Neichü Dz. Angami, NagalandNeichu Dz. Angami, from Nagaland, shares her experience of being part of a retreat in Asia Plateau, Panchgani, India, led by Rev. Dr Otis Moss, a disciple of Martin Luther King and a member of President Obama's advisory council on faith-based and neighborhood partnerships.

I was struck to the core of my being when Rev. Dr. Otis Moss remarked, in the first session of the retreat, ‘contact without knowledge negates fellowship’. How true it is! All conflicts I see in my life, whether personal, family, community or national, are often rooted in the fact that someone, somewhere, has misunderstood, under-estimated, judged, condemned, feared or even shamed the other based on prejudice, distrust and insecurity. The result is hate, bitterness and violence. ‘Fear leads to hostility and hostility breeds hate which leads to murder’, he added.

When I received the invitation from Rajmohan Gandhi to come to this retreat, I felt a divine push from within. It was not only a timely call but it seemed just what I needed the most. I was starving for deep, sharing, fellowship: a heart to heart conversation – not just about ourselves and our own needs (which is also important, because only when one is freed from self-obsession & personal battles can one fully reach out to needs of the world) – but also about the burning issues of our times that are so critically vital for the survival of our collective humanity.

The topics chosen for the retreat were not imposed but were collectively chosen by the participants through a process of deep, quiet, inner listening, and an awareness of the huge resources of wisdom and experience that Dr. Moss brought with him (added to and complemented by Mrs. Moss, Rajmohan, and others in the retreat).

Over seven sessions many key issues were discussed: forgiveness; greed; consumerism; environment exploitation; India’s mission to its neighbours and the world; extremist violence; turning weapons of destruction to tools of production; the significance of the Dalai Lama and Aung San Suu Kyi for India, China and the world?; is there a common South Asia identity that needs to be nurtured? etc. Over meals and in long breaks between sessions there were many small group discussions and sharing. Inspiring new insights emerged. Every moment seemed vitally sacred and important to be a part of. Both Mr & Mrs. Moss remarked that the conversations taking place at Asia Plateau need to be continued globally, and that in this place and space there is so much hope and energy for real change in the world. They predicted that their time in Asia Plateau would be the ‘high point’ of their visit to India.

I took part in several discussions around the need for a South Asia outreach; building on our common identity, responding to humanitarian crises in the region, influencing the media to play a responsible and truthful role, encouraging peoples-to-peoples dialogue and, most importantly, South Asia’s need to embrace the soul of China and find ways to build trust between China & the region.

I was totally challenged and forced out of my comfort zone. I came with a great sense of false self-contentment and a ‘feel good factor’ about what I have been doing with my life. I have been working in Burma/Myanmar for the last nearly 5 years, doing all sorts of wild and exciting projects with amazing humanitarian workers, and I have received much appreciation. How easy it is to get carried away by the praise of others, forgetting that the journey does not stop there! Once during the retreat Dr. Moss remarked that sometimes God withholds the profit of the moment for our own good. I understand how much He would need to do that for someone like me who so easily becomes complacent!

Dr. Moss asked us whether we could form a ‘coalition of universal education, health care, commitment to environment protection, human rights for all and leadership?’ adding ‘There is an urgent need for a common ground for health, healing and wellness’.

For myself, I want to be part of this new coalition.

Neichu Dz. Angami, from Nagaland is presently based in Yangon, Myanmar/Burma as a HIV/AIDS technical consultant for Metta Development Foundation & The Three Diseases Fund/UNOPS.