Friday

Even though it was probably as hot as it was on Thursday, I didn’t feel as exhausted and “spent” by the end of the day on Friday. Maybe I’m getting used to it (doubtful), or maybe we spent more time inside (likely!). After another hearty breakfast from our host family – I don’t think I’m actually losing weight on this trip but gaining – our group met and took a bus ride out to the Adalaj Step-Well. This is an ancient well constructed in 1498 which goes four stories underground. It felt like walking into an Indiana Jones movie! We were fascinated by the intricately-carved figures on the walls, and how so much had been preserved over 500 years. On our way back into town, we stopped at a Jain Temple, and it, too, was an architectural masterpiece. Jainism is not the same as Hindu – a totally separate religion. Following that, we headed to BAPS, where we spent the afternoon. The men had another chance to visit with two sadhus, and this interaction was even more helpful than the day before. Our group had a chance to ask very open and honest questions, and they were revealing in their responses. And they had a chance to ask us about our roles and vocations in the US, which I believe was important to their understanding of religion outside their own. It was mutually beneficial and meaningful. We had another delicious lunch at the guest house, and then I was able to use the internet there to download emails, post blogs, set my fantasy football team for this Sunday (don’t worry, it was in that order). Then in the late-afternoon, we left for Akshardham Gandhinagar, which is a large complex of BAPS outside of Ahmedabad. On 23 acres, they have erected what they call a monument, whose purpose is to share Indian culture and the tenets of the Swaminarayan faith. There is a beautiful central monument, with several exhibition halls surrounding it. They retold some of their faith’s central stories in film and drama – including a laser light show at night. We were very honored by their gracious hospitality to us all. We came home after 10 pm, and went right to bed!