The second week at the Ashram

Second Week at the Ashram: November 21-27, 201

The Bell!

Returning to the ashram after our day off really gave us students a boost of positive energy. There were, however, quite a few people still on the verge of leaving, and several confrontational conversations took place that the director bore the brunt of. After the first week, it became more apparent why people had chosen to come to this ashram. There were those people who simply wanted a certificate to teach, those looking to “find themselves,” and everything in between. One thing I recognized was that those who were happy before the course remained happy, regardless of the various grievances that arose. And those who were unhappy, well, they only seemed to become more miserable by the day.

Thomas Stranner. The happiest man at the Ashram.

It definitely helped me remember that true happiness has to exist within the individual. Our external circumstances are constantly changing; it’s our ability to adapt to and embrace them that determine whether or not we are content enough to enjoy the turbulent ride of life.

Break time with Sinead at the health hut. She is such a bright spirit!

It was ironic to listen to the ashram’s employees discuss topics that highlighted their obvious hypocrisy. They mentioned that a Swami usually has an ego even bigger than a king’s. It’s weird to think that people who have decided to live a life of “renunciation” would possess such a self-serving view of life, comparing themselves to a king who acts as he pleases.

All of the Swamis from the different SIvananda Ashrams located around the world.

The director, his wife and two Swamis.

They also unknowingly demonstrated that those who feel deprived are often unhappy and judgmental, while those who might not consider themselves “spiritual” can still be content with their lives. If you are truly happy with your life, you don’t need anyone else to validate it. And the only message you should preach is one you believe, rather than the one you think people should believe. Life is not about being right; it’s about doing the right thing. And at the end of the day, who can really say what is right and wrong?

The best part of the course started this week, when we were able to teach each other in small groups. Everyone broke into groups of four and we rotated in taking turns teaching. This style of teaching is the most beneficial for me, since I’ve never been able to focus for over an hour, listening to someone else lecture at the front of a class.

The asana class for pregnant women. This was one of the funniest two hour sessions for sure!

Peer teaching allows for discussion, and since our mindsets were a lot more similar, it was much easier to understand each other and communicate efficiently. It also reinforced that you can learn something from everyone in every situation, but only if you are willing to be patient and open-minded.

The philosophy lectures also grew more interesting. They taught us about the philosophy of Sivanada yoga and how it is the “science” to life. They talked about the five points of yoga:

1) Proper exercise (asanas)

2) Proper Breathing (Pranayama)

3) Proper Diet (Vegetarian)

4) Proper Relaxation (Savasana)

5) Positive Thinking and Mediation.

The lectures rarely stayed on topic and often took off in a flight of ideas and very obscure stories were shared.

It’s always interesting to hear what people consider to be the “best” pathway to health, as if everyone can simply follow the same regime. Any time someone tries to tell me that there is one path that is best, it becomes very difficult to listen to what they have to say. I think there are as many paths to happiness as there are individuals in the world. You have to figure out what works for yourself and commit to practicing it.

A morning meditation walk to a temple on a mountain top near by. One time where there was one obvious path to follow to your goal.

So often we end up focusing on a perfect diet or exercise routine, only to be left more unsatisfied than when we started because we could not reach the goals we set. But as soon as you remember that happiness is only achieved with balance, you can identify what your strict lifestyle modification caused you to lose sight of.

In the background the temple and statue located just off shore of Kanyakumari.

Friday, our day off, was amazing. We headed down to Kanyakumari, located on the southernmost tip of India where three bodies of water meet (Arabian ocean, Indian ocean, and The Gulf of Mannar). On the way, we stopped at the Suchindrum Temple, which was built over 1300 years ago. This historical site required all men to remove their shirts before entering and also forbade women from exposing their shoulders.

Definitely one of the most interesting places that I have ever visited!

Once inside, we witnessed hundreds of locals prostrating themselves to ornate forms of Hindu deities. Our tour guide pointed out Kama Sutra carvings on some pillars along one hallway that definitely shocked everyone in our group. After the temple, we traveled right to the southern tip to view sacred temples on an island located just a short boat ride off of the mainland. Near the temple we found a beach to relax on and enjoy some time in the sunshine.

Tracy and Aishwarya posing minutes before the first local came down to use the facilities.

However, it wasn’t very long before we discovered that it was definitely a locals’ beach, as we were the only tourists on site to witness the popular outdoor bathroom. Numerous men walked down to the water to relieve their bowels, and the look on the face of the girls I was with was priceless! I guess there is no need for a porta potty when you don’t require privacy or toilet paper. The culture shock is definitely ongoing in this amazing country.