From Brahma to Buddha, Fall 2008

Greetings from the high altitudes- 3200 meters to give a rough estimate,

Life is peaceful here in the serene Indus River Valley, despite the perpetual chaos present in the group dynamic. I speak of a positive chaos, if you can imagine that. So many interesting folks constantly in close proximity, experiencing this tumultuous introduction into a foreign culture together- this is a situation that is bound to produce a hectic energy. Our western circus troupe of 12 has managed to tap into the force successfully and direct it's unruly nature towards productive bonding, exploration, and a rapid intake of Eastern knowledge. We could easily be compared to historic British explorers, venturing into blank spots on the map- you know, the sort with outlandish facial hair and funny names like Chester A. Witherspoon. The only exception in this comparison is that we generally make it a rule not to massacre the natives of the exotic locations we travel through.

On that note, I think I speak for everyone when I say that interaction with the local Indians has been absolutely delightful so far. From our run ins with handy-dandy transportation agent Amit and his brother Gaurav in madhouse metropolis Delhi to wise guide Namgyal and the prince of tea, Sonam, in pristine Ladakh, there has been something to learn in our time spent with those that inhabit this curious nation.

As much as I would love to speak about Delhi, the domain of spice, sweat, and exhilarating traffic, I'll save my thoughts concerning the place until we once again find ourselves in the midst of it's unique hustle and bustle. Besides, my good friend Doug undoubtedly has much more to say in regards to that populous city. As you may already know, the group is now spending it's time in Leh, an agricultural center turned tourist hot spot nestled in the foothills of the mighty Himalayans. This area has made a profound impact on us all, it seems, and rightly so, as it is quite an interesting place. Jammu and Kashmir, the country that Ladakh is a part of, is a source of conflict between India, Pakistan, and China in terms of it's borders. Apparently everyone wants a piece of this rather remote pie. Although the fight rages far from where we are currently residing, one cannot help but notice the firearm toting soldiers hanging around town and the fighter jets wailing through the surrounding airspace. Let me say that just yesterday I had the pleasure of observing a fancy military auto cruising down a Leh street as I shivered outside of a laundromat. This convalescent gem of a vehicle made the other cars look as primitive as horse drawn carriages. Joining the fight must be a bit more lucrative than the provincial farming practice.

Aside from nasty border disagreement business, there is a wonderful Tibetan Buddhist tradition to be found here and Leh itself is a prime example of the effects of modernization and growth on previously small self sustaining communities, which is definitely a topic that I'm not used to thinking about. Before I abandon this blog entry and sever all communication with my familiars back at home or those tracking the blog for some three weeks, let me just say that one aspect of Indian culture which was prevalent in Delhi has touched me deeply. The element of Indian culture that I find to be extremely foxy is the acceptance of exporting snot and congestion freely in public. "These are my people!", I exclaimed, upon confirming this fact of daily life with someone who knew the culture more intimately. What relief! A disgusting intolerance for blowing boogers and expectorating phlegm- NON EXISTENT! This may seem trivial or undeserving of such praise to some, but for a fellow plagued with throat drip goo like myself, it is truly a beacon of hope.

Sincerely,
Wa De-Ji

P.S. Backgammon is my new favorite hobby. I'm almost ashamed that it took exposure to a noble culture such as the one that I am immersed in at the moment to revive my inherent instinct to play the ancient game. Americans have unfortunately repressed the Backgammon skill that we all, as human beings, possess.

P.S. I don't care about the controversy surrounding Sathya Sai Baba. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sathya_Sai_Baba">That man has irrefutable style.