Lessons Learned in India: Hospitality & Religion

In India, hospitality is based on the principle Atithi Devo Bhava, meaning "the guest is God." This principle is shown in a number of stories where a guest is literally a god who rewards the provider of hospitality. From this stems the Indian approach of graciousness towards guests at home, and in all social situations. I have learned this first hand from my two trips to northern India this year. From the richest IT professional to the poorest peddler my wife and I learned some of the spoken and unspoken rules of Indian hospitality.

As my group travelled through the city we were invited to meals, to worship, and often to sit down for chai tea. As we noted similarities between our countries from the fact that we (humans) are all basically the same we also noted many contrasts in culture. 

In the above picture you will see a picture of my wife and I seating with some kids. The sign says COnn3ct. Conn3ct is the name of the young couples ministry of our church. When people in our class travels to another country to serve and to "connect" with the people they carry the sign for pictures like this. Connections through conversations came very easily being that we were often able to find people who were proficient in speaking English.

One of my favorite things about India that differ from India and America in terms of culture and hospitality, from my limited exposure, is a willingness to talk about spiritual beliefs. If you have read many of my articles, attended my church, or heard me speak you should know my belief system is solely ground in the Bible for my faith and practice. This was only the case for less than one percent of the people in northern India. While in India through means of hospitality I was exposed to various religious beliefs. 

People were open, willing, and hospitable when it came to having conversations about faith. Unlike their neighbor China who may pride themselves of a people with no gods India is a land of millions of gods [the country is 80 percent hindu http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hinduism]. 

Did you know that according to the most recent U.S. Census 6.2 percent of Forsyth County is made up of people from Asia. With an estimated 4 percent or more being from the country of India! Is this not amazing and wonderful! This is a real opportunity for those of us from Forsyth County to help our children develop a world view without an expensive plane ticket. Are you aware that in Roswell there is a movie theater that only shows movies in languages from India?

I would like to submit a challenge from all the information given. Ask yourself today how hospitable you have been to our guests here in Forsyth County. On one occasion when having some Indian friends visit our home we were informed that in the fours years they had been in America they had never been invited into an American’s home for a meal. I believe that is a real shame. Even thought the majority of Americans are not motivated by principles of the Atithi Devo Bhava most of us do profess a faith that tells us to be kind to our neighbors and given to hospitality. One of the greatest assets in our communities in not just our wonderful park system but the diversity in which we can expose our kids.

I have learned several lessons on our trip. Next time I hope to give you some thoughts on equality. Thank you for reading. If there is anything I can do to serve the fellow members of this community please let me know. If you are from India are new to our community please contact us. We would love to repay you for the hospitality we received in your country.