My story on a home for the dying in Varanasi, India, came out on CNN.com today.
I spent a week reporting in the fabled holy city and was fascinated by its spirituality much more this time than I was on previous trips. Part of it was because I was reporting on faith. But another part of it was that I think I have transformed over the years; my rebellion against organized religion has mellowed.
As I have grown older, I have lost people who were close to me. My parents, aunts, uncles, cousins and good friends. I was in shock after I returned from India in February to the death of my colleague Lateef Mungin. He was 10 years younger than me.
That kind of loss makes you think about the things that are important in life and also about what happens to us after we stop breathing.
The people I spent time with in Varanasi were, for the most part, steadfast in their beliefs, though there is one man in my story who may surprise you.
Your thoughts on this very complicated concept of death are very meaningful. As we get older we begin to ponder more and more the complexities that are blended into the unusual fabric of our lives. Losing loved ones happens to be a powerful, poignant experience of intense passion. Let us meditate more and we will perhaps achieve unique new brands of dimensions in our lives.
Excellent article
The best I read since ages. Powerful in a very subtile way. I felt I was only inches away from the actual experience. Thank you Moni. Filip
Your article was fascinating, and it was written with sense of respect that I truly appreciate. Well done!
Juan