10 Lessons I Learned in India By Karla Becker

Traveling to India with a group of eight from Peace through Yoga was more than just a journey across the world—it was a journey of discovery.

What I discovered was this: India is not just a place; it’s an experience. It welcomes seekers of all kinds, from every faith and background, because at its core, India pulses with a universal truth—there are many paths, but one essence. The concept of many paths, one essence reflects an openness to the idea that spiritual truth is not confined to a single tradition but can be expressed in countless ways.

Here are 10 lessons I learned from immersing myself in the land of yoga, temples, and devotion.

1.Sacredness is in the air. The riverbanks of the Ganges, the chants echoing in temples, the scent of incense in the streets—all of it creates an atmosphere where the divine feels close.

2.The sacredness of animals reflects a deep spiritual truth. Cows wander freely, not as strays but as beings honored for their connection to the divine. The principle of ahimsa, or non-violence, extends beyond human relationships to include all living beings. I saw people making way for cows in the streets, feeding stray dogs, and leaving out grain for birds, small acts of reverence that reminded me that kindness should extend to all creatures.

3. Ashrams are spaces of transformation. India is renowned for its numerous ashrams that attract spiritual seekers. In Rishikesh, our Peace through Yoga group stayed at the Parmarth Niketan Ashram where seekers from all over the world come for spiritual growth. Whether rooted in a spiritual tradition or unaffiliated, everyone is welcome to explore their own path to deeper understanding.

4. Service is worship. At Ramana’s Garden, the children’s home where we volunteered, I saw firsthand that devotion isn’t just found in prayers, it’s expressed through acts of kindness. Serving others is a universal spiritual path. Our Peace through Yoga group raised $1,600 for Ramana’s Garden and organized a vitamin drive, providing $900 worth of essential vitamins and supplements.

5. Hinduism is a lived spirituality. Approximately 79-80% of India's population identifies as Hindu, making it the spiritual and cultural center of the religion. It is woven into daily life—offerings at roadside shrines, prayers before meals, acts of kindness to strangers. There is no separation between the sacred and the ordinary. It made me reflect: How often do I bring my faith as a Christian into every moment of my daily life?

6. The Ganges is more than just a river. For Hindus, it is the sacred mother of all rivers, a source of purification and spiritual renewal. Throughout the day, people immerse themselves in its waters, seeking the blessings of "Mother Ganga." Witnessing this deep devotion, I felt a reverence that transcended religion, a shared longing for cleansing, grace, and connection to the divine.

7. Poverty and joy can coexist. In Rishikesh, I was struck by the contrast between material poverty and spiritual abundance. Many people live with so little, yet their eyes shine with joy. Their faith, deeply rooted in spirituality, carries them through struggles with a grace I rarely see in more affluent cultures.

8. Silence has its own language. I discovered deep peace in ashrams, temples, and the Himalayan foothills, even amidst the constant movement and energy of daily life. True stillness isn’t just found in remote places. Moments of quiet emerge even in the busiest streets, reminding me that peace is always within reach for those who seek it—even in a country with nearly four times the population of the U.S. in just a third of the space.

9. Yoga is more than poses. While yoga in the West often focuses on physical postures, in India, it is a way of life—one of devotion, service, and self-discipline. It has become, for me, a way to connect more deeply with God through breath, movement, and stillness.

10.Many paths, one truth. Every faith tradition I encountered pointed to the same essence: love, service, and connection to something greater than ourselves. Though I remain deeply rooted in my Christian faith, I returned home with a wider heart, seeing more clearly that God moves in ways beyond my own understanding.

India taught me that spirituality is not about belonging to a single religion—it’s about being open to the divine in all its forms. And in Rishikesh, amidst the ashrams, the sacred river, the honored animals, and the joyful resilience of its people, I found something I did not expect: a renewal of my own faith.

Karla Becker

March 2025