9 OLEMA TRIP
We were privileged to be in Olema
quite a number of times. The first time Maharaj took us to Olema, we took a
nice walk around the property (the new ladies cottages were not done then). We
met Vedanandaji Maharaj and I think Amaraprana(?) Mataji was our guide. We
visited the orchards and it was apple-picking season. We also got to see the
camelia orchard and heard stories about wildlife. We came to know that some
evening classes are held and a meditative, quiet atmosphere is maintained.
In one of those visits we finally arrived at a surreal place in the
forest. There is a circular clearing with tall trees. At one time Revd
Ashokanandaji was contemplating building a Mother Kali’s Temple but it did not
come to fruition. I was overjoyed at this.
I objected: “Maharaj, this is a perfect place for meditation! A temple
would spoil this wonderful atmosphere.”
Immediately maharaj said: “Alright, you come and stay in the ladies cottage. No Tirthankar, no
swami.”
“That would be fabulous maharaj!” I
happily chirped.
Unfortunately that never materialized.
Nandini Mitra Banerjee
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