'Breathless' in Ladakh – India

 

The still point of the world - for me it is in the most remote northern tip of India. Time seems to be standing still here. People still live in harmony with religion and nature as they did hundreds of years ago. The air at 3,500 meters (and higher) is thin but incredibly clear, the sky is a particularly pure blue that you can hardly get enough of. Against the imposing backdrop of the Himalayan mountains, the harsh desert of rubble makes the small villages appear like green oases. Well-preserved Buddhist monasteries on the hills bear witness to the faith and splendor of the former kingdom. Ladakh - a truly "breathtaking" world that impresses and moves. 

 

Guests are always welcome to the prayers in the monasteries. I have spent many hours in the early mornings in the temple halls, amidst the monks drinking butter tea and reciting their ancient mantras and verses. A loud, monotonous murmur meant to connect to the subconscious and bring inner peace.

 

The atmosphere is surreal, a bit mystical and totally relaxed at the same time. You don't feel like a stranger, you sit there as a matter of course and discover your own spirituality.

 

Nature is omnipresent here and the belief in alternative medicine, healers and oracles determines life. Of course, the path also led me to an Ayurveda monastery doctor, who, after three minutes of a pulse diagnosis, told me the results of my check-up in Germany, so to speak, straight out of the hand - very impressive. I also entrusted my computer shoulder to the hands and chants of a shaman - that got rid of the pain for three weeks.

 

I often think of that trip and also of the incredibly friendly Ladakhis who crossed my path, prayer wheel in hand, humming to themselves. Any language barrier was always overcome with a happily called "Julee", the expression also fits in all situations as "thank you", "please", "hello", "good morning", "good evening". A sonorous universal word.