Gods and Goddesses of Nainital

Morning in a Pine Forest (1899) by Ivan Shishkin and Konstantin Savitsky . F or thousands of years now a belief has prevailed in South Asian society that one cannot escape all difficulties of life as long as one remains embedded in family, society, worldly ambitions and possessions, that to escape such difficulties and to find understanding and spiritual enlightenment one must escape into the wilderness leaving all behind, that peace, happiness, enlightenment and bliss may then be found through communion with nature, the stars, reflection and meditation. It was as a part of such traditions that Prince Gautama left behind his family along with kingdom and left for the forests. After several years of meditation he received enlightenment and became the Buddha. Many persons who leave for the wilderness have led successful, highly educated and wealthy lives prior to their departure. Not all become a Buddha but many do become renowned saints. The educated and highly lear...