An Introduction to Sacred and Wonderful Places

It is said that travel is perhaps one of the most important elements of a strong education, for it is through travel that we learn that a world exists beyond our own. An open-minded traveler learns to see “the other” no longer as a stranger but rather as a resource from whom to learn and to grow. At The Life Site we encourage readers to broaden their minds by experiencing new places. There are legendary “power spots” such as Machu Pichu, Mt. Shasta, Sedona and the Pyramids, which according to some have special energies to heal and inspire one’s soul. There are also ancient cities, hills and valleys, where epic adventures and historical events took place. The world has an endless array of journeys available for those willing to travel and find new ways of looking at life itself.

For some, travel is considered more important than a formal education, and we at The Life Site we encourage you to take to the road in any way that you can so that you may experience a lifestyle different from your own. Enjoy, experience, learn and grow and bring back with you a new understanding.

Explore Beautiful Varanasi, India

Varanasi 3The beautiful Varanasi, India is the holiest of Hindu’s sacred cities. The oldest inhabited city in the world lies beside the sacred River Ganges, nestled between the River Asi, to the south and the River Varuna, to the north. The flourishing city of Varanasi is rich in history and ceremonious traditions. The riverfront plays host to Ghats, which are stone stairways leading to the river; eighty-four of them, in fact. Each of the Ghats is significant in its own way and many travelers take part in freeing themselves from sin by bathing in the sacred river.

Varanasi, which is said to have been founded by the God Shiva, is a city abundant with intricately designed temples, an array shrines, spiritual depth, and exquisite art. The city, often referred to as “the religious capital of India,” is populated with designers creating garments using muslin and silk fabrics, as well as perfumes, sculptures, and ivory keepsakes.

Varanasi 1The history and sacred traditions of Varanasi are said to date back as far as 5,000 years. The area is lavished with a variety of religious beliefs; each encompassing their rituals and structures. Buddhism is marked by the Dhamek Stupa shrine, where it is said that the first sermon of Gautama Buddha was given. The followers of the Jain faith claim this area for worship and pilgrimage. Islamic sites are present in the area and date back as far as 1033 CE when the area was invaded and ruled by Muslims. In vast significance, the Hindu temples are effervescent in the area; after several periods of destruction by the Muslims, Varanasi rebuilt the temples, boasting its independence since the 18th century.

The Ghats of Varanasi are overlooked by temples, palaces, and shrines. Religious festivals and routine rituals are performed around and in these structures as well as along the riverfront. The Dashashwamedh Ghat is host to an evening worship called “Agni Pooja,” meaning Worship to Fire, which is performed by priests each night. This is a spiritual dedication to Shiva, sun, fire, and the universe. The cremation process, which takes place at various Ghats throughout Varanasi 5Varanasi is a symbol of spiritual release of the dead to the divinities; bringing them to a state of liberation. Many seek Varanasi when they are near death as it is said if you die in this sacred city you are released from reincarnation and are delivered from the aura surrounding you.

A traveler will not want to miss the opportunities to ride by boat along the River Ganges, especially at sun rise, to witness the splendor of spirituality taking place; walking along the Ghats and learning the meaning and life of each; wandering the side streets; and enjoying the view of the vibrant city from atop one of the many roof terraces in Varanasi.

Written by Shelly DeMarre

Where to Stay in Varanasi, India: The Nadesar Palace  or Hotel Rivatas by Ideal http://www.rivatas.com

Sacred Mount Kailash in Tibet

The sacred Mount Kailash in Tibet is regarded by hundreds of millions of people as the ultimate spiritual mountain pilgrimage.

5 different religions view Mount Kailash as the spiritual center of the universe, the Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhist, Jains and the Bon people all hold it in the highest reverence. To go there is regarded an opportunity to purify and expand consciousness to the highest level.

This imposing 21,000 feet mountain rises from the high alpine grasslands of Western Tibet. Many people visit the mountain to be in its presence and be blessed by it. It is also possible to undertake the pilgrimage route around the base of the mountain, a 3 day trek. This pilgrimage path crosses wild and remote passes and traverses through inspiring high alpine valleys. Directly associated with Mt Kailash in mythology is the sacred Manosorava lake, this beautiful holy place is the largest high altitude body of water in the world, and renowned for its healing properties.

In Buddhism are numerous sites in the region associated with Guru Rinpoche (Padmasambhava), whose practices in holy sites around Tibet are credited with finally establishing Buddhism as the main religion of the country in the 7th–8th century.

In Hinduism the mountain is credited with being the home of Lord Shiva, the great god who is described as the destroyer of ignorance and illusion.

To get to Mount Kailash involves 1-3 days of travelling across the wild and scenic spaces of the Tibetan plateau, from either Lhasa, the former capital of Tibet, now in China, or Kathmandu in Nepal. This whole experience is an extraordinary event in one’s life and not to be missed.

There are a number of guide services offering tours to Kailash, and the journey typically takes 10-20 days depending on the route, whether the pilgrimage route is undertaken or not.