Travel Tales from Classy Destinations

What does a middle Georgia gal like myself have in common with The Beatles and yoga? 
A little place in India called Rishikesh - the yoga capital of the world and the home of The Beatles Ashram. In 1968, The Beatles embarked on an infamous trek to Rishikesh, India, to study transcendental meditation under Maharishi Mahesh Yogi. It was here that they penned much of Abbey Road, The White Album, and much of their various solo works, marking a pivotal chapter before their inevitable split.

Fast forward to the year 2019, my mentor, Adi Shakti, extended an invitation to join a small group yoga pilgrimage to India. The purpose: to delve into the roots of yoga under the guidance of the Himalayan yoga master, Dr. Yogrish Vishvektu. Whether it was the need to escape, the allure of "finding myself" in the Himalayan mountains, or the fact that the best rock 'n' roll band of all time crafted their masterpieces after a brief stint here, I can't quite pinpoint. All I knew was that my yogi Beatles fan heart was singing with the possibility of a transformative journey. 

We spent two days exploring Delhi before catching a domestic flight to an airport approximately 40 miles outside of Rishikesh. From there, we opted for a sprinter van to reach our boutique hotel in Rishikesh. Navigating through Indian traffic can be a chaotic experience, where adherence to traffic laws is minimal. It's advisable to don noise-canceling headphones and close your eyes during the journey, as vehicles, people, and animals coexist on the roads, with constant honking serving as a form of communication. In contrast to the U.S., where horns typically indicate danger or impatience, the incessant honking in India can be disorienting. Despite the apparent chaos, I didn't witness any accidents or injuries during my stay, suggesting that placing trust in your driver and using earplugs and/or a blindfold is the way to go.
 
​Rishikesh is known for its free-roaming animals, including cows, dogs, and mischievous monkeys. While the cows and dogs generally move about nonchalantly, the monkeys are bold and sly thieves. I experienced this firsthand when I was about to enjoy a bite of my granola bar, a sneaky monkey swiftly snatched it from my hand and ran away. The audacious (and adorable) monkey then tauntingly stared at me while eating my stolen snack right before my eyes!

Our daily routine involved early starts, racing through dark alleys to reach Anand Prakash Ashram for a 5:00 am meditation, followed by an hour and a half of yoga and additional meditation. The mornings concluded with a Fire Puja Ceremony, where chanting, singing, and the burning of herbs and incense created a spiritually rich experience.
The remainder of the day offered freedom to pursue personal activities, but specific days were dedicated to exploring rural villages, an orphanage and a school both supported by my yoga alma mater's donations, and, finally, the iconic Beatles Ashram. This ashram symbolized the fusion of music and spirituality, although now it stands as a mere shell of its former self. While strolling through the ashram's remnants, a group of young men played "In My Life" on a small speaker which seemed like the perfect soundtrack while exploring the grounds.  The walls of the ashram were adorned with murals and graffiti, with visitors capturing the essence through photographs. A small gallery showcased art and photography documenting the Beatles' time at the ashram.

The India yoga pilgrimage concluded with a healing ancestry ceremony at the Ganges River which was a profound experience that connected me to the spiritual essence of my lineage. The sacred ritual performed on the riverbank created a powerful atmosphere, allowing me to reflect on the legacy of those who came before me forging a sense of healing and connection with my ancestral roots.

I left Rishikesh with profound connections, a deepened yoga practice, an expansion of my already existing Beatles adoration not to mention spiritual growth and camaraderie.  Rishikesh, with its vibrant streets and mischievous monkeys, became the backdrop for a transformative journey.