Yeah, loving Malaysia and Thailand. Ironically my hair has lightened in the sun! I dye it dark to go away, and coming away makes it light, oh well, at least its one colour! We did actually do a democratisation course at uni discussing how democracy works better when its comes from within the country than imposed by an external body, so I think in hindsight it will be a good thing, but obviously its horrible in those countries right now! Hope all is well at home!
Recent entries Sounds like you are having an even better time now you have left India and moved on to Malaysia and Thailand. I wish I'd done it at your age but now it would be just too hot for me and I'm not sure about those hostels! In western papers they have been discussing the dangers of feet eating fish - beware if you have any cuts etc as they can introduce serious bacteria apparently!! Is the hair still dark or has the sun lightened it considerably. Whatever are you both thinking about all that is going on in the middle east? Could you have predicted that when you were on your courses at uni? Maybe you could get consultancy jobs helping to sort out democracy for them all!! Anyway jealous of all you are seeing and really enjoying the blog. Enjoy travelling and one another -lots and lots of love Lali XXXXXX
Hi
Your post is good. Just wanted to clear the misunderstanding on the term Brahma / Brahmin. Infact there are three similar sounding words - Brahma, Brahmin, Brahmam/Brahman
1) Brahma is a god - one of the trinity, responsible for all creation. The temple in Pushkar is for him. The other two gods are Vishnu and Shiva. Brahma's wife is Saraswathi - goddess for education.
2) Brahmin is a caste, typically people who perform rituals in the temples. So the folk who sold you the flowers could be a Brahmin.
Here in India, people often use the caste to represent a person. It is generally not considered offensive, unless the person referred belongs to a lower caste. The word Brahmin represents a person / persons who are in search of Brahmam / Brahman.
3) Brahman / Brahmam represents the truth. It is often referred as 'Para Brahmam' meaning 'Ultimate Truth'.
All gods (and also everything including human beings, Animals, non-living beings) in hinduism are supposed to be manifestations of
Brahman. So that is why hinduism has multiple gods - it does not matter whom you pray, ultimately it is to Brahmam.
The split in hinduism - Vaishnivism and Shaivaite is because of the fight as to who is Para-Brahmam: Is it Vishnu or Shiva.
I did not intend to confuse you further, so stopping my unwanted explanation here. Have a nice trip.
regards
Shankar.
following the blog Really enjoying your blog. Sounds so interesting and you've obviously seen some amazing places and met interesting people. all fine here. Sarah had a lovely night out with lu, charlotte, sean, michael, dan and johnny at Hilton Manchester. Glad your Mum has had op. will phone her tomorrow. Continue having a super time. Lots of Love L xxx
jamieandlaura
Jamie and laura
Yeah, loving Malaysia and Thailand. Ironically my hair has lightened in the sun! I dye it dark to go away, and coming away makes it light, oh well, at least its one colour! We did actually do a democratisation course at uni discussing how democracy works better when its comes from within the country than imposed by an external body, so I think in hindsight it will be a good thing, but obviously its horrible in those countries right now! Hope all is well at home!