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Yoga and Meditation Culture

Yoga culture can be considered one of the earliest cultures in human history. The known history of yoga culture dates back to 5,000 years ago. The sacred importance of yoga and meditation can be found in the holy book Rig Veda (a holy book that consists of rituals, mantras, and songs). Over time, it was passed to various mystic seers. They refined it as per the requirement of the then time.

Meditation culture is derived from the spiritual knowledge of rishi, munis, and gurus (mystic seers) hold a great role in one’s personal health. The significance of meditation is understood by today’s generation and adopted in our day to day life. Yoga and meditation are inseparable parts of the coin. 

Some of the top non-profit organizations like Giving Back Yoga Foundation, Africa Yoga Project, Yoga hope aim to empower global citizens for the improvement of health through yoga and meditation. Such organizations provide sewa (selfless services in Sanskrit) with the motive of improving physical and emotional health. The ancient belief is now proven scientifically, a person who does yoga and meditates regularly remains healthy than an average person.

In this present time, life can be stressful and hectic. We all are consumed by our busy work or study schedules. I, for once forget about myself and did not give attention to my health. I have forgotten to sleep properly. Due to my careless habits, I was engulfed by negative feelings and exhausted most of the time. It was not late for improving my habits for the better of myself. After a series of research, I found yoga the best way for naturally healing my body and the soul. Introducing yoga in my daily routine has completely changed my life. Along with toning my physical body, it has let me bring positivity to my mind and spirit.

The curiosity for yoga and meditation led me to the doors of Shambhala. I got a recommendation from a friend to visit an awesome place for self-healing. Before Shambhala, I was skeptical about all the claims of natural healing by yoga and meditation. I used to think them of made of the stuff. My all assumptions about yoga were falsified by a single session at Shambhala. There were many beginners like me, who were having a hard time adjusting to the new environment. Indeed, overall change cannot be expected overnight. The devotion, discipline, and self-confidence of the students present there booted up my faith too. 

Feedback from a variety of people who were attending sessions at Shambhala was different. Most people who are not habituated to performing meditation often felt dizziness and sleepy. Beginners tend to quit after early sessions because it is an art of patience. I have seen people truly believing the beauty of it developing patience. Few students claim to feel their own energy along with nature’s energy when they are lost enjoying the moments of performing meditation. One of the rare findings from the student is to feel pressure in their Pineal gland also known as the invisible third eye. They also start observing a person in light, who is supposed to lead their way. It is also considered the ultimate goal of meditation. I found experience and opinions varied from person to person.

My path with yoga and meditation crossed before Shambhala. The first time I started meditating and perform yoga practices when I was eighteen. Our High School principal was our mentor for yoga and meditation sessions. I consider him a role model of my life. He was a good influencer and a good teacher. I was in my teens and did not believe anything about spiritual knowledge. Despite everything, I trusted my principal and obeyed his instruction. He used to talk about a guardian angel with mystical power. He spent most time of his life researching the origin and importance of yoga and meditation. I tried to find my guardian angel if it existed and gave me strength. The first day of my meditation was one of the most beautiful days of my life. I could feel a bright and comforting source of light appearing on my forehead. I don’t know if it was a hallucination or I found my guardian angel as a form of light. I am not sure if the improvement of concentration towards my study and calmness as a result of meditation. In my experience, it is worth it to try yoga and meditation at least once in a lifetime.

My experience at Shambhala made me believe there is lots more to explore in this vast universe. We just need to open our eyes and be aware. Being a narrow-minded person consumes us ourselves and limit our potential. We need to let go of ourselves in the journey of self-exploration and become the person we truly deserve.