Yoga and Meditation

India is rightly called Mother India by its natives. Mother because, it is the land where religion has taught people not only to love the divine but also love thyself. Yoga is an offspring of such school of thought. Havans, Puja is not only what Hinduism is composed of. There is this Yoga and Meditation, which works together to purify the human body.

Meditation is a food for mind and yoga is a food for body. There are basically two main reasons for imbibing yoga and meditation in our life. Purifying our soul to reach the divine! It means it helps us in getting Moksha. It helps in realization of identity with Supreme Being. Salvation can be attained through 8 fold steps. Those are:

1. Disciplined Behavior (Yama)
2. Self Purification (Niyama)
3. Bodily Posture - lotus position (Padmasana)
4. Breath control (pranayama)
5. Sensual control (Pratyahara)
6. Concentration (Dharana)
7. Meditation (Dhyana)
8. Absolute state of tranquility and eternity (Samadhi) 

Though there is no evidence to claim the existence of yoga, but it is believed that it existed during the Indus Valley Civilization. Stone seals at the site of Indus Valley Civilization have been found in which Pashupati, Lord of Animals is carved, sitting in a yogic posture. Patanjali, the author of Yoga- Sutra undertook steps to standardize Yoga.

Yoga can be classified into four stages:

• Vedic
• Pre- classical
• Classical
• Post- classical

Leaving India, without reaching spiritual elevation is missing one of the bliss of India. There are many yoga and meditation centers around the country, which aid people in understanding the various Yoga aasnas.

Feeling the ultimate effect of yoga is not difficult, as every town in India has one or the other yogic centers. The major yoga and meditation destinations are:

Kerela:
Not only is Kerela famous for its breath taking back waters and mystical scenery, there is one more thing which makes it a favorite among tourists. A rejuvenating trip to the world of yoga and meditation is what makes Kerela a perfect destination. Performing Yoga here not only relieves one from stress, but also makes ones body feel balanced. Meditation in midst of these peaceful locations make one feel the divine. According to Hindu scriptures, yoga and meditation are the only means to achieve salvation.

Not only yoga, Kerela is a great center for its stress relieving ayurvedic massage. Kerela ayurvedic spa is famous not only within India but through out the world. After calming ones senses through a nice session of yoga, one can also go for phenomenal experience with a nice ayurvedic body massage.

Some major Yogic centers in Kerela are:

• Neyyar Yoga center,
• Somatheeram Ayurvedic Hospital
• Yoga Center,
• Ideal Yoga Center
• Manaltheeram Yoga Center.

• Pondicherry: The word Yoga is derived from a Sanskrit word meaning 'Union.'  It is the union of mind with the soul and of the soul with the Supreme power. The land of beaches and ardent fun and frolic, Pondicherry has space for those people too, who come to India in search of peace and salvation.

            Pondicherry, the home of the famous saint Agastya, is a rich centre of yoga and  
            spirituality. The importance of Yoga in the normal life of Pondicherry can be seen     
            from the fact that  the Government of Pondicherry holds International Yoga     
            Festivals every year. The festival consists of sessions pertaining to practical Yoga   
            classes and discussions.

Some major Yoga centers in Pondicherry are

• Aurbindo Ashram
• Matri Mandir

Bihar: Another favorite tourist destination for people searching ultimate Yogic experience is Bihar. Bihar has the wonderful Bihar School of Yoga, which is capable of providing in depth knowledge about yoga to its people.

Not only this, Bihar is also home to some major Buddhist pilgrimage destination like Bodh gaya, Sarnath, Khushinagar, which is visited by millions of people every year.

Rishikesh:  Rishikesh, a serene town in the mountains of Uttaranchal is known as the 'yoga capital of the world.' Every year 'yoga week' is celebrated in the lap of this majestic land. People from across the world come here to witness the yoga and meditation at its zenith. Major ashrams in Rishikesh are: Somatheeram Ayurvedic Hospital & Yoga Center, Ideal Yoga Center and Manaltheeram Yoga Center. Many of the ashrams in Rishikesh are top level yogic ashrams of the world.

Beautiful mountains, tranquil river water and enduring mountains give a sense of peace to both the mind and the soul. Thus Rishikesh is a perfect destination to rejuvenate one self.

Goa: Goa is another Yogic center in India, where many resorts provide with 2 to 3 weeks yoga courses. Goa is blessed with some wonderful beaches and undertaking yoga classes on these beaches is definitely thrilling experience. Surrounded by nature and serenity, Goa can provide a deep sense of relaxation to the tired minds. Some resorts like Park Hyatt Resorts and Purple Valley Resort provide its tourist with rejuvenating yoga sessions.