Wow! Six days left in this beautiful country so rich in vibrancy, culture, and in soulful memories. It feels as though I have been here for a long time but then it also feels as though the time has gone fast. It is an intricate feeling to explain. We have spent the past few days in Rishikesh which lies at the foot of the Himalayas. It is situated on the bank of the Ganges River and is a pilgrimage town for Hindus because of the numerous temples and ashrams. It is often referred to as the “Yoga capital of the World” and radiates an aura of spiritual energy that captivates visitors from around the globe. As you walk through its bustling streets, adorned with vibrant colours, you can feel the pulse of spirituality that resonates throughout the sacred town.
All throughout this experience, I have touched on my personal perspectives that continue to evolve. My perspective on Rishikesh is one of reverence and awe. It is a place where it seems as though the journey of self-discovery unfolds within individuals. Experiencing the Ganges River first-hand ultimately provided me with a deep sense of reverence for the natural world. Our group was lucky enough to visit Vashishta Cave which is a renowned spiritual site located 20 kilometres from Rishikesh. It is believed to be the ancient dwelling place of Sage Vashishta, who is a revered figure in Hindu mythology.
The (Vashishta) cave was so silent that internal thoughts seemed as though they were very loud.
Afterwards, we were given the opportunity to sit close to the majestic Ganges River for a couple of hours. The group laughed, conversed and sat in the wonderful aura that the Ganges river created. We were fortunate enough to dip our feet in and also see others swimming in the shallow areas of the river.
Another experience of significance was the opportunity to meet Swami Ramdev on our travels from Rishikesh to Delhi. He is known for being a proponent of Yoga and Ayurveda in India. He heads an organisation that currently turns over $5 million in profit, has millions of avid followers and, according to the Indian Express Newspaper, Ramdev was voted in the Top 100 most powerful people in India. He spent a couple minutes taking photos and said a few words of wisdom. A statement of his that stuck out to me was “Divine wealth is knowledge, love and compassion”. We should not aim to chase physical wealth but instead chase divine wealth.
India is a country with the highest population—one could also argue that it also possesses the greatest degree of cultural diversity. We have visited so many places, communities, and people that all are working towards similar goals in various ways. My hope is that I unpack, articulate and apply the teachings that have been passed on throughout this experience of a lifetime. “It’s the final countdown” and I aim to make the most of this coming week to maximise this opportunity.