This past weekend I did a follow-up visit to Gobind Sadan in Hastings, NY to my survey last August Sacred Sites Update--Gobind Sadan, Hastings NY. Unfortunately, nothing has changed--The once incredibly positive vibe is gone. Because of this I do not recommend visiting Gobind Sadan, a place I strongly advocated for in my book Sacred Sites in North Star Country: Places in Greater New York State (PA,OH,NJ,CT,MA,VT,ONT) That Changed the World.
A I noted in my last update much of the land has been clearcut-which has damaged the consciousness of the space. See picture below.
I believe a sacred space "is all about the vibe," the interaction of human intentions/actions with Mother Earth. Positive loving actions lift up and improve a space, or an aspect of our Mother. Conversely, selfish or violent behavior harms a space and diminishes the influence of our Mother's Earth Energies and consciousness.Clearcutting rapes the land and our Mother. It is a harmful and destructive force. It is a statement of how little you care about our Mother. It lessens and makes impotent aspects of our Mother, such as Her Earth Energies. It creates a bad vibe.
I had waited to see, if, hopefully, the affects of the assault (clear cutting) on our Mother at Gobind Sadan would have diminished over time. They have not and may even inicreased.
The Death of Energy Vortices.
An Energy Vortex is an incredible achievement and it marks the union of humankind and Mother Earth to co-create a new birth. It forms when we love give, heal, pray, meditate. It is a testament to the sacredness of a space. It is Earth Magic, A BLESSING, A GIFT.
Both of the Energy Vortices located on the site of the old temple have been snuffed out and are gone. In fact, the vibe where they were once located is no longer positive. It is still difficult for me to believe that such a turn of events could occur so rapidly, as it takes time and incredibly positive and loving intentions to form a positive Energy Vortex.
In the picture below the fence outlines the former temple. The chairs are located in the area of where an Energy Vortex once thrived.
The old temple was burned down in a hate crime in the immediate aftermath of 9-11. It is a remarkable story. While battling the blaze a fireman heard a voice tell him to immediately leave the second floor. Moments later it collapsed. I confirmed this story with a volunteer firemenan who worked with the fellow that was saved.
The sacred texts remained unscathed.
My friend Ralph Singh forgave the young adults that committed the crime and called for healing. He used this hateful incident to bring the community together and teach. His kindness and foregiveness was immortalized in the movie, North of 49.
Affiliations, People and More
A space is influenced by many things; its owners/members, the history of what transpired there, its affiliations and more. As I noted in my review last August I believe that other factors, besides clearcutting, were also at work in diminishing the vibe. I said,
However, when I was there at the ceremony for remembrance of the burning of the temple in November(2021) last year I noticed that the hall where the ceremony took place had a neutral vibe. I attributed it to electronics such as cell phones. However, it is now apparent that the passing of the Sikh mystic Babaji Virus Singh, the founder of Gobind Sadan, combined with a new board of directors, has had its effect. Space is a reflection of its owners, in this case members. So the decline began a while ago.
It can be hard to believe that the passing of spiritual leader and the diminished influence of his saint--like devotee and a new board and change in intent/purpose could affect the vibe of a place-but it can.
Sadly, this notion of new leadership bringing about the decline may have an even greater influence, as I found the beginnings of what may metastasize into a negative Energy Vortex, in the area of the buildings. Because this area is located some distance from the clearcut area it means other factors besides clearcutting were shaping the vibe. Note; a negative energy vortex is a destructive force that robs/drains you of energy and is harmful to your health and well-bing.
I told Ralph that I would gladly mark off the areas with Fields of Consciousness that should be treated with reverence, so that other areas could become hayfields.
I am sorry to report such bad news.