100% India - The Holy S*** Adventure

Living in India for 4 weeks brought me closer to the "culture" (and I mean here that culture which can be found for example in yoghurts). As a higher level of fusion I dared to wash my teeth with tap water, eat out in a few restaurants drinking even not boiled drinks! On the top of that when I was looking around, finding my way home, accidently stepped directly into the middle of a freshly made, cosy, warm cow poop with my open-air sandals. My first thought was "Holy sh*t!", and then I realized the meaning of this expression. Hhhhha, another thing invented by indians!

I jumped straight home on one leg, and the sandals are in quarantine - been blessed by holy cows shit, it

must worth a fortune - will be sold in a charity auction. Lol

Based on my little adventure I tried to find out the ideal indian street outfit based on the following rules: Shoulders, knees covered, feet protected. Flies can be annoying, and also sun may burn the skin. So the winner clothe is:

Further advantages: no need for makeup, the outfit perfectly represents our cast or existency (cause who on earth could afford this expensive dress).

The best deal, don't miss it: Buy 10, get a pet outfit for free!

Patrapinda Sveda massage

Moving on the next type of massage from the "menu" one grabbed my attention, it is called: Patrapinda Sveda. An  hour long hot oil therapy executed by 2 masseaurs. Price in India 800 INR. Just to compare with European prices, in Latvia the same would cost 57 EURs. The procedure stands for 2 parts: 30 minutes average back massage, 30 minutes hot oil massage with herb (Nirgudi) filled bags. I think the order makes sense as it takes time to heat the oil. To avoid the sudden heat-shock on the skin, the masseaur gently introduces it by touching the hot oil, then the skin, so the hot oil therapy can be executed with this bag. So at the end, the last 3 rounds are extremely hot, because the oil is constantly being heated. I went back to the same place for a simple back massage, but all my grave for massage is gone. :-)

Actually this oil thing has lots of benefits, and you can find more details here:  http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3296342/

Good for the muscles, releases the back, decreases the symptoms of stress.

I adore 2 things in India:
Back massage includes head, neck and bottom too.
30 minutes means 40 pleasure.

Oh before I forgot: while I was waiting for my appointment, something dragged my shirt - a white rat! I would expect more a cow rather than a rat in a closed beauty clinique in India. Haahha, but that was fun, this rat was so cute as the cats at home. It definitely made my day. :-)

Kajal - the ultimate hindi eyeliner

Do you envy hindi women for their beautiful eyes? Here comes their secret! Kajal. Name of the cone shaped local eyeliner made from herbs and natural oils.

In India it is available on every corner.

Suprisingly easy to use, no need for sharpener (as it works as lipstick, you shape while using it), waterproof. I gave a try and like it!

Postage costs

Postage cost for an average postcard:

• Domestic, within Hungary.......................110 HUF (~ 0,51 USD)
• From Hungary to India...........................270 HUF (~ 1,27 USD)

And here comes the interesting part:

• From India to Hungary (the same postcard)....15 Rupees (~ 0,24 USD)

Almost 5 times cheaper than the other way.

Same from UK:

• Domestic...........................................60 p
• UK to India.........................................88 p
• India to UK 15 Rupees...........................~15 p 

Almost 6 times cheaper than the opposite way.

करवा चौथ (Karva Chauth) - Fasting for husbands

Yesterday was the 4th day of Full Moon, the day when wives can prove their love to their husbands. I would say this is an alternative Valentine's day, but here only women work for it. Their sacrifise is a fast, but lasts only one day, so it's OK. The first moment when these pretty wives may it is at moon rise, when they first see the moon then their husbands and eat together.

As most of the indian holidays, this one is also diversed by regions, and celebreated mainly on the north. Some places only married women, but other regions all women fast on this day. Singles do it for their future husbands.

I think it's a cute and nice ritual, which reminds me to the Stepford Wives movie, messaging: if you look attractive (in this case with fasting), then your husband will appreciate you.

There are many stories behind this holiday, and one of them is about Karwa, a woman, who so much loved her husband, that on one unfortunate day, he was eaten up by a crocodile while having a bath in a river - she ran to Yama, god of death praying for the husband's resuscitation. As Yama never says no to devoted wives, he gave not only the life back to the guy, but also immortality and health to both of them. Happy ending, isn't it?

Karwa also means "pot", so that's the symbol of this holiday.

As the picture says: Sending you my warm dwishes. Hahahaha

Trāṭaka - The Practice of Still Gaze (part two)

Continuing part one, the previous post.

About 50 pupils gathered around a candle. 3 ohm chanting opened the ritual, then we focused 20 minutes long into the light of the candle. It's actually not that bad as it sounds. As far as I can recall, I didn't have the need to blink, as it was dark around the tiny, candle. The whole hall became silent, and calm. Each of us were deep into our inner world, gazing the dancing, soft, shiny, happy independend light. I was a bit concerned that I won't be able to vanish the memory of the candle from my eyes, but fortunately it didn't have to. When I closed my eyes, I could see nothing, just the pure, calming darkness. The voice of the insturcor sneaked into my chilling thoughts: "Imagine, you are walking in the Himalayas early in the morning, when the sun just rising. Imagine that you look around and life is just about to start for the day, and you are there to see it from the very beginning. Look at the dew on the grass. Take a deep breathe. Feel that your mostly beloved is standing on your side. You can feel his palm on your forehead." This story was so relaxing, I felt thankful and touched so much that my eyes were almost in tears. 

After this excercise we closed our eyes, sat up, covered our eyes with our hands, and opened them into our palms, saw the darkness. After a few breathes we were totally relaxed and could continue our day. However this relaxation rejuvinated each of us. So thank you Deepa (our beautiful instructor), Namaste (meaning: I can see the God in you/have a good day.)

Trāṭaka - The Practice of Still Gaze (part one)

Every weekend is a surprise. Saturday is working day in India, so we get up the same time as weekdays, 6 am. Do the same asanas according to the past 5 days, and then the program changes. We have schedules for 

some excercises, but we find out in the last moment what it is actually going to be. These can be chanting new mantras, or Ohm for 20 minutes altogether, watching movie, documentaries, or even higher level meditations. This time we had the opportunity to take part in a Hatha yoga meditation called: trāṭaka. Trāṭaka is a meditation practice and also good for the eyes.

Theory: As the restless eye eagers to scan as much as it can, the mind also tries to process unlimited amount of thoughts. Focusing on one fixed point (in our case, the light of a candle) helps focusing the mind. Here comes the ājňā chackra, located between our 2 eyebrowls, but as it doesn't make any sense to me (yet) it is better if I just stop bullshiting about it. :-)

As a first step we focus on a fixed point (like a light of a candle), our eyes stay in the same relaxing position, and when it starts watering, you can blink. This excercise is to empty our mind, enjoy the luxorious moment of thinking of nothing.

As the second step we close our eyes, try to memorise the shape of the light. Beginners may see the real copy of the light, but advanced can recall from their memory so it lasts longer.

The actual practice is explained in the next post.

  

Chanting mantras

The morning begins at 7am with mantra chanting. Short, easy little songs in sanscrit, praying for different gods and goddesses. I sing it as I did in the kindergarten, when I had absolutely no idea what I was actually chanting, but I did, because I had to. Sitting in the right position, back straight, spine relaxed. If you are a guy, and follow this instruction, you can easly become a Back Straight Boy. :-)

I like their way of thinking about the mantras, they don't mean literally the stories. This is also convenient for atheists. Thanks God! :-D. Each god is a manifestation of our powers. Agreed symbols, to make the communication easier.

Our first mantra in the training is about lord Ganesha, son of Shiva and Parvati, who is able to remove our obstacles in order to reach our aims. The chart below explains the symbol in detail.

Story of the name of the country

Once upon a time (exactly b.c. 3300), there was a country named Bharat. This coutry is still known by locals as Bharat, but for the rest of the world it is India. At that ancient time, there was a commercial centre in  Sindhu Valley Civilisation obviously, in the valley of Sindhu. There was also a river called the same, but also known as Indu. The main customers, arabic and afgan people, called this region after the river Indu, and assumed that the rest of the area has the same name. Due to them, this alternative name flew around the world, so today everyone calls the country India except for locals, who remained at the original version.

Brief summary:

Bharat --> Sindhu --> Inda --> India

Briefer summary:

Bharat --> wedontcareaboutthe real name of your country --> India.

The funny part is, that this ancient region now belongs to Pakistan.

Desert Island

Here you can miss a lot of things. Alkohol, tobacco, meat. It is easy to give up smoking as you are in a different world, storing up your daily routine without your bad habbits, so when you live your new life back home, you can easily continue your new, well thought routine.

I'm sure you have wondered what would be the only thing, which you would bring to a desert island. So did I.

During  meditation, I had a strong need for something, but couldn't figure out at the first time what it was. But  it was for sure, a lack of something. Let me see: food? nope. Home? no. Did I forget to lock the door and turn off the gas? no, definitely not (I'm kidding here, there is no electricity or gas in our room). Then what? I sinked deeper into my needs, seeking the message from my body. When I opened my eyes and I saw the people around me, I realized that I haven't been touched, hugged for a while and for sure I have to get used to this until the end of my trip. 

But when I listed my possible needs, my heart beated for only one word: kiss. This is what I really miss.

How funny wish from a material girl, ha?

Ayurvedic massage (part two)

... continued from the previous post.

Afterwards I turned on my belly and finally my back was the next subject. Also I could imagine this type of massage only in my dreams. So an other dream came true in India. Priceless.

The only disappointment was more funny than shocking was the finishing (no, not happy ending); one of them pushed me on my sholder with one finger, like I was dead or something, then asked to take a shower. When I looked down from the massage bed (which looked awesome btw), I found a pair of flip-flops prepared specially for me. I guess it wasn't a 100% antibacterial one but going bare feet to the bathroom - not an option.

In there, a bucket of water waited for me, and just to facilitate my "shower", they also prepared a little plastic jug, body powder (soap), and something which looked like marmalade - shampoo - for me. 

It actually has benefits; I wasted less water than real shower, so it was a good experience. But afterwards I went straight to my own bathroom and had my own shower.

It was an amazing experience for 500 rupees, it is recommended to try at least once.

Ayurvedic massage (part one)

Two beautiful local women welcomed me with simle. Like twins, their outfit was exactly the same, I knew straight away, both of them will work on my muscles all around the body. Surprise surprise!

As they spoke only few words in english, I tried to initiate, so I took my top off, I made them emberrassed, so I asked, shell I take off my leggings too. The answer was yes. OK, I took it off. I was standing there in my bra and pants. Soo, what's next - I aked them only with my look in my eyes? They confirmed that I have to get rid of that, and also my pants. At that point, both of them giggled, cause I was soo not caring, I wouldn't even mind if I was seen by others. But in this culture, this is something very embearassing.

The massage started in a seating position, I closed my eyes and sinked into my relax-world. Then two soft palms adjusted my head to a cosy place – on someone's belly. At this point I smiled secretly, within myself, thinking; „I’m in a different culture, far from home, whatever it takes I’ll enjoy this massage”. So the two palms started to massage my scalp. Nice, strong and professional movement, so I was in good hands! I felt happy that it is going to last an hour long. She continued on my neck, back and face. Awesome touch, massaging out all the stress I stocked up. Then I was kindly asked to jump on the bed. Hip height, no stairs, so I just jumped just like in the swimming pool, out of the water. Giggling again. Aren’t they sweet? It strenghtened the harmony between 3 of us. I was lying on my back, totally naked. One of them stood at my head, worked on my chest, the other started with my feet. I was soaking in massive quantity of oil. Then suddenly I have noticed a big sigh, then 2 knees around my head. She climed on the bed, to reach more! My Mona Lisa smile appeared again on my face; „whatever it takes…” . then they stood on my both sides, simmetrically, and put all their efforts to do their best, massaged all over my legs, my arms, as they were only one person with 4 hands. They worked with their heart I got 200% full attention. This is what i experienced hardly ever in my life.

(contd in the next post)

OHM - Indian style

The original ohm stands for 3 core sounds and an extra - the silence at the end.
A - the beginner, shortest sound
U - the second, longer sound
M - third, longest one...

But here as I experience, there is a 4th sound added, which is.

Ooooooo - (cows from the street)

So altogether would sound as: Oooohhhhmmmmmoooooooooo

First day in the training

I was excited about my first day, cause I had almost no expectations. Never attended to any simlar courses. 

Wake up at 6 am, herbal tea, and the first excercise: Nasal irrigating. Ooooh, my gooodnesss! No way I'm blowing my nose to the air in front of the other 49 students. This is total loss of my feminity. 

Warm and salty water poured to a plastic container, designed for this excercise. Lifting my head one side, then pouring water to the upper nose hole is a shocking experience (for me). As we have a hole in our upper nose bone, water can move from one side to the other and it can come out from the opposite nose hole. 20 strong exhaling cleans out the hole (= snot is in the air!) We did this excercise in the garden.
Then finally the class started my favourite part is sleeping meditating, then breakfast, philosophy, lunch, freetime then evening class. 

The Journey

The trip last only 20 hours from door to door (from Budapest to Rishikesh through Doha and Delhi). My secret wish was to travel with Qatar Airways, which finally became true. I had a great flight with them, I recommend it to everyone.

Whoever says you got to know indian culture through driving, indeed, this is totally correct. Driving in Rome is disaster, but only in European level. You risk your car, not your life. But here... complete heart attack! unbelievable how they blow their horn all the time. It took us 8 hours to get to Rishikesh by car, and during that drive I have witnessed a fully packed 6 persons car (literally, 30 people fit there), trucks, buses driving crazy, and of course cows. The interesting thing is that I didn't see any dead animals on the road and no accidents!, which is unreal comparing to Europe. Is it possible that there is a system in that caos and they drive gently?

I didn't see any guardrails on the mountain roads, however we have crossed 3 streams, 100% dangerous. In Europe the police officer would swallow his whistle! Seriously. There are no rules here! For the first seeing it was shocking, but on the other hand, it overwrites all my expectations for rules in general. 

So, finally we arrived and checked in to our room, which is the best room in the ashram. I love it. And going to stay here for 3months. Wooohoooo!

The Purpose

Dear Reader,

Thanks for following up on my blog, I hope you will find it entertaining, cause that is the reason I'm sharing my experience.

My name is Emilia, 31 years old girl from Hungary. In the last 3 years I have spent amazing 3 years in Ireland, made lots of friends, but I had to go. At this stage of my life I'm between finishing school, starting my carreer, but also before settling down. So why not doing something totally insane, like going to india to complete a 500 hours yoga teachers training course in an authentic area, braking my finance carreer?

To be honest finance is not me. Unfortunately I felt frustrated because of the lack of opportunities, and wanted to do something great, I was graving for success. As a very social person I gave myself an other chance to build up my own business as a yoga teacher. See what happens.

About me and yoga:

I'm a sceptic woman, doubting whatever I can, so I came to India to discover their belief because I can see: yoga works! I just have to know why!

I have attended to some yoga classes on and off, but my last experience was the one that convinced me about making a serious thought to follow her practice. When I first entered Barbara's course I was already amazed about the environment and her shining, balanced personality, which made me felt so cosy that I never wanted to go home. On her classes she took care of each of the students, created the perfect harmony, and reduced all the stress we brought in from work - just like that! So this is how I took the courage to change my life.

Many people believe that yoga helped them in their lives, however I believe it is only you who can help yourself. Yoga and the meditation can only show you an exapmle, but if you don't make your effort phisically and mentally, then do not expect any change in your life.

I'm here in India to find out the reality behind the yoga practice and meditation to be able to share it with you all.

Enjoy the journey!