April 4-10

Just as the generative forces of Springtime arise and arise from the earth in greater and greater waves of energy, preparations for the beginning of the intensive human season at Indralaya continued to blossom this week.

In work that will be appreciated by all those who have suffered through the cold or lukewarm showers of the past few years in the Roundhouse, a new hot water on demand system was installed. Volunteer Petr Senkerik visited for several days and installed the interior wiring, plugs and lights in Pear Cabin. The outdoor lights between the teepee and the library were repaired, as were the shower enclosure and floor transitions in Spruce cabin. Fifteen new mattresses were ordered to replace old and worn out mattresses in the cabins.

hot water guaranteed!

Pear cabin electrical

Spruce shower

With the help of Mark and Linda Wilkins, who provided plans and a model, three new nest boxes were built and placed on strategic garden fence posts. We have high hopes that these nests will entice swallows to return and establish a colony. Bees have also been purchased to re-establish our bee colonies and they are expected to arrive by the end of the month.

bird boxes, sitting on the fence

In the garden, Chelsea and Leonie continued to plant and prepare the beds.

planting seeds

an impressive array of starts

While cleaning and organizing the dining hall office, I came across two brochures from Indralaya's past. Although neither is dated, the smaller brochure is likely to have been printed in 1946 as it refers to the beginnings of a five year educational plan culminating in 1951. Judging by the picture of the new dining hall, sans its later addition, the larger brochure was prepared sometime between 1958 and 1964.

brochures

(note the early version of the Indralaya logo)

Both brochures seem intended to introduce Indralaya to those who are not yet involved. They emphasize the exploration of theosophical ideas, communal experience, and our human relationship with the subtle forces of the natural world as essential aspects of the intention underlying Indralaya's ongoing development.

From 1946: “The concept of Universal Brotherhood, the first object of the (Theosophical) Society, has been the inspiration of the project (Indralaya) since its inception in 1927. Camps have been conducted each summer, except during the war (1941-1945), to bring together people sympathetic to the spirit of cooperative enterprise. The programs of these sessions have featured lectures and discussions on the fundamental concerns of humanity, effectively enhanced by a natural and friendly atmosphere.”

(click on the photo to see a full size version)

From the later brochure: “Since 1927 people of all ages have worked in all capacities to make Indralaya possible, and have found their stay enriched by their participation in the many facets of camp life. They have found camp physically relaxing and intellectually stimulating. Chances are you would too.”