Guest guest Posted April 23, 2005 Report Share Posted April 23, 2005 ADVENTURE, SPIRITUALITY AND AWARENESS Every year students of Yognat (www.geocities.com/yognat2001/yognat) are taken on various educational and cultural trips to different places to develop the all round growth of the youngsters. These trips have included Mahe, Tanjore, and Guru Stalam at Alangudi as well as Kodaikanal. On April 12th, ten senior students of Yognat went on a trip to Pitchavaram, the famous boating centre near Chidambaram. Dr Ananda escorted the group that enjoyed their day with hand rowed boating through the Mangroves and the canals of this famous tourist spot. A sudden rain lashed the group as they were navigating through the intricate canals (there are nearly 5000 such canals spread over 3000 acres) between the grooves that are a real treat for nature buffs. The presence of the rain, followed by heavy sunshine and our boating on the backwaters waters reminded us of the Pancha Maha Bhutas, the five great elements of the universe. The group later visited the Nataraja temple at Chidambaram where they saw the statues of Maharishi Patanjali and Vyagrapada, the great Yogis of yore. Dr Ananda explained the numerous Natya Karanaas (Yogasana-like postures incorporated in the classical dance) that are seen depicted on the temple Gopurams (towers). He also explained the spiritual significance of the 21,600 gold leaves adorning the temple over the Nataraja as the number of times all human beings unconsciously repeat the Ajapa Gayatri Japa (So-ham) every day of their life. On the return journey to Pondicherry, a short visit to Cuddalore brought us face to face with the tremendous havoc caused by the tsunami. The entire geography of the port area had completely changed post December 26 and wreckage of boats was still visible. A small ship had been marooned on the shore and our group climbed up on it to experience the high mast and the wonderful view from the top. All returned safe to Pondicherry in the evening thus bringing to a conclusion a trip that had encompassed tourist adventure, spiritual lessons as well as a realisation of the power of Mother Nature. Yogacharya Dr.Ananda Balayogi Bhavanani Chairman : Yoganjali Natyalayam and ICYER 25,2nd Cross,Iyyanar Nagar, Pondicherry-605 013 Tel: 0413 - 2622902 / 0413 -2241561 Website: www.icyer.com www.geocities.com/yognat2001/ananda Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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