January 29, 2008

We left Dehli today... off to Benaras. Benaras is a holy city for Hindus. Apparently Benaras is the world's oldest living city. I haven't been to the holy Hindu sites yet, but I did go to Saranath. Saranath is where Buddha gave his first sermon after enlightenment... so it's a holy site for Buddhists. We met the head Buddhist priest for the monastery. Buddhists are so peaceful, this man seemed like he's never been angry a day in his life. The priest is from a village in Sri Lanka where each family gives away one of their children to the Buddhist temple. He left his home when he was 8 years old. 

The priest gave us a tour of the temple, then took us to the front altar. We stood in front of the filled temple and were blessed by the priest. The priest introduced us the room (~150 people) devotees. I was so honored and so not deserving of this type of introduction. I wasn't sure what to do... the room was full of Sri Lankans that were on a pilgrimage to Saranath to listen to this priest. The people sitting on the floor looked so poor, I wonder how they travelled that long distance. This was one of those moments I will always talk about.

Benaras is full of tourists by the way. In Saranath we saw many Japanese, Tibetans, and Chinese people. In the main areas you see people of all nationalities... world's oldest living city. Everyone is trying to make sense of the madness. There are so many people, and they are all on the go... I just wonder where they are going...

On another note: I'm currently sick :( and trying to recover quickly. We are going to the Bihar in two days. I need to have my health up and ready fast!!!!