Field Trip to Goshala with kids and adults 2019
What a Serene and wonderful way to celebrate International Day of Yoga at the Goshala. Energy, vibrations, and views came together at the 80-plus acres of land on the hills. Children felt comfortable, and safe and were curious to learn and know more. This was the first Official field trip to Goshala and yes we were the Pioneers of this activity. Goshala coordinators were very happy about this new initiative taken by Yoga Bharati. Our camp parents and volunteers made it possible by driving to the facility as chaperones. A big thanks to them. Our youth teachers supported the field trip activities by actively participating and motivating camp attendees.
Goshala is a shelter for protecting and taking care of cows. A bit about Cows.
“ Cattle combat global warming by restoring carbon to the soil. ... When cattle eat grass they stimulate new growth and while they walk and fertilize on the ground it promotes seed germination. This prevents the overpopulation of woody shrubs and keeps our grassland ecosystems healthy and stable”
We left the camp location at 9 am and arrived at the Goshala in Milpitas by 10 am. Despite the heat, our first activity was yoga in the open area under the sun. We performed Surya namaskars, Paschimottanasana, Ushtrasana, Shashankasana, and GOMUKHASANA, to feel the oneness with the cows. Finally, 9 rounds of Bhramari followed by Silence and experiencing the profound energy and vibrations around.
Cows at Goshala are given several names of Krishna and their birth significance, such as Nandini, Gopala, Ekadashi, Manasi, Brahma, and more. Kids learned about cows, referred to as Gomata, which means “like our mother,” highlighting their significance in our ecosystem. The field trip coordinator explained the many benefits of cows and the various products they provide. Milk and dairy products are staples for many people. Additionally, cow urine is often researched for its medicinal properties, while cow dung serves as an effective manure and fertilizer. The coordinator shared an important insight: “If you have a cow and a piece of land, you can live happily, as that is all you need!” Cows provide milk and fertilizer for the land, which, in turn, grows grains, vegetables, and fruits, while they primarily eat grass.
First Activity - petting - Children and adults had a chance to pet the cows and calf. The youngest member of the cow family is a 2-month-old, naughty Manasi! She likes to jump around and play. Her mom goes to graze while she waits in the shed area. There are a total of 11 cows. In 2016, they started with five, and now they are 11! Names have been chosen from Krishna’s life stories, like Nandini, Gopala, Ekadashi, Manasi and more. We were able to feed the cows bananas and cut watermelons. Cows happily accepted our feed. Our youngest child of 2 years got close enough and petted the cows and calf without fear.
Next activity: Cow Shed Cleaning: Older children and a few small children were allowed to clean the sheds. They did not hesitate to get dirty and started taking turns cleaning the sheds with brooms, brushes, water, and shovels. We started sweeping the cow sheds; then they moved to brushing and cleaning with water. Adults helped them complete the task. They even held the fresh cow dung with shovels and cleared it away!
Lunch and Disperse: All the children and adults gathered at the shed and sat on the chairs with our food on the tables. This shed is specifically built as a lunch area. While we were having food, Goshala coordinators passed the info flyers and also mentioned the importance of donating. A single day of feeding the cows costs $151. Many of us decided to donate a bit and do our part. Coordinators made the kids take quizzes and give a few gifts to the ones who answered right.
Drive up the Mountain - Last activity: Goshala caretaker guided us to the mountain off-road drive which is pretty smooth and paved to watch the other cows grazing and the beautiful mountain views and the city views. We then started around 12.45 pm to reach the South Bay center by 1.30 pm. Parents picked up the kids. Kids could not stop talking about their experiences on the field trip and the camp.
Anyone planning to visit Goshala, please visit their Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/kbgosala/
We sincerely thank the Goshala volunteers, who coordinated the trip completely, which was planned at least 2-3 months ago. Many other volunteers and their children were present at the trip from Goshala whose expert guidance and support made it very informative and enjoyable.
Lastly, we ask you to please visit this place again, adopt a cow, and volunteer at this facility. They require assistance from the community to build a safe environment for the cows to graze and live happily.