All I know about India comes from the stunning book, A Fine Balance, and my knowledge that the Dali Lama now lives in India. That's about it.

This book introduces us to some incredible people. I am so struck by how different their view of the world is from mine. For example, the Jain nun who commits suicide, I can't help but think she was just an anorexic young woman. Since she and her close friend started their spiritual journey at approx. age 15, makes me think that part of the draw of this choice is that they can continue to be children and be cared for by others, even though their lives were extremely austere. They are spared the usual growing up pains and angst that we all go through, while devoting their lives to their spiritual strivings. I'm aware that these thoughts are harsh judgements from the Western side of the planet, which makes me realize how difficult it is to be truly open to other cultures.