User:DEARJOHNS/Laverna (South India)

Laverna of South India The name Laverna (1) would immediately remind the mount where St Francis of Assisi (*1881 – +1226) regularly fasted and contemplated, in Toscana, Italy. In the Summer of 1224 St Francis remained here in silence and prayer to experience Jesus' love for humanity. St Francis lived it out with no pride, to die for others (Gospel according to John 15:13). Francis is the messenger of Peace to the world after Jesus and the Buddha, and is known as the patron of Ecology. With the same thrust, in a village periphery of India in Urkkad in the district of Idukki, exists an eco-spiritual hermitage called Laverna since March 2006. This is situated 40 kilometres away from Munnar, in an altitude of 1585 metres above Sea Level. The climate is cold except in the months of March-April. Laverna of South India is rich in flora of various species, avoiding the growth of Eucalyptus(Grandis)trees. This Eco-Spiritual field has the possibility of finding Peace and Joy. It is in the path of searching after Truth and Beauty, following Mahatma Gandhi, for a radiant generation of jnāna (“wisdom”), yoga (“unity”) and karma (“activity”). There lives a qualified person in silence, since 2005. Music, art, dance, philosophy, religion, philanthropy, poetry and literature connect the sky and the earth here. “When the religious guides as well as the socio-political leaders get the spirit of Peace and Harmony, it can be easily transmitted to the whole world” (2). Peace and Harmony within oneself transforms us to be the instrument of His Undying Music of Love. “Let there be Peace within and without your Self; Let there be Peace in other selves; Let there be Peace in the whole Universe”(3). This place is suitable for silent meditation. Peace and Harmony of the persons and with the nature would keep this world green. Laverna of South India is well-known for its preservation of nature and a creation.

Dr Johns J., M.A., PhD.

Reference / Foot Notes:

(1)The name is written as one word, to sound sweet and easy, since in India ‘la’ the (feminine singular)definite article of Italian finds no place, and ‘Verna’ would provoke linguistic confusion too. (2)Mauna of Laverna II, Dr Johns Joseph M.A., PhD (ed.), June 2007, p.2. (3)An explanation of the ancient Sanskrit mantra, “Lokā samasthā sukhinō bhavanthu” which is a prayer of the sages for universal peace.