Sometimes we go on a pilgrimage to find faith, connect with our higher self or to rest and restore. Here’s a little bit about what a pilgrimage is and why you might want to go on one too!
Dear Reader,
Sometimes, we embark on a journey intending to embark on a spiritual quest. Other times, a travel adventure transforms into a spiritual journey. I’ll share some of the reasons why someone might want to go on a pilgrimage and some sacred spaces and places too! I’ve included here a video that covers some of the things in this article and the article which is more in-depth. Let me know if you prefer reading, audio or video or a combo like this one shared today.
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What is a pilgrimage?
A pilgrimage is an outward spiritual journey, usually to historic and sacred places where we can go inward and reconnect. These sacred journeys are not simply physical excursions; they are spiritual quests. They can have a profound significance with radical life-altering consequences or subtle reminders that we are more than a cog in the wheel of life. They can connect us to our spiritual nature.
We can plan them on feasts and festivals, at off-peak times, or even stumble upon them. Sometimes, they are indeed unintended. They are a balm, a time of renewal and a time to reconnect consciously – unplugging from the frantic frenzy of modern life to tune into peace, the vast consciousness, source, the creator, God, whatever you call the ineffable. People from every culture and ethnicity, whether they identify with a religion or not, do it – most on purpose, and many surprisingly stumble upon it.
My first intentional pilgrimage was to the Golden Temple in Amritsar in the Punjab province in northern India in early 2019 and the Dalai Lama temple in Dharmshala. I waited my entire life to get to India, with a few failed attempts previously in the late 90s and then again ten years later. India was a lifelong dream, but I never thought my first trip would be a pilgrimage. And now, four and a half years later, this November, I will journey to India for a third time to a new territory that will include a pilgrimage to the holy river confluence of Devprayag, where two rivers meet in the Himalayan mountains. Together, Alakananda and Bhagirathi form the sacred Ganga river. I will visit sacred sites and participate in rituals too including bathing in the Ganges River.
Today, I hope to convey the spiritual and transformative aspects of pilgrimage from my experience. And when I return from this upcoming trip I will share more of that with you too.
Though the Golden Temple and the Ganges River are iconic pilgrimage destinations, there are many others around the world. Here are a few other examples of well-known pilgrimage sites:
Mecca, Saudi Arabia: The holiest city in Islam, Mecca is the birthplace of the Prophet Muhammad and the site of the Kaaba, the most sacred structure in Islam.
Jerusalem, Israel: Holy to Jews, Christians, and Muslims, Jerusalem is home to the Western Wall, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, and the Dome of the Rock.
Lourdes, France: A significant Catholic pilgrimage site where believers seek healing and solace at the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes.
Bodh Gaya, India: The site where Buddha attained enlightenment, Bodh Gaya is a pilgrimage destination for Buddhists worldwide.
Kailash Mansarovar, Tibet: Regarded as sacred in Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism, this mountain and its nearby lake are sought after by pilgrims for their spiritual significance. With four sides, it has never been climbed.
Understanding Pilgrimage
Throughout my life, I have travelled and sought adventure, yet few places have had the same impact and significance for me as India. My expectations were different. I was in pursuit of beauty and art, good food and cultures & new experiences. Sometimes, I would challenge myself in different ways to conquer fears – doing something for the first time – things like that. The trips were transformative, refreshing, uplifting and experiencing incredible beauty is spiritual in a way, but I didn’t go there to meditate and be still or to purify my being.
At its core, a pilgrimage is a journey made by individuals to a place of spiritual or religious significance. Different people have different reasons for embarking on a pilgrimage; Some seek divine blessings, whilst others want atonement for what they consider sins. Still others are in pursuit of an ecstatic spiritual experience or even enlightenment, most of which simply want to connect with their faith on a deeper level. Embarking on a pilgrimage can involve sacrifice, physical hardships, self-reflection, and a profound sense of devotion.
Before I get further on let’s talk about the word sin which is frequently tainted with dogma.
What is a sin? or for that matter a sinner?
A sin simply is an act where someone has violated one’s own integrity, a sinner is someone who has simply missed the point.
Connecting Humans to Their Spiritual Nature
Materialism alone can be nihilistic. If you want to live life that way, that is your choice. I don’t want to. And by the way, I know that nihilism is not an inherent consequence of materialism. Yet, it can be associated with extreme or reductionist views that can lead individuals to conclude that life is devoid of meaning or purpose, often crushing wonder and dampening mystery. There seems to be an epidemic of disconnection in the last few years.
Sidenote or a little digression: we give our lives meaning and purpose, and science is necessary and a spectacular way for us to understand the world – it isn’t everything.
Pilgrimage reminds us that Earth is an ethereal, beautiful, majestic, awe-inspiring planet filled with mystery and wonder. Getting out of your head and challenging yourself with new experiences opens new pathways in your brain. Travelling to new places allows you to be your authentic self. New people don’t hold preconceived ideas about who you are now or were in the past. That is for your family members or old-school colleagues.
Me, I want to take time every year to reflect and experience the places and spaces our ancestors travelled to and built so I can experience the benefits of pilgrimage.
Spiritual reflection, community and unity and sacred encounters are all…
Benefits of going on a pilgrimage!
Pilgrimages often require you to step away from your daily routine. They provide time for introspection and contemplation for spiritual reflection. This withdrawal from the mundane can lead to profound moments of self-discovery and inner peace.
Pilgrimages are frequently taken in groups, creating community and unity among participants. Sharing the journey with like-minded individuals can create lasting bonds and even strengthen your faith in humanity.
Visiting sacred sites can offer opportunities for divine encounters and spiritual revelations. Sacred encounters can be sitting and speaking with another human or maybe it is a transcendent experience, or maybe you will find some form of lumination on an idea, experience or past trauma. Whatever it is, these sacred encounters can be transformative, leaving you feeling more connected to your true nature – um we are one, or you are one with everything.
The Golden Temple in India
One of the most revered pilgrimage destinations in India is the Golden Temple in Northern India, also known as Sri Harmandir Sahib, located in Amritsar, Punjab. This stunning Sikh temple welcomes people of all faiths and no faith. It’s so much more than a place of worship, it embodies the principles of equality and inclusivity and its magnificent architectural beauty and spiritual atmosphere are breathtaking.
Visiting the Golden Temple allows pilgrims to:
Experience the harmonious coexistence of different faiths and belief systems. This is something lacking in many human communities. Let’s all remember we are part of one human family.
Participate in the communal kitchen (langar), which serves free meals to thousands of visitors daily, promoting the values of selflessness and equality.
Witness the breathtaking sight of the temple’s golden facade shimmering in the Amrit Sarovar (pool of nectar), creating a deeply spiritual and serene ambience for anyone wanting to remember who they really are (hint: it isn’t a body or mind).
I’m sure there are many more things people could add to the list here. My favourite part, I could say was all of it, but the highlights were the rose petals that descended upon us at the opening of the book ceremony, visiting the langer kitchen to see its workings and the dedication of the volunteers as they prepared the food for the day. But most of all, one shared moment of conversation with an older person who sat next to me on the floor in line as we drank morning chai and then we moved on so others could take our place to be served by the tireless volunteers.
The Ganges River
The Ganges River, also known as the Ganga, is another sacred pilgrimage site in India. Pilgrims flock to its banks for ritualistic bathing and prayers. This mighty river holds immense significance in Hinduism and is believed to cleanse the soul of sins.
Visiting the Ganges River offers pilgrims the opportunity to:
Partake in an age-old tradition and ritual by taking a dip in the river to cleanse and purify the soul.
Witness the daily Ganga Aarti ceremonies at Varanasi and Rishikesh, where priests offer prayers and light lamps to the river, creating a mesmerizing spectacle. I am looking forward to that in just a few weeks.
Conclusion
Whether seeking divine blessings, inner peace, or a deeper connection to faith, pilgrimage remains a timeless and transformative experience.
One of my favourite quotes by Jon Kabat Zinn is:
Wherever you go, there you are.
Jon Kabat Zinn
The truth is you don’t have to go to an ancient site to go on a spiritual pilgrimage to experience profound moments of spirituality and self-discovery.
Stepping away from daily life and experiencing any of the incredible diversity of pilgrimage destinations worldwide will allow you – whether you are faithless or faithful – to embark on a sacred journey that can help you foster unity and understanding among different cultures and religions. So, if you can, try it. It’s a way to connect with the Earth, our ancestors and our true nature.