NOVEMBER 10: DELHI

Today, this day, went by even faster than the previous days before it felt. When I remember back to it, that is. On this day, we experienced what rain is like in Delhi. Dense smog, smoke, a little fog, and lots of rain. I think it was on this day, after we had breakfast and left to take the bus, that I remember seeing the people of Delhi in the streets.

What stood out to me the most, among all the countries my mom and I had visited at that point, was the genuine smile and warmth some of these people showed as they saw us. It felt strange, but authentic and honest at the same time. It felt like these people were honored and happy to see us visiting their country. I couldn’t exactly say I felt the same way about all the people we encountered on all our trips. My writing about this alone highlights how impactful their looks were; I still remember how they looked at us and said so much without even uttering a word.

Our bus driver was a Sikh. I should mention this because I think I realized this on this day.

At the scheduled time, we departed for the Akshardham Temple, a spiritual complex located in New Delhi. We visited this place in the late afternoon after visiting the Lotus Temple first. When we left this place, there were men outside selling the “Kama Sutra.” I bought it for 500 rupees after haggling with the man over the price.

Lunch.

In the afternoon, we visited the Lotus Temple, a magnificent structure that represents the principle of unity among humanity. People of all races, religions, and nationalities can pray and meditate within its grounds. It is a collective center of society to promote cordial affection, where all are embraced as equals. This building is dedicated to the one God, creator of all humanity and the entire universe. Many people were waiting in line to enter the temple. Not as many people as at the other locations we visited, but still a lot of people.

NOVEMBER 11: DELHI

Today was the day I met a great friend, my Sikh friend Ashmedh, or (honey) as he told me to call him. We spent most of the day together.

Breakfast at the hotel.

Ho’oponopono seminar with Mabel Katz.

I recall discussing my new friend and an interesting idea I had with my mom here. I’ll write about it here if I remember it. I’ll leave this here. If you don’t see anything else written here, it’s because I didn’t remember.

Overall, I recall that the idea centered on a paradox about people and how their cultures and upbringings shape them. Honey made me reflect on how the Indian people would do in the United States if they had all the development and resources this country does. India, I do not think, is a poor country because it has wealthy people. It also has impoverished people. A vast contrast is seen, unlike any other place I must tell you.

Honey and I pretty much spent most of the day together. He was bored at the seminar. He told me he canceled his plans to hang out with his friends. I can’t blame him for feeling bored because he missed out on hanging out with his friends. But he met me instead! We spoke about many things. He is a brilliant man. He is into philosophy, much like I am. He discussed many things I was familiar with, and I responded. Even though he was bored, looking back on it, the time and the day did go by pretty quickly.