Light and Compassion

I apologise for the lack of "blogging" this week, I guess the combination of heat, a new diet, new surroundings and all the activity finally got to us. Melissa and I had a 24 hour bout of sickness which I wont get into the details of. We were well taken care of at the ashram and luckily it has passed. Since then we have been taking it easy and scaled back on a few of the activities. Nonetheless its always an adventure. We started off our morning yesterday by visiting a park not to far from the ashram, we got there around 7am and walked around before doing a few asanas. It was awesome to see how many people go to the park to do yoga. This truly reinforced how strong the yoga influence is in this country even outside of the ashrams. Almost every bench and corner was occupied by a mat. I would love to continue rising at dawn when we get back to Canada. We all know it is beneficial for us but a lot of people can't articulate why, the reality is that it is the perfect time to wake up. During the day it is hot and bright whereas the night is cool and dark. Dawn is the perfect balance between the two and essentially yoga is balance so this is why it is an essential part of the yoga lifestyle. If I can wake up early at home maybe I will make it to a park at dawn to do some asanas myself ! Maybe you can join me ? I feel a sunrise challenge coming on!

Temple in the park

Our group with Guruji

Apart from that we have been having our usual playtime ! 

Dr.Bansals Lecture on Yoga Therapy

Another significant event took place in the last couple of days. Melissa and I were given our yogi names by our Guru. This is a significant moment on ones yoga path and the experience was very moving. After the Guru learned about our personalities we met individually with him to discuss our life path and yoga path, he then named us accordingly and gifted us with energised mala beads and our own mantras for meditation. The mantras are secret and lose their power if revealed. However, we can reveal our names! Attaining these names means taking the responsibility that comes with them. It redefines our path and challenges us to leave the past behind and live consciously. Truly beautiful. Melissa was named MaJyoti - The Mother of Light. Jyoti is Sanskrit for light. Her new name invites her to continue to spread this light , it represents her sacrificing nature and her ability to guide people. I was named MaKaruna - The Mother of Compassion-Karuna is Sanskrit for Compassion. This name invites me to spread compassion and love to those that surround me accepting flaws without any judgement Big shoes to fill.....but always up for the challenge.


Over and out from India.
Sending you lots of Light and Compassion !

Namaste