This morning, Tamara and I decide to ride
our bicycles around the foot of Arunachala Mountain. Along the way I took many
pictures. The sights I see often inspire me. I thought a pictorial post of our
14 kilometre ride is in order today.
One of the things I love the most about India is that prayer is everywhere. Even the tuk tuk drivers have some form of divinity on the dashboard of their vehicle. Pooja structures are visible often, from very simple monuments to most elaborate and intricate architecture. People stop to make offering regularly during the course of a day. Struggling for spiritual wholeness happens every minute!
The 14-kilometre bicycle ride circles
around Arunachala Mountain. It is said to be the place of manifestation of Shiva
and where Sri Ramana Maharshi spent his adult years in meditation. He was a
wise and quiet teacher, who led through modelling, not through oration. I
appreciate the manner in which he shared his wisdom. His book, Who Am I?
is his way of verbally sharing his lessons. It is full of profundities,
especially for those open to hear it. The mountain, in its awesome presence, is
always in sight throughout the morning ride.
Thiruvanammalai is inhabited by hundreds of thousands of
Hindus and Ramana Maharshi followers. The fields are rich in agriculture. Rice,
bananas, coffee, and various fruits and vegetables grow here. Most of Southern
India’s vegetation comes from Tamil Nadu. It’s really unfortunate that
pesticides and chemical additions are used so abundantly. There is a beginning
of a consciousness recently to become more mindful of organic growing methods.
India’s greatest commodity…. her people, gather all day, every day to sow, reap
and harvest the growth. Scarecrows are meant to scare away pests. I think
they’re funny!
It’s a country with many people, and people
die! Cemeteries line the streets in specific areas. The stones are colourful
and bright. We have seen several burial processions in various states. The
rituals practised in Hindu burial are, in many ways similar to those of Jewish
practise, at least in terms of the regimentation of scheduling for burial. With
the numbers of people living in India it is not unusual to see funeral
processions in the streets.
During our bike ride, Tamara and I stop at a neighbourhood store that reminds me of the thrift shops I visit whenever I travel in Canada and the United States. Same-same but different! These women sit here all day waiting for people to buy. (For that matter so does everyone who owns any kind of shop in India). I just love spending time talking with the people here...especially the women!
Dhabas are the fast food standard in India. Delicious street food. I never know exactly what I’m eating, but it is always good! Spices make the foods unique tasting. Usually deep fried in fresh coconut oil, I am always satisfied….and you can’t get cheaper than this!!! Mmmmmm…breakfast!
Annamalaiyar Temple is definitely a sacred place. Everyone
takes off his or her shoes to acknowledge the sanctity of the place. In a way
it neutralizes all of us. We are all in bare feet, regardless of gender,
colour, or social position. I like that! Prayer is evident everywhere in India but especially in the holy temples. It is easy
to see people in deep meditation and prayer, and it is also common to find
people picnicking or just hanging out comfortably on Temple grounds.Sadhus are people who commit their lives to becoming enlightened. They separate themselves from society by renouncing all worldly possessions, often living in caves or in forests (or on the streets). Many live in communal environments and ashrams. Most Sadhus wear orange, a colour like fire, to help burn away the need for earthly desires. Instead, they focus on simple and pure living. In general, Sadhus smoke a lot of pot. It is considered to be a mind-opening journey to ‘truth’. These guys are definitely engaged in practise!
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