Why Israelis go to India? This first post enumerates the more obvious reasons – fun, escape, learn, shanti, post-army, herd, cheap, the Hummus trail infrastructure, adventure, and, of course – Incredible India. Sequel: non-obvious reasons.
Less obvious reasons Israelis to India include personal issues, spiritual needs, religious quest, national / existential issues, a strong need for answers. Israelis are perfectly suited to bridge East and West in the Indian setting, and India is a perfect simulation for what peace could look like.
My personal spiritual salad is based in some Jewish ideas, with a melange of Eastern, American Indian and other elements, including my childhood books, with an emphasis on physical practices and the connection body-mind. My “core belief”, or perception system, is grounded in the inherent spirituality of Nature and in my scientific understandings.
Sufi Festival, 2019, Ashram Bamidbar, Israel. A wonderful celebration of love, spirituatliy, openess. Great music and dance performances with full audience participation. A variety of enlightening workshops in music, dance, writing, spirit and understanding. Inspirational setup in the deep desert of the Arava.
I was the most desired maiden
down at the foothills
of Tora Bora.
You might remember
our mothers’ warnings:
The spirits of the mountain
would demise any soul
who dares set foot
on the ancient Goddess’s grounds…
Mata Lal Devi Mandir, or in its common name “The Ladies Temple” in Amritsar, displays an abundance of goddess figures and pictures, as well as an effeminate Buddha and is dedicated to a 20th century bespectacled female guru reputed to live on fruit and milk. Atmosphere is much more relaxed than in the Golden Temple. A good tuktuk driver is essential for a great rambling day around the city.
Amritsar Golden Temple, at the center of a bustling Indian city, is a structure of incredible beauty, and serves as the heart of the Sikh religion & people. Eating free on the floor at the langar, waiting in line to see the holy guru book, watching the sacred pool, visiting the gory historical museum, feeling the splendor.
To the Ethiopians, I am Faranji,
To the Sephardi – Ashkenazi,
To the Japanese, – Geijin,
To the Mexicans – Gringa.
To the Palestinians – an invader…
A poetic search for a positive identity among multiple social negative ones.
We have replaced
Wild animals with cats and dogs
Birds of the skies with pigeons and crows
Bee pollinators with cockroaches and flies
Bison with cows
…Forests with pastures
We , the βeta people
Are the ones for whom
Morality, Religion, Loyalty
Were created,
My 24 hours in Mumbai were rich in experiences and human encounters – the train (un)expected ordeal, hotel and dining, and then the awesome Elaphanta Island caves, boat ride, climb. Even the taxi trip to the airport was illuminating.
Udaipur is an Indian dream city – clean, beautiful, majestic. I describe morning and evening strolls, the magic waters, rooftop vistas from hotel restaurants and Israeli Kabbalat Shabbat.
Udaipur art, architecture and religious devotion are evident at every corner. From tiny statues on wall niches to huge elaborate temples artistic talent is evident everywhere.
I arrived at Likir, Ladakh by chance, planning to go on the “Baby” trek, and had the best experience of my India trip. Homestaying with a wonderful family, eating in the field with the farmers after the harvest, peace, tranquility, beauty.
The Peace Guesthouse Leh is a wonderful place to explore the city from – great atsmophere, service. Hub for Ladakh, Leh has it all – scenery, culture, markets and great shopping opportunities.
Why Israelis go to India? This first post enumerates the more obvious reasons – fun, escape, learn, shanti, post-army, herd, cheap, the Hummus trail infrastructure, adventure, and, of course – Incredible India. Sequel: non-obvious reasons.
Less obvious reasons Israelis to India include personal issues, spiritual needs, religious quest, national / existential issues, a strong need for answers. Israelis are perfectly suited to bridge East and West in the Indian setting, and India is a perfect simulation for what peace could look like.
My personal spiritual salad is based in some Jewish ideas, with a melange of Eastern, American Indian and other elements, including my childhood books, with an emphasis on physical practices and the connection body-mind. My “core belief”, or perception system, is grounded in the inherent spirituality of Nature and in my scientific understandings.
Sufi Festival, 2019, Ashram Bamidbar, Israel. A wonderful celebration of love, spirituatliy, openess. Great music and dance performances with full audience participation. A variety of enlightening workshops in music, dance, writing, spirit and understanding. Inspirational setup in the deep desert of the Arava.
I was the most desired maiden
down at the foothills
of Tora Bora.
You might remember
our mothers’ warnings:
The spirits of the mountain
would demise any soul
who dares set foot
on the ancient Goddess’s grounds…
Mata Lal Devi Mandir, or in its common name “The Ladies Temple” in Amritsar, displays an abundance of goddess figures and pictures, as well as an effeminate Buddha and is dedicated to a 20th century bespectacled female guru reputed to live on fruit and milk. Atmosphere is much more relaxed than in the Golden Temple. A good tuktuk driver is essential for a great rambling day around the city.
Amritsar Golden Temple, at the center of a bustling Indian city, is a structure of incredible beauty, and serves as the heart of the Sikh religion & people. Eating free on the floor at the langar, waiting in line to see the holy guru book, watching the sacred pool, visiting the gory historical museum, feeling the splendor.
To the Ethiopians, I am Faranji,
To the Sephardi – Ashkenazi,
To the Japanese, – Geijin,
To the Mexicans – Gringa.
To the Palestinians – an invader…
A poetic search for a positive identity among multiple social negative ones.
We have replaced
Wild animals with cats and dogs
Birds of the skies with pigeons and crows
Bee pollinators with cockroaches and flies
Bison with cows
…Forests with pastures
We , the βeta people
Are the ones for whom
Morality, Religion, Loyalty
Were created,
My 24 hours in Mumbai were rich in experiences and human encounters – the train (un)expected ordeal, hotel and dining, and then the awesome Elaphanta Island caves, boat ride, climb. Even the taxi trip to the airport was illuminating.
Udaipur is an Indian dream city – clean, beautiful, majestic. I describe morning and evening strolls, the magic waters, rooftop vistas from hotel restaurants and Israeli Kabbalat Shabbat.
Udaipur art, architecture and religious devotion are evident at every corner. From tiny statues on wall niches to huge elaborate temples artistic talent is evident everywhere.
I arrived at Likir, Ladakh by chance, planning to go on the “Baby” trek, and had the best experience of my India trip. Homestaying with a wonderful family, eating in the field with the farmers after the harvest, peace, tranquility, beauty.
The Peace Guesthouse Leh is a wonderful place to explore the city from – great atsmophere, service. Hub for Ladakh, Leh has it all – scenery, culture, markets and great shopping opportunities.