Yoga Retreat - The Buddha Within
Puranik ancient Indian literature is in the form of stories. It
is an exposition of knowledge passed down through the generations in
such a manner that common people too could relate it with their own
life experiences.
The ideals and morals embodied in them have kept the followers on
the hard and narrow path of righteousness and truth, even when
sorely tempted by the alluring forces of riches and greed. The
journey of soul is to reach self-realization and be one with supreme
consciousness.
The Spiritual Journey to Perfection
Buddha—The Enlightened is believed to be the ninth
incarnation of Lord Vishnu whose only reason to walk the earth was
to show mankind the path leading to unending joy. The
teachings of Buddha are to first develop the knowledge of one’s own
physical body and psychic mind as a means to self-transformation
toward eternal peace and happiness.
Both mind and matter are closely inter-related. Our thoughts and
emotions greatly influence our body. The health of the physical body
and sensations arising within through the senses affect our feelings
and our mind. Thus, the mind and body are inextricably linked. Our
lives are filled with countless activities to even think how much we
over load our system with stress. Endless materialism, hectic
deadlines, multitasking, never-ending chores ultimately lead to
chaotic existence, depression and total burn out or nervous
breakdown.
Reconditioning the Mind
Within each one of us there is the latent potential to live a
peaceful and happy life amid all earthly chaos. It may sound
mystical and impossible when you are surrounded by materialism. We
have been conditioned from childhood into looking for comfort and
happiness in sheer materialism. Once we decide to recondition our
selves; deconstruct and understand the underlying principles of
spirituality leading to happier and healthier life. Our brain is a
powerful tool that perceives the effect of environment and
inadvertently influences our life and lifestyle. To be able to
recondition life, one must have proper tools to undo the past
conditioning and unravel the absolute truth.
Retreat and Reassess
Once you are open to the idea of change, retreat physically from
your comfort zone. Free yourself from all worldly responsibilities
for a few days. Spend time in a quiet, secluded and an idyllic
place. The real world is not just outside but is hidden deep inside
you.
A yoga retreat allows you to live life of purity and
truth. It will guide you toward self discovery. Among the activities
followed at a yoga retreat are meditation, teaching you
concentration and focus on self through breath
regulation; relaxing stretches to relieve your tired muscles
of all tensions and stress; as well as various poses to exercise
your internal as well as external organs to regulate and enhance the
working of digestive and blood circulatory systems. A healthy
diet consisting of pure, organic, natural food like fresh fruits
and vegetables helps you in detoxifying your system of accumulated
toxins of processed and non-vegetarian foods.
Within a few days you start seeing a positive change in self. There
is a new awareness of your own mind and body. The mind is rid
of tensions and constant chattering of thoughts. The body feels
active and healthy. We become objectively aware of sensations within
us, the truth within and learn to eradicate all conditioned
reactions, gradually reaching equanimity and attaining happiness in
life.
The concept of total self-control of mind, body and spirit through
yoga is truly lasting and forever. These principles can be applied
to our daily lives to deal constructively with day-to-day problems.
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