The Charkha

"Take to spinning to find peace of mind. The music of the wheel will be as balm to our soul. I believe that the yarn we spin is capable of mending the broken warp and woof of our life. The charkha (spinning wheel) is the symbol for nonviolence on which all life, if it is to be real life, must be based."
Mahatma Gandhi - Harijan, April 27, 1947, p. 122


If you are interested to learn spinning on a charkha, you can get yourself one from Khadi Gramodyog Bhavan. (This box charkha was sourced from the Chennai outlet)
Peter Ruhe of GandhiServe Foundation very kindly shares useful links for getting started with your charkha.
Assembling the charkha
Spinning tips
Instruction manual
To participate in vibrant discussions on personal experiences with spinning, you may like to join a Charkha online community.
Should we see some significance in this year's Oct 2? Gandhiji certainly may wish for that, as each Indian celebrates a festival that day.
About the Charkha: It's easy to assemble; the compact box measures 41cm X 25cm X 10cm.
Listen to Vaishnava jana to...

Comments

  1. Kat01 October, 2008

    You can truly kindle the interest and curiosity in people..!!!

    As I'm a tai-chi student now, will someday try this.

    Can see the meditational effect the charka has. True. Thank you for sharing.

    ReplyDelete
  2. RAJI MUTHUKRISHNAN02 October, 2008

    Swarna, we have most of us forgotten what Gandhi and the charka stand for. A timely reminder.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Swarna02 October, 2008

    Kat, Raji, thanks
    Let's strive to live Gandhi-ism.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Kat03 October, 2008

    Yes, yesterday me and my duaghter were watching the Gandhi movie... must be the 5th time or so. yet to get over the spell. What a great leader he was.

    I liked that word 'strive'. Will surely do so, Swarna.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Swarna04 October, 2008

    True, Kat
    When I watched the movie the other day on TV, I heartily wished I could turn the clock back...

    ReplyDelete
  6. Lakshmi Bharadwaj05 October, 2008

    wow, thanks for informing. i didn't know an online community for chakras existed. Sounds so interesting, trying to spin your own cloth!

    ReplyDelete
  7. kallu10 October, 2008

    Swarna, it was great listening to vaishnava.. long long time. thanks
    and the notes on the charka too. I find just doing a little embrodery (uncomplicated) and stitching on my saree falls very relaxing too.

    ReplyDelete
  8. Inner Vision12 October, 2008

    Good reminder and the video were lovely. Thanks

    ReplyDelete
  9. Swarna16 October, 2008

    Lakshmi,
    As you may know, it is also a good stress-buster.

    Kallu,
    right, and gives you some satisfaction of creating something!

    Inner Vision
    Directing the thanks to YouTube.

    ReplyDelete

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