Ahimsa in African Adventure
AHIMSA IN AFRICA
I discovered much more than wildlife on safari in Tanzania, Africa. Tanzanians share my passion and respect for nature, and they give us evidence. Exploring the wide open preserves of the Serengeti and beyond with long drive times through bumpy, dusty roads, tent-life with no light pollution, and the kind and gentle nature of the people, the powerful feeling of kindness and respect for ALL living things resonates.
Ahimsa, cause no harm or acts of violence is a Yama in yoga philosophy, an intentional behavior. And through this practice in this beautiful nation I was able to view the abundance of wildlife and opportunities for survival of creatures in their natural habitat.
1/3 OF TANZANIA IN EAST AFRICA IS PROTECTED AND UNSPOILED. APPROXIMATELY 100 MILLION ACRES!
An African safari was a lifetime dream of mine. I finally did it! First motivated as a little girl by a movie, Born Free, I found my desire to be in the wild with animals. A story about a British couple who adopted Elsa, a lion cub in Kenya, Africa and their journey to eventually release her back into the wild. Based on a real-life couple in a book written in 1960, and with the movie's theme song, Born Free that won numerous awards, many became more aware of life in the bush. Perhaps you also remember the book, movie or popular song.
We were fortunate to see the" Big 5"; the majestic elephants, African buffalo, fearless lion, the elusive leopard, and horned rhinoceros. We saw the rare White Rhino as well as black. Hippos surprisingly are more dangerous.
They all coexist knowing their place in the balance of nature in the big bush. Along with giraffes, zebras, gazelles, ostriches, flamingos and the fierce hyenas, hippopotamus, cheetahs, wildebeest, and more.
Glamping and driving to 4 different campsites nudged me about what we may take for granted, especially running, potable water. Many carry water from river streams. We washed with cisterns and hanging water bottle to quickly shower. One accidental slightly opened mouth shower was enough to remind me my first day. Returning home I forgot for a moment it was safe to do so and was then grateful.
Ngorongoro Crater, the world's largest inactive volcano.
It was quite cold at night with an elevation on the rim of about 8000', heated only with our clothing and a hot water bottle under heavy blankets. We traversed the interior to explore those that choose the crater floor.
The giraffe is one of few animals that cannot migrate to descend into the crater walls with their long legs. Many are seen in the Serengeti. My favorite image besides seeing the movements of animals was the giraffes taking a wide legged stance to quench their thirst.
Sunset before tent lodging at crater rim, before the temperatures plummet and the sound of animals call out to tell us we are not alone.
Our kind and amazing team while at the Ngorongoro Crater rim, the 2nd campsite before the Serengeti.
The Maasai are reserved people who inhabit the farming lands and are easily spotted with their red draping as they tend to their herds while carrying a long, wooden stick to guide them. The one in this photo was our night guard, walking while protecting us to our tents.They live simply in circular, domed huts made of straw and mud. We respect their customs and privacy, never to take a photo without permission.
Swahili is the native language but English is taught in grade school. I had some fun testing my new language skills.
I discovered my name sounds the same as Jina, the word for name. So I was taught, Jina langu ni Gina...my name is Gina.
Jina lako ni nani?...What is your name?
Hakuna Matata (no worries) we heard in the Lion King movie.
Jambo, Jambo was our happy morning wake up call and anytime we wanted to warmly greet someone.
Asante sana...thank you very much.
Hapana asante...no thank you.
A Karibu response..."you're welcome".
So, if you hear me greet you with Jambo, Jambo!, now you know why.
Hippos version of pre-mating behavior teaches, the Happy Hippo kiss.
I close this with this thought. We can do better. With our lands, all of Mother Nature's inhabitants with wings, 2 legs or 4, let's protect, preserve and be kind. Ahimsa.
Lokah Samastha Sukhino Bhavantu
May all beings everywhere be happy and free. A sanskrit Mantra.
With love and compassion,
Gina
Fusion Owner, Registered Yoga Teacher, Reiki Master Teacher, R.N.