This story was originally posted on University of Waikato’s Global Experiences blog.
by Saya Karauna
This week I have been immersed in the rich diversity of India. I am sitting under a tree in an ashram where the ants are as big as flies and an ox has just hauled a load of people beside me. India is wild. Through my immersive experiences this week, I have met so many beautiful people who are wholeheartedly devoted to their beliefs. My transition into the everyday life of India, whether through religious beliefs, cultural practices, or healing methods, has been seamless thanks to the IndoGenius team. Some highlights from my immersive experiences so far:
Sound Experience at Auroville
Whether bathing in sound or in a pool of ice-cold water, I have been immersed in multiple healing practices within the last week. Auroville’s sound bath experience left me feeling mixed emotions and snoring heavily by the end. Before this trip, I had never experienced sound baths on this scale or with native Indian instruments. My experience at Isha Yoga Foundation’s physical bath/sacred dip was unlike anything I could have imagined. Bathing in an ice-cold pool of water with only a thin saffron cloth covering me was particularly refreshing after a morning bike ride around the Ashram. I have gained a better understanding of new cultures, beliefs, and healing practices as a result of both bathing experiences.
Silence & New Skills
I never expected to see so many I’m in silence lanyards; Isha Foundation has awakened my inner ‘Eat Pray Love’ fan girl. Immersing myself in the Indian culture has often involved mastering (or somewhat failing) the art of eating with my hands. At Isha Foundation I have eaten off of banana leaves and steel plates within different environments and mass groups of people. Dining in rows of hundreds of people on the floor in silence has been one of the most immersive experiences so far for me.
Entrance to Matrimandir at Auroville
I was completely immersed in the soul of Auroville as I entered the golden sphere of the Matrimandir. Experiencing the inner chamber of the Matrimandir was like something out of a sci-fi movie. This is the first time I’ve experienced silence like this, partly due to workers who quickly remove anyone coughing or sneezing. Sitting in silence whilst viewing the crystal hitting the sunlight from above was incredible.
Matrimandir – Auroville
Isha Vidhya School
The experience of being immersed in a classroom with kids only 3 years younger than me has been eye-opening. Seeing the aspirations of these young women has made me reflect on my own privileges of access to higher education. It was admirable how these students weren’t ashamed of their intelligence, as many students in New Zealand can be. I enjoyed spending time with these young women who reminded me of my younger self, whether we were playing games or sneaking their Instagrams to me. I look forward to immersing myself in different schools and educational experiences to come.
Overall my first week in India has opened my eyes as to what the rest of the trip holds. I look forward to wholeheartedly immersing myself in our many adventures to come.