SOUTH AFRICA – A MEMORY INDELIBLE
A small step for a Human, a leap for Humanity
And so begins the history of Africa – a story of a journey within for the pursuit of
INNER LIBERTY
Joburg, Soweto, Proteria, Kwazulu-Natal – are not just landmarks in the African Legacy
Entrenched here are the footprints of Gandhi and Mandela, their lives were truly a conscientious effort to practice and not just preach a philosophy
Constitutional Hill – which held witness to human savagery and fear, was once a blackhole
Now its walls of justice hold a beacon of hope for the human soul
Lesedi and Shakaland – home to the culture of the native tribes
Their passion & proclivity for nature and community – one must imbibe
Dawns a realization, In the cradle of humankind
‘OUT OF AFRICA’ is no longer just a theory, its a knowing / a belonging deep within the heart and mind
Amongst the people of Africa, I find a hospitality so REAL
The connections I make here are simply SURREAL
No contact an accident, our fates we must befriend
For my tour guides are now my friends
In their story-telling, lies the simple truth, known only to a few
Grief and pain truly reveals YOU !!!
The ride up to and the hike up Drakensburg, a tribute not just to Nature’s beauty
But to the purpose of friendships on the journey to human sanity
In the heart of Durban, lives with pride the largest Indian community
From slavery to riches, their success – a symbol of human integrity
A treasured memory here is the home hosted dinner by a 5th generation Indian family
To witness them embracing their roots is a matter of honor for me – TRULY !!!
As I return to Joburg, to visit with my Portuguese family
Carrying a heart filled with pride and gratitude, little did I know of the love that awaited me silently
The bantering, the touring and the heart to heart exchange puts to rest every bother
A big thank you to my brother from another mother
From the girl talks to shopping to dinners and talks of clairvoyant spirits
In my friend & her generosity, I find not just a sister but a kindred spirit
A seed of understanding and trust is now sown
And South Africa is no longer just a destination but another HOME !!!
In Joburg, once home to Gandhi was the ‘Satyagraha House’
As the endorsement to the making of a ‘MAHATMA’, it is now a museum and a guest house
Spending the night here, we witness our transformation
And seal our friendship as we sit in deep meditation
I learn in depth the life & thoughts of a great soul
In his quest for political and Inner freedom, he took steps worthy of the mighty and bold
Gandhi’s ten commandments ( Ahimsa, Brahmacharya, Aparigraha, Abhaya, Sarva dharma, Satya, Asteya, Sharira-shrama, Aswada, Swadeshi ) – a manifestation of his deep contemplation
His life – a validation to the depths of his convictions
As I await take off, comes to memory a picture
The Zulu woman at Lesedi whispering to me ‘HAMBA KAHLE’ – Go well, my sister !!
As I journey back from the land of the bondage to the land of the free
My experience, a reiteration to my beliefs – The path to the pursuit of happiness lies not just in democracy, it is in the courage to live your truth, to set yourself FREE !!!!!