December 9, 2009 –Chickpeas in No Time!- and Neighbors and Friends

Well, I woke up to a very cold dreary morning and was wondering how I would manage my massage today without sun in the sun room. I dressed up warm, although, among many other thins (I am less afraid of buzzing bees near me and stray dogs), I am no longer hung up on the issue of carrying around tons of extra clothing in case I am cold. Have actually found that being a little less snug and warm can be nice as the feel of the cool air through my clothes is actually quite pleasant. So I am able to wear less in the very cold morning hours, meaning I have less to shlep around during the rest of the day when it warms up.
So, I went down this morning and had my nice wheat porridge, and while I was eating, the sun began to shine through the cloud layer, at least enough to warm up a sun room through the glass windows. I had a lovely warm

warm massage, and then my sirrodhara (warm oil drip on the forhead) which I am not really crazy about. I have to lay still for too long!
I could do meditation or Reiki or whatever but find myself, after the first 20 minutes or so, feeling very unsettled…this is something I am still working on and it is good practice in patience for me.
After a good hot shower to get the oil out of my hair, I did my internet stuff and then met Reingard for lunch, where I again had my lovely steamed veggies with 2 chappatis and ghee.
I was feeling a little tired but didn’t want to head straight home so went down to Lakshman Jhula and did almost all the rest of my shopping for other people. Now I only have basically myself left to worry about.
On the way back, I was thinking to myself “how in the world will I make it up the hills at this hour with everything I have to carry”….and, just as the thought crossed my mind, the answer was sent…Udai, the manager of my guesthouse called my name from behind. He was on his motorbike on the way up to swiss cottage and saw me…I of course was overjoyed to see him, and in 5 minutes I was up in my room.
And then I began a cooking experiment:
I was told I could eat cooked chickpeas with cumin seeds, ajwain (called in English carom or bishop’s weed), hing and tumeric, using ghee as the cooking medium.
So last nite I put some up to soak overnite, and today, I put them in the pressure cooker with salted water and in less than 10 minutes (3 whistles), to my amazement, they were ready to eat. I then just sautéed the spices (except the tumeric) in ghee in a frying pan, added the chickpeas for a minute or two, added tumeric, salt and a little pepper. In 15 minutes I had made myself an amazingly delicious and permitted snack food.
Chickpeas are one of my favorite foods but I never make them as they take so long to cook and I don’t like using the canned ones. I also felt they were too gassy and so kept away from them. But according to Manju, Dr. arora’s wife and a naturopath doctor as well, if they are cooked properly with the right combo of spices, they are fine to eat. She also suggested mashing some of them (after panchakarma) and mixing them with sautéed onion, garlic and ginger – sounds almost like hoummous – and then mixing it with rice for a nice meal, or just eating it with chapatti. (hoummous and pita Indian style). I always thought hoummous, which I LOVE, was not good for my stomach, but the doctor explained that I shouldn’t eat too much because they are good for LOOSING weight and I need to keep weight on. All sounds strange and so different to what I have believed all these years, but he’s been right about other stuff in the past, so I will go back to eating my favorite food and see what happens!
I had bought some beautiful Tibetan turquoise and silver jewelry for my daughters and so went down to my neighbor seema to ask her opinion and also bring her some chickpeas to taste. She loved the chickpeas and asked how I made them and when she tasted the ghee, asked where I by my ghee and how much I costs. And then said she not only makes her own ghee, and would be happy to sell to me (and I am only too happy to give the money to her), but she also makes the BUTTER herself which she makes into ghee. She buys fresh buffalo milk from the village, boils it up, takes off the fat which rises to the top, and churns that into butter using a blender…and then she boils THAT up and makes ghee from part of it. But the butter she saves for eating on bread or chappati, and the ghee for cooking only. I will never find such wonderful ghee once I get home…so will enjoy it while here.
She loved the necklaces also by the way. Seema, I’ve come to realize, is not only a wonderful neighbor and friend, she is my only neighbor not only here in India, but in the whole world. I don’t have any neighbor in Israel who I can just drop in to for a visit and chat for awhile…and we always enjoy the time we spend together…I really miss her when I am not here. And when I told her this, she said that I am also her ONLY neighbor…none of the other women around here are friends with her as they are all competitors in neighboring guesthouses…so also looks forward to my being here so she has a next door neighbor for part of each year.
I also realized that I have pretty much not really met any new people this entire trip so far. I have been either been alone, or hanging around with people I already know, and expect to see more friends in the coming weeks. I usually meet LOTS of people, but I’ve been so busy either traveling or doing panchakarma, and very very rarely sit downstairs in the restaurant to eat or drink, that there has been pretty much no opportunities to meet new people as I usually do. Or perhaps I just have so many friends already, that there is no need to go out and meet new people. Whatever the reason is, it seems strange to be here without making lots of new acquaintances. I did meet a couple the first couple of weeks, but since then, none. Interesting.

Namaste
Jane

From my book CHILDHOOD MEMOIRS

SARASWATY- MYTH OR REALITY?

 The study of subterranean water channels (SWC)

 According to Hindu mythology Ganga, Yamuna and the underground Saraswaty meet at the holy Sangam at Allahabad. We tend to dismiss Saraswaty as just a myth, but invariably myth is based on some facts and are unraveled by historians. Remains of Dwaraka city have been recently discovered under the sea. Such instances are numerous.

 G. T. Vigne, Esq. F.G.S. who traveled in Kashmir and Ladak in 1830’s describes how the river Burengi goes underground near Shahbad and resurfaces at a point downstream:

 ”The Burengi river, after flowing for some distance under the bank, suddenly disappears beneath the ground. It first loses a portion of its water in numerous little whirlpools, that are seen in full play amongst the rounded stones in its bed; and all that escapes absorption in that place pursues its course for a little farther, where it suddenly disappears through the bottom of a large fissure, formed by the almost perpendicular position of the limestone strata, and nearly large enough to allow a man on horseback to sit upright in it. The natives say that the spring of Achibul, or Yech-I-bul, is but the reappearance of the river Burengi. Probability is strongly in favour of this theory. Walnut-shells that have been thrown in it in Burengi are said to have reappeared at Achibul; and the direction thus ascribed to the river is much the same, as it would have followed on the surface. The greater proportion, however, of the water of the Burengi river has been preserved from submersion, by a canal cut by one of the Mogul Emperors, by which it sinks, to some distance below it, and its waters are used for irrigating purposes.”

 Whirlpools are said to be common in the Ganga. These indicate vertical downward movement of water into a hole, somewhat similar to the movement of cyclones, but in the reverse direction. Water may thus enter even a subterranean channel inside the rock structure below the soil surface and re-emerge at unexpected points as springs which are quite wide spread and have attracted the attention of geographers from early 19th century. In the islands of Malta the inhabitants depend upon springs in the absence of wells. Springs are common in Europe and even in deserts. Hot springs of Iceland are famous from time immemorial.

 G.T. Vigne, Esq. F.G.S. has described a dozen springs in Kashmir and one hot spring even near a glacier in Ladak. Apart from the hot springs of Yamunotry, Gourikund and Badarinath, very little is known about the springs in the Himalayan region. It is desirable to have a compendium of springs in the whole of India showing particulars of:

1. Location.

2. Temperature.

3. Flow per second.

4. Perennial or seasonal.

5. Pure or containing minerals (analysis to be given).

 District collectors and other officials can help in collecting information regarding location of springs from the local people.

 Such information will help in understanding and mapping the SWCs.

 Water vents were discovered right at the bottom of the seas in 1976, of which early sailors were aware on account of the tremendous force with which the water flows upward and may even overturn vessels.

 If we imagine the earth without oceans and sands and surface soil, what is left will consist of continuous rock structure, extending from top of huge mountains to the bottom of deep oceans. The rock is porous and permeable. Water interacts with chemicals in the rock and dissolves them. Ice cracks up crevices and certain roots dissolve rocks, and, in millions of years, a whole network of channels are formed, filled with water. The total water content of SWCs is estimated to be thousands of times higher than the water content of all surface channels such as rivers, streams etc put -together.

 Unfortunately, very little is known and recorded about SWCs. Just as the rivers have been explored by geographers, SWCs too require concerted study by a group comprising experts from geology, hydrology, and oceanography, apart from geography, to determine their origin, route, and destination. After obtaining a three dimensional map of SWCs, it maybe possible to:

1.  Block a SWC at a suitable point and connect it to a stagnant lake to make it alive.

2.  Connect SWC reservoir to a dry river to augment the flow.

3.  Pump out the water from SWC for irrigation purposes or drinking.

This way, we can release pressure from the rock system,  to reduce the intensity of earthquakes.

 Even if no commercial exploitation is feasible, it is necessary to study SWCs for the sake of our knowledge. If millions of dollars can be spent, to study water in the Mars, should SWCs remain unexplored for want of money?

 What is the relevance of river Saraswati in this study?

 Considering the similarity in the source of Ganga and Yamuna, in glaciers of Himalayas, it is highly surprising that there is very little flow in the Yamuna. It is also noteworthy that at Sangam, the Ganga is clear whereas Yamuna is turbid. If the water of Yamuna goes underground to join SWCs which open at Sangam, the absence of water in the river and turbidity of the Yamuna at Sangam can be explained.

There is also the possibility that,  a part of the Alaknanda river goes underground, at the Mana pass. The guide actually shows the spot, I am told.

Allahabad is a city in the north Indian state of Uttar Pradesh. Allahabad is one of the largest cities of the State of Uttar Pradesh in India. It has a large area and is an inland peninsula surrounded by the rivers Ganga and Yamuna from three sides with only one side connected to the mainland.

The nearest airports are Varanasi, Kanpur and Lucknow. The city has direct rail connections with important cities like Delhi, Calcutta, Patna, Gwalior, Meerut, Chennai, Mumbai, Varanasi and Guwahati. Allahabad, on National Highway 2 and 27, is connected to the rest of the country by good, motor able all weather roads.

Allahabad built on a very ancient site, was known in Aryan times as Prayag, and Brahma himself is said to have performed a sacrifice here. The Chinese pilgrim Hiuen Tsang described visiting the city in 634 AD, and it acquired its present name in 1584, under Akbar. Later on Allahabad was taken by the Marathas, sacked by the Pathans and finally ceded to the British in 1801 by the Nawab of Avadh.

This gigantic Ashoka pillar, of polished sandstone stands 11 meters high, dating back to 232 BC. The Pillar has several edicts and a Persian inscription of Emperor Jahangir inscribed on it, commemorating his accession to the throne.
Akshayavat

An ancient holy city sacred to Hindu pilgrims, it is the site of the Pillar of Ashoka. The Mughal emperor Akbar founded the present day city in 1583. It was ceded to the British in 1801. Allahabad was the scene of a serious outbreak in the 1857 Indian Mutiny. The home of the Nehru family, it was later a centre of the Indian independence movement.

The Sangam is the most sacred spot in Allahabad at the confluence of three rivers, Ganga, Yamuna and the mythical Saraswati. Devout Hindus from all over come to this sacred pilgrimage point to offer prayers and take a dip in the holy waters. It is believed that a holy dip taken at the Sangam washes away all sins.

Hanuman Mandir temple has an idol of Lord Hanumana in a reclining posture. It is situated close to the Sangam and is considered unusual because of the supine image. When the Ganga is in spate, the temple often gets submerged.

The temperature in summer goes up to 46 degrees centigrade. The best season to visit is October to March. However come any time of year if the weather is not a problem.

December 1-3, 2009 – Nothing much to Write
Just beautiful weather, wonderful friends, feeling good about my panchakarma and about taking care of myself, and although I miss my family more than ever before for some reason, I am content with each day.

December 3, 2009 – And Another Couple of Days Gone By

It’s not as if there is nothing to write about…wherever I sit here, wherever I walk here, there is always some other surprising or exciting, or unusual or simply unbelievable thing to see. I just have no desire to write them down. This seems to be more and more for me a journey inward and assimilating and digesting everything as a whole seems to be more important for me now than concentrating on individual details and events. The whole seems to be the essence this time, and just BEING with it the goal, rather than trying to dissect it.
Natasha, my sweet next door neighbor, lovely friend, Reiki student and of course dishwasher, has left suddenly today (a nice story but again, no desire to write it all down – all is OK with her but she made the decision and was gone within 3 hours!). I am now alone again on the rooftop, and although I will miss Natasha’s presence next door, I must admit that it is also a good feeling to be alone again. Other friends are expected to arrive in Rishikesh over the next week or so, and my friend R who I went to Varanassi with, is leaving in a week as well. We are meeting for lunch tomorrow, perhaps the last time I will spend time with her before seeing her again next year .
I have found that there is a world wide network of “friends of Ben” very similar to the network of people who knew and loved Abdellah. And with facebook now, it is even easier to find one another. I’ve been getting messages, from people all over the world as well as from local people in Rishikesh. I’ve been blessed to have known both of these lovely and special men, even if only for a short time as with Ben. Each held his own special place in my “India life” and I’ve learned important lessons from both of them.
The weather is still lovely…and I am finding new places to eat each day. A new restaurant just opened right near here and the owner is a lady I know, who is an amazing cook and I hope her place will be successful. With so many new ones opening up, it is really a case of hit or miss I think. But this morning she made me lovely wheat porridge (much better than I ate at the spa and much cheaper), she has a beautiful Ganga View for me and it is 5 minutes from my house and Dr. Arora so very convenient. Tomorrow I will see what she has to offer in boiled veggies.
I am finding the routine of panchakarma another great benefit which I never really appreciated before but I do thrive best on a regular routine. I still have the time to be out and about if I choose to, but even if I just come back home, the days go by so quickly it is hard to believe. I’ve already completed almost 2 weeks!!
OK…enough boring rambling…I actually DO have interesting things to write but don’t feel like it…I will now watch a moving, drink my hot spiced milk which I’ve also been given permission to have before bedtime , and hit the sack early tonight.

Even the earliest civilisations near a river have survived. Kashi, near Ganga is such a city. The Nile was home to an ancient people, as also Narmada.

Many later settlements faced extinction,  owing to scarcity of water. It is clear that there was water, when the people originally settled there. The ground water level went on going down over a period of time, until it became beyond the reach of the people. Rajasthan desert has virtually a sea underneath, which was at sufficiently higher level, to support a forest, once upon a time!

At Jaisalmer, in the heart of the Thar desert, we saw a fossil park. There is a long trunk of a tree, black in colour, which is so old that it has become coal by slow oxidation. (You must have seen the change in colour of an old calendar and a new one. The hydrogen molecules at the surface of the paper, have combined with the oxygen of the atmosphere, leaving carbon molecules. Hence the change in colour.)

The whole tree has been encased in glass case. The area of the park, where one can see small pieces of coal, is well protected. I had not heard of it before.

What is the reason for the ground water level going down?

It may as well be, that the ground itself is going up!

Water finds its level. The oceans and rivers and water channels through the rock system, are all connected by macro and micro water channels. The relative level of one with the other, will have an effect on the ground water level, which is the basis for human and animal habitation.

The New World is comparatively low lying, except for the mountainous west. There is no shortage of water and comparatively no desert in areas corresponding to the great Sahara desert, extending towards the east, through Arabia, Tibet and China, where the general level of the earth is high, the Himalayas being the highest. The desert was once home to vast forests. When the ground water level fell, owing to the slow rise in the level of the earth, vegetation dwindled.

November 29, 2009 – Just Happy Days and Observations