Namaste everyone!
Sadly, we had to say goodbye to Varanasi yesterday. Our last few days in Varanasi flew by, and after our amazing Diwali celebration we truly embraced the beautiful city: afternoons full of sunset walks on the Ghats, visits to yummy cafes in town (indulging ourselves with Americanised sweets and drinks-so delicious!!!!), continuations of our many previous classes, talks about Hindu beliefs and history, body type tests at a local Ayurvedic center, and for Nate, Theresa and Stephanie – spending time with their home stay families. After Alexa got her test, she found she was Vata-Pita, which means she is basically crazy :), and only has elements of fire and air to make up her essence – no earth, no water – girllllll needs some stability. After explaining the results, the man gives you a packet explaining your body type, and what foods can make you more balanced with all elements, and what foods to stay away from. Later that afternoon, Alexa made her way to Open Hand cafe with Stephanie and Ellen. Half way through her “Black is Beautiful” shake, she realized something. Her shake, a frozen mocha with warm brownie chunks, chocolate ice cream and chocolate syrup, was comprised of everything the Ayurvedic man had told her stay away from. Chocolate, Coffee, and Ice cream. “So worth it”- says Alexa. Hopefully her quest for balance will be a little more successful by the end of this trip. Conversely, John took the test and really took it to heart. He ended up taking extra classes about Ayurveda and truly enjoying learning the lessons of eastern medicine. All in all, Varanasi was a beautiful city full of so many opportunities, but the journey must continue!
We are now in Bodhgaya, the home of the Bodhi tree (the place where Buddha found enlightenment)! We arrived yesterday afternoon after a three hour train ride and a short jeep ride from Gaya to Bodhgaya. Last night we settled in at Root Institute, had dinner, and then made our way to find enlightenment! Hahaha, no really. We sat under the Bodhi tree, where Buddha himself found enlightenment! All around us were Buddhists, chanting, meditating, and just embracing the peaceful energy of the Mahabodhi Temple. Truly incredible. This morning, many members of the group chose to attend a wonderful guided meditation session, while others went for a jog through the rustic Bodhgayan villages. Some decided to enjoy a lovely slumber in our comfy bunk beds. Alexa and Nate got lost on their run and had to take a rickshaw back. Quite the adventure. After a plentiful breakfast of porridge and apples, and some well-needed showers (with a real shower head!), we made our way back to the Bodhi tree for a relaxing morning or meditation and journaling, and then made our way to lunch! We went to Mohammad Restaurant, which specializes in delicious Tibetan Cuisine. We all missed Daramasala’s yummy Tibetan cafes, so it was nice to have our Thenthuk and momos again! Our short stay here in Bodhgaya ends very soon. Tonight we get on the train, and make our way to Calcutta!!!! The peaceful Buddhist atmostphere will surely be nice before the intensity of being in Calcutta and volunteering at the Mother Theresa House. But with all its chaos, it is sure to be a life changing experience that we are all looking forward to.
Happy Halloween!!!!!!!! Eat enough candy for all of us here in India!
We are leaving you with one of the many John-isms:
“India is like a mountain….the farther you go…..the better the view.”
– The lovely John O’Connor
Much love,
Stephanie and Alexa