A Journey of Serenity: Reflections on My Retreat in Rishikesh
A week has already passed since my arrival in India, and I've now settled into the rhythm of ashram life with my teacher and the others on the retreat. The journey here was quite the adventure – a five-hour train ride from Delhi to Haridwar with a four course breakfast, followed by a car journey to Rishikesh.
Rishikesh, nestled serenely on the banks of the sacred Ganga, exudes an aura steeped in ancient wisdom. It beckons all who seek solace to embark on a profound journey of self-discovery. I can't help but feel incredibly blessed to be here for the second time, knowing that countless others in this vast country of over a billion people dream of visiting this place.
Our taxi ride to the ashram was a wild ride through the jungle, a true taste of Indian road chaos. However, beneath the apparent chaos, there's an underlying flow. It marked the beginning of our adventure.
At last, we arrived at our home for the next two weeks, Parmarth Niketan. This ashram, located on the banks of the Ganges, lives up to its name, which means "An abode dedicated to the Welfare of all."
Every evening, we join the famous Ganga Aarti, a deeply moving ceremony. The ghats leading to the river are filled with the fragrance of flowers and incense, accompanied by the sounds of sacred chants and songs.
We're here as guests of the ashram's Spiritual Head, Swami Chidanand Saraswati. He's renowned for his remarkable humanitarian work, which includes efforts to clean the Ganges, promote environmental conservation, and provide education and healthcare to underprivileged communities. His unwavering commitment to spirituality and service has touched the lives of countless individuals and the environment they call home.
Being Swamiji's guests and participating in a private audience after the evening aarti was a profound honor. The presence of this spiritual leader will leave a lasting impression on us, and was a profound welcome to the ashram, a truly moving experience.
Respecting local culture and traditions, we took a shopping trip to local stores to purchase traditional Indian clothing for our stay. It was heartwarming to chat with locals who have known my teacher, Michael, for over a decade. Everyone in the area recognises us as part of "Michael's Retreat," making us feel wonderfully welcomed.
For my daily attire, I prefer the kurta, a long tunic suitable for both men and women, often paired with loose trousers. These outfits are not only colorful and elegant but also incredibly comfortable. Our clothing choices align with the aim of respecting the culture and the ashram's guidelines, ensuring we do not appropriate it.
Meditation has been a big feature in our days and I am looking forward to sharing more with you about that in my next blog post.
Stay tuned for my next newsletter, where I'll delve into some common myths about meditation.
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