3rd Day - London

Yesterday I met my new group of friends on the Bodh Gaya program and have begun the orientation with them. Orientation will last until the 9th, but will be in London, Delhi, and Bodh Gaya. Today we had a few prep discussions at a local university, visited the British Museum (which I've been to every day since I arrived), and ended with a fantastic Indian meal. A few favorites: buddha statues, rice pudding, and a conversation about being aware of both our fears AND hopes going into Bodh Gaya, and letting neither pull us away from open-minded, healthy, and maturing experiences.

Right now, I'm sitting in the hotel lobby, surrounded by a dozen of my peers, typing away on a laptop. So far, I've encountered some pretty fantastic personalities. Many calm, mindful people. Generally liberal, but I'm genuinely surprised and excited to find a diversity of intellects attracted to Buddhism, India, and this program. From eavesdropping I can tell you that conversations include: non-profits combatting racism in Mississipi, lost luggage, cheating on a girlfriend and the subsequent regret, developing spiritual education in grade/high schools, and poetry.

Of course, we're all having difficulty untangling ourselves from each other. My meditation/yoga practice has slacked a bit, but it'll all start up again with our relatively rigorous schedule in Bodh Gaya.

The students come from a whole range of experience with religious study, Buddhism, meditation, and yoga. From no experience to years of study, travelling to Tibet, and meditation retreats. From my brief interaction with the instructors, their knowledge and compassion are both pretty vast, and I can't wait to learn more.

Well, next you'll hear from me I'll be in India.

So long!