61

a bottle and massages his body for a long time. The faithful wife the Indian husband.

In one month Benares has changed. When I left kites were being flown from every roof top and river bank. Now the kites are gone as though they never existed, yet there is still a good breeze every day. I ask a boy why no one is flying kites he replies "It is not the time for kites." Tradition followed like a slave - the river is alive with the sound of insects, the light is different - a lull before the heat?

Feb 22, 70

Physical levels involved in heightened reality (the raised platform of the speaker, the altar in the church etc. and the reverence held for heights in nature; mountains, tall trees etc.) There is drama inherent in the steep stone steps descending to the river. An importance of approach, sets the mood. The Ganges being the performance, the eternal object of worship, Benares perched on its banks the audience, the witnesses, the worshipper.

Coming from the dark narrow lanes of the gullies to the vast open light airy sweep of the river.

62

The lower classes of all countries seem to play their radios at full volume. They seem insensitive to the loud blast of distorted sound which grates on the ears. They have developed calluses on their ears, like they have developed calluses on their souls to their environment.

The above 6 pieces from small notebook.

May 10 Sun.

Sparse illumination in the side lanes. Long areas of void-darkness till you reach the main lane. A group of about 30 men gathered on one side of the gully in one of the brighter areas. Discussion going on - the present of some event. But no great tension. A young man is crying, whimpering, pleading. He rises from the ledge he has been sitting on, walks a few steps, one of the men raises a bamboo pole and starts beating him. The men surround him. They have caught tow thieves attempting to break into the house of an old woman. No one thinks of sending for the police. They are too corrupt, the thieves would promise them some money and be free. The men of the area in which the thieves were caught will administer the justice. The one doing the whimpering is wise. He cries, pleads for them not to hit him. It is a shrewd course, men in a position of power like to see a viable effect of their power. That someone is in their control repentant, afraid. It is a form of boosting the ego of those in power. That they have someone's destiny