REGISTRATION IS
NOW CLOSED
Pilgrimage Update: Packing Light
Dear Divine Pilgrims,
This update addresses the topic of how to pack your luggage for this sacred journey.
A pilgrimage is, perhaps, the best opportunity many of us will ever have to leave our worldly cares and burdens behind as we embrace a more spiritual life and turn our focus to the Divine. It is a chance to loosen our tight grip on materialism and surrender our lives to God, knowing in faith our every need will be met. What would it say about our trust in God if we overpacked, fearing for every possible travel obstacle or worst-case scenario, then lumbered under heavy luggage for the duration of our holy pilgrimage? How could one know the joy of trusting God or the wonder of enjoying the Masters' presence in the holy sites, if encumbered by heavy bags that give only false security, blisters, and sore muscles?
The Bible recounts that when Lord Jesus sent his disciples out to teach and heal, he told them to carry nothing with them. Later, he asked them, “Did you lack anything?” They answered, “Nothing.” And so we have a written record of spiritual travelers almost 2,000 years ago who demonstrated they could be successful traveling with less.
What does “packing light” mean? It means that you are not burdened by your luggage, and your bags do not get in the way of your spiritual experience. It means peace of mind as you quickly board the trains, knowing that you (or a fellow pilgrim) can easily hoist your light bags up the steep steps into the train cars. Fewer things in your suitcase mean less time spent finding things when you get to your room, and quicker, easier packing for our early morning departures. Traveling with fewer things is by far much easier than bringing too much.
Some pilgrims may be wondering, “How can I pack everything on the suggested packing list into a single small to medium sized case, plus a day pack and a sleeping bag?” The suggested packing list was originally taken from the Balashram Trek site. It was preparation for weeks of outdoor camping, mainly in tents. Your preparations for our pilgrimage need not be as extensive. For example, instead of bringing a large flashlight (“torch”) or headlamp, you may wish to bring only a little flashlight, perhaps the tiny ones that attach to a zipper pull--just in case you need a light at night but don't want to disturb your roommate. When it comes to packing light, “small” is good. Pack travel-sized containers of biodegradable soap, shampoo, and toothpaste. Pack only one or two bandages or blister pads, not the whole box. Leave the big Swiss Army knife with 27 tools at home. And, for the most part, if you don't use an item when you're at home, you'll likely be able to do without it for 2 weeks on our pilgrimage (except for your passport, of course).
The larger and heavier an item is, the more scrutinizing you should be in asking, “Will I use this enough to justify carrying it across India?” Consider sorting your items into 4 categories before packing:
- Critical = can't make the trip without them (e.g., passport, airline tickets, prescription medicines, emergency credit card)
- Everyday Use = You know for certain that you'll use these every day of the trip (e.g., clothes, toiletries, hand sanitizer, Kleenex or toilet tissue)
- “What If...?” Items = Helpful items for travelers if a need arises (e.g., sterile wipes, bandages, antibiotic salve, sewing kit, snacks). But since you may not need these at all, you may share bringing these items with a fellow traveler.
- Worst-case Scenario Items = Survival gear, as in “If the train breaks down, shouldn't I have my toolkit and snacks for everyone?
When you categorize items this way, packing light becomes easier. You definitely pack those items that are critical (and pack those in your carry-on luggage!), you don't pack survival gear, and you minimize the number of “What if?” items you bring. And what about the “Everyday Use” items? Pack less than what you think you need. Next the question arises, “What do I need to pack, especially when it comes to clothes and shoes?”
For the second and third day of our trip we'll be in the north part of India, at high altitude. Warm clothes will be necessary because we expect temperatures in the daytime to reach a high of only 48 degrees Fahrenheit (about 9 degrees Celsius), and the night temperature may be 28 Fahrenheit (-2 Celsius). Bring a warm, winter-weight jacket, or a combination of a heavy fleece and a down vest. You will only need these warm clothes for 2 days, however, it is important to avoid getting chilled and sick on these first days of the pilgrimage.
Also, bring a sleeping bag or warm blanket. The overnight trains can be breezy and very cold at night. If you are traveling internationally and prefer not to travel with a sleeping bag or blanket, and if you are arriving a few days early in Delhi, you may buy a blanket in Delhi. (Sleeping bags are not available.) You will also need a sleeping bag or blanket in some of the ashrams where we will stay. It will be chilly at night and you will appreciate having a warm blanket for a good night's sleep.
As we travel south for the rest of the pilgrimage, temperatures will increase steadily, with highs in the upper 80s (around 31 C) and lows in the low 60s (around 18 C). Pack clothing that is appropriate for these warmer temperatures. While many of us are accustomed to wearing white for spiritual events, white clothing is not necessary on this pilgrimage--as it is difficult to keep clean while traveling in India. Clothing should be modest (no sleeveless shirts, tight-fitting clothes, shorts or short skirts nor anything with a plunging neckline for women).
Regarding how many changes of clothing to bring, this depends on your personal preference. You should bring warm clothing for the first 2 or 3 days when we are in the north, then 5 or 6 days' worth of clothing for our travel from the north to Kolkata. In Kolkata we will have the opportunity to do laundry. (Before we reach Kolkata it is unlikely that you'll be able to wash any laundry by hand at night and have it dry in time for our early morning departures.) And remember to bring a shawl or something that you can use to cover your nose and mouth as we go through dusty areas.
Bring a sturdy pair of comfortable hiking shoes that you have already worn for a while. (Do NOT bring new shoes, which may cause blisters.) If you prefer more ankle support when hiking, taller topped hiking boots may be helpful for some pilgrims for our hike up to Babaji's cave. However, this will probably be the only day we encounter hilly climbing conditions, so you would only be using these boots for one day. Only you can decide if it will be worth carrying them for the duration of the pilgrimage. If you do bring heavy shoes, wear them on the plane to make your suitcase lighter. Also bring a pair of simple rubber, flip-flop sandals or other inexpensive shoes that you can take off quickly as we enter temples and other holy shrines. Please do not bring expensive looking, highly decorated sandals because shoe thieves are attracted by such items. Plain flip-flops are better. (In fact, highly decorative or expensive jewelry is better left at home to avoid loss, theft, or the wrong kind of attention.)
Pack your suitcase a week early, or at least several days, and do this test. Walk with your bag for 15 to 20 minutes, then carry it up a few steps. If you can do this comfortably, then you have successfully packed light. If not, try paring it down so you or a fellow pilgrim can easily maneuver your luggage quickly when we board our trains and buses. Remember this quote by author Antoine de Saint-Exupery: “He who would travel happily must travel light.”
For more information and helpful hints on packing light, see these websites:
www.onebag.com
http://www.independenttraveler.com/packing/
http://www.ricksteves.com/plan/tips/pack-light.htm
This November, leave your burdens behind and step lightly with devotion and love as you walk in the footsteps of the Masters.
In loving service,
The Pilgrimage Team