I’m slowly getting at the essence of Rishikesh, with a little help from Angelos, a guy I met at the ashram in Kerala. He helped me get a room in the guesthouse where he is staying and is introducing me to the places and experiences that are all around me but would easily go unnoticed.
I was aware of the huge ashram behind us. The tower is beside my balcony, and the chanting – morning and evening – is mesmerizing. I didn’t know until yesterday that the guru there is the famous Prem Baba. As luck would have it, he is in residence and gives daily talks. I understand from Angelos that he is one of the more credible sages here; I’ve heard nothing but good things since, so I’m going to his satsang this morning for a first-hand listen.
Yesterday, I attended the afternoon kirtan at the same ashram. I cried… completely overcome. The voices, the instruments (some familiar, others unknown) melded into sound that touched my core. If I hadn’t already purchased the entire contents of an Indian music store (112 CDs) on a USB stick, I would have picked up one of their offerings. Who knows, I may already have it😁
And music will hold your memories like nothing else. This sounds like it truly has been an amazing trip.