“Respecting human dignity and holding compassionate space for each other will be the core tenet of this community. There will be no master-disciple or student-teacher setup, but friendship and companionship.”
Jagjot Singh
Talks About The Compassionate Heart
Dear friends,
Today, gathering courage, I’m sharing a vision that I have had in my mind for a long time for the future of this community. I never shared because I thought it’s a silly idea. And maybe it is, but I’ve decided to share it nonetheless.
Many of you ask for in-person retreats and meetings. But because I don’t have a residence of my own anymore (I live in my mother’s house), it’s difficult to conduct in-person events. Though, I’m grateful to have a roof over my head and a strong support of my family members, I feel this environment is not so conducive for in-person events.
Therefore, I envision creating a physical space close to nature away from the hustle-bustle of the cities that serves as a quiet sanctuary for inner reflection and contemplation on the nature of reality. This space will not be for profit or for fulfilling personal aspirations. It will be dedicated to the welfare of the community. It will be for those who show courage to face Truth, but need compassionate guidance and some handholding before they are strong enough to tread this pathless path on their own. It will be for those who have decided to abandon the hedonic treadmill and go inwards to know oneself.
This space will be managed and maintained transparently by a few volunteers (without special privileges, titles, or hierarchies) who have benefited from the message of the Compassionate Heart. Everyone will be addressed by the first name, including myself. These volunteers can be from diverse backgrounds, including, psychology, yoga teachers, somatic healers, writers, artists, accountants, spiritual teachers, and so on, irrespective of religion or country of origin. Respecting human dignity and holding compassionate space for each other will be the core tenet of this community. There will be no master-disciple or student-teacher setup, but friendship and companionship.
The emphasis will be on cultivating awareness of the compassionate heart by learning to be here now in the presence. Our routine work would include (apart from managing the space) retreats, guided meditations, questions and responses, silent sitting, gratitude practice, self-reflection, space for heart-based sharing, working for social causes (like education, hygiene, and sanitation awareness), engaging in creative arts like singing, dancing, music, and learning to live with joy and celebrate life every single day. We shall hold a loving space for “mistakes” and “imperfections,” without shaming or blaming anyone. It will be safe space to learn and express oneself.
Yes, I know it is idealistic and utopian, and there be challenges, but that’s precisely where the spiritual growth happens. Embodiment of Truth or what Ramesh Balsekar called deliverance does not happen in the comfort zone. There’s nothing to be scared as we have the teachings and wisdom of our great teachers like Sri Ramana Maharshi, Jiddu Krishnamurti, Nisargadatta Maharaj, and other venerable masters who dedicated their lives to deliver the message of peace.
This is not a plea for donation or funds, but just a heart based sharing with all of you. All I require for now is your love and best wishes.
With love,
Jagjot
