Skanda Vale

On September 3rd, 2000, a convoy of Gellionnen-goers headed for Skanda Vale, near Llanpumpsaint, Carmarthen. Not dissimilar to Unitarianism, Skanda Vale is home to the Church of the Many Names of God (www.thechurchofthemanynamesofgod.org); "God is one, though His names are many" is one of their slogans.

One of their beliefs is that religion nowadays is based more on materialism than spirituality, i.e. people believe that they can 'buy' God. When we hear the word 'temple' we think enormous, tall, grand, elaborate, but the Temples of Skanda Vale are quite unlike those types of temple. They consist of a stone floor (which consists of stone from a quarry near Pontardawe!), a water feature, a pond behind and a small, natural waterfall in front, surrounded by statues representing the many names of God. This is covered under a canopy. It is beautiful without the need of gold or silver. The feeling of pure spirituality was intense, a little like when you walk into Gellionnen but much stronger, as there were many people, not only in the Temple but surrounding it aswell.

A few hundred metres up the hill was Valli, a 20 year old elephant who was months old when she came to Skanda Vale. Valli used to be taken for walks, but unfortunately due to council regulations Valli has had to be enclosed, which is a great shame. Valli didn't look very happy when we first saw her, but as soon as we went to see her from a better viewpoint, and she saw us, her eyes definitely lit up and she was playful and happy (some Gellionnen members had been before, so maybe Valli did remember them).

Skanda Vale was a place to escape to, there was nothing to worry about, no stress, just a relaxing, calm, soothing atmosphere in a natural setting.

(see Skanda Vale's website at www.skandavale.org)