Lisa Barnard – The EcoFitChick

Parmarth is where I’m staying here in Rishikesh. As I mentioned in a previous blog this is a holy place and home to many ashrams. This particular ashram is headed by H.H. Pujya Swami Chidanand Saraswatiji Maharaj or Pujya Swamiji for short. Normally ashrams are fairly quiet places where one can go and do service and study all forms of yoga. This week however, hundreds of students, teachers and swamis have gathered from all over the world for the yoga festival.

In the States we’re really only exposed to one form of yoga, asanas or the physical postures. Asana is the most basic — beginner stage — of yoga allowing one to begin understanding how to quiet the mind. Here at the ashram I’ve been exposed to all kinds of breathing, chanting and meditation yogas. The art and science behind yoga is quite old and very detailed. I’m just beginning to grasp even the most basic concepts.

Today, myself and a couple of hundred people participated in the Yoga Aid Challenge in which we did 108 sun salutations in support children around the world. I didn’t have time to sign up for fundraising before I left but check out the web site and if you feel compelled give what you can. A little bit goes a long way in this part of the world.

It’s an incredible experience to be here and listen to swamis who can quote scripture from all religions, economics, poetry, etc. These people are not just mystics but wise sages promoting peace and love through yoga. It’s humbling to be in their presence.

I’m oddly comfortable here though and haven’t experienced any sickness. It’s serendipitous that I decided (prior to deciding to take this trip) to become a vegetarian. I think it’s helped with the transition these past few weeks.

It’s difficult to convey what I’m feeling here; it’s dirty, smelly, polluted, crowded, poor and at the same time happy, vibrant and rich in all things cultural. As Dorothy would say “We’re definitely not in Kansas Toto.”

Om shanti, shanti, shanti

(this is a mantra we sing, loosely translated as one in peace)