Walking the Camino like a Hindu
Weaving the lessons and gifts of the Camino de Invierno into the context of Hindu spirituality, especially that of Arya Samaj, requires drawing parallels between the core principles and spiritual quests in both Hindu and Catholic traditions.
Arya Samaj, with its emphasis on personal morality, self-improvement, and direct communion with the Divine, offers a unique perspective to understand the Camino’s spiritual journey from a uniquely Hindu perspective.
Why Arya Samaj? Because Anju, one of my closest friends who walked the Camino with me was raised in that practice of Hinduism, and she also went to Catholic school, so she was able to quote the Bible to me on many occasions.
Nature and the Divine (Prakriti and Ishwar):
The beautiful landscapes and natural settings of the Camino provide an opportunity to connect with Prakriti (nature) and, through it, experience a sense of the divine presence, similar to the reverence for nature found in Hindu spirituality.
