A Tale of Grace

posted by Kamala on Dec 15

Dearest Friends and Family

I think I’m ‘home’ early. It may be around 5 pm. I have no watch, no one’s here, and I don’t want to turn the TV on, no internet. It doesn’t come on Anni’s computer, and I can’t haul the thing around with me, its so heavy. I really have to avoid hauling stuff, its way too straining, I don’t want to be forced to spend another day flat on my back. Normally we are getting in at 10 PM – 12 AM. Its very hectic. Getting food is a real problem. We have a very hard time buying anything, its so expensive. And the stores are all closed by the time we get near them.

It’s snowing quite heavily, which is delightful, and also very wetting and cold. Link and I have been resisting getting shoes, largely because of the time investment, luggage weight, and the moral issue. I had priced some, but, its all seems very expensive….. Today, some people at the entrance to the Klima Forum asked me if I would like shoes, and gave me an address, directions and a time when we can get some FREE shoes and warm clothes tomorrow. I am glad of this, as I was having a very difficult time justifying buying shoes to myself. I’m convinced I look like a climate refugee. On the train to B’lore, when morning came, Link and I were looking out the window and saw two young boys, maybe 20ish, with shawls around their heads, making their way through the tracks, no shoes. I wish I could bring some shoes and find them….Those who are habituated and hardened to conditions in India always say things like, “They are used to it, village people, don’t need shoes.” Yet, they were in an urban industrial environment, walking on hard and sharp railway stones, with lots of phlegm and other human liquids all over…I feel they need shoes.

Dearest Friends and Family,

Yesterday I began carrying a sign for the Climate Justice Fast. Its been an interesting process, watching my own and other’s reactions. One side of the sign is “Climate Justice Fast”, the other is a picture of Gandhi with the CJF motto, “The golden rule is to act fearlessly upon what one believes to be right”. You can see the photos, I think Link put them up. I quickly realized that people thought I was Fasting, and so appended another sign with the names of the Fasters and the date, saying, “Prayer. Day 39. Water Only. Anna Keenan – AUS, Sara Svensson – Sweden, Matthieu Balle – France.” Then I walked slowly around the Bella Center where the UNFCCC negotiations are going on.

Daniel Lau has had to stop the Fast on the Dr.’s advice. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak. He had had open heart surgury when he was 3 years old, and after 32 days, his heart began having problems. He in now taking juice, and working on the ‘re-feeding’ process, which has to be done very carefully and gradually….I heard him commenting on how even though he had stopped the fast, his belt was falling off by evening, despite having put it on securely in the AM…Daniel is a real Angel….very Sweet Soul….just juice may seem like real eating after 32 days, but it isn’t….

Watching myself, I noticed that I felt absolutely squeamish. I kept reminding myself that the sacrifice and discomfort the Faster’s are facing is far more serious than mine. That it was just the donkey part of the mind that thinks so much of itself that was balking… That thought gave me courage, and I walked slowly through the hoard of humanity, with all the eyes grokking the sign. Then I observed that I felt very awkward as to putting the Gandhi photo side first. I felt that I am not living up to the ideals as I would like, and they are so precious to me..some other little hesitancies….so, I had to overcome this tension also. I kept reminding myself of the motto written on it, marvelling at my own cowardice. Then, I began to notice that people wanted to see the Gandhi side more. This relaxed me, as then I knew they were looking at the poster, and not ME, so that was a relief. Then, people seemed to become almost crazy about the Gandhi photo, the Fast, and me carrying the sign. I was surrounded by cameras and flashes…One person would stop and take a photo, and almost immediately, 10 more people would do the same…its like this in the Bella Center, 1000’s of flashing bulbs, cameras, press all over the place….all I could think was that its just outrageous that Amma gets subjected to this. Its imperative that we seek to protect her eyes and seriously limit the amount of time or days in a week that she is exposed to bright lights right in her eyes…

At a few points, I realized I could put the Gandhi poster side right infront of my face, and many were happy with that, and so was I, not having to be in the picture. Some people were insistent that I be in it, others even took their photos with the Gandhi picture….This went on all the way ‘home’, on the trains, etc.

Watching others I noticed that many in Bella Center, people you wouldn’t expect, were very supportive of my lone walk with the sign. I got many ‘very good’ and “This is Right”, and “keep going” and ‘thumbs’ up signs. This shows me, that although most of us may not make the effort that the Climate Justice Fasters are making, people from every walk of life have been touched and morally support their efforts. Many were biggy politicos….I don’t want to get into all the names here…its interesting though, when Obama comes to Bella Center, the whole place will be in a shut down mode, all ngo activity will be out. Yet, there are presidents from other countries walking around without even any noticeable security…..

Today, as there has been a huge cut back on ngo participants and observers, I decided to go to the Klima Forum instead, with the sign and it’s amendment - Today is DAY 40. FORTY. For Anna, Sara and Matthieu…

By this time, my squeamishness was over, and I was realizing it was a good way to connect with my human family, with love, in Truth, and so, was able to meet people, talk and share smiles. It is really astounding how just the picture of Gandhi attracts people, sets an atmosphere. It is as though there is such a huge thirst for the ideals that he represents to people…My entire train compartment became quiet, and all but a very few kept staring at the picture of him…

It was starting to snow when I caught the train, and by the time I disembarked, it was heavy- blizardy, with stinging sharp flakes..on the way itself there were several photograph requests, one from a journalist from Canada….I walked around Klima Forum for a few hours, again, alot of Press to the CJF…many people there have heard about Anna Keenan, Sara Svensson, Daniel Lau and Matthieu Balle. People were very happy to know that they were actually in the Bella Center….

Again also, many people wanted their picture taken with the Gandhi poster. A particularly touching one, was an old African man from Papau New Guinea, on an island that belongs to it, very, very concerned about rising sea levels…He told me, “I have been studying this man all my life. I love him…”

I realized I should let people know about our book, Earth Ethics of M.K. Gandhi, with Teachings from Holy Mother Amma: an introduction. Here again, I face the same internal sense of awkwardness and shyness. Ayesha of AVAAZ told me not to be shy, as its something that will really help the international climate movement…but still, its very hard. I can’t bring myself to say, ‘Here, take a look at this book, I wrote it.’…so, I found a way to present it as through the publishing company, acting like a publishing company representative, and just avoiding discussing authorship…I mean, even when I wrote it, I felt, these are the words of the Truly Great, one who really tried, and became Certain, and one who is the ideal…. how is it I associate myself with them? Its very hard….squeamish on that isn’t the word…its something else. My difficulties became compounded when they asked me for my card, and I had to explain….I did that once, then opted for just telling them I’m Aunty Kamala, and giving them my gmail address…that was better….I don’t think I’m being dishonest. No one asked me if I wrote the book.

I was missing Anni’s form very much, and so had that battle going on as well…I think I did say that November 12, the tears all came back….there was some sort of misunderstanding with Amma, and it did me in….fortunately, it is cold, so alot of people have watery eyes….I don’t know why I bother to say all these things, but somehow people should know, for a mother, the rest of life is an unending nightmare. It doesn’t end….I mean, where is the baby? One’s every instinct is on intense alarm….

I know She’s with me, and I do feel that, but….it can’t ‘cut the cake’ all the time. Its probably good I’m home alone, and can let some of it out…can’t do it for long, as it really physically debilitates…don’t want to put Link through it by seeing me…

There again, reactions at Klima were amazing. One lady actually screamed when she saw the book photo ( although the green on the flyer is all-wrong ~ that’s an Anni phrase, “Its All – Wrong.” ), another one wept, saying, this is perfect, it’s balanced, this is what we need, Gandhi and Amma ( that one knew of Amma, has read of her elsewhere, but has not met her). Thats the way I feel about it, so, again, I took courage….

Thousands of young activists are in Copenhagen….they are flowing in like a river…..I think the next few days will be quite ‘hairy’….

I personally feel the time for protest is over. We need to get to work, and fast. Forget yelling at the deaf, lets do what we can…its not about country emissions, its about individual contributions to country emissions…we have the intelligence, the know-how, lets just get on the go!

Anyhow, thats whats up.

The flakes are fat, sticking to the ground and mounting. I just hope I will be able to get the boots for Link and I in the morning without getting totally frozen, soaked feet…and that he doesn’t slip, our sandals make it like walking on butter….

I’m huddled near the heater here….

Please pray for Anna Keenan, Sara Svensson, Daniel Lau, Matthieu Balle….and let us all pray that we serve and love this Earth and one another properly….

Loving you,

Aunty Kamala

posted by Link on Dec 15

Dear Friends,

This week an unprecedented 115 world leaders will convene in Copenhagen to forge a global agreement on climate change.  Thanks to the organizing efforts of citizens around the world, all of these decision makers will be in the same room.  As a global community, we need to ensure they make the right decisions.

The bad news is: there is only one week left and the climate negotiations are still deadlocked.

The good news is: this is our opportunity to shift the debate.

To our leaders:  Give us the deal we need for survival.  Give us the tools to transform our world.

Citizens around the world have the moral high ground. Let us not wait any longer.  We must unite and make the moral declaration that nothing short of an equitable science-based treaty is acceptable.

The science is clear.  The technological and social tools needed to reduce carbon pollution are ready.  The public is waiting .

Our governments are stalling.

We call for all people across the world, to join us in a global day of action on climate justice: Hunger for Survival.

People all over the world for one day will voluntarily go without food, drinking only water - on Thursday 17th December.

We call for moral leadership, from our world leaders:

• Reduce the concentration of carbon in the atmosphere to well below 350ppm as rapidly as possible
• Commit to end both fossil fuel use and deforestation, beginning with eliminating subsidies for these industries, wholly redirect them into renewable energy, reforestation and sustainable agriculture.
• Ensure protection for the world’s most vulnerable people by making adequate provisions for climate finance for developing countries to deal with the effects of climate change, and promote sustainable energy development  that is economically sound and consistent with science

While we demand that our governments act,  we also commit to examining our own lifestyles and priorities.
We want to break our habit of over-consumption. While others struggle world wide to meet basic needs, we challenge the idea that excess is virtuous.  We will us our daily economic and political choices to reward those who promote nourishing and life-sustaining policies, rather than those who abuse the planet and its people.

As we experience hunger this Thursday, our collective expression of devotion and self-sacrifice will send a strong signal to our leaders that we are united and ready to overcome these global challenges as one people.

We stand in solidarity with the millions who have and will lose their lives due to the preventable and involuntary hunger, disease and conflict resulting from climate change. Copenhagen is the moment, we all need to show leadership and courage.

History has shown the power of fasting. Gandhi used it as a tool to unseat the British Empire’s powerful grip over India. The American, English and Irish women suffragists used it to gain the right to vote.

On the day of our fast, world leaders will be presented with the names and stories of all the participants. Images and articles about your fasting will flood the international media. Your actions will clearly demonstrate that the time for political compromise is over.

Commit to join Hunger for Survival, the global day of fasting for climate justice, here.

You can also help to promote the day of fasting on Facebook!

With Love,

The ‘Hunger for Survival’ team - Anna, Sara and Paul, Deepa, Marcie, Madeline, Shadia and many others - supported by members of the International Youth Climate Movement present in Copenhagen.

P.S. Together we will be joining 3 courageous individuals who have been fasting for 42 days – supported by hundreds of others – in the lead up to these negotiations as part of the Climate Justice Fast! Their dedication and sacrifice is the inspiration for this ambitious project.

P.P.S. Many notable leaders in the climate justice movements, including author and activist Vandana Shiva, Former Prime Minister of Ireland Mary Robinson, Head of the UN World Food Programme Josette Sheeran, Executive Director of Greenpeace Kumi Naidoo, Naomi Klein and President of the Maldives Mohammed Nasheed will also be joining in this fast and moral call. Click here to see the list of participating leaders.

And promote the event on Facebook by joining our event page.

posted by Kamala on Dec 15

By P.K. Willey, Ph.D. Copyright 2009.

Today, the Climate Justice Fast has entered its 40^th day, the timespan of Jesus Christ’s legendary 40 days of fasting and prayer in the desert. For the Climate Justice Fasters, the Fast has been a public penance, an act of atonement on behalf of humanity and a call for awakening. This article examines the Climate Justice Fast in light of the criterion that Gandhi held out as being indispensable for its deepest and greatest societal success: a necessary moral atmosphere.

Public awakening has been phenomenonal. December 12^th’s peaceful protest march saw the size of the crowd that swelled to over 100,000 people. They marched from Copenhagen City to the doors of the Belle Center. The people of the Earth have been touched. Nature smiled with blue skies and sun, the first in over 15 grey, cloudy days in Copenhagen.

Yet, in the Bella Center where the negotiations are taking place there has not been much progress. Plantations of mono-species tree crops have been confused with Forests. Development has long been confused with industrial development using the capitalist model. The rich nations are willing to make deals as long as the new markets for green technology, remain in their hands for exploiting and profiting, and as long as we all agree that to become part of the failing model of development for human civilization upon Earth is a necessity. No one, it appears is allowed to question the basic premise of the engines driving this development – greed and the need to sequester greed.

Why is there so much confusion on things that are so common sense?

As an official UN observer, I note that there is a moral crisis here that has crept up upon us, unawares, that we must look at.

Consider the following:

An Olympic sports competitor will be disqualified from participating in the games if drugs are found in his blood or urine. If substances used within 3 days - 6 weeks are picked up, he is disqualified from competing. He is representing his country at the games, its considered important that his body be clean for them. That he be fully prepared, alert and capable, of giving it his best shot.

Yet, people who are here at the UNFCCC COP-15 to make decisions that affect the lives of millions and billions of people, have no such qualifications. In fact, alcohol is served to the official party delegates freely. We do not check their psychological qualifications, nor their medications and personal substance abuse habits, including tobacco.

Every evening, and even at lunchtime, at the COP-15, wine and beer are served and the party delegates grow ‘happy’ together.

It has been found that alcohol removes water from the brain and impairs neural functioning. It is hard to say for each individual, how long, after a glass of wine, it will take for their brains to be at optimum functioning levels again.

We should carefully consider if it is possible that part of the reason for the confusion on commonsense definitions, visions and other issues is due to these abuses and other issues that impair delegates from being able to take in the information that over 100,000 people walked to their door to give them on Saturday? That over 500,000,000 signatures requesting a just and sustainable deal here at the COP attest to? That 1000’s are in solidarity with the Climate Justice Fast undertaking physical penance in some form all around the planet?

Holy Mother Amma has commented that, “A government alone cannot do anything without the sincere and whole hearted cooperation of the people. For this to happen, it should be a government which works in accordance with the will and wishes of the people who love Nature. This again demands support from political leaders and government officials. They should not just be a group of people who ar craving money and position. Their aim should be the upliftment of the country and its people. A great deal will be achieved if they are people endowed with a selfless and universal outlook in their judgment.” (Amritanandamayi, Mata. (1994, 2000) Man and Nature. p.36-37.)

At present, in all governments, it is the hand of business and money that guides government’s governing. The results are in. Billions are hungry and suffering. Human misery is unprecedented.

Gandhi observed that: “For a fast, too, a certain atmosphere is necessary.” (CWMG 40:407 May 19, 1929. Age 59)

This atmosphere must be one that has become subtle, that is, full of awareness. This awareness is an awareness of Truth, of Oneness, of the Love that holds our very atoms together in the mutual attraction of components. It is an awareness of the moral fibers that sustain the universe. Gandhi saw the use of the Fast as essential to the refinement of his person and mind in relation to this awareness.

“I must undergo personal cleansing. I must become a fitter instrument able to register the slightest variation in the moral atmosphere about me. My prayers must have much deeper truth and humility about them than they evidence…there is nothing so helpful and cleansing as a Fast accompanied by the necessary mental co-operation.” (CWMG 22:419. February 16, 1922. Age 52.)

The media has played an unwitting role in the degradation of human values and human civilization, espousing actions and behaviors that are damaging to the human organism and the human psyche. This is the atmosphere that our Youth have also grown up in. Media’s role is more insidious and penetrating to our psyches that we can imagine. Our education has served politics and power, not each other, not the Earth not ethics of Justice and Love. Contemporary public media has married the ugly hands that drive political power.

Gandhi noted: “I Fasted to reform those who loved me. You cannot Fast against a tyrant.” (Tendulkar,~D.G., Mahatma, the life of Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, p.156.)

Interestingly, none of the Climate Justice Fasters watch television.

Holy Mother Amma has commented:

“The foremost dharma [righteous duty] of the media is to find and express the beauty in human life and nature. Only the true and auspicious can lead us to real beauty. The media should not just cater to what people like; they should also aim to do what is good and beneficial for them. We should offer people…[ethically] based entertainment and knowledge. Only through them can we behold Truth and beauty. (Matruvani 16:11 July 2005, p.4 Amma’s Message.)

Our Youth have had their minds and bodies polluted, along with the Earth, by going along with and being inducted into the short-sighted and blind goals of media. Holy Mother Amma has commented that whereas before, youth were the breath of life to the Earth, now they are like flowers in the bud stage, infected with worms. They have become confused in many ways, yet, there is one thing that unites them, the perilous prospects of their future on a planet with damaged natural systems, limited purity left, and unbridled greed towards what is left on Earth.

In such an atmosphere, the Climate Justice Fast has been held.

The Climate Justice Fast has been an urgent call, a loud strum in the dark, on the string of moral fibre present in everyone. Not all have been able to feel it within them nor respond to it, nor even understand it. Yet, it has cleared the dross out of the way for millions, to understand the urgency, to realize we are united across all borders.

Gandhi said:

“A Fast is not remedy in every situation. It is only one of the many ways available for self purification. The highest degree of purity is achieved only by gaining control over one’s thoughts. In the final analysis, such purity is the only true purity.” (CWMG 31:231 July 29, 1926. Age 56. To S.)

The Climate Justice Fast has sounded the call for the reestablishment of ethical life. The tremendous penance of Anna Keenan, Sara Svensson, Daniel Lau and Matthieu Balle, the grueling days that they have lived through here in the Belle Center, at the heart of the COP-15, will have powerful effects world wide, for they have been heard by the Truth that sustains the Universe, they have touched the Love that holds the atoms together.

The Climate Justice Fast has succeeded as far as it can in the environment and moral atmosphere that is present now upon the Earth.

The work of Youth has just begun. We must go out and continue the touch of the Climate Justice Fast, reaching out to one and all, spreading awareness of our unity, the Truth that faces us, and why the systems we have been educated into following don’t work for us, for the Earth, for our survival. The time for protest against tyranny and inhumanity is over. We can no longer wait for our leaders to lead. We have to gather ourselves together, and start to reclaim the Earth piece by piece with our own cooperative means and methods, for the people and by the people, with intelligent agriculture and farming methods, with fair distribution and consideration of each other. We have to start rebuilding our communities, and clear our minds and bodies of the pollutions that we have been indoctrinated into seeking and receiving.

Now is the time for ethical reconstruction of our human civilization, based upon our unity, refinding our purity, as Life has intended, so that we can respond Truthfully to the Great Mother that sustains us all. As we begin this mighty and yet truly simple task, everything else will fall into its rightful place.