India has taught me the lesson of being a minimalist in life (you could take it in regards to packing as well but that’s not what I mean here). We (those who claim to be religious and arguably even the nonreligious) all yearn for something beyond this physical world. We know there is more to life than what our materialistic society in the West has to offer. More than a materialistic increase or accumulation of wealth- there is yearning for purpose in life.
Materialism offers a quick-fix but always leads to a want for more, more, more! The newest edition, the latest upgrade, “the bigger one, the better one”. But even Hollywood’s biggest stars have admitted an emptiness that no amount of money or expensive clothing can fill. Is this not what religion seeks to combat and to remedy?

From the Buddhist Monk, the lessons on Hinduism, the Bhagavad Gita, and Viney’s insight into Indian culture, we learn that these religions all preach minimalism. Perhaps the greatest teacher of minimalism we study is Gandhi. After all, he did exhort followers to move back to the countryside away from cities and to never think of oneself being superior to another caste. By ridding oneself of materialistic/physical distractions – distractions of the gross body as the Monk might say – a person is then able to focus the Mind on this intertwining of realms – the unseen and seen, the physical and spiritual dimensions. (That which is so hard for linear-minded Westerners to comprehend.)

Meditation, dharma, service, yoga, mantras, studying… all of these are ways in which an individual focuses on the Transcendent Being. And all of these ways do not involve materialistic possessions or wealth. They are actually inhibited by an increased amount of things/stuff/junk.

One of the greatest parts of this trip is the lack of cell service and wifi. It’s available for a cost but I chose not to spend the money and instead absorb the experience without the distraction. (Today was the first day with free wifi and a day of rest/travel which is why this blog is possible.) Just by cutting out the distraction of social media and the constant communication that takes place via texting and messaging has done wonders. I even hesitate bringing my camera along because I want to simply enjoy the trip rather than focus on getting pictures of everything to share with others so they can live vicariously. (I have been taking pictures but after writing this it may end quickly.)

I want to absorb life. To be changed by the people and the culture. To experience things face to face rather than through the eye of a camera. There is an addiction to this fake connection that binds me to my phone. This ego inside that tries to find an excuse to pull it out and share what I find. But by sharing life with those back home, I miss out on sharing it with those right next to me. It’s a constant battle for me but one that Gandhi made simple. Let go and live free. Don’t constrain yourself with things because then you restrain your capability to serve others.

Be a minimalist. ✌🏼️

(S/o to the girls for buying me a cake from a Hindi bakery today!)