As Hindus (Indian senior community in the US), we are often deeply rooted in traditions handed down through generations. Yet, how often do we pause to reflect on the sheer beauty of our beliefs and practices? This realization struck me recently at my first Bhakti Fest in Joshua Tree—a gathering of global devotees, mostly non-Indian, exploring Hinduism in the heart of the Californian desert.
For someone like me, a Hindu who grew up in Chicago but was born in India, this experience was nothing short of eye-opening. Surrounded by people from various countries—many who consciously chose to embrace Hinduism later in life—I began to see my own religion through a fresh lens. These weren’t people who had grown up reciting the Gayatri Mantra as I had. They were individuals who had deliberately sought out the wisdom of the Vedas and Upanishads as adults, embracing the teachings with reverence. Witnessing their devotion, I was inspired to reexamine the sacred mantras I had perhaps taken for granted, reigniting a deeper appreciation for the grandeur of something so familiar.
This realization reminded me of a long-married couple. Over time, the beauty in a relationship can fade, overshadowed by daily routines. But when someone else admires your spouse, you’re reminded of the person that’s always been there. In the same way, seeing my traditions through the enthusiasm of these global devotees helped me rediscover the ‘awe’ I had forgotten.
What was even more striking than the festival itself was the palpable energy of the attendees. Their devotion was unwavering, even under the scorching desert sun. Despite the simple conditions—tents without air conditioning, portable (and sometimes dirty!) toilets—nothing deterred their enthusiasm. They embraced the yoga and chanting activities with pure joy and respect for the cultural nuances, like leaving their footwear outside the chanting area or reverently touching sacred texts to their foreheads.
One moment that will stay with me forever was when Krishna Das, a Grammy-nominated kirtan singer, led the crowd in the Hanuman Chalisa. The energy was unlike anything I had ever experienced in a temple setting. As hundreds of people rushed toward the stage to chant the 40 verses in praise of Hanuman, the vibrations of "Om" and "Shanti" reverberated through the open-air venue. It was transformative—a powerful reminder of the collective strength of devotion. As someone who suffers from claustrophobia, I had to move to an open space, but even from afar, I felt the energy of the chanting deeply.
This experience reminded me of the value in seeing the world—and our traditions—with fresh eyes. It’s easy to get stuck in the monotony of daily rituals or weekend parties with the same people doing the same things but stepping outside our comfort zones, as I did at Bhakti Fest, can reignite that lost sense of awe.
A friend recently shared with me a concept that echoed this realization: the "awe walk." Highlighted in the New York Times, the study encouraged older adults to take walks in new places, leaving their phones behind and focusing on the beauty of their surroundings. The results were remarkable—the participants reported feeling happier, less upset, and more socially connected. Virginia Sturm, an associate professor of neurology involved in the study, explained that awe is about looking with fresh eyes, "focusing on the world outside of your head" and rediscovering the marvels around you.
This ties beautifully into the idea of ‘brain plasticity,’ the ability of our brains to change at any age. In BrainHQ, it’s mentioned that every time we learn a new dance step, new neural pathways are formed in our brain, rewiring it with new connections. Conversely, when we forget someone’s name, it reflects the degradation or severing of those connections. The more we stick to routine—attending the same events, watching the same shows—the more we limit this plasticity. Just as we exercise our bodies to maintain flexibility as we age, we should engage in new activities to rewire our brains and rediscover the awe in life.
Hinduism’s ancient Vedic scriptures encourage us to transcend the self, focusing less on the "I" and more on the infinite beauty of the world. Similarly, Tao philosophy invites us to look beyond our individual experiences and connect with the wonders that surround us. As Hindus, we are part of a tradition that teaches us to find divinity in all things. Whether through the simple act of reciting a mantra or by immersing ourselves in the grandeur of nature, we can reignite our sense of wonder.
So, let’s get out of our ruts. Let’s take a moment to look at our world with fresh eyes. By doing so, we may rediscover the profound beauty that has always been within our reach, just waiting to be seen anew.
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