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 …
Continue reading 854. Dava’s Walking Tour of Mumbai’s Dharavi Slums
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 …
Continue reading 853. Moving Around and About: Modes of Journey in India
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 …
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 …
Continue reading 851. Bede Griffiths and Saccidananda Ashram
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 …
Continue reading 850. Evidence of Christian Communities in South India
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 …
Continue reading 849. Pilgrims Everywhere: More 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 …
Queen Victoria Memorial Like Delhi and Madras, Kolkata shows its colonial past. Whether walking or using a taxi, any person will see the buildings of the British “Capital of the Raj.” From 1772 until 1911, the city served as the administrative, commercial, and cultural center of the colonial India. Some even referred to it as …
Mother House Doorway A question: who is Anjezë Gonxhe Bojaxhiu? Here is another clue: she is born on August 26, 1910. If you guess Mother Teresa, then you are correct. Although I have visited Mother Teresa's Mother House, and talked with her briefly, I want to return to the "Mother House." A few brief notes …
My 1990 visit to Kolkata occurs during a monsoon. Carl and I had to almost swim to get from one place to another. Not a great time to get around! This visit, no monsoon! As I want to see and learn about Kolkata, I figure what better way than with a tour! Rikwick is my …
Journeys: Explorations in Body, Mind, and Spirit 