Advertisement
Published: November 4th 2013
Edit Blog Post
Awakening is Emptiness awakening to Emptiness. Zen: Ancient and Modern, Ama Samy, 2010, Vaigarai Publishing House Do not dwell on what has passed away, or what is yet to be Leonard Cohen, ANTHEM So as with the passing of things impermanent (all things), it's time to leave Himachal Pradesh after two months. The last month has been spent living alone in the most beautiful and serene house high on a mountainside on the edge of the village of Solhanu. But it's just getting too cold now for comfort – as soon as the sun is gone the drop in temperature is dramatic.
My legs are pretty toned now from all the walking up and down from the house to Jibhi below – every third or fourth day became an excitement for me – to go to 'town' as it were. In this case, it meant a trip into Banjar (8 kms down the road from Jibhi) to get supplies, avail myself of a the best
nasta (breakfast) of stuffed
parantha Banjar has to offer, visit my friend Kumar, and of course get to ride Gladys (the Enfield) up and down the lovely
mountain road.
I am through 'missing' places I think. It is what it is, and I will come again or not. I will move on and that too will be as it is. But it was a special time. The peace and quiet; the sitting on the sun-drenched deck during the day; cooking scrumptious meals (and sprouting lots of mung
dahl)
; and getting to spend some time writing, reading, playing guitar and generally contemplating the size and shape of my navel. My physical health was enhanced by great yoga workouts, and afternoon walks up winding trails to who knows where. Previous blogs relate some other adventures over the past 2 months.
But to sit here and write stuff and have the reader think 'how nice, how special, how lucky' is a little slippery. I spent a lot of time watching my thoughts – both in formal sitting and in the course of just being alone during the days. For many this would seem just self-indulgent if not down-right boring. It's not so easy to watch and let pass. But thoughts do pass, the good and the bad. Inevitably you realise that you are not your thoughts, and that
My friend Kumar
This guy is a great friend - met when he ran a chai shop in Banjar the first time I came (2009) life just keeps going. I sometimes struggled with that thought (is it typically western or just human?) about 'what am I doing really? What am I doing here? What am I achieving?'. I realised too that the privilege I have in being able to just take off to India is not everyone's option. But again,
hota hai (it happens). It is what it is. So it is.
Yesterday was the festival of
Diwali, possibly the most important festival of the year for Hindus. It is the festival of light and has a sense of renewal and promise as people wish each other the best for the coming year. In Solhanu, the kids were treated to a bonfire where they got to let off their crackers. Within homes there was festive eating. I was invited to a friend's place 2 hours away but also wanted to get back for the local bonfire. So no festive eating for me! Never mind. I did score some special Indian sweets. AND I scored a very special homecoming at the bottom of my steps.
I laugh at myself as I decide about leaving stuff I have bought in the house. Typical spectrum self-debate.
My last Solhanu cooked meal (for now)
Egg parantha and sabji (corela and muta with tomato and carrot) Silly. I decide to leave it all, of course. And maybe some of the equipment will still be here for me to use next time. If not –
koi baat nahi (never mind).
This was my fourth visit to Jibhi – each time I stay longer it seems. I think I am going to be back again and again.
I owe special thanks to Rana ji – my friend (and landlord and he who gives me great
chai whenever I come to sit and chat) just for the person he is.
If you were interested in this area, have a look at Rana's set up (but don't tell anyone! - it's a secret): http://www.kshatra.com/index.ph
Advertisement
Tot: 0.282s; Tpl: 0.014s; cc: 15; qc: 85; dbt: 0.1344s; 1; m:domysql w:travelblog (10.17.0.13); sld: 1;
; mem: 1.2mb
Sandi Bartlett
non-member comment
Does that mean you're coming home here for summer??