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Dawn Expedition on Ganges River at Varanasi

Thich Nhat Hanh · November 1, 1988 · Varanasi, India · Monastic talk

Dawn Expedition on Ganges River at Varanasi:

The city derives its name, Varanasi, from its location between the two rivers of Varuna and Assi. Historically, it was known as Kashi, the City of Light, and prior to that as Anandavan, the Forest of Bliss, where seekers came to discuss their truth and path to God. As a central pilgrimage point, over a hundred and fifty thousand pilgrims visit daily, fulfilling the tradition of visiting at least once in a lifetime.

It is considered very holy to die in this place, where homes house the dying and invalids attended by priests. At the Main Ghat and Manikarnika, cremation rituals occur alongside the activity of priests performing penance. In the presence of the burning ghats and the commerce of postcards and photos, the message is heard: Buddha is you.