Now that I've returned to the US, I may occasionally post things I wrote while in India or about India. This is called, "Emptiness was my favorite."
Annata, or non-self, is what the Buddha taught in regards to existence. Whereas Hinduism affirms the existence of a soul, or Atman, Buddhism's concept of emptiness asserts there is no such thing (this was according to the teacher I studied under, as I read more on this I see it is much more complex than this). According to the Buddha, nothing exists inherently, therefore everything is inherently empty. This concept is suggested by the theory of “dependent arising,” which explains that, a) there is an object, but it does not exist from its own side, b) the object exists in dependence of its parts, and c), the label we give to the object is just a label, and because we label it, we give it meaning. In this case, the “object” in reference can be either a physical object such as a cup or a table, or the concept of the “I." In the case of Buddhism, the label of “I” is often confused with the characteristics and functions of consciousness. In this instance, stories can be made up about this supposed, “I,” compounding the belief that the “I” is some separate entity. Belief in this separate “I” is what Buddhism considers to be the primary cause of suffering.
The Introduction to Buddhism course was the most engaging experience I had while in India, primarily because it challenged me to step outside of my beliefs and examine them. I came to India seeking “god (for lack of a better means of communication---words aren't ideal).” I did this through studying meditation, yoga, and the philosophies encompassing their practices. Without realizing it, my search had taken place while superimposing the concept of the personal, authoritative, and separate-from-me god from my childhood, upon the yogic views of oneness. It was as if this quest was no different than shopping for a wedding dress or looking for a graduate school. My old ego remained fixed as I sought out ways to clothe it in a new image or find a new title to leave India with. In a rather unceremonious way, the Buddhist concepts of annata and emptiness killed god for me. The inner paradigm shift that occurred due to the death of god, was paradoxically what brought me to god. Or, at least, it allowed for my illusory projection of “the idea of god” to drop so that I might be able to experience __________ (I don't know how to describe it).
Even if there is a god, I feel more likely to encounter it (?), now that I am more open and free from my pre-established notions of what it is. And by "more open and free from" I mean, it is an ever-changing process.
Sunday, May 22, 2011
Monday, April 18, 2011
seren'dipitously small world
Not much time for blogging, but I had to write this funny small-world story:
In an internet cafe in northern India, I met the guy who had my Ithaca phone number before me. It turns out, he also teaches at the yoga studio I taught at (in Ithaca), and such, and such.
When I first got my phone number (607.229.4228) two years ago, I kept getting texts from people I don't know, "Hey man, what's up." I would respond by informing them "this phone number has switched owners." Once, one person texted me back, rather sociably, "you'd love Jaya, he moved out to Lost Valley in Oregon, here is his email address." I thought it was strange to receive information like that over a text message, especially since my last experience with calls for previous-phone-number-owners (my Olympia number) were creditors calling to collect a debt (Joyce, whoever she is, must have owed quite a bit of money).
Anyway, at an internet cafe in McLeod Ganj, I overheard someone next to me say, "Ithaca," so I started up a conversation with him. It turns out, his phone number was 607.229.4228 before my phone number was 607.229.4228. I love this small world.
I no longer have this phone number, but may whoever has taken it now be happy and well!
Future blog entries:
I hope to write about yoga in the "world capitol of yoga," Rishikesh, my time in McLeod Ganj, and such. For now, I busily wrap up my time in India and am really grateful for my time here.
In an internet cafe in northern India, I met the guy who had my Ithaca phone number before me. It turns out, he also teaches at the yoga studio I taught at (in Ithaca), and such, and such.
When I first got my phone number (607.229.4228) two years ago, I kept getting texts from people I don't know, "Hey man, what's up." I would respond by informing them "this phone number has switched owners." Once, one person texted me back, rather sociably, "you'd love Jaya, he moved out to Lost Valley in Oregon, here is his email address." I thought it was strange to receive information like that over a text message, especially since my last experience with calls for previous-phone-number-owners (my Olympia number) were creditors calling to collect a debt (Joyce, whoever she is, must have owed quite a bit of money).
Anyway, at an internet cafe in McLeod Ganj, I overheard someone next to me say, "Ithaca," so I started up a conversation with him. It turns out, his phone number was 607.229.4228 before my phone number was 607.229.4228. I love this small world.
I no longer have this phone number, but may whoever has taken it now be happy and well!
Future blog entries:
I hope to write about yoga in the "world capitol of yoga," Rishikesh, my time in McLeod Ganj, and such. For now, I busily wrap up my time in India and am really grateful for my time here.
Monday, April 4, 2011
Varanasi
(pre-blog note: I wish there was more time for this blog, as it is a nice way to journal. Sadly, there isn't more time. Hopefully these fragmented bits will get filled in later). --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Varanasi tugs at my heart like no other place in India. It was for this reason I ended up there three times (twice in passing and once as a destination point, a month later). Varanasi (also known as Kashi and Benares) is the place where Hindus bring the bodies of their deceased to be cremated, and these cremations take place along the ghats (steps or landing to the river). Being so close to death is really powerful, I can't explain it. My mind becomes quiet and my own body less important. Apparently, around 300 cremations take place on the river daily, each body placed in its own fire embedded within a stack of logs. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------The Ganges river is seen by Hindus as a goddess, and many people come to bathe in the river daily, cleansing them of all impurities. The deep respect for the river is also expressed with chanting, puja, and other ceremonies that have been practiced for thousands of years. It is quite sad that the holiest of rivers is also the most polluted-- the Varanasi portion of the Ganges has a fecal coliform count of thousands to millions of times over safe levels. 90% of the pollution in the river is caused by the fact that the sewage from the city goes directly into the river. I visited the Sankat Mochan Foundation, an organization working to create a filtration system that uses a combination of science and algae to filter out contaminants, rendering the water suitable for fertilizer, etc.. More to come on this later when I have more time to write. The people of the organization are persistent (as the Govt. of India has been very slow to respond), passionate, and hard-working. Also, they are very appreciative of curious visitors. Again, more on this later. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------I now write from McLeod Ganj where I am about to enter ten days of silence for a meditation retreat. 
Beautiful Water Buffalo
Varanasi from the Ghats
Swimming water buffalo
The boats at night
Beautiful Water Buffalo 
Varanasi from the Ghats 
Swimming water buffalo 
The boats at night Sunday, March 13, 2011
Hi from Flower Garden Ashram
I`ve spent much more time on the meditation cushion than online these past three months, and this blog has gotten quite neglected. Also, I`ve forgotten my camera cord and can`t download pictures (yet), so haven`t felt as inspired to post.
I`ve just spent the past twenty days at Swami Rama Sadhaka Grama in Rishikesh for a Yoga Nidra Workshop and Conference. My mind is swirling in all sorts of lovely directions and have been exposed to some research that has been done on meditation, yoga nidra, and yoga. The brain research (seeing what brainwaves correlate with different states of meditation) is particularly interesting, because it is an attempt to quantify subjective experience. How do we do that? Because of this, while discussing the topic it makes most sense to step out of the realm of science and move into philosophical tangents, which makes it good fun!
This Ashram is the most beautiful (in terms of crisp and clean) place I`ve been in India. More than twenty kinds of flowers grace the pathways and the brick cottages are very quaint. The Himalayas are a nice backdrop and are generally very visible on even cloudy days.
Next up: One week of finishing writing about everything I`ve done in the past three months, and then up to McLeod Ganj for a Buddhist meditation retreat. After this one, I am vetoing anything intensive and-or retreatlike, unless it has to do with dancing or climbing mountains. All these hours of meditation have left me quite restless, which is a good thing to observe, but, I am nearly done observing the restlessness and am ready to move! Happy to say I`ll be spending the month of April traveling and hopefully getting connected with projects outside of the realm of strict sitting meditation (environmental organizations). Yay!
As far as the yoga goes, it is quite strange that I came here for yoga and haven`t spent much time with formal instruction on the mat. Instead, I`ve studied grazed over yogic philosophy, vedantic texts and rituals, and things yoga related, but perhaps it is time to also explore some asana (moving and yoga postures). Rishikesh is either a really good place to do that, or a really bad place to do that (depending on your views on the westernization of yoga and authenticity of yoga), so maybe I`ll come back here?
I`ve just spent the past twenty days at Swami Rama Sadhaka Grama in Rishikesh for a Yoga Nidra Workshop and Conference. My mind is swirling in all sorts of lovely directions and have been exposed to some research that has been done on meditation, yoga nidra, and yoga. The brain research (seeing what brainwaves correlate with different states of meditation) is particularly interesting, because it is an attempt to quantify subjective experience. How do we do that? Because of this, while discussing the topic it makes most sense to step out of the realm of science and move into philosophical tangents, which makes it good fun!
This Ashram is the most beautiful (in terms of crisp and clean) place I`ve been in India. More than twenty kinds of flowers grace the pathways and the brick cottages are very quaint. The Himalayas are a nice backdrop and are generally very visible on even cloudy days.
Next up: One week of finishing writing about everything I`ve done in the past three months, and then up to McLeod Ganj for a Buddhist meditation retreat. After this one, I am vetoing anything intensive and-or retreatlike, unless it has to do with dancing or climbing mountains. All these hours of meditation have left me quite restless, which is a good thing to observe, but, I am nearly done observing the restlessness and am ready to move! Happy to say I`ll be spending the month of April traveling and hopefully getting connected with projects outside of the realm of strict sitting meditation (environmental organizations). Yay!
As far as the yoga goes, it is quite strange that I came here for yoga and haven`t spent much time with formal instruction on the mat. Instead, I`ve studied grazed over yogic philosophy, vedantic texts and rituals, and things yoga related, but perhaps it is time to also explore some asana (moving and yoga postures). Rishikesh is either a really good place to do that, or a really bad place to do that (depending on your views on the westernization of yoga and authenticity of yoga), so maybe I`ll come back here?
Sunday, January 9, 2011
First India Post
Reading about India is very different than physically being here! All of my habits, and methods of communicating and interacting with the world have been challenged. For example, when a person nods their head 'yes' in India, it is somewhat similar to the 'no' we use in the US and other parts of the world, but with more of a ear-to-shoulder motion than back-and-forth. Without knowing Tamil or Hindi (or any of the other many languages of India), I am able to to communicate since many people do speak English. However, there have been many misunderstandings (e.g: suddenly I have been brought coffee when I didn't ask for any), and there is a lot to pay attention to! These little differences have been where much of my attention has gone, as I want to make sure I am interacting in a way that is appropriate.
A list of things I've seen/experienced so far (maybe to expand on later):
-crazy traffic.. Rickshaws, buses, cars, bicycles, and pedestrians all share the road. The few stoplights I've seen in Chennai have been sort-of dictating when people go and stop, however, it appears to be kind of a free-for-all. Basically, drivers just GO. They swerve around traffic, pedestrians, and honk before and while doing so. (honking, yes, lots of honking..). There are rules to this, and perhaps closer observation will let me learn them. Also... as a pedestrian it is my job to watch out for cars, rather than the reverse. Remember the Atari game, Frogger?
-cows in the street. Holy cows! I've seen them more in Tiruvannamalai (smaller city) then Chennai (big city), but they as well as their cow pies are everywhere. Also, traffic stops for cows but not so much for pedestrians.
-Women in beautiful saris. So many colors! Most everyone I saw on the street in Chennai (men included) had perfectly neat and clean attire. This must be a challenge, because the streets are so dusty. I haven't been able to keep my own clothing impeccably clean.
-A funeral procession in the streets of Chennai. The mans body was partially covered with white linens and flowers. I actually can't recall much because I figured it was more respectful not to stare. Also, I have smelled the smell of burning bodies, as a cremation was happening as we rode by in a rickshaw.
-Delicious, spicy food. It is amazing! True confession, however.. On the third day I bought the only remotely western thing on the menu: cornflakes with banana and milk. My digestion was a little overwhelmed. At the Ashram, we eat on palm leaves with our right hand (the left hand should never be used for eating).
-Squat toilets with a hose and/or bucket next to them (no toilet paper). Thank goodness for all that practice wilderness camping. This is sort of a non-issue mostly, as long as I remember to bring some tp. I'm not ready to convert.
-Bare feet. All temples and some stores require you to remove your shoes. It is important to bring a couple pair of cheap flip-flops to India, as $100 chaco sandals might look very tempting to someone interested in swiping a pair of shoes.
-Trash on the streets, in rivers, everywhere. Plastic packaging displayed before our eyes rather than being swept away by magic garbage trucks and forgotten about.
-Schoolchildren in uniforms hanging onto the outside of buses.
-People peeing on the sidewalks. All the time. See it every day, multiple times per day. Of course, they politely turn away from traffic.
-Cell phones and cell phone stores. Apparently, there are more cell phones than public restrooms in India. For safety reasons, I bought a pay-as-you-go phone (just for local calls), as STD (phone) booths are becoming less common. The phone cost me $20, and it is about ten dollars for an hour and a half of talking time, I think (still figuring this one out... the guy who sold me the phone spoke some English, but I wasn't able to communicate all of my questions and get answers).
-Posters of Tamil actor Vijayakanth. At least on the ride to Tiru from Chennai, he was everywhere! Huge posters with streamers, billboards, and paintings of him on bridges lined the streets.
-People asking for money. This is the heartbreaking and confusing aspect of traveling to a country where so much of its inhabitants live in poverty. I read that 25% of the country lives on less than 20 rupees, or half of a US dollar, per day. In all that I've read and discussed with fellow India travelers, giving money to someone on the streets will often result in swarms of people following you, asking for money. It is better to do it when in a not-so-public place or not at all. The reality of the situation is that I am extremely wealthy in comparison to much of the world. Although I'd rather travel a country like India (rather than go somewhere comfortable and sheltered from this reality), it sometimes feels awkward, but in a very necessary way. Perhaps it was time to be reminded of my privilege. Many things to contemplate.
-Also part of the wealthy westerner/not-so-wealthy Indian dynamic are the many safety issues to watch out for as a traveler. There are many details to think about, all of which I am paying very close attention to as I will be traveling alone for part of my journey. It will be a very empowering and important experience for me.
Right now, it is very difficult for me to keep my eyes down, not say hello to strangers, remember to keep my distance (from men, especially) and feel that I am interacting in an authentic way. I know that I will meet people and connect (I already have), but that I can't connect with everyone, especially not in the ways I am accustomed to. I find that I actually have to ignore people, lots of people. As I walk the half mile to the ashram every day I am approached, shouted at, or honked at by at least five different people, many asking for money.
I feel like I have grown up in a cheesy and overly happy childrens sing-a-long video (think: Barney and Friends), and India is like watching a documentary about some of the harsh realities that exist outside of that bubble. In this metaphor, I am specifically referring to the people (many who are missing limbs) begging for food. Although the reality I want to create does involve happy songs and rainbows and such, it is important not to ignore other realities. This is important. I don't know why I was born into a life of comfort and ease (at least, materially) when others have little access to precious resources like food and water. The only thing that I am sure of is I that am certain to whine a lot less from this moment forth.
A list of things I've seen/experienced so far (maybe to expand on later):
-crazy traffic.. Rickshaws, buses, cars, bicycles, and pedestrians all share the road. The few stoplights I've seen in Chennai have been sort-of dictating when people go and stop, however, it appears to be kind of a free-for-all. Basically, drivers just GO. They swerve around traffic, pedestrians, and honk before and while doing so. (honking, yes, lots of honking..). There are rules to this, and perhaps closer observation will let me learn them. Also... as a pedestrian it is my job to watch out for cars, rather than the reverse. Remember the Atari game, Frogger?
-cows in the street. Holy cows! I've seen them more in Tiruvannamalai (smaller city) then Chennai (big city), but they as well as their cow pies are everywhere. Also, traffic stops for cows but not so much for pedestrians.
-Women in beautiful saris. So many colors! Most everyone I saw on the street in Chennai (men included) had perfectly neat and clean attire. This must be a challenge, because the streets are so dusty. I haven't been able to keep my own clothing impeccably clean.
-A funeral procession in the streets of Chennai. The mans body was partially covered with white linens and flowers. I actually can't recall much because I figured it was more respectful not to stare. Also, I have smelled the smell of burning bodies, as a cremation was happening as we rode by in a rickshaw.
-Delicious, spicy food. It is amazing! True confession, however.. On the third day I bought the only remotely western thing on the menu: cornflakes with banana and milk. My digestion was a little overwhelmed. At the Ashram, we eat on palm leaves with our right hand (the left hand should never be used for eating).
-Squat toilets with a hose and/or bucket next to them (no toilet paper). Thank goodness for all that practice wilderness camping. This is sort of a non-issue mostly, as long as I remember to bring some tp. I'm not ready to convert.
-Bare feet. All temples and some stores require you to remove your shoes. It is important to bring a couple pair of cheap flip-flops to India, as $100 chaco sandals might look very tempting to someone interested in swiping a pair of shoes.
-Trash on the streets, in rivers, everywhere. Plastic packaging displayed before our eyes rather than being swept away by magic garbage trucks and forgotten about.
-Schoolchildren in uniforms hanging onto the outside of buses.
-People peeing on the sidewalks. All the time. See it every day, multiple times per day. Of course, they politely turn away from traffic.
-Cell phones and cell phone stores. Apparently, there are more cell phones than public restrooms in India. For safety reasons, I bought a pay-as-you-go phone (just for local calls), as STD (phone) booths are becoming less common. The phone cost me $20, and it is about ten dollars for an hour and a half of talking time, I think (still figuring this one out... the guy who sold me the phone spoke some English, but I wasn't able to communicate all of my questions and get answers).
-Posters of Tamil actor Vijayakanth. At least on the ride to Tiru from Chennai, he was everywhere! Huge posters with streamers, billboards, and paintings of him on bridges lined the streets.
-People asking for money. This is the heartbreaking and confusing aspect of traveling to a country where so much of its inhabitants live in poverty. I read that 25% of the country lives on less than 20 rupees, or half of a US dollar, per day. In all that I've read and discussed with fellow India travelers, giving money to someone on the streets will often result in swarms of people following you, asking for money. It is better to do it when in a not-so-public place or not at all. The reality of the situation is that I am extremely wealthy in comparison to much of the world. Although I'd rather travel a country like India (rather than go somewhere comfortable and sheltered from this reality), it sometimes feels awkward, but in a very necessary way. Perhaps it was time to be reminded of my privilege. Many things to contemplate.
-Also part of the wealthy westerner/not-so-wealthy Indian dynamic are the many safety issues to watch out for as a traveler. There are many details to think about, all of which I am paying very close attention to as I will be traveling alone for part of my journey. It will be a very empowering and important experience for me.
Right now, it is very difficult for me to keep my eyes down, not say hello to strangers, remember to keep my distance (from men, especially) and feel that I am interacting in an authentic way. I know that I will meet people and connect (I already have), but that I can't connect with everyone, especially not in the ways I am accustomed to. I find that I actually have to ignore people, lots of people. As I walk the half mile to the ashram every day I am approached, shouted at, or honked at by at least five different people, many asking for money.
I feel like I have grown up in a cheesy and overly happy childrens sing-a-long video (think: Barney and Friends), and India is like watching a documentary about some of the harsh realities that exist outside of that bubble. In this metaphor, I am specifically referring to the people (many who are missing limbs) begging for food. Although the reality I want to create does involve happy songs and rainbows and such, it is important not to ignore other realities. This is important. I don't know why I was born into a life of comfort and ease (at least, materially) when others have little access to precious resources like food and water. The only thing that I am sure of is I that am certain to whine a lot less from this moment forth.
Wednesday, December 29, 2010
india: what i am doing and why
It's true!
For those of you who don't know, I'm headed to India for three months to complete projects I created for undergraduate study. I had to buy the ticket first and do the planning second, otherwise I would have continued to make excuses as to why it was not practical to go. With student status it is the perfect time for this exploration! Now is the time to go so I will. Currently, my loans are in deferment, I don't have any pets, kids, or mortgages, and I'm pretty much set. Jes has given me both her blessing and showered me with thoughtful gifts that will be really useful in my travels, including a hand-bound journal with daily quotes, a laminated currency conversion chart and a hand-sewn pouch filled with first-aid supplies. True love it is. I say, "I want to follow my heart but it means leaving you for a while." She becomes excited for my adventure and encourages me to do it.
The projected average cost of $5-20 per day includes lodging, food, and some travel. This estimate does not include the plane ticket to and from India or the unexpected costs I've run into while making sure I have all the shots and goods to comfortably navigate the subcontinent. I've read that a $10 day/night may consist of bedbugs and no hot water. Sounds fine to me! My aim is to keep costs at $10 per day but am willing to spend more for safety, health, and adequate sleep (not planning on sleeping in train stations or skipping nights of sleep). I will report on things of this nature as they arise...
What I am doing:
Traveling will be fun. Half of the trip will consist of meeting people in specific places and doing specific things, the other half of my time will be solo (and remains unplanned). I won't be traveling and sightseeing as much as I will be settled into particular places for 2-3 weeks at a time and then moving onward. I hope to report on my experiences in such a way that is helpful to those who also might be interested in going to India.
My student project is perfectly from the heart. I am taking part in four areas of study:
Philosophy: Based on the words of Ramana Maharshi (and cross-referencing other works, including the ancient Yoga Sutras), I will ponder the "Self," the "I," and write papers about these concepts (how did I stumble upon this awesome life? Really? I am bursting with gratitude!)
Meditation: I will attend a workshop and conference on Yoga Nidra. Part of the workshop will be exploring the philosophy and spiritual aspects of this practice. The other portion will be more scientific, and we'll discuss practical applications of Yoga Nidra, studies that have taken place in the western world, and use EEG machines to record our brainwaves during various states of the meditation.
Dreams: I will be reading various theories on the significance of dreams, keeping a dream journal, and comparing waking, dreaming, and meditative consciousness (drawing from the philosophy and meditation portions of my contract). Basically, I want to explore the nature of reality, ahem... Reality (reality and Reality are two different things!)
Touring: I am meeting my professor and a couple of other students and visiting different places in Delhi, Sarnath, Varanasi and Rishikesh. My professor is planning a program in India in 2013 and we will be assessing places that may be placed into her program plan.
The story behind this, in brief:
While attending school I realized that I could study anything (within reason) and still have a bachelors degree. Yoga and meditation are far more beautiful to me than any of the other options, and discussing the meaning of existence is my favorite tangent! Once, during a significant moment of quiet I understood everything and nothing to be exactly the same. It made sense in a way that is experiential, so to put words to it actually turns it into something that it was not, so I'll stop here.
My practical reasons for going to college have been neatly tucked away (to be used for grad school instead). Now is the time to follow the heart and trust.
For those of you who don't know, I'm headed to India for three months to complete projects I created for undergraduate study. I had to buy the ticket first and do the planning second, otherwise I would have continued to make excuses as to why it was not practical to go. With student status it is the perfect time for this exploration! Now is the time to go so I will. Currently, my loans are in deferment, I don't have any pets, kids, or mortgages, and I'm pretty much set. Jes has given me both her blessing and showered me with thoughtful gifts that will be really useful in my travels, including a hand-bound journal with daily quotes, a laminated currency conversion chart and a hand-sewn pouch filled with first-aid supplies. True love it is. I say, "I want to follow my heart but it means leaving you for a while." She becomes excited for my adventure and encourages me to do it.
The projected average cost of $5-20 per day includes lodging, food, and some travel. This estimate does not include the plane ticket to and from India or the unexpected costs I've run into while making sure I have all the shots and goods to comfortably navigate the subcontinent. I've read that a $10 day/night may consist of bedbugs and no hot water. Sounds fine to me! My aim is to keep costs at $10 per day but am willing to spend more for safety, health, and adequate sleep (not planning on sleeping in train stations or skipping nights of sleep). I will report on things of this nature as they arise...
What I am doing:
Traveling will be fun. Half of the trip will consist of meeting people in specific places and doing specific things, the other half of my time will be solo (and remains unplanned). I won't be traveling and sightseeing as much as I will be settled into particular places for 2-3 weeks at a time and then moving onward. I hope to report on my experiences in such a way that is helpful to those who also might be interested in going to India.
My student project is perfectly from the heart. I am taking part in four areas of study:
Philosophy: Based on the words of Ramana Maharshi (and cross-referencing other works, including the ancient Yoga Sutras), I will ponder the "Self," the "I," and write papers about these concepts (how did I stumble upon this awesome life? Really? I am bursting with gratitude!)
Meditation: I will attend a workshop and conference on Yoga Nidra. Part of the workshop will be exploring the philosophy and spiritual aspects of this practice. The other portion will be more scientific, and we'll discuss practical applications of Yoga Nidra, studies that have taken place in the western world, and use EEG machines to record our brainwaves during various states of the meditation.
Dreams: I will be reading various theories on the significance of dreams, keeping a dream journal, and comparing waking, dreaming, and meditative consciousness (drawing from the philosophy and meditation portions of my contract). Basically, I want to explore the nature of reality, ahem... Reality (reality and Reality are two different things!)
Touring: I am meeting my professor and a couple of other students and visiting different places in Delhi, Sarnath, Varanasi and Rishikesh. My professor is planning a program in India in 2013 and we will be assessing places that may be placed into her program plan.
The story behind this, in brief:
While attending school I realized that I could study anything (within reason) and still have a bachelors degree. Yoga and meditation are far more beautiful to me than any of the other options, and discussing the meaning of existence is my favorite tangent! Once, during a significant moment of quiet I understood everything and nothing to be exactly the same. It made sense in a way that is experiential, so to put words to it actually turns it into something that it was not, so I'll stop here.
My practical reasons for going to college have been neatly tucked away (to be used for grad school instead). Now is the time to follow the heart and trust.
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
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