Have you ever wanted to visit India?

 

My first visit was as a tourist and it was amazing. Though after a little while the majestic palaces and imposing forts, intense shopping experiences and the crowds wore me out! The second time I went was with Yoga in Daily Life. It was also amazing though I saw nothing that you’d see in a guidebook, instead experienced a simple life in rhythm with nature Indian style, connected with the people and immersed myself in the culture.

 

These two varied experiences were the inspiration for this trip style and we had equal of both over 14 days. Following are some stories from the participants that you’ll recognise in italics, as well as extra commentary from me for the parts in-between.

 

We are considering repeating this experience 23 October – 5 November 2021 and are accepting expressions of interest.

 

HUGE THANKS to the people in the ashrams in India who helped make this possible and for welcoming us so generously.

 

Day 0

We met in Delhi.

 

Day 1

We drove from Delhi to Agra and spent the afternoon at the iconic Taj Mahal.

 

 

 

Day 2

We travelled to Jaipur, but as excited tourists we stopped along the way to see the sights.

The most impressive being the Abhaneri Step Well. You may have seen it in some movies.

 

 

Day 3 we woke in Jaipur.

Highlights of the day were

• having a go at traditional Rajasthani block printing.
• visiting the Amber Fort
• Satsang with Swami Gyaneshwar & Swami Yogesh Puri

 

Day 4 another day in Jaipur. Like all eco conscious locals we took the metro into the historic and vibrant pink city. There we split up according to interests and went to the City Palace or the Jantar Mantar (or both!), exploring, shopping and then the adventure of negotiating with a rickshaw driver and getting ourselves home!

 

Days 5 – 10

Now starts our ashram and yoga immersion at Sri Devpuriji Ashram in Kailash Village just 2 hours drive from Jaipur.

 

I looked upon our trip to India as an adventure that could quite possibly push me from my comfort zone. We were well prepared by Gita, even to the extent of how to toilet because those squat toilets can sneak up on you!!  As we embarked on our journey, I joked it was a bit like school camp with a packing list, group meeting and lots of instructions. 

Stepping off the plane and into the hot Delhi afternoon something clicked- I felt at home there was no fear, no hesitation -my excitement was building. 

Our days were full and nourishing for mind, body and soul. Yoga practice, sightseeing and getting to know each other, as we travelled through the Rajasthani countryside our bonds strengthened, we began to feel more like family than friends. 

Spending five days in Kailash was, to me, better than a fancy five-star hotel. I chose to disconnect from social media, emails etc. Gita gave each of us a journal and set a little time aside in the programme each afternoon for this purpose, but I found my artistic side flourishing spending several hours a day sketching and writing. 

India was my comfort zone. I felt welcomed by the people, enriched by the daily challenges and blessed to be part of YIDL.

Hari Om, Deb. 

 

 

On our first afternoon in Kailash ashram, Gita provided a mala making craft-anoon experience to ensure everyone had a mala for meditation. We all selected the 108 +1 beads – a mix of rudruksha (a special seed used as a prayer bead in Hinduism) and semi-precious stone beads. We created our own unique design then threaded it.

 

With my limited hand function, I found this task challenging. Everyone had finished, it was time for chai and I had only managed to thread about 60 beads. I was about to give up so the materials could be packed away before the yoga class. However, Leeann kindly said “keep going, I will help you.” She persevered despite a couple of mishaps to ensure I too had a special mala with the guru bead and tassel attached.

 

At the evening Satsang Swami Gyaneshwar Puri extended the experience explaining how to use the mala with a mantra for a deeper meditation.

 

This mala is now a very special, permanent reminder of what can be achieved with the help of friends. It is also a meaningful souvenir from the India trip as it reflects the assistances offered to me by every member of the group at sometime during the tour.

~ Narayani

 

 

 

There were many wonderful experiences during my trip to India.  The chaos of the streets, the beautiful women in their colourful saris, the splendour of the palaces and the sanctuary of the ashrams. 

There was one event that was really special.  In Jaipur Mahamandaleshwar Swami Gyaneshwar Puri had been explaining to us that the swamis are seen as living saints.  A few days later we were at the ashram at Kailash, situated in a remote rural part of India.  I felt an immediate sense of calm there.  We were again talking to Swami Gyaneshwar, standing around the beautiful and holy neem tree and dhuni (fire place) when two women and two men from the village appeared.  They gave the swami gifts of food, money and a shawl and then bent down and touched his feet.  Later we learned that they had been seeking healing from the swami.  It was an amazing experience to witness such an authentic event, which really highlighted the spirituality of the Indian people.

~ Lynette

 

 

 

During our sensational time in India we spent five glorious days at the Yoga in Daily Life Ashram in a small village called Kailash. This completely immersive experience involved the eleven participants of our group in the routines of Ashram life that included numerous daily yoga practices, evening Satsangs and daily Karma yoga. What is Karma yoga you ask? The options on the itinerary for this were cooking, cleaning, gardening and maintenance etc. for 1 or 2 hours each morning. These activities were designed to help us get the feeling of being a local!

 

I like to cook, so even before we had left home, I decided that I’d give this activity a go and I packed a Rick Stein style spiral notebook to record the recipes!

 

As it turned out, by far the most popular Karma yoga activity was cooking, and under the excellent guidance provided by the Ashram crew, Priyanka, Raju and Ravi, in teams of three, we all took turns to cook some delicious meals.

 

We chopped, stirred, seasoned, and cooked using a wok burner that resembled a Saturn five rocket engine! We learnt new techniques and were introduced to a previously unfamiliar melon type vegetable called Lauki. All in all it was great fun and everyone had a ball!

 

We cooked these recipes:

• Sabji
• Breakfast Rice (Pulao)
• Curry Soup
• Rice and Green Lentil Dhal
• Dhal Bhati
• Gawar Phali Sabzi Aloo
• roti / chapati

 I prepared recipe sheets to share that you can find here.

~ Simon

 

 

My time at Sri Devpuriji Ashram in Kailash, Rajasthan was a particularly special time.  It was a welcome relief from the noise, crowds and chaotic roads of Delhi, Agra and Jaipur. Kailash is rural India. Very peaceful. Very quiet. It provided me the perfect opportunity to slow down and live in a much simpler way for a short time. It is a pace I have increasingly enjoyed over the years and tried to cultivate in my own life. The time here offered me unique accommodation, food cooked with love, the fine company of kind and generous people. It brought into sharper focus that it is absolutely possible to live with even less stuff. A bucket and plastic cup work just fine if you don’t have access to a shower. 

 

My time here reinforced how rejuvenated I feel when I get close to nature, how generous people are, how much in common with each other we have despite where we are born and that a mother can share her pride in her sons and grandsons no matter where she is born and another person will feel this love and pride even if they cannot understand a single word being said. 

~ Leeann

   

 

 

 

During our 5-night stay at the Kailash Ashram, I was so blessed to experience Ashram life as well as spend time with the local community.  Beautiful Maja is a local girl from the village out the back of the Ashram.  One afternoon she visited the Ashram to treat some of us ladies to the beautiful traditional art of Mehndi.  I have always loved the intricacy of Mehndi.  It is regularly applied to the bride-to-be in India a day or two before her wedding. 

 

 

Sitting in the outdoor kitchen at the Ashram, it was incredible to watch Maja work free-hand to create these beautiful patterns. We sat in virtual silence interspersed with smiles and giggles, as my Hindi is non-existent.  It was just what I needed at the time, which is one of my learnings from this retreat – you get what you need for your soul (not necessarily what you want or expect). 

 

My design brief to Maja was ‘something very understated and simple’.  Here is the result ???? this must have been what I needed, as I didn’t expect to be so generously decorated.  It continued after these photos to my feet as well!

 

Sometimes you can’t speak the same language, but you don’t need words to share the joy in your heart, the essence of your spirit and your talents.

~Eva

   

 

 

 

Day 10 with teary eyes we departed Kailash to our next adventure. It was a long drive that offered a relaxed way to see the changing countryside, experience the immense skills of our drivers, and transition time as we headed to the ancient city of Udaipur.

 

Arriving there late afternoon we were happy to enjoy the sunset on the rooftop of our hotel restaurant overlooking Picola Lake.

 

Day 11 we woke in Udaipur – the Venice of the East

 

For me, my personal highlight was going to Udaipur. After the simplicity and austerity of our 5 days at the Kailash Ashram arriving in the old town of Udaipur with all its ancient splendour, colour and character was wonderful; from the old brass locks on the doors, to the lakeside view of the floating palace from my hotel window, to the rooftop restaurant where we all sat to watch the sunset, enjoy a drink and share a delicious meal, to yoga alfresco on a neighbouring rooftop the next morning and then the intricate architecture, colours and design of the City palace, it was  all absolutely magical and an experience I won't forget. Udaipur is somewhere I hope to go back to and immerse myself in more.
~ Joanne

 

Day 12 Bye Udaipur, thanks for the hot shower!

Next stop was the Jain Temple at Ranakpur. Leeann described it as the most beautiful temple she has ever seen.

 

Then after lunch we continued to the OM Ashram, Jadan. The epi centre of all things Yoga in Daily Life. There is a lot that can be said for here, so best just come and see it for yourself!

 

Even though building is not yet complete, we were the lucky ones who were accommodated in some of the brand new rooms of the OM Ashram. 

 

Here we followed the ashram routine minus karma yoga. Instead we had tours around to see the systems for self sustainability, gardens, animal sanctuaries, rain water harvesting etc. As it was Diwali holidays the school was closed so we did not see that. 

 

 

 

I know that it’s a cliché, but here goes: India is a country of contrasts. Modern but ancient, wealth and poverty, one but many. It has an intensity of activity that is almost impossible to escape. Constant movement, constant noise. All day. All night. Every. Single. Day.

 

Finding a moment of gentle, quiet reflection is as difficult as it is precious. When the moment presents itself, you take it. You dive in and gently float in the solitude, allowing its warm embrace to support you and fill every part of you so you can face the organised chaos that awaits. For me, one of those moments was at the Jadan ashram when I met Surya Narayan.

 

We are conditioned to fear bulls. We’re told they are unpredictable and aggressive, they attack. However, this beautiful and gentle bull allowed me in – drew me to him. He loves cuddles, licking human hands and snacking on the chapatis that people sneak to him. His story is one of slavery, then rescue. His past is with him, you can sense it, if you want. He is a healer. His grace, peace and gratitude moved me to tears, it still does. 

~ Joel

 

On our last morning Vishwaguruji arrived and we greeted Him at the OM ashram.

We received blessings, a Diwali gift and had a little time to connect. Then Vishwaguruji showed us a stunning temple within the OM Ashram that we had not yet seen. Our photos were too dark so it's another reason you'll have to come and see for yourself!

 

In a blissful state, before we knew it we were on a bus to get the plane home. 

Not goodbye, but see you again sometime … hopefully soon. 

Thanks for reading. Hari OM, Larissa Gita