Comments on: India, Poverty, And The Fear Of Traveling To Poor Places http://matadornetwork.com/abroad/india-poverty-and-the-fear-of-traveling-to-poor-places/ travel culture worldwide Sun, 12 Feb 2012 03:35:00 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 By: Beverly VAlentine http://matadornetwork.com/abroad/india-poverty-and-the-fear-of-traveling-to-poor-places/#comment-93988 Beverly VAlentine Mon, 24 Oct 2011 22:04:00 +0000 http://matadorabroad.com/?p=2996#comment-93988 Tomorrow I leave for India to attend the wedding of the daughter of a dear Indian friend I have not seen since 1978 when we both lived in Iran. This visit is a true tribute to friendship nurtured over the years before the internet. Though I have only been to India once, I feel I know the continent as I have read voraciously and feel a great empathy. Thank you for your comments about this magical space. Three friends whom I have known for years will accompany me on this journey. I know I will return more appreciative of what we have here in Canada.  Tomorrow I leave for India to attend the wedding of the daughter of a dear Indian friend I have not seen since 1978 when we both lived in Iran. This visit is a true tribute to friendship nurtured over the years before the internet. Though I have only been to India once, I feel I know the continent as I have read voraciously and feel a great empathy. Thank you for your comments about this magical space. Three friends whom I have known for years will accompany me on this journey. I know I will return more appreciative of what we have here in Canada. 

]]> By: Scott http://matadornetwork.com/abroad/india-poverty-and-the-fear-of-traveling-to-poor-places/#comment-93816 Scott Sat, 22 Oct 2011 16:41:00 +0000 http://matadorabroad.com/?p=2996#comment-93816 Nicely done, Mariellen.  It is my belief that outter change can only be manifested when we change ourselves.  India has done that both for and to me more than any single place. Nicely done, Mariellen.  It is my belief that outter change can only be manifested when we change ourselves.  India has done that both for and to me more than any single place.

]]> By: Mariellen Ward http://matadornetwork.com/abroad/india-poverty-and-the-fear-of-traveling-to-poor-places/#comment-93751 Mariellen Ward Sat, 22 Oct 2011 00:02:00 +0000 http://matadorabroad.com/?p=2996#comment-93751 Thanks for all the comments, everyone. I haven't visited this page in a while, and I appreciate the positive feedback. I especially appreciate it when Indians tell me they like my writing; it means a lot to me. I try very hard to be sensitive to the culture, and to be honest about my experience and perception, without being judgmental. Michelle, We will have to agree to disagree, especially about the anger. As a long-time student of yoga and spirituality, I think you can do a lot more with love and compassion, than with anger and self-righteousness. I am a big believer in the Gandhi quote,  "be the change you want to see in the world." Do you want to live in an angry world? I don't. I also don't think you have to travel with heavy baggage. One of the reasons I love India so much is the lightness of the people. I can change myself, and of course that will in ways small and large, change the world around me. There's a famous quote by Sri Ramana Maharishi, which I think bears wisdom that activists sometimes miss: " <!-- /* Font Definitions */ @font-face {font-family:Times; panose-1:2 0 5 0 0 0 0 0 0 0; mso-font-charset:0; mso-generic-font-family:auto; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:3 0 0 0 1 0;} /* Style Definitions */ p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal {mso-style-parent:""; margin:0cm; margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ascii-font-family:Times; mso-fareast-font-family:Times; mso-hansi-font-family:Times; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ansi-language:EN-GB;} @page Section1 {size:612.0pt 792.0pt; margin:72.0pt 90.0pt 72.0pt 90.0pt; mso-header-margin:36.0pt; mso-footer-margin:36.0pt; mso-paper-source:0;} div.Section1 {page:Section1;} -->Wanting to reform the world without discovering one's true self is like trying to cover the world with leather to avoid the pain of walking on stones and thorns. It is much simpler to wear shoes." And of you read my comment to Amanda below, I mention that I have volunteered in India; I also volunteer with two charitable organizations (UNICEF and World Literacy of Canada); and I promote, and fund-raise for, other charitable organizations like Deepalaya in Delhi. My mantra, which comes from Joseph Campbell, is "Participate joyfully in the sorrows of the world." This world needs more joy, not more anger. Mariellen Thanks for all the comments, everyone. I haven’t visited this page in a while, and I appreciate the positive feedback. I especially appreciate it when Indians tell me they like my writing; it means a lot to me. I try very hard to be sensitive to the culture, and to be honest about my experience and perception, without being judgmental.

Michelle, We will have to agree to disagree, especially about the anger. As a long-time student of yoga and spirituality, I think you can do a lot more with love and compassion, than with anger and self-righteousness. I am a big believer in the Gandhi quote,  “be the change you want to see in the world.” Do you want to live in an angry world? I don’t.

I also don’t think you have to travel with heavy baggage. One of the reasons I love India so much is the lightness of the people.

I can change myself, and of course that will in ways small and large, change the world around me. There’s a famous quote by Sri Ramana Maharishi, which I think bears wisdom that activists sometimes miss: ”

Wanting to reform the world without
discovering one’s true self is like trying to cover the world with leather to
avoid the pain of walking on stones and thorns. It is much simpler to wear
shoes.”

And of you read my comment to Amanda below, I mention that I have volunteered in India; I also volunteer with two charitable organizations (UNICEF and World Literacy of Canada); and I promote, and fund-raise for, other charitable organizations like Deepalaya in Delhi.

My mantra, which comes from Joseph Campbell, is “Participate joyfully in the sorrows of the world.” This world needs more joy, not more anger.

Mariellen

]]> By: Mariellen Ward http://matadornetwork.com/abroad/india-poverty-and-the-fear-of-traveling-to-poor-places/#comment-93752 Mariellen Ward Sat, 22 Oct 2011 00:02:00 +0000 http://matadorabroad.com/?p=2996#comment-93752 Thanks for all the comments, everyone. I haven't visited this page in a while, and I appreciate the positive feedback. I especially appreciate it when Indians tell me they like my writing; it means a lot to me. I try very hard to be sensitive to the culture, and to be honest about my experience and perception, without being judgmental. Michelle, We will have to agree to disagree, especially about the anger. As a long-time student of yoga and spirituality, I think you can do a lot more with love and compassion, than with anger and self-righteousness. I am a big believer in the Gandhi quote,  "be the change you want to see in the world." Do you want to live in an angry world? I don't. I also don't think you have to travel with heavy baggage. One of the reasons I love India so much is the lightness of the people. I can change myself, and of course that will in ways small and large, change the world around me. There's a famous quote by Sri Ramana Maharishi, which I think bears wisdom that activists sometimes miss: " <!-- /* Font Definitions */ @font-face {font-family:Times; panose-1:2 0 5 0 0 0 0 0 0 0; mso-font-charset:0; mso-generic-font-family:auto; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:3 0 0 0 1 0;} /* Style Definitions */ p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal {mso-style-parent:""; margin:0cm; margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ascii-font-family:Times; mso-fareast-font-family:Times; mso-hansi-font-family:Times; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ansi-language:EN-GB;} @page Section1 {size:612.0pt 792.0pt; margin:72.0pt 90.0pt 72.0pt 90.0pt; mso-header-margin:36.0pt; mso-footer-margin:36.0pt; mso-paper-source:0;} div.Section1 {page:Section1;} -->Wanting to reform the world without discovering one's true self is like trying to cover the world with leather to avoid the pain of walking on stones and thorns. It is much simpler to wear shoes." And of you read my comment to Amanda below, I mention that I have volunteered in India; I also volunteer with two charitable organizations (UNICEF and World Literacy of Canada); and I promote, and fund-raise for, other charitable organizations like Deepalaya in Delhi. My mantra, which comes from Joseph Campbell, is "Participate joyfully in the sorrows of the world." This world needs more joy, not more anger. Mariellen Thanks for all the comments, everyone. I haven’t visited this page in a while, and I appreciate the positive feedback. I especially appreciate it when Indians tell me they like my writing; it means a lot to me. I try very hard to be sensitive to the culture, and to be honest about my experience and perception, without being judgmental.

Michelle, We will have to agree to disagree, especially about the anger. As a long-time student of yoga and spirituality, I think you can do a lot more with love and compassion, than with anger and self-righteousness. I am a big believer in the Gandhi quote,  “be the change you want to see in the world.” Do you want to live in an angry world? I don’t.

I also don’t think you have to travel with heavy baggage. One of the reasons I love India so much is the lightness of the people.

I can change myself, and of course that will in ways small and large, change the world around me. There’s a famous quote by Sri Ramana Maharishi, which I think bears wisdom that activists sometimes miss: ”

Wanting to reform the world without
discovering one’s true self is like trying to cover the world with leather to
avoid the pain of walking on stones and thorns. It is much simpler to wear
shoes.”

And of you read my comment to Amanda below, I mention that I have volunteered in India; I also volunteer with two charitable organizations (UNICEF and World Literacy of Canada); and I promote, and fund-raise for, other charitable organizations like Deepalaya in Delhi.

My mantra, which comes from Joseph Campbell, is “Participate joyfully in the sorrows of the world.” This world needs more joy, not more anger.

Mariellen

]]> By: Mariellen Ward http://matadornetwork.com/abroad/india-poverty-and-the-fear-of-traveling-to-poor-places/#comment-93753 Mariellen Ward Sat, 22 Oct 2011 00:02:00 +0000 http://matadorabroad.com/?p=2996#comment-93753 Thanks for all the comments, everyone. I haven't visited this page in a while, and I appreciate the positive feedback. I especially appreciate it when Indians tell me they like my writing; it means a lot to me. I try very hard to be sensitive to the culture, and to be honest about my experience and perception, without being judgmental. Michelle, We will have to agree to disagree, especially about the anger. As a long-time student of yoga and spirituality, I think you can do a lot more with love and compassion, than with anger and self-righteousness. I am a big believer in the Gandhi quote,  "be the change you want to see in the world." Do you want to live in an angry world? I don't. I also don't think you have to travel with heavy baggage. One of the reasons I love India so much is the lightness of the people. I can change myself, and of course that will in ways small and large, change the world around me. There's a famous quote by Sri Ramana Maharishi, which I think bears wisdom that activists sometimes miss: " <!-- /* Font Definitions */ @font-face {font-family:Times; panose-1:2 0 5 0 0 0 0 0 0 0; mso-font-charset:0; mso-generic-font-family:auto; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:3 0 0 0 1 0;} /* Style Definitions */ p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal {mso-style-parent:""; margin:0cm; margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ascii-font-family:Times; mso-fareast-font-family:Times; mso-hansi-font-family:Times; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ansi-language:EN-GB;} @page Section1 {size:612.0pt 792.0pt; margin:72.0pt 90.0pt 72.0pt 90.0pt; mso-header-margin:36.0pt; mso-footer-margin:36.0pt; mso-paper-source:0;} div.Section1 {page:Section1;} -->Wanting to reform the world without discovering one's true self is like trying to cover the world with leather to avoid the pain of walking on stones and thorns. It is much simpler to wear shoes." And of you read my comment to Amanda below, I mention that I have volunteered in India; I also volunteer with two charitable organizations (UNICEF and World Literacy of Canada); and I promote, and fund-raise for, other charitable organizations like Deepalaya in Delhi. My mantra, which comes from Joseph Campbell, is "Participate joyfully in the sorrows of the world." This world needs more joy, not more anger. Mariellen Thanks for all the comments, everyone. I haven’t visited this page in a while, and I appreciate the positive feedback. I especially appreciate it when Indians tell me they like my writing; it means a lot to me. I try very hard to be sensitive to the culture, and to be honest about my experience and perception, without being judgmental.

Michelle, We will have to agree to disagree, especially about the anger. As a long-time student of yoga and spirituality, I think you can do a lot more with love and compassion, than with anger and self-righteousness. I am a big believer in the Gandhi quote,  “be the change you want to see in the world.” Do you want to live in an angry world? I don’t.

I also don’t think you have to travel with heavy baggage. One of the reasons I love India so much is the lightness of the people.

I can change myself, and of course that will in ways small and large, change the world around me. There’s a famous quote by Sri Ramana Maharishi, which I think bears wisdom that activists sometimes miss: ”

Wanting to reform the world without
discovering one’s true self is like trying to cover the world with leather to
avoid the pain of walking on stones and thorns. It is much simpler to wear
shoes.”

And of you read my comment to Amanda below, I mention that I have volunteered in India; I also volunteer with two charitable organizations (UNICEF and World Literacy of Canada); and I promote, and fund-raise for, other charitable organizations like Deepalaya in Delhi.

My mantra, which comes from Joseph Campbell, is “Participate joyfully in the sorrows of the world.” This world needs more joy, not more anger.

Mariellen

]]> By: venkat http://matadornetwork.com/abroad/india-poverty-and-the-fear-of-traveling-to-poor-places/#comment-41075 venkat Sun, 19 Dec 2010 16:52:34 +0000 http://matadorabroad.com/?p=2996#comment-41075 good evening! at first i felt ur abusing India, but while moving to the end.., you emotionally touched, as being an Indian we should feel happy, i recently left my job and started walking through my country to understand the poverty, for which your post helped me a lot.. keep coming to India my friend.. we need ambassdors like you... venkat... thanks for ur visit.. good evening!
at first i felt ur abusing India, but while moving to the end.., you emotionally touched, as being an Indian we should feel happy, i recently left my job and started walking through my country to understand the poverty, for which your post helped me a lot.. keep coming to India my friend.. we need ambassdors like you…
venkat… thanks for ur visit..

]]> By: chakli http://matadornetwork.com/abroad/india-poverty-and-the-fear-of-traveling-to-poor-places/#comment-39875 chakli Fri, 15 Oct 2010 17:09:36 +0000 http://matadorabroad.com/?p=2996#comment-39875 When you go visit a place, you meet someone, you experience something, you grow and take back as you did. But as most of the hindu shlokas say - to be given/to be blessed is only so that it can be shared and carried forward. Look at all 'developing/emerging/third world countries' ...however you choose to say it and know you are blessed. One can always make a difference and more than one is doing. When you go visit a place, you meet someone, you experience something, you grow and take back as you did. But as most of the hindu shlokas say – to be given/to be blessed is only so that it can be shared and carried forward.

Look at all ‘developing/emerging/third world countries’ …however you choose to say it and know you are blessed.

One can always make a difference and more than one is doing.

]]> By: BALAJI SESHAN http://matadornetwork.com/abroad/india-poverty-and-the-fear-of-traveling-to-poor-places/#comment-39369 BALAJI SESHAN Fri, 20 Aug 2010 01:56:28 +0000 http://matadorabroad.com/?p=2996#comment-39369 You have done a wonderful job sharing your experience about India. Your love towards the nation is incomparable. Visiting India is just not a mere tour. It is Experience in life, it is Education, it is awakening of Soul and realizing the Truth.... Once again thanks for your continuous trips and Love on this Vibrant Land.... You have done a wonderful job sharing your experience about India. Your love towards the nation is incomparable.

Visiting India is just not a mere tour. It is Experience in life, it is Education, it is awakening of Soul and realizing the Truth….

Once again thanks for your continuous trips and Love on this Vibrant Land….

]]> By: Ryn http://matadornetwork.com/abroad/india-poverty-and-the-fear-of-traveling-to-poor-places/#comment-37714 Ryn Fri, 19 Mar 2010 05:14:47 +0000 http://matadorabroad.com/?p=2996#comment-37714 I've only been abroad once to Italy 3 years ago and now that I'm graduating from college I've been waiting to see what IS in this world. "If you go to India after all, you may find that it is the joy that hurts, not the misery." Well spoken. I’ve only been abroad once to Italy 3 years ago and now that I’m graduating from college I’ve been waiting to see what IS in this world. “If you go to India after all, you may find that it is the joy that hurts, not the misery.” Well spoken.

]]> By: Vibhu http://matadornetwork.com/abroad/india-poverty-and-the-fear-of-traveling-to-poor-places/#comment-37357 Vibhu Tue, 09 Feb 2010 18:31:17 +0000 http://matadorabroad.com/?p=2996#comment-37357 Great article and very true that it is filthy and dirty but there are people who can teach us how to live happily without having money. Great article and very true that it is filthy and dirty but there are people who can teach us how to live happily without having money.

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