Janthopoyism
Sacred Travel: Taj Mahal
#holythrowback to 2015, when I visited the Taj Mahal in Agra, India.
As one of the New 7 Wonders of the World, there is a good chance you are already well-acquainted with this mausoleum. Commissioned by Mughal emperor Shah Jahan and completed in 1643, the Taj Mahal is essentially a tomb for Mumtaz Mahal, who was Jahan’s favourite wife.
The architecture is distinctly Islamic, and the grounds even include a mosque. This may come as a surprise, considering that almost 80% of India’s population practices Hinduism, with Islam coming in second with only 14.2%. Indeed, the two religions have a complex history in this country, with the invasion of Islamic extremism frequently clashing with Hindu nationalism since the 8th century CE. Muslim attempts to convert the Indian nation is an ugly and often violent story, but focusing on the happy middle vibe is nicer. For example, Sufism (Islamic mysticism) was far closer to core Hindu beliefs, and many traditions were peacefully merged under this umbrella.
The Taj Mahal attracts more than 6 million visitors a year, and I was proud to be one of them. In my experience, the reputation of landmarks of such a magnitude usually disappoint, but this masterpiece sent me spinning in awe. Unfortunately, you cannot take photos inside the main mausoleum, so the next picture is me with a camel outside the grounds. Meanwhile, India itself is inarguably the most intense country I’ve ever met, overwhelming my senses until I crawl out, always relieved to leave. But once I’m gone, I forever crave my return, and I can’t wait to go back very soon!!! For religious richness, it’s second-to-none.
As one of the New 7 Wonders of the World, there is a good chance you are already well-acquainted with this mausoleum. Commissioned by Mughal emperor Shah Jahan and completed in 1643, the Taj Mahal is essentially a tomb for Mumtaz Mahal, who was Jahan’s favourite wife.
The architecture is distinctly Islamic, and the grounds even include a mosque. This may come as a surprise, considering that almost 80% of India’s population practices Hinduism, with Islam coming in second with only 14.2%. Indeed, the two religions have a complex history in this country, with the invasion of Islamic extremism frequently clashing with Hindu nationalism since the 8th century CE. Muslim attempts to convert the Indian nation is an ugly and often violent story, but focusing on the happy middle vibe is nicer. For example, Sufism (Islamic mysticism) was far closer to core Hindu beliefs, and many traditions were peacefully merged under this umbrella.
The Taj Mahal attracts more than 6 million visitors a year, and I was proud to be one of them. In my experience, the reputation of landmarks of such a magnitude usually disappoint, but this masterpiece sent me spinning in awe. Unfortunately, you cannot take photos inside the main mausoleum, so the next picture is me with a camel outside the grounds. Meanwhile, India itself is inarguably the most intense country I’ve ever met, overwhelming my senses until I crawl out, always relieved to leave. But once I’m gone, I forever crave my return, and I can’t wait to go back very soon!!! For religious richness, it’s second-to-none.
Janthopoyism is a spiritual philosophy meets self-improvement program.
We view the Absolute collection of all Universal Energy to be the highest power. You are part of that power. You are an extension of divinity.
The ultimate purpose of this power is to evolve, and we each have a unique part to play in this progression. The details of your role are relayed to you every moment of your life via emotional notifications.
The tricky bit is that human beings have developed a communication barrier between themselves and this instruction.
This barrier is called "the brain".
But never fear! By utilising some very simple practices, you can open the flow of exchange, granting you access to the ether of infinite ideas, the infallible path of your guided destiny, and the recollection of your holiness.
Which is basically a wanky way of saying that your life is about to get a whole bunch better.
Join the movement before it becomes too mainstream.
We view the Absolute collection of all Universal Energy to be the highest power. You are part of that power. You are an extension of divinity.
The ultimate purpose of this power is to evolve, and we each have a unique part to play in this progression. The details of your role are relayed to you every moment of your life via emotional notifications.
The tricky bit is that human beings have developed a communication barrier between themselves and this instruction.
This barrier is called "the brain".
But never fear! By utilising some very simple practices, you can open the flow of exchange, granting you access to the ether of infinite ideas, the infallible path of your guided destiny, and the recollection of your holiness.
Which is basically a wanky way of saying that your life is about to get a whole bunch better.
Join the movement before it becomes too mainstream.
