Oct 16, 2010

Life at the Ashram


A couple of years ago if I had been told about a place in this world where I could find some people who were always happy, some people who haven’t gotten angry for years and some people who work tirelessly expecting no rewards, incentives or recognition, I would not have believed it.

For me, today, this place is a reality near the city of Coimbatore, at the foothills of the Velliangiri Mountains. I am torn between the temptation of wanting to pen down every single experience I have had in this wonderful place, and not doing so in the interest of people who haven’t been there yet.

You see, the first time I went there, I did so with no expectations whatsoever. I did not know what I was to experience at all. I went there neither excited, nor skeptical and made it a point not to form judgments on anything I saw. When a force of great magnitude hits and you least expect it, when you are unprepared, its impact is the hardest. It is only when you let yourself loose and drop all your resistance, that something can truly shake you up.

Maybe this is what worked for me. I was completely bowled over by every sight and smell that met my senses. Sheer tranquility in the midst of intense action… what can I say, except that I was rendered speechless. I always am when I am there. I either want to work till I drop, or sit and stare at the hills forever. I am not myself. I am not anything I have known.

As much as I want to, I think I will refrain from writing about details on the ashram life. I really don’t know how many people would care either way. But for the sake of those who someday hold the possibility of being touched by something profound, I choose to put a stopper on my words. I would like to say this: If you do, by any chance, decide to experience what Isha Yoga is all about, please do so without any research, without any questions. Don’t ask around. Don’t believe what you hear. Experience, first hand. And may that experience live within you forever.

5 comments:

  1. Can you please write about your experiences at Ashram siting some specific happenings that touched you? You are a very good writer.

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  2. Just stumbled upon this post- I'm from Coimbatore and I've been to the ashram a few times- It's an absolutely divine experience!

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  3. @Sruthi: Wow, nice to know you've been there too. Have you done any of the programs?

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  4. Wow :) I stumbled upon your blog and left a comment on a different post. I am a Isha follower too. And been to the ashram for about a week so far :) Cant wait to get back there again.

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    1. Very nice to have met you Archana, it's always great to get to know fellow meditators. The ashram is the best isn't it? I'm always happy to go and sad to come back.

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