It's part of the proverbial "brag" of Texas to lay claim on "big." I suppose that when then the practice of temple Hinduism decided to make a home for itself in these parts they figured they needed something rather spectacular.
One does not expect to find a temple spire out of India rising above the live oaks of the hill country. When I moved to the Austin area 14 years ago, I must admit that I was surprised to find Barsana Dham on a drive south of Austin while searching for the famed Salt Lick Bar-B-Que. Whether you pick up the aroma of curry or mesquite depends on which direction the wind is blowing.
This past Sunday afternoon I decided to do something special for the blog and take a couple photos at Barsana Dham. On past occasions I have entered the temple--especially when I did interreligious work--but I was more interested in taking outdoor photos yesterday, besides I learned that they do not allow photos inside the temple at any time.
I have always found Barsana Dham to be a peaceful and meditative place to visit, so I had to reassure my 13 year-old son that no one would shoot me for taking pictures; however, this is Texas. I feel that a good way to teach my children that what we have in our faith is beautiful and special is to allow them to see what is also beautiful and special about faiths other than their own. It's part of my way of living to be open to--and certainly tolerant of--the religion of others.
While Barsana Dham is undoubtedly a lovely and tranquil place to visit, its outward appearance is no comparison to the great truths of the Catholic faith. While visiting yesterday the thoughts of my own parish--with its contemporary beauty was fresh on my mind. Also, I thought of the Cathedral in Austin where I prefer to go for the Sacrament of Penance--of course this gives me ideas for a future photo essay.
It is my understanding that Barsana Dham serves the Hindustani population in Austin. Certainly they picked a location that reveals the handiwork of creation.
While visiting I have never had anyone ask me if I am a Hindu; however, if I were asked I would not mind at all sharing the joys of my faith in Jesus Christ as practiced in his Church. Being open to visiting the holy places of other faith affords us the opportunity to be the ambassadors of our own faith. A key element of evangelization is to carry the gospel to places where it might not ordinarily be expected.
It certainly looks very peaceful and inviting. I imagine people come from much further away than Texas to attend retreats, programs, etc.
I see you have no snow. :)
Posted by: Gabrielle | February 25, 2008 at 08:23 AM
In the 4th photo, I see they've adapted Pierre Auguste Cot's "The Swing"!
Reading this today reminded me of all the times I'd wished I weren't Catholic. Most of my public school friends were not Catholic, so I got a taste of other religions or Protestantism. And later, a taste of atheism (except for the guilt factor).
My strolls into seemingly happier creeds or ideologies always revealed something missing, tho'. Not only something for me (my family was sweet and funny and kind, and suffered the torments of hell upon many crosses--what kept them in a religion that was so solemnly High Mass/Saturday-mea-culpa, convent-oppression gloomy? It could only have been Jesus' Cross of love which I did not understand but if they wouldn't leave it, I surely wouldn't leave them); but there was always also something missing for God, too: His Son. Or for the Son, His Mother. Or for them all, the saints. It's hard, but I'm glad I always came back to find out the greater truths in it all, the reason for the Cross in our lives. This is one reason why I have so loved sponsoring folks in RCIA - they discovered the very same that I did, and with the same soul-deep gratitude.
Posted by: JustMe | February 25, 2008 at 10:26 AM
That's right, no snow. It actually got up to 93 today, which is highly unusual for February even in Texas. Typically we see the daytime temperatures begin to rise into the low 70s by the end of March. This winter has been on the warm side though.
Posted by: Deacon DW | February 25, 2008 at 11:29 PM
Just me--as soon as Lent is over I'm heading down towards Barsana Dham again, only this time I'll be driving right past the temple going 70 m.p.h. Destination-The Salt Lick.
Posted by: Deacon DW | February 25, 2008 at 11:34 PM
ROFL! Somehow, that sounds even better than it ought to.
:-) Enjoy.
Posted by: JustMe | February 26, 2008 at 11:46 AM