https://www.sarapadilla.com/blog daily 0.75 2020-01-25 https://www.sarapadilla.com/blog/journey-to-india monthly 0.5 2020-12-30 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/587801656a49635b85949be7/1579907234881-K08M6B65XI1TMEQ1L1NL/YK5rb8CIRhakGXfe5lWJOA.jpg Journey to India - Journey to India Everyone should have one of these to protect their home. Many doors in Bhaktapur had this guy on it. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/587801656a49635b85949be7/1579925172234-Z1V9N0VJ3Z6ZBG8F14RP/Vv0vgIGXRNq4HjAXlZ0bWw.jpg Journey to India - Journey to India New Year’s Day celebration https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/587801656a49635b85949be7/1580620262593-3UGMZLM8SRWYAQ34EER4/IMG_8976.jpeg Journey to India - Journey to India Another narrow street in Kathmandu https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/587801656a49635b85949be7/1579912938266-EJV4HNWB7PKILH3KGTKU/vRI9UvSbRuyXm5MqhGipLw.jpg Journey to India - Journey to India I have many cow pictures. They know they are loved and like to pose for photos. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/587801656a49635b85949be7/1580868013602-YNB4UKLZVNGXNF91V356/B77E5B83-E492-4380-96B2-4A533A60B1A5.jpeg Journey to India - Journey to India https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/587801656a49635b85949be7/1579833752656-NBTGF30EK7XQHSS2CAC0/q7RcRmjQRHaXs7KStLFVgw.jpg Journey to India - Journey to India Some of us look happier than others to be on the Night Bus to Kathmandu. After 6 hours at the airport I was ready for the adventure - until we started rolling. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/587801656a49635b85949be7/1580873385601-T1HVUS1GHUAHD4NNY969/IMG_4030.jpg Journey to India - Journey to India “Selfie Mam?” at the airport in Coimbatore waiting for our plane to Chennai. It was the beginning of the Pongal Festival weekend and everyone was in good spirits. The young women making the peace sign struck up a conversation with me. She wasn’t familiar with Portland, Oregon, but she knew Seattle. She smiled and told me she would be moving there one day. She has relatives there and she is studying engineering - of course. We better step up our educational game in the US. These kids are motivated, smart and fearless! They are also fun and sweet. She gave my a bindi because one should be wearing a bindi on a holiday. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/587801656a49635b85949be7/1580512502129-23C4GXE6MBAG6341787H/B9kTDh24R5iCWz0xdGICCA.jpg Journey to India - Journey to India Another selfie with our market friend. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/587801656a49635b85949be7/1579622095092-8ANVQARIGWWBLB3AGKL1/5HvSHBDXRDW8Jnz54klRuA.jpg Journey to India - Journey to India Anything and everything can be transported by bicycle. Those are canisters for cooking oil. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/587801656a49635b85949be7/1579902928889-YEIG7YF8KAB6JV6V9K8K/GUNZPB53QqqhsvzIinRa0A.jpg Journey to India - Journey to India https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/587801656a49635b85949be7/1579830377869-47PBQG769KA43PSBV6M6/82505043_2867907819927164_3694184861158866944_o.jpg Journey to India - Journey to India The Delhi Devas with post yoga glow at 8,000 ft https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/587801656a49635b85949be7/1579622668347-RMSPKQY1SNDMW670CPVG/ynNg1kM9QPOSjT6jtDBRSQ.jpg Journey to India - Journey to India Mango Lassi in India’s answer to disposable cups. These are one time use cups for chai, lassi and soups which are broken down to make new clay cups. In the background is Parawthe. We tried many of them. Some were filled with cheese, others with banana, or lemon and mint. Delicious! We ended our day with a mango kulfi - ice cream on a stick. They were so good none of us got a picture of one before they disappeared. Below is the link to his tour on Trip Advisor. I highly recommend a day with Raghu eating, laughing and learning about the local history. https://www.tripadvisor.com/AttractionProductReview-g304551-d17824418-FOOD_AND_HERITAGE_WALK_Old_Delhi-New_Delhi_National_Capital_Territory_of_Delhi.html#REVIEWS https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/587801656a49635b85949be7/1580514848616-94BP4M4OR7VLESOI1HLZ/wqLRWVrmSxeeHfSto3lV%2Bw.jpg Journey to India - Journey to India https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/587801656a49635b85949be7/1580873435892-32WKIJPS4Z2SS61EVP68/IMG_4035.jpg Journey to India - Journey to India The view from our hotel in Chennai. I have no complaints about this hotel. However, I did get a mysterious rash on the way home - chlorine on a freshly detoxed body? A reaction to the neem oil and chorine? Or maybe it was the vodka cocktail that last night in India. Who knows? All I can say is that I’ve been on more prescription drugs in the past two weeks that I have in my entire life. The upside: I finished this project. The downside: I’m due for another major detox after this is over. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/587801656a49635b85949be7/1579914705767-21WIS4N0U5IENC0A0CHN/X71dCVe%2BTou4kJ9hrEKIrA.jpg Journey to India - Journey to India https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/587801656a49635b85949be7/1580873530316-DJYYUF8Z6Y6WX0097SE6/IMG_4040.jpg Journey to India - Journey to India I skipped class and sat poolside my last afternoon in India https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/587801656a49635b85949be7/1580514519710-CQDK01PJ758VUIXG01G5/lPgXEFZJQs6zJwEqFHSxHQ.jpg Journey to India - Journey to India Dr. Shankaranarayana Jois at his retreat. They served us a wonderful dinner at sunset, let us visit and feed the cows and walk the grounds. A very peaceful setting with many local plants with Ayurvedic purposes. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/587801656a49635b85949be7/1579833624951-QSBBNRI99ZQUBQ7BDKM4/FDSP7edKSMavYmJ47gT91g.jpg Journey to India - Journey to India The Border crossing https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/587801656a49635b85949be7/1579621451429-QF4EZQU3FW4VM3UKETEV/wJ1LbF2oSkGaMsHbpQup0Q.jpg Journey to India - Journey to India The view from the rooftop where I might have had the best Chai in India brought up to us by a vendor in a thermos. He made his delicious chai in a stall about the size of a small closet. The view looks messy, but if you look closely it is organized chaos with a place for bathing, sleeping, laundry and cooking. When all the business is done they go back to their quiet village and enjoy life with family. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/587801656a49635b85949be7/1580093145084-K7L0I5YVIYXGJE0Y84BJ/82919132_2867914666593146_229041023823642624_o.jpg Journey to India - Journey to India Arunachala Hill. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/587801656a49635b85949be7/1579830352885-4MGZ9HHI412KCLW3A0TZ/83671964_2867908376593775_3371990918717505536_o.jpg Journey to India - Journey to India Mountains! Glorious Mountains! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/587801656a49635b85949be7/1579914235668-7OFYH5ADH2VPGMWH443P/pVudgXBgQ4aBMXCmyPXbXw.jpg Journey to India - Journey to India This is one of the little hobbit huts people would live in and spend hours meditating. It is really peaceful there with lush green grounds, birds and the river flowing nearby. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/587801656a49635b85949be7/1579833923705-MUM7JGTE9JHI4GED1936/P1000106.JPG Journey to India - Journey to India Chai with a view and nap time for another. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/587801656a49635b85949be7/1579836144442-B86GUNLUDBAEIFWVEBSL/82594768_2867907589927187_818128906962862080_o.jpg Journey to India - Journey to India Agra Fort https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/587801656a49635b85949be7/1579926688883-MBQ11SUZ7DO9L3KVMLWI/J0qcQgAfQCOY%25sTErLgy%2Bg.jpg Journey to India - Journey to India I made friends with a visitor from Tibet and we took turns taking photos in front of the stupa. It’s fun making connections without words. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/587801656a49635b85949be7/1579906935740-SINK2V6TO2CC0S630610/MT7aTpk8Q3OEv3wyfJIS9w.jpg Journey to India - Journey to India Yes, this is a Newari Temple. The woodcarvings on the temple's windows, doorways and roof struts are amazing. The erotic carvings here are subtle and romantic rather than pornographic. There are many scholarly writings on the erotic carvings on the Newari Temples if you want to know more. I found them to be masterful carvings and loved the variety - elephants, genders mixed together and a woman with a branch. It was all there - intricately carved and thankfully carefully preserved. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/587801656a49635b85949be7/1579910300485-50ESJTVHA57TDL8C0TFZ/fullsizeoutput_10ea.jpeg Journey to India - Journey to India Swayambhunath https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/587801656a49635b85949be7/1579925290506-7VUC71C3MKXROXK8IEXB/AEQB8fkCTha7PRk48hVAdA.jpg Journey to India - Journey to India Our boat captain. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/587801656a49635b85949be7/1579623075993-P6LU5BG48EPMQ5G5AKTE/s5KNP2NiQlusc1rQXQ69Ww.jpg Journey to India - Journey to India Gandhi Smriti https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/587801656a49635b85949be7/1579926304672-NORUTT0OG3NAVLIKOTPP/uGjchlUvT22UOG8SXvNWDg.jpg Journey to India - Journey to India My friend Merelee made friends with a group of Tibetan Monks. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/587801656a49635b85949be7/1579325790116-5ELMD268J9GDPP56DOTQ/CFB548D5-3BC7-4E00-BF42-968B0A4CF600.jpg Journey to India - Journey to India Looking at the Taj Mahal from a side archway https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/587801656a49635b85949be7/1579833691961-HG5LWG2L02TVD2V92BY7/6ojQVWWiSl6TVgh9XkGuaQ.jpg Journey to India - Journey to India This is the front entrance to the airport. It had a flight schedule for 3 planes/day. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/587801656a49635b85949be7/1579914120499-NWUPGDRJCLO9XNQVVCZ5/L08Vhr9OROed4Qq7%2Bk1frQ.jpg Journey to India - Journey to India I love the Beatles, abandoned buildings and graffiti so here come a ton of pictures from their ashram. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/587801656a49635b85949be7/1579914410569-JLVYYM3TPJX3HU2PVWGM/yZxibDpFQZqt8CqPcvLRpg.jpg Journey to India - Journey to India https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/587801656a49635b85949be7/1579621192428-EIMIMY4DVDE07AW6XESP/xEr%25yigvRw%2BRsEV%25TDW8hg.jpg Journey to India - Journey to India First stop: Lotan ji for Chole Kulche (chickpeas and bread) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/587801656a49635b85949be7/1579830330975-A06HZPP8F4W6VJ5617J3/82540791_2867906516593961_4370583472306126848_o.jpg Journey to India - Journey to India Cherry Hill Resort https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/587801656a49635b85949be7/1580866235041-3Y2UW828Q6NYY2AL4GYG/Dining+area.jpg Journey to India - Journey to India I like getting my meals served to me in these tins. They make the perfect lunch box. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/587801656a49635b85949be7/1579902393650-T4CHPYNZLEJ45S99M8IM/image-asset.jpeg Journey to India - Journey to India At all hours you will find people walking around the Bhoudha Stupa in conversation, getting exercise, in walking meditation and in prayer. The Bhutan prayer wheels are placed around buildings like monasteries and temples. Usually there are up to 108 prayer wheels as it is considered to be auspicious and lucky number. People usually walk clockwise as they seek blessings through turning each of these wheels. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/587801656a49635b85949be7/1579906034087-FMCZZVL6TLXASRC9BZRI/brLzIpYxREywBHnKphEM4A.jpg Journey to India - Journey to India Just chillin’ https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/587801656a49635b85949be7/1579909824745-S920GYMIPO9L5SPCND2G/2%25WiDLV1RYyWsKkGsuwFzw.jpg Journey to India - Journey to India Swayambhunath https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/587801656a49635b85949be7/1579907686770-GU5O9L8VVW9CQV5YSJIK/flMbNR4zReGC%2BrJ5OdQWDg.jpg Journey to India - Journey to India https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/587801656a49635b85949be7/1580104146411-TIOBDUEW6EI1X0JBPPET/IMG_8780+%282%29+copy.jpg Journey to India - Journey to India photo: Karen Michelle https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/587801656a49635b85949be7/1580514647474-MRCI09R3YT93ESJ8AOEX/fqwLRkBDQLacepoZ7pW9VQ.jpg Journey to India - Journey to India https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/587801656a49635b85949be7/1580866370219-5ACGHFEAYO1LPSAO8RE8/Dr+Mini+and+Dr+Shrisugha.jpg Journey to India - Journey to India Dr Mini and Dr. Sri Sugha https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/587801656a49635b85949be7/1580620371854-49U3QKNK0Z89GP0TRC37/IMG_9010.jpeg Journey to India - Journey to India https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/587801656a49635b85949be7/1580874014768-5C8369C4FT9YJ1OXM6OH/IMG_4047.jpg Journey to India - Journey to India Then this happened… https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/587801656a49635b85949be7/1580874488790-QTIT0ES0UCBJF6RULIFV/IMG_3819.jpg Journey to India - Journey to India Gate to the retreat https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/587801656a49635b85949be7/1580874530919-S8LF8C6HVQW99LEW4UCC/IMG_3838.jpg Journey to India - Journey to India We walked the 30 minute walk (40 if you’re barefoot and many of us were because you have to take off your shoes to enter the ashram) to the home he built for his mother who became one of his followers and the cave were he sat in meditation for many years. “Silence is also conversation.” - Ramana Maharshi https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/587801656a49635b85949be7/1580617645553-V22NMC8CG0ROT5NCWZF8/83513852_2867905993260680_8803990840000118784_o.jpg Journey to India - Journey to India Then I joined a cult. Just kidding. To show our respect for our teachers in Rishikesh and Mysore we wore the traditional white clothing for class and visiting the retreat. Most of the time we wore modern variations on modest clothing. It was comfortable and cool. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/587801656a49635b85949be7/1579913030875-TTDY0L85TWQS9CE1SSK1/F1d5%25BjmTCyGr8lluVJ6aQ.jpg Journey to India - Journey to India 7 am yoga on the marble steps along the Ganga. It was freezing - hats and gloves were necessary. The empty spot is from me. When I got so cold it was no longer savasana I got up and snapped this picture. I then went to the offering cart and purchased an offering. It warmed my soul to make an offering for love. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/587801656a49635b85949be7/1580092223023-1KSH21IACAAQ8M3F69M1/jvbdeYHeRnuB7G4uICKYYQ.jpg Journey to India - Journey to India Sunset over the farms was so peaceful https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/587801656a49635b85949be7/1580511958685-79G9LANWIYBL07H83KQM/Muk214%2BaSbCqeuE8ZhcgjQ.jpg Journey to India - Journey to India https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/587801656a49635b85949be7/1580866534438-WMPQVO1F9OMV2II2WQHW/Happy+Ponga.jpg Journey to India - Journey to India We left the weekend of the Pongal Festival or Harvest Festival. The airport was packed with people dressed in their party clothes - many beautiful saris. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/587801656a49635b85949be7/1579326701280-1004CP0QNFPAG3K53XAW/IMG_0167.jpg Journey to India - Journey to India Scale… and those special slippers they give you to wear in order to protect the floor. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/587801656a49635b85949be7/1580512070819-N78GRX70JDAOKNLXZ4TT/BZfGn7DsT4WX%2BmAMvf3m2g.jpg Journey to India - Journey to India It was a scam that all the tuk tuk drivers were in on, but it was fun to make some hand rolled incense. The guy had who owned the “factory” moved back to Mysore from Las Vegas. Need I say more. It was really a store with two women rolling incense and the owner selling it for 4 times the market price. Three different drivers took us here pretending to think it was where we were headed. Lol! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/587801656a49635b85949be7/1580512371826-A9TA314JAN6V6ZMLIKLH/eVEtS1BPSWajVUs0d6nwPw.jpg Journey to India - Journey to India https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/587801656a49635b85949be7/1579926242128-7KDWD2PXZJXV5N2ED3Y0/gsf4F81DSg27APaQDat%25Jg.jpg Journey to India - Journey to India From Varanasi we took a day trip to Sarnath. Sarnath is a place located 10 kilometres north-east of Varanasi near the confluence of the Ganges and the Varuna rivers in Uttar Pradesh. The deer park in Sarnath is where Gautama Buddha first taught the Dharma, and where the Buddhist Sangha came into existence through the enlightenment of Kondanna. It is an important place of pilgrimage for Buddhist all over the world. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/587801656a49635b85949be7/1580512439356-II8GJH8R8A715NDPOENJ/3hAdOBBlShmkurcFQNnlFA.jpg Journey to India - Journey to India https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/587801656a49635b85949be7/1579913270492-W262F9TQVJI3U3P3KU2C/TgZYnTyyR4O20CenZ4%25ugg.jpg Journey to India - Journey to India The grounds of the ashram were lovely. The rooms… not so much. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/587801656a49635b85949be7/1579925420357-0REDHZW1BTMS00YZENGY/aVGnMW0TSXKTbh7RD3Z3Dw.jpg Journey to India - Journey to India This is one of many ghats where the cremations take place. I didn’t take any pictures of any of the ceremonies. This is where the sandalwood is brought in and the wood debris is hauled after the ceremony. The actual pyres are simple wood rafts with a white shroud covered in marigold garlands. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/587801656a49635b85949be7/1579906814479-NV4POI27NKR38C4DDEY9/EV7%25OA3KSwCVCD2XISu58A.jpg Journey to India - Journey to India Dattatraya Square https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/587801656a49635b85949be7/1580619864620-BA5TF6Z0JVJM6D7QS8KN/IMG_9869.jpeg Journey to India - Journey to India https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/587801656a49635b85949be7/1579829304383-AUGT5MP7ZSMG2E846XHQ/b2wmPE9zRNCM0DlFwffXoA.jpg Journey to India - Journey to India Sunrise from the bedroom window https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/587801656a49635b85949be7/1579623903155-N4Z5GKK3ROM2QXS0P36P/EMyyGzPdT1mdEwg57msgfA.jpg Journey to India - Journey to India Simple and peaceful https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/587801656a49635b85949be7/1579914176419-ITC6261PKIQJ0LRRJSL2/fullsizeoutput_f60.jpeg Journey to India - Journey to India https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/587801656a49635b85949be7/1579902639997-OSGAXVXZBPIW1DT04BER/vNOZlOr9RfaluOsZxTjA%25A.jpg Journey to India - Journey to India https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/587801656a49635b85949be7/1580620083405-SOMW60T2OA0DBYVURYGP/IMG_9125.jpeg Journey to India - Journey to India Leaving Nepal https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/587801656a49635b85949be7/1580513161018-MT8SPEUJWGF57QD168GV/4QMVUc2XRWSXB3yatlxSPQ.jpg Journey to India - Journey to India https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/587801656a49635b85949be7/1579914806692-RKCXZGHNUL7WXM5FM554/qV%2Br0lLdRMyP0%2B54HuQvQA.jpg Journey to India - Journey to India Maharishi Mahesh Yogi’s home https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/587801656a49635b85949be7/1579907514463-XC3MHF5IRICHH1CXXA9C/pvCTdntBRr6hRebTwyjGQg.jpg Journey to India - Journey to India https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/587801656a49635b85949be7/1580874087491-AJBMVPYP91TBZ0WYS8WO/P1000136.JPG Journey to India - Journey to India The houses in southern India were all painted in bright happy colors. A stark contrast to the gray and brown color scheme of Varanasi. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/587801656a49635b85949be7/1580863292906-L9O2MS02K96UKTPZVECE/55198DC5-0047-45AA-AE4B-99E520927918.jpeg Journey to India - Journey to India Bowls of marigolds in the entrance. They used neem leaf smoke, marigolds and tea tree oil cleanser to keep away pests. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/587801656a49635b85949be7/1579834486296-DG2G0VCOTQW17HEFXKKQ/qGZbDvYDSqmj56%2523nMxTA.jpg Journey to India - Journey to India The Night Bus https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/587801656a49635b85949be7/1579914658678-903PE8KJB6BYJNEU2VMN/0OVwULukQJmochBeEaIs%2BQ.jpg Journey to India - Journey to India https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/587801656a49635b85949be7/1579925485611-9N9J5CZS57RNASWW62FJ/ZFWhkP8MRXWqqYDZQQEOfw.jpg Journey to India - Journey to India Laundry. The river is everything - a place for cremation, laundry, bathing, healing waters, blessings, party boats and transport. I even some some fishing. Nope. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/587801656a49635b85949be7/1580084921676-H48OATXEMJHBEBMGLUM8/md6ajhGyRl%2B8mAHJAMQhZA.jpg Journey to India - Journey to India This is a tuk tuk. We used them on many occasions and I must say that I think a tuk tuk Uber business in Portland would be fantastic - especially if one could be converted to electric as opposed to gasoline powered. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/587801656a49635b85949be7/1580874118299-NXTZIWD58NILW0NVHF9H/P1000151.JPG Journey to India - Journey to India https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/587801656a49635b85949be7/1579833811694-LMIYP3RGRJPFP8WPE5SM/VjhXn8m2QT2NyTRb5%25O%2BYw.jpg Journey to India - Journey to India Morning at the truck stop. Indian trucks are the best. They are highly decorated and all of them have “Blow Horn” painted on the back.Can you imagine explaining a “Shit Happens” bumpersticker? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/587801656a49635b85949be7/1580093170111-PK3ZASPC52R1H3LELMUA/83476402_2867907276593885_11468632127176704_o.jpg Journey to India - Journey to India We had Thali for at least one meal everyday in southern India and although no two were the same, they all came arranged like this on a banana leaf. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/587801656a49635b85949be7/1579913884891-C0263TQFR9D2KAWQ5YIO/ro2%25B74zSNmPOGuPZ9OiQg.jpg Journey to India - Journey to India Another beauty posing for me. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/587801656a49635b85949be7/1579926551694-PY7UNM6PQWZE7IBHW9PC/MKfKtN0xSl2aBRkirUJ6nw.jpg Journey to India - Journey to India At this place, the Buddha encountered the five men who had been his companions of earlier austerities. On meeting the enlightened Buddha, all they saw was an ordinary man; they mocked his well-nourished appearance. "Here comes the mendicant Gautama," they said, "who has turned away from asceticism. He is certainly not worth our respect." When they reminded him of his former vows, the Buddha replied, "Austerities only confuse the mind. In the exhaustion and mental stupor to which they lead, one can no longer understand the ordinary things of life, still less the truth that lies beyond the senses. I have given up extremes of either luxury or asceticism. I have discovered the Middle Way". Hearing this the five ascetics became the Buddha's first disciples. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/587801656a49635b85949be7/1579828737076-ZJZSXWG70LOCN7ZLE13Z/P1000064.JPG Journey to India - Journey to India Kango Ghati National Park, Rabongla, Sikkim https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/587801656a49635b85949be7/1579912754178-Y84VLT62YAXJ9N9GC21Z/fullsizeoutput_f53.jpeg Journey to India - Journey to India https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/587801656a49635b85949be7/1579902769369-4E8O3KMMC0MVSVL5WX2M/RdldepK8QuixV57V2Bnqaw.jpg Journey to India - Journey to India All over India, and Nepal one finds many opportunities to tap into one’s spiritual life. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/587801656a49635b85949be7/1579926112091-CK5E1JPW5LFWTZQYXV7E/fullsizeoutput_f4d.jpeg Journey to India - Journey to India Three generations of Mishra’s on stage together. It was an amazing intimate house concert for us on New Year’s Day. The family has a 500 year, 11 generation tradition in classical Indian music. Guru ji has shared the stage with Ravi Shankar. He is 77 years old and look at his posture while sitting cross legged balancing a sitar and playing like a man in his 20’s. What instrument do you need one sock to play? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/587801656a49635b85949be7/1579926763162-VEHZJSTD1LY8VCH7CYNV/a%2BeFwh0sQwqf2kXii%25RGNg.jpg Journey to India - Journey to India The place for leaving an offering for the Lord Buddha. I left a sweet treat. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/587801656a49635b85949be7/1579914547142-LSW6Q1DS8L1B0Z271102/Afd5wTz9RmCiDlKgPQ4l4w.jpg Journey to India - Journey to India https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/587801656a49635b85949be7/1580088001451-JBZ5NYH26ZBJOEL248SW/IMG_0132.jpg Journey to India - Journey to India Making flower choices for the Pongal Celebration garlands. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/587801656a49635b85949be7/1579326224537-SKU7HVX069RH3AA8AXRW/kmHBjC43ROuZUfX1k2zVmw.jpg Journey to India - Journey to India The “Delhi Devas” at Agra Fort - Me, Maureen, Karen, Kelly and Ross. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/587801656a49635b85949be7/1579621092311-8TAK8N1289LONN3XON9E/2ze3%2Ba%2BORGGqh6P%251eCOww.jpg Journey to India - Journey to India Marigolds for every occasion https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/587801656a49635b85949be7/1580514959304-C8FPCR8MTKSWC1ID4FKR/nfDBQ16cSq2ETSitHfgGKw.jpg Journey to India - Journey to India https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/587801656a49635b85949be7/1580866431463-UDMPC3NIQF38LAM99YTG/DE4E7004-1024-4EE6-8B29-B160BD8FC14A.jpeg Journey to India - Journey to India The head doctor in the middle with the white sarong and staff wishing us safe travels as we left for Chennai https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/587801656a49635b85949be7/1580619636329-9JE0L6HRL4W22088CXVP/IMG_0154.jpeg Journey to India - Journey to India The entrance to the Mysore Palace https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/587801656a49635b85949be7/1579836179630-9GCVOE3OQK0WTH7RTY9A/83488249_2867906886593924_8271191123205029888_o.jpg Journey to India - Journey to India The Taj Mahal from Agra Fort https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/587801656a49635b85949be7/1579913435547-LP45O6N7LFZ9QUR8ZS4M/fullsizeoutput_10eb.jpeg Journey to India - Journey to India https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/587801656a49635b85949be7/1579834011496-MH3KZ0NXICDRAT431H0E/L655mcW8RGmjjkiJHhyfVA.jpg Journey to India - Journey to India Okay, not my best picture. I was road weary, but check out that view! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/587801656a49635b85949be7/1580866839400-MLQ727P2D5KYS6EWQIMU/0A836914-52CE-4F48-AF78-F1FDE7AC55A2.jpeg Journey to India - Journey to India Of course the cows were bathed for Pongal https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/587801656a49635b85949be7/1580619990664-OYG6BAPI0R8FO9TZ0KU7/IMG_0988.jpeg Journey to India - Journey to India https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/587801656a49635b85949be7/1580514778557-BK5HC3PGG53BPBIY1EJR/jk2He%2BQPS7u%252DLVdplmDQ.jpg Journey to India - Journey to India https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/587801656a49635b85949be7/1579925580244-DSS17DFYMXQSJQEKRUWU/j9ExVT4yQruKpe6TrqEKXA.jpg Journey to India - Journey to India The man in white is the chief mourner. He organizes the funeral, the washing of the body, stays for anywhere from 6-14 hours during the cremation and hosts a gathering afterward. It is an honor. I noted the sacredness displayed by them throughout the day. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/587801656a49635b85949be7/1580620037193-AJ4JVKETF2YVYUKJKUVA/IMG_8602.jpeg Journey to India - Journey to India The puppy https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/587801656a49635b85949be7/1579829875409-TJYXLLJSDJB4A5PUDBDQ/LEOGgRQRQty7XSJZrr8gIg.jpg Journey to India - Journey to India The place for offerings https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/587801656a49635b85949be7/1579907059266-CTMN4EMIXCC9LDVA7H0P/aOINQHD1Q5OCE1mHWpuSYg.jpg Journey to India - Journey to India Still wearing the hat… but look at that peacock carving. According to the Hindu mythology, the peacock was created from one of the feathers of the bird Garuda (a mythical creature) which is the carrier of Lord Vishnu. Many Hindu sculptures use peacocks as a symbol of the cycle of time. The Peacock is also associated with Goddess Saraswati, a deity representing benevolence, patience, kindness, compassion and knowledge. They are everywhere - live ones hanging out on roofs and walking in gardens, woven into textiles, painted on ceramics and printed on t-shirts. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/587801656a49635b85949be7/1579925792880-LPIE7JAWJIQ1NB9XJRKF/IjIzW%25vhThKAfKWFHH%259cw.jpg Journey to India - Journey to India One of many selfies. I have so many selfies! It’s a one for one kind of ritual. It would be an insult to not take one of them in return. The kids came up to me everywhere with” Mam! Mam! A selfie please!” This one cracks me up. I was trying to slip away on a bar in the river to “go around the corner.” I finally slipped away. Hahaha! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/587801656a49635b85949be7/1579829488054-UBJZ541N7VRMTS0MXMSM/P1000093.JPG Journey to India - Journey to India Fields of Darjeeling tea surround the resort. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/587801656a49635b85949be7/1579914291502-59U9NM4G97G6TBSW3Z0L/fYpIkbCtSqqnxf3gRZNAWw.jpg Journey to India - Journey to India https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/587801656a49635b85949be7/1579913068763-GFI38HJ6BBB0D9L829YM/T9UQH1HDSfCYiSZMH3OlGg.jpg Journey to India - Journey to India Shiva taking a selfie https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/587801656a49635b85949be7/1579925867596-7W5IU1E7NAOKPHK35TR5/lZzgSa1%25SN2%2B2KiXp6D96Q.jpg Journey to India - Journey to India Our host in Varanasi Pandit Deobrat Mishra. Master sitar player. We were very fortunate to study Naad yoga, the basic elements of the classical Indian musical scale and chanting with this very talented and knowledgable master. Nāda yoga is an ancient Indian metaphysical system. It is equally a philosophical system, a medicine, and a form of yoga. The system's theoretical and practical aspects are based on the premise that the entire cosmos and all that exists in the cosmos, including human beings, consists of sound vibrations, called nāda. I’ve always understood the healing power of singing and how it can improve vagus nerve tone, but in classes with Deobrat I experienced the effects of working with my voice on a whole new level. I’m fascinated. I would show up to class tired, cold and cranky and leave loving the world and everyone in it. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/587801656a49635b85949be7/1580863748385-RPMRE3RGJUG1S77J5L6Y/F727BBEF-CBAA-4C52-B9A0-C88F30FDDD1C.jpeg Journey to India - Journey to India A rock sculpture of Shiva. It reminds me of something from Easter Island. The altar was so beautiful with all the candles and flowers. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/587801656a49635b85949be7/1579912884145-ESGE2YH99L6SIBJRXJLX/BlyFTzWeSfeNldNLND8tTw.jpg Journey to India - Journey to India We attended an arti - an evening prayer ceremony with light and chanting. I do have a video I’ll try to post. It is a powerful chanting ceremony with a fire pit, candles and rice tossing. The arti (pronounced ‘aarti’) is one of the most important and popular ceremonies of the Hindu faith. It is a prayerful ceremony performed in extolled greeting and thanksgiving of the Deities where devotees are reminded of God’s glorious presence and providence. Our trip leaders, having bought students here for a number of years, were invited to participate in the arti one evening. Very cool! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/587801656a49635b85949be7/1580873195225-KJIEX0SUUC1XTNWDTKRN/IMG_3986.jpg Journey to India - Journey to India Just because I loved the color and texture of the bungalow we stayed in and I want to remember it for my future retreat in Mexico https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/587801656a49635b85949be7/1579326513154-0NHT1P7OLSPZKBQMV0SE/SJQAx7tqSXi0zE%25wOrvvoA.jpg Journey to India - Journey to India Bejeweled detail. Three types of stones have been used in the Taj Mahal : (1) Semi-precious stones as Aqiq (agate), Yemeni, Firoza (turquoise), Lajwad (Lapis- lazuli); moonga (coral), Sulaimani (onyx), Lahsunia (cat's eye), Yasheb (jade) and Pitunia (blood stone) which were used for inlaying. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/587801656a49635b85949be7/1579622384468-OMUTMJFSKSJL6WQMQPRL/9O8lJ%25HJSFyjA%257yC7sCAw.jpg Journey to India - Journey to India This is a shop where a friend of Raghu makes cooking utensils from bamboo and wood from other local trees. It’s all in there - tools, supplies, a place to rest and a small burner to make chai and food in a closet sized storefront. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/587801656a49635b85949be7/1580867933588-21EBB8IW5TQFBI3THI3W/913BC6DC-4D09-4A41-9EF0-FAA2FA173480.jpeg Journey to India - Journey to India These beautiful cows provide all the dairy for the retreat. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/587801656a49635b85949be7/1579926590776-PTWQJRGW3Y2WYZDMLNDP/KG654N3GTr6MveaMX5MhMA.jpg Journey to India - Journey to India https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/587801656a49635b85949be7/1579906740300-GI82WNJSWWQQ8M4NAN6X/844gwiY5TpKpiSUTMntIAQ.jpg Journey to India - Journey to India The artisans in Bhaktapur are chosen for their skills to keep the traditional methods alive. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/587801656a49635b85949be7/1579914339545-V82ANO20XAKUXOQGARIW/%2BsamvegcRGeTm28ikQVkSA.jpg Journey to India - Journey to India https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/587801656a49635b85949be7/1579620567348-HACUW88I79WDJBYN1X7Q/31ZSsvfSTUSfGXqgE2W44A.jpg Journey to India - Journey to India Raghu https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/587801656a49635b85949be7/1580513079233-O5UVJYPWNARTOSBJ47LO/oTEPegfHQLqeb%2BC%25bJEZgA.jpg Journey to India - Journey to India This is powdered paint for dying fabric, painting on paper and just about anything you like. I brought home a small collection to inspire some watercolor painting. It’s been years. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/587801656a49635b85949be7/1579831512664-XZ3D2EALXAYORAF6OLR7/mkZJ%2BEoOSeGScFh%25IUHfZg.jpg Journey to India - Journey to India And puppies. The monks had puppies. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/587801656a49635b85949be7/1580512851422-PFFNHXVGFR8CBCUWP0VI/4XsXjtF5QjmPHG5nyzjHLw.jpg Journey to India - Journey to India https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/587801656a49635b85949be7/1580093258798-V5F9KYK06D3GD472KKTF/83020859_2867911819926764_8773589369261916160_o.jpg Journey to India - Journey to India I want to build a yoga retreat like this in Mexico. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/587801656a49635b85949be7/1580512303833-K273399IF2DSZTUQE17B/VQ0H1Lc%2BTj6cXdWpILkbVw.jpg Journey to India - Journey to India These expensive copper pots are for boiling the water for the sacred washing of the body before cremation. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/587801656a49635b85949be7/1579909707417-XUI0EYI08S74R9DW6FQ7/QxrstRqrRE6t%2BTrZlPQdOg.jpg Journey to India - Journey to India https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/587801656a49635b85949be7/1580620418238-PR087AYXGCFIEIETZV19/IMG_9028.jpeg Journey to India - Journey to India Kelly making friends while shopping in Kathmandu https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/587801656a49635b85949be7/1579914611075-LMPV4AWWTDLA87P3CLD4/ldprHSXDQ%2BqXy5yzQGMLQQ.jpg Journey to India - Journey to India https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/587801656a49635b85949be7/1580873315519-C52V4AKF7EMPKA52PLUJ/IMG_3805.jpg Journey to India - Journey to India The retreat from the yoga studio window https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/587801656a49635b85949be7/1580092841413-XWBU7KAC7OWTH31G232O/e%25xM3DJTTuqOOp0OrfT6tQ.jpg Journey to India - Journey to India https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/587801656a49635b85949be7/1579903186509-T4CBWXLZ7Y6Q5H5OGD2I/jasCGh6ITzGRSPadYNmEIA.jpg Journey to India - Journey to India Bhutan prayer wheel. It’s fun to ask for a blessing and spin the wheel. I’m not sure I hit all 108. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/587801656a49635b85949be7/1579925938703-BTOFNB9WSNLNU4KQYI1O/1S3XehMUS7uYIjesv6k6eQ.jpg Journey to India - Journey to India https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/587801656a49635b85949be7/1580620215705-LZPSNNCALE3W7ROU2P6P/IMG_0826.jpeg Journey to India - Journey to India Indu ji teaching class https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/587801656a49635b85949be7/1580863138224-IHXMBGUVPB5GD9CA1BPB/6F583A87-DB03-4BE7-A5C3-414375281D49.jpeg Journey to India - Journey to India Vaidyagrama https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/587801656a49635b85949be7/1579830496681-TWPULRWTUISRPNNEJ5SX/P1000080.JPG Journey to India - Journey to India Color, detail and ritual https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/587801656a49635b85949be7/1579926175308-HFIVS30MQHPW8Y5KE6D1/9DIR0X8sStePAAqPdypeLg.jpg Journey to India - Journey to India Father and son https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/587801656a49635b85949be7/1579830304313-OUE74G93GLYQMCJY6MDS/83320494_2867906103260669_2077843755477499904_o.jpg Journey to India - Journey to India Morning yoga with the Himalayas behind us https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/587801656a49635b85949be7/1579925119446-PTFRADL20VXAFFGZLVTC/ld4MJYF2SIaumffvvXPUIQ.jpg Journey to India - Journey to India The main Ghat in Varanasi https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/587801656a49635b85949be7/1579829627114-5Z2K0HZL5DREDEZSC4RN/gsXntj9ISeOjJwrmcsVEgA.jpg Journey to India - Journey to India The walking path down to the tea factory past the homes of the people who harvest and process the tea. They had beautiful small gardens behind the bamboo fences. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/587801656a49635b85949be7/1579621340394-E8CD55XVU0TSW5KJNQZ4/u6DiXdqNSqeuvEvqA2SkDA.jpg Journey to India - Journey to India The vendors come from outside the city to sell their produce and live on the roof tops. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/587801656a49635b85949be7/1579903084156-QAYRKU6EFKV27YJKSACJ/6i5DCj69QmuzvBywqRbgLA.jpg Journey to India - Journey to India https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/587801656a49635b85949be7/1579913497655-HI7NQT35FJ6HFDDQOJ1X/hpPZtrfeTB6Rla%25OjGE2PA.jpg Journey to India - Journey to India 20 rupee (28 cents) offering baskets with incense. It soothes the soul to send a prayer for love down the Ganga River. Love for all beings. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/587801656a49635b85949be7/1580087893980-HL6E3UORNRZM53D86F4Z/2b02a4be-015a-4072-ac8b-78b65da653dc.jpg Journey to India - Journey to India I had to do the Princess Diana photo. Note all the people who arrived by 8 am. We were on our way out. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/587801656a49635b85949be7/1579907124871-NPAQA3AFM3C9NVZEA1GD/dLyBvemxSZ2MzPSyEthNHA.jpg Journey to India - Journey to India Wakupati Narayan Temple https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/587801656a49635b85949be7/1580092773842-1KPZCLPO8PIY4JCUO83S/jkotTFGsTmSvwiOTP1CgYA.jpg Journey to India - Journey to India The frangipani flowers released their fragrant scent every evening https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/587801656a49635b85949be7/1580874048304-ZTFMWUPHK46CCZ8HF1FQ/IMG_3832.jpg Journey to India - Journey to India At the gate to Sri Ramana Ashram which was home to modern sage and Advaita Vedanta master Ramana Maharshi from 1922 until his death in 1950. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/587801656a49635b85949be7/1579925527866-RMTGJ6DCBXIJE6S027TD/4N0El%2BO1TwSDrHabeU0qtQ.jpg Journey to India - Journey to India Ritual bathing. The women bathe in their sari. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/587801656a49635b85949be7/1579907456776-LYD34WVRA5JNMXBLFNGG/WZQ3Tk7DRvOnWl9EGbUyNQ.jpg Journey to India - Journey to India I love bicycles. There will be a entire entry with just pictures of bicycles, doors, cows and laundry. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/587801656a49635b85949be7/1579925362709-7B93WG7490X23ZMAK4PT/mCKkx23DQ%2B60F%25C9F4sQKA.jpg Journey to India - Journey to India It looked like a small lake near the river in the middle of the city. It’s a place of pilgrimage for Hindus for blessings and healing. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/587801656a49635b85949be7/1579623981925-VU0AM3CB8P40OBZ1N165/image-asset.jpeg Journey to India - Journey to India This is where Gandhi did his evening prayer and where he was assassinated by Nathuram Godse, a Hindu nationalist, who considered Gandhi to have been too accommodating to Muslims during the Partition of India the previous year. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/587801656a49635b85949be7/1579913819721-2YCB254LNX3YIL4F3CXK/nMLw7G%2BFQyyINkcQIW%2BKTw.jpg Journey to India - Journey to India It was so cold the cows hovered over the fires. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/587801656a49635b85949be7/1579925829976-6X0WPCT8E3SR9MLBQWJB/DD%25NnCoRQT%2B%25BcPjEOVN8A.jpg Journey to India - Journey to India On the New Year’s Day party boat our host arranged for us. They also opened their home to us for yoga practice, they fed us lunch on the boat and dinner in their home after the concert. Deobrat explained some cultural things for me. First of all Hindus see guests as a messenger or a blessing from God so they treat them with great care and generosity. I noticed this generosity from strangers on the street as well. We have a lot we need to re-remember here in the west. He also explained to me why so many washrooms are disgusting. It was the work of the untouchables to clean the streets and the washrooms and there is still a hesitance to do such work. This isn’t always the case and although he is a master teacher of the brahmin class he cleans a washroom if it needs it. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/587801656a49635b85949be7/1579926067466-BSRE1MULONQ8IJ1JA3Q0/VgpaRxpfSLCS6wV4wsZWBg.jpg Journey to India - Journey to India The brilliant Prashant Mishra on tabla, Guru ji Pundit Shivnath Mishra and Pundit Deobrat Mishra on sitar https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/587801656a49635b85949be7/1579914475932-EQKYWDAYX68IVXTNO95N/M7blXKnbSk2MW3U0vXxJSA.jpg Journey to India - Journey to India Ravi Shankar. Our music teacher’s father played with him on several occasions. He is in his 7o’s, but when he plays he is 27. I have a video. He is amazing! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/587801656a49635b85949be7/1580619829914-U58GUFU421MEZDHIRJPR/IMG_9681.jpeg Journey to India - Journey to India Hello! My favorite cow shot from Varanasi. Photo credit to Kelly https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/587801656a49635b85949be7/1579924362716-8NQQX81GNLDNAPWAOOSJ/8lzcTW0VQG6J9XL6iJSTlA.jpg Journey to India - Journey to India A foggy morning boat ride on the Ganga. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/587801656a49635b85949be7/1580620470575-ODEMCI4RVGYDDMK96PXA/IMG_8665.jpeg Journey to India - Journey to India It’s really challenging to not engage with the children who are begging, but sadly many aren’t begging for themselves. They are employed and exploited. Raghu showed us how to give without them being exploited. He bought this little girl lunch. He gave the owner of the stall where she was begging enough to cover a nice meal for her. There is always a way to help someone out. photo: Karen Michelle https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/587801656a49635b85949be7/1579621868019-8S2FOIZN31C02ZZJREBW/Y0NGxLGlR1%2B6KjBmC%25Q%2BZg.jpg Journey to India - Journey to India Kaju Katli (cashew sweet with sliver flake) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/587801656a49635b85949be7/1579906862208-EH73TVHBN55BSCO0TPCR/9GSnYSqzQDWk%2BipeR7imMA.jpg Journey to India - Journey to India Wood temples with erotic carvings. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/587801656a49635b85949be7/1579906988132-QQ03RTRHZEBB706EXHG0/3B2%2BlXAsQECOYDAr0FJNGQ.jpg Journey to India - Journey to India https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/587801656a49635b85949be7/1579913190096-W4W5GZLDG3O9WAA3DXCH/PeOKZUPOQpCT7yesopQB7Q.jpg Journey to India - Journey to India A sadhu or holy man. They don’t beg. They live off offerings from others. The fake ones beg - but try to make it seem like they aren’t. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/587801656a49635b85949be7/1580620872379-81SOFX2BLZTUHQ4F5O3U/IMG_0036.jpeg Journey to India - Journey to India https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/587801656a49635b85949be7/1580512676513-D01CCS99FTC832YGWPVU/FCE%25YLkESrqOKu5v%2BMQnCg.jpg Journey to India - Journey to India https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/587801656a49635b85949be7/1580619919794-UFD5GZ9ELH882F08G142/IMG_8530.jpeg Journey to India - Journey to India photo: Karen Michelle https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/587801656a49635b85949be7/1580620182472-TUUZIG7K7LZVETGT6WXT/IMG_0830.jpeg Journey to India - Journey to India Kelly, Maureen and I - first time in a tuk tuk https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/587801656a49635b85949be7/1579903135717-3ORGAAK83ZI8FWKACY6B/iQqDyegXS4C4N%2BBRyf4Pyw.jpg Journey to India - Journey to India You can buy seeds to feed the pigeons near the temple. This is essentially a Hindu and Jain tradition. Some believe it brings good luck, others feed on instructions of their astrologer to counter negative karmas for e.g., “If the Mercury in the horoscope is sitting in an ominous location, then feed birds, grains and water on the verandah of your home or outside your home.” Indians, and seemingly also the Nepalese, believe that birds, animals and human beings – as indeed everything else – are an integral part of divinity. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/587801656a49635b85949be7/1579830005738-BAU1AEGOXHF3LBCU9ZET/P1000073.JPG Journey to India - Journey to India Ralong Palchen Choling is a Buddhist monastery of the Kagyu sect of Tibetan Buddhism in southern Sikkim. According to legend, Ralang was built after the fourth Chogyal came back from his pilgrimage, when the 12th Karmapa performed the Rabney (blessing). He threw grains from his residence in Tsurphu Monastery in Tibet and where the grains fell, eventually, became the site for the Ralang Monastery. It is also a boarding school for boys, boys as young as 5, studying to be monks. They were so lovely - joyful, playful and boyish in nature - playing soccer, hopping on motor scooters, laying out their laundry to dry, playing hide and seek and laughing - lots of laughter. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/587801656a49635b85949be7/1579925899445-7WF8NO4JRV857PTCUNSZ/3o1a4u80Qnikgz35tOjslA.jpg Journey to India - Journey to India Ragini Mishra. A lovely soul with a great laugh. She was the first local to talk to me about empowering women. No surprise here - she is a gentle and powerful woman with an amazing voice. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/587801656a49635b85949be7/1579624463515-XSVIJQQDK2A6HXW1NLDL/LdhNSq24Sk2YDDmiilK%2BXQ.jpg Journey to India - Journey to India https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/587801656a49635b85949be7/1580873257420-7OGOVF62K8Y1D2CRJ1NC/IMG_3571.jpg Journey to India - Journey to India Directly across from the sacred pool of water was the rickshaw parking area. The ancient, the modern, the sacred and images of daily life swirl together in the other worldliness of Varanasi. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/587801656a49635b85949be7/1579910223528-PUIR39U18DM2WDOUP1SK/fullsizeoutput_10e9.jpeg Journey to India - Journey to India Find the monkeys https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/587801656a49635b85949be7/1579912796766-LU6GXXR7DIY1G3VUV69D/ZVONnPkCRQqBw4wjjUI1QQ.jpg Journey to India - Journey to India The breathtaking Ganga (in English Ganges) river. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/587801656a49635b85949be7/1579834664267-E8HEWYVSBNORFLXF6VUT/P1000111.JPG Journey to India - Journey to India 180 degrees of mountains https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/587801656a49635b85949be7/1580092503753-ZTBG7LFTLSOGFB4HCGBW/P1000141.JPG Journey to India - Journey to India https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/587801656a49635b85949be7/1580863573376-TUS3XRI3UGNEZ5BQJLJ6/F95C09A5-9B04-4EEB-ABB7-0F773169B9FB.jpeg Journey to India - Journey to India https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/587801656a49635b85949be7/1579925211531-CBM5YC5H0DK86HJ5AHNZ/16hgQdN2ST%2BzOKzFKJUTAg.jpg Journey to India - Journey to India https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/587801656a49635b85949be7/1579914757752-QT785H1HOZR1FDNKYYMW/fullsizeoutput_10ec.jpeg Journey to India - Journey to India Maharishi Mahesh Yogi’s home He was an Indian guru, known for developing the Transcendental Meditation technique. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/587801656a49635b85949be7/1580510199583-O5FRP2148172SQ00UKFQ/82468493_2867906769927269_8961024435003850752_o.jpg Journey to India - Journey to India Sadhus enjoying a cup of chai https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/587801656a49635b85949be7/1580093115452-T13NRONRLLSKQOUYOB9F/83124759_2867913113259968_7716764163015442432_o.jpg Journey to India - Journey to India https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/587801656a49635b85949be7/1580619957034-NC2I3VDDX2SXTI8TI107/IMG_9730.jpeg Journey to India - Journey to India Graffiti or commissioned? Who knows? There is some great wall art along the ghat https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/587801656a49635b85949be7/1580512612464-MGKYS7QTQ3EVH157Z087/z2nhIAXIQxa4ywHmC7tnmA.jpg Journey to India - Journey to India https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/587801656a49635b85949be7/1580093377750-Z6PRP2JRVZP4CKDX94ID/qv7gvpq1TUmXEIFzywFmXg.jpg Journey to India - Journey to India At the foot of the sacred Arunachala Hill is the vast, ancient Arulmigu Arunachaleswarar Temple, dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva, with intricately carved gopurams (towers). The day we visited must have been another holy day because everyone was beautifully dressed in combinations of red, yellow and orange. The Arunachalesvara temple is one of the Pancha Bhoota Stalams, or five Shiva temples, with each a manifestation of a natural element: land, water, air, sky and fire. In Arunachalesvara temple, Shiva is said to have manifested himself as a massive column of fire, whose crown and feet could not be found by the Hindu gods, Brahma and Vishnu. The main lingam in the shrine is referred as Agni Lingam, and represents duty, virtue, self-sacrifice and liberation through ascetic life at the end of the Agni kalpa. Brahma Aathara Stala are Shiva temples which are considered to be personifications of the Tantric chakras of human anatomy. The Arunachalesvara temple is called the Manipooraga stalam, and is associated with the Manipooraga chakra. Manipooraga is the chakra associated with the solar plexus. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/587801656a49635b85949be7/1579624402435-2556OYOSZY4PLNMTFQHY/QO6zllOFSv6YOKZLL2gXqg.jpg Journey to India - Journey to India There is something powerful about a person’s shoes and glasses. I took a picture of his glasses as well, but I can’t find it… https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/587801656a49635b85949be7/1579925651011-FDTQ7015QTQLEJS40VHW/oWUTvdj%25RmOrAb%2B31D7%2B%25w.jpg Journey to India - Journey to India NYC streets do not even come close. I can handle a crowd, but with a few rickshaws and tuk tuks I was overwhelmed. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/587801656a49635b85949be7/1579902863198-AU7UO6F141TCF6WUR3HO/fullsizeoutput_10e8.jpeg Journey to India - Journey to India I lit a candle here in memory of my mother who died 6 weeks before my departure. Each time I had one of these moments I felt her love. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/587801656a49635b85949be7/1579903250681-P7LR5RFI0T5XSETXZ0UH/gwaF0mriT1SnLxtZgXgkbQ.jpg Journey to India - Journey to India https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/587801656a49635b85949be7/1579621772660-OOJRVOVD4MG64MQN3ODR/U7471aJlQz2YfyPCtVp8vA.jpg Journey to India - Journey to India Samosa https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/587801656a49635b85949be7/1579830172641-LLC6NBOAEFTYIBIFI5DY/P1000081.JPG Journey to India - Journey to India The monks leave a prayer robe where they will sit for prayer and mediation. They kinda reminded me of the sorting hats. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/587801656a49635b85949be7/1580092338732-DHKRVS3YORNRC766V9B3/IMG_8548.JPG Journey to India - Journey to India Saraswati Vasudevan https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/587801656a49635b85949be7/1580512551499-46JV9786P6LQCD1M1QC4/5OeezoXGQuyFp99R2Xfaow.jpg Journey to India - Journey to India https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/587801656a49635b85949be7/1579924127157-HGICMZ5AEGH6RFM38WYV/iyzZ76U8QDuimCqXKReePQ.jpg Journey to India - Journey to India On the banks of the Ganga there is a well filled with river water where a woman can go to be blessed for a child. It is dark and very foreboding. It is also still used for fertility rituals. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/587801656a49635b85949be7/1580866314511-FF60Z0JHMG4J4KR331DL/A9D75500-08BC-489F-9B82-289D4A8C38A2.jpeg Journey to India - Journey to India Laundry line in the sitting room. It worked. It was so warm most things dried in a few hours - especially the light weight Indian towels. They are like cheesecloth. At first I thought “Huh?” but they work - really well. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/587801656a49635b85949be7/1580866173222-FU3ZU69IV86UV0C8BFGG/Room+Vaidyagrama.jpg Journey to India - Journey to India One of us got this lovely bed and the other got a kid’s trundle. Guess who? I asked for a proper bed, but that never happened. 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