Namaste Lotus Family!

This June at Laughing Lotus we celebrate Nada Yoga, the yoga of sound; such sounds include not only mantra, but ALL sounds from the audible to inaudible and from the sacred to the mundane. In utilizing sound to find yogic union, we learn how to listen and how to reconnect with ourselves, others, and the universe. As Russill Paul has written, "...the quality of our hearing and the kinds of sounds we hear are important. We derive healing and nourishment for our soul from the process. In other words, to neglect our ears is to neglect our soul."

In opening ourselves to sound and trusting our ears, this month we heed the call of India and benefit NY/Anantapur, a project dedicated to building a school in one of India's poorest and most desolate regions that is populated by many impoverished Dalit ("untouchables"). NY/Anantapur was created by the artist José Carlos Casado, who visited the region in 2008 and was moved by the work there of former Jesuit priest Vicente Ferrer, who has been serving the people of the region for over five decades. In that time, the non-profit Vicente Ferrer Foundation has built 1 HIV/AIDS center, 3 hospitals, 1680 schools and 22,000 homes in the region. As Ferrer once wrote, "I've declared war on pain and suffering."

Returning to New York City with Ferrer's words in mind, Casado began to raise funds for both the Vicente Ferrer Foundation and the children of Anantapur, holding a benefit and selling his beautiful photographs of India and Sri Lanka with 100% of all proceeds going to the construction of a school (to see and purchase photographs on-line, click here). If you too hear the call and would like to dedicate your efforts to NY/Anantapur, please go to the website and click on "How to Help" and remember, Love does Save the Day!