Day 6 as a vegetarian.

"I've been here before. I don't wanna come back no more." Teena Marie

Karma: The idea that I have lived many lifetimes, and that I will live many more in an attempt to reach perfection is what Karma presents. According to Jain philosophy our souls pick up cosmic particles based on our motivations, intentions and deeds. These particles are called Karma. They determine your experience in future lives. With Karma the goal is not to acquire as much good Karma as you can (this only determines that you will be born human in the next life rather than a frog). The goal is to shed all Karma so that you can transmigrate to that perfect state. In order to get to that state it requires detachment from all desire, even the desire to be perfect.

Under this philosophy, I will have to be reborn many, many times just to not want Haagen Daz Vanilla Swiss Almond over Peach Cobbler. 

There is much more that I still want...

Peace.
Pat

This is day 5 of eating vegetarian. I think I can keep it going. The learning has been wonderful. We have three sessions a day beginning at 8:30am - 1:30pm. Today we learned about the Jain concept of the Soul. Their concept shares quite a few similarities to Christianity. They acknowledge that the true self is contained in the Soul which is housed in the body. And, that the Soul is eternal. They also believe in Heaven, Hell, and Karma.I've decided to wright my paper on what I learn from their concept of Soul. I'm looking forward to learning more.

That's all for now.

Peace.
Pat

A soft landing

Hello Everyone, I've finally landed in Delhi! Leaving the airport I noticed armed security with rifles. I couldn't tell if they were police or military. I had to go through another security check point before exiting the airport, they exrayed my bags again. One of the locals I met explained that India airport security was higher than that of London and the US. Overall, it was a very soft landing. Many thanks to my friend Ashley (a Director for Westin Hotels) who extended her employee benefits to insure I had a wonderful introduction to India. I was met at the airport by driver holding up a sign saying, "Welcome! Patricia Parker." He grabbed my backpack, led me to a new BMW SUV, handed me a cool bottle of water, asked if I was comfortable, then drove me to the 5 Star Westin Gurgaon New Delhi Hotel. On the way to the hotel I immeidately noticed the lack of infrastrucure; there are no apparent rules for driving. I asked the driver if there were many car accidents he said, "not that many." I also noted the abject poverty surroundin the hotel as we approached. Families with children living in tents and shantys. I feel humbled by my American privilege. The security to enter the Hotel compound is intense. There were three check points to enter. I'm sure this was an effort to keep the "others" out. After check-in I bathed, and immediately crashed. The Hotel and my room are, "All that." I'll post pictures of the hotel tomorrow. Going back to sleep now. Trying to beat the jetlag. Peace. Pat

As I prepare for my journey, I am reminded that I do not go alone. I am taking  all of you with me. The possibilities of what lay ahead are because of you. Thank you for your generous gifts, prayers and words of encouragement. I will be your eyes and ears, and we shall journey together.


Peace.
Pat