Ujjain, India
Have You Ever…?
Have you ever walked
through traffic in a tightly congested, city marketplace in India? You
basically must dash and dodge your way through the crowd of people, scooters
and cars. Cows are the least part of the problem, but they are there. Don’t
think of standing still to avoid the mechanizations. You’ll be forced to move
one way or another and at different speeds from stop to start.
I thought that Ujjain
was a smaller city. Yes, it is, but it’s a half-million population crammed in
tight quarters, and during Diwali, it makes it feel like you’re in China. On
top of that, with things coming at you from all directions, you’ve got sounds
of engines, bells, whistles and car horns, all mostly at a higher pitch. It’s
quite the contrast from Ely, Nevada, during the U.S. walk, when one morning I
found myself in the midst of three hundred bikers all revving it up with their
roaring Harley Davidsons. There the sound reached your gut.
Anyway, I was out in the
streets, practically holding hands with Kamalaksha from Indore, shopping for
possible drama costumes. At one point in the circle of commotion, I wondered if
it was worth the endeavour. Finally, we found an outlet where theatre-wear was
in stock and I managed to pick up some cheap costumes that I can adjust when I
get back home.
In Ujjain, I’m really
happy attending meetings with fellow monks. The sanga (company) is worth my stay here. They are my brothers.
What sets me apart
from them is that I’m a drama swami
who has to have his tools to work with.
May the Source be with
you!
10 km
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