Tuesday, June 29, 2004
Only in India
I just read a story in the New Straits Times, "Holy man on a roll." Literally.
Rolling Baba is a 55 year old, 5 ft tall Indian holy man on a mission to bring a message of peace to Pakistan by rolling along highway there. He started in January, has made it 1040 km so far and has about 800 km left to Lahore, Pakistan. Only, he may not make it past the border since he has no passport or visa.
He started rolling in 1983 and has accumulated about 32,000 km. Before that, he stood for 7 years, leaning against a swing to sleep. Holy men in India have a tradition of testing their devotion with physical challenges such as these.
Some days he makes it up to 29 km on hot asphalt. He wraps bandages around his elbows and knees to provide some protection and endless cups of tea and five packs of cigarettes help him get through each day. He even "developed an impressive technique for smoking as he rolls." People come to him to get blessings and some accompany him on the road. One kicks glass out of his way and holds an umbrella over his rolling body.
He's picked a dangerous, busy, fast-paced highway to roll. "Once a truck was about to hit us. Thanks to the Mother Goddess, it overturned at the last minute.'
Now, after 4 meals and 3 posts today, I think I'll head to bed. Sweet dreams!
I just read a story in the New Straits Times, "Holy man on a roll." Literally.
Rolling Baba is a 55 year old, 5 ft tall Indian holy man on a mission to bring a message of peace to Pakistan by rolling along highway there. He started in January, has made it 1040 km so far and has about 800 km left to Lahore, Pakistan. Only, he may not make it past the border since he has no passport or visa.
He started rolling in 1983 and has accumulated about 32,000 km. Before that, he stood for 7 years, leaning against a swing to sleep. Holy men in India have a tradition of testing their devotion with physical challenges such as these.
Some days he makes it up to 29 km on hot asphalt. He wraps bandages around his elbows and knees to provide some protection and endless cups of tea and five packs of cigarettes help him get through each day. He even "developed an impressive technique for smoking as he rolls." People come to him to get blessings and some accompany him on the road. One kicks glass out of his way and holds an umbrella over his rolling body.
He's picked a dangerous, busy, fast-paced highway to roll. "Once a truck was about to hit us. Thanks to the Mother Goddess, it overturned at the last minute.'
Now, after 4 meals and 3 posts today, I think I'll head to bed. Sweet dreams!
