Even if
your dollars for travel are tight, you can still enjoy much of the
thrill and educational benefits gained from experiencing new cultures
by exploring your own city. For instance, I had a chance to go to
Southern India by simply traveling south of Atlanta to Riverdale, GA.
your dollars for travel are tight, you can still enjoy much of the
thrill and educational benefits gained from experiencing new cultures
by exploring your own city. For instance, I had a chance to go to
Southern India by simply traveling south of Atlanta to Riverdale, GA.
If
you’ve ever driven along State Road 85 in Riverdale, you will no
doubt, have noticed the huge, gleaming white, elaborately adorned Hindu
temple sitting up on a hill. I had been curious about this place for
years and finally got the chance to visit the temple accompanied by a
lovely and knowledgeable guide, Jaylee Rice, who was born and raised in
Southern India.
you’ve ever driven along State Road 85 in Riverdale, you will no
doubt, have noticed the huge, gleaming white, elaborately adorned Hindu
temple sitting up on a hill. I had been curious about this place for
years and finally got the chance to visit the temple accompanied by a
lovely and knowledgeable guide, Jaylee Rice, who was born and raised in
Southern India.
As
we traveled south, and right past the busy Hartsfield-Jackson
International Airport to begin our journey to India, we chatted about
some of the basic tenets of Hinduism. One of the first of those being that a
person can have anything they want. Of course the premise begs the question “What do you want?” And that is the point, that sets Hindu devotee’s on their paths path to discovery and realization.
we traveled south, and right past the busy Hartsfield-Jackson
International Airport to begin our journey to India, we chatted about
some of the basic tenets of Hinduism. One of the first of those being that a
person can have anything they want. Of course the premise begs the question “What do you want?” And that is the point, that sets Hindu devotee’s on their paths path to discovery and realization.
According to my guide Jay, there is no path that’s not valid in Hinduism. There
is no religous dogma, no rules for living, restrictions or guidelines. Yet, Vedic wisdom (early Hindu writings said to be authored by God
are called the Vedas, which is translated as “wisdom”) has influenced
some of the greatest scientific, philosophical, astrological and
metaphysical thinkers of all time.
is no religous dogma, no rules for living, restrictions or guidelines. Yet, Vedic wisdom (early Hindu writings said to be authored by God
are called the Vedas, which is translated as “wisdom”) has influenced
some of the greatest scientific, philosophical, astrological and
metaphysical thinkers of all time.
The
first thing we do before entering the temple is to remove our shoes and
socks and place them on shelving situated outside. As we walk barefoot
on the chilly sidewalk leading into the ornate structure, I am so very
thankful that it is an unseasonably warm November day!
first thing we do before entering the temple is to remove our shoes and
socks and place them on shelving situated outside. As we walk barefoot
on the chilly sidewalk leading into the ornate structure, I am so very
thankful that it is an unseasonably warm November day!
Inside
the sweet scent of incense lingers heavily in the air. There are no
pews or chairs of any kind. There is no podium for speakers or place
for someone to “lead” attendees. A family is huddled on the floor
ceremonially partaking of a meal while a priest takes them through a
ritual. There are random individuals and small groups deep in there own
thoughts and prayers. There is a mixed wedding taking place between a
young Indian male and his white bride attended by both Indians and
whites dressed in saris — quite a few attempt the look with widely varying degrees of success — and suits.
the sweet scent of incense lingers heavily in the air. There are no
pews or chairs of any kind. There is no podium for speakers or place
for someone to “lead” attendees. A family is huddled on the floor
ceremonially partaking of a meal while a priest takes them through a
ritual. There are random individuals and small groups deep in there own
thoughts and prayers. There is a mixed wedding taking place between a
young Indian male and his white bride attended by both Indians and
whites dressed in saris — quite a few attempt the look with widely varying degrees of success — and suits.
At
various stations around the sanctuary are alters to deities with
different powers for prosperity, guidance, etc., that are very much
akin to the divine protections offered by patron saints in Catholicism.
Jay, who is practiced in the teachings of Hinduism, is able to give me insights on each
deity and explain why the religion really isn’t polytheistic (multiple
gods), but more of a life philosophy that embraces diversity and
respects all spiritual walks of faith. That sounds like something
right-wing Christianity could learn a whole lot from.
various stations around the sanctuary are alters to deities with
different powers for prosperity, guidance, etc., that are very much
akin to the divine protections offered by patron saints in Catholicism.
Jay, who is practiced in the teachings of Hinduism, is able to give me insights on each
deity and explain why the religion really isn’t polytheistic (multiple
gods), but more of a life philosophy that embraces diversity and
respects all spiritual walks of faith. That sounds like something
right-wing Christianity could learn a whole lot from.
I left Riverdale feeling enriched and educated, ready to spend an evening in the Old Fourth Ward — a whole other world away. –stanley yorker
