The sacred journey day two continued-the ghandi memorial

Rinpoche took some time to elaborate on the meaning of Ghandi in relation to the Sacred Journey. Even though Ghandi was secular, his moral code was a model for anyone on the path to enlightenment. 
"What we can take from Ghandi is his sheer dedication and commitment to doing something...not giving up...that's what being on the path means. Mahatma Ghandi knew where his destination was—peace and not violence. Speed, aggression and  violence are very quick and expedient in solving problems but fundamentally are not long lasting or stable. Peace, the path of nonviolence, though arduous and tiring and difficult...(is  the only path that is) fundamentally strong,  stable and long lasting.

Ghandi is a world wide known figure yet he was not particularly notable until one day his first class passage  on a South African train was questioned due to the color of his skin. Rinpoche explained that such a pivotal moment often occurred in the lives of great public figures. Ghandi worked tirelessly for Indian freedom and equality for all. The memorial honors him with an eternal flame on a base of black marble which marks the spot of his cremation after his assasination in 1948. The expansive gardens included blooming dahlias of all colors and trees planted by prominent world leaders including Nelson Mandela. 

The pilgrims walked Kora around the flame and contemplated Gandhi’s last words “Hey Ram”. 

The eternal flame marking where Ghandi was cremated.

The grounds of the Gandhi Memorial