Babies blessed in tranquil setting of Inis rath

Editorial Department • Published 22 Jul 2010 16:00 0 Comments

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The spirtual group’s Lord Krishna playing his flute on the right.

Nestled amongst the islands on Upper Lough Erne, Inis Rath was the tranquil setting for an open day on Sunday. Visitors were welcomed to the spiritual retreat by Hare Krishna monks and devotees, some of whom live permanently on the island.

The event is normally held every other year by members of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness which is a spiritual group related to Hinduism. The day is popular with local families and this year's activities included Indian music, drama and traditional face art, known as gopi dots. A range of Indian vegetarian dishes was on offer and there were stalls selling items such as spiritual books and Indian clothing.

The public also got the opportunity to witness an outdoor ceremony to bless three of the newest members of the community. Manu Das Adhikary, temple manager explained they place a lot of emphasis on Nature and so offer flowers, fruits and grains to God. They choose items in different colours to represent jewels.

One of the babies being blessed was 10-month-old Anasuya Rynhart who lives in Greystones, near Dublin. Her mother, Pavani Dasi Rynhart said: "My baby girl was blessed today in a ceremony for general wellbeing, health and intelligence. We also had one when she was six months and started to eat grains. It was to help with her health."

Speaking about the family open day, Pavani Dasi, a Hare Krishna follower for 11 years said: "I think it's a really great, friendly environment and very family-orientated. There's drama for the children so they feel part of it. It's a chance for the kids to see devotees and have a one-to-one encounter. They can see a different picture, the real picture."

Echoing this view was David Bland from Enniskillen who visited the event with his family for the first time. He commented: "I found the blessing of the babies and the chanting in Sanskrit very interesting. He told a story about Lord Krishna and the whole ceremony recreates the prayers of protection said by Krishna's parents. I think it's a culture that's very in tune with the environment. Their ideas are at one with Nature and they are thankful for Nature's blessings. It's one we can all learn from, even in this day and age."

David said he had a fantastic day out and thought everyone was very friendly. His wife Rosemary found the island very peaceful and said their two sons, James and Christopher enjoyed the day.

Mary Murphy and Carmel Rice, both from Ballyconnell enjoyed the sunshine and thought the grounds were very well kept. Some people explored the woodland paths and saw some of the 14 beehives. The islanders are also developing projects of long-term sustainability and grow organic vegetables.

Music is also at the heart of life on the island. Devotees play instruments such as the harmonium, tamborine, tabla, flute and an Indian drum called the sri khol. Caytanya Das Candrodaya gave his opinion on music, he said: "It is something which is on a transcendental vibration that elevates you to a different plain and produces joy in your heart. Sometimes you share that joy with somebody who is listening."

Another member of the island community, Ananda Maya Dasi said next year will be the 25th anniversary of the installation of the deities in the temple and they are planning a large festival to celebrate. In the meantime the island is open for weekend retreats from March to October, hosted by Lake Isle Retreats. Participants can choose from a range of classes and therapies, such as meditation, yoga, vegetarian cooking and Eastern philosophy. The Parikrama Festival is being held this weekend (July 23-25) and spaces are still available to camp in the marquee. Anyone wishing to attend or obtain further information can call 028 677 21512, visit www.krishnaisland.com or www.inisrath.com

This article appeared in Impartial Reporter 22 Jul 10

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