Notes from the Field: Modern Mecca (The Hajj)
See how new technology and the increasing number of pilgrims has forced Islam's holiest city to modernize in a number of ways.
Notes from the Field: Church of Holy Sepulcher (Jerusalem)
Get an exclusive look at the opening of the door of the church by Adeeb Joudeh, and see the original charter that grants his family the right to do.
Notes from the Field: Bathing at the Grotto (Lourdes)
Take a look inside the baths at the grotto and hear from American pilgrims how they feel before and after taking part in this ritual.
Notes from the Field: Office of Medical Observ. (Lourdes)
Many may find spiritual healing in the rites and rituals of the pilgrimage to Lourdes, while others believe they find physical healing. Whenever someone claims they are physically cured by the waters of Lourdes, the case is evaluated by an international committee of medical professionals. Get an exclusive look at the records of the Office of Medical Observations.
Bruce's Reflections
SACRED JOURNEYS host Bruce Feiler has done what none other has done before him: gone on six pilgrimages to six different holy places in the span of a single year.
Solitude
Sacred journeys are often individual searches for the self. But is it possible to find solitude while traveling alongside thousands of pilgrims?
Notes from the Field: The Dhamek Stupa (Kumbh Mela)
Take a break from the festivities of the Kumbh Mela to explore the place where Buddhism was born. Be sure to toss a coin for good luck!
Notes from the Field: On the Ganges (Kumbh Mela)
Take a boat ride in the early morning to great Mother Ganga.
Notes from the Field: Bathing in the Ganges Riv (Kumbh Mela)
Is it possible to be alone amongst thousands of people? Watch how pilgrims find solitude during the ritual bathing in the Ganges River.
Notes from the Field: Mother Ganga (Kumbh Mela)
Celebrate Mother Ganga, the giver of life, in a Hindu ritual known as aarti. This ritual is one of the more modern traditions of the Kumbh Mela, showing that religion is not static. Rather, it keeps updating itself for the present.
Notes from the Field: Meet the Arugba (Osun-Osogbo)
Meet the Arugba, the fourteen-year-old member of the royalty selected to lead the procession to the Sacred Grove during the festival of Osun-Osogbo in Nigeria.
Notes from the Field: My Divination (Osun-Osogbo)
Bruce meets with a priest to receive a divination before the festival of Osun-Osogbo in Nigeria.
Notes from the Field: Shopping in Mecca (The Hajj)
Take a break from the Hajj and join the pilgrims shopping for souvenirs in the streets of Mecca.
Notes from the Field: Jack's Story (The Hajj)
Meet American pilgrim Jack who is making the Hajj among two million others.
Notes from the Field: The Arbel Cliffs (Jerusalem)
View the Sea of Galilee from the Arbel Cliffs while traveling on the 40-mile Jesus Trail in Israel.
Notes from the Field: Brian's Story (Jerusalem)
Walk in the footsteps of Christ on the Jesus Trail with American pilgrim Brian Kwan.
Notes from the Field: The Sukkot Quiz Show! (Jerusalem)
Sukkah-hop with Bruce and try your hand at the Sukkot quiz! Think you can name all seven shepherds of Israel?
Notes from the Field: Abalone (Shikoku)
Get a taste of abalone, a delicacy available on the island of Shikoku.
Supported by
