The spring equinox is a most auspicious day for new beginnings. Shantji and I will leave the very worn, yet peaceful, city of Haridwar, India at 4:30 tomorrow morning for the Himalayas. We arrived to a fresh, polished up Haridwar just 6 weeks prior. No longer shiny and clean, Haridwar looks a bit worn for the wear. Kumbh Mela, the largest spiritual gathering on the planet, has been going on for almost 3 months... the height of which we were in attendance. I breathe in my last impressions of this holy city.
Dust blows over a sleeping dog lying in the hot Indian sun on a lazy afternoon in Haridwar. The Kumbh Mela has now ended. The pilgrims have moved on to higher elevations and cooler temperatures. Huge trucks filled to the brim with brightly colored futons and blankets clutter the path that follows along the Ganges beeping their horns scattering pedestrians out their way. For months pilgrims arrived by the droves, and now everyone seems to be heading elsewhere. The twinkling lights are gone, and tents are coming down one after the other. The party is over.
Everyone seems exhausted and reflective from their experiences had at this most intense and celebratory festival for God. So much energy, time, money, blood, sweat and tears has been exchanged. So much service, love, kindness and devotion has been given. So much mystery, intrigue, deceit, lust and greed has been seen. Its seems all of life's dramas have been played out somewhere by someone, and over and over again, at this grand, cosmic play called the Kumbh Mela.
I take it all in one last time, and I notice the perpetual cycle of good and evil, of death and rebirth, of the sun and the moon. Everything has a never ending cycle of beginning to end... and then just starts all over again. Rawness and sweetness are displayed in the drama of life, but only world changes, only form changes, only desire changes. The underlying source, the essence of everything, always remains ever the same, ever still.
Yes, before the millions of people came, the hundreds of millions meals served, and the zillions of prayers prayed and songs sung, Haridwar seemed shinier and newer. I, myself, arrived much cleaner, more energetic and innocent, but today I leave this holy city much wiser, much stronger and more humble. Just like this city, I am grateful for the incredible ride this Kumbh has given me.
The trash has piled high, dust has covered the freshly painted buildings, and cracks have appeared in the newly paved roads. It will take months to restore this place, and it will never be the same again. My head is full of experience not yet integrated, some of my ideals have been shattered, and my digestive system ravaged. It will take time me time to re-organize, renew and revitalize. However, my heart, is filled with more gratitude, love and inspiration. My eyes sparkle with the light from the core of my being that shines brighter than ever before. I am happy to report Uma will never be the same again, but my essence remains ever the same, ever still.
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