Why are we chasing enlightenment-promising melas, events?
People flock to these gatherings.....
People flock to these gatherings, believing they might find something they’re missing in their lives - perhaps a spark, a breakthrough, or an insight.
In present times, marked by increased stress, anxiety, disconnection, and materialism, many people are turning to spirituality and mythology to find meaning and purpose.; trying just about anything to make their 'pain' go away.
Instant gratification and quick fixes are the order of the day. The times we live in often prioritise speed and efficiency, and the spiritual world isn't immune to this phenomenon either! Social media presents an image of a miracle cure for all pain being just a 'single gathering, workshop' away!!
Did you know that there is science behind this too? Taking part in rituals, meditations, or spiritual practices alongside other similar minded seeker is known to activate the parasympathetic nervous system, reducing stress and promoting a feeling of calm.
This 'feel good' or calming effect can be misinterpreted as enlightenment itself, creating a cyclical desire to chase more such experiences. As a human living in stressful times, if you come back from an event feeling a lot better than you had arrived, is brilliant, right?
Once you go back to your 'normal'....
Once you go back to your 'normal', you start to get sucked in to the madness as well as the mundane routines. Only if someone would have reminded you to form your own practice to include your choice of asana, pranayama, meditation, walks, chanting or any other activity of your choice, something that would stop you from diving into the world of doom-and-gloom head on.
If you aren't being told to do something for yourself every single day on your return from such an event, then treat this as a red herring and think again before you book yourself for the next one!
Traditional wisdom emphasises that enlightenment is not a destination achieved through external events but a gradual process of self-awareness, inner discipline, and balance; showing up for yourself every single day.
Anyway, the next big spiritual gathering that the spiritual seekers are looking forward to is the Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj in January-February in the year 2025. This auspicious event happens once every twelve years and attracts people (ie: photographers, spiritual seekers, journalists, and cultural enthusiasts) from all over the world for a very special experience, promising profound solutions into physical, mental, and spiritual well-being through stories, rituals, and practices, thus bringing together a world of experience under one roof.
What's your take on these? Have you been to a similar gathering? If yes, did you get what you were after?
Travelling: An ancient way for healing & self-reflection
Throughout ancient Indian scriptures.....
Throughout ancient Indian scriptures, travel and pilgrimage are recurrent themes, symbolising not only physical journeys but also profound spiritual transformations. Growing up in India, a familiar memory for us children, was seeing our grandparents go away on 'spiritual holidays', referred to as 'Tirth' often. For some people, it was a yearly event and for some it was once in a lifetime opportunity.
Hindu philosophy divides life into four stages and the third stage of life, the Vanaprastha, encourages individuals, especially women, to detach from daily burdens and turn inward for spiritual reflection; not to escape life as it were, but to truly live it, unburdened by societal roles and expectations. I suppose a modern adaptation of Vanaprastha is taking wellness holidays that allow women to pause, reset, and realign their inner and outer worlds.
Indian texts like the Charaka Samhita (Ayurvedic scripture) emphasises the need for detoxification, silence, and self-inquiry to maintain health. In Ayurveda, mental and emotional toxins (Ama) accumulate over time, leading to anxiety, stress, and burnout, and these are issues that women over forty frequently experience.
Ancient accounts from the Rigveda.....
Ancient accounts from the Rigveda, Upanishads, and Puranas collectively illustrate the enduring belief in travel as a means of spiritual and personal growth. They serve as timeless reminders that stepping beyond our familiar surroundings can lead to profound healing and transformation. Keeping the issues that torment the world today (e.g. carbon footprint), we should still continue to travel but mindfully, respecting the environment as well as the human need to stay grounded and balanced.
Not only in India but across religions and cultures, travel has been seen as a profound way to detach from everyday roles, to explore, to learn and to evolve. This is especially true when one is transitioning to a new phase in life—be it navigating peri/menopause, transitioning to retirement or learning to build a life after kids fly the nest. Remember that middle age is not a decline—it’s just another chapter and this is the time to take a wellness break; a spiritual retreat; which has the purpose of helping you to:
✅ Rediscover life beyond everyday roles and responsibilities
✅ Rewire your brain for stillness through yoga, dhyaan (meditation), and chanting
✅ Reduce anxiety & emotional heaviness through nature-based interventions
It’s not about escaping life but about returning home—to yourself. So, are you ready to pause, reset, and step into the most powerful version of you?
