We are constantly given advice. Billboards. Grafitti. Influencers. Friends. Professors. The advice may be catchy; the advice may be dated. I ask a number of individuals in India their advice. Since I will be organizing a "Year of India” upon my return to the States, I decide to ask all sorts of folks what they …
856. Relying upon Hosts, Drivers, and Guides
I’m exhausted. It has been a long series of connecting flights to Delhi. The passport and baggage claim goes smoothly, but lengthy. The driver gets me to my BnB without any difficulties. Then, after paying him, I realize that I don’t have any rupees left. Not good. Pravin, my BnB host, comes to the rescue. …
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855. Seeing Slices of India
As a visual person, I love photographing people and places. The world is so interesting! I am acutely aware that I don’t see much beyond the lens of my camera. As I revisit my photos, I uncover two groupings that stand out. Men. Animals. Of course, there are so many other people and places that …
854. Dava’s Walking Tour of Mumbai’s Dharavi Slums
I want to see Mumbai’s Dharavi slum. Reportedly the largest in Asia. Knowing that I’m not going to walk through Dharavi alone, I joined Dava’s walking tour. My last Indian walking tour. Early that morning, five of us meet Dava. As he introduces himself, we all realize that this will be an interesting guide. Dava …
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853. Moving Around and About: Modes of Journey in India
Moving around and about India isn't for the faint of heart. I walk, ride a rickshaw, hire a taxi, make arrangements for a private vehicle and driver, jump on a bus, navigate a subway system, reserve seats on trains, and fly on AirIndia. I have my limitations though. I'm not carried by porters on a …
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852. Hindu Pilgrims and Pilgrimages
I see pilgrims from Haridwar in the north, to Rameswaram in the south, from Kolkata in the east to Mumbai in the west. I ask myself: What to make of all these Hindu pilgrims and pilgrimages? There is the classic question: “What is more valuable, the journey or the destination?” In classic Hindu fashion, I’ll …
851. Bede Griffiths and Saccidananda Ashram
One of my goals is to extend the range of my understanding India's religious diversity, both within major religious communities as well as between religious communities. Becoming familiar with Bede Griffiths and his Christian ashram accomplishes one of these goals. Spending a full day and night at the Saccidananda Ashram allowed me to talk with …
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850. Evidence of Christian Communities in South India
If a person has no familiarity with India, then that person might be surprised at the range of Christian communities in south India. One morning, Annamalai drives me to St. Thomas Christian sites. Here is a quiz: How many, and where, do some Christians believe the Apostles' relics exist? The answer is three. The sites …
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849. Pilgrims Everywhere: More Hindu Temples
To repeat myself from the previous blog. What does one do in Tamil Nadu? One visits temples! Not just me. I see young individuals, middle age individuals, and elderly individuals. I see single people, family groups, and large pilgrim groups. I see them early in the morning, midday, and late afternoon. I'm also sure that …
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848. Everywhere! So Many Hindu Temples
During our 1990 seminar’s three-week stay in Tamil Nadu, I am eager to return. So much to see! With the help of Annamalai, my driver, I want to view some historic temples in particular. Driver Tamil Nadu Annamalai A few observations first from a non-Hindu. What are temples? Why do I see thousands converge on …
Journeys: Explorations in Body, Mind, and Spirit 