Westerners head to Asia to feed their souls
Stressed in the West and looking for peace in the East, increasing numbers of tourists are heading to Asia for meditation or yoga classes. India, home to all the world’s major religions and a world centre of spiritualism, draws tens of thousands each year hoping to nourish their souls in ashrams and other retreats dotted around the country. Hundreds gathered earlier this month in the small town of Rishikesh on the banks of the Ganges for an international yoga festival set against the backdrop of the Himalayas.The town, made famous by British rock group The Beatles who visited for meditation classes in 1968, teemed with Westerners along with long-haired yogis and gurus who led classes and gave advice on the importance of self-reflection.
“I came here to be near the source of spirituality,” Christel Pierron, a French yoga teacher based in Cape Cod in the United States, told AFP. “So many great yogis came here to meditate that it creates a sort of energy flow.” The International Yoga Festival began in 1999 when about 50 enthusiasts visited. Now in its 12th edition, more than 400 made their way to Rishikesh for a week of intensive classes from daybreak to sundown. “With the stressful lives that we have in West, we need to look after our bodies and our souls,” said Pierron, adding that the next part of her trip would be a visit to see the Dalai Lama.
Dharamshala, the home in exile of the Tibetan spiritual leader, is a pitstop for many tourists seeking more than the beaches and ancient palaces which are the staple fare for most holidaymakers in India. Audiences with him can be arranged through his private office and his public teachings held at the main temple in the hill town draw large crowds of devoted monks and star-struck visitors. The other place of pilgrimage for Buddhists is Bodh Gaya in the northern state of Bihar in India where Buddha is believed to have attained enlightenment.
I think we all need some extra Soul Food these days! Undoubtedly, the recent announced retirement of the Dalai Lama has much to do with the rush of Westerners to this destination of late!
While on this magical journey, please beware of any programs spearheaded by followers of such “spiritual gurus” of the past and present that are guilty of capitalizing on the public for major profits. Remember, businessman and spiritual leader are NOT synonymous! The Beatles followed the Maharishi Mahesh Yogi who was guilty of employing an entire staff including a personal bookkeeper, running a highly profitable personal business, and leading a highly luxurious lifestyle. Following his death his family were worth billions! In addition, he surrounded himself mainly with celebrities and people with very deep pockets. The Dalai Lama is truly a man of spirituality and conducts his life in an extremely noble fashion, in my opinion.
It is extremely important to do your due diligence in research in order to draw your own conclusions!