main water source. People of this city are coming from different states of the India .They are very good example for "unity in diversity" with their different culture, religion and language. So Dandeli city is Recognized as "MINI INDIA".

Dandelappa temple is one of a oldest famous temple in Dandeli City. The City is situated in the Maland belt and such abounds in thick greeneries adding to the beautiful landscape with hills, valleys and river. Kali river flows on the south of Dandeli town.

Dandeli is the ideal vacation resort for those who are in love with nature. Being a heady mix of nature, adventure and wildlife, this city in Uttar Kannada district of South India is growing in stature as the leading tourist destination.

Dandeli offers you much more than the sundry outings and picnics. The region offers you the best of adventure sports, eco-tourism and pilgrimage. If you want to spend some unforgettable moments in the midst of nature, come to Dandeli.

Those who enjoy adventure sports and the rush of adrenalin, Dandeli is the place to be. Water sports have always been the key attraction of this place. Kali River rafting, white water rafting in Kali river, kayaking and canoeing - such an elaborate arrangement will definitely fuel the passion of adventure sports in you.

Overnight rafting or canoeing trips are available. Treks, cycling and mountain biking are some other adventure sports you just can’t miss. Dandeli has so many attractions up its sleeve that you will find it simply irresistible.

Wildlife enthusiasts will find Dandeli quite appealing and ultimately fall in love with its abundant wildlife diversity. The Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary offers you the rare glimpse of the Black Panther. Other inhabitants of this sanctuary include the sambhar, bison and the Malabar giant squirrel. Don’t be surprised if you see giant iguana, king cobra and tiger in the dense forests surrounding Dandeli.

Every day brings on an exciting new experience. Just take jeep safaris into the Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary to find how nature opens up before you.

Another star attraction of the Dandeli wildlife is the Hornbill. The Great Indian Hornbill and the Malabar Pied Hornbill are an integral part of this resourceful wildlife. Listen to exotic birdsong and feast on glorious sunsets dusk after dusk.You’ll want to stay for ever...

Dandeli is known for its rich greenery and as a Wildlife sanctuary. It had a Rail head built by British known to be the oldest and now it doesn't exist. Tourism is Gaining importance since White water Rafting is done on the river Kali.

Dandeli - Cintheri Rocks

Cintheri Rocks

A rock formation and a small waterfall.

Coorg - Cauvery Nisargadhama

Cauvery Nisargadhama

A great place to cuddle up for the night. This 2.5 sq. km. large island in the middle of the River Cauvery, is some place to romance.

Coorg - Bhagamandala & Talakaveri

Bhagamandala & Telecauvery

At the convergence of the rivers Cauvery, the underground Sujyothi and the Kanike, the Bhangandeshwara temple here has a distinct Kerala touch. Because of the three rivers, it is also called Triveni Sangama. The serene temple has intricate carvings and a copper roof. A dip at the Triveni Sangam nearby is supposed to revive sagging spirits, but take prior permission at the temple.

Every October 17, on Tulasankranama, thousands come here to swim and pray. For this is Telecauvery (meaning Head of the Cauvery), the origin of one of the seven sacred rivers. The source of this long river, which passes through two states, is on the top of the hill called Brahmagiri. It is 1535 metres above sea level. Steps lead up to the Brahmagiri peak, from where a panoramic view of Kodagu meets the visitor.