THOMAS MANCH <\/p>\n
Last updated10:17, June 18 2017 <\/p>\n
THOMAS MANCH <\/p>\n
Amani, a Hare Krishna monk, was at Fieldays asking farmers to consider a greater purpose and a lifestyle that didn't exploit animals. <\/p>\n
Enlightenment might not have been on the shopping list this Fieldays, but it was on offer. <\/p>\n
On the fringes of Fieldays 2017, four soldiers of dharma and a flock of Christian students were asking the hard questions. <\/p>\n
Amani, a Hare Krishna monk from Hamilton, could be found at an intersectionbetween tractor stalls asking,\"Who are you? <\/p>\n
THOMAS MANCH <\/p>\n
Emerson Bredin from the Fellowship of Christian Farmers: \"We're not here trying to force it on anybody we just talk to them about it.\" <\/p>\n
\"You might think you're a farmer, but that's a temporary designation,\" he said. <\/p>\n
READ MORE: *Dare-to-wear acting prime minister opts for pink gumboots at Fieldays *Green Party finding firmer ground at Fieldays *Parking a car a second is the job of Fieldays volunteers *Fieldays 2017 brings promise of big crowds and robotic revolution <\/p>\n
Seeking to spark interest in deeper thoughts, he was eager to sharethe monk's \"simple living, high thinking\" way of life. <\/p>\n
\"They're out here looking for gumboots, tractors, Swanndris this is a chance. Someknow there is something more to life than the day-to-day grind.\" <\/p>\n
He is one of five monks who opened a new meditation centre in Hamilton three months ago. The monkswere at Fieldays to attract interest in their practice. <\/p>\n
\"This is where everyone is.\" <\/p>\n
The Hamilton monks are vegan, a subject that wasn't broached with the meat- and milk-farming crowd. <\/p>\n
\"Veganismis a natural side effect. Once you understand who you are, you don't want to be exploiting others for your own sustenance.\" <\/p>\n
The response from curious farmers was good, he said. Many had taken copies ofthe Hare Krishna text, the Bhagavad-gita. <\/p>\n
Another book Amani recommended, Hiding in Unnatural Happiness, was out of stock. <\/p>\n
A source ofspirituality more commonly seen in the hands of Fieldays punters were wooden walking sticks given out by the Fellowship of Christian Farmers. <\/p>\n
The group, from the United States, had a stall in the Town and Country section manned by students from the Capernwray bible college in Cambridge. <\/p>\n
Emerson Bredin, 18, said walking sticks were adorned withcoloured beads representing Jesus's love and sacrifice, God's gift of free will and forgiveness. <\/p>\n
\"We're not here trying to force it on anybody we just talk to them about it.\" <\/p>\n
Bredin had read about issues with mental health and suicide faced by the rural communityand said the group offered something to farmers who were struggling. <\/p>\n
\"Coming from a farming background, I know that it is an isolated activity. You think, getting up to milk the cows, why am I here on Earth?\" <\/p>\n
The majority of people stopping to chat were Christian farmers, he said. <\/p>\n
\"Even the ones who aren't are at least giving us the time It's interesting hearing their stories; it's really nice when people open up.\" <\/p>\n
Originally from Ontario, Canada, Bredin travelled to New Zealand for a course at the bible college. <\/p>\n
\"I wanted to get as far away from home as I could. I had problems with street fighting and drinking.\" <\/p>\n
The Fellowship of Christian Farmers has maintained a presence at Fieldays for the past seven years. <\/p>\n
-Stuff <\/p>\n
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Go here to read the rest: <\/p>\n
Enlightenment and spirituality on the fringe of Fieldays 2017 - Stuff.co.nz<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" THOMAS MANCH Last updated10:17, June 18 2017 THOMAS MANCH Amani, a Hare Krishna monk, was at Fieldays asking farmers to consider a greater purpose and a lifestyle that didn't exploit animals. Enlightenment might not have been on the shopping list this Fieldays, but it was on offer. Continue reading