From Brahma to Buddha, Fall 2007

We are all drawn to this area of the world for different reasons. I fell in love with India and the Himalaya beginning in the summer of 2000. After completing my coursework at Gonzaga University, already with a sense of wanderlust and a definite case of the ‘travel bug,’ an opportunity presented itself that brought me to Delhi. I had been studying the regions’ people, religions, politics and mountains for some time and was excited to finally experience first-hand the contrasts and extremes that I had heard so much about. I was blown away—and not only by the summer heat!

On the Tibetan-Indian border during that summer, I had the opportunity to share a dusty valley floor amongst the company of thousands of Tibetans and Buddhist pilgrims, listening to His Holiness speak at a Kalachakra ceremony performed at a beautiful monastery perched on an arid mountain-side. What a cultural and environmental contrast to the predominantly Hindu, Muslim and Sikh communities I had been surrounding myself with and that I had defined as ‘India’ up until this point! We, too, will feel and see contrasts—and constantly revise our personal description and definition of ‘India’ as we move through our journey together.

It was at this ceremony on the Tibetan border that I ran into a group of US students engaged in a discussion around Buddhism and sharing an experience similar to what we will soon identify with; a small group determined to soak in all that they could while in a marvelous classroom! I was flabbergasted that there was a program that existed such as this! How inspiring to take part in such a rich educational opportunity—and especially at your age! I determined to become involved.

It has been a twisting and exciting path that life has provided me since my first experience in India; a path that most recently has gifted me to become a Forrest Yoga teacher (www.forrestyoga.com) on a small and sleepy island in the Northwest corner of mainland United States. I co-directed the Brahma to Buddha semester program in the spring of 2006; before that, I facilitated international education programs in both Bolivia and Italy. I am currently working on a thesis to culminate a Masters degree in International Education through the School for International Training, while in addition completing a yoga teacher certification process through the Forrest Yoga Institute. Working with programs such as we will experience together is a personal calling. This realization is continually reinforced as I am consistently inspired, motivated, opened, challenged and moved by those I work for, with and am surrounded by.

It is typical to find me dreaming up new adventures in a local coffee shop, writing in my journal and energizing my spirit in the great outdoors. I am originally from Anchorage, Alaska (Yes, there are three Alaskans on this program—and yes, I have met Nathan and Ole!) and feel most at home in wild spaces and the open air with a pack on my back. If around snow, I am usually not far from my skis, and year-round at this point in life, my yoga mat, a good book and walking shoes accompany me on my life trail.

We are privileged to have been gifted this occasion to together explore Northern India firsthand. With this comes the opportunity to similarly offer—through our group--an arena for global awareness to occur within the greater world community; for those individuals whom will physically surround us in India, as well as those following us through our blog world-wide. We will not only be listening to and soaking up India, but India and the world will be listening to us. Whether sitting next to an elderly Tibetan women on an overnight jarring bus-ride to Dharamsala, a Hindi speaking rickshaw driver with whom you bond over music and a cup of sweet chai, or a home-stay sister whom you are lucky enough to share meals with daily over laughter and non-verbal communication, we have the unique opportunity to transform others’ perceptions of the United States and those who inhabit it. And as students, you will come from twelve different realities and facets of the United States! I am sure Alaska, Ohio and New York have some differences as well as their similarities… These real-life interactions and organic experiences are much different than the perceptions of the United States created through Hollywood or the media! People will be just as curious to listen and learn from you—as you are from them! Share yourself! Bring photos! Take the giggles and stares as attempts at communication and curiosity—rather than becoming nervous!

We will also have the opportunity to share our experiences with our friends and family from around the world via our blog, offering insights from India and helping to foster a more globally aware public back home. Pre-school children, grandparents, classrooms and friends will all be curious to see India through our eyes, and we will have the ability to present to the world what our new friends and acquaintances in India present us with—not only what we perceive India to be from afar! Share your perspectives—not right or wrong perspectives, just perspectives! Ask the woman on the bus questions, get to know the rickshaw driver on your drive across Delhi and put yourself in the shoes of your home-stay sister. Then, share with the blog! I challenge you to not only make this journey for yourself, but strive to make it a reciprocal experience for all both directly and indirectly involved.

One year ago, could you have pictured yourself in your shoes today—preparing for your journey to India? Through the intercultural experiences that I have had, I have realized what an invaluable education world exploration is and aspire to being a life-long student. I look forward to learning with you while in the support of our group over the next months. I am envious that you are about to experience the richness of India for the first time— the many smells, brilliant and abundant colors, differing tastes, high peaks, sweet music, bustling markets, animals, arid valley’s, multitude of religions, transportation, dialects, friendships and ways of life! I am confident that many alumni and friends of India will be eagerly following you on your journey via our program blog, also a bit envious (in a good way…) of your passage! I am honored and excited to witness this magical time you are now entering and proud that Harrison, Tracy and I will be with you to help facilitate your learning, as well as our own—making this the most rewarding and positive experience possible.

I request that you meet at orientation with your senses brightened and heart open. The fewer the expectations you have for your India experience, the more rewarding it will be. Leave your un-desired and un-necessary baggage at home (both figuratively and literally) and meet us with a pack, some simple necessities (shoes, a pair of pants, a shirt, a passport… Plus a few other things) and most importantly, yourself and your willingness to fully embrace this next chapter. I promise that you will finish this experience transformed, with new perspectives and having re-prioritized what you choose as important to carry on your back.

I look forward to meeting you and am fully energized for our journey together to begin. I am sure you have an abundance of questions regarding our travels and each other; I sure do! Friends and families, you too! Preparing for a large endeavor like this can be overwhelming although of course exciting. The reading list, blog and we at Global LAB are here to help facilitate your experience—starting now. Please feel free to contact me with further questions, packing tips or simply just to chat! Pack super light… You will be happy you did. I look forward to meeting you soon!

Warm regards,

Erin Popek
erin@global-lab.org
802-380-4732