In Mumbai This Week ...

Dear ServiceSpace Friends in Mumbai,

After almost three years, I'm going to be in your neck of the woods next weekend and if you're also local, it would be a delight to connect and hug in-person!

One of my secret hopes is always that kindred spirits connect with each other and create more good in the world. :) And on that note, below are some of the spaces where I'll be ...

• Sunday, Nov 27th Morning -- Gently Shaking the World (Parel)
  In a context of compounding catastrophes, how do we respond with compassion? Gandhi had a unique recommendation: if an intervention doesn’t work, try a gentler one. If even that fails, go gentler still. Today’s culture equates gentle with soft, but perhaps it can open us up to a far stronger force?! Changemakers are convening for some inspiration and heartstorming. Learn more/RSVP here.
  
  
• Sunday, Nov 27th Evening -- Experiments in Trust (Malabar Hill)
  For an evening talk, I'll be in dialogue with a reputed businessman around uncommon topics of truth, trust and transformation. The topic has got me remembering all kinds of serendipities that have shaped my journey. :) Learn more/RSVP here.
  
  
• Monday, Nov 28th, Afternoon -- Youth Circle (Ghatkopar)
  Whenever I interact with adults about kindness, the typical question is: "But how do you pay your bills?" With kids, their response is, "What's the coolest act of kindness you've done? Because I want to do one right now." In that spirit, few young folks are coming together to do acts of kindness on the streets of Mumbai, and returning back to tell stories. I'm joining as a guest listener. Learn more/RSVP here.
  
  
• Monday, Nov 28th Evening: Awakin Circle (Ghatkopar)
  Every week for 23 years, until the pandemic, my parents hosted Awakin Circles in their living room. Hour of silence, circle of sharing, and home-made dinner offered by the host. Open to anyone. What emerged changed their lives -- and mine. It's no surprise that one of my favorite things to do anywhere in the world is join an Awakin Circle. :) Learn more/RSVP here.

Hope all else is well with you. I'd love to hear about the latest on your end.

Yesterday, I serendipitously met a revered Thai Buddhist monk after his alms round; our conversation reminded me of this glorious poem by Tagore ...

I had gone a-begging from door to door in the village path when thy golden chariot appeared in the distance like a gorgeous dream and I wondered who was the king of all kings!

My hopes rose high and I thought my evil days were at an end, and I stood for alms to be given unasked and for wealth scattered on all sides in the dust.

The chariot stopped where I stood. Thy glance fell on me and thou camest down with a smile, I felt that the luck of my life had come at last. Then of a sudden thou didst hold out thy right hand and say "What hast thou to give me?"

Ah, what a kingly jest was it to open thy palm to a beggar to beg! I was confused and stood undecided and then from my wallet I slowly took out the least little grain of corn and gave it to thee.

But how great my surprise when at the day's end I emptied my bag on the floor to find a least little grain of gold among the poor heap. I bitterly wept and wished that I had had the heart to give thee my all.

With gratitude for our connection,

Nipun

P.S. In case you don't remember me, :) below is a visual of a happy moment last month. I had landed in Austria, but my bag hadn't. Having no suitable clothes for a formal event, local community folks gifted me a shirt, belt, jacket, everything. And it became a happy moment right when I had this thought that my ephemeral “I” is held up by pieces of so many people’s hearts.

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