Meenakshi Amman Temple, Saravana Lodge , Madurai, India (250 Rupees)
I set out on my journey to the ancient city of Madurai, India with a sense of excitement and anticipation. The day began with a stunning sunrise along the Albert Victor Bridge, the warm rays of light casting a golden glow over the ancient stone structure. I couldn’t help but feel a sense of awe as I took in the beauty of the moment.
The first stop on my itinerary was the Gandhi Memorial Museum, where I was able to learn about the life and legacy of the great leader. As I walked through the exhibits, I was struck by the powerful message of nonviolence and equality that he had left behind.
Next, I made my way to the Tirumalai Nayak Palace, where I was transported back in time as I marveled at the grand architecture and intricate details of the palace. The colorful markets surrounding the palace were a feast for the senses, with the diverse smells of spices and flowers wafting through the air.
As the afternoon heat began to set in, I found myself seeking refuge at the Meenakshi Amman Temple. I sat by the pond and watched as the colorful fish darted below the surface, feeling my worries and stress melt away.
After a lovely walking loop around the temple during the evening, I retired to my hotel room at the Saravana Lodge. I couldn’t help but feel grateful for the perfect location, as it allowed me to fully immerse myself in the beauty and culture of the city. I walked 27,485 steps or 14.18 miles on the day.
Create in a new way each day
The next time you walk outside the door that currently isolates you, hold your head up, maintain a calm breathing pattern, aim to maximize each moment you engage with another, look for ways to serve, set an example. Show compassion. Exercise patience with those who attempt to control your movements. Offer genuine complements. Smile when you would normally frown. Slow down, take in the beauty of each moment, be still, close your eyes and focus on the most calming sound. Rather than reach for your camera upon arriving at the next scenic vista, truly appreciate each detail first, identify the best angle to capture the moment. Remind yourself that you possess the ability to completely reinvent yourself, try to create in a new way each day. Wander with no direction, get lost and find your way.
Gandhian economics promotes a pure community mindset
While less aesthetic from a surface level appearance and “efficiency” perspective, Gandhian economics maintains the key ingredients to a community with a focus on establishing cottage industries and self-sustaining villages. Wake up early, source your product, sell in the afternoon. No brand names, excess legal paperwork, and anonymous shopping experiences.
The idea of establishing cottage industries and self-sustaining villages, where one wakes up early, sources their own products and sells them in the afternoon, without the need for brand names or excessive paperwork, resonated deeply with me.
But as I arrived at the railway station, my journey took an unexpected turn. I decided to make a detour to 251A West Masi Street, the site where Gandhi first adopted the loincloth as a symbol of simplicity and humility. As I stood there, surrounded by the hustle and bustle of the city, I couldn’t help but wonder about the impact of visiting such significant places. Was this just a pointless, extravagant scavenger hunt, or would it leave a lasting impression on my interactions in the future?
As I continued on my journey, I couldn’t shake the thought of selfishly “doing good.” Buddha’s teachings of rejecting the craving for indulgences and desires in order to end suffering, made me question the true motives behind my actions. Was I performing selfless deeds for the warm, fuzzy feeling it gave me, or was it truly for the benefit of others? The line between the two seemed to blur.
But as I explored the vibrant streets of Madurai, I realized that it’s not about finding the perfect balance, it’s about constantly questioning and examining one’s own actions and motives. And so, I decided to embrace the journey, to immerse myself in the culture and to continue to question my own actions, in the hopes of finding true purpose in my actions and ultimately, true happiness.
Selfishly doing good
Buddha asserts that when we refuse the craving for indulgences and desires only then will suffering cease. I believe the desire for the warm glow feeling experienced after performing a selfless deed may be sought after, time and time again, the result being moments of pure love for another. One must walk a fine line, am I doing good for the selfish desire for the warm fuzzy feeling I get when I “do good”?
But as I explored the vibrant streets of Madurai, I realized that it’s not about finding the perfect balance, it’s about constantly questioning and examining one’s own actions and motives. And so, I decided to embrace the journey, to immerse myself in the culture and to continue to question my own actions, in the hopes of finding true purpose in my actions and ultimately, true happiness.
