Six weeks of Herculean effort, Encountering trials of Agni on the body and mind, Atop Mount Olympus, the dragon scroll is what we find. The most arduous journey, Leaving carbon footprints externally, Uncovering spiritual signposts internally. Songs of sonder, Lost in translation, Found in adoration. Immersed within a Thali of plurality, Smelling richness within spirituality,…Continue Reading Poem: Dragon Warrior
Reflecting on my life-changing journey through the Prime Minister’s Scholarship for Asia, I am compelled to share three profound lessons that have not only expanded my horizons but have also fuelled my personal growth: The paramount lesson I’ve learned in relation to my future career goal is the significance of service, even when resources are…Continue Reading From South Auckland to India: Anything is Possible
Stepping off the plane in Chennai, India, the overwhelming heat set the stage for an adventure that would redefine my outlook on life. For me, this wasn’t just an ordinary trip; it was a life-changing six weeks under the Prime Minister’s Scholarship for Asia 2024, revealing the beauty of India and, unexpectedly, the beauty within…Continue Reading Unveiling India and Myself: A Transformative Journey of Growth and Gratitude
My third blog post explores India’s tradition of religious plurality. Now what does religious plurality look like in today’s India and what may it look like in the future? What lessons might India’s plurality provide for Aotearoa New Zealand? These are the questions this blog post will examine. Examination of this topic has been motivated…Continue Reading Breathing India’s History
I think I have been in a state of denial about the trip coming to an end. The last couple of days in India were so full of life that it was hard to imagine coming home and yet, as I reflect on the six weeks, NZ side, I don’t even know where to start….Continue Reading Awestruck and In Denial
My visit to Rishikesh, nestled in the foothills of the Himalayas, was a profound exploration of spirituality in its myriad forms. From witnessing the sacred rituals of Ganga aarti and havan to immersing myself in the rich biodiversity of the region, each experience offered a glimpse into the tapestry of spiritual traditions that converge in…Continue Reading Exploring Spiritual Diversity in Dev Bhoomi
My mind boggles at who I was pre-departure. I struggle to comprehend everything I have seen, experienced, and done during the last six weeks. It feels naked to be absent from the voices, aroha, and personalities of the other 23 Kiwi students who braved this Indian odyssey with me. How can I describe this trip…Continue Reading The World Sings When Our Hearts Shine Bright
Our journey through India has been incredible! It has been inspiring, insightful, eye-opening, heart-warming, thought-provoking, and so much more! We’ve travelled a lot, learned an amazing amount, and friendships have flourished. We’ve visited remarkable places and met remarkable people. We’ve visited bustling cities, calm ashrams, model communities, innovative companies, and truly inspiring NGOs. And we’ve…Continue Reading Goodbye India and Thank You
We arrived in India to the sound of a distant drum,The beginning of a six-week long soundtrack.The airport doors parted and the beat steadily grewTrumpets joined in;As did the horns of taxi cars;And the shrill of a whistle of the traffic conductor;Dogs barking; phones ringing; people laughingA cacophony of lifeAn orchestra of chaosA beautiful serenade Welcoming…Continue Reading No such thing as silence in India
New Zealand and India have some obvious differences. One of the things I think I will miss most about India is how alive the world is there. The streets are always busy; there is always something going on. In this piece, I have tried to capture the electric atmosphere of India through a snapshot recount…Continue Reading The Simple Things