Rishikesh
This morning began with a brisk walk down to the Ganga River. I dressed warm and that was good. We are after all in the foothills of the Himalayas. I did not know what to expect. When the river came into view I was startled to see how wide it is, and how green. We spent about thirty minutes in meditation and then walked back to our hotel with a stop for chi along the way. My friend the bull made eyes at me for a good five minutes. It was as if he were trying to connect, so naturally I stared back at him. He never dropped his gaze.
Walk to the Ganga River this morning complete with staring contest.
Strolling the streets of Rishikesh you encounter many Sadhu, or holy people. These are people that have renounced the worldly life and have taken a vow to live the rest of this life between the world that we inhabit and the next world to come, the spiritual world. They are easily recognized because they wear orange gowns. Orange is an important color in Hinduism. It is considered a spiritual color. The Sadhu do not beg. They live on whatever dharma may provide. Their life is one of strict intention. That is how they grow in spirit. Not far from our walk there is a Sadhu that has been living in a cave for the last 20 years. When it is time for a Sadhu to pass this world, they will prepare for their last breath, typically seating themselves in a prayerful repose. In India most people are cremated after passing. The Sadhu are taken in by followers who perform special rites then give the body to the Ganga (Ganges) River so that it can nourish the world. What’s left of the physical body at this point has no meaning because the spirit has passed on to the next world already.
Our walk took us through streets full of shops, street vendors, and of course amazing views of the Ganga. We had lunch in a beautiful cafe overlooking the river.
Me with my new friends. Beautiful view of the Ganges River. Street Chi (yes, the cow is in line). Hanuman seated in a cave.
