One man went up, another came down

We spent this afternoon on Shiva mountain. This massive presence overlooks the bustling town of Pondicherry.

We gathered at the beginning of a narrow path just above the busy and noisy main street to begin our hike up the base of the mountain. The path led us through a community of homes, and we passed dozens of residents who live on the mountainside. Most of the homes were no more than a few hundred square feet and densely packed in along our path. We passed a wide range of people, young and old, who were as curious about us as we were about them.

I noticed as we trekked up the hillside that I felt awkward about the intimacy of being in these people’s neighborhood. I felt like an arrogant American tourist around people’s homes as if they were a museum exhibit about poverty in India.

About 30 minutes up the steep path, we came to an overlook of the city. Judith and Bob led our group in a most beautiful chant to the Hindu god Shiva. Then we gathered in front of a small temple where some pilgrims made an offering and received a blessing of ashes on our foreheads. The rest continued the chant and offered up the prayers we had brought from Wright Leadership Institute students, staff, friends, family and co-workers. It was a beautiful time. Tears were flowing. Hearts opening. Voices singing. Spirit moving.

As we began our walk back down the steep path, continuing the chanting, I noticed that my experience was entirely different. I was not the man who had gone up the hill only an hour earlier. This time, with my heart open, I acted on my desire to make eye contact with as many of them as I could, and I offered a greeting—with my hands in prayer position or simply with my right hand over my heart. I was met each time by dozens of children and adults, with their beautiful eyes and a mirroring of my offering of a heartfelt prayer.

In this moment I was a true pilgrim, with heart open, respectfully honoring the local people. I felt like I was making new friends. Our paths crossed— if even for a brief moment. But we seized the moment and made a connection. I am grateful for this Shiva mountain lesson.