INDIA

Jetevana Grove, the historical park where the Buddha and his disciples spent 40 rainy seasons in deep practice.

Jetevana Grove, the historical park where the Buddha and his disciples spent 40 rainy seasons in deep practice.

Old and New Delhi.

Jetava Grove, Vulture Mountain, Bohdi Tree, Varanasi, Deer Park.

From Delhi, we travelled Westward into rural India. We visited the place where the Buddha gained enlightenment, gave his first sermon, and the site of his death.

Varanasi was by far the most shocking to my American senses. I witnessed the “Untouchables” burning dead bodies and elegant Brahmins performing elaborate rituals. Despite the spiritual dimension of this area, the social stratification of the caste system was unmistakable.

EAST TO GOA

This 3-month journey concluded in Goa. Goa sits on the east coast of India and is flanked by the Indian Ocean. It was colonized by the Portuguese. This is reflected in the architecture, food, and language.