Embark on a pilgrimage to rediscover and renew yourself

By Dr T. Selva

The idea of pilgrimage holds immense significance in various religions, emphasising the importance of undertaking it annually or at least once in a lifetime for spiritual rejuvenation.

Such trips often involve a journey to a sacredly meaningful site that connects with the individual. The optimal time for embarking on such a trip is typically at the onset of a new year.

It is said that the trip’s physical and emotional challenges to the holy destination are believed to contribute to changes and pious inner growth.

Many cultures consider pilgrimage a way to cleanse oneself internally, seek forgiveness for sins, purify and provide an opportunity for transformation.

I am writing this column from a cherished Sikh place of worship that does not sleep – the Golden Temple in Amritsar, India.

This spiritual sanctuary is the sole place on Earth accessible 24/7, providing complimentary meals and soulful music around the clock.

I will share my visit experience after I have completed my pilgrimage in the spiritually charged atmosphere in the next issue.

Let me delve into the importance of undertaking such journeys.

Our life is not intended solely for the relentless pursuit of work, accumulating wealth, acquiring larger possessions, indulging in gossip, eating, merrymaking and sleeping.

Its true purpose extends beyond material pursuits; it involves a quest to understand our existence and the meaning behind it.

Embarking on a pilgrimage should empower individuals to introspect and discover answers within themselves, stressing the journey’s meaning over the ultimate destination.

Remember, the pain or joys encountered along the way should reflect one’s life purpose and existence, not the destination.

Also, on a spiritual expedition, one may encounter travel letdowns, endure lengthy queues, face obstacles, travel without meals, succumb to illness, grapple with physical exhaustion, stress and fatigue, and endure aches, discomforts, and other tests.

Overcoming difficulties and bearing hardships is part of the whole process of building resilience and discipline. It should be instead embraced to inspire a sense of gratitude and humility.

People must not fear such tours because the trials associated with pilgrimage should be accepted as a form of correction.

Every person should understand that problems are integral facets of the journey, as no matter how meticulously you’ve organised your expedition, your level of connection with higher energies also shapes its course.

This restraint is believed to contribute to the pilgrim’s spiritual development and gain a fresh perspective on their lives. It should be viewed as a method of purifying and cleansing oneself.

The ups and downs you experience are also meant to mirror your life and how you’ve lived it, as it’s your connection with God.

The goal is to cultivate understanding and acceptance of the encounters in your life.

I encourage people to engage in spiritual excursions frequently because it fosters a bond with divine energies, deepening our relationship with a higher power and bringing us closer to the presence of the celestial.

Participating in them expresses your faith and communal rituals and strengthens your sense of belonging to your religious tradition.

Even when it involves a group, the experience is often personal, fostering a sense of unity, solidarity, and shared purpose among those on the journey.

One of the vital aspects of the journey is that it provides an opportunity for reflection, contemplation, and learning.

The trip’s rituals, prayers, and meditation activities are aimed to foster a deeper understanding of your faith and its teachings.

It’s important to note that the meaning of pilgrimage varies across different religions and cultures.

For example, in Islam, the Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca is one of the Five Pillars and is obligatory for every non-disabled Muslim who can afford it at least once in their lifetime.

In Christianity, pilgrimages to sites like Jerusalem, Rome, or Santiago de Compostela hold importance but may not be mandatory.

In Hinduism, pilgrimage to sacred Ganges rivers, temples, or sites associated with specific deities is a common practice, and there are various pilgrimages with different degrees of weight.

Frequently, the question arises: When is the right time for a pilgrimage?

It’s not about a specific timing but rather about heeding a calling or a compelling urge to step away from the routine and detoxify your body, mind, and spirit.

Going on a solo pilgrimage is entirely about answering your calling, and such journeys are often deemed the most blissful, as they allow you to connect with higher energies without any distractions.

Undertaking a pilgrimage can be expensive; some may express concerns about its substantial expenses.

However, it is crucial to recognise that any financial commitment made for a spiritual journey can yield manifold non-tangible returns in the form of boundless peace, healing, inner joy and abundance.

For those who lack God-consciousness, I encourage them to visit spiritual sites as tourists, taking photographs and enjoying the free meals, pleasurable sights and touching sounds.

Stepping on these energetic and powerful grounds may unexpectedly lead to a life-changing experience.