Blind Men and an Elephant

Varkala sunset
see all photos »

I’m in Varkala, on the southern end of Kerala. Varkala is a pleasant, laid back, little-known backpackers’ heaven. Fellow backpackers say Varkala is what Goa was 30 years ago. The town is small and the beach even smaller. I am not a beach person - I went once and now I look like a cooked lobster. There is nothing to do here, which is just fine as it gives me a chance to think, meditate, and read books.

Indians have a saying that different religions are like blind men trying to describe an elephant. Depending of which part of the elephant the blind man touches, it gets a completely different picture from what other blind men are feeling, none of them ever understanding how the elephant really looks. It is only appropriate that Indians would have such a saying. The number and coexistence of different religions gives them a unique perspective on spirituality.

Indians have a saying that different religions are like blind men trying to describe an elephant.

Varkala Beach
see all photos »

In Jaipur, I was waking up with morning prayer calls from a mosque. In Deshnok, I saw Hindus worshiping rats. In Jaisalmer, I photographed Jain temples and in Kerala, I was reciting “Our Father” with a church full of Indians. Watching all these people, the natural question arises - are we really so limited in our comprehension of God that we are like the blind men? I have no answers, but it’s good to at least examine these things. India affords you such a chance. Bookstores are full of books on spirituality - in many bookstores it seems that it is the only book section. Gurus, philosophers, ascetics, and other holy men are commonplace here.

I keep reading and thinking. I’ll tell you if I ever reach enlightenment. Meanwhile, I am ready for Calcutta and Mother Teresa’s Home of the Dying Destitutes. I’m going tomorrow. I’ll keep you posted.