Recently, I went to a talk at the University of Toronto by an Indo-Canadian scholar named Archna Sahni. Archna lead a group of us in a discussion about stereotypes and about how India is perceived versus reality. Several people in the group were surprised to discover India’s early scientific discoveries — that predated similar discoveries in Europe — and by the cultural diversity of the subcontinent.

As well as overlooking, belittling, and refuting India’s achievements and virtues, Archna said that the west tends to see India “only through the lens of its problems.” I don’t doubt this statement, but it was a revelation for me to hear it. It made me realize that I don’t see India that way at all. India revived me in so many ways, and I have benefited so much from my travels, and from yoga study and practise.  I am so impressed by the incredible wisdom the rishis realized through their own internal investigations, their own awareness, listening and paying attention. This is how I genuinely see India.

East meets west

Like me, Archna Sahni is driven by a passion to uncover and share the beauty and sophistication of Indian culture. Moreover, she feels that India and the west have a lot of common ground and that India can offer “a very creative and vibrant space to make connections between east and west.” I whole-heartedly agree with her. This is my experience: I was transformed by going to India. I write about this personal transformation often, and also about my admiration for this culture and the adventures and worthwhile experiences travel in India can afford.

The day after this dialogue circle, I received this email message from Archna, below. I was so deeply pleased to get this message. I felt “seen”and I felt she understood this transformative process and experience:

“Thanks for coming to the discussion circle and sharing your thoughts, I’m glad I met you.  At sacred sites in India I have come across travellers from the West who have told me they feel an unexplainable strong sense of connection to India and wish to keep coming back, and some are certain they must have been born in India in a previous life. Reading your blog gave me a similar feeling.  I believe that either you see the essence of India the first time and are transformed, or you don’t and remain the same.  It is so clear that your articles are written from the heart and with love.  Your blog made me nostalgic and also…..envious: you’ve seen more of India then I have : ) Your  article on Benares moved me. Your journey of transformation is a powerful one.  And your experience of long philosophical discussions with Indians rings true…”

I am very glad I met Archna, too. Her thoughts and ideas helped me to clarify my own, and to make my path clearer to me. I love when that happens.