We are now at Varanasi after an overnight train ride from Agra. The heat is intensifying, and we are becoming used to constantly sweating in our clothes. Some of us picked up some cheap India clothing, which helps with both the heat and covering from mosquitoes, but as it was cheap I already need to pick up some new pants.
The poverty here was expected, but I don't think any of us were prepared for it when it hit us. There are people sleeping on streets, starving dogs roaming the streets, and children swarming you in hope you will give them something. Small change is hard to come by, so we often try giving what food we have. Those who work beckon for you to come into their shop, or follow you for some time trying to sell you something. While it can be too much sometimes, I completely understand. Their livelihood depends on bringing tourists into their stores to purchase souvenirs. They seem to barely scrape by. Meanwhile, there is a lack of sanitation that causes much trash to litter the countryside and cities.
It has generated many thoughts about the condition of the poor in India, and hopes that one day they will be able to eek out a better living.
Despite the poverty, these are some of the happiest and most likable people I have ever met.
A religion which I was only vaguely aware of before now interests me much more than before. We visited the Lotus Temple of the Baha'i faith. While inside, there was a mandatory silence only broken by children who wouldn't know any better. This was a very enjoyable moment, as it gave me a nice area to meditate without the hustle and bustle of the city. After leaving the temple, we went to their museum, which had for sale their "Most Holy Book" by their founder, Baha'ullah, which I picked up a copy of. Their religion rests on principles of peace, equality, and justice, and came across as similar to Unitarian Universalism. They had these wonderful banners with humanistic quotes from most of the major religions, including their own.
Now I am off to check out what this city has that could enhance my spiritual experience.
The poverty here was expected, but I don't think any of us were prepared for it when it hit us. There are people sleeping on streets, starving dogs roaming the streets, and children swarming you in hope you will give them something. Small change is hard to come by, so we often try giving what food we have. Those who work beckon for you to come into their shop, or follow you for some time trying to sell you something. While it can be too much sometimes, I completely understand. Their livelihood depends on bringing tourists into their stores to purchase souvenirs. They seem to barely scrape by. Meanwhile, there is a lack of sanitation that causes much trash to litter the countryside and cities.
It has generated many thoughts about the condition of the poor in India, and hopes that one day they will be able to eek out a better living.
Despite the poverty, these are some of the happiest and most likable people I have ever met.
A religion which I was only vaguely aware of before now interests me much more than before. We visited the Lotus Temple of the Baha'i faith. While inside, there was a mandatory silence only broken by children who wouldn't know any better. This was a very enjoyable moment, as it gave me a nice area to meditate without the hustle and bustle of the city. After leaving the temple, we went to their museum, which had for sale their "Most Holy Book" by their founder, Baha'ullah, which I picked up a copy of. Their religion rests on principles of peace, equality, and justice, and came across as similar to Unitarian Universalism. They had these wonderful banners with humanistic quotes from most of the major religions, including their own.
Now I am off to check out what this city has that could enhance my spiritual experience.
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