Seeing India
Serve, Love and Give.
That’s the yogic way of life that takes Swami Yogamani (above, right) of Manipura Yoga Centre back to the Medical Eye Camp in the heart of rural India each year to help with paediatric treatment and care.
Not only that, she organises and leads a group of like-minded people to join her in volunteering and experiencing life on an ashram as part of the Yoga Ashram Annual Rikhia Retreat.
A life changing adventure that even now, after almost a decade, gives Yogamani the utmost pleasure in sharing.
“I find it immensely rewarding and joyful…inspiring, transformative and healing. Really there are no words, it’s so heart-warming,” she says.
“Our ashrams in India provide an incredible amount of giving on a daily basis in the local community, from feeding of children to providing medicines and health care for the elderly and widows, and the list goes on. This is the yoga that is practiced there.”
Many different components of traditional yoga are also practiced including Bhaki Yoga, Nada Yoga, Satsanga and meditation.
The eye camp itself focuses on cataracts and blindness in children and medication, glasses and surgeries are offered, providing a sighted future that might otherwise be unavailable.
Yogamani hopes that this experience is transformative, “an opportunity for people to step outside of their own lives and refine all that they are doing on their return.”
“Their perspective and appreciation of their life, as they know it is going to change. For each person the outcome varies, all in an extremely positive way.”
For such a trip (two weeks in all, with one week at the ashram) preparation is key. “We take time getting together with the group, educating them around many different aspects [of the trip], any possibilities that may arise, appropriateness, ethics, customs, culture, food, safety and how to prepare physically, mentally and emotionally, “ says Yogamani.
She suggests before committing to the trip that people should ask themselves why they want to do it and what their intention is, as well as being open to adapting and adjusting as they go.
Basically, she says, “never expect anything!”
So what entices anyone to sign up for humanitarian volunteering in an ashram environment? Yogamani has noticed that many people have had a yoga and meditation, or seva inspired trip on their bucket list but not known where to start. This, she says, with a sparkle in her eye is where she comes in.
“Many are students, or perhaps their family or friends, so they already know who I am. The fact that I have experiential wisdom means they can relax and enjoy the trip. They like the support and level of care and safety and I’ve found that they don’t want a big impersonal group. They want an authentic experience but also to travel in comfort.”
Yogamani speaks of India as her second home and recalls what struck her the most during her first visit. “The people! It’s such a vibrant country and the people are so kind, generous and caring. I took away the warmest heart and have truly made some lifelong relationships.”
She hopes that others find the same love and in turn, with love, give to others.
“In my training and experience it is all yoga and union; union with the divine, with others, with self.”
– Jane
– Copy photos supplied by Yogamani
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Thanks for sharing your India with us, Yogamani. Wishing you a safe and happy trip this year.
If you’re feeling the call of India (and who isn’t feeling inspired now!) then Yogamani’s retreat (28 August – 10 September) still has a few places left but bookings close next week. Quick, take a look here!
And, the following day (!) Yogamani leads the Himalayan Adventure – Yoga + Meditation Retreat that covers Delhi, Amritsar, Himalaya, Kangra Valley, Himanchal Pradesh and New Delhi over two weeks. You can see what’s on offer and how to book here.
Connect with the lovely Yogamani on the Manipura website and Facebook:
http://www.manipurayogacentre.co.nz/wordpress/
https://www.facebook.com/mycyoga
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© The Yoga Connection 2015