Rishikesh, the yoga capital of the world, draws many westerner and Indian spiritual seekers... Its a place many come to study; practice meditation; enjoy satsang with a Guru; sing Kirtan and relax on sandy beaches by the Ganga. Its a relatively easy place to travel and be. Though many store owners want for you to come inside and shop, and there are a few on the streets selling this or that... there is little in the way of feeling hassled. Most speak good English, and are very polite. Its not too crowded and its easy to find a quiet place along the Ganga to sit alone without being disturbed. Cows roam the streets languorously, and the even the dogs look decently fed and cared for. Decently... There is often joyful music coming from this or that ashram, and around sundown the occasional parade of singing and dancing. The energy is easy-going and open, and most who come find it a nice reprieve from other "more intense"places in India. There has not been much to write as far a this blog goes, as we have spent most of our time relaxing; chatting with locals or fellow travelers; watching the sunset and enjoying the daily cups of chai. We have enjoyed this place as a gentle landing pad for our introduction to India... and now we feel its time to venture out into the Heart of this sacred place and truly "meet" India Ma. In a few hours we catch a midnight train to Varanassi... Reportedly, the most intense and Holy place in India...
It is said, that if you go to Varanassi to die, and your body is put in the Ganga River.. that all your sins will be forgiven and that your cycles of birth and death will end. As you can imagine, hoards of people then come to this sacred city, hoping to end Samsara. Varanssi is said to have "everything and anything you can imagine." Its intensity lies in many levels and realms... people from all over coming in their last stages of life... and their bodies, burned in the middle of the town in front of all and then put into the Ganga.
I feel deeply compelled to see and feel this powerful place....
This journey through India, through the Heart, through the Self, continues...
It is said, that if you go to Varanassi to die, and your body is put in the Ganga River.. that all your sins will be forgiven and that your cycles of birth and death will end. As you can imagine, hoards of people then come to this sacred city, hoping to end Samsara. Varanssi is said to have "everything and anything you can imagine." Its intensity lies in many levels and realms... people from all over coming in their last stages of life... and their bodies, burned in the middle of the town in front of all and then put into the Ganga.
I feel deeply compelled to see and feel this powerful place....
This journey through India, through the Heart, through the Self, continues...
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