From Africa to America

On this Spot, Sadhguru shares his observations about the African continent – the rich soil, lush vegetation, and vibrant people. He says, “My travels in Uganda and brief stops in Kenya and South Africa were inspiring and refreshingly different.” He also touches upon his well-attended yoga session at the United Nations on the International Day of Yoga, and many other stops on his tour.

About the land in Africa, the first thing that I noticed was the strength of the soil – few places on the planet feel like this. It is important that Africa strategizes to keep the richness of soil and vegetation. Though large tracts of Africa are arid, those parts that are forested must be approached with care in order to sustain them. The people of Africa have suffered immensely in the last few centuries. The exploitation, loss of land to outsiders, horrendous slave trade, and loss of cultural strength have left them in a state where they are made to look less competent. Fortunately, segments of youthful population are finding pride and access to the future in a very vibrant way. The world needs to support and participate in the movement. It is important to protect the uniqueness of the African continent, the very crucible of the human species.

It is important to protect the uniqueness of the African continent, the very crucible of the human species.

My travels in Uganda and brief stops in Kenya and South Africa were inspiring and refreshingly different. Inspiring because of the new energy that one encounters. The inspiration of the youth in Africa is palpable and visible in the cities and towns. The remote parts of Africa like the magical Ndali, with many volcanic lakes amidst lush green forest in the mountains (4200 ft.), the way people are how people would have been a thousand years ago in dress, diet, and attitudes, they seem like they walked out of the earth fresh today. The entire scene needs to be seen to be believed. It is like from another time. There, the opening of a school, started by our meditators, and named “Sadhguru School” after the unschooled Sadhguru. A few dedicated volunteers are doing an incredible effort in making this happen.

People of Indian origin in the region are another story of entrepreneurial success of Indian communities outside India. Indian engagement with East Africa goes back a few centuries and with North Africa a few millennia. It is incredible how some communities have kept their identities intact over centuries. They manage to keep their language, eating habits, dress, and above all their spirituality in a faraway land. Their contribution to the East African economy is very significant.

Managed to get to New York in time for the United Nations event on the 20th via Dubai. The Upa-Yoga session was attended by over 50 Ambassadors and people from 135 nationalities, supposedly a record of sorts. The first Inner Engineering Retreat on the East Coast was a delight. After a brief halt and an event in Chicago, back in the iii for three days before I am in New York for a day, Berlin for one more, and then in London for a while.

Looking forward to being at the Isha Yoga Center for Guru Purnima, a very special one this time.

Love & Blessings,