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The Cosmic Vision of Wellbeing
(By Ravindra Ranasinha of Friends of Tibet: Sri Lanka)

Nirmal Antony: A known rock drummer from the southern state of Kerala. He is also the founder member of Wrenz and Atma, two popular rock bands from the state. Nirmal who has a remarkable career in the music industry is one of the members of the Friends of Tibet Foundation for the Wellbeing. Inspired by the life of His Holiness the Dalai Lama and the spirituality of Tibet and its people, Nirmal Antony is involved with the Wellbeing programme "out of the joy of bringing the medical system to all those in need." (Photos: Friends of Tibet)

Vision Wellbeing: Wellness of the 'being' has become the concern of many who consider that everyone and everything has a right to enjoy all freedom. In a globe where wars are waged against humanity and nature, wellness has been narrowed down to the level of mendicancy. The terms 'donation' and 'aid' is often heard in the present context where 'conflicts' are being promoted and therefore Wellbeing has become the other side of the coin. This is a condition created by the present neo-imperialist political network that has made communities and nature to be at risk due to hidden political agendas and are imposed with so-called welfare programmes which in a larger scale furthers the exploitation. Therefore, to put it rightly, the concept of Wellbeing is uttered in the present context with a political connotation and becomes 'reactionary'.

To go beyond the boundaries of politics and to reach the inner self of the man is important when talking about the wellbeing of the person. Politics have always had marginalisation which makes the communities to be divided. This division becomes unhealthy as it does not promote any kind unity among religious, cultural and ethnic groups. The breaking up of societies is taking place rapidly and the inner person is hurt in many ways due to political opportunism. The religious and ethnic harmony and cultural unity is left in uncertain conditions and the opportunistic political maneuvering hampers any progressive steps taken by the humanity to fulfill its humane mission.

CA Kallianpur and Suresh Babu: They work together. But they are meeting each other for the first time during the 21st Wellbeing Tibetan medical camp in Kerala in July 2012. Kallianpur who is a student of military history is also the National Coordinator of Friends of Tibet. Suresh Babu's association is through the Wellbeing programme because of his interest in holistic healing systems. He writes and researches on the development of Holistic Healing Formulas and practices.

Men-Tsee-Khang team led by Dr Dorjee Rapten Neshar and Friends of Tibet members at Jew Street, Mattanchery, Kochi during the 21st Wellbeing Tibetan Medical Camp held in city from July 11-14, 2012.

The natural environment, too, has become a victim in this technologically advanced world due to mass scale exploitation of natural resources. The efforts of many nature lovers to save the natural environment at this juncture have become a challenging task, however, with utmost commitment they have made it their pivotal focus in the present day. It is pathetic to state that the total imbalances in eco-systems are a result of the damage caused by weapons, ammunitions, gasses and chemicals. The trees, rivers, seas, animals, birds and the sky have been ungratefully attacked by the man-made advances which, on the other hand, make the value of scientific experimentation questionable. The sharp disharmony between man and natural environment totally obstructs the wellness of the whole globe.

In the circumstances, the fake welfarism should be absolutely denounced and genuine effort should be made to elevate the spiritual, mental and physical vibrations of man and his nature. The focus should be for the harmonious co-existence of man, society and nature that will bring man closer to his 'being', enabling him to ensure the safe existence of his natural environment. It is only when man is aware of him/her self that he/she could have an awareness on others. Towards this end diverse actions are being implemented, namely, ashrams for spiritual upliftment, reading corners, sports and performing arts, keeping the environment clean and looking after nature. These activities go hand in hand and create good health in the person which is vital for the 'being' to enjoy happiness. It is this happiness then becomes a strong vibration for the man to focus on the wellness of others and nature. This notion emphasises the broader concept that man's relationship to him/herself and others including nature is what builds the wellness of the being. Therefore, relationships become an important factor when talking on Wellbeing.

Pema Gyaltsen of Men-Tsee-Khang Bangalore branch in front of the Jewish Synagogue at Mattanchery, Kochi on the concluding day of the 21st Kochi Wellbeing Tibetan medical camp. This synagogue is one of the oldest and active ones historically used by the "White Jews". The Jewish Synagogue and the Mattanchery Palace Temple shares a common wall.

Brahmanandan V: This retired customs official is being felicitated by Dr Dorjee Rapten Neshar, Chief Medical Officer (CMO) of Men-Tsee-Khang Bangalore branch by presenting a traditional Tibetan silk-scarf for his contribution for the Wellbeing programme. VJ Jose, Suresh Babu and Sethu Das of Friends of Tibet next to them.

Healthy relationships are a result of love and compassion. The compassionate doctor is much worthier than a dose of medicine he gives. The numbers of medical camps could be outdone by one caring medical practitioner. This limitless love and compassion comes to man from the Cosmos which is showered as a Universal Energy attracting man to the centre of happiness. This is the inclusive power or the magnetism of the cosmos and it never excludes anyone from enjoying this happiness. Therefore, any healing is a total inclusion of man and his natural environment and that helps man to experience the joy of good life. It is this 'togetherness' that becomes the Truth of Life.

In conclusion, Love and compassion are strong vibrations in a society that can heal the souls. It is the experience of becoming One - this Oneness is the aura that is visible when people care for others. Therefore, the thought of sowing happiness and joy in this globe becomes the prime purpose of the human being. It is this energy of smile that brings Wellness to all beings on this planet earth.

(This Vision Statement of the Wellbeing programme is written by Ravindra Ranasinha of Friends of Tibet: Sri Lanka. He can be contacted at: ravindra.ranasinha@friendsoftibet.org)

The Wellbeing camps are much more than a medical camp. The camp venue is also a meeting place for activists and social workers. Non-profit organisations and individuals involved in meaningful activities are allowed to promote their products and distribute their free reading materials. Wellbeing newspaper bags manufactured by 'PaperTrail', an organisation that provides self-employment for women are also sold at the venue to promote the use of eco-friendly materials to replace plastic.