RAPP, RAFT AND ROCK |
A report by the Shibirarthis
The Prasthar aarohan shibir was a 3 day shibir held on 1-3 Feb 2001 at Bangalore. The first shibir to be devoted almost entirely to rock climbing skills and techniques, it was organized at a beautiful campsite belonging to Pegasus institute of excellance at Kallukote, an hour and a half's drive from Bangalore. Our main instructors were Dr. Srikar Amlady maam and Mavinkurve,Gautam maam, both of "Vasundhara", Bombay. They taught us the dynamics of rock climbing and rappeling aided by Mr.Govind of Pegasus.
On the first morning, soon after we had dispensed with breakfast at the campsite, we were given a demonstration in tent pitching It seemed deceptively easy. It took us longer than we expected but when the tents were finally up, it was the first of the many times when we would feel the thrill of accomplishment. Dhwajarohan followed, and the pratignya administered by Shibir sanchalika-Udaya pachi. This brought us together into the spirit of the Shibir.
Our first physical activity was a run through an excellent obstacle course. We tried everything with zest. The rope 'V' bridge, the parallel bars and Tarzan's leap were most challenging. Later we had a short class and demonstration on the different types of knots and anchor systems to be used in rock climbing and mountain rescue situations, as well as equipment like carabiners, pittons, descenders. Amlady maam stressed on KISS principle - Keep It Simple and Safe. Soon after that, we grabbed the equipment needed and headed for the nearby granite cliffs.
Up on the rocks, we learnt about hitches, finger and pressure holds as well as several belaying and rope commands. Srikar maam and Gautam maam demonstrated some elementary rock climbing techniques, which we were all eager to try out on our own. By far the most exiting and awaited part of the camp was the rappeling on two occasions - the first day from an unexposed 25 foot high sheer vertical and the 2nd day, we climbed a moderately steep 300ft, to rappel down 35 feet of cliff. Most of us had never rappeled before. A few of us were really apprehensive but the ease with with which instructor Govind zipped down the rope set our hearts to rest somewhat. Exhilarating experience - being suspended mid air like a bird!!!! Some seemed like naturals at it, Madhavi Mavinkurve, Ashwini Mallapur and Kushal Talgeri for example. Finally Gautam maam scurried down in the fastest time of all. Since only one person rappeled at a time, we had plenty of time to drink in the breathtaking view of the landscape, the campsite and several lakes. Totally exhausted, we took a lazy walk in the moonlight back to the camp about 2 kms away. Having washed up and refreshed ourselves, we assembled for Deepnamaskar in one of the tents. The day ended perfectly with a fire side dinner and a session on stargazing under Srikar maams guidance.
Our morning started with Dhwajavandana, prayers, meditation at the Bamboo grove. Spirituality was the most important aspect of our shibir incorporated into the physical activity. Besides the closed eye meditation and group chanting of Shanti mantras, we were introduced to Ashtamurti Upaasana. This is open eyed meditation in which we train our senses to be more aware of the natural surrounding. We become more conscious of the presence of the five elements - Pancha Mahabhootas ( Aakash, Vayu, Tej, Aap and Prithvi ) and the moon and Sun ( sources of energy ) and Superconsciousness ( Atmamurti ) both in the Macrocosm around us and the microcosm within us. At the bamboo grove - our meditation corner - we could not do justice to the Upaasana due to various distractions. Later in the day after the rappelling session, when we were totally involved in chatting we were asked to spend 20 minutes exclusively in silence. It was extremely elevating just listening and looking at Mother Vasundhara in all Her glory. This was when we experienced Ashtamurti Upaasana at its best. It is moments like this which make life worth living.
During the shibir, we had plenty of opportunity for bird watching as well. Birds like whiteeye, sun bird, chloropsis, hoopie which we rarely see in cities.
The third and last day was special. It was the day His Holiness, our beloved Swamiji graced the camp. After a demonstration of the obstacle course and a hurried volleyball match, we set out on a third trek to a nearby lake for boating exersices. Here, a surprise was in store for us - Poojya Swamiji climbed into a kayak - the first One to venture into the lake. The speed and ease with which He skimmed across the water inspired the most timorous of us. We tried out all the different crafts - from the exciting 6 seater Katta-maran ( ususally with all six shouting diverse directions ) to the comical coracle that spun like a top if the rowers did not co-ordinate, and a sleek kayak that offered a silent solitary, almost spiritual ride. We were thrilled to see varieties of water birds like Lapwings, Kingfisher in action. The birds however were not amused when young Rohan Samsi took a toss in the water thanks to his swimming skills and a life jacket.
In the late afternoon ( after lunch and a hurried packing session ) we had vimarsh and brief informal valedictory function. His Holiness conducted the vimarsh Himself on the well known mantra " Abhayam mitraat……". The vimarsh set us thinking deeply and the meditative mood continued during the bhajan led by Swamiji " Tanmaya ho ja". It seemed so appropriate in the late evening serenity of the bamboo grove. The evening's programme concluded with a few speeches and distribution of certificates and mementos.
What set the shibir apart from other adventure camps was the continuous emphasis on combining physical, mental and spiritual disciplines. Hard to describe how but the open spaces, star gazing, the breathtaking views, put so many things in perspective. Each of us learnt our own special lesson which we will always cherish. Gautam maam's encouraging words at the cliff edge - when we were poised paralyzed with fear, struggling to lean over backwards, to take that first crucial step certain that the challenge was impossible - are a simple and wonderful attitude to have in life….. " Look up at the sky and smile!!!"