Follow the Journey

We are now in the city of Varanasi, or as the locals called it Banaras. Just a short walk from the Ganges, we’ve thoroughly enjoyed all this river symbolizes to the Hindustani people. I’ve watched as they pray to her, bathe in her, drift upon her surface, perform rituals in the ghats that line her shores, and sadly, also defecate on and litter the beaches, contaminating the waters to a point where we cannot safely enter these waters so many claim to be holy.
The whole group is now back together, everyone is healthier and we are all happier, now that we are reunited. Last night all eight of us took a night boat ride on the Ganga. As we embarked in intentional silence, we all contemplate the river and our connection to a higher power. We all held a candle, surrounded by flowers in a leaf bowl. As all the candles were lit from one flame a quote from the Buddah came to mind. “A million lights can be lit from one single flame, and the light from the original will not be lessened.”
We set personal intentions and proceeded to let the illuminated offerings float out on the dark waters of the Ganga. It was a beautiful sight and spiritual experience.
As our days here in Banaras continue, we will continue to immerse ourselves in volunteer work, Hindi lessons, and the internships of our choosing.
Stone Carving, Henna tattooing, fire poi spinning, Indian music lessons, and Ayurvedic Medicine our the ones our group have individually chosen. It’s exciting to be learning these unique cultural practices. I’m sure these are talents we will carry with us and share along our life paths. As our days left here in Banaras begin to dwindle, I am continually thrilled to explore the streets and ghats, converse with locals, eat the delicious food that is offered here, and to be continually humbled by the lives all around me.