India - Masala Adventures 007

June 2023 · 7 min read · Uttarakhand

Mystical Escapades in Rishikesh

Picture from one of our excursions to clement town, Dehradun. The location of a beautiful Buddhist Monastery.

Unveiling the Extraordinary at Rishikesh Vinyasa Yoga School

Introduction

In my latest post, "India - Masala Adventures 006," I began to unravel the enchanting journey I embarked on at Rishikesh Vinyasa Yoga School in Uttarakhand, India. Beyond the mere practice of yoga asanas or the esoteric notions that surround it, my experience at the school transported me to a realm that felt unreal, almost fantastical. Set against the backdrop of the majestic Himalayas and intertwined with the presence of swamis, enlightened gurus, and the sacred Ganges river, it seemed as though I had been teleported to a dimension where extraordinary abilities and phenomena, known as "Siddhi," became attainable.

Believing in the potential for human abilities to transcend the boundaries of mainstream narratives, I pondered the existence of precognition, telekinesis, telepathy, clairvoyance, and psychokinesis. Such extraordinary capacities may be within our reach if we remain open to the signs, experiences, and unexplainable occurrences that challenge conventional norms. Ancient practices like qi gong, gong fu, reiki, kundalini, and alchemy find their roots in scientific explanations, especially in the realm of quantum physics. It becomes crucial to question the collective truths that define our reality and embrace the possibility of a greater understanding beyond mass delusions.

Taking a taxi from my house that would cost around INR 6000 or USD 72
Taking a Metro and then a bus, that would cost about INR 320 or USD 3.88

The Yoga School

Faced with a choice between a costly taxi ride or a more economical route, I opted for the latter, embarking on a journey that would lead me to Rishikesh. As I arrived at the ISBT station, I stumbled upon a bookshop nestled within its premises. The title that caught my attention was "Eat That Frog," a guide on overcoming procrastination. Intrigued, I delved into its pages, absorbing its practical wisdom. Taking a bus towards Rishikesh, I still had to reach Lakshman Jhula, a journey that could be shared with fellow travelers to reduce the cost. Negotiating with an auto-rickshaw driver, I made it clear that I would walk instead if sharing the ride was not an option. The transformation in his demeanor, from a smile to seriousness, revealed his understanding of my resolve. Along the way, I encountered fellow yoga aspirants, for Rishikesh, known as the capital of yoga, houses over 400 yoga schools, with courses beginning almost every month. Arriving a day early, I was thrilled to discover that our yoga school was situated in a peaceful corner of Rishikesh. As I settled into my room, an exciting journey with Astanga Vinyasa awaited.

The Opening Ceremony

Gathered alongside @lotuslasse and fellow yogis from the 300hr Yoga batch who had already completed their 200hr course, we formed a unique assembly. Among them, I felt a sense of camaraderie as one of the older participants. Adorned in white attire, we commenced the opening ceremony. Each individual took turns introducing themselves, sharing their motivations for embarking on this transformative path. For me, it was a calling—a profound understanding of when and where I needed to be, paving the way for divine encounters with like-minded souls.

Entrance of a gym in my neighbourhood in Delhi.

Om Chanting

The practice of yoga goes beyond the physical asanas, encompassing the Eight Limbs of Yoga, such as Yama, Niyama, Asana, Pranayama, Pratyahara, Dharana, Dhyana, and Samadhi. Among these, the vibratory aspects of Om chanting and mantras resonated deeply within me, revealing their power in sound healing,

The following images were taken with a heavier camera:

Rishikesh, with its serene and spiritually charged atmosphere, serves as a transformative journey for those undertaking a Yoga Teacher Training. The profound experiences encountered in this sacred place resonate deeply with our empathetic nature, particularly when it comes to animals and their freedom. In Rishikesh, animals roam freely, and witnessing their unburdened existence becomes a powerful reminder of the value of compassion.

Central to the teachings in Rishikesh is the concept of ahimsa, which extends beyond mere non-violence. It encompasses acting with civility and consciousness, recognizing that harm should not be inflicted upon any living being. In Western societies, we often disconnect ourselves from the consequences of our choices, purchasing animal products without acknowledging the suffering behind them. Yet, in 2023, humans can no longer claim to be natural-born killers. Instead, we perpetuate harm indirectly by supporting industries that profit from the exploitation of sentient creatures. Rishikesh urges us to reflect upon this disconnect and encourages a more compassionate way of living.

As we delve deeper into the understanding of ahimsa, we find ourselves contemplating the position of animals and their inherent right to freedom and life. While we may consider ourselves higher on the food chain, it is essential to empathize with their experiences and acknowledge their right to exist. In this regard, Rishikesh inspires us to reevaluate our relationship with the natural world and recognize the inherent value of all life forms. Personally, I find solace in aligning myself with plants, perceiving them as beings of higher consciousness and choosing to nurture my connection with them.

During my time in Rishikesh, I had the opportunity to capture the essence of this transformative journey through street photography. I encountered a random dog, a symbol of loyalty and unconditional love, who roamed freely through the streets, embracing a life unrestrained by human limitations. The sight of a cow, revered as sacred in Indian culture, reminded me of the significance of honoring and respecting all creatures, regardless of their societal standing.

In one poignant moment, I met a group of kids who, despite their modest means, radiated joy and excitement in front of my camera. Their genuine smiles reminded me of the universal language of happiness and the simplicity that brings us all together.

The faces of the random shopkeepers I photographed reflected the resilience and warmth of the people of Rishikesh. Their willingness to share their stories and be captured in frozen moments showcased their trust and openness.

Observing two monkeys caring for one another, I witnessed the instinctual bond that exists in the animal kingdom—a reminder of the innate compassion that lies within us all.

From a talented painter capturing life's essence on a canvas to the dedicated construction workers, each portrait held a story, a glimpse into the diverse tapestry of humanity and the shared experiences that bind us together.

A chance encounter with a random smoker allowed me to reflect on the complexities of human existence and the individual narratives that shape our lives. Through his eyes, I saw a reflection of our collective struggles and desires. It's remarkable how the windows to each of our souls mirror the plenteous ways into which life grows.

Finally, the connection between a younger and older random guy epitomized the passing of wisdom, the intergenerational exchange that lies at the heart of our collective growth and evolution.

These encounters and portraits encapsulate the profound experiences of empathy, compassion, and interconnectedness that Rishikesh evokes. Through street photography, we can capture fragments of lives and stories, creating a visual tapestry that invites us to contemplate our place in the world and embrace a more conscious and compassionate way of being.

Thanks for stopping by

Amitābha

Rane

Graffiti of vanishing Dong Chang 东厂 aka Rane

“Quantum entanglement reveals the mysterious dance of particles, where the threads of existence intertwine, defying time and space. In this cosmic tango, two entities can be connected, not only across vast distances but also across the fabric of time itself, existing simultaneously in the past, present, and future.”