Episode 5
Sunday, May 29, 2016
Sundays are a highly anticipated day of the
week. Though I enjoy my studies throughout the week, I look forward to a day
off. A short recap of the three Sundays that have passed so far:
Sunday, May 15
I met my friend Rahul through his Facebook
page Rishikesh Spirit almost one year
ago. He combs Rishikesh-related posts for people who might be interested in
sharing their experiences on his page. I messaged him as soon as I arrived to
arrange an in-person meeting. Inviting some friends along both for safety in
numbers and to introduce them to him, we agreed to meet at the Ram Jhula
Bridge. Unlike most Indians, Rahul arrived right on time, almost to the second.
Impressive. We walked down to the Ganga beach and relaxed on some rocks for a
while, chatting. We discussed meditation and its challenges, not the typical
get acquainted drivel. Rahul has a keen interest in helping people in their
practice, and he teaches some courses himself. We strolled along the lower
beach road to Laxman Jhula, where we crossed the bridge and searched for a
secluded swimming spot. Lili and Rebekah scrambled down the rocks to dip in the
Ganges while Anna and I cooled off in the shade with some cold water. I was
overheated and dizzy, abiding my body’s wishes to take some rest. We finished
our visit with a lunch of paneer and garlic naan at the Ganga Beach Café.
At 5pm, we reported to the yoga hall for our
puja ceremony, in which we were blessed and welcomed along our journey of yoga
and meditation over the next six weeks. Chanting was performed, tilaka applied
between our eyebrows, and kalava string bracelets were attached to our wrists
as reminders of why we were here in India. We approached the altar one at a
time to wave the burning lamp, initiating us in our next step toward our yoga
and meditation transformation. Our teacher, Krishna, participated in the
ceremony too, which was a caring, bonding gesture. I looked forward to what the
upcoming weeks would hold.
Sunday, May 22
Shopping was on my mind throughout the week
as I observed others in their new tops and pants. Not that I really need any
new clothes, but I wanted to treat myself while prices are low. I’m a frugal
shopper, and spending more than $20 on any item of clothing in the US is a
splurge for me. I purchased two sleeveless, printed tops for less than $10, and
I changed into one of them on the spot due to the stifling heat. One purse, one
mala bead necklace, and two sets of earrings later, it was time for lunch. Little Buddha was a restaurant fixture
during my stay last year. We seemed to gravitate toward the restaurant for its
views and excellent food. This time, I enjoyed paneer and garlic naan, of
course. The food was just as delectable as I remembered, and I was happy to
introduce some new patrons to its delicacies. We journeyed back to Ram Jhula to
clean up for our evening at Ganga Aarti.
Ganga Aarti is a daily devotional celebration
along the banks of the Ganges River at Parmarth Niketan Ashram. We arrived
early to enjoy the incessant singing by the ashram residents and changing views
of the sunset. When the Swami arrived, more singing occurred before the aarti
lamps were passed around. The lamp made its way toward me, as did a mad rush of
Indian women. I inched in the opposite direction, as fire and crowds of sari
fabric are never a good idea. I was satisfied for another year.
Sunday, May 29
We eagerly awaited our morning of whitewater
rafting. My anticipation was especially acute since the season had already
closed last year when I arrived. We walked to the Ram Jhula Bridge, crossing
and hiking uphill to find the taxi that would take us to the launching point.
One of the staff members from RYP ushered us to the taxi, thankfully, or we
never would have found our ride among the identical taxis. After meeting our
guide, Amit, we agreed that using the toilet would be a good idea before
embarking on the river. The toilet was located up the steep hill we had just
descended in the Jeep, so a large rock would have to suffice. A group of men watched
from afar as we took turns behind three large rocks. I’m sure the view was
especially exciting for the swarms of travellers along the mountain road in the
distance as well. We carried the raft to its launching point and boarded, after
listening to Amit’s safety and instruction speech. We asked him what our team
name would be and he immediately and happily replied, “Moola Bandha!!” If you
don’t already know, moola bandha locks your energy (prana) when you contract
the pelvic floor or perineum. Momentarily, I thought Amit’s reply fringed on
sexual harassment, but it was all in good fun and we found it amusing. Paddling
and maneuvering our way along the river all the way back to Ram Jhula, we
encountered rapids that are designated up to Class 3. Pretty impressive for
what I’ve always considered a calm current! I was thrilled with the rafting
experience, definitely one of the highlights so far.
After resting and cleaning up post rafting
adventure, I set out for a solo dinner and shopping journey. I walked out to
Laxman Jhula to purchase yet another mala bead necklace. The prices were better
at the shop in Laxman Jhula, and I enjoyed doing business with the owner. I
chose one plain sandalwood mala but requested that the tassel be lengthened, as
I like the look better. Immediately, the owner sat down and worked meticulously
on the tassel while we chatted. During the conversation, I scrutinized the
other malas that hung in the enclosed viewing boxes. I had recently discovered
that one of my birthstones is a moonstone, and I was looking for a pleasing
mala of that stone. One sample was too long, but when he brought out one that
was mixed with rudraksha seeds, I knew I had found my mala!
My dinner plans with a friend fell through,
so I treated myself to a lovely paneer dinner with a lovelier view of the
Ganges at Zorba’s restaurant in Laxman Jhula. Wait, maybe the paneer was
lovelier than the view. Nonetheless, it was nice to relax with a meal outside
the dining hall.
The following Sunday warrants its own post,
so that’s coming soon. I can’t wait to discover what the subsequent Sundays in
India have to offer!
