My Name in Hindi — sara lynn lashbrook

I stopped to get some chai (two types, chai and chai masala- the first is sweeter and the latter has more spice) after my visit to the banks of Ma Ganga for my morning mediation. It was my first morning in the Tapovan section or west side of the Laxman Jhula Bridge in Rishikesh. While sipping on my hot chai, I met Rehka and Tarak who own the stand and Alok, who owns a Scorpion Enterprises (yes, I know), a shop across the street.

We began a conversation about the meaning of names. Rehka means black diamond and Tarak means stars. Sara or Saara as they say here in India, means support, to help. As they shared they moved their bodies to be supported by the case that held candies, chips and other sweet goods, they leaned back and were supported as they sat. I smiled. Yes. It makes sense that my name means to help, to support, to be there so one can lean back. I smile, recalling my favorite sign in American Sign Language is to encourage, it all makes sense.