Ethnic Day and Buddhist Teachings

It was "ethnic day" at the University and several of my students really got into it.  Unfortunately I was teaching during the big celebration.

This is a different assembly, the students are celebrating the great leap India has made in combating illiteracy.    The figures are very impressive.  Three quarters of the population can read and write, up 11% in 10 years.  At the end of British Rule, only 1 in 10 Indians could read.  This, combined with family planing and a host of social reforms makes India well positioned to be a global leader economically and culturally for much of the 21st century.  If it could find a way to invest in better infrastructure see how it could leapfrog China in terms of dominance.

This is a view from the floor where my office is.  The big building in the background is the Accenture call center.  Bangalore is full of call centers. I had to call American Express in the US to fix an issue with my card and my call was answered in a Indian call center (talk about a post-modern moment!).  The worker and I shared a hearty laugh and talked about globalization and the sport cricket (I still don't understand).  It was the best small talk I have ever had calling a US 800 number and he gave me advice where to go and how to navigate the city.

This is the lizard that lives in my home with me, at first I thought of her as a pest and shooed her away, plugging up her entry holes, etc. She kept finding a way back. Then I realized she was eating the insects that are very common in Bangalore kitchens and homes.  We now live in symbiosis and I have named her "Maggie."

View as passenger in auto-rickshaw (tuk-tuk), I suppose everyone should ride in one at least once, they are the main way individual Indians get around (personal autos are becoming more affordable and it shows by the street congestion), they are fun too, think of a roller coster without safety inspection.  I should probably not say too much about how I hate these things, metal tubing (bottom left) is where the meter is suppose to be.  Despite laws saying all rides must be metered, this is rarely the case for foreigner, make sure you can agree on a price before you go, auto drivers are one occupational group I have no problem bargaining and arguing with and refusing (there are usually a half dozen on any given corner).  AC bus is way better and all I will take if I can help it.

Jacob invited us into his home to celebrate Onam.  This feast is to celebrate harvest in the Indian state of Kerala.  It was also the first time I was invited into an Indian home.

Over 15 food items and I stuffed myself like a pig.  I loved everything although there was some serious heat on a few items.  It is all vegetarian and I got the "vegetable sweats" (I liken to the "meat sweats" only more pleasant). 

Jack is in his own "Man vs. Food" challenge, Matt is keeping him going (look he has the vegetable sweats).

Jacob with his wife and daughter

Saturday some of us went to Buddhist temple.  Despite Buddhism having it's origins in India, and the Dali Llama in exile here, there are very few Bhuddits in India (There are three times as many Christians for comparason).  I understand that this is because of a long history of repression by various dynasties as well as cultural preferences.  I have to say that this was the most enjoyable experience I have had in quite some time in a religious place.  The monk offered some basic teachings, including equanimity of the mind, imperatives of change, and the Four Noble Truths that are foundations to Buddhist doctrine.  Also talked about suffering and craving, all basic ideas of Buddhist practice.  I did meditate a bit as my mind has become undisciplined in the past year.  I will go back for sure.  Like most spiritual places, there were no photos were allowed inside, but it was simple but tranquil there.  There was a customary Banyan tree in the courtyard.  In comparason to Hindus (and Catholics), they tend to shun ritual, elaborate houses of worship and icons (similar to Protestants).  I like that aspect and find the philosophy very appealing, I think anyone regardless of their beliefs (Atheists to Zoratherists) can learn a lot from a Buddhist monk.

A handful of quotes adorned the exterior, I did buy a couple of books on Buddhism.

On the way home, female officer cadets were practicing in the sports field.  Per cultural protocol I do not usually photo Indian women directly, but their C.O. gave me permission. Despite blatant sexism in India, women are evidently allowed to serve in the military as officers, but they are in separate units from the men.  I did not ask if they were in combat units, or if they gave orders to lower ranked men, but I don't think so.  It was a big contrast to the US Navy ROTC who drill outside my UI office in gender mixed units, but reminded me a bit of that.  Obviously the US Navy is hardly the place where women have found equality, but the military is an important institution in shaping collective sentiments.  The military in the US was a key institution that catalyzed the civil rights movement and ultimately desegregation (was the second major US institution, after labor unions, but before baseball, to fully integrate).  Of course the US military is pretty socialist "privates, you are all equal scum!"   I may be pessimistic, but I don't see how the military could do the same for gender equality in India, but lets be hopeful that this along with an entire movement can raise the standing of women in all of Indian society.