It is interesting to think one of the most peaceful, quieting, calming days of my life was in India, a place where you'd suppose you would never feel like that, since you're never alone, people running over all all the time. And it's also interesting because this day was in a city  didn't even think of visiting, it was a suggestion from my dear kundalini teacher at the time to go there.
Amritsar, the Vatican of Sikhism.The Golden Temple, their St. Peter's Basilica. Surrounded by a perfect square lake, a beautiful water mirror. All is marble, incredibly clean. It's all very orderly, which is impressive for India, for the number of people. The way to get there is chaotic, traffic rules are non existent in India. But when you step on the white marble square in front of that space, the energy is already transformative.  And because every person has the reverence attitude of those in the face of the sacred, it is so still. People are actually connected through what is most divine in their hearts, the love for humanity, the care for other human beings.
Forty thousand meals served per day, in a city of around 1.5 million people. Thousands of people working daily in a military organization to prepare all that food. Every single person is working voluntarily, working to serve strangers selflessly. And the atmosphere is of pure peace.
And my beautiful guide, Mandeep, wow, just being around him was soothing. One of the gentlest people I've ever met in my life, a British gentleman. So wise, beyond his years. So generous, teaching me about the traditions of his faith. Like we say in Brazil "the calm in person", he just transmits peace, dignity, integrity, honor, stillness. Having him as my guide there just made everything perfect, to have such an insider showing me the ropes, and taking wonderful pictures of me ;) .
After I left Amritsar, I felt spiritually purified. Besides Varanasi, which is a whole other post, I never felt like that anywhere else in the world. It was, together with Varanasi and Goa, the best part of my trip. I'll go back to Amritsar again.