Suddhananda Ashram

One of the prettiest Ashrams at Tiruvannamalai is the Suddhananda Ashram on the Northside of the Hill near Adi Annamalai. This Ashram is also known as 'Self-Knowledge Village'. Swami Suddhananda regularly visits his Arunachala Ashram to conducts camps and seminars on Vedanta. Such classes also take him around the world. Most of his time in India is spent between Arunachala and Chennai. When a Camp or Retreat is not being conducted at this Ashram, pilgrims are allowed to stay. Several spiritual groups (some from overseas) do in fact use this Ashram as their venue when visiting Arunachala. Such matters need to be arranged well in advance.

The Ashram is beautifully maintained and located at the right side of the girivalam path. However if your wish is to regularly visit other Ashrams and the Big Temple, the Suddhananda Ashram is probably inconveniently located for such purposes. This Ashram is located about 1/2 km after Adi Annamalai Village which would be about 6 kms west of Ramana Ashram and 6 kms east of the Big Temple and downtown Tiruvannamalai. However once people find themselves at this peaceful oasis, not many want to move about. An excellent spot for a quiet Retreat.

The below photograph is of the auditorium at the Ashram. It is available for quiet sitting, lectures and talks. A very calm spot.

The next photograph is of inside the auditorium. Even in summer with its open construction and cool marble floors, the room is a cool spot.

The ceiling of the inside of the auditorium is elegant and also very functional. The open grills at the top of the roof are in the tradition of Tamil architecture and building styles as the open grills allow hot air, which rises, to escape to the outside.

The auditorium has a beautiful collection of wooden murals, carvings, stonework and also brass and metal idols. The below depicts Krishna and Arjuna going to war in the Bhagavad Gita; which is a scriptural work that Swami Suddhananda frequently lectures upon.

The below is the dining hall. As is the case with the auditorium, the style is open plan with an elegant roof, stone pillars and in this case a granite floor. I've eaten at the Ashram only once, but it was delicious. I've been told that in the case of Retreats and large groups, different sorts of menu can be supplied. Otherwise the usual menu is taken from both South and North Indian cooking.

The below is of a couple of individual accommodation units with Arunachala in the background. The variety of accommodation units, ranges from single cottages to dormitory facilities. The maximum amount of guests that can be accommodated at the Ashram at any one time is around 70 people.

All around the grounds are nice touches, like this lily and lotus pond in front of some accommodation cottages. A very pretty Ashram.

If you would like to find out more about accommodation at this Ashram,individuals or groups can get in touch direct with Suddhananda Ashram to discuss their own arrangements. The Ashram contact information is:

Email:

samvit@vsnl.net

Phone Number:

+91-(0)4175-233553

Local Birds

The pretty little bird below was rescued from a group of kids who thought it a fine idea to tie a string around its leg and whirl it about. Fortunately help came and the distressed and shaken little bird was brought to the Animal Shelter where it remained for a couple of days recovering from its unpleasant ordeal. Happily the bird was not permanently damaged and after a brief convalescence, was released back into the wild.

The bird, which is a Coppersmith Barbet, is a fruit eater who particularly enjoys visiting banyan and peepul trees. His favourite snack is wild figs, fruit and berries.

When the Barbet nests it is usually in a hole excavated in dead softwood branches. Both sexes share all domestic duties! The bird's Tamil name is Sinna Kukuravan.

The next bird is a Common Myna which was rescued by neighbours from a local dog (not one of my dogs!). The bird's leg was damaged and the Myna is now recovering from its injury. Hopefully, it will be soon released from its confining cage. However the family who rescued it, are feeding it nice and appropriate snacks, so lets hope the bird's recovery period is short and successful!

This bird is probably not too unhappy to be living temporarily with his human family, as the Myna is a confirmed associate of man and follows him wherever he opens up new habitations. The Myna eats fruits, insects, kitchen scraps, follows the plough for worms and attends grazing cattle for grasshoppers.

When the Myna nests it is usually in a collection of twigs, roots, paper and rubbish in a hole in a tree, wall or ceiling. Both sexes share domestic duties. The bird's Tamil name is Nahanavai.

Lebanon Handloom

In an earlier posting, I talked about my visit to Lebanon, the compound of the Arcot Lutheran Church, which is a 10 acre oasis right in the middle of Tiruvannamalai. Of the 10 acres, 3 are used for; housing 40 dalit families who live at 'Lebanon', a teachers' training facility, an accommodation block for teachers undergoing training, a Handloom industry, a beautiful old-fashioned colonial style house, and also a 7 acre agricultural farm.

During my visit, I spent some enjoyable time in the Handloom section, watching the ladies (just a couple of gents) on their spinning wheels and handlooms making handicrafts which will be later sold in a small shop at the Compound.

To begin with the first place of business in creating bags, towels, place settings etc., is to select the necessary yarn (which is sent in from Chennai), from the Handloom's storeroom.

Once the yarn is selected then it goes through a process of spinning. For this traditional spinning wheels are used.

Most of the ladies working at the handloom section, have been trained at the Lebanon Compound. They are fortunate in that their needs are taken care of; they are given free rent, electricity and water and also a monthly wage for their work. The ladies don't have far to go from work to home, as their little houses are located in the large 10 acre compound in the heart of Tiruvannamalai.

For many of the ladies, the life they are now living is very different from the indigent, poverty stricken and in some cases abusive life situations they found themselves before coming to Lebanon. How happy that their lives have turned around and they are now living and working in such a serene, peaceful, good natured environment. A true oasis!

The ladies are from different faiths as it is not necessary to be Christian to be invited to live at Lebanon. Most of the ladies either have young children or have already raised their kids, and who are now living in the world.

It was explained to me that usually the ladies who come to Lebanon with young children, are trained in either agricultural or handloom work while their kids are educated at one of the numerous churches sponsored by Arcot Lutheran Church here in Tiruvannamalai. It is hoped that in future, when the child leaves school and starts earning a wage, at that time they will be encouraged to try and organise living arrangements for their Mother outside Lebanon and in that way free a place for a person in more desperate circumstances.

From my conversations with the ladies in Handloom, it seems most of them have been living at Lebanon for around 20 years.

Most of the items being made at the Compound are household items such as towels, place settings and bags.

The lady in the below photograph has two small daughters who she is bringing up herself without a husband. I talked with most of the ladies, and they were very cheerful and content. The atmosphere throughout the Handloom facility was quiet and peaceful, however I did notice that all the workers were very focussed in what they were doing. They work hard and well! Good Work!

The lady below is preparing her loom for the new cotton towels she will be weaving. The material will be woven in one large piece and once finished cut into individually sized items. Face towels are woven in a 40 yard length and then cut into 96 towels.

Below is a good close up of a handloom that is being used to make bags. As is the case with the towels, the cloth is woven in one long piece, then cut and stitched into bags.

The gentleman below, holding the cloth before it is stitched into a bag, is in charge of the Handloom section and is also the father of Rev. Joshua Peter, who is pastor of Arcot Lutheran Church at Tamari Nagar, Tiruvannamalai and also the co-ordinator of Quo Vadis.

Below is the only other man working in the Handloom section. He is married to one of the ladies also working in Handloom. Other than a gardener and his wife, the gent below is the only other married man living with his wife on Lebanon Compound.

The man in the photograph who used to be a weaver in a village started work at Lebanon about 5 years ago. He is married to one of the lady weaving instructors. The gent is currently making a 50 yard piece of cotton that will be cut and sewn into tablecloths.

Face towels which are woven in 40 yard lengths and make 96 towels take about 7-8 weeks to make. Kitchen towels, woven in 34 yard lengths take a shorter time of approximately 5 weeks. Once the material is woven and has been made into individual items, it is displayed in the showcases at the small shop inside the Handloom Section, at Lebanon Compound.

Next time I visit, must make sure to stop by the shop and make lots of purchases! Being that I've met and talked with all the people involved in the process, it makes having and using the items even nicer.

Hail to Thee!

In a comment relating to an earlier posting on this Blog, a reader sent in the following poem, of which the below is only a small part. Would very much appreciate receiving full details of this beautiful poem.

Hail to Thee! O'Arunachala!

1. Countless lifetimes past
Was I Thy votary fast
Thou were my Source my all
As the world's allure did pall

2. But forgetful wretch that I art
I allow'd myself from Thee to part
Drifting from Thy holy refuge
Ag'inst my mind's deadly deluge

3. And toss'd and turn'd, steering alone
On seas whose fury Thou had'st borne
Claiming victory's freshness at every crest
To be dashed next moment in the tempest

4. Wandering lost in the desert of desire
Chasing the mirage of purpose's sire
Where fulfillment fanned flames first
As saltwater does a castaway's thirst

5. Strutting in ignorance of ignorance
In the darkness of Primal arrogance
Till at last with spirit vanquished
I called out desperately anguished

6. Pleading for surcease and relief
Petitioning powers with dim belief
Sinking, knees bent in fatigue and failure
I prayed despondent, in abject surrender

7. Lo! You blazed silent and still
As the Beacon from Eternity's Hill
A blinding flame cool and bright
From my Heartcave in thoughtless delight

8. Reminding me of our eternal connection
Silencing my senses with the recollection
Of the port of safety that always existed
In the depths of my being where "I" is fixated

9. Beguiling my mind with Thy innocent smile
Thou did'st feed me Thy nectar free of guile
Bewitching my heart in the dead of the night
You transfixed and consumed me in Thy Light

Sacred Places, Yogis

Evans-Wentz: Mr. Brunton mentions a yogi in Madras who is said to hold communion with his master in the Himalayas.

Maharshi: It is not more marvellous than telepathy; so commonly known. Telepathy cannot exist without the hearer and television without the seer. What is the difference between hearing from far and from near? It is only the hearer who matters. Without the hearer there cannot be hearing; without the seer there cannot be vision.

Evans-Wentz: So you want me to consider the subject and not the object.

Maharshi: The subject and object appear only after the mind has arisen. The mind comprises them and also the occult powers.

Evans-Wentz: Can the manifestations of light be seen on Arunachala Hill?

Maharshi: Yes.

Evans-Wentz: Is there any psychic effect in visiting sacred places like Mt. Kailas, Benares, etc.?

Maharshi: Yes.

Evans-Wentz: Is there any benefit accruing by dying in Benares?

Maharshi: Yes, the meaning will be clear if the real Benares and real dying be understood.

Evans-Wentz: You mean that they are in the Self?

Maharshi: Yes.

Evans-Wentz: There are six centres in the body and there are corresponding centres in the world.

Maharshi: Yes. What is in the world is in the body; and what is in the body is in the world also.

Evans-Wentz: Is the sacredness of Benares a matter of faith, or is it externally also real?

Maharshi: Both.

Evans-Wentz: Some people are attracted to one place of pilgrimage and others to another. Is it according to their temperaments?

Maharshi: Yes. Just consider how all of you born in different places and living in other lands are gathered here today? What is the Force which has attracted you here? If this is understood the other Force is also understood.

[Talks with Bhagavan]

Ramayana Seminar

Yogi Ramsuratkumar Research Foundation for Asian Culture in conjunction with Sri Chandrasekharendra Saraswathi Viswa Mahavidyalaya have organised a National Seminar on the Ramayana to take place June 5th-6th at Yogi Ramsuratkumar Ashram, Chengam Road, Tiruvannamalai.

The Seminar on the Ramayana starts off with an inaugural function at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, 5th June at the above location.

Animal Stories

Keeping in touch with the current modernisation of the railway system in South India, some lively animal ‘train’ stories to bring some good cheer . . . from many years ago . . .

'We had a series of encounters during the trial runs, with a variety of (domesticated) animals being run down on the track, because the poor things were not used to such a fast train coming down on to them, and, (in the truly secular fashion!), we ran over cows, pigs, donkeys, and even camels, though luckily there were no derailments ... till one of the Diesel Assistants suggested that perhaps we could change the whistle on the locomotive, and being a different sound, the cattle might be warned not to amble along as in the steam hauled days .... so we got a whistle from the American built WDM4 locomotives from Mogal Serai .... lo, and behold! from the first day on wards, the different sound of the whistle did the trick ... apparently, the animals sensed that they could not take chances with the new, fast train hurtling down the track towards them!

But the very best experience came on the Mailani-Gauriphanta section of the erstwhile Lucknow Division of the NERly, ... this line runs along the Nepal border, a very picturesque terrain with dense forests on the route, and one unforgettable sight was the long line of 'baya ka ghoslas' on the telegraph lines, so symmetrical and plentiful that I have not seen else where . . . anyway the story concerns a lamp lighter going down the tracks to light up the kerosene lamp in the distant signal, and while he was walking down the line, a steam hauled train was coming behind him, and the driver whistled to him . . . thinking that the driver was warning him to watch out, without looking back, he raised his hand to acknowledge the whistle . . . but then the driver started whistling repeatedly and frenziedly, so the lamp lighter looked back in annoyance, as if to say 'what is the matter with you? I heard you the first time' . . . only to realise to his shock and horror that the driver was wanting to draw his attention to the fact that, barely a few yards behind the lamp lighter, a fully grown tiger was following him at the same leisurely pace . . . history has it that the world record of 100 metres race was broken that day, when the frightened lamp lighter ran for his life up the steps of the signal post, away and safe from the tiger, depriving that poor chap his dinner!

... At the beginning of the 20th century:

"One night a she-bear entered the hut used as an office by the railway traffic department and cubbed under the Superintendent's table ... at Jamshedpur."


A little known fact about this jumbo special: it ran from Trichur to Delhi via a circuitious route via Renigunta-Wadi-Hyderabad-Kazipet. The local papers in Kerala used to give daily reports of this progress. This was for the Dehli games in 1982 when 38 elephants were needed for ceremonies

No newspaper bothered to ask why this route was taken rather than the obvious Kerala Express route. My guess was it was to avoid the Madras-Vijaywada section which was one of the few electrified routes in the South in 1982. As far as I recall, the elephant train would not have encountered any electrified section if it followed that route in 1982.

Just imagine what would happen if Appu decided to explore the 25KV line with his trunk !

I have seen some old reference to an elephant getting an electric shock while being transported on the Mumbai-Pune route. However he seems to have survived the lower voltage of 1.5 KV DC."

[submitted by Satyam]

Helmet Rule?

Yesterday, a day after the official 'commencement' of the compulsory wearing of helmets for motorcyclists and pillion riders in cities across Tamil Nadu, Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi directed that the rule not be implemented 'very vigorously'.

The directive, which, officials said, was intended to prevent harassment of the public, comes in the wake of continued opposition to the rule. Parties have appealed to the Government to exempt women from wearing helmets. A lawyers' forum in Madurai has threatened to take out a 'helmetless' two-wheeler rally demanding that the new rule be rescinded. There is also widespread opposition to mandatory helmets for pillion riders.

After going through representations, the Chief Minister, said the general order regarding the compulsory use of helmets should be regarded as a requirement of the Madras High Court and a life-saving measure. However, he ordered that the authorities should not put the general public to any kind of hardship by way of 'vigorously' enforcing the general order.

Somehow I just don't think this new regulation is even going to work even in Chennai and other metros let alone make its way to Tiruvannamalai!

Handloom Centres

Indian Central Government proposes setting up five Handloom Export Zones in Tamil Nadu as part of an initiative to promote exports in this sector.

While the State Government will provide infrastructure and land, the Centre will provide funding (60 Lakhs i.e. US $150,000) for each centre.

The five Handloom Export Zones will come up in Tiruvannamalai, Nagercoil, Virudhunagar, Kancheepuram, and Nagapattinam.

Temple News

Tamil Nadu Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowment announced that Trustees would be appointed for all categories of Temples in Tamil Nadu.

Temples have been segregated into big, small and revenue-oriented. Free mid-day meals are being provided at 360 Temples in Tamil Nadu and progress is being monitored in 180 additional Tamil Nadu Temples. Also steps have been taken to review progress of promotion of Temple tourism in the State.

Based on the proposal that all castes can become priests, Veda Patasalas have been started at Tiruvannamalai, Chennai, Tirichirapalli, Tiruchendur, Palani and Madurai. Out of 1300 applicants, 240 candidates have been selected and provided with clothes, board and accomodation.

The Government has allotted money for the maintenance of 260 Temple Cars (Chariots) at Temples, and the remaining 600 Temple cars were in good condition.

Adieu to Trains

The final run for the last metre gauge service on the Tambaram-Villupuram sector left Tambaram Station, Chennai last week. Ardent fans and admirers of Indian Railways, its trains and locomotives, said the efficiency and power of the metre gauge diesel engines were simply unmatched.

After gauge conversion between Tambaram and Egmore in the late 1990s, Sethu, Kamban and Cholan Expresses and Thanjavur and Kumbakonam Fast Passenger trains operated from Tambaram to transport commuters to coastal, central and southern districts of Tamil Nadu in addition to a few passenger trains.

In December 2006, five of these services were stopped because of gauge conversion beyond Villupuram and the remaining three services to Villupuram and Tiruvannamalai were stopped on Thursday, May 31st, 2007.

Compulsory Helmets

Last week, the Madras (Chennai) High Court refused to stay the rule mandating motorcyclists and pillion riders to wear helmets from June 1, 2007 in Chennai, Coimbatore, Madurai, Tiurchy, Salem and Tirunelveli. So now that the above cities have no further recourse open to them and a 'helmet regulations' comes into effect on June 1st, it looks like sooner rather than later, compulsory helmets for motorcyclists and pillion riders will also be imposed upon the rest of Tamil Nadu after the intial trial period in selected, major cities.

I had a chat with several Tiruvannamalai motorcyclists asking them whether they thought such a regulation could be practically enforced in Tiruvannamalai; the question was generally met with roars of laughter.

Another consideration for Tiruvannamalai would be even if the motorcyclist and pillion passenger did indeed wear helmets; what about the rest of the people on the bike; which can often number up to 5 or 6!?

School Exams

In School leaving examinations, Tiruvannamalai District has registered a 71% pass in the SSLC examination, bettering its previous year's result of 67%. Out of the 29,642 students; 14,430 girls and 15,212 boys; who appeared for the exams, 21,171 passed.

Fourteen schools in Tiruvannamalai District reported 100% success. The schools are Vada Iluppai, Cheyyar Housing Board, Salukkai, Korukkathur, Thiruvothur, Rayandapuram, Kanchi, Mampattu, C.Nammiyandal, Rantham Government Schools, Vandavasi Sacred Heart School, Polur Don Bosco School, Thirumalai Neminathar School and Veeranam Thiruvalluvar High School.

Different Days

Our current vets, Kim and Rogier, at the Tiruvannamalai Animal Shelter will soon be leaving us and another volunteer (also from Holland) will take charge.

This trip to India was a first for both Kim and Rogier and although they didn't have the time to do much exploring during their tenure at the Animal Shelter, they did manage to experience some of the contrasting life of Tiruvannamalai.

Most of their Arunachala time however was spent either at the Animal Shelter or at their country cottage. Their presence was certainly appreciated by many long staying guests at the Shelter. And although there is no shortage of space, many of our four footed friends try to squeeze together as tightly as possible.

In between playing 'squeeze up', nourishment and meals are also popular times of the day at the Shelter.

Even though dogs are a pack animal and many of these dogs have come from a life on the streets, they all quickly gravitated to the 'people in charge' and Rogier and Kim, were often surrounded by surrendered, happy little dogs.

Maybe because she is Dutch and used to riding everywhere on a bicycle, Kim was undaunted pedalling around Town. And was immediately confident and fearless enough to brave downtown Tiruvannamalai. Here she is hatted, easily nagivating her way around the unpredictable (crazy!) traffic in town.

Kim also took time to show visiting family members and friends around Tiruvannamalai.

The below photograph is of Rogier preparing to take the 'plunge' in the very nice swimming pool at one of our premier hotels, Arunai Anantha.

One day swimming at the pool of our luxury hotel, and the next day taking lunch in a local restaurant in the Ramana Nagar area.

Below is Rogier inside the local restaurant, happily ploughing his way through a nice, tasty lunch.

This is the first time we have a proper Animal Shelter in Tiruvannamalai. And also the first time we have resident vets who obviously care for their wards. Sadly, animal care in India is often regarded as a 'career move' and its not unusual to meet vets who are not completely committed to their work and animals under their care. But obviously when one is able to get vets not only dedicated to their work but who also inspire timid, neglected dogs to respond and trust; well, that's called hitting the jackpot.

Below is Rogier spending time with some of the young 'uns.

Kim and Rogier did in fact attend the 'coming of age' of a young, local girl; who is the girl with the flowers on her head in the middle of the photograph. Our vets thought the function was indeed a grand affair.

Below is a photograph of the country cottage Kim and Rogier have been staying at during their tenure at the Animal Hospital.

Kim and Rogier spent one morning climbing to the top of Arunachala and took some great photographs on their way up. The below is very nice, because you can see the Animal Shelter (in blue with a compound) in the middle of the photograph. At the back of the photograph is part of the receding 600 acre Samudram Lake, which has been mentioned on many earlier postings on this Blog.

Below is young Kim almost at the top of Arunachala. Just a little further to go!

Rogier at the top of Arunachala, standing on darkened, ghee stained stones, where the cauldron is placed at the time of the yearly Karthigai Festival. Now, I wonder where that dog came from?






Looking down from Arunachala, a spectacular photograph of Arunachaleswarar Temple.

There are so many GOOD things to say about having an Animal Shelter at Tiruvannamalai to serve and help neglected, forlorn and needy puppies and adult dogs. If you plan on visiting Tiruvannamalai this season, why not stop by and check out the work the Shelter is doing, and while at the Shelter you can play with some of the adorable puppies and dogs.

Newsletter, June 2007

The June issue of Arunachala Grace News, will be sent out later this day. So if you don't already have your subscription, please rightclick at the subscribe facility underneath the email logo at the lefthand side of this Blog.

Arunachala Grace Network is dedicated to life inclusive of all faiths and people. Last month we were criticised for including two poems of Christian mystics, a long article on Wesak which was dedicated to the Buddha and a Sufi short story. We would point out that in this month's newsletter we have continued our exploration of the involvement of Christianity at Arunachala, and have included alot of information on the excellent Protestant, Arcot Lutheran Church, and the work that they are involved at here at Tiruvannamalai.

In this month's newsletter we also have the usual short story, poems, articles on herbs and several links to WWF ecological reports.

So much work!

There is so much to be done;
let us unroll the earth,
let us put leaves on the trees,
blossoms on branches,
let us set mountains in a row,
hang the moon;
add vast space to blue heavens,
light the stars,
to the wind give velocity,
to stones, wings, to movement, melody;
also smiles to lips,
glowlight to eyes,
and to moving shadow on the roadside,
life.

God is silent.
Why don't you come
And help create the universe.
I can't do this all by myself.

[By Nida Fazli]

Kombucha

Kombucha

Mushroom Tea

Kombucha's roots stretch back to ancient China, where, as early as 221 BC, a tea called "the remedy for immortality" was brewed from fungi said to have magical properties. Kombucha eventually made its way into the natural health world of Germany in the early 20th Century, and debut in the United States in the 1960s. Kombucha is also made here at Tiruvannamalai by a Dutch woman and sold at several outlets.

Making your own Kombucha at home is cheap, quick and easy. The hardest part is coming across Kombucha "mother" live yeast culture. If you can't get from friends you can buy online at sites like http://www.getkombucha.com/


Receipe
Timeframe: About 7 days

2 quarts filtered water
1/2 cup sugar
2 tablespoons loose black tea or 4 teabags
1 cup mature acidic Kombucha
Kombucha mother

1. Mix water and sugar and bring to a boil in a small pot.

2. Turn off the heat; add tea, cover and steep about 15 minutes.

3. Strain tea into a glass container. Allow tea to cool to body temperature.

4. Add mature acidic Kombucha. When you obtain a culture, it will be stored in this liquid. Place the Kombucha mother in the pot. It is fine if floats or if it sinks.

5. Cover with a clean cloth and store in a warm spot, ideally 70 to 85 degrees, undisturbed.

6. After a few days to one week, depending on temperature, you will notice a skin forming on the surface of the Kombucha. Taste the liquid. It will probably still be sweet. The longer it sits, the more acidic it becomes.

7. Once it reaches the level of acidity you like, start a new batch and store your mature Kombucha in the fridge. You now have two mothers, the original one you started with, and a new one, the skin that formed on your first batch. Use either the new or the old mother for your new batch, and pass the other one on to a friend. Each generation will give birth to a new mother and the old mother will thicken.

As with all foods, care must be taken during preparation and storage to prevent contamination, although in most cases, the acidity and bacteria present in this ferment along with its anti-microbial activity will prevent growth of unwanted contaminants. In the event that mold does grow on the surface of your Kombucha, it's best to follow the motto, "if in doubt, throw it out," and start over. Reports of adverse reactions may be related to unsanitary fermentation conditions, leaching of compounds from the fermentation vessels, or "sickly" Kombucha cultures that cannot acidify the brew.

To find out more about the fermentation of foods, check out this link