I arrived at the Sri Ram ashram—Mount Madonna’s sister organization in Haridwar— exhausted and ready to lie down and rest. The second I stepped off the bus, however, my weariness disappeared and was replaced by warmth and a peaceful alertness.
Let me explain. I’m still not—and don’t think I ever will be—used to the greetings we receive in India, especially from the children. With each new meeting, shock jolts through my body at the unconditional love, admiration, and interest with which we are greeted. Every time we are accepted by new people I feel momentarily uncomfortable and undeserving, and then viscerally grateful. I’m accustomed to a culture of judgement, cliquiness, and social anxiety; my fear of social interaction and strangers runs deep. This fear has chased after me as I embark on this journey. Because of this reality, each welcome I’ve received has been deeply emotional for me. I can almost physically feel my brain chemistry being challenged.
So, returning to that moment exiting the bus on our first afternoon at the ashram, you can imagine how I snapped into a charged wakefulness in response to the most magical greeting we’ve had yet. The weight of my exhaustion and the luggage on my shoulders seemed to lift as a tiny hand grabbed onto me and pulled me down the steps towards a gaggle of smiling faces.
Many of the young children speak to us in Hindi, so we communicate through body language, smiles, and play. Though for the most part we can’t understand one another, we share a few words: “how was school?” “Good!” Or “Didi, come play!”
Didi is the Hindi word for big sister, and it is how the young kids address the girls in our class. After hearing this word echoing around me, summoning me, for only a short day, I became as responsive to it as I am my own name. Each time I hear a joyful little voice call “didi!” from behind me, my face is fresh with smiles at the realization that I am being addressed, and I happily allow myself to be pulled this way and that.
The most meaningful part of being at the ashram for me is spending time with the babies. My idea of a perfect day is genuinely just holding a baby. I never get tired of being with them (even when I am covered in spit-up). At home, I don’t have many opportunities to spend time with babies, so I am soaking-in every moment.
Holding a baby is a form of meditation. One cannot help but be present in the moment, feel connected and slow down. Being accepted and loved by the babies and the children is showing me that I can be both empowered and humbled at the same time. This is a radical feeling.
Cora Kayne
A Deeply Foreign Encounter
Today, the day after arriving at the joyful and comfortable Ashram, we took a bumpy trip on a tractor to a village populated by Gujars. The Gujars are a group of people, formerly nomadic, who took refuge from Afghanistan in India and are funded by the government to live in accordance with their traditions. In this case, the Gujjar people live simply, building their own houses and making money by selling buffalo milk.
When first arriving, I instantly noticed their huts, which were built of straw and stone. The straw that is used on the roof is waterproof and is stacked in a certain way in order to protect from rain. One of my main questions was how one decides they want to live a life like this. For the Gujar people, you are born into this lifestyle. Men are able to go to school, but often they choose to stay home and work. Women have to stay home.
Another thing I wanted to know about was if they ever create art, whether that be dancing, singing, painting, etc. They answered that they do not have a creative outlet. We also asked if they engage in play, and they shook their heads. One of our chaperones had a theory that their lifestyle is art in itself; building their houses by themselves, some painting the inside a beautiful blue with red accents, and adding structural additions like special-shaped windows. Raising animals from their first breath to their last seemed like play to us as we watched them with their baby cows and water buffaloes.
Our trip to this mud and thatch village was fascinating, and I will never forget the Gujar people.
This evening, we had the opportunity to participate in the Hindu ritual of Hari Ki Pari, a fire ceremony (Aarti) on the banks of the Ganga river attended by thousands of people every evening at sunset.
I knew very little about the Ganga Aarti except that we would light a boat and let it float down the river. But everything I had assumed was so wrong. As the local sunset hour of 5:30 approached, flocks of people arrived at the steps along each side of the river. Everything was beautiful down to the smell of the incense as the monks burned little piles of wood. The river was a clear bright blue, and people were bathing and blessing themselves with the water. We got there an hour early in order to get good spots on the river. Thanks to our guide Asis, we got a spot directly across from the monks that performed the chants and offerings to the Ganga. It was quite a long time of chanting but during that time people chatted and watched. Pilgrims at the riverside would pour milk, salt, and marigolds into the water as an offering. It was a ritual to honor the gods and the dead. You could buy these small leaf boats stitched together with twigs and filled with flower petals. A single candle of cotton and loose wax nestled in the center. As the chanting came to an end, everyone started to light their boats and float them down the river.
I chose to honor my grandmother with my boat. I never met her. She was murdered before I had the chance to meet her in this life. But I came to know her through my moms’ stories and through pieces stitched together by the people who loved her. I know she was strong. I know she laughed loudly. I know she carried dreams bigger than the town she lived in. And I know she wished she could have traveled the world, but she never got the chance. So I chose to let the boat go with a wish that even if her body couldn’t go anywhere, her soul could travel the world just as fiercely as she lived it.
Kyler Nishimura
Insight from an Expert
Lucy Yen
When we found out that we would be meeting Ronjona Banerjee, we were all very excited, because we were very interested in hearing what she had to say. We would be meeting her at dinner at our host Shantam’s house. We all knew that she was a journalist who focused on major social issues and politics, but we could find very little out about her otherwise. Interested in learning about what the news was in India from her perspective, we were surprised to find ourselves talking about the Epstein files. We didn’t know that the files had also heavily affected India, and we soon learned that there was a massive coverup for all the names mentioned.
This led to a conversation about how we notice in the news that almost anyone, given a wealth of power and money, becomes incredibly corrupt and even sociopathic. We discussed whether or not human nature is to become corrupt, or whether a certain type of person, prone to corruption, naturally gravitates towards power. Whether that level of depravity is innately human, and wealth and power finally gives you one ability to indulge it, or if wealth and power breeds that depravity, is a question we all share.
We also asked her about where India stands in the progression LGBTQ+ rights. We had researched this, and the answers seemed unclear. She explained how it used to be illegal to be gay, but recently a law passed saying that you now couldn’t be prosecuted for it. That being said, gay marriage is still not recognized by the government. She also explained how these issues really only mattered for men. She said that women don’t really face any issues because quote “It doesn’t affect the patriarchy so nobody really cares.”
For men, homosexuality was a huge issue when it was illegal, because men commonly hold hands in India unromantically. Because you have to pay for bail, many police officers took advantage of this propensity for hand holding, and huge numbers of men were wrongly arrested. The idea of homosexuality was also used to excuse gang violence and violence against lower castes.
Ronjona also explained that caste has nothing to do with how much money a person has. This is a misconception many people carry. Caste is entirely a birthright, and you can discern caste based on a person’s last name, whom they associate with, and the color of their skin. Caste, religion, and one’s region of origin are all ways people discriminate against each other in India. The country is so diverse and full of so many different kinds of people that the ways in which to judge one another are endless. Ronjona explained that even the types of food people eat is telling of their “place” in others’ eyes. Vegetarianism is linked to religious practices, but it is also something reserved for the wealthy. The poor eat meat.
Overall, our talk with Ronjona was very interesting, because we got a different look at how people viewed news across the world, and what politics are like in India. Although we had learned about India and the news in the country, we hadn’t talked to an expert on the subject, so it was interesting to compare her views on the world with ours and other journalists we interviewed in DC.
Hans Hagge
Sri Ram Mandir School
Before arriving at Sri Ram Vidya Mandir (the school associated with the Sri Ram Ashram), I expected there to be a disconnect between cultures. When I arrived, however, the first thing I saw was a united assembly. Everyone stood in lines organized by grade level and by the length of their arms. After they lined up, someone on the speaker gave commands like “Attention” and “At ease.” Those commands seemed to unite them. The students had a lot of discipline. By implementing discipline and wearing uniforms, they created a sense of unity. This made things less about where you come from and more about shared similarities. When fewer things separate people, there is more acceptance in friendships.
I ended up talking a lot with students in 11th grade. There wasn’t as much disconnect as I had expected. Kyler and I started talking with them about music and different genres. One student mentioned that he enjoyed lo-fi and English songs. He even talked about a couple of songs that Kyler and I enjoy and know, which really surprised me.
Kyler and I talked with two Indian students about how we could give back to our communities. I spoke about keeping in touch with my family. My family has done so much for me that it is impossible to repay them fully, but I think the best way to give back is by giving them your time. They worked hard to help me succeed in life, so the best gift I can give in return is staying connected—calling them, visiting them, and making time for them even when I am busy.
Kyler talked about careers that would allow him to help others. He mentioned that his uncle was a firefighter, which he respected, but he said he didn’t want to become one because his uncle developed lung problems from the job. Instead, Kyler talked about possibly becoming a police officer. His main point was that he wanted to serve and give back to the community. I also learned that one of the students wanted to join his family business as an electrician.
The students I spoke with ended up bonding over music, math, and games. I didn’t expect that we would connect so much. I thought there would be a large cultural disconnect between us, but that wasn’t the case.
Now, I can see myself keeping in touch with some of these students. Because of this experience, I realized that there are many people in India with whom I can connect through shared interests and similarities in our cultures. This was not a huge realization, but I did wonder beforehand whether they would be as interested in other cultures we are. For example, I enjoy anime, which comes from Japan, and I wondered if they would also be open to art forms and music from other cultures, or if they mainly focused on their own.
It turns out they may be more open to other cultures than I expected. This experience has helped me develop a broader understanding of the world and a clearer idea of how connected people can be, even across different countries.
The Beatles ashram is where the Beatles lived for a month in 1968 to learn transcendental meditation from Maharishi Mahesh. During this time they also wrote most of the white album. We stopped on our way from Dehradun to Haridwar in order to visit this historic place.
The ashram itself is old and falling apart a bit. It has incredible graffiti artwork on its crumbling walls, which I think is what gives it its authenticity and is what makes it so special. Right now they are in the process of remodeling and they are fixing all of the buildings and painting them all white which is incredibly sad, in my opinion. What makes the ashram so cool and unique isn’t just that the Beatles lived there, it is that they left their mark in the form of art and expression in all of the unique and incredible buildings.
The Beatles Ashram was impactful for me for an entirely different reason. After exploring and admiring the artwork, Chelsea took Mateo, Lucy and I to the roof of one of the buildings which had a view of all of Rishikesh and the river Gunga. We then spread out on the roof and did a five minute silent meditation. I thought, at that time, that I had felt India and I was fully here and experiencing everything that I could, but during that meditation I finally got a chance to breathe and just be. After we finished the five minutes I finally felt like I had arrived. I felt like I was actually in India for the first time. Before the meditation I was just going from one thing to the next and I was trying so hard to experience all the things that were available, but in that meditation I got a chance to pause and really feel the difference. I am so grateful that I got the opportunity to really connect with “mother India” in that way.
Rosemary Konviser
Ticket to Ride
After traveling so far that it feels like we have gone across the universe, I was particularly excited for one stop: the Beatles ashram. We learned today that the word “ashram” means to come, to leave, and to learn. This is what the Beatles hoped to do in India. In 1968, the Beatles spent several months in Rishikesh with the intention of learning about spirituality and practicing Transcendental Meditation, a technique introduced by Maharishi Mahesh Yogi over sixty years ago. While here, the Beatles also wrote the majority of their White Album. Now, the Beatles ashram is a popular attraction that houses murals, historical information, meditation huts, beautiful graffiti, and years of history. The Beatles are one of my favorite bands, and after watching a documentary about their time in India, I could hardly contain my excitement at the opportunity to visit this incredible site.
This morning, after many a long and winding road, we finally arrived in the beautiful village of Rishikesh, right on the river Ganga. We walked across a windy, motorcycle-packed bridge and completed a short trek along the water and up the hill into the entrance of the ashram. Amazed, I studied old photographs from the Beatles’ time here, and read about Maharishi Mahesh Yogi and the benefits of Transcendental Meditation. I admired murals, added my name to a wall of graffiti, and explored underground rooms and old rooftops that overlooked the Ganga. I would gladly have spent all day in this sprawling, beautiful landscape, full of old buildings and artwork here there and everywhere, waiting to be explored.
The ashram is currently undergoing renovations, and may very well look different by next year. Even despite this construction, we had much more ground under us than we could cover in our time, so unfortunately, we had to say “hello, goodbye” to the ashram and continue on to our next exciting stops.
Do you want to know a secret?
Money can’t buy you love, love but it can get you a trip to India to visit the Beatles ashram!
Mateo Borrego
A Dazzling Shopping Trip
Yesterday we visited Rishikesh. One of the things we did was go shopping in an alley that had lots of different shops. There were some similarities to shopping in the states, but most of it was so different. There were so many people and motorbikes; you would have to walk through a sea of people without losing your group while remaining aware of the motorbikes and cows all around. It sounds very extreme but it was actually fun and felt safe. It is still a crazy experience for an American and one I enjoyed very much.
If you know me, I have a bit of a shopping addiction. I found it difficult not to buy everything that I saw, especially when you see some of these prices. I realized that I could buy some nice pants for two to four dollars. There was novelty everywhere and so many things I had never seen. I got a nice bracelet for a dollar. We also have other places to shop so I had to save. Although I was able to contain myself to some degree on shopping I did visit almost every store I saw because it was mandatory. One of the stores my group went into was a jewelry store and these silver earrings caught my eye. Soon enough I saw a really beautiful silver bracelet and I knew I wanted that, so I asked for the price. He said three hundred seventy five U.S dollars and I didn’t even want to bother haggling because there was no point! Some things are shockingly expensive. I bought the earrings instead. The moral of the story is that not everything in India is inexpensive. Lastly, if you ever find yourself in India and shopping in an alley watch out for cows and also make sure you buy some of the lightweight linen pants because they are so comfortable and they cost four dollars. I really enjoyed the shopping experience.
Lisa Catterall
Everyone is a Guru
Human beings are social animals. Like our fellow primates, we need our groups to survive and thrive. Our binocular vision and large occipital lobes can do the calculus required to reach up and catch a ball as it arcs through the air instantaneously, but we are only registering a few points of visual recognition. When we look at a human face, we register over three hundred points so that we see, and analyze, reactions with great depth.
Baba Hari Dass taught that everyone is a “guru,” if you listen deeply. So often when we are listening, our minds work on formulating our response. This is a deeply protective instinct. Our survival depended on social status for such a great part of human evolution that the need to fit-in is deeply ingrained. We are listening to be seen, rather than seeing.
Enter the idea of enlightenment. It can happen in a snap. A perspective can be shifted forever; a person can live inside a metaphorical balloon that suddenly pops, revealing the outer world that had been obscured by a layer of translucent balloon latex. I’ve been enjoying, throughout our trip to India, watching many balloons pop as we walk across the bed-of-nails that is the carefully curated experience of the trip.
Not to compare these experiences to something painful; they are anything but that. Having been on this trip in a much earlier iteration, I have loved seeing the evolution of the shared experience. If I could encapsulate the changes in one word, the word would be Love. A greater love and tender caring for our students, for the people we meet, and for our very bodies has refined the education being offered on the road. The organizations we visit now were born from pure love, from seeing a hole in the world, and filling it with love itself.
Every time we are at the doorstep of a new organization, Chelsea does not hesitate to remind us that everyone is a Guru, if you listen deeply. Irrespective of language, I’ve been spending this week learning about the world through the smiles of children from a vibrant tapestry of cultures and experiences, including the MMS students who travel by my side. Our days can easily be described by our other favorite Babaji advice for life; work honestly, meet people without fear, meditate every day, and play.
This morning I greeted a smiling baby in the arms of a Gujar cattle herder in a small village built from mud and thatch. The baby loved my glittery manicure and spent a good long time teething on my fingers. With no common culture or language, I enjoyed a smiling “conversation” with the parents of the village about teething, and babies. A balloon popped for me about the universality of love, generations, and the rites of passage that carry through every culture and circumstance of life all over the world. Shared humanity is our greatest teacher.
Today, our class had the opportunity to interview Afteb Seth, a former ambassador and diplomat to over four countries. He has also written two poetry books and an autobiography. Afteb lives in a senior living center with his wife. The facility was absolutely breathtaking with glass walls surrounded by lush green grass. Inside, soft lighting lit up the conference room in which we interviewed him. I felt the softness and radiance of the space reflected in the way we approached that interview.
When we first sat down with him, I instantly noticed he had a brightness and joyful attitude. Despite his age and immense amount of education and experience, he was not afraid to talk loudly and with his hands, make jokes, or poke fun at some of my classmates. One thing that stood out to me during the interview was the way he talked about how creativity, writing, and leadership all overlap. Many sources called Seth a “theater personality” so I asked him how acting and theatre coincide with leadership. He responded, saying that acting was a very helpful tool, especially as a diplomat. He mentioned that you may have to act angry even if you are not — facial expressions are important. He also gave a very valuable piece of acting advice, saying that when you play a character (he used Mercutio from Romeo and Juliet as an example), you, the actor, are never going to be Mercutio — even if you method-act. However, you must convince the audience that you are, and through that experience, you may watch yourself play that character.
Another thing during the interview that stood out to me was how he talked about learning new languages; and the power in “breaking bread” with others in order to learn. Seth said that when communicating with others in another country, using a translator isn’t really connecting with that person. You must sit down with them and experience their culture — whether that be through “drinking alcohol” or “sitting underneath a Kotatsu and eating sushi.” That is the real way to learn a language.
Overall, interviewing Seth felt like a breath of fresh air, with his creative approach to diplomacy and his silly way of going through life. I hope to meet him again soon, and I am excited to test out his acting advice!
Rosemary Konviser
Service to Billions
Today we had an informative interview with Abhinav Kumar, a high ranking officer who has worked for the Indian Police Service for several decades. Sitting at a long table in an official looking conference room, we felt grateful that Abhinav made the time to converse with us despite his busy schedule. Over delicious cups of chai, we discussed Abhinavs’ career, values, and he shared his global and local perspectives on politics and law enforcement. His views were thoughtful and he took care to acknowledge the flaws in the police system and government, while also pointing out the positive changes and progress that have happened since he’s been a part of the police service.
An important theme in the interview was that change is gradual, especially in a place like India, with a population of one and a half billion people and a long history of prejudice and hardship. Abhinav talked about the sides of policing that we don’t often consider, such as the hardships it creates for the officers and their families. He explained that in the first years of his career as a police officer he worked constant, long shifts and had no time for family life. He also faced dangerous and traumatizing situations. As he rose through the ranks and his roles changed, he had more time and was able to start a family, but he still struggled with separating his home life and his police life. He mentioned studies that have shown really high divorce rates among police officers, as well as the prevalence of other issues including alcoholism and violence. Often, police officers bring the violence and trauma they experience on the job back into their homes.
We asked Abhinav about the qualities necessary for good leadership, especially in the police force. In response, he emphasized the importance of not asking the officers under you to do things you yourself are not willing to do. He talked about not just assuming that because you are in charge, everyone will listen to you; instead you have to earn that respect by setting a good example as a superior officer.
Abhinav also talked about the importance of young people being interested in public service and pursuing careers in it, and he expressed his appreciation for hearing from the perspectives of young people like us. Speaking with him gave us a fascinating insight into politics and law enforcement in India.
Gage Saul
International Connectedness
Aftab Seth is an Indian diplomat who has had a long career in international relations. Much of his career was spent in Japan; he was the ambassador for India to Japan. Our class went to interview Aftab Seth at a home for the elderly. Shantam, a very learned man who helped arrange our interviews, talked briefly about how in India old people’s homes were uncommon. They are a new phenomenon as the elderly most often live with their children. Aftad Seth lived in one of these rare, very wealthy elderly homes in India.
When we arrived, we were seated in a very neat and well furnished room. I believe its intended purpose was for poker as there were paintings of cards on the walls. As we prepared to interview him, he explained about his history in the diplomatic department. Language, he explained, is extremely important, especially when attempting to connect to a new culture. He related that there is really no better way to understand people. Without language, understanding stays on the surface, but with it, deeper connections can form. He has written several books that reflect upon his experiences as well as his ideas about diplomacy and culture. At one point in his career, he was also a professor at Keio University, where teaching required many of the same skills used in diplomacy. Patience, as well as clear communication, were important no matter where he was in his career. He stressed that understanding cultures is of great importance, and that assuming, instead of learning, can create problems.
When speaking about the most important lesson he learned during his time as a diplomat, he mainly focused on hard work and dedication rather than success coming easily. Throughout his talk, he was very charismatic and often funny, which made him far more engaging and easier to remember.
Kyler Nishimura
The Joy of Charity
When I decided to go on the India Learning Journey for this year, I wanted to go for multiple reasons, but probably the most important for me was finding the “missing link” in my life. I have always had a very good life, but I have always felt like I have been missing something, and I was hoping that going to India would help me. Little did I know that I would get my answer much sooner than I imagined, on the evening of our first day in India, which was after we visited the CED society building.
I was tired then, but we still had one final stop before we went back, which was helping-out at the Tibetan Elders Home. All of the constant things to do at the CED society had worn me out, not to mention the fact that I had very little sleep the night before, but I was still ready to do whatever I was asked to do. I just had to hand out clothes, which seemed like a very easy job, and I was eager to help out the elders. When we got to the Elders’ Home, we were greeted by Lama Tenzin, who had helped us with several key parts of the trip. I was grateful that he was energetic and helpful as always, and he was still very happy to see us.
We were soon given warm wool hats, socks, and money for the elders, and we were instructed to give them out in a specific way in order to make sure that the elders felt at peace. We soon began to hand out the supplies, and I was mainly focused on the job at hand. I made sure to respect the elders by bowing to them and thanking them. Only after I finished did the reality of the situation hit me. I suddenly realized that I was here, and that I had just done that, and it meant something to me on a deeper level than I expected. I had always valued community service and selflessness because of the values that my parents taught me, and this felt like the culmination of that. I was helping, I was making a difference, and this small revelation completely changed the way I felt about my future. I have always wanted a job that involves helping people, but that always went the way of a national service, like a park ranger or law enforcement. Now I feel that community service could be an option for me and even more than that, it should be.
Today we visited C.E.D. Society, which is run by the monk Lama Tenzin. We met a group of kids who had all been rescued by Lama Tenzin at some point in their lives, and who were brought to live and get an education here in Dehradun. Lama Tenzin focuses specifically on rescuing and educating young girls, often from rural villages in the Himalayas. A big part of the program is giving the girls an excellent education and teaching them about womens’ health. The caste system has left damaging prejudices on not just the poor population in India, but specifically on women and those with disabilities. Girls, especially those in rural areas, are not looked at for anything other than a dowry and what can be gained from their arranged marriage, and therefore it is not considered worth it to educate them. They are not valued members of the family in the way that sons are. The majority of the kids we met at C.E.D. Society were girls, and some of them had been abandoned by fathers who wished for sons. Lama Tenzin explained that mothers who birth only daughters and no sons are shunned and seen as bad omens. We learned that those with disabilities are also seen as bad omens.
In the Hindu tradition, reincarnation is seen as a reflection of actions from past lives. Those born into low castes or with disabilities are taught to believe that they deserve their circumstances because of sins from past lives. This belief often keeps them from trying to improve their circumstances. I was inspired to hear Lama Tenzin talk about the changes he’d seen in the girls since they’d arrived. He described how they now believed in themselves and had confidence, whereas when they’d lived in the villages, they were taught to think they were worthless and only valuable as wives.
Lama Tenzin uses his power as a monk to change narratives and to reverse stigmas. There is stigma around being near those with disabilities, but it is also known that it is bad to not listen to a monk, so Lama Tenzin has power to shift these prejudices. Using this power, he convinced people to help him rescue girls in wheelchairs who needed help trekking out of the Himalayas, even though there is stigma around touching the disabled.
Meeting these kids, you honestly wouldn’t know that most of them were orphaned, abandoned, or abused. It was a striking experience to interact with people who have gone through things we couldn’t even imagine, and yet have the biggest smiles on their faces. Each child was simply happy to be there, happy to see us, and eager to take us by the hands and play, sing, dance, and talk together. I was surprised to see how much we all had in common.
We talked afterward about smiles and play being the universal language. We talked about how no matter how different the little things are, in the bigger picture, we are all so deeply human and painfully similar. We all formed close bonds immediately. We bonded over Ed Sheeran, table tennis, and Polaroid photos. What we didn’t already share, we introduced one another to. All expressions were of welcome and kindness and I felt my fear of meeting new people fading away. Throughout the day, I felt extremely humbled. Seeing the childrens capacity for pure joy and kindness even amidst hardship forced me to reflect on my life. I am deeply inspired by the children’s positivity, creativity, and zest for life. If these kids can be this happy no matter what has happened in their pasts, then I can shift my perspective and approach the challenges I face at home differently. They truly embodied the idea that happiness comes from within and we are the truly are the masters of our own suffering.
Mateo Borrego
Think Pink (pads): Menstrual Activism
Today we went with Lama Tenzin to his Pink Pads facility. On the way, we had to get out of the bus and transfer to Lama Tenzin’s car because the bus is too big to climb the steep hill and manage the narrow curves up to the building. I thought it was very interesting how fast the lama would go through these winding roads, narrowly avoiding people, animals, and other objects. He was completely unbothered and remained so calm throughout his driving. It made a big impression on me.
Enough about this ride. Pink Pads is an organization that makes compostable, high quality menstrual pads and gives them away in remote villages in the Himalayas. Because menstruation is considered dirty and there is a stigma among the local people, Pink Pads also digs holes so that when the women are done after use they throw the biodegradable pads in the pit to compost. We got the incredible opportunity to take a tour of the facility for Pink Pads and it was a moving experience. Seeing how much Lama Tenzin has achieved and how much he does to help was inspiring, and he is just beginning the work. In the facility, there are many floors and he showed us what was on each one.
There are rooms for people to stay, study, and work; a manufacturing floor, offices, a sewing area, and even a helipad on the roof. What was really interesting is that he said that he would offer free lodging and food for anyone who stays there and also that he would give jobs to any woman who needs them. He plans to allow flexible schedules for his workers. When you get married in India, all the money usually goes to the husband. The women do not work because they are supposed to take care of things in the house. They can not work eight hours, which is what most companies require. I think Lama Tenzin’s understanding of the situation shows how good of a person he is and how much he really cares. He takes the time to understand peoples’ struggles, then looks for ways to help. I found the experience of meeting him and hearing about his work truly inspiring. I was amazed to be able to spend time with such an amazing person.
Gage Saul
Monk of Compassion in Action
Recently, there was an opportunity to visit CED in India. The experience has remained difficult to fully put into words. Lama Tenzin was introduced as someone deeply involved in supporting underprivileged and often marginalzed children. His pace stood out immediately. He moved quickly between conversations, activities, and responsibilities. There was little pause. Attention shifted constantly from one person to another.
Lama Tenzin explained the circumstances of many of the children. Discrimination based on class and background has shaped much of their early lives. That reality felt heavy when it was described, yet the atmosphere itself did not feel heavy. We played light hearted games. Energy filled the space almost instantly. Athletic ability became obvious without much effort. Some of them were faster, more coordinated, and more competitive than expected. Laughter broke out frequently. At times it was loud and chaotic. At other moments it was quiet and shared between only a few. Encouragement came naturally, almost automatically.
Their beginnings had been difficult, but what appeared in front of us was confidence and connection. Belonging was noticeable. It showed in small gestures and in the way they stood close together. It showed in how they waited for one another. There was teamwork, but also independence.
The contrast between their past hardships and their present environment was striking. Reflection did not happen all at once. It came later. Questions about community surfaced gradually in my mind as I contemplated the day. What does meaningful contribution actually look like? Is it large and visible, or something less obvious? Observing Lama Tenzin complicated those assumptions. His work is not dramatic. It is repetitive. It is constant. He listens. He responds. Then he moves on to the next person. Service, in this setting, did not appear abstract. It looked practical. It looked ordinary. It required attention.
Compassion, especially when viewed up close, tends to carry a different weight. The visit did not resolve anything neatly. Instead, it left thoughts about responsibility. Change may not arrive in a single moment. It may build slowly, almost unnoticed, shaped by steady commitment rather than sudden action.
Lennon Smith
Gratitude and Lifting Up Others
We started our third day in India with a visit to Pink Pads, Lama Tenzin’s start-up focused on mass production of affordable, compostable menstrual pads for marginalized communities. As he works to get the equipment fully up and running for production, he is also raising awareness in the surrounding area and creating employment opportunities for women of all backgrounds.
One group he is particularly focused-on is the women who live near the building and rely on their husbands’ earnings. By employing them, he is putting money directly into their own accounts, giving them financial independence and the ability to make their own choices.
The care and consideration Lama Tenzin brings to his work are so evident and truly inspiring. From the CED Society to his numerous other projects, such as Sound of Soul, his dedication to uplifting others is remarkable. I feel incredibly fortunate to have met him and to see firsthand the impactful work he is doing. He’s also bought out a smaller plot of land diagonal to pink pads where he will build a connecting building for Sound of Soul, a music studio for underprivileged and disabled kids.
The first few days of this trip have been so amazing that I couldn’t even begin to express my feelings about them in words. Being able to travel the world has always been a passion of mine but it means so much more than that. I’m eternally grateful to my mom for working to give me the privilege of traveling like this.
Hans Hagge
CED Society Play
When we arrived at the CED Society, we began playing almost immediately. We started with games like rock-paper-scissors and Wild Wild West, and then some of us moved on to chess.
I played with two young children, and then I played with someone my age. I was surprised by how good they were because, if you know anything about chess, you know that learning it without access to a computer or a good teacher is difficult.
Then we all played basketball and ping-pong together. I taught a girl in a wheelchair some piano and played while she and Lucy sang. It is inspiring that, despite her difficult situation, she still laughs and acts with kindness. We then played musical chairs three times. I was impressed by how we just kept moving from one game to the next. Back home, when we play games, we usually stop after just one. I was also thankful to the CED Society for giving these kids opportunities they wouldn’t otherwise have.
I feel like if we brought more play into our lives in the US, everything would be a lot better. Currently, it seems that many kids in the US don’t play games very often. When I was the age of the children we played with, I never had full days of play. Instead, I mostly worked on activities like piano, and when I did play, I usually only touched one or two games at most. I never played longer than two hours. I was expected to learn, not play.
In the US, many families expect children to spend their time doing things that will help them in the long run and are seen as productive. At the CED Society specifically, I saw kids playing all day with us, which I have never seen in the US. More often, we are too busy with piano, school, and other skills, while playing is seen as less productive or even a waste of time because it doesn’t lead to income.
But play is valuable because, for kids, social interaction is a huge benefit. You are going to need social skills throughout your life, and they are extremely helpful in many situations. I feel that I missed out on a lot of social interaction in my younger years because my school wasn’t really focused on play, and there wasn’t much time to do fun activities. In the culture of my school in the US at the time, there were small social groups and clear social levels, with some people being more popular than others. Play is something that removes those social levels and makes everyone equal, with the same goal: to win.
Last night we had dinner at a beautiful home in Dehradun. Our hosts had invited a diverse group of leaders and spiritual pilgrims, and they asked us to introduce ourselves one at a time and tell the group about a moment when India had made an impression. Keep in mind that we had only been in the country for two days. I said something in the spur of the moment. The more I let it sit, the more I realized it increasingly resonated with me. This is the story I told.
Growing up in the same household, in the same city, with the same experiences for 18 years has led me to look at the world in a certain type of sheltered way. Of course, having access to the internet and other people’s stories has allowed me to gain a vague understanding of the extent of my privilege, but that only went so far. My privilege was something intangible, far away, and hazy.
Growing up, I thought that I had smelled all there was to smell, seen all there was to see, and developed the worldview I would carry for the rest of my life. That wasn’t the case at all. Of course, it was arrogant to think this way, especially because I knew I had only seen a fraction of the world.
The second I left the airport and stood in New Delhi, everything I had assumed shattered. We had talked about letting go of our assumptions in class previously, but I never expected it to be so drastic. Actually experiencing the contrast to my small, sheltered life was overwhelming. I thought I knew how cities were laid out, and then I encountered Delhi. This sprawling metropolis was bustling, and so energetic that I believe even a seasoned New Yorker would be overwhelmed by it. Immediately, without even trying, Hans and I began counting things that were foreign. We could not look out the window of the bus and find something that was not new to us. I admit this was our way of clinging to familiarity, and eventually I gave up counting, as I realized it would be more efficient to count something that was familiar instead. Additionally, after only two days in India, my worldview has profoundly altered. With ten more days on the ground in this country, I think that this is only the beginning of India’s impact on me. In order for a trip to be truly life-changing, it is not just your external beliefs that change, but the ones you hold dear at your core, the quiet assumptions you didn’t even realize you were carrying.Maybe I haven’t seen all there is to see after all. Maybe I’m only just beginning to notice how much I never understood in the first place.For now, I’m learning to stop counting what’s different and start paying attention instead.
Cora Kayne
CED Society
Today, our class visited the Children’s Education and Development Society (CED Society), which hosts a number of children from different parts of India as well as Tibet. Most of these children have a horrific origin story. Many forced to work very early in their lives. Some were ostracized in their home village because they had a disability, or they were excluded from education simply because they are female.
Each child has their own unique story, and when I stepped into the homespun comfort of the CED Society walls, I was excited to learn about each and every one.
I spent the most time with 2 girls named Pema and Hema, both of whom were disabled. Pema was instantly welcoming and kind, similar to her fuzzy brown pajamas with a bear print all over. I talked to her about her life at the CED society, as well as her hobbies. She told me that she enjoyed singing as well as piano. She sung a song for me which was beautiful, and then we sang a song together.
I felt very connected to Pema in this moment. I felt the joy of communicating through music. One thing that I noticed over and over at the CED society was how creative everyone was. Despite the circumstances in which these children had arrived in the world, they all still found a way to create music or art. One child named Khushi couldn’t speak or hear, yet she danced with great enthusiasm and accuracy. Other children loved to play the piano or the guitar. Lisa brought bright colorful Disney pens, and each child was excited to use them and showcase their drawings of things they love. Donuts, and dogs, were the most popular.
Going into the CED society, my first goal was to treat these children like my literal and immediate friends. I did not want to seem like I was just being friendly because I wanted to be a good person or because I was forced to bond. I genuinely wanted to connect and be friends with these children and form an actual friendship. I believe I did that, and I am grateful that we have a chance to return today and cement the bond.
Lucy Yen
A Gift for the Elders was a Gift to Us
After spending all day playing with children at CED society, we went with Lama Tenzin to distribute warm hats and socks to some old folks living in a local home for the elderly. Immediately upon arriving I was struck with the stillness and tranquility of the home. It was really quite a contrast to the rest of the day.
Everything about India is bright, loud, busy and overwhelming; this is even more true in the childrens’ home where we had just spent our day. A pocket of peace and reverence, however, was created for the inhabitants of the home for the elderly.
Methodically, Lama Tenzin gave us each clear instruction on how we should hand out the hats and socks. He was careful to show equal consideration for the quality of our experience as well as that of the elders. We created a procession line of sorts, as the elders walked down the table we each handed them an item while bowing our heads as a show of respect. It was a simple exchange and a simple experience, with the sole purpose of distributing the items. After distribution we waved goodbye, got scolded at by Shannon for making eye contact with one of the monkeys playing on the surrounding walls (it’s a sign of aggression), and left.
What I affected me most about this moment was the truth in the experience. The scene is: a bunch of privileged, western children, handing out clothes and money to elders at an old folks home, most of whom are Tibetan, under the guidance of one of the most self-less people on the planet, Lama Tenzin. I initially felt panicked that there might be offense taken at our gesture, any thoughts of pity or “this is just charity.” However there was none of that sentiment echoed by these elders, nor was there overwhelming emotional gratitude, just ceremonious acceptance.
As I reflect on my initial feelings and then the truth of what really happened, it’s quite clear why there was such a discrepancy between the two. These elders felt no shame about accepting our gifts, because no shame was required of them. Their life and wisdom earned them our kindness, care, and reverence. The truth I found is that in our western, individualistic society, we do not treat our elders with nearly the same level of respect that most other countries do. A respect that was palpable in this home. It was crystal clear to me. From the way they manage to create a peaceful haven, to the ceremony Lama Tenzin had us create just to hand out some clothes and money, there is a recognition of these elders and their experience. I saw clearly how important it is to make people feel valued, especially towards the end of their life. These elders, no matter what experiences they’d gone through in their life, or ailments they had, still shone with such joy. I don’t think that is something you see often in homes for the elderly in the west.
The whole experience was a beautiful reminder of what is possible for elders. If a country with as many people as India, who are all very different, can create a sacred and peaceful space full of reverence, imagine what is possible for us.
Today was our first day in India. We landed at the Delhi airport at around 6am, so our first look at India was the sunrise over New Delhi. All of the things that I heard about India were on display: the smells, the amount of people, the crazy drivers and all the animals roaming the streets. It was truly incredible.
We went straight from the airport to a five hour bus ride to Dehradun. Even though it was just a bus ride, I had an amazing time and I loved getting to take it all in from a bus window before it engulfed me. I got to just sit in the bus and listen to my music and look at all the wonders passing by.
For me, the most impactful thing I saw was the sheer amount of homes in Delhi. It is the most populated place on the planet but you don’t really understand what that means until you see it. There are an extraordinary number of homes and people everywhere.
After taking in all the views for a couple of hours, I started playing road trip games with my classmates. The games were a lot of fun and a good way to enjoy our time on the road.
After arriving in Dehradun and getting all checked-in, we went straight to the AASRAA Trust and met hundreds of kids who are sheltered and fed there. We talked to groups of them at a time. We got some insight into their lives and we told them a bit about ourselves. I enjoyed getting to talk to the kids because it gave me a good introduction to the hospitality and excitement of the people here. We watched them perform some songs and dances which were very impressive. Then it was our turn, and we performed a song and a dance for them from the Ramayana. After wrapping up at the Trust we headed back to the hotel and had dinner.
Each year, during the preparatory stage of the learning journey to India, I ask the seniors to reflect on what they hope to gain from the experience, individually and collectively. Together, we consider a series of guiding questions so that they can tease out their thinking and be purposeful in their intention setting. As part of this process, the senior class selects a word that will serve as a compass on their journey; something that can anchor them to their purpose.
Language is fascinating. Entire concepts and complex ideas can be captured in one single word, and at times the complexity contained within that word is almost impossible to fully translate. The word the seniors selected this year is one such word: Yatra.
Roughly translated, Yatra is a journey that helps free us from mental and physical conditioning. It is a journey of rediscovery of self. This single word, in its complexity, perfectly encapsulates what the senior class hopes to gain from their learning journey.
We invite you to follow along as we embark on this journey of rediscovery of self.
The 2026 journey to India will take place February 13 – March 1.
