Day 1 through Day 6

A little about Indian culture, Hinduism, and what I've been up to in my first 6 days here. If you don't want to receive these updates on my trip to India, just let me know. I won't be offended.

I have learned a few things about Indian culture—that is, from my own perception. Indians do not like disagreeing, if at all possible. They use the words “No problem” often. Interestingly, they also sway their heads side-to-side as opposed to nodding front-to-back. I am not exactly sure what this means, but, I believe, it could just mean agreement or that they are hearing what the speaker is saying (i.e. “I understand”).

I read a book on Hinduism and there is still much more for me to learn about that religion. I try to imagine what I would believe about the world and what perspective I would have if I were born into a Hindu family.

Hinduism seems more of an evolved culture than a religion. Hinduism is formally monotheistic, but image worship can be involved and some beings, embodying “forms” of god, are emphasized to varying degrees by different sects. The origin of the caste system is iffy (as far as I can tell) and may be outdated. Christ's incarnation and Hinduism's “avataras” (eg Vishnu and other “forms” of god, who existed on Earth) are one of the similarities that I see between the religions. Also, Hinduism’s Ganesh and Christianity’s God both have many names. Ultimately, I find the Hindu understanding of god hinges on two forms (1) an all-pervading being and (2) the personal self. And, the pursuit of knowledge seems to be an important aspect of Hinduism.

Check out 1 Jn 3:17-18. I read this verse this morning, and it struck a cord with me.

Where do you think Aesop’s Fable originated? You probably said Greece or Rome. Yet, they may have started in India. I feel in my American education I learned a lot about Greco-Roman empires, but the only thing I can remember from Asia is Ghenghis Khan. In the modern world we certainly can’t ignore Asia and its history.

The consulting project is progressing well. We begin surveying patients on Thursday.

I’m going to an Indian wedding this weekend. That should be exciting.

I have been running with a teammate at 6:00 every morning, which has been nice and a good way to learn the area. We have been running for about 30 to 45 minutes everyday, and when we get home, we look up our route on Google Maps to see the path we took from a bird’s-eye-view. Check out this morning’s route.

The heat/humidity is not as bad as expected, which is nice. We’ll see what I think in a few weeks. The dollar goes pretty far here, too. Food and most other cost-of-living expenses are quite cheap. Internet and lodging have been the two items that are relatively expensive.

I will start taking pictures soon...