Sabbatical in Sri Lanka and India 2023
Mountain panorama in Kerala, with Fr. John & driver Shijo
O God, lead me from death to life, from falsehood to truth.
Lead me from despair to hope, from fear to trust.
Lead me from hate to love, from war to peace.
Let peace fill our hearts, our world and our universe!
Upanishads
Ayurvedic remedies and spices
2023 was a very special year for me. After 25 years of running the St. Benedict Center, I received as a gift a three-month sabbatical! In November 2021, I had had Covid and from that time on I was constantly tired. Through our connections to India and Sri Lanka, the idea of an Ayurvedic cure came up. In a hotel near Colombo, the capital of Sri Lanka, I was treated with traditional Indian medicine. A competent doctor, massages, detoxification and yoga exercises, stillness and daily swimming: All that together brought me real help and I feel much better now.
Sri Lanka
with Fr. Dorothick in the hut of Fr. Bede Griffith
with Mission Exposure group in Tanjavur
Five unforgettable weeks in India followed. A highlight was my private retreat at Shantivanam, the ashram founded by the English monk, Father Bede Griffith. Benedictine life is completely embedded there in traditional Indian culture. Every day two hours, one in the morning and one in the evening, are dedicated to silent meditation in the monastery church. In the Liturgy of the Hours, the monks sing the Psalms and listen to readings from the Bible. Texts from other religions, especially Hinduism, are also read regularly. The words from the Upanishads quoted above are recited every day at midday prayer. It was a special honor for me to meet with the prior, Father Dorothick, for spiritual direction every day in the very simple hut in which Fr. Griffith once lived and worked. My inner quiet, which had filled me during the cure already, now helped me during the retreat to face some of the things which still needed healing within me and to bring them to prayer.
Shantivanam
Kumily, with students of children’s home
For two weeks, I was able to join a group of young confreres from Germany, Tanzania and Zambia who were traveling in India for the purpose of "mission exposure" (getting to know our world-wide missionary work). Together we visited a number of Indian Benedictine monasteries and became familiar with the country, the people and the culture of India.
Indian Monasteries
Indian Temples
Indian People & Culture
Finally, I spent two weeks in Kumily in the state of Kerala, in the priory of our congregation, participating in the prayer and work of our Indian confreres and also enjoying some tourist experiences, including views of wonderful mountain panoramas – and an elephant ride! I often visited Don Bosco Bhavan, a home in which the monks of the priory welcome orphaned or destitute boys.
Elephant Ride in Kumily, Kerala
After India I spent four weeks in Germany where my sabbatical found its conclusion in enjoyable encounters with relatives, friends, and a class reunion after 45 years of high school! I am very grateful for this beautiful time of rest and renewal for body, soul and spirit.
Mother of God Icon, Malom, Kerala
In the second monastery of our confreres at Malom in the north of Kerala, I found in the chapel this icon of Mary, the Mother of God. Mary holds Jesus and shows him to us at the same time. Jesus has a scroll in one hand, the other hand is stretched out in a gesture of blessing. In our war-torn and fragmented world, may HIS word and blessing guide and strengthen us on all the journeys of our life!
Fr. Thomas
Kumily, kerala
