LIVING
YOGA
AUTUMN 2005 – A Journey to India!
The Long Awaited Trip to India
October 21 till November 14, 2004
The sights, the sounds and smells
can never be described adequately by mere words alone. We saw some of the
wonders of the India; the beautiful beaches of Goa and its rejuvenating
Ayurvedic massage Centre, the supreme majesty of the Taj Mahal, the opulence of
the Lake Palace, the spirituality of Haridwar’s evening prayer ceremony on the
Ganges, the overwhelming smile of a young boy on the road from Udaipur. When you
have tried to describe the enchantment of these places to others I’m sure that
it feels as if you are trying to talk in Hindi!
Where do you begin … where do you end?! Even on this cold winter's morning that I write this, I can feel the warmth of the memories of the trip. We were merely transparent visitors on the rich tapestry of India that we so briefly experienced and loved. It was made even more special by the fact that we were such an amazing group. Our high spirits blended seamlessly into our fantastic Indian odyssey.
For each of us on the tour there are many cherished memories and this tour diary contains only a few but they are immensely important to us and it is wonderful we can share them with each other once again. Thank you for joining us on the tour – We feel blessed for your company. It is something we will never ever forget. Love Swami & Sanjay.
By Kim Ammerlahn
A mystical and ancient land, overflowing with unspeakable sights, sounds, smells, flavours and sensations. She is ” an assault on the senses”, the powerful and emotional experience when you first set foot on Indian soil. From me, it was an overwhelming feeling of” coming home.” the heat, the dust and the foreign, unusual landscapes hit you like a wild sensational dream. Only the stream is real.
Mumbai revealed an array of amazing contrasts. Wealth, poverty, beggars, tuk tuks, traffic, people and stores abound. “Holy Cow!” There is no shortage of the aforementioned sacred piece in the city streets incidentally. Traffic flow is in a constant dance with death but the ease with which it all flows is astounding.
Moving south to Goa and a week of pampering awaited. Massage, yoga, pure vegetarian feasts and meditation were the order of the day. Beach markets and tropical terrain were mesmerising. The Indian people are ”rich in head and heart.” They are kind and sincere and embrace faith and spirituality wholeheartedly.
Heading north to Udaipur, we were greeted by the sheer elegance and opulence of the Hilltop Palace Hotel. Magnificent views and wondrous sights unfolded before our eyes. Colour is paramount. A kaleidoscope of rich coloured saris, shimmering and glistening in the hot, Indian sun. After sundown and dinner, we found ourselves chatting on the rooftop. Soft music was playing. There was a cool breeze, magical lights – what a truly beautiful city.! The Lake Palace provided more dreamlike luxury the following evening.
Heading further north to Jodhpur we began to experience more and more of the spirituality that is India. The real India. I must congratulate Swami on a choice of tour destinations. The perfect mix of realism, spirituality and luxury was achieved. India truly is a multifaceted jewel. Over to Jaipur, we visited the famed ”Pink City of India” with its glorious temples and magnificent elephants, snake charmer,s market stalls and a variety of wildlife.
The trip across the countryside to witness the
mighty Taj Mahal was an unparalleled experience. I will remember these images for
the rest of my life. The Taj Mahal, an exquisite monument to love literally
took my breath
away.
Without a doubt the most breathtaking man-made object that I have witnessed.
Onto Agra and a visit to Lord Krishna ‘s birthplace which becomes another of the
countless highlights on this wild Indian adventure.
Rishikesh was flush with a myriad spiritual ceremonies, beautiful song, dance and drumbeats. The “Arti” – Sacred Fire Ceremony on the banks of the Ganges was a surreal and enriching experience. The foothills of the Himalayas provided us with cool, crisp, clean air and a strong desire to return one-day. Even amongst the poor, I observed the people taking such pride in themselves, their appearance and in their immediate surroundings. Clothes were clean and colourful and wares were displayed meticulously. There was such symmetry an organisation among such chaos and disorder. Magnificent splashes of colour and perfectly arranged goods abounded. Incense, foodstuffs, fruits and spices were like little jewels in the desert, very appealing and alluring to the buyers. Forever etched in my mind are the Indian music, prayer songs and cool breezes emanating from the gushing Ganges. I feel honoured to have meditated in the Hindus' most holy and sacred location.
Every Indian destination held a lesson. Around every corner – a magical surprise. This spiritual journey enabled us to set our spirits free and to soar. Mother India, I marvel at her wonder. Her many contrasts, the mountains, jungles, seas, rivers, lakes, fields and cities. What a magical, mystical, powerful, emotional, spiritual and magnificent adventure, this vast and great land they call India. The glorious changes that India has brought to my life are rippling outwards to loved ones also and we are all enjoying a fresh and humble new outlook on life. Thank you so much, Swami and Sanjay.
MumbaiBy Amrit
After clearing customs we proceeded to a waiting bus and set off on a tour of Mumbai. Our travel hostess was Mala and we learned and saw a lot in one afternoon, thanks to her knowledge. Mumbai has been formed from seven islands and has many beaches. Its population of 14 million people makes it the biggest city on earth. Among the places we visited were the Jain Temple, the Hanging Gardens, the Towers of Silence and the Ghandi Museum. The Jain Temple, one of the richest in the country, built of white marble is elaborately painted and decorated.
The Hanging Gardens are so called because they are built on top of the huge concrete reservoir that stores Mumbai's domestic water. As we admired these gardens, Mala drew our attention to large birds circling nearby. These birds were above the Towers of Silence, large, open towers in which the Parsis place their dead. At the Ghandi Museum we saw how simply Ghandi had lived in his later years as everything remained exactly as he had left it.
Mumbai
is a fascinating blend of beautiful beaches, colour and wonderful old
buildings. I would love to revisit it some day.
By Carol Stuart
One of the many highlights of our trip was our six-day experience at the Ayurvedic Natural Health Centre. It was a unique combination of tradition and health with the beauty and vibrancy of Goa.
After our daily Yoga on the beach, we left our idyllic accommodation and travelled through the lush green scenic countryside for our fantastic Ayurvedic treatments that were both deeply nourishing and relaxing. The centre has more than 40 dedicated professionals including a team of qualified Ayurvedic physicians, yoga teachers and dieticians serving the needs of mankind through massage and traditional herbal treatments. In the afternoon we visited many of the sights of Goa – the beach markets, the spice plantation, the beautiful coast, the historical churches. The very definition of heaven!
AHNC is the only Ayurvedic centre recognised and recommended by the Ministry of Tourism, Goa. Its aim is to promote the harmony between nature and man by striking the correct balance between the body, mind and soul; to provide cures and comfort to ailing individuals through Ayurvedic and natural systems.
The pampering comprised of traditional Ayurvedic treatments, along with yogic exercises, a balanced (Ayurvedic) diet and individual health counselling which included a complete health profile. It was tailor-made to meet the specific health needs of each person. We’ve found that our bodies were truly purified and energised. The exclusive program was based on the Vedic sciences which are 5000 years old and oriented towards strengthening the immune system and preventing disease.
According to Ayurveda there are certain constitutional types. I found it fascinating to discover my constitution. By knowing this, food habits and common health pitfalls become apparent. It helps to maintain a balance between you and nature and help you adopt a lifestyle that will work for you for life. I found it changed my life!
A few examples of the treatments at AHNC were:
This part of the trip was lots of fun, as well
as being very informative. There was a lovely rooftop restaurant where we
enjoyed our food and were able to experience improved health through our Ayurvedic preparations.
It was a wonderful way to begin our trip so we are all felt relaxed and ready for the rest of India. An unbelievable experience to say the least.
By Clare Read
Two and a half hours by air-conditioned coach from Udaipur we stopped to view the magnificent marble Jain Temple which is famous for having 49 columns, all intricately carved with not one being the same as another. The Jains are a rather extreme sect of Hinduism. There are two branches of this sect. The first believes that all bodily hair must be physically pulled out and they wear no clothes. To our relief, the group in this temple had full heads of hair and wore voluminous yellow robes. All sects of Jainism are against killing anything including micro organisms, so they eat nothing that does not grow aboveground and, of course, no meat or fish.
We were approached by a handsome man with large brown eyes ringed with white, a full head of hair and a magnificent Maharana beard parted in the centre and sweeping upwards. He was dressed in the yellow robes of his kind and approached us saying that he was attracted by our aura of friendliness and co-operation. He introduced himself as the High Priest of this temple. I saw in him a resemblance to the Maharana whom I had seen on a television programme on India that Swami had rung me and advised me to watch before our departure. (I wouldn’t be surprised if they were related, the Brahmin or priestly class being the upper echelon of Indian society.)
When he found out that our Swami
was a Sarasvati, he bowed to us and called us his brothers and sisters and took
us into an alcove which contained the statue of a God. We were asked to face
this and him as he sat in front of us and we seated ourselves in meditation
pose. He then sang a meditation which seemed to be full of familiar words,
presumably in Sanskrit. He counselled and chanted in this language interspersed
with English which he spoke fluently and his words resonated in that small
chamber. We were all very moved by this experience and not a few of us
surreptitiously wiped tears from our faces. Every now and again, he would
produce, as if by magic, something from within his robes – a little pot with
saffron into which he dipped a finger and blessed us all by putting a yellow
(for wisdom and knowledge) spot on our third eye. Then he produced a red armlet
set with 20 pearls and a sort of knot on the top. This he tied on Swami’s wrist
and it seemed to symbolize perfectly Swami and her 20 disciples. He told us that
there are only 47 women and 40 men in the world of Swami’s spiritual development
and we all felt proud to be associated with her. He was saddened by the state
of the world, he counselled us on how to stay sane and healthy .He gave us all
the gift of a blue diamond screen to keep us from harm. He wished several of us
longevity, prosperity and good health. Then he asked us to pray for him because
his energy was sometimes depleted by the giving of blessings to so many. I heard
a guide say that 7000 people a day come th
rough
this temple which is in the middle of nowhere.
He is always to be remembered for his famous advice on how to stay healthy.
“You take the thumb and hold it with the two fingers of your other hand on the 47th vein and hold it for five minutes.” We all nodded sagely deciding to do this every day. Then he went on, “And then you take this finger and hold it for five minutes and then this finger and then this finger” and so on till all 10 fingers were covered. That means 50 minutes a day holding one’s fingers. I have to agree that anyone who sits still for 50 minutes a day holding his or her fingers would probably be totally free from stress and its related illnesses. We are all resolved to give it a try.
By Kerry Pope
Our first experience was of a craft market held
on a hot, steamy Wednesday. Our group attended in the morning. We were given
precise instructions on bargaining prices which, to a novice like myself, were
impossible to follow when faced with the wealth of experience of the
stallholders. There was a feast of colourful goods displayed on racks, benches
or on the ground. We were ready targets for pleas from beckoning and
convincing Indian ladies who were all positive that we would never find a better
display of tempting goods than they had at their particular stall. How could
anyone resist
such
an invitation? On arrival it had not seemed to be a large market but it
certainly had a wide variety of goods.
The second place was considerably larger and seemed to be the shopping place for locals rather than just a craft market. There were the usual clothing shops, craft stalls, fruit and vegetables, and live produce such as chickens that were definitely feeling the heat as much as we were. Again we found ourselves guided through the crowded streets by some very convincing stall holders to see their displays too. It didn't take long to realise that this was as much a part of the play of market day as the game of bargaining! This latter was not only sport but the most delightful way of communicating with the Indian people.
By Linda McPeake.
Waking up in the hotel was beautiful. I
started to feel like an Indian princess. The hotel was absolutely amazing, even
regal!An awesome Buddha in the foyer, stunning marble and even the bedroom
had a hanging chaise lounge hanging from the ceiling! The contrasts of accommodation are
so vast in India. It was great to have the full range – from simplicity to
luxury. We went off for a full day city tour. The palace was incredible, full
of tiny halls. This king had 365 wives, so you can just imagine how big this
palace was and that was just the wives, let alone the concubines! (I can feel
all my male friends’ minds reeling). It was like a mini city. This was
definitely one of my favourite palaces - it was so stunning. The view was
incredible as it was high up on a hill. We continued our tour through the
streets (always an experience), went to Vishnu’s temple and did some shopping.
Night fall was approaching and another highlight was about to happen . . .
dinner at the floating palace. Udaipur has several "floating palaces", though
they don't seem to be floating too well as the area has had a serious drought
for 8 years. Grass and cows had replaced what used to be the lake. However the
palace which we visited was still surrounded by water. So we put our glad rags
on and set off for some serious indulgence. At the edge of the lake we climbed
aboard a little boat which took us to the floating palace.
The palace was the most amazing yet, 6 star? It sure felt like it. We arrived to the typical Indian band of 4 men sitting in the courtyard playing music and singing whilst a beautiful woman danced, shimmied and spun in front of them. The singing was so passionate and heartfelt, the dancing was so contagious. So much so that I was pulled up on stage and joined in. It was so much fun and a great chance to work off all that yummy Indian food! Then we sat at our tables and enjoyed the most divine banquet of Indian food. Everything you could imagine was on offer – a truly entertaining and special evening.
By Tara Zikan
It was 5th November 2004 in the Pink City, Jaipur where we had our elephant ride.
Whilst we exercised on the front lawn of our
hotel and then had breakfast, the elephants had already started their day. Travelling miles, coming from all parts of the district to meet us at the
foothills of the Amber Fort Palace. The elephants, each with their own personality,
were dressed
in a bright red drape with gold on the edge. On the elephant’s back was a cane
basket where 4 people sat, 2 on each side of the elephant, the trainer sitting
on the front with his legs just behind the elephant's ears.
Most of the elephants had lovely paintings on their faces and trunks. The elephants we rode on had a small pink heart under each eye and one large pink heart on the trunk. From the valley floor and up the hill to the Palace involved a brilliant ride. The movement of the elephant was a soft rocking back and forth, as though you were being nurtured by this magnificent animal. Hundreds of elephants were coming and going, up and down the hill, all morning.
The elephants are so big but so graceful with
every foot so lightly touching the ground that not a sound was made, just gentle
lumbering forward up the hill to the palace. After the elephants had finished
for the day, they received a treat this being a dip in the lake, then off again for
the journey home.
By Cathy Standard
One may not venture to India without indulging in the shopping experience, a Yoga trip to India being no exception. From toilet stops where many an Indian craftsman seemed to emerge from the shadows and have us captivated for up to two hours enthusiastically presenting and selling their wares, to the many and varied rich and extravagant Emporiums. At the emporiums, we were treated and felt like special guests and were shown some of the finest crafts in the land. Let’s not forget, shopping from the bus window, hurriedly making purchases whilst bargaining and scrambling for money before we took off.
During our trip, shopping was just a matter of
course. After a tiring day, many travellers preferred to relax and/or have a
very nice massage in the comfortable environs
of
the hotel (not that there’s anything wrong with that!) whilst others took the
opportunity to shop, returning to our hotel hours later and laden with many
exciting purchases. Much money was poured into the Indian economy on our trip
and this was a good feeling - even when buying a set of postcards from a little child
on the street I was somehow happy to think that doing this would perhaps provide
the family with enough money for food for that next meal. I’m sure all we
Yogis returned to Australia with a memorable treasure - whether it was a precious
jewel, a book about Ghandi, a beautiful carpet, an expensive pashmina blanket (a
favourite of Richard Gere's), or a little bottle of water from the sacred Ganges -
each of these serve as a reminder of and have enhanced our very spiritual,
physical and social Indian experience.
By Cathy Standard
What is so charming about the Snake Charmer? Certainly there were only a couple of us game to be seated next to him when we were invited to do so and then with some degree of apprehension. As the Snake Charmer played the tune on his flute, the cobra rose majestically, mesmerized by the sound and displaying its “hood.” I was wary yet felt privileged to stroke the deadly cobra (the world’s largest venomous snake). This experience was one of the highlights of my trip, a sight I associate with India and certainly one of my wishes if I was ever given the opportunity to visit India.
Haridwar
By Valerie Tepper
With reflection upon my impressions of India, I have to say that the greatest impact upon my psyche and memory was being introduced to a land and people, who where in my world, but not of my world, who live in my time, but also represent other times that were only known to me historically rather than experientially. In fact it was this confusion of perspective which so affected me. Our little troupe dived into these spiritual and cultural waters embracing all that was on offer. And as we shopped till we proverbially dropped, we also had a glad bag of spiritual experiences that were profound and deeply satisfying. In India spirituality is like currency in our own culture. It informs and defines everything whereas we put a monetary price on everything as though that’s what defines value. When I was in India, I glimpsed the value of experiences defined through our senses rather than our intellect. There is something about this country! The ways of its people, the confusions of smells, sounds and colours and the way the extraordinary seems ordinary.
So it was that after the exultation of the grand and sensuous exterior complete with white vultures guarding the entrance from up high, our group entered the dark cavernous womb of the Taj Mahal in a current of people that was spookily reminiscent of how I might imagine the mythological river Styx. I remember how we were propelled through its shadowy internal tunnels to view the dimly lit sarcophagi amidst the primordial murmurings and damp warmth of the crowd then expelled onto the vast verandah that overlooks the sacred and beautiful Yamuna River to clumsily gather ourselves. I know that the Taj is deserving of its reputation both intellectually and visually as an extraordinary human feat of design, beauty and scale. Now I also know its wonder experientially adding new dimensions to my notions of love, death and mausoleums!
So it was that we found ourselves among the crowds at the agni/fire cleansing ceremony at Haridwar and in Rishikesh where devotees pay homage and receive spiritual sustenance on the banks of the Ganges at dusk. Vivid memories of colourful saris and monks in yellow and red robes, the smoky flames of golden lamps, the mesmerising chanting, the dispensing of saffron powder paint dots that reflected the setting sun and the inclusion of children in every facet of the proceedings will not fade quickly. There we were, in the pulsating, rhythmic heart of it all, receiving blessings and the generous acceptance of these gracious people.
So it was when we visited the most beautiful carved marble pillared Jain temple at Ranakpur in Rajasthan, we were welcomed by the high priest and given private audience and a multitude of blessings because he had a premonition of our visit. Our awe and reverence became common place as we visited Mahatma Ghandi’s home in Mumbai, Lord Krishna’s birthplace in Mathura, meditated along the Ganges, watched the sunrise over the mountainous Himalayan foothills in Rishikesh and participated in the extraordinary services of Guru Maa at the Rishi Chaintanya Ashram in Ganaur, North of Delhi.
In summing up, I want to say that our journey was not unlike the glow of a sacred river, as we weaved out from the south west coast of Goa, through Maharashtra, Rajasthan and the Uttah Pradesh visiting temples, palaces, forts, ashrams and sacred places nourishing and cleansing our bodies and souls with Ayurvedic treatments, good food, top accommodation, yoga, Hindu lore and fine company. This is the magic that is India.
Thank you Swami Sarasvati and
Sanjay.
By Christine (Sarita) Stopford
Rishikesh was the latter part of our tour. It was a long drive from Delhi, all day. Swami and Sanjay kept the banana food flowing and plenty of H2O and a tightening of the belt. It was lovely to see the lush green sugar cane growing along the side of the road not to mention some of the hair raising experiences on the road: motor bikes (not unusual to see three on them); cows, goats, sheep, roaming trucks with loads that were certainly over the “wide load” requirements; pushbikes with little trailers on the back; carts drawn usually by a donkey or buffalo. These carried anything from rocks, rice, sugar cane, stacks of boxes (about 60 boxes) with just enough room for the driver. You name it, you see it in India. They even have bike trailers set up and if they don’t have a donkey then the owner gets in front and pulls it along.
At the end of the day we arrived at the “arti” which is a blessing which takes place daily at Haridwar. It is flames of light floating on the river and people coming around and putting a dot on your third eye. The energy is amazing. In spite of the poverty, the faith that flows from these people is incredible - core, love, faith, compassion, simplicity. It is a very big cultural shock for Westerners, a great lesson. You think to yourself, “ I will never in my life complain again.”
We travelled for about ¾ hour and got to the Tapovan Guest House, were made welcome and found it to be basic, clean with everything we wanted, good food served with smiles and love. The next morning, when we looked from our balcony you would have thought you were in the Swiss Alps so picturesque were the Himalayan foothills. The air was so fresh with a little haze which gave it a mystical feel. In the paddock next to us was a man getting his donkey ready for the daily chores. Nothing is hurried, no stress. No problems… just let it happen and it does.
We had a beautiful morning stroll through Rishikesh seeing many stalls, carts, beggars, sleeping homeless etc. Religious devotees were going to a lovely Hindu temple which we visited in a huge ashram which provided government care for the needy aged. Went back to the hotel on a boat feeding the fish as we crossed the Ganges and then a 2 hour “free” period which was spent in “helping the economy”. We literally shopped till we dropped, a shopper’s paradise.
We were fortunate in having a local Yoga charya take a class which we really enjoyed. When he said “Flying Pose”, he really did flap his wings and on his bottom moved up and down on his mat. Maybe on our next visit, we will aim to perfect this pose – a challenge just as Yoga is in daily life.
As a group, I think we did put into practice, the core meaning of Yoga – Union.
Our team of 21 was very strong and for this we have to thank our Swami and Sanjay who made it all possible. From my heart to your heart, Namaste.
Rishikesh
by Laxmi
Rishikesh, gateway to Himalaya and the home of yoga. We arrived at the Omkarananda ashram and my room mate, Kerry and I shed a few tears of joy as we stood on the balcony of our humble beautiful room. We are in India! In an ashram! It seems too good to be true.
The air was cool and fresh and clean and peaceful. Bells tinkled all the time. Rishikesh is a pretty village of winding narrow streets, cows, buffalo, beggars, traders and friendly little marketplaces that are framed by the backdrop of the looming Himalaya - those mountains that have inspired spiritual devotion as well as great physical feats.
And then there is the Ganges.
Mother Ganga to the Indians. As wide as the largest lake it is a surprisingly clean milky turquoise colour coming straight from the snow melts of the mountains. It is awesome to see, alive, flowing rapidly out the front of our ashram. We woke early for a yoga class that didn’t eventuate, instead Swami had a little ‘surprise ‘ for us, particularly for me.
She called me to walk along the river bank with her and I felt privileged to be by her side. Throughout this whole trip Swami was like a mother to us all, looking after us, reminding us to wash our hands, not drink the water, stay together, keeping us healthy and safe. Assisted by Sanjay who showed an unflappable maturity well beyond his young years, the two of them guided us here, to this place of tranquillity and quiet devotion. Swami and I each sat on a rock in the Ganges (a large rock for me as Swami is constantly reminding me of my big bottom!) and it is here that Swami initiated me.
The sun streamed over the Himalayas, rays of light that are called God’s Fingers. The river is cool, fresh but not cold. A hawk circled overhead. Swami performed a ceremony and then gave me the name of Laxmi. I was crying so much by now I could barely hear her. I know I am unworthy of the honour she has given me but vow to become worthy of it. This was a blessing that is not mine alone but to all of us on this trip.
From
the river I could see our group sitting on the shore. All meditating. All
shining like precious jewels. Our group of 21 mostly unknown to each other have
bonded and share the blessing to be here, in India, on the sacred Ganges, with
our dear dear Swami. We we
re in India but forever after India will be in us.
By Glenda Sleigh
India – Instantly in my mind I see crowds of happy, smiling faces and brilliant colour. Colour everywhere, in the beautiful saris worn by the elegant women, the pink of the buildings in Jaipur and the blue of the homes in Jodhpur but a large part of the Indian adventure is to shop. Shopping in India is a wonderful experience, never has the term “Shop until you Drop” been more appropriately applied, all of our group was seduced by India’s riches.
Carpets – you may choose from a range of high quality carpets hand woven in silk or wool, every design and colour imaginable, if not needed for your floor then what could be a more beautiful wall hanging?
Jewellery –never before have I seen such a magnificent range of gemstones, diamonds, sapphires, rubies, emeralds and aquamarines, every shape and size that you could possibly dream of.
Bangles and chain necklaces in silver and gold.
Paintings – often on silk with traditional Indian symbols, very easy to carry and have framed at home.
Clothing – Pashminas (shawls or stoles) were one of the most sought after items. Some are woven so finely that they can be drawn through a wedding ring.
Saris and Salwar Kameez tailor-made in a matter of hours in every imaginable colour and design. Woodcarvings, oils, perfumes, spices, brassware and many more items are all available.
Nearly all of these items may be purchased at ‘government emporiums’ at fixed prices or why not really enjoy yourself and haggle over the price at busy bazaars and markets where you can come away clutching your trophy and feeling very elated at having secured your treasure at such a wonderful price!
by Jeannine Angilley
With India being the world’s largest producer, exporter and consumer of tea, we experienced the delights of this popular beverage. Many varieties of tea are produced in India and, as the country is large, the tea producing areas are subject to widely varying climate conditions. For any connoisseur of fine Indian tea it is important to know the tea’s region of origin. For example, the provinces of Assam and Darjeeling are two of the most renowned names in the tea world.
“Chai” is the Hindi word for tea. Legend has it that a royal king in the ancient courts of India invented Chai. Its roots can be traced to the Hindu natural healing system of Ayurveda where herbs, spices and tea were combined for their health benefit as a digestive aid. Chai wallahs (Indian tea sellers) have popularised the drink over the centuries. Today’s popular drink Marsala Chai is a blend of freshly ground spices (marsala) such as cloves, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cardamom and pepper, added to a boiling pot of loose leaf tea and milk to make a delicious and satisfying beverage.
On our last morning in Delhi, we experienced the delights of a wonderful tea house and exporter of fine teas and spices – Premiers Tea. Here our young hostess treated us like princesses to some of the finest teas available, carefully explaining each type of tea and the health benefits of each variety. We sampled and delighted at the various tea fragrances, flavours and gentle aromas.
The very large box of teas of spices has safely arrived back in Sydney from Premiers Tea and I’m now enjoying a cup of Darjeeling, referred to as the ‘Champagne of teas’, most mornings.
Anyone for a cuppa?
“An ounce of practice is worth a thousand pounds of theory.”
Swami Vivekananda
I have enjoyed an awesome two months in the
country of my birth. I was welcomed back with open arms after my 33 years of
absence and my adventure through this vast, crowded, exotic land was moving,
bemusing, daunting, intriguing and entrancing. From the foothills of the
Himalayas to Kannyakumari (India’s most southern tip), I experienced the extreme
of everything. Majestic temples and 
tombs,
erotic sculptures, forlorn palaces, gracious mountains and natural beauty and
unbelievable sights that must be experienced in order to comprehend.
The often dusty haze broken only by the vivid colour of beautiful saris, worn by Indian women. As you sip Kasmiri tea, while haggling down the price of an article or two, outside in the streets the cows mingle with humans and traffic alike. They too understand the “Beep! Beep!” from the traffic. Here it is each for themselves and God for us all. Bracing the terror of being in this traffic pandemonium, we weave and wind to our destinations. This traffic appears to have some organised chaos that works in this country.
The spirituality rises up through the streets and it is clear to see that the true heart and soul of this country is religion. With all of its myths, legends, symbolism and superstition, it influences and permeates every aspect of Indian life.
All in all, India leaves me breathless… touching me with a desire, fascination and longing for more of this bizarre, exotic country.
Long live India!
The next tour… September 2006!
With some new exciting destinations!!
Call: 1800 999 150 or (02) 9654 9029 or Email: info@swami.com.au
For more details – Limited numbers