Stuck in Limbo

Published by Derek under Personal on January 20, 2009

I wanted to go on a hike tomorrow but apparently there is a very very large pilgrimage going on in Triback.  People are coming from all over Marahastra to celebrate a sage that was buried alive during the 7th century.  Apparently he entered the state of Samadhi and joined with the universal energy and left his body behind.  All that’s good and well, but it’s keeping me from going to town and exploring.

The course is going strong and I’m learning some crazy asanas…

For now there is not much to repoert.  Soon we will do a cleansing technique where we swallow 8 glasses of satly water and then vomit it out.  We did neti yesterday.  Make sure if you try neti to use salt water and never do it during infection.  Both are very important… I thought about you Bonnie when I got these warnings.

Peace and Love

P.S. I’m still working on my head stand…

Nasik, India

Published by Derek under Personal on January 14, 2009

Namaste! India is really another world…

I arrived in Nasik on Monday and headed straight to the Yoga Vidya Dham Office. From there I was bussed directly to the ashram, where I’ve been staying for the last week. When I first stepped out of the train station about five men came over, asking where I was going. I just waited until there was one left and asked him to drive me to College Road.

The ashram is amazing. I am loving the schedule. Four hours a day of asana practice. The rest of the time is chanting, meditation, and lectures. The food at the ashram is a little more simple than most Indian food, but it’s still delicious. I love when they make tomato curry… Bonnie, I’m always thinking of you…

There is an amazing hill that the ashram sits on, and it overlooks the most beautiful landscapes of plateaus and fields of rice. Apparently the 5th most deadly snake in the world can be found here, and they caught one on our third day here.

Today’s my first day back in the city, and it has been quite an experience. I went into Old Nasik and walked around the Godavari River… one of the holiest rivers in India. People were bathing and washing clothes in the river, which was strewn with people and markets. I went into a few temples (taking my shoes off first) and burned incense for Lord Shive. I couldn’t believe the number of people coming and going in the temples. Here are some pictures I found quickly online of where I was.

Next week I’m going to hike to the source of the Godavari and visit one of the 12th most auspicious temples of Shive. I won’t be blogging for at least two weeks. Hari Om!

Peace and Love

Mumbai

Published by Derek under Personal on January 4, 2009

So I’m in India…

I really can’t believe it. Up until I stepped through customs I was scared sh*tless, but once I stepped foot outside the airport I felt like I was on a great adventure.

So far I’ve seen and done so many things. Colaba is a beautiful area, full of touristy cafes and high-end property. The Taj Mahal Hotel was one of my stops while in that area of Mumbai. I also got to see my first Bollywood film: Ghajini. I loved the random music videos in the middle of the film and the intermission period. There was even a part that was taken directly from the movie Amélie.

Overall my experience has been amazing. I can’t begin to describe Mumbai. If you get the chance India is a must stop in life. The people are helpful, and the culture is broad.

I’m leaving tomorrow for Nasik where I’ll start my yoga training. I’m a little nervous about the ashram, but I will be glad to be back into a scheduled routine. Everything here is so outside of my normal way of living that I don’t feel acclimated in any way. So far the food has been amazing, and I’ve not had any problems with sickness.

Peace and Love