Beatles, Dengue Fever and the 102-year-old Yogi
November 9th 2007 01:32
Hannuman Watches over the Ashram in Rishikesh
I pessimistically wondered if I would posses a type of hippy mind, too erratic to be silenced by my own will, too chaotic for tranquility. I was prepared to give peace a chance and however spectacularly I failed it would improve my health through enforced abstinence. One of the fortunate charms of Rishekesh, for the weak willed, is that it is impossible to buy meat or alcohol, in the city (although every second man in an orange sari asks you if you want hash or marihuana).
Alicia and I had intended to head straight to an ashram upon arrival, but after the harrowing ordeal on a slow choking bus all night, at 4am we sought the closest and cheapest hotel we could find. The place turned out to be exceptionally cheap, clean and comfortable and perched high above the sacred Ganges River. We checked out the Ashram the following morning, and found out courses would begin in a couple of days.
Perfect, I thought.
India has a habit of suprising, and when unprepared India will cough up something a little unpredictable to catch you unawares. For us it entailed an unpleasant few days bedridden with Dengue fever. At least that is what I assumed it was, as I had the exact symptoms described in that most infallible of medical textbooks, the Lonely Planet. Transmitted by mosquitos it is ubiquitous throughout the Subcontinent. It is highly communicable, however the first time it is contracted you are relatively safe. It is the second and third time that sometimes prove fatal.
After recovering from the effects of this unpleasant fever we moved into the ashram a few days later, looking forward to meeting the legendary Guru in residence there; he is 102 years old and sleeps only 4 hours a night! Impressive. Access to the venerable man was by appointment only, and I felt Alicia and I should settle in to the place and think of some profound questions before tapping this ancient source of wisdom for inspiration. In the meantime there was Swamiji, a charismatic man who conducted lectures and morning meditation sessions.
Wash in the Ganges and be cleansed of Sin
Between the 7am 1-hour of silent contemplation and the 10:30 philosophical discourse, there were two hours of Hatha Yoga. This left a small window of breakfast and ablutions opportunity, which would take some adapting too on my part. . .
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Comment by Lilla
From The Home Front
Enviro Warrior
Dream Herald
Esoteric Bookshop
SO reminiscent of my journeys and stay in India. I was lucky to live there for three years and travelled extensively during my stay.
*lol* for me it was Delhi Belly of the worst kind halfway up the Himalayas... I'm sure I left some of my stomach there!
I know this Ashram as I passed through and I would love to hear more of what you learned there... would love to know if you were successful in stilling your 'hippy mind?'
Enjoyed the read, thanks for sharing...
Lilla ...