India

The traditions of Kalbelia differ from the traditions
of most Hindus. Men of this tribe wear an APADRAVYA (severe piercing in the causal place), which is obligatory. Kalbelia do not burn the deceased, as Hindus do,
but bury them. Kalym is supposed to be paid
for the bride, but the bride's father covers
the wedding expenses.

The traditions of Kalbelia differ from the traditions
of most Hindus. Men of this tribe wear an APADRAVYA (severe piercing in the causal place), which is obligatory. Kalbelia do not burn
the deceased, as Hindus do, but bury them.
Kalym is supposed to be paid
for the bride, but the bride's father covers
the wedding expenses.

Translated from Sanskrit, the term "Sadhu"
is "virtuous person" or "a person in search of a goal", which, in my opinion, is fair enough.
These religious ascetics have renounced all worldly things for the sake of knowing God and endless meditation. They renounce all moral and material benefits and pleasures. They ask for money, but only so as not to starve to death and, of course, they need "grass for meditation." Becoming a real sadhu is not that easy.
You can't just go out and say, ‘I'm a sadhu’.
To become a real sadhu, you need to go through a special initiation ritual and even metaphorically "kill" yourself,
and only a more experienced sadhu can do this.
But, to begin with, it is necessary to part
with worldly life - to leave your family, home,
work and burn your passport.

Translated from Sanskrit, the term "Sadhu"
is "virtuous person" or "a person in search of a goal", which, in my opinion, is fair enough.
These religious ascetics have renounced all worldly things for the sake of knowing God and endless meditation. They renounce all moral and material benefits and pleasures. They ask for money, but only so as not to starve to death and, of course, they need "grass for meditation." Becoming a real sadhu is not that easy.
You can't just go out and say, ‘I'm a sadhu’.
To become a real sadhu, you need to go through a special initiation ritual and even metaphorically "kill" yourself,
and only a more experienced sadhu can do this.
But, to begin with, it is necessary to part
with worldly life - to leave your family, home,
work and burn your passport.

A Sikh is obliged to keep 5 items with him - uncut
hair hidden under a dastar (turban); kangsha –
a wooden comb; kara – a steel bracelet; kaccia –
knee–length underpants; kirpan - a sword
or dagger hidden under clothing,
designed for protection, not for attack.
All boys at birth receive the surname
Singh (lion), girls – Kaur (lioness).

A Sikh is obliged to keep 5 items with him - uncut
hair hidden under a dastar (turban); kangsha –
a wooden comb; kara – a steel bracelet; kaccia –
knee–length underpants; kirpan - a sword
or dagger hidden under clothing,
designed for protection, not for attack.
All boys at birth receive the surname
Singh (lion), girls – Kaur (lioness).

If we talk about the exotic tribes of India, then of course
it is Rabari... They came to Gujarat from Pakistan after Muslims’ invasion in 1350 Now, as many
centuries ago, they are nomadic pastoralists.
With their animals, they move from place
to place, in search of new pastures.
Their habitat is the Principality of Kutch Gujerata.
The men of the tribe wear long dhoti shirts
and intricate turbans with many folds.
Large gold or silver earrings hang from their ears.
The size of the jewelry is regulated by the social
status of its bearer. Women traditionally cover
their heads with an Orkney scarf, painted
in traditional colors. Like most Indian women,
they like to wear incredible jewelry.
The needlewomen of the Rabari tribe
are famous for their ability to embroider
and decorate clothes with mirror beads.
This skill has been passed from generation to generation for centuries. The Rabari believe that the brighter
the groom is dressed, the happier his family life will be.
But, more on that later ...

If we talk about the exotic tribes of India, then of course
it is Rabari... They came to Gujarat from Pakistan after Muslims’ invasion in 1350 Now, as many
centuries ago, they are nomadic pastoralists.
With their animals, they move from place
to place, in search of new pastures.
Their habitat is the Principality of Kutch Gujerata.
The men of the tribe wear long dhoti shirts
and intricate turbans with many folds.
Large gold or silver earrings hang from their ears.
The size of the jewelry is regulated by the social
status of its bearer. Women traditionally cover
their heads with an Orkney scarf, painted
in traditional colors. Like most Indian women,
they like to wear incredible jewelry.
The needlewomen of the Rabari tribe
are famous for their ability to embroider
and decorate clothes with mirror beads.
This skill has been passed from generation to generation for centuries. The Rabari believe that the brighter
the groom is dressed, the happier his family life will be.
But, more on that later ...

Ladakh is the land of demons. According to popular beliefs and legends, the variety of evil spirits is so great that they are likely to outnumber the human population of the country. These sinister creatures, taking thousands of different guises, live in trees, rocks, valleys, lakes, and springs. They hunt people and animals, stealing the "breath of life" – a staple food in demons’
diet. Demons roam steppes and forests, and travelers always run the risk of coming face to face
with them at any turn of the path.

Ladakh is the land of demons. According to popular beliefs and legends, the variety of evil spirits is so great that they are likely to outnumber the human population of the country. These sinister creatures, taking thousands of different guises, live in trees, rocks, valleys, lakes, and springs. They hunt people and animals, stealing the "breath of life" – a staple food in demons’ diet. Demons roam steppes and forests, and travelers always run the risk
of coming face to face with them at any turn
of the path.

Gujarat is mysterious and beautiful. The Rabari people, Jain and Hindu temples, the cities of Bhuj, Dwarka, Ahmadobad, which are more than one hundred years old.... The birthplace of Mahatma Gandhi. A state in the northwest of India. Wonderful impressions of contact with India untouched by hustle and bustle of touristic activity are unforgettable. In Gujarat, as well as in
other places of India, the past and the present, myths and reality, become entangled into a tight knot.

Gujarat is mysterious and beautiful. The Rabari people, Jain and Hindu temples, the cities of Bhuj, Dwarka, Ahmadobad, which are more than one hundred years old.... The birthplace of Mahatma Gandhi. A state in the northwest of India. Wonderful impressions of contact with India untouched by hustle and bustle of touristic activity are unforgettable. In Gujarat, as well as in
other places of India, the past and the present, myths
and reality, become entangled into a tight knot.

Once I was riding a tuk-tuk around Delhi with a friend from the locals. A friend was talking with the tuk-tuker
in Hindi and seemed somewhat excited and surprised...
I asked, just out of politeness, “What are you talking about?”. My friend answered, “He says he loves
to communicate with people very much.”
“So what?”
“He says he works on tuk-tuk only for the joy of speaking with people.” “Really?”
“He has a five-star hotel in Goa, he says... He also has a mine in Sri Lanka where sapphires are mined... and the people around him are all bastards! They only think about his money! And his brother is a programmer in California - a millionaire.”
“I see,” I replied. “Our taxi drivers are also never simple guys...”

Once I was riding a tuk-tuk around Delhi with
a friend from the locals. A friend was talking with
the tuk-tuker in Hindi and seemed somewhat excited and surprised... I asked, just out of politeness,
“What are you talking about?”. My friend answered, “He says he loves to communicate with people
very much.” “So what?”
“He says he works on tuk-tuk only for the joy of speaking with people.” “Really?”
“He has a five-star hotel in Goa, he says... He also has a mine in Sri Lanka where sapphires are mined... and the people around him are all bastards! They only think about his money! And his brother is a programmer in California - a millionaire.”
“I see,” I replied. “Our taxi drivers are also never simple guys...”

I went into a cozy, carefully cleaned yard. An elderly couple was sitting on something reminding a strange pedestal. They were chatting merrily. I introduced myself and began to ask about their lives, work, and children ...
There were five children, all living in the city, and what they did my new acquaintances had no idea about.
“We don't really understand what the youth is doing now.” I felt a bit sad and asked what they were talking about so cheerfully before my arrival.
“Oh, we always have something to talk about!” – cheerfully – “We usually make plans for the
future!” I was surprised.
“Really?”
“Sure, why not? We will still have six joint lives, that’s our choice – we got married for seven joint rebirths ...”

I went into a cozy, carefully cleaned yard. An elderly couple was sitting on something reminding a strange pedestal. They were chatting merrily. I introduced myself and began to ask about their lives, work, and children ...
There were five children, all living in the city, and what they did my new acquaintances had no idea about.
“We don't really understand what the youth is doing now.” I felt a bit sad and asked what they were talking about so cheerfully before my arrival.
“Oh, we always have something to talk about!” – cheerfully – “We usually make plans for the
future!” I was surprised. “Really?”
“Sure, why not? We will still have six joint lives, that’s our choice – we got married for seven joint rebirths ...”

Having longed for beer in Islamic Bangladesh, immediately upon the arrival in Calcutta, I went
to a restaurant. No wonder that after a while and a few beers I headed to the WC to answer the call of nature. An employee was standing in the doorway winding toilet paper into small rolls from the bigger one. Shaking my head negatively, I rushed to the urinal...
Got ready.... And... At the most responsible and intimate moment, I felt it... Someone's two hands gripped my shoulders! Reflexively, out of surprise, I jerked, my junk slipped out of my hands, and a huge dark
spot spread out on the white pants.
“Fuck!!!! What was that??!!!” It was SERVICE!
Just service! No intrusion into my privacy!
The "toilet boy" decided to provide an additional
service and give me a shoulder massage,
hoping for a big tip, apparently.
Since then, I’ve always been on my guard
in Indian toilets.

Having longed for beer in Islamic Bangladesh, immediately upon the arrival in Calcutta, I went
to a restaurant. No wonder that after a while
and a few beers I headed to the WC to answer
the call of nature. An employee was standing
in the doorway winding toilet paper into small rolls from the bigger one. Shaking my head negatively,
I rushed to the urinal...
Got ready.... And... At the most responsible and intimate moment, I felt it... Someone's two hands gripped my shoulders! Reflexively, out of surprise, I jerked, my junk slipped out of my hands, and a huge dark spot spread out on the white pants.
“Fuck!!!! What was that??!!!” It was SERVICE!
Just service! No intrusion into my privacy!
The "toilet boy" decided to provide an additional
service and give me a shoulder massage,
hoping for a big tip, apparently. Since then, I’ve always been on my guard in Indian toilets.

Some Indians' assessment of their work is interesting: once I negotiated (that is, I was haggling
violently) about a trip with a taxi driver.
We agreed on 1000 rupees ($12(USD)) round trip.
One way was about 20km, 15-minute drive.
I agreed but said that he would have
to wait for about 3 hours.
"All right," he says, "but you'll have to pay extra
for waiting.”
“How much?”
“100 rupees…”

Some Indians' assessment of their work is interesting: once I negotiated (that is, I was haggling
violently) about a trip with a taxi driver.
We agreed on 1000 rupees ($12(USD)) round trip.
One way was about 20km, 15-minute drive.
I agreed but said that he would have
to wait for about 3 hours.
"All right," he says, "but you'll have to pay extra
for waiting.”
“How much?”
“100 rupees…”

At the age of 5, girls and boys become brides
and grooms. 10 years of waiting follow an official engagement procedure, and only then
the couple get married.
Usually, on the appointed day, several weddings
are arranged, for the sake of saving money.
To begin with, the parents cover the bodies of the newlyweds with a mixture consisting of different spices and shreded flowers – that’s the parents’ blessing. Kalbelias do not have divorces, so couples live their entire lives with a spouse chosen by their parents.
However, men, leaving for work, happily start families somewhere else.

At the age of 5, girls and boys become brides
and grooms. 10 years of waiting follow
an official engagement procedure,
and only then the couple get married.
Usually, on the appointed day, several weddings
are arranged, for the sake of saving money.
To begin with, the parents cover the bodies of the newlyweds with a mixture consisting of different spices and shreded flowers – that’s the parents’ blessing. Kalbelias do not have divorces, so couples live their entire lives with a spouse chosen by their parents. However, men, leaving for work, happily start families somewhere else.

The legend says, that once Shiva left his house and went to the field after he had quarreled with his wife Sati.
He was so exhausted by the heat that decided to sleep
in the bushes. Surprisingly, he slept very well. Waking up, he came up with a wonderful idea: why not taste
the leaves of the bush under which he slept
so peacefully? He started eating the leaves– it turned
out to be the cannabis bush! Shiva felt refreshed, happy and calm. Having picked the bag of leaves, he said goodbye to the bush, to the sky, to every creature, sang them a song, sat in the lotus position, meditated, said
"OM", and walked home to please his wife.

The legend says, that once Shiva left his house and went to the field after he had quarreled with his wife Sati.
He was so exhausted by the heat that decided to sleep
in the bushes. Surprisingly, he slept very well. Waking up, he came up with a wonderful idea: why not taste
the leaves of the bush under which he slept
so peacefully? He started eating the leaves– it turned
out to be the cannabis bush! Shiva felt refreshed, happy and calm. Having picked the bag of leaves, he said goodbye to the bush, to the sky, to every creature, sang them a song, sat in the lotus position, meditated, said
"OM", and walked home to please his wife.

Tamil women, when going to the temple, wear
red clothes in memory of Shiva's wife.
The name of the rite "sati" is associated with the story
of the god Shiva’s wife — goddess Sati. In her earthly incarnation, she was born as the daughter of King Daksha. One day she went to her father's kingdom
for a holiday and there she witnessed how her farther publicly insulted her husband Shiva. Unable to bear this humiliation, she entered the sacrificial fire and burned alive. So, Sati became a symbol of self-sacrifice for love for her husband.

Tamil women, when going to the temple, wear
red clothes in memory of Shiva's wife. The name
of the rite "sati" is associated with the story
of the god Shiva’s wife — goddess Sati. In her earthly incarnation, she was born as the daughter of King Daksha. One day she went to her father's kingdom for a holiday and there she witnessed how her farther publicly insulted her husband Shiva.
Unable to bear this humiliation, she entered
the sacrificial fire and burned alive. So, Sati became
a symbol of self-sacrifice for love for her husband.

There are very few shrines of Brahma, the supreme god,
the creator of the universe, in India. Unlike Shiva and Vishnu, it isn’t very clear for an ordinary person what to ask Brahma for, so he is not that popular among believers. In the city
of Pushkar, in Western India, there is one of the few shrines dedicated to this god – the most revered one.
It is considered the main one because Indian ministers
and politicians come here to perform puja (a worship ritual). The ashes of Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru and Indira Gandhi were dumped into the waters of the lake nearby.
In the temple there is a majestic four-headed
statue of Brahma. The creator of the Universe
looks in four directions, which is symbolizing
his presence everywhere.
THE BOSSES HAVE THEIR OWN GODS.

There are very few shrines of Brahma, the supreme god, the creator of the universe, in India. Unlike Shiva and Vishnu, it isn’t very clear for an ordinary person what to ask Brahma for, so he is not that popular among believers. In the city of Pushkar, in Western India, there is one of the few shrines dedicated to this god – the most revered one. It is considered the main one because Indian ministers and politicians come here to perform puja (a worship ritual). The ashes of Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru and Indira Gandhi were dumped into the waters of the lake nearby.
In the temple there is a majestic four-headed
statue of Brahma. The creator of the Universe
looks in four directions, which is symbolizing
his presence everywhere.
THE BOSSES HAVE THEIR OWN GODS.

In ancient times, Guru Jaladern
(the reincarnation of Shiva) had two disciples.
He asked each of them to fill the cup
with something they can get or make.
The brighter guy filled the vessel with ambrosia,
while the dull student brought a bowl with the venom
of snakes and scorpions to his teacher.
The angry Guru put a curse on him, saying that he
and his descendants would live forever outside the cities and villages and earn their living as snake catchers. Kalbeliya believe that this legend is about their ancestor and explains their tribe’s wandering lifestyle and life on the margins of society, which they accept as their karma.
They worship that disciple as their guru and believe
that the nomadic lifestyle of the tribe
is their duty.

In ancient times, Guru Jaladern
(the reincarnation of Shiva) had two disciples.
He asked each of them to fill the cup
with something they can get or make.
The brighter guy filled the vessel with ambrosia,
while the dull student brought a bowl with the venom of snakes and scorpions to his teacher.
The angry Guru put a curse on him, saying that
he and his descendants would live forever outside the cities and villages and earn their living as snake catchers. Kalbeliya believe that this legend is about their ancestor and explains their tribe’s wandering lifestyle and life on the margins of society, which they accept as their karma.
They worship that disciple as their guru and believe
that the nomadic lifestyle of the tribe
is their duty.

One morning the padishah was sitting on the balcony
and counting the rosary. He looked casually at the street and saw a woman from the caste of water carriers.
She walked at a brisk pace and carried a jug of water.
The Padishah left the rosary and came up with such
a phrase: "The water splashed." Later, in the garden, he read her Birbal (his friend, poet, merry fellow, and favorite)
and ordered him to write a poem. At this time, Birbal was busy and asked the Padishah to wait a little.
When he was done, he composed the poem:
Once from the spring, the young woman went home, Carrying a jug of water easily on her head.
The edge of the sari suddenly slipped off her shoulder.
And people got excited when they saw the tight breasts. The beauty blushed, embarrassed,
She hastened her steps. The water splashed.
– Oh! Oh! The padishah exclaimed. He really liked the poem. It followed all the rules and was full of meaning.

One morning the padishah was sitting
on the balcony and counting the rosary.
He looked casually at the street and saw
a woman from the caste of water carriers.
She walked at a brisk pace and carried a jug of water.
The Padishah left the rosary and came up with such
a phrase: "The water splashed." Later, in the garden, he read her Birbal (his friend, poet, merry fellow, and favorite) and ordered him to write a poem. At this time, Birbal was busy and asked the Padishah to wait a little.
When he was done, he composed the poem:
Once from the spring, the young woman went home, Carrying a jug of water easily on her head.
The edge of the sari suddenly slipped off her shoulder.
And people got excited when they saw the tight breasts. The beauty blushed, embarrassed,
She hastened her steps. The water splashed.
– Oh! Oh! The padishah exclaimed. He really liked the poem. It followed all the rules and was full of meaning.

As you probably know, Mahatma Gandhi was born
in the Indian state of Gujarat. In memory of this politician, alcohol ban has been declared in the state. But this is India and everything is not that simple.
In the largest city of the state, Ahmedabad, there is an alcohol market at the five-star hotel, which we decided to use. At the entrance of the shop, we were asked for passports with visas and a certificate from the hotel that we were living there and were foreigners. Then, with these documents, we went to the website of local "public services" and began to register as persons who consume alcohol. Eight assistants from the local staff gathered at the reception of the hotel. Forms, photos, fingerprints, calls to the Ministry of Internal Affairs and introducing "a foreign person who drink alcohol” online, and, lo and behold, our wish was granted! After 2.5 hours, we officially became hopeless drunkards and happy owners of a bottle of Jamison, which we happily drank immediately for the repose of the soul
of the great politician.

As you probably know, Mahatma Gandhi was born
in the Indian state of Gujarat. In memory of this politician, alcohol ban has been declared in the state. But this is India and everything is not that simple.
In the largest city of the state, Ahmedabad, there
is an alcohol market at the five-star hotel, which we decided to use. At the entrance of the shop, we were asked for passports with visas and a certificate from the hotel that we were living there and were foreigners. Then, with these documents, we went
to the website of local "public services" and began
to register as persons who consume alcohol. Eight assistants from the local staff gathered at the reception of the hotel. Forms, photos, fingerprints, calls to the Ministry of Internal Affairs and introducing "a foreign person who drink alcohol” online, and, lo and behold, our wish was granted! After 2.5 hours, we officially became hopeless drunkards and happy owners of a bottle of Jamison, which we happily drank immediately for the repose of the soul of the great politician.

Taj Mahal. A billion-dollar grave. The complex was built
to honor the memory of Shah Jahan’s beloved wife,
who died during the 14th childbirth.
Shah Jahan is believed to spend 32 million
rupees on the construction of the mausoleum.
If translated into modern money, it corresponds to almost $1 billion. THIS is not surprising, because the building was decorated with precious and semi-precious stones.
In total, there are about 28 kinds of them, they were brought from China, Tibet, some parts
of India and Sri Lanka.

Taj Mahal. A billion-dollar grave. The complex was built
to honor the memory of Shah Jahan’s beloved wife,
who died during the 14th childbirth.
Shah Jahan is believed to spend 32 million
rupees on the construction of the mausoleum.
If translated into modern money, it corresponds to almost $1 billion. THIS is not surprising, because the building was decorated with precious and semi-precious stones.
In total, there are about 28 kinds of them, they were brought from China, Tibet, some parts
of India and Sri Lanka.

The Rabari from the reception was called Rames, we became friends with him and he decided to accompany us to the taxi. On the way we saw a crowd of excited men. In the center there was a guy in his thirties. He was explaining something emotionally, older men were
arguing with him. It turned out that he demanded
a divorce, accusing his wife of treason. We stood side by side for about five minutes, but there was no end
to the proceedings. “They will stand here for another day, talk, prove something,” explained Rames. “But no one will divorce anyone. At Rabari, if this happens, it is very rare.” I expressed sympathy for the cuckold.
"He's a fool!” Rames exclaimed. “Understands nothing
in life. My parents arranged my wedding when I was five years old. Now I'm 38, and I still live with my wife.
If it wasn't for getting married, we probably wouldn't
be together anymore. Would have separated out
of stupidity. But our bonds keep us and make us happy. Now I can't imagine my life without my wife...”
“But infidelity?” “Everyone does it.”

The Rabari from the reception was called Rames, we became friends with him and he decided to accompany us to the taxi. On the way we saw a crowd of excited men. In the center there was a guy in his thirties. He was explaining something emotionally, older men were arguing with him. It turned out that he demanded a divorce, accusing his wife of treason. We stood side by side for about five minutes, but there was no end to the proceedings. “They will stand here for another day, talk, prove something,” explained Rames. “But no one will divorce anyone. At Rabari, if this happens, it is very rare.” I expressed sympathy for the cuckold.
"He's a fool!” Rames exclaimed. “Understands nothing in life. My parents arranged my wedding when I was five years old. Now I'm 38, and I still live with my wife. If it wasn't for getting married, we probably wouldn't be together anymore. Would have separated out of stupidity.
But our bonds keep us and make us happy. Now I can't imagine my life without my wife...”
“But infidelity?”
“Everyone does it.”

The Dalai Lama is interested in many scientific fields, especially the research of neurophysiologists who study the work of brain. He has given talks or just participated in many scientific conferences on this topic.
The Dalai Lama said the following:
"If science proves that Buddhism is wrong
in many ways, then Buddhism must change.
I believe that science and Buddhism should
seek the truth together."

The Dalai Lama is interested in many scientific fields, especially the research of neurophysiologists who study the work of brain. He has given talks or just participated
in many scientific conferences on this topic.
The Dalai Lama said the following:
"If science proves that Buddhism is wrong
in many ways, then Buddhism must change.
I believe that science and Buddhism should
seek the truth together."

According to the Mahabharata, the capital of Krishna's kingdom, Dwarka located in these places, submerged under water on the seventh day after the death of its founder. The first mention of the new Dwarka
(the gateway to eternal happiness) dates back to the 6th century, when it was probably the capital of the kingdom of Surashtra, and, due to its favorable location,
a major port. A temple was built here and Hindus believe that it was built by the divine architect Vishvakarma
at the request of Krishna's grandson and was unusually similar to his grandfather's palace.
The modern building, 78 meters high, was erected relatively recently - only in the 16th century,
although some of its elements are dated
by architects and restorers back to the 12th -
13th century.

According to the Mahabharata, the capital of Krishna's kingdom, Dwarka located in these places, submerged under water on the seventh day after the death of its founder. The first mention of the new Dwarka (the gateway to eternal happiness) dates back to the 6th century, when it was probably the capital of the kingdom of Surashtra, and, due to its favorable location, a major port. A temple was built here and Hindus believe that it was built
by the divine architect Vishvakarma
at the request of Krishna's grandson and was unusually similar to his grandfather's palace.
The modern building, 78 meters high, was erected relatively recently - only in the 16th century,
although some of its elements are dated
by architects and restorers back to the 12th -
13th century.

Since the mid-60s, the Beatles have turned their gaze towards Eastern teachings, while taking LSD
and other drugs to expand consciousness.
However, after studying the basics of Transcendental meditation at a Maharishi seminar in Wales,
they publicly told the press that they were abandoning psychedelics in favor of spiritual practices.
At the same time, they accepted the guru's
offer to study at his new ashram in Rishikesh.
Located in the Valley of the Saints in the foothills
of the Himalayas, the International Meditation School, spread over a vast territory, 150 meters above the banks
of the Ganges River and surrounded by jungle,
had everything necessary for a pampered
Westerner to call it luxurious.
All cells were air-conditioned, had individual
heating and water supply systems and were
furnished with comfortable Western furniture.
There was a post office, a bank and a helipad
on the territory of the ashram.
Just think how much effort and money
it took to provide those
conditions in the Indian forest in 1968?

Since the mid-60s, the Beatles have turned their gaze towards Eastern teachings, while taking LSD
and other drugs to expand consciousness.
However, after studying the basics of Transcendental meditation at a Maharishi seminar in Wales,
they publicly told the press that they were abandoning psychedelics in favor of spiritual practices.
At the same time, they accepted the guru's
offer to study at his new ashram in Rishikesh.
Located in the Valley of the Saints in the foothills
of the Himalayas, the International Meditation School, spread over a vast territory, 150 meters above the banks
of the Ganges River and surrounded by jungle,
had everything necessary for a pampered
Westerner to call it luxurious. All cells were air-conditioned, had individual heating and water supply systems and were furnished with comfortable Western furniture. There was a post office, a bank
and a helipad on the territory of the ashram.
Just think how much effort and money
it took to provide those conditions
in the Indian forest in 1968?

Why did the Beatles escape from the "holy place"?
Life in the ashram was not easy at all. Hours, and sometimes days in meditation, a vegetarian diet, which was not to the taste of everyone. Someone was suffering a banal sore throat. Although, there were more serious problems, like dysentery and other tropical stuff. And if we take into account insects, mosquitoes, spiders, thieving monkeys and other evil spirits, which are a dime a dozen in the Indian forests… The Starr family was the first to pack their bags. The couple complained that vegetarian food does not suit them: Ringo is allergic to many components of the dishes and, as a result, he is
forced to stick to beans from a jar only. And they also missed the children. McCartney was the second to flee the place, referring to the fact that his presence was necessary in London. Lennon and Harrison left the school when Mia Farrow and several other novices complained of harassment by the guru. Lennon was particularly struck by this behavior of the Maharishi.
He even wrote the song “Sexy Sadie". However, subsequently, the participants of the scandal
themselves and the Beatles changed
their attitude to the events with harassment,
and the musicians even apologized
to the guru.

Why did the Beatles escape from the "holy place"?
Life in the ashram was not easy at all. Hours, and sometimes days in meditation, a vegetarian diet, which was not to the taste of everyone. Someone was suffering a banal sore throat. Although, there were more serious problems, like dysentery and other tropical stuff. And if we take into account insects, mosquitoes, spiders, thieving monkeys and other evil spirits, which are a dime a dozen in the Indian forests… The Starr family was the first to pack their bags. The couple complained that vegetarian food does not suit them: Ringo is allergic to many components of the dishes and, as a result, he is
forced to stick to beans from a jar only. And they also missed the children. McCartney was the second to flee the place, referring to the fact that his presence was necessary in London. Lennon and Harrison left the school when Mia Farrow and several other novices complained of harassment by the guru. Lennon was particularly struck by this behavior of the Maharishi. He even wrote the song “Sexy Sadie". However, subsequently, the participants of the scandal themselves and the Beatles changed
their attitude to the events with harassment,
and the musicians even apologized
to the guru.

After independence, the Government of India pursued
a policy of limiting the birth rate in the country with all its might. Gandhi himself promoted castration.
A number of laws were passed, which made the birth
of several children in the family very unprofitable.
Because of these restrictions, parents began to prefer boys to girls, as they had to pay a dowry at marriage for daughter. Later, Richer families began spending money to find
out the sex of the child using ultrasound and getting rid
of unwanted girls at the stage of pregnancy.
In villages, newborn girls were simply carried
off into the jungle.
All this has led to a very significant gender imbalance
in India over half a century.
There are almost 80 million more men
in the country than women.

After independence, the Government of India pursued
a policy of limiting the birth rate in the country with
all its might. Gandhi himself promoted castration.
A number of laws were passed, which made the birth
of several children in the family very unprofitable.
Because of these restrictions, parents began to prefer boys to girls, as they had to pay a dowry at marriage
for daughter. Later, Richer families began spending money to find out the sex of the child using
ultrasound and getting rid of unwanted girls
at the stage of pregnancy.
In villages, newborn girls were simply
carried off into the jungle.
All this has led to a very significant gender
imbalance in India over half a century.
There are almost 80 million more men
in the country than women.

In India, Vereshchagin makes more than 150 sketches. He is captivated by the height of its culture (in the future he will see something comparable in Japan only),
the "sophistication in everything": in the architecture
of temples, in ancient wall paintings, in ritual dance
and pantomime, and in modern costume
and household utensils.
After the Turkestan unchangeable landscapes
with their dryness, India seems exotically
bright, luxurious.

In India, Vereshchagin makes more than 150 sketches. He is captivated by the height of its culture (in the future he will see something comparable
in Japan only), the "sophistication in everything":
in the architecture of temples, in ancient wall paintings, in ritual dance and pantomime,
and in modern costume and household utensils.
After the Turkestan unchangeable landscapes
with their dryness, India seems exotically
bright, luxurious.

Looking at the history of tsam, it can be noted that it’s likely to originate from the combination of two sources: Indian pantomime, which was played for the instruction of lay people at Buddhist monasteries in medieval India, and national Tibetan dances, including the dances
of sorcerers-conjurers, which are similar to the dances
of northern shamans and other primeval peoples’ magicians. In the characters of Tsam, we encounter
the phenomena of the old, pre-Buddhist mythology
of Tibet, which Buddhism has just accepted into its pantheon.

Looking at the history of tsam, it can be noted that it’s likely to originate from the combination of two sources: Indian pantomime, which was played for the instruction of lay people at Buddhist monasteries in medieval India, and national Tibetan dances, including the dances
of sorcerers-conjurers, which are similar to the dances
of northern shamans and other primeval peoples’ magicians. In the characters of Tsam, we encounter
the phenomena of the old, pre-Buddhist mythology
of Tibet, which Buddhism has just accepted into its pantheon.

Vasily Vereshchagin's Indian journey lasted for two years. Vereshchagin lived in Bombay, Agra, Delhi, Jaipur.
At the end of 1874 he undertook a three-month trip to the Eastern Himalayas, to the mountainous principality of Sikkim, and immediately upon his return, in April
1875, set out on a new long and difficult journey to the areas bordering Tibet – Kashmir and Ladakh.
He works with passion and even obsession,
facing all dangers and risks.
The trip to Sikkim was aimed at climbing
the highest peaks of the Himalayas.
Undertaken, contrary to warnings, in the winter months, this journey gambling with life: he almost froze, abandoned by the guides, at an altitude of 14,000 feet, but even at this disastrous moment, swollen from frost, suffering from terrible headaches, he does not leave
a burning desire to observe and record the amazing colorful harmonies that open to him.
"Another time I need to come here with fresh energy and make sketches of all these effects, a person can see only at these heights” – we read in travel diary. –
“Anyone who has not been in such a climate, at such
an altitude, cannot form an idea of the blue of the sky - this is something amazing, incredible, the color
is brighter than any pure cobalt, it is almost
ultramarine with a small dose of carmine.
The pinkish-white snow on this background
is a striking contrast."

Vasily Vereshchagin's Indian journey lasted
for two years. Vereshchagin lived in Bombay,
Agra, Delhi, Jaipur.
At the end of 1874 he undertook a three-month
trip to the Eastern Himalayas, to the mountainous principality of Sikkim, and immediately upon
his return, in April 1875, set out on a new long
and difficult journey to the areas bordering
Tibet – Kashmir and Ladakh.
He works with passion and even obsession,
facing all dangers and risks.
The trip to Sikkim was aimed at climbing
the highest peaks of the Himalayas.
Undertaken, contrary to warnings, in the winter months, this journey gambling with life: he almost froze, abandoned by the guides, at an altitude of 14,000 feet, but even at this disastrous moment, swollen from frost, suffering from terrible headaches, he does not leave a burning desire to observe
and record the amazing colorful
harmonies that open to him.
"Another time I need to come here with fresh energy and make sketches of all these effects, a person can see only at these heights” – we read in travel diary. –
“Anyone who has not been in such a climate, at such
an altitude, cannot form an idea of the blue of the sky - this is something amazing, incredible, the color
is brighter than any pure cobalt, it is almost
ultramarine with a small dose of carmine.
The pinkish-white snow on this background
is a striking contrast."

Holi is one of the holidays that perfectly characterize India. It is known as the festival of colors, the celebration of love, the main celebration of the beginning of spring. It is also associated with the spring harvest, the time
of awakening and flowering of nature after winter.
Holi is, first of all, a holiday for children and young
people who jump out on the street these days,
lie in wait for passers–by, and decorate
them in all the colors of the rainbow.
The festival assumes that during
the celebration, all people become equal.
Smeared with paints, happy, contented, smiling
men and women, old people and children
return home after the holiday.
Holi allows everyone to relax, throw
off the usual masks and remember their childhood.

Holi is one of the holidays that perfectly characterize India. It is known as the festival of colors,
the celebration of love, the main celebration
of the beginning of spring. It is also associated
with the spring harvest, the time
of awakening and flowering of nature after winter.
Holi is, first of all, a holiday for children and young
people who jump out on the street these days,
lie in wait for passers–by, and decorate
them in all the colors of the rainbow.
The festival assumes that during
the celebration, all people become equal.
Smeared with paints, happy, contented, smiling
men and women, old people and children
return home after the holiday.
Holi allows everyone to relax, throw
off the usual masks and remember their childhood.

Hindus consider the Ganges sacred. According to Hindu mythology, this is not an earthly river, but a heavenly one, it just descended from heaven to earth. It is on the banks of the Ganges that the four holiest cities for Hindus
are located – Varanasi, Rishikesh, Prayagraj and Haridwar. For Hindus, Haridwar is of the same importance
as Mecca for Muslims and the Vatican
for Catholics.

Hindus consider the Ganges sacred. According to Hindu mythology, this is not an earthly river, but a heavenly one, it just descended from heaven to earth. It is on the banks of the Ganges that the four holiest cities for Hindus
are located – Varanasi, Rishikesh, Prayagraj and Haridwar. For Hindus, Haridwar is of the same importance
as Mecca for Muslims and the Vatican
for Catholics.

Indian civilization originated in ancient times.
For several millennia, the culture of India has been
going through various periods.
Since ancient times, the peoples of this unique
country have expressed their ideas about
the World in art. In the Indian artistic tradition, architecture is always side by side with sculpture.
The walls of the temples are covered with elaborately
executed stone sculptures and bas-reliefs. Religious symbols take the first place in every architectural work. Depending on the religion prevailing
in the country, the architecture of ancient
India experienced three periods:
• ancient Brahman, which lasted until about 250 BC,
and left almost no architectural monuments;
• Buddhist, which lasted for the next 1 thousand
years and ended around 750 AD;
• New Brahman, which lasted until the conquest
of India by Muslims (the beginning
of the XIII century).

Indian civilization originated in ancient times.
For several millennia, the culture of India
has been going through various periods.
Since ancient times, the peoples of this unique
country have expressed their ideas
about the World in art.
In the Indian artistic tradition, architecture
is always side by side with sculpture.
The walls of the temples are covered with elaborately
executed stone sculptures and bas-reliefs.
Religious symbols take the first place
in every architectural work.
Depending on the religion prevailing
in the country, the architecture of ancient
India experienced three periods:
• ancient Brahman, which lasted until about 250 BC,
and left almost no architectural monuments;
• Buddhist, which lasted for the next 1 thousand
years and ended around 750 AD;
• New Brahman, which lasted until the conquest
of India by Muslims (the beginning
of the XIII century).

Hindus are very calm about death, and this is a very good feature. Being cremated in Varanasi is the highest honor and guarantee of enlightenment and liberation of the soul. Here in Varanasi is one of the main paths, or fords, where
a person can pass from the physical to spiritual world.
For here the inner essence of man is revealed.
Varanasi can surprise Western people with its
primitiveness, backwardness, and poverty.
It is difficult for a European to understand how all this
is combined with spirituality, and in general –
what is spirituality, spirit, life, death...
Staying here does not leave anyone indifferent,
making you think, reconsider familiar concepts
and stereotypes.

Hindus are very calm about death, and this is a very good feature. Being cremated in Varanasi is the highest honor and guarantee of enlightenment and liberation of the soul. Here in Varanasi is one of the main paths,
or fords, where a person can pass from
the physical to spiritual world.
For here the inner essence of man is revealed.
Varanasi can surprise Western people with its
primitiveness, backwardness, and poverty.
It is difficult for a European to understand how
all this is combined with spirituality, and in general –
what is spirituality, spirit, life, death...
Staying here does not leave anyone indifferent,
making you think, reconsider familiar concepts
and stereotypes.

India… Here, the colonial past is still seen in a hundred
of little everyday things, for example, in a rusted iron
in the hands of a woman, ironing her things on the street. At the same time, new maharajas are constructing
the most expensive apartment building in the world
for a billion dollars. Arriving in India, you are puzzled – you could hardly face more contrasts anywhere than in this huge country. For many people travelling to India doesn’t mean seeking for exoticism but going on an exciting journey for "enlightenment". Why is it so?
From the very beginning of civilization, the development of India has followed its own course, leading
to a division into castes, to invention of erotic rituals,
to creation of a great culture.
Several religions continue to boil in the cauldron
of the ancient culture, and an excessively peppered soup with enormous number of ingredients in it is the current taste of India. It is due to religion that India still remains one of the most exotic countries where karma
and ashram are everyday reality.

India… Here, the colonial past is still seen
in a hundred of little everyday things, for example,
in a rusted iron in the hands of a woman,
ironing her things on the street.
At the same time, new maharajas are constructing the most expensive apartment building in the world for a billion dollars. Arriving in India, you are puzzled – you could hardly face more contrasts anywhere than in this huge country.
For many people travelling to India doesn’t mean seeking for exoticism but going on an exciting journey for "enlightenment".
Why is it so? From the very beginning of civilization,
the development of India has followed its own course, leading to a division into castes, to invention of erotic rituals, to creation of a great culture.
Several religions continue to boil in the cauldron
of the ancient culture, and an excessively peppered soup with enormous number of ingredients
in it is the current taste of India.
It is due to religion that India still remains one
of the most exotic countries where karma
and ashram are everyday reality.

Other tropical countries, such as Indonesia or Thailand, which are also popular with tourists, have long been
a holiday card, the front side of which is Europeanized. When you get to India, you seem to plunge into
a phantasmagoric mixture of smells, white-toothed smiling locals, miracles and unbearable heat.
India… From the cultural shock that hits everyone who has chosen India on their first day after arrival, people easily lose their orientation in space and rethink their life guidelines within a few days. This is what many people call "enlightenment", although this is only the first stage of the process. Ask any Hindu if they are happy, and no matter how difficult and insecure his life is, how dirty
the place he lives in, he will certainly answer "yes".
And slum dwellers are more likely to be smiling than
the rich, which seems the height of strangeness
to a European. Religion only partially plays the role in it, and the rest is produced by mind in its attempt to detach from the troubles of India. In the depths of slums,
the degree of happiness of Hindus and Buddhists only
increases. And all this takes the visitor to the next step
of enlightenment.

Other tropical countries, such as Indonesia or Thailand, which are also popular with tourists, have long been
a holiday card, the front side of which is Europeanized. When you get to India, you seem to plunge into
a phantasmagoric mixture of smells, white-toothed smiling locals, miracles and unbearable heat.
India… From the cultural shock that hits everyone who has chosen India on their first day after arrival, people easily lose their orientation in space and rethink their life guidelines within a few days. This is what many people call "enlightenment", although this is only the first stage of the process. Ask any Hindu if they are happy, and no matter how difficult and insecure his life is, how dirty
the place he lives in, he will certainly answer "yes".
And slum dwellers are more likely to be smiling than
the rich, which seems the height of strangeness
to a European. Religion only partially plays the role in it, and the rest is produced by mind in its attempt to detach from the troubles of India. In the depths of slums,
the degree of happiness of Hindus and Buddhists only
increases. And all this takes the visitor to the next step
of enlightenment.

Other tropical countries, such as Indonesia or Thailand, which are also popular with tourists, have long been a holiday card, the front side of which
is Europeanized. When you get to India, you seem to plunge into
a phantasmagoric mixture of smells, white-toothed smiling locals, miracles
and unbearable heat. India… From the cultural shock that hits everyone who has chosen India on their first day after arrival, people easily lose their orientation
in space and rethink their life guidelines within a few days. This is what many people call "enlightenment", although this is only the first stage of the process. Ask any Hindu if they are happy, and no matter how difficult and insecure his life is, how dirty the place he lives in, he will certainly answer "yes". And slum dwellers are more likely to be smiling than the rich, which seems the height
of strangeness to a European. Religion only partially plays the role in it,
and the rest is produced by mind in its attempt to detach from the troubles
of India. In the depths of slums, the degree of happiness of Hindus
and Buddhists only increases. And all this takes the visitor to the next step
of enlightenment.

Other tropical countries, such as Indonesia or Thailand, which are also popular
with tourists, have long been a holiday card, the front side of which
is Europeanized. When you get to India, you seem to plunge into
a phantasmagoric mixture of smells, white-toothed smiling locals, miracles
and unbearable heat. India… From the cultural shock that hits everyone who has chosen India on their first day after arrival, people easily lose their orientation
in space and rethink their life guidelines within a few days. This is what many people call "enlightenment", although this is only the first stage of the process. Ask any Hindu if they are happy, and no matter how difficult and insecure his life is, how dirty the place he lives in, he will certainly answer "yes". And slum dwellers are more likely to be smiling than the rich, which seems the height
of strangeness to a European. Religion only partially plays the role in it,
and the rest is produced by mind in its attempt to detach from the troubles
of India. In the depths of slums, the degree of happiness of Hindus
and Buddhists only increases. And all this takes the visitor to the next step
of enlightenment.

Other tropical countries, such as Indonesia or Thailand, which are also popular with tourists, have long been
a holiday card, the front side of which is Europeanized. When you get to India, you seem to plunge into
a phantasmagoric mixture of smells, white-toothed smiling locals, miracles and unbearable heat.
India… From the cultural shock that hits everyone who has chosen India on their first day after arrival, people easily lose their orientation in space and rethink their life guidelines within a few days. This is what many people call "enlightenment", although this is only the first stage of the process. Ask any Hindu if they are happy, and no matter how difficult and insecure his life is, how dirty
the place he lives in, he will certainly answer "yes".
And slum dwellers are more likely to be smiling than
the rich, which seems the height of strangeness
to a European. Religion only partially plays the role in it,
and the rest is produced by mind in its attempt to detach from the troubles of India. In the depths of slums,
the degree of happiness of Hindus and Buddhists only
increases. And all this takes the visitor to the next step
of enlightenment.

The women stopped at the water's edge and squatted down, then began to move their hands along the bottom.
They took out the clay and threw it back.
So, they moved along the shore of the lake until they found
a place with white clay. Having collected it in a wooden
dish, the gypsies began to sculpt something.
Half an hour later, a god about half a meter high, with a face resembling the idols from Easter Island, was on the plate.
As it turned out, the women portrayed Krishna.
When the clay dried in the sun, the figure was dressed
up in doll clothes, decorated with ribbons.
A girl of about twenty, the youngest of those present, placed a plate with a statuette on her head and walked towards
the village. The others followed her.
(Weddings at Rabari take place in front of a figure
of a deity dressed in bright clothes. It is believed
that in this way the deity will bless the marriage.)
The wedding ceremonies ended at midnight.
The last couple of newlyweds left, and the remaining guests — about ten people — carried the figure of the god to the lake. “Krishna came to us for one day, now he has to leave.” With these words, the statuette was lowered into the water, and it gradually dissolved ...

The women stopped at the water's edge and squatted down, then began to move their hands along the bottom.
They took out the clay and threw it back.
So, they moved along the shore of the lake until they found a place with white clay. Having collected it
in a wooden dish, the gypsies began to sculpt something.
Half an hour later, a god about half a meter high,
with a face resembling the idols from Easter Island,
was on the plate. As it turned out, the women portrayed Krishna. When the clay dried in the sun, the figure was dressed up in doll clothes, decorated with ribbons.
A girl of about twenty, the youngest of those present, placed a plate with a statuette on her head and walked towards the village. The others followed her.
(Weddings at Rabari take place in front of a figure
of a deity dressed in bright clothes. It is believed
that in this way the deity will bless the marriage.)
The wedding ceremonies ended at midnight.
The last couple of newlyweds left, and the remaining guests — about ten people — carried the figure of the god to the lake. “Krishna came to us for one day, now he has to leave.” With these words, the statuette was lowered into the water, and it gradually dissolved ...

I love India! Probably because it is so eventful and diverse, that it constantly offers subjects for shooting. This is not peaceful strolling along the banks
of the Rhine and looking for a new shooting point of Cologne Cathedral,
it's not palm trees, pedicures and splits in the Maldives – it's something else! There's always something going on here! Holiday, funeral, birth...
You are always in anticipation of something and in the midst
of amazing events and adventures.
This is my new film about a little-known part of India.
(Clip, full version's on the channel).

I love India! Probably because it is so eventful and diverse, that it constantly offers subjects for shooting. This is not peaceful strolling along the banks
of the Rhine and looking for a new shooting point of Cologne Cathedral,
it's not palm trees, pedicures and splits in the Maldives – it's something else!
There's always something going on here! Holiday, funeral, birth...
You are always in anticipation of something and in the midst
of amazing events and adventures. This is my new film about a little-known
part of India. (Clip, full version's on the channel).

I love India! Probably because it is so eventful and diverse, that it constantly offers subjects for shooting.
This is not peaceful strolling along the banks of the Rhine and looking for a new shooting point of Cologne Cathedral, it's not palm trees, pedicures and splits in the Maldives – it's something else! There's always something going on here! Holiday, funeral, birth... You are always in anticipation
of something and in the midst of amazing
events and adventures.
This is my new film about a little-known part of India.
(Clip, full version's on the channel).

I love India! Probably because it is so eventful
and diverse, that it constantly offers
subjects for shooting.
This is not peaceful strolling along the banks
of the Rhine and looking for a new shooting point
of Cologne Cathedral, it's not palm trees, pedicures
and splits in the Maldives – it's something else!
There's always something going on here! Holiday, funeral, birth... You are always in anticipation
of something and in the midst of amazing
events and adventures.
This is my new film about a little-known part of India.
(Clip, full version's on the channel).

I love India! Probably because it is so eventful and diverse, that it constantly offers subjects for shooting.
This is not peaceful strolling along the banks of the Rhine and looking for a new shooting point of Cologne Cathedral, it's not palm trees, pedicures and splits in the Maldives – it's something else! There's always something going on here! Holiday, funeral, birth... You are always in anticipation
of something and in the midst of amazing
events and adventures.
This is my new film about a little-known part of India.
(Clip, full version's on the channel).