It was already quite late as we walked around Sarnath, not hurrying, simply enjoying each other’s company. After some time, while walking along the main road, my friend mentioned that there was a nunnery somewhere nearby and that he had been there before.
I remember when I asked about his name—I wasn’t surprised to learn that it meant light. His eyes shone like the glowing embers of candle flames.
I said, Really? Because I hadn’t seen many nuns around, maybe just one or two. He nodded and said, Yes, it’s this way… I turned left, calling out, Come on, show me! We burst into laughter.
There was a sense of danger, though—the semi-wild dogs roaming freely. At night, they became especially territorial. My friend thought I was crazy. He was a local, but in the end, we were both filled with excitement.
We reached a school built by some Western Buddhists, as far as I remember, and he recognized the place we were looking for—but we had approached it from the back. We had to find another way around to reach the entrance. Still, we weren’t sure if we’d be able to enter, and a group of dogs stood in our path.
Before the gate, one of the nuns came out of her room and asked what we wanted. My friend explained in Hindi, and we didn’t have to wait long. The doors opened—unlocked by the head monk, who held the keys. He was huge, I mean, physically large, and accompanied by three non-aggressive dogs.
It was definitely unusual to have visitors at that hour. The nuns quietly returned to their rooms—to continue meditating, I assumed. We entered respectfully. I already sensed that something magical was unfolding.
The monk invited us to visit the main Tara temple. I was so happy.
We removed our shoes outside and slowly stepped in. Knowing myself, I probably had tears in my eyes.
A few nuns were meditating, quietly dedicated to their practice. We didn’t want to disturb —yet the energy was entirely welcoming, open. The space shimmered with mantra. All my senses felt both sharpened and softened at the same time.
We stood before the main altar, surrounded by all of Tara’s manifestations. Smiling, feeling a deep connection to what was happening, I began chanting, noticing that my friend joined me, even though he was silent. We stood together, equal before the compassionate gaze of Mother Tara. I shortly explained that Tara is a female Buddha and symbol of all enlightened activity… and that it is good to ask for guidance.
I love this story, and I love returning to it when I lack inspiration. These situations are true gifts from India’s generous heart—they come unexpectedly and gently both, unveiling the true beauty of, so called, life.
We stepped outside, completely new. Blessed and deeply happy.