Sacred Journeys: Kumbh Mela

The first of tonight's episodes explores the Hindu pilgrimage of Kumbh Mela, to Allahabad, at the confluence of the Ganges and Yamuna rivers. As with other episodes, the show follows American pilgrims, including a couple from California, one raised in the Hindu tradition one a convert from Catholicism, and a group from Miami. The festival of Kumbh Mela takes places every 12 years, and Hindus are called to visit at least once in their lives to bathe in their waters. "To come here is to consider your place in the world," says Feiler.

During the festival, 30 million people converge on land freed from the river during the dry season, when the monsoon floods subside. A giant tent city springs up, complete with streets, running water, and electricity. The film footage at times looks like a cross between a carnival and Las Vegas, and the crowds are everywhere. "Religion has always been good at spectacle," says Feiler, pointing out the key elements -- fire, water, horns, incense -- are also found in religious rituals in many traditions.

At the key moment, when the planets align in a sacred moment,  millions follow the holy men into the river. The result is surprisingly playful, with people splashing and laughing, as well as praying.

Before that peak moment, pilgrims will spend their days listening to gurus and teachers, who share insights about the spiritual journey. "The festival is like a giant spiritual teach-in," says Feiler. Those teachings often reflect the concerns of modern people. One of the teachers featured emphasizes the need to care for the environment, particularly to leave the Ganges clean after the pressures of the millions that have come to bathe in it. This prominent teacher leads the way, donning gloves and belting up his robes to wade into the river to collect garbage. "Practical action becomes a step toward spiritual enlightenment," says Feiler.

As I watched this episode, about a religious tradition that I am only slightly familiar with, I thought about the ways these elements can be found in my own Christian tradition. Easter is also a time of when  families gather, when the rituals of the faith are used to invite pilgrims to walk in the footsteps of its founder. Worship incorporates fire, water, incense and sound. And like the gurus at Kumbh Mela, my own bishop has led the way in emphasizing how our sacred texts and religious teachings show us to care for the environment. I found myself reflecting on the Hindu belief that there is only one God, but many many manifestations.  In our scientific age, Feiler says, "Pilgrimage is about daring to ask what, that we believe but cannot prove, has meaning in our lives."

What in this series seemed exotic and remarkable to you? What conjured up images of your own religious and spiritual practices? How do you understand the similarities? What are the important differences? What do you believe, but cannot prove? How does it have meaning in your life?"

Please add your own thoughts, reflections, and questions in the comments below: we look forward to a lively discussion!

A few guidelines for respectful dialogue:

•       Speak out of your own experience: in other words, talk about what you believe, not what others believe, and share what *you* think. Don't put words in others' mouths. 

•       Try to see from another's point of view. "Try on" new ways of thinking! 

•       If something makes you angry, take a few minutes before you respond, until you can write without anger. Write about your own reaction, not someone else's presumed intentions. 

•       Above all, honor the dignity of all persons, and treat everyone as you would like to be treated. Speak respectfully towards the views of others, even if they are at odds with your own. 

If you didn't have an opportunity to view the episodes during this episode's premier on Tuesday, Dec. 16, you can find additional broadcasts here: http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/sacredjourneys/content/schedule/

If you missed last week’s episodes, you can view them on demand here: http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/sacredjourneys/content/video/