In March 2011, I traveled to Rajasthan, India, which had been a dream of mine for some time.
We mostly visited smaller villages, one of them being Bajrajun, where we stayed as personal
guests of the Rajas in a 16th century palace.
One day, we visited a Bishnoi village.
The Bishnoi often live in little hamlets called dahanis with intricate, thatched roofs.
They are strict vegetarians and have been strong environmentalists for centuries.
During the 15th century, their spiritual mentor formulated 29 rules for which to live by.
These included a ban on killing animals and cutting down green trees, and providing protection
to all life forms.
They are self-sustaining, grow all their own food, and have no electricity.
The rainwater is stored in underground tanks called tankaras, which are only used for drinking
purposes.
They believe all living things have a right to survive, and they share all resources.
The children were equally interested in us as we were in them, and they loved getting
their picture taken, especially when I showed them the result.
One girl was especially thankful and offered to give me a henna tattoo when we turned.
How are you?
Do you think more of us here?
It was truly a unique and precious experience, and I will forever cherish the memories of
that day.
