| Special
Tour
Yoga
& Meditation Tour
Yoga In IndiaAyurveda, Yoga and Tantra are all parts of the ancient
life-disciplines that have been practiced in India for centuries.
They find mention in the scriptures of the Vedas and Upnishads.
Yoga is the the science of the Union with the divine, with Truth;
Tantra is the most direct method of controlling the energy that
creates the ultimate union with truth; and Ayurveda is the science
of life. The purpose of each practice is to help the individual
achieve longevity, rejuvenation and self-realisation. The object
of the practice of Yoga and Tantra is liberation, although only
certain disciplined individuals are able to achieve the ultimate
goals through these practices. If Ayurveda is the science of the
body, Yoga is the science of the body, Yoga is the science of spirit.
They are sister sciences. The practice of Yoga is an important ,
natural, preventive measure to ensure good health. The practice
of an ayurvedic regimen is a precursor to Yoga because it is only
when the body is fit that the individual is ready to study the spiritual
science of Yoga.
The
father of Yoga, Patanjali,described eight areas of Yoga and Yogic
practices as follows; the natural regulation of the nervous system;
discipline; cleansing; postures; concentration; the awakening of
awareness; and state of perfect equilibrium. Yogic exercises have
both preventive and curative value. They bring man to the natural
state of tranquility, which is equilibrium. Yogic practices help
to bring natural order and balance to the neurohormones and the
metabolism and improve the endocrine system and thus fortify one
against stress. Yogic practices for the treatment of stress and
stress-related disorders (such as hypertention, diabities, asthma
and obesity) are remarkably effective.
Employing
Ayurvrdic diagnosis and treatment, yogis deal effectively with these
disorders. Ayurvrda indicates which type of yoga is suitable for
different constitutions.
Considered
a prerequisite for spiritual health, meditation forms part and parcel
of yogic practice. It is known to bring awareness, harmony and natural
order to life. It awakens the intelligence to make life happy, peaceful
and creative intelligence is the benediction of meditation.
Meditation
In IndiaMeditation results in increased relaxation, unlocking the
storehouse of energy within the body. Meditation can be incorporated
into any form of mind training that calms the body, increases awareness
and creates greater focus for any action that is sincere, pure and
heartfelt.
Benefits
of meditation include a greater sense of relaxation in both mind
and body, Greater flexibility of thinking, an ability to meet situations
with freshness and insight. From the standpoint of pure physical
expression, it can help loosen the knots and tensions trapped in
the body disturbing emotions. It can help to change both facial
expression and body posture, thereby softening and strengthening
at the same time. These are some of the possible results, but they
are not the goals. Meditation helps strengthen the positive qualities
of compassion, patience and wisdom and frees us of conflicting emotions
and erroneous beliefs.
There
are many forms of meditations silent sitting, chanting, praying,
and walking meditation, meditation that uses visualization or focus
on objects. Meditation can be found in almost every tradition in
the world if one were to look into their more contemplative practices.
Samadhi
is the state of highest equilibrium during meditation, when the
individual consciousness merges into the cosmic consciousness. All
limitations vanish, the individual consciousness empties itself
and in that emptying process, consciousness expands. Life changes
and daily living becomes a new and fresh experience. Life itself
becomes meditation, for meditation it is not separate from life
but a part of life. Creative intelligence begins to operate in the
body, mind and consciousness and all problems dissolve in this new
expanded awareness However, one should remember that all the beneficial
results of committed and regular practice.
In
the spiritual evolution of a man, Ayurveda is a foundation, Yoga
is the body and Tantra is the head. It is necessary first to understand
Ayurveda in order to experience the practices of Yoga and Tantra.
Thus Ayurveda, Yoga and Tantra form an independent Trinity of life.
None of these practices stand alone. The health of the body, min
and consciousness depends on the knowledge and practice of these
three in daily life.
Trip
to Orissa Tour
Tribals In Orissa, IndiaWelcome to the tribal land of Orissa - The
southwestern part of Orissa contains the largest concentration of
tribal people in the sub continent. There are more than 62 tribal
communities in Orissa. They have retained their tradition in-spite
of the onslaught of the modern civilization. Visit to some of the
tribal villages and participate in their dance and festival. Discover
the original man-nature proximity trekking amid the deep gorges
and rivers or during a ritual tribal dance on a full moon night.
The soft mist, the local-brew and a campfire make a heady mixture
indeed. This is an adventure that offers unique experience, which
the visitor fondly remembers for years to come.
The
antiquity of Orissa is endorsed by her ancient people - They continue
to inhabit their traditional dwelling places in remote areas of
the deep forests and hilly interiors. Steeped in the mystery that
surrounds their ancient ways, the Orissan tribal continue to be
a source of deep interest not only for anthropologists and sociologists
but also for numerous tourists who flock to Orissa in search of
the exotic mystique of this relatively unexplored state. The tribal
economy is by and large based on activities around the jungles.
Hunting and fishing continue to be the main source of livelihood
though some of the larger tribes such as Santals, Mundas, and Gonds
have become agriculturists. The Juang, Bhuyan, Bondo, Saura, and
Dhruba tribes follow the shifting cultivation practice. The Koya
tribals are cattle breeders while the Mahali and Lohara are simple
artisans involved in basket weaving and tool making. The Santal,
Munda and other tribes have now also become involved in the mining
and industrial belt of Orissa. Though their economy is shaky, the
Orissan tribal enjoy a rich and varied cultural heritage, the most
powerful instance of this being in their music and dance, which
are as colorful as they are rhythmical. The cycle of life offers
numerous reasons to celebrate and is done so with vigor and grace
- either in the privacy of family home or as a community activity.
The changing seasons, religious customs, and the traditional rhythms
of superstitious belief are strong incentives for creating a string
of festivals to augment their importance to the tribal. Terrakota
Work in Bhuvaneshwar, Orissa
The
Paraja tribe is primarily located in the Kalahandi and Koraput regions
of Orissa. The language is "Parji". They worship numerous
gods and goddesses who live in the hills and forests. They love
dance and music during weddings.
The
"Soura" tribe is one of the most ancient and they are
known for being marathon walkers, expert hunters and climbers. Personal
hygiene is of intense importance to them.
The
"Bondos" are fiercely independents and aggressive, and
continue to practice the barter system of exchanging produce from
their fields for their daily needs. Bondo women prefer to marry
younger men because they can have someone who will earn for them
in their old age.
The
Kutias are the primitive section of the Kondh tribal community.
Kutias were also quite famous till the recent years for their unique
tradition of 'Maria'(human) sacrifice. Dongria Kondhs, also a primitive
section of the Kondh community are expert horticulturists and maintain
a quite distinct cultural heritage.
Chilika
Lake, OrissaTOUR OPTIONS:
The arrival into India could be Delhi or Chennai or Calcutta and
we could organize either a Golden Triangle Tour of Delhi/Agra/Jaipur
or Calcutta or Chennai in the beginning or end of the Orissa tour.
Bhubaneshwar
is the starting point to travel into the tribal belt of Orissa.
The tour is visiting the various tribal villages like Baliguda,
Rayagada, Jeypore, Taptapani where we see the primitive Kutia Kondh
Tribe, the Dingaria Kondh Tribe, Bonda Tribe Sanaparoja and Mali
Tribes. The tour is meeting and mixing with these tribes and learning
their life-style. The stay during the tribal tour is in lodges and
in basic guesthouses. One should not expect any luxury.
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