We live during a period of history that is marked by the pain and suffering caused by divisiveness. It is a time when fear and greed govern human consciousness and nations prepare for painful and destructive wars. The 2013 Kumbha Mela arrives at the moment when the Mayan calendar comes to an end and frightening prophesies abound.
The timing is perfect. There is nothing like the Kumbha Mela that is as effective at stringing together such a large range of diversity in a single unifying thread. The Kumbha Mela, the “Grand Vessel”, is an event like no other—capable of bringing together the full spectrum of humanity. It is an event that by its very nature includes all and excludes none. Millions gather with the shared intention for peace and healing. Such a concentrated gathering creates a powerful collective consciousness to build bridges and work for unity.
Working for a Change in Consciousness
Beginning in November 2011, the Himalayan Institute and its members will undertake a year-long meditation in preparation for the pilgrimage to the Kumbha Mela. The goal of this year-long meditation and the practice we undertake at the Kumbha Mela and in Khajuraho is to overcome the pain and anguish caused by fear, grief, and anger. These practices will accelerate our process of acquiring a clear, calm and tranquil mind, which leads us to further awaken and open up our own heart—expanding our capacity to include all and exclude none, to love all and hate none. So this way, we as individuals, we as a society, and we as a community become fully grounded in our own peaceful self, which is no longer inflicted with fear, grief, and anger. This is an absolute necessity today, both in our personal life and in our society.
During times of great turmoil, we conquer our fears, acquire inner strength, and shape our destiny when we ally ourselves with the forces of light. We are then rewarded with clear vision, indomitable will, and victory in both the inner and the outer worlds. The Mayan calendar may end and grim prophecies may abound, but our intentions when put into practice—at the right time and in the right manner—are a powerful antidote to these dark forces. The Kumbha Mela is a significant step toward changing the world, first within us and then around us. I invite you to join us for this history-making event.
– Pandit Rajmani Tigunait
