umbrella wisdom

umbrella wisdom happened in Varanasi, the most important and holiest of all Hindu pilgrimage cities. At any time of year, thousands of pilgrims gather here every day – to perform the various rituals, to pray, to receive blessings, and ultimately to experience purification – most thoroughly through a bath in the highly toxic waters of the Ganges. All along the grand stone steps leading into the water – called Ghats – preachers gather to bring the wisdom of Hinduism closer to the devout believers, with varying degrees of urgency. The interest is great.

umbrella wisdom shows such a preacher, who has gathered a small group of prilgrims dresses in colour around him to speak to. The attention of his listeners is assured. The photographer's gratitude as well, for the preacher having marked his territory with a large, colorful, well placed umbrella seemingly to bundle and amplify his words for the listeners. Thus protected, the group conveys the casual intensity so often found in Varanasi: despite all the hustle and bustle, restlessness, noise and intensity, there are always small, marked areas that allow for peace, devotion, and concentration. And, in the best case, the reception of relevant wisdoms.