An Eco Spirtual Trek with Thoraeu - Walden 2023

 

On the way to Peabody, Massachusets, to visit my CMI confreres in the unique ministry of a chapel in the mall,  I examined what else could be achieved at Boston - a visit to the great centre of learning, Harvard, or a visit to the location of Boston Tea Party of high-school history lessons?  Then I recalled vaguely Walden and Thoeau's experiments with 'living deliberately'.  And lo, a good search revealed that it was not all that far or out of the way to Rhode Island our next destination. 

Thomas was ready for anything, and willingly agreed to do the detour.  In half an hour we were around the heritage site of Walden Pond, an estate where the young Harvard radical, Henry David Thoreau chose to live his life 'deliberately'.  We were led to the information centre on the eastern side of the road.  Kayle who was at the counter of the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) was helpful with his guidance as to what could be done. I was thrilled to learn that we could see the site of Thoreau's cabin, its replica and go around the 'pond' on a trail of 1.7 miles. Thomas was game for the same, in spite of the persistent rain. 

The glory and beauty of the pond, and the colours of the autumn were shrouded in the cloudy morning, still I relished the trek along the trail, stopping over to click pictures, relish the pristine and clear water of the pond, soak in the rain, and breath the mystical air of Walden. It occurred to me that my good friend, rebel, recluse and radical Thomas Peechat, was perhaps inspired by Thoreau, to decide to lead a radically different life, by letting his 15 acres of prime property of rubber plantation to grow into a wild, providing solace for the several non-human species of fellow beings.  While Thoreau's experiment lasted just about 2 years making him established in the map of modern secular nature mystics, Thomas' experiment appears to be life-long, with hardly any recognition, and perhaps, not even satisfying himself.  However, I have observed that there had been several people who were awed by what he did and fascinated by the same. 

Thoreau's jottings of his reflections on his life in the wild have become a modern classic on minimalist eco-spirituality.  I had read it once, but have forgotten all about it, except his observations on his right to lead his life with inner freedom, and to disobey the state laws if they did not let one do that! I also recollected that his thinking was inspirational for Gandhiji in his articulation of the right and the need of civil disobedience. 

I wondered whether this deliberateness of living has ever occurred to me, and even if it did or does, does it really impact me or others.  Does that occur to at least the catholic religious vowed to poverty, and having no other concern than of following Christ? I would say that is still exceptional among so many so-called dedicated people, including me. 

I found the place and the people associated with it, stimulating and challenging - Ralph Waldo Emerson a powerful political philosopher who owned the estate originally, and the young radical Thoraeu, who lived a short life on earth, but showed that a life in tune with the planet is possible and rewarding. 

The pond is said to have emerged from the melting of glacier ice, giving it the unique features of a kettle hole, is good for swimming in summer, though some of its parts are as deep as 103 feet.  It is almost 1500 feet long and 300 feet broad. The pond covers 63 acres forming part of a 335-acre forest reserve is a glorious site. The DCR opens it to the public free of cost, and fishing, swimming, kayaking etc are permitted. 

There is a 20-minute video show which gives the basic information about the place and person, which is also available on youtube. 

The log cabin site was excavated and discovered in 1945, a century after Thoreau began his experiment. A visitor's ritual is to place a small stone or stones at the log cabin in memory of your visit. I refrained from doing that as I felt ridiculous doing such a ritual in memory of a man who dared to live simplicity in a deliberate manner.  I was soaked in the rain, but felt fresh and good from the quick circumambulation of the pond shrouded in its glacial and human stories. 

Thoreau's Log Cabin

The replica of Thoraue's log cabin shows how one can live with minimum things in a comfortable manner.  In the 20 x 10 cabin there are a cot with a comfortable mattress and pillow, a desk and chair, a fire place,  a chimney behind the fireplace. I wondered what he did for cooking.  Also heard that he grew vegetables and used to sell them in the market. 

The visitor's centre provides an opportunity to chart the visitor on an e-world map.  I did that enthusiastically, and found that perhaps I was the first or the lone person to be found on the map, from our part of India. Thomas also registered his entry.