Don’t Believe…Be and Become – Bret Burbidge

There is a Hindu saying “Hindu religion does not consist of struggles and attempts to believe in doctrine or dogma, but in realizing not in believing, but in being and becoming” -Swami Vivekanada to

After being in India (for just a short time) and becoming, in some small way, immersed in their culture, I have noticed that religion and life are intertwined in everything. This weekend, ends a 9 days religious fast for the Hindu people.  This fast is meant to allow them to listen to the village priest and elders and become closer to god and each other.  Every person in the village will take part in some small way during this time.  Their hearts and minds become open to all things around them big and small.  Fortunately, we are here in this part of India during this special time. 

They have embraced us, loved us and the school children run for joy as we approach. At first I though it was because of us, now I realized it is because of them. They want us to feel what they have. Love…love what they offer and never forget them. They want us to come into their wonderful schools sit with them, interact with them and love them.  As the saying goes, “Don’t just believe, become what you want to believe then you will have no need for belief”!  The children don’t say “I will someday do this or that”, they just do it.  They open their hearts to us, they open their arms to us and open their minds to us. They love because you love, and learn because you want to teach.  In fact, these young adults from YMAD that have come to India to be with these amazing children and villages actually live this quote too!  They have come and done.  Your kids are amazing, inspiring and have made major changes to the way they will now approach their own lives. I am truly grateful for all the parents back in America that have allowed us to share this wonderful experience with your children.  As the saying goes “A apple doesn’t fall far from the tree”.  You are all great trees.  

3 Responses to “Don’t Believe…Be and Become – Bret Burbidge”

1. Andrea Hall, on April 2nd, 2017 at 5:08 pm Said:

   Thanks to all the leaders for spending this time with our children. Thanks for leaving your families, jobs, homes and teaching our children valuable lessons about life. Thanks for loving our kids!

2. Matt Cummings, on April 3rd, 2017 at 1:04 am Said:

   Thank you Bret for these insights into your India experience, the schools, our teens and these beautiful Indian children that we are adoring through these post and pictures.
   Matt

3. Mehar chand Gautam, on July 4th, 2018 at 6:21 am Said:

   Dear Bret…. Namastey. On this very pious occasion when USA is celebrating it’s Independence day, I congratulate all your countrymen. I am the eyewitness of the participatory learning camps at my education block Rampur, District Shimla,Himachal Pradesh. Volunteers pertaining to YMAD were full of energy, enthusiasm,affectionate during educational activities. I really appreciate the every activities you performed in different schools(Lalsa,Danda, Raisharan and Shaneri) especially your wife viz. Amy. I will not miss this chance to congrats all Madi,Ashley,Troy,Sarah,Zane.,Pittam to name a fewer amongst them. De facto I personally learned a lot from you guys. All our students remember you when I go to visit the schools on intervals. Let our friendship prevail forever. Pay my regards to your dedicated wife Amy and all volunteers. Loving you all.
   You all are in our hearts.

   With warm regards
   Mehar Chand Gautam
   Block coordinator Primary education
   Rampur