25 Feb RISHIKESH REVISITED
I have asked Laura Hayhurst, a young woman who has spent a great deal of time in India, to write her impressions about Rishikesh. If you are interested in attending my seminar “Straight to You” from May 14 – 22, there are still places available.
In gratitude,
Elizabeth
“My love for Rishikesh….
When I first visited this holy city in 2008, I only knew two things about it: that The Beatles came here in 1968, and that it was the world centre for yoga. Rishikesh was green, clean and bright. There was a buzz in the air, but I couldn’t explain it. This was where I took my first yoga lesson.
My yoga journey had begun. Up before the sun, I would cross over Laxman Jhula and down the road towards Ram Jhula to an ashram for lessons. Laxman Jhula, along the left bank of the Ganga, has restaurants catering to foreigners. Ram Jhula, by contrast, was bustling, full of incense and the sound of bells, cows, cheeky monkeys and pilgrims. Every night at the huge ashram Parmath Niketan evening aarti were held, with holy flames, mantras, singing and celebrations for Mother Ganga.
I returned to Rishikesh in May, 2014 and stayed with Elizabeth Pauncz and Helen Noakes. This time I understood the buzz in the air. I would wake up early and feel the pull of yoga and the river. I was in heaven.
As in life, some things are good and some have been painful. But India has taught me to accept all experiences without judgement. My practice has shown me how to connect my physical and spiritual life through my heart.
I look forward to May 2015—another a chance to visit this marvelous place and to learn with Elizabeth, one of my favourite teachers in Rishikesh. I can’t imagine anywhere else that yoga and nature are in such perfect harmony.”
