When Kiran
Krishnamurthy suggested Upper Seletar Reservoir as the walk venue for April, I
was very apprehensive about the turn out, since not many Soceitians, having
been used to the walks in the East and West parts of Singapore, knew the
existence of this place. However I was pleasantly surprised to see nearly 20
people turn up for the walk on a bright sunny day.
Upper Seletar
Reservoir Park, I was told, has a rich history of nearly a hundred years and is
one of the four reservoirs that bound Singapore’s nature reserves. It is
therefore not a mystery to find the vast expanse of water not spoilt by human
interference and remain pristine clear.
After the usual
warm up exercise led by Saurab, all of us, young and old, set out to climbing
up the majestic “Rocket Tower” (A five Storey Tower having nearly 100 steps)
with all eagerness. What a sight to behold! A stunning 360º panoramic view it
was - vast sheet of water one side, lush green vegetation on the other side,
golf course on the third and Singapore Zoo on the fourth - Divine Experience
indeed. With great reluctance, we started climbing down to explore the other
areas of the Reservoir before the Sun’s rays become intense.
We took a
leisurely stroll admiring the serenity of the reservoir, followed by walk along
the road covered by the over-arching rain tree branches forming a natural tunnel.
Along the way we spotted many long tailed macaques looking curiously at us. Our
Saurab had a pleasant shock, when, unknown to him a beautiful rainbow coloured
macaw flew from nowhere and sat on the back of his shoulder. The young in us
were very thrilled and vied with one another to hold the macaws in their hands
and shoulders.
“In
the very depths of your being, deep within your breast, the Divine Presence is
always there, luminous and peaceful, full of love and wisdom. It is there so
that you may unite with it and it may transform you into a luminous and radiant
consciousness.
Together
you and I shall try to silence all the external noise on the surface of your
being, so that in silence and peace you may unite with this inner glory.
Then
that day will become the day of your new birth.”
- The Mother (CWM Vol. 17, p. 372)
True – It is
indeed a unique place for those who wish to escape from the concrete world we
find ourselves surrounded by and soak in the magical glow of a quiet, relaxing
place for contemplation.
Feeling
exhausted after the walk, we reached the host’s place and were warmly welcomed
by our ever cheerful Mr. Krishnamurthy. We had a sumptuous treat first for our
ears when Mr. Krishnamurthy led us to spiritual ecstasy by his lecture on Sri
Aurobindo’ s insight into Ishavashya
Upanishad and thereafter for our gastronomical tastes by Swati by her delicious
home cooked food. Little Deepika with her Elsa Tiara celebrated her birthday
month and exuded so much joy showing the guests around her new home.
Thank you Kiran
and Swati for unearthing a hidden gem (Upper Seletar Reservoir) as the walk
venue. May your new home bring you every joy your hearts wish for!
Ramanathan.
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