India: The Cradle of Spirituality – My Journey to the Golden Triangle

I recently embarked on an incredible and experience packed journey, one that was meticulously designed by National Geographic and G-adventures, to fulfil a life long wish to visit The Taj Mahal, one of the great wonders of the world. I also wanted to explore the mystical and spiritual heartland of India, known as the Golden Triangle and understand how spiritual practices impacts mental health around the world. This expedition took me on an extraordinary adventure through India’s rich history and heritage, and it left an indelible mark on my soul. India truly is the cradle of spirituality, where ancient practices like Yoga and Hinduism were born long before any other major religions emerged on the world stage.

My journey began in Indias capital, New Delhi, where I visited the great Lotus Temple of the Bahai Faith built in the 1980’s and both beautiful and majestic with the shape of a Lotus flower. The Bahai faith celebrates all religions, which pretty much align with the theme I came to discover during my trip to India, that as a general rule, India has a high tolerance and acceptance of all religions.

The focal point of this trip was to visit Agra, where the iconic Taj Mahal awaited me. As I stood before this architectural marvel, I was rendered speechless. The Taj Mahal completely lived up to its hype, and for me, it was more than just a tourist attraction; it was an embodied spiritual experience that moved me to tears. The Taj’s majestic and symmetrical beauty was breathtaking, but it was the story behind its creation that touched my heart.

Our tour guide, Anu, from Jaipur, shared with us the romantic tale of a Mughal king who built this monument, one of the Seven Wonders of the World, 400 years ago for his beloved wife Mumtaz, who tragically died in childbirth. It took the king 22 years to create this masterpiece, which he believed equaled the love and grief he felt for her. The Taj Mahal is a monument dedicated to eternal love and a broken heart, and how could one not be deeply moved by such a place and its poignant story? India had already begun to weave its magic on me.

My journey also took me to the world heritage monument Fatehpur Sikri in Dadupura. Here, I discovered the remarkable story of the Mughal ruler Akbar and his Diwan-i-Khas, or Hall of Private Audience. This plain square building with four chatris on the roof held a secret that fascinated me. Its central pillar, with a square base and an octagonal shaft, was intricately carved with bands of geometric and floral designs. What truly captivated me were the thirty-six serpentine brackets that supported a circular platform for Akbar, connected to each corner of the building on the first floor by four stone walkways.

It was within these walls that Akbar had representatives of different religions gather to discuss their faiths, fostering a spirit of tolerance and understanding. Here, he also held private audiences, demonstrating his commitment to inclusive governance. This historical site was a testament to India’s long-standing tradition of religious pluralism and open dialogue.

One of the most memorable moments of my trip occurred in the village of Pashewar. At 6 am, I left my hotel to attend a Hindu service by myself. It was dark and somewhat intimidating, but my tour guide had assured me of my safety. I couldn’t see the colorful shikhara rooftop of the temple I was heading to due to the darkness and ended up in the village center. The darkness was unsettling, and emaciated beggars approached me, a sight that was both sad and frightening.

I quickly decided to return to the 300 old fort where I was staying, but my desire for a spiritual experience persisted. I ventured out again, this time in the opposite direction, hoping to find a temple. To my amazement, I stumbled upon several temples. I randomly chose one, removed my shoes, and walked inside. To my astonishment, Buddha statues adorned the interior in gold and marble. Had I, a practicing Zen Buddhist, just randomly selected the only Buddhist temple among thousands of Hindu temples in this region? I was stunned!

The villagers and monks, numbering no more than ten, welcomed me with kindness and generosity, sharing their saffron rice and guiding me through the rituals of devotion to various Buddha statues, even applying holy water to my head. I was deeply moved by this unexpected experience, especially as I am a Buddhist. As it turns out, this was a Jain temple, and one of the attendees explained that Buddha is incorporated into Jainism, with followers considering him a valid reincarnation of their own founder. I was acquainted with Jainism only briefly and had never visited a Jain temple or met any followers. It was a fascinating encounter that left me with a profound sense of wonder.

India’s diversity and spirituality were revealed to me in the most unexpected places. My day at the Jain temple brought me inner peace, happiness, and a sense of freedom that lasted for days. It was like an effective form of wholistic and mindfulness based mental health treatment. The kind I offer in my private practice. The beauty of India, its people’s kindness, inclusiveness, and humility, left an enduring impression on me.

Of course, it made perfect sense that Buddha was Indian, given the profound spirituality and simplicity that permeates this land. Everywhere I turned, I encountered genuine kindness and the charm of simplicity. The food, oh, the food! Indian cuisine is not simple at all but a symphony of flavors that dance on the taste buds, a gastronomic journey that was an integral part of my spiritual exploration. Not once was I disappointed. As a matter of fact not surprisingly, Indian food is superior in India. The spices, vegetables and herbs are so very fresh.

My journey to the Golden Triangle in India was an unforgettable spiritual experience. I visited and participated in the rituals of Hindu (including Yoga), Bahai, Jain and Sikh temples and many Indo-Islamic archetechtual buildings such as the Taj Mahal. It opened my eyes to the profound spiritual roots that have shaped this nation for millennia. India’s historical significance as the birthplace of numerous spiritual practices and its enduring culture of kindness and simplicity make it a destination like no other. It’s a place where the past and present coexist in harmony, where spirituality is woven into the very fabric of daily life, and where every moment is a reminder of the beauty of the human spirit. India is indeed the cradle of spirituality, and I am forever grateful for the opportunity to have experienced its magic firsthand. I can’t wait to go back and continue my Indian journey.