As most of you may have heard, we just had a really inspiring Awakin Call with Amit this morning. In the early circle of sharing, Ashish shared and gave the line to Anha and this is what she shared:


There were so many that wanted to share on the call, that we couldn't get to everyone. But there was one particular recording from Amit's grandma that we wanted to share in particular:


(Rough translation: this is a story of a fellow who was telling God how it's easy to him -- just stand there as an idol and experience the love of so many.  Given this deep faith, God then graces the devotee with an opportunity to have that experience.  In that mode of being like an idol, the devotee sees a businessman drop his wallet -- but he couldn't say anything to him.  Then he sees someone steal the wallet, but again couldn't say anything.  When the businessman returns to find his wallet, he wrongly accuses a fisherman of stealing the wallet and the police put his in jail.  At this point, the devotee can't resist intervening and tells the police that the fisherman is innocent -- and subsequently gets his released.  However, as the fisherman goes back to the sea, there's high tide, his boat capsizes and he passes away.  Moral of the story: we must learn to be still, observe things as they are, without intervening with our shallow minds.  That God-like trait will give us the vision to see that whatever is happening is happening for the good of all.)

The audio recording is posted here, and a blog is coming soon but in the meantime, here are some tidbits from the thank-you note we sent out:
 

"Amit Uncle always finds light in the dark. I feel held in his embrace."--Anha (10 years old), on her experience of Amit at her grandfather's funeral (audio clip above)

"Immersing myself in service helped me pay tribute to my parents and stay true to who I was. (posted on FB this morning)

“Here's a question I often ask myself: How can deeply connect with anyone I come across?” Like this doorman Mike.

"In the end, all our life experiences are here to teach us about oneness." Even ants at the Gandhi Ashram.

“The only way to make 'big' changes in your life is to start small, and find creative ways to make other people's day.” Like singing a birthday song for Birju today! :)

"What can I do in my day-to-day environment? I find creative ways to connect." Sometimes it could be Gatorade for the Cops.

"To be in a state of constant generosity, I've found that we need to expand the ways in which we give." One of his life heroes on a tricycle.

"As Buddha said, we can offer three things: material, courage and insight." As expressed in this reflection on Dunga's favorite show, West Wing

"My edge has been expanding beyond the material." Like connecting with this homeless man at Grand Central Station.

"When I am hugging someone, I try to give them all the positive feelings I have while taking the burden of all their negativity on me." One of many Dunga tips.

"The people you surround yourself with is so important in your spiritual journey and how you lead your life." That means celebrating birthdays like this.

"We come into this world empty-hands and we leave with nothing, but along the way, we receive so many gifts. You can only take for so long, before you start paying it forward." (Receiving kind prayers and art after his parents passed, Amit request 1008 Smile Cards so he can pay forward)

Most recently, Amit is leading an internship -- teaching these teenagers about values like simplicity. You may also enjoy the video of the song that Nimo sang at the end.

Thank you, Amit, and all, for holding space for such beautiful calls. It was a joy to see well over a 100 folks join from around the world, and to receive so many comments and notes of appreciation.  We hope to hear more of your voices on future calls.