India

I notice several Sādhus in a small gathering circle smoking a chillum of hashish. The holy man shouts “Alakh!” before taking a puff. The long-haired, naked Bābā covered in ash, passes the chillum to the Sādhu next to him. This holy man shouts, “Bum Shiva!” then takes a hit from the chillum. (Wanderer, page 398)

With their costumes, makeup, and props, many of the Sādhus look as if they could be actors for the stage. But this is a real life commitment experience—24x7x365—for these ascetic Bābā’s. They emulate various manifestations of the Hindu deities. What a fantastic spectacle it is as I come across a great gathering of Sādhus at the ghats. (Wanderer, page 397)

Buildings along the Ghats

The ghats are filled with an endless stream of people―natives, pilgrims, Sādhus, the Holy Men of India. I look out in amazement at all the activity. Many of the pilgrims line up for a ritual dip in the Ganges. (Wanderer, page 397)

This specific ghat we’re at is called the Ramesh Ghat. An endless procession of people, most of them on pilgrimage, are everywhere. We walk down the flight of steps midway and cop a seat. Paul lights the chillum and we pass it around amongst ourselves. (Wanderer, page 396)

Ghats at Night

Back to the commotion of the streets, I wander past cow after cow amongst the people. Cows are sacred here. The animals meander about, doing their own business, free as can be standing in the middle of the street, at a busy corner, just about any and everywhere. (Wanderer, page 323)

Some of them carry a fearsome appearance. Some of them painted in ash from head to toe, look as if they just crawled out of a grave, zombie-like. (Wanderer, page 397)

Alley Shops

Sarnath – Deer Park – where the Buddha was enlightened

A Holy Man walks up to me and draws a two-colored third eye on my forehead, in red framed by black. I am cosmic! I am everywhere―past, present, future! I am at one with my soul. My cosmic connection vibrates to my core. (Wanderer, page 364)

Banaras, India

New Delhi, India