Holy waters
An island abbey
Terrains of faith
Ganges River ; Varanasi , India
Paper boats carry prayers in the Ganges .
WORLDWIDE ADVENTURES
Holy waters
The Indian city of Varanasi is one of the oldest inhabited cities in the world ; it also is one of the holiest of the seven sacred cities in Hinduism .
“ Called the spiritual capital of India , the magnificent city of Varanasi radiates endless energy ,” says Yvonne Trudeau of Worldwide Adventures India . “ A single dip in the holy waters of the Ganges can wash away a lifetime of sins , and a boat ride across the sacred river perfectly captures the spirit of Varanasi . And you ’ ll see candlelit paper boats with flowers that carry people ’ s prayers across the waters .”
Faith travelers who visit Varanasi also meditate and pray along the ghats ( steps leading to the water ’ s edge ), and they can go to the Kashi Vishwanath Temple , one of the most important places of worship in the country . Near Varanasi is the 1,500-year-old Mahabodhi Temple , which marks the spot of the legendary Bodhi tree , under which Buddha meditated and attained enlightenment . “ A journey here is an intensely spiritual experience , complete with meditation sessions and spiritual processes ,” Trudeau says . For more about Varanasi and other spiritual journeys , visit worldwideadventuresasia . com or contact Trudeau at ytrudeau @ worldwideadventuresindia . com .
An island abbey
Iona Abbey , Scotland
On the west coast of Scotland is the serene Isle of Iona , home to one of the oldest sacred sites in Europe . Iona Abbey was founded in A . D . 563 by St . Columba and 12 Irish followers and became an influential center of Christianity among the Scots . St . Martin ’ s Cross , which dates to the eighth century , still stands outside the abbey .
“ Iona retains its spiritual atmosphere and is a popular site for Christian pilgrimage and worship ,” says Maggie Anderson of VisitScotland . “ There ’ s an organized walk around the island every Tuesday , with stops at places of historical and religious significance .”
The abbey church was restored at the beginning of the 20th century , and work on the living quarters began in 1938 , which marks the beginning of the Iona Community . This ecumenical group founded by Rev . George MacLeod embraces display in the Abbey Museum . Visitors can also learn from Christians from different traditions and walks of life . interpretive panels and an audio guide .
In 2013 , marking the 1,450th anniversary of Columba ’ s
For more information , email Anderson at maggie . anderson @ arrival , the island ’ s ancient carved stones were placed on visitscotland . com or go to visitscotland . com .
VISITSCOTLAND
22 April / May 2017