Rishikesh, which is also known as the Yoga Capital of the World, is much more than a place for yoga lovers. Located in the hills of Northern India, this sacred city has much more to teach than how to stand on your head. Although there are numerous yoga classes and ashrams, the spirit of Yoga is very much alive in its simplicity in the everyday experience.
Let me share some insights about the ways Rishikesh shows people the way for leading the yogic life – the way that can help anybody learn how to be happy and find the meaning of life.
1. Simplicity and Minimalism
Life in Rishikesh is far from being complicated. From the simple living of ashram type of rooms to the local food offered, it is a simple living philosophy.
Our 200 Hours yoga teacher training course in rishikesh also teaches people not to overburden themselves with material items but overburden their minds as well. Decluttering your life give you room for serenity and focus. Simplicity is the key to success in every sphere of life starting from cleaning your house to getting rid of unwanted thoughts.
2. The Practice of Mindfulness in Daily Tasks
Yoga and, therefore, mindfulness is the primary focus of the yogic life, and Rishikesh reflects that in its schedule. As seen here, people here perform everything with awareness which includes prayers, cooking, and even ritual activities near the river Ganga.
This practice has the message that mindfulness is not limited to the sessions of meditation or yoga. It is the focus on the present moment activity – drinking tea, going for a walk, or even breathing. If you focus on what you are doing and do it with your full awareness, life seems to have a meaning.
3. Living in Harmony with Nature
Rishikesh is full of natural beauty, so it is always a reminder that we are connected to the earth. Located in the lap of green forests, snow clad mountains and the holy Ganga, the town offers one an opportunity to live in complete sync with nature.
The yogic teachings promote environmental respect and non-harming or non-violence. This can be practicing sustainable living, minimizing the use of resources, or even taking a break to go for a nature walk. According to the author, the physical timing of existence in nature will work out its corresponding inner timing.
4. Selfless Service (Seva)
Seva or service is one of the main principles of yoga and an important aspect of Yogic lifestyle. In Rishikesh, literally each ashram and organization offer the chance of volunteering and doing some work for others, for example cooking for others, washing the dishes or helping in charity.
This practice promotes humility bearing in mind that giving is the greatest way through which people can satisfy their needs. Selflessness makes us go from ‘I’ to ‘us’ so that we feel like we are working towards a common goal.
5. Spiritual Practices Beyond Asanas
This, offered yoga teacher training course, is the gross aspect of yoga, but what the yogis do is much more than the physical postures or the asanas. Rishikesh is more about the techniques of yoga including pranayama, dhyana and the messages from the Gita.
Such practices help in the development of self- awareness, self-discipline and spirituality. They bring back to our memory that yoga is not just the physical exercise but the exercise for the physical, mental and the spiritual self.
Whats the takeaway
What Rishikesh teaches is valid for any stage in life. Regardless of whether you ever come to this holy city, the principles of non-possessiveness, wakefulness, unity, work for welfare and spiritual evolution can be followed in your everyday life.
The yogic lifestyle focuses on the practice of moderation, the appreciation of the moment and the cultivation of a bond with oneself and the environment. That is why the ancient traditions of yogalike all other eastern traditions, demonstrated that everything starts from the inside and then extends to the outside world.
Namaste.