July 2016 Newsletter - Web

July 2016 SRI AUROBINDO SOCIETY VOL 30.07 Singapore Permit No. MCI (P) 069/01/2016 NEWSLETTER Physical CulturePurified of all desire and all repulsion, with perfect equality and surrender, the physical body is ready to enjoy the Divine Ananda.Botanical Name: Canna XgeneralisCommon Name: Canna lilySpiritual Significance: Ananda in the Physical Body A divine harmony shall be earth’s law, Beauty and Joy remould her way to live: Even the body shall remember God, Nature shall draw back from mortality And Spirit’s fires shall guide the earth’s blind force; - Sri Aurobindo, Savitri

Sri Aurobindo Society, Singapore. July 2016. Guiding Light of the Month“BEYOND all human conceptions, even the most marvellous, beyond all humanfeelings, even the most sublime, beyond the most magnificent aspirations and thepurest flights, beyond Love, Knowledge and the Oneness of Being, I would enter into constant communion with Thee, O Lord. Free from all shackles I shall beThyself; it will be Thou who wilt see the world through this body; it will be Thou who wilt act in the world through this instrument. In me is the calm serenity of perfect certitude.” The Mother, ‘Prayers and Meditations’ May 2, 1914With the last edition, we completed the From the Editor’s Deskexploration of The Mother’s symbol and the of the being’s personality and governing its state ofmeans of its manifestation upon earth, in its being and therefore, its state of health. The Mothermyriad forms and forces. We begin the next half has given us clear directions on this, as in theseof this year with a view towards exploring the words, “Good health is the exterior expression of anwell being of the human personality at once at the inner harmony. We must be proud if we are in goodreceiving end of the play of varied forces and at health and not despise it.”the same time endowed with possibilities oftranscending the limited being, growing into a The overarching theme we have chosen for the nextgreater Light, Love and Life; the personality is many months is, “Integral Health”. Health mayideally transformed into one that facilitates the refer to a positive state of physical, mental andperfect manifestation of this higher principle or social well-being. The Ayurvedic term for health isthe Divine will. If the transformed and perfected “Swastha” – a state of being rooted in one’s self.integral personality is the end, then our journey This “self” refers to “the consciousness of the soul-on earth is hopefully a progression of a less than principle operating on the various outer planes:perfect personality towards this more complete physical, vital and mental and also in communionstate, and every day and every experience with the cosmic consciousness.” (Basu, 2000). Thepresents opportunities towards this progression. Mother points out that our state of health dependsNeeded is a state of consciousness that would exclusively on the state of our consciousness,want this, or better still, aspires towards this as “…our body is an instrument of our consciousnessthe needed and necessary, as the only natural state and this consciousness can act directly on it andto be in. Demanded, a conscious consent to the obtain what it wants from it.” There is more toperfectioning of the being in all its planes and health then we simply know or even, choose toelements, including the physical, the vital, and the fathom, it seems.mental. The being, as it appears, is neither aphysical being or a vital being or a mental being. In our first issue on this overarching theme ofRather, all of these parts and planes operate in the Integral Health, we cast our glance on the physicalbeing and result in the making of the personality. aspect of health, “Physical Culture”. PhysicalThe integral psychology prescribes that these culture includes all those aspects that contribute toplanes of the being consist of the outer as well as the development of a sound and balanced physicalthe inner – such as the outer physical and the being. This issue takes a peek at exercises and theirinner physical, the outer mental and the inner use to the body. Are exercises to be carried out asmental – subjected to an interplay of forces in the mere outlets of our outpouring energy? Are they forbeing, and as a result, determining the make up entertainment, or for passing time, or for the building of muscle strength and muscle power? Or is there something more to it? Let us find out.www.sriaurobindosociety.org.sg 2

Sri Aurobindo Society, Singapore. July 2016. Savitri A carefree youthfulness of mind and heart Found in the body a heavenly instrument; It lit an aureate halo round desire And freed the deified animal in the limbs To divine gambols of love and beauty and bliss. Life was an eternity of rapture’s moods: Age never came, care never lined the face. (Book 2, Canto 3) These senses of heavenly sense grow capable, The flesh and nerves of a strange ethereal joy And mortal bodies of immortality. (Book 11, Canto 1) Message from Sri Aurobindo for Physical Education bulletinI TAKE the opportunity of the publication of this issue of the \"Bulletin d'Education Physique\"of the Ashram to give my blessings to the Journal and the Association—J.S.A.S.A. (JeunesseSportive de l'Ashram de Sri Aurobindo). In doing so I would like to dwell for a while on thedeeper raison d'etre of such Associations and especially the need and utility for the nation of awidespread organisation of them and such sports or physical exercises as are practised here. Intheir more superficial aspect they appear merely as games and amusements which people take upfor entertainment or as a field for the outlet of the body's energy and natural instinct of activity orfor a means of the development and maintenance of the health and strength of the body; but theyare or can be much more than that: they are also fields for the development of habits, capacitiesand qualities which are greatly needed and of the utmost service to a people in war or in peace,and in its political and social activities, in most indeed of the provinces of a combined humanendeavour. It is to this which we may call the national aspect of the subject that I would wish togive especial prominence.In our own time these sports, 'games and athletics have assumed a place and command a generalinterest such as was seen only in earlier times in countries like Greece, Greece where all sides ofhuman activity were equally developed and the gymnasium, chariot-racing and other sports andathletics had the same importance on the physical side as on the mental side the Arts and poetryand the drama, and were especially stimulated and attended to by the civic authorities of the CityState. It was Greece that made an institution of the Olympiad and the recent re-establishment ofthe Olympiad as an international institution is a significant sign of the revival of the ancientspirit. This kind of interest has spread to a certain extent to our own country and India has begunto take a place in international contests such as the Olympiad. The newly founded State inliberated India is also beginning to be interested in developing all sides of the life of the nationand is likely to take an active part and a habit of direction in fields which were formerly left toprivate initiative. It is taking up, for instance, the question of the foundation and preservation ofhealth and physical fitness in the nation and in the spreading of a general recognition of itsimportance. It is in this connection that the encouragement of sports and associations for athleticsand all activities of this kind would be an incalculable assistance. A generalisation of the habit ofwww.sriaurobindosociety.org.sg 3

Sri Aurobindo Society, Singapore. July 2016.taking part in such exercises in childhood and youth and early manhood would, help greatlytowards the creation of physically fit and energetic people.But of a higher import than the foundation, however necessary, of health, strength and fitness ofthe body is the development of discipline and morale and sound and strong character towardswhich these activities can help. There are many sports which are of the utmost value towards thisend, because they help to form and even -necessitate the qualities of courage, hardihood,energetic action and initiative or call for skill, steadiness of will or rapid decision and action, theperception of what is to be done in an emergency and dexterity in doing it. One development ofthe utmost value is the awakening of the essential and instinctive body consciousness which cansee and do what is necessary without any indication from mental thought and which is equivalentin the body to swift insight in the mind and spontaneous and rapid decision in the will. One mayadd the formation of a capacity for harmonious and right movements of the body, especially in acombined action, economic of physical effort and discouraging waste of energy, which resultfrom such exercises as marches or drill and which displace the loose and straggling, theinharmonious or disorderly or wasteful movements common to the untrained individual body.Another invaluable result of these activities is the growth of what has been called the sportingspirit.That includes good humour and tolerance and consideration for all, a right attitude andfriendliness to competitors and rivals, self-control and scrupulous observance of the laws of thegame, fair play and avoidance of the use of foul means, an equal acceptance of victory or defeatwithout bad humour, resentment or ill-will towards successful competitors, loyal acceptance ofthe decisions of the appointed judge, umpire or referee. These qualities have their value for lifein general and not only for sport, but the help that sport can give to their development is directand invaluable. If they could be made more common not only in the life of the individual but inthe national life and in the international where at the present day the opposite tendencies havebecome too rampant, existence in this troubled world of ours would be smoother and might opento a greater chance of concord and amity of which it stands very much in need. More importantstill is the custom of discipline, obedience, order, habit of team-work, which certain gamesnecessitate. For, without them success is uncertain or impossible. Innumerable are the activitiesin life, especially in national life, in which leadership and obedience to leadership in combinedaction are necessary for success, victory in combat or fulfilment of a purpose. The role of theleader, the captain, the power and skill of his leadership, his ability to command, the confidenceand ready obedience of his followers is of the utmost importance in all kinds of combined actionor enterprise; but few can develop these things without having learnt themselves to obey and toact as one mind or as one body with others.' This strictness of training, this habit of disciplineand obedience is not inconsistent with individual freedom; it is often the necessary condition forits right use, just as order is not inconsistent with liberty but rather the condition for the right useof liberty and even for its preservation and survival. In all kinds of concerted action this rule isindispensable: orchestration becomes necessary and there could be no success for an orchestra inwhich individual musicians played according to their own fancy and refused to follow theindications of the conductor. In spiritual things also the same rule holds; a sadhak whodisregarded the guidance of the Guru and preferred the untrained inspirations of the novice couldhardly escape the stumbles or even the disasters which so often lie thick around the path tospiritual realisation. I need not enumerate the other benefits which can be drawn from thetraining that sport can give or dwell on their use in the national life; what I have said is sufficient.At any rate, in schools like ours and in universities sports have now a recognised andindispensable place; for even a highest and completest education of the mind is not enoughwithout the education of the body. Where the qualities I have enumerated are absent orinsufficiently present, a strong individual will or a national will may build them up, but the aidgiven by sports to their development is direct and in no way negligible. This would be asufficient reason for the attention given to them in our Ashram, though there are others which Iwww.sriaurobindosociety.org.sg 4

Sri Aurobindo Society, Singapore. July 2016.need not mention here. I am concerned here with their importance and the necessity of thequalities they create or stimulate for our national life. The nation which possesses them in thehighest degree is likely to be the strongest for victory, success and greatness, but also for thecontribution it can make towards the bringing about of unity and a more harmonious world ordertowards which we look as our hope for humanity's future.(Message from Sri Aurobindo to the Bulletin of Department of Physical Education, SriAurobindo Ashram, Puducherry. Source: http://motherandsriaurobindo.in) Physical Education – Life at the AshramThe combination of physical culture with spiritual life in sharp contrast to the prevailing Indianideas of Ashram life sprang a surprise upon all. When youthful girls of aristocratic families tookto sports in shorts and shirts, throwing shyness and reserve aside, it was for all a happy wonder.It also marked a sudden change in their outlook on life. A new strength and overwhelming joyseemed to seize on them. Many of them had various sorts of physical trouble. Whoever soughtmedical treatment was advised to take physical exercises. Even ladies with grey hair were seenrunning, doing march past, like men in a separate group.www.sriaurobindosociety.org.sg 5

Sri Aurobindo Society, Singapore. July 2016.The use of medicine was reduced to the minimum. An elderly lady had been suffering for longfrom a pain in the legs; the Mother wished her to take some sort of exercise. Generally speaking,whoever wanted to join Playground activities got encouragement from the Mother.Asked what the ideal of Physical Education is for a girl, the Mother said: \"I do not see why thereshould be a special ideal of physical education for girls and another for boys.'The aim of physical education is to develop all the possibilities of a human body, possibilities ofharmony, strength, plasticity, skill, agility, endurance, and to increase the control over thefunctioning of the limbs and the organs, and to make of the body a perfect instrument at thedisposal of a conscious will. This programme is excellent for all human beings, equally, andthere is no point in wanting to adopt another for girls.\"To the query, what should be the ideal of a woman's physical beauty, her answer was:\"A perfect harmony in the proportion, suppleness and strength, grace and force, plasticity andendurance and above all, excellent health, unvarying and unchanging which is the result of apure soul, a happy trust in life and an unshakable faith in the Divine grace.\"(“The Ashram Atmosphere”, Life at Sri Aurobindo Ashram by Narayan Prasad, Sri AurobindoAshram Trust, Puducherry)(Images extracted from https://auromere.wordpress.com/techniques/physical-culture/) The Body - Sri AurobindoThis body which was once my universe,Is now a pittance carried by the soul,—Its Titan’s motion bears this scanty purse,Pacing through vastness to a vaster goal.Too small was it to meet the giant needThat only infinitude can satisfy:He keeps it still, for in the folds is hidHis secret passport to eternity.In his front an endless Time and Space deployThe landscape of their golden happenings;His heart is filled with sweet and violent joy,His mind is upon great and distant things.How grown with all the world conterminousIs the little dweller in this narrow house!(CWSA, Volume 2, Collected Poems, Sri Aurobindo Ashram Trust, Puducherry)www.sriaurobindosociety.org.sg 6

Sri Aurobindo Society, Singapore. July 2016. My Panchakarma ExperienceI have been working in the Information Technology (“IT”) field for the last eighteen years, itmostly requires one to be seated for long hours in front of the computer and also leads to a lot ofstress due to extremely tight project timelines and ever changing environments. This took a tollon my health for the past few years resulting in insomnia and stiff neck and upper-back. I triedmeditation, taking walks and doing some basic exercises, which gave some temporary relief, butthe ailments would return back and it almost became a chronic condition. I had then consultedthe doctor and took some pain killers went and for physiotherapy, which were again temporarymeasures only.A few years ago, some of our society members had suggested taking Ayurveda* treatment namedPanchakarma, which usually is for a minimum period of fourteen days, but could not consider ituntil recently. Panchakarma, as the name suggests is a fivefold detoxification treatment involvingmassage, herbal therapy, and other procedures, not only to detox the body but also to strengthenthe immune system and restore balance and well-being. Last month (May 2016) I decided to tryit out as the stress level was at its peak and the stiff neck became more severe. I was advised thatI be prepared not to expect any magical cure in a short time as the Ayurveda treatment usesnatural herbs and prepares that body for healing; it actually leads to a change in life-style. Thishelped me to set my expectations right before the treatment started.I chose to stay and receive the Panchakarmatreatment for a period of fifteen days at anAyurveda Hospital in Bengaluru (formerlyBangalore), India where some of our societymembers have previously taken the treatment andprovided good feedback about the hospital. Theduration of the treatment was based on thesuggestion given by the doctor of the hospital afterhe had seen my medical reports which I sharedthough email. The hospital was in the outskirts ofthe city surrounded by beautiful forest area withbeautiful sounds of nature such as trees waving inthe wind and chirping of birds and very minimumtraffic noise. The hospital surroundings was full ofbeautiful flowers and medicinal plants and trees used in traditional Indian medicine and had avery lovely walking path as well. The environment helped to calm the mind and experience the treatment more enjoyably. Diet that suits the treatment was also provided based on individual needs in the hospital itself. As mentioned earlier, I went with an open mind not expecting any fast improvements to my health condition; however, I started to feel better within a couple of days since treatment started. The ambience, food and treatment procedures helped to relax both the body and mind. I was able to sleep better and the neck and upper-back stiffness has reduced to a great extent by the time the treatment was completed. I was also taught breathingwww.sriaurobindosociety.org.sg 7

Sri Aurobindo Society, Singapore. July 2016.exercises (Pranayama) and other exercises specific for the neck and upper-back. It has beenaround two weeks since I came back to Singapore now, and by continuing a proper diet,appropriate lifestyle, habits and exercise, I am confident that I would be able to fully recover andlead a healthy life. - Dhanalakshmi*Ayurveda is one of the world's oldest holistic (whole-body) healing systems. It was developed thousandsof years ago in India. It is based on the belief that health and wellness depend on a delicate balancebetween the mind, body, and spirit. An evening’s music In the beauty of her pink hues, Merging softly with the wide blue, In spaces filling with musical tunes, Evening celebrates her august glow. Like a jewel of crimson flame, Glowing brightly at the horizon, Like victory at the end of a well-played game, The evening sun, awaits the next morn. Little feathered flights sing joyously Yearning for the light to stay on, Tall rooted lives aspire earnestly Carrying in them the hope of a brighter dawn. And in our hearts is felt a deep richness Formed successfully from the long day’s experience Here is evening in her glorious fullness Vibrating wisdom as her very essence. - Sandhyawww.sriaurobindosociety.org.sg 8

Sri Aurobindo Society, Singapore. July 2016. May - June Sunday Activities at the Centre- A glimpseMay 22nd - Savitri, An Unending Journey:For this week – we continued our study of Sri Aurobindo’s mystical experiences as encapsulatedin the mantras of Book I Canto III of Savitri. We sailed through mysteried seas of knowledge andflame – breathing the air that moves the ‘argosies of the Gods’ and the ‘strange riches’ sailingfrom the unseen. We witnessed the “flame wrapped outbursts of the immortal Word / and flashesof an occult revealing Light” – heard the lightning feet of Inspiration and felt her flame stab thatbares the closed beyond. Through mantric word and sound, we touched the possibility ofKnowledge beyond mind.June 5th - Selected readings from All India Magazine, “The Hidden Sun,” May 2016edition:The “Hidden Sun” was an intriguing theme selected for reading on this day. Since the title itselfwas pregnant with suggestions and a world of possible meanings and explanations, we decided tostart by reading the editorial, seeking to place the theme in perspective. There was indeed a richbackground to the “Hidden Sun”. Who or what is this hidden sun?The hidden sun, according to the Vedic seers, is the eighth son of Aditi, named Martanda, whomAditi “cast down into the darkness to fight and emerge victoriously” (All India Magazine, May2016, pg. 3). Aditi is the “Mother of the Universe, the Primal Being … Aditi is all that has beenand all that will take birth.” (Rig Veda 1.89.10 in http://www.hinduhumanrights.info/goddess-aditi-the-primal-creatix/). This sun, which the Vedas sing of, is none other than the Supramentalsun of the Integral Yoga, hidden for now, and nursing a glorious dawn, or awakening in secrecy.For this glorious awakening is needed a sufficient purification and preparation of this earthnature, behind which the Sun is hidden, so that it can express itself in its truest, most resplendentLight and transform all of earth nature into its truest and most resplendent. The editorial furthermakes reference to the first descent of the Supramental Light upon earth on the 29th of February1956 through the tapasya of The Mother and Sri Aurobindo. Following the reading of theeditorial, the two passages titled, “The unborn Glory” on page 6 and “Mind and the DivineConsciousness” on pg. 7 were read. These two passages spoke about the place of the mind in thisYoga which aims at the Supramental realization, especially touching upon its limitations inknowing by identity, the Supermind.The following quote gives a succinct summary of the content of the readings: “Only thesupermind can be a true mediator and interpreter. But if you want the supramental Light, youmust not tie yourself to mental ideas, but draw back from them and observe them with animpartial equality in the silence of the spirit. When the supramental Light touches them, it willput them in their place and finally replace them by the true truth of things.” (All India Magazine,May 2016, pg.7).June 12th – Readings from The Synthesis of Yoga:We discussed the question addressed to the Mother on what a ‘self-creator’ is. The context ofthe discussion was a passage from The Synthesis of Yoga on the personal and impersonalGodhead. The Mother explained that creation should be taken in the sense of ‘manifesting, ofmaking apparent’ – and the Divine, being the All and beyond the All, manifests his own self inthe act of creation. It is as if the Divine has given an ‘external form of Himself to Himself.’ - Jared and Jayanthywww.sriaurobindosociety.org.sg 9

Sri Aurobindo Society, Singapore. July 2016. PROGRAMME FOR THE MONTH OF JULY 2016DATE TIME DETAILS3rd July 2016 8:00 AM Monthly Morning Walk * 6:00 PM Sunday 6:00 PM Reading from AIM Magazine3rd July 2016 6:00 PM Q&A from Mother Complete works Volume 8 6:00 PM Sunday 6:00 PM Followed by Om Choir10th July 2016 Study circle – Part 3 “The Secret of Veda” Sunday (pg. 393 – 556)17th July 2016 Savitri – An unending journey Sunday TBA24th July 2016 Sunday31st July 2016 Sunday* Please see below for details. JULY 2016 MORNING WALK – NO. 371Date: Sunday, 3rd July 2016Time: 8:00 A.M. sharp for warm up exercise Please note that after warm up exercise we shall proceed with the walk by 8.20 AM.Walk venue: Pasir Ris ParkMeeting Point: Pasir Ris Park Car Park CDirection to Driving:Meeting Point: Coming from PIE, head towards TPE and exit at Loyang Avenue/ Tampines Avenue 7 (Exit 2) Turn right and drive along Loyang Avenue and turn left into Pasir Ris Drive 3. Drive along Pasir Ris Drive 3 till you see the bus interchange on the left side. Turn into Pasir Ris Green which leads to Car Park C Coming from CTE/SLE, head towards TPE and exit at Pasir Ris Drive 12 exit (Exit 5). Turn left and follow Pasir Ris Drive 12 which will turn right and become Pasir Ris Drive 3. Drive along Pasir Ris Drive 3. After Elias Road traffic junction, look for and turn into Pasir Ris Green which leads to Car Park C MRT: Nearest MRT Station Station: Pasir Ris. Car Park C Meet Near Bike Kiosk and Gallop Stable. Walking Distance from Pasir Ris MRT and Bus Interchange.www.sriaurobindosociety.org.sg 10

Sri Aurobindo Society, Singapore. July 2016.Contact No: Mr S. Ramanathan (91385130)Hosts: Mr.& Mrs. Sanjay & Ami Mehta,Directions to Blk 720, Tampines Street 72, # 03-31the hosts’ Singapore 520720residence: Driving: a) From TPE turn to Tampines Avenue 10, turn left into Tampines Avenue 9 and make the next right into Tampines Street 72. Make an immediate left into the Car Park. b) b) From PIE towards Changi Airport, exit at Bedok Reservoir (Exit 8A) and drive along the road (Bedok North Road) which becomes Tampines Avenue 10 Make a right on Tampines Avenue 9 and make the next right into Tampines Street 72. Make an immediate left into the Car Park. Bus: 72 (from Tampines Interchange) or 168 (from Bedok Interchange) or 27. Stop at Bus Stop in front of Block 721 along Avenue 9.RSVP Please RSVP to the hosts by SMS: 98750767 / 91446105 / 6544 3252 (Mr &Information: Mrs Sanjay & Ami Mehta) or email: [email protected] not later than 1st July, if you are able to make it for the walk & brunch (including the No. of persons attending).Note: All are encouraged to attend the Walk. Those, however, who are not able to join the Walk,the hosts would be very happy that they directly come to the residence and join in the brunch by10:15 AM. Prayers and meditation will commence sharp at 10.30 A.M. All are requested to bepunctual. PREVIEW OF FORTHCOMING SUNDAY MORNING WALKSWALK DATE PLACE HOST NO 372 07/08/2016 Botanical Gardens Mr Venkatesh Rao & Mrs Shailaja 373 04/09/2016 TBA Mr. Arjun Madan 374 02/10/2016 375 06/11/2016 Gardens by the Bay Mr Sashi Lal Kashyap & Family 376 04/12/2016 TBA Mr Anand K Venkat & Family TBA Mr Ritesh Thacker & Familywww.sriaurobindosociety.org.sg 11

Sri Aurobindo Society, Singapore. July 2016. Along the Way…It was a very pleasant morning and the perfect weather for the morning walk. The location,Bedok reservoir, as many of the readers would know, is a lovely place with a nice ~ 4.3kmwalking trail around the reservoir. We were a small group but the park was beaming with a largenumber of joggers and walkers. We even saw a few people indulge in water sports and eventhough the aerial tree obstacle courses were not operational at the time, I am sure it would be funclearing these obstacles. It is always nice to spend the Sunday morning walking in the nature andthis park almost in the center of Singapore, provides a nice opportunity for people to come andrefresh. As Ramanathan uncle observed during the course of the walk, there are not many placesin Singapore where you can hear the musical voice of the birds the way we heard it in the Bedokreservoir that day.After the nice walk, we went to the host’s place which was a very short drive away. Patel uncle,aunty, Anand and Vrunda were wonderful hosts and had planned everything meticulously. Afterthe meditation and prayers, Kashyap uncle informed everyone that the digital conversion of thephotos from 1985 till date was complete and available for all members who wanted it, at a verynominal cost. I am sure this is a great opportunity for all members to go through the history ofour Aurobindo society Singapore. This was followed by a sumptuous home cooked meal and Icannot find of any word of complement; the tasting itself was proof.Patel uncle even distributed a copy of Sri. Abdul Kalam’s book to everyone who was interested.Overall it was a great experience similar to all the wonderful walks we have had. A perfect wayto start the month, contemplate, meditate and seek the Divine’s blessings! - Ritesh Thacker ***When we reached Bedok Reservoir, the sun was hiding behind the clouds; but it was still hot.There were not many people. Only 7 people from Sri Aurobindo Society were there. I was notsure how much we were going to walk. I asked my father and he said, “About 4.3 kilometres!!!”I was shocked as I started to walk.After walking for some time, I saw a sign that tells people to not litter. It had paper drawn on itthat looked like flat marshmallows! We walked half-way until I saw 12 white rocks that alsolooked like marshmallows to me. I kept thinking about marshmallows as I had not eatenbreakfast. I was so exhausted that I wanted to just sleep!! As I continued to walk with feet thatwere almost broken, I noticed some people water skiing!! I like to call it SUPER SURFING!!As we approached a shaded path, my father told me that the trees planted at the sides of the pathand covering it appeared like a tunnel that we were entering! I looked around the reservoir andsaw that we had completed more than half of the walk. I was relieved and exhausted at the sametime. As we continued, we decided to walk on the grass. We saw about 5 to 6 types of grass onthe patch.I also saw some mimosa plants (touch me not plant). My father recorded a video of me showingthe mimosa plants. We played with the mimosa plants for about 5 minutes. My father playedwith the plants more than me!! (And he looked very childish).There was an area prepared for kids to do tree climbing, rope walking and the flying fox! It iscalled Forest Adventure.www.sriaurobindosociety.org.sg 12

Sri Aurobindo Society, Singapore. July 2016. We finally reached where we started. I sat down on a bench to rest. I saw Jayanthy aunty on the swing; so I decided to play on the swing too. While I was playing on the swing, I felt my stomach churning but I continued as I was having fun. After 5 minutes, we had to leave. I rode on a motorcycle with Uncle Ritesh back home. I had my moment. Bedok Reservoir is definitely a fun place. - Shiv Anand Patel ANNOUNCEMENTS \"Good health is the exterior expression of an inner harmony\" - The MotherThe above saying by The Mother plants in us the seeds of aspiration for good health. Wishing to nurturethese seeds into strong trees, the editorial team has decided to explore the subject of 'Health and Healing'in the light of The Mother and Sri Aurobindo and base it as the theme for forthcoming issues of theNewsletter. We welcome readers to this exploration and invite them to share their views and experienceson the same. The article can be written as a word document and e-mailed to [email protected],[email protected] and [email protected] best by 12th of the previous month. Printed and Published by The Sri Aurobindo Society of Singapore 2A Starlight Road 01-07, Singapore 217755.Saurab: 86559940 or [email protected]; Sanjay: 98750767 or [email protected]; Email: [email protected] Visit our website at: www.sriaurobindosociety.org.sgwww.sriaurobindosociety.org.sg 13