Traveler's Log: Days 25-28

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After being in India for nearly a month, I think what impressed me the most about being here has been how elaborate the temples are. I knew quite a bit about Hinduism before I came, but I had no idea how creative the religion actually is. I guess it's something you have to experience rather than just read about, kind of like how the Taj Mahal was a couple weeks ago. Last weekend, I was finally able to go to the temple near where I've been staying and it felt like a much more genuine experience than the two I visited during my trip. If you haven't read about my experience seeing them, you can do so here. Oh, also I was able to take pictures in this temple!

 The first thing I noticed about this temple was how much more genuine it appeared. Whereas the temple's in Delhi seemed somewhat flashy as if they are meant to attract tourists--let's face it, they most likely are-- this temple appeared like it was actually intended for worship. Even the people around seemed like they were there to worship, not just to gawk at the gold inside; although there were still a number of people inside who took pictures in addition to myself.

 After taking my shoes off and entering the temple, I was immediately surrounded by the scent of incense. I could tell that the genuineness I observed on the inside was indeed the same on the inside. The rituals were fairly similar to the ones I had experienced a couple weeks ago except the people in this temple felt more energetic, more appreciative to be there. People were singing and clapping and seemingly really enjoying themselves; in fact, their energy was contagious. Despite not really understanding every aspect of the service, I became entirely engrossed in the moment. It was surreal.

 The idols and music were pretty much the same as in the other temples, only since this was an Iskcon temple, there were only idols of Krishna. I circled the room stopping at each of the three idols. At one of them one of the priests threw a rather large amount of water on everyone. After I walked around the temple 
,which was significantly smaller than the others, I actually was able to talk to one of the pujais. This was actually the only genuine conversation I had with someone other than my friends family while here.

 While talking to him, I again felt a strong sense of genuineness. I was actually able to understand him pretty well too. I think it was because I'm finally being able to understand the Indian English dialect. At first, not being able to was one of the biggest frustrations I had, but after being here for almost a month I'm able to understand about 90% of it. Even if you are speaking your native language with someone who also speaks it there are always going to be times when you don't understand what is said. The trick is to be an intent listener and not to be afraid to ask someone to repeat themselves. I've probably done that more here than I ever have!

 Anyway, the rest of the week has been typical. I watched a couple more Bollywood movies and went out to eat a couple times. I really like Bollywood movies because they're both entertaining and informative. Of course, just like in Hollywood, their depictions of things are not always accurate, but you can still learn quite a bit about the culture by watching them. Also, my friend's mother gave me a fairly large stack of books including the Gita and other books on spirituality and Hinduism. I'm going to start reading when I get back, which is actually a day later than I anticipated. This means my last traveler's log will not be posted until Sunday by 8pm.

 It really has been a great experience here and I wish could spend more time exploring and emerging myself in the culture, but unfortunately, I have other obligations I must attend to. Initially I had thought a month would be an ample amount of time to experience India, but now that the month is nearly over, I realize that I was only able to experience a fraction of what is offered here. I guess that's what return trips are for!

 Ryan M. Shea, English Proficiency Specialist 

    

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