A Himalayan Adventure

During the trip I saw many different aspects of Indian life and culture. The first and foremost is their religion which is still a massive underpinning for the people’s everyday life. As such monastery visits were most defiantly part of the programme.

The regions of West Bengal and Sikkim practice predominantly Tibetan Buddhism which has origins in the 6th century and, rather unsurprisingly, in Tibet. The core values lie in knowing oneself in a progression to peace in all things.

The Rumtek Monastery, largest monastery in Sikkim, and is home to plenty of scriptures. It is 1500 metres above sea level and we walked up to it. However it was worth it for the fantastic scenery.

The monastry is also home to a major teaching establishment for Tibetan Buddhism, the Karma Kagyu school of Tibetan Buddhism.

It wasn’t just all monasteries on the trip, there were some temples, shrines and meditation centres thrown in for good measure.

• Top left is the ‘Coronation throne of Norrugang’ which is a site that hold significance for the uniting of the Sikkim region in 1641.
• Both top right images are taken at the Konark Sun Temple in Puri. 13th century. Built to honour the sun god ‘Surya’. Depiction of a horse and chariot, 12 pairs of wheels carved into the sides.
• Bottom left, shrine to one of the many gods in India.
• Bottom left is a meditation centre where we learnt about the spiritual beliefs associated with the Buddhist nature of India; soul being a driver, Karma and reincarnation.

During the trip I also witnessed many different ways of life ranging from the street sellers in Kolkata, to the tea farmers, and even some stone masons working on the temples and monasteries in Puri.

• The top photos are of the Sundarbarn region where rice growing and agriculture is life for the area. It is mainly subsistence living. A bag of rice costs only 50 rupees (50 pence).
• Left, is a sculpting workshop in Puri. Some of the sculptures are used in religious monuments in and around the area.
• Bottom, tea plantation in Sikkim. It was a huge area.

There were two main instances that I will hold with me forever.

• 1st was a visit to a village in the Sundarbarns. The people there were poorer than beggars in Kolkata but were happy and so thankful for very simple things.
• 2nd was the sunrise over the Himalayas.

I was told that it would be an amazing experience. It truly was. In addition I have made some strong and hopefully lasting friendships with people from all over the world.

It was an experience that will stay with me for the rest of my life. Thank you Rotary!