in india, guest is god

Kasol, Parvati Valley, Himachal Pradesh

When I stayed in Parvati Valley, India, I would love going on treks to the remote villages and embracing my inner Mowgli by playing in the nature. I loved seeing the valley from a different angle, the way the villagers supported one another on the land and popping in to the local school to play the Hokey Kokey with the kids. Yes, the rumours are true; it is what it's all about.

I stayed with a couple of gorgeous families who were so kind and giving. They would be constantly wishing to feed me and tea me up. Their service was so incredibly humbling and I remember one time being accompanied by a young couple who were bee carers from Israel. They had never stayed anywhere outside of a guesthouse and suddenly felt uncomfortable with all the grace they were being served with. The next morning they wanted to pay some money to the poor family for their hospitality.

"In our culture guest is God" Ram the father of the family politely explained as he returned the rupees.

This really made me wonder and appreciate how the Western world can get stuck sometimes with the notion of "I owe you one" when one does another a favour. Do we do favours because we want something in return from that person or is it in our nature to support one another as global citizens? 

The "I owe you" idea is a dangerous code to live by especially if we're clinging to words. Does that mean that if someone gives you a gift you are a thief until you 'return the favour'? Does that mean every person who has triggered pain, anger or disappointment is to be served the same in return by your own sword too? Jeez-louise, does that mean we live our lives forever indebted to our parents? My curious mind ponders this.

War is a classic example of relentless retribution. A downward spiral and an experience that these young Israeli friends were happy to move on from. When will the war end? Surely it's time we answer the phone that keeps ringing. I think Lennon's calling.

In Venezuela, my cousin Alejandra shared with me a term that guests use; "Dios te lo pague" she explained, which is to say; "may god pay you for your kindness".

I feel there's a very lovely truth in that. Who needs a reason to be kind to another?