India is Like a Melody

I've heard it said that India is like a melody; once it enters your heart and mind, the pulsating rhythm of the song cannot be silenced. I didn't believe it, until it happened to me.

What makes India so appealing? It could be the brightly-colored saris, and the intricately embroidered tapestries. Lovers of aromatic spices won't be disappointed by India's cuisine, and the forts and palaces are stunning in all of their royal grandeur. But sadly, for many in the western world, India's song is the enticement of something different and exotic on a spiritual level. Many who have rejected the truth found in the Bible still long for spiritual reality in their lives. Hinduism, Buddhism, and other "isms" offer spirituality without the necessity of a savior, or an acknowledgement of man's sinful nature. When in India, my heart breaks for the many westerners I meet who are headed for spiritual retreat centers known as ashrams, in futile attempts to find the truth.

Westerners are not the only ones in India searching for enlightenment. All of life in India is driven by a desire to seek and know God, on some level and in one form or another. Before 5:00 a.m., the Muslim call to prayer rings out over loud speakers, calling all Muslims to bow to Allah. This happens a total of five times every day, and even those of a different religion cannot help but hear the call to prayer and acknowledge, at least internally, the masses of people bowing in submission to their God.