The Temple Within
Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Dhanwanthari Ashram
Neyyar Dam, India.
‘ Birds sing not because they have answers, but because they have songs.’
- African Proverb.
Startled by the stirrings of vibrational hum in my head and heart - I was slowly awakening from an intense dream state in the early hours of the morning. Sprawled in my single bed on the edges of an on-site resident female dormitory, the heart penetrating, tension releasing effect of mantras chanted were taking effect and reverberating within me. The impressions of daily satsang was presenting itself as a natural by-product of consistent practice, for it was near the halfway point of my two week ‘ Yoga Vacation’ stay at Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Dhanwanthari Ashram. Thankful for the threads that had led me to travel to the serene and biodiverse area of Nyerr Dam, the importance of exploring and trusting the pull of my desires was becoming clearer…
At this point, it was nearing two months since landing in India, from which time so far had centred on completing the 300 - hour Jivamukti Yoga Teacher Training north of Mumbai. Through an intention to travel in companionship with, and motivated by the devotion to cultivate the relationship with my intuitive processes, I had accepted that if I were to intimately understand the navigating system of my inner compass, that it’s working would require the opportunities for it to take the lead - essentially setting the motion of a non-linear approach of moving through the world. The moment had of course presented itself, as it wasn’t until the final days of the four-week course that I was faced with the question of “ what’s next?…”
Having landed and settled within the state of Maharashtra after a ten day exploration of Mumbai, followed with an immersive month long intensive of fulfilling and deeply transformative Yoga schedule and curriculum coming to an end - it was time to tune into and move towards what was calling and capturing my curiosity… and navigational system of my inner compass. Acknowledging the processes of which my mental, spiritual and physical state were churning through - I had promised myself that the next destination would allow me the space and time needed to absorb and integrate the cellular recalibration, aka. the massive shift of reality that my one-way ticket to India and completion of a course I had prepared myself for eight months prior had activated and actualised… ! Like a glass jar full of settled sand and pebbles vigorously shaken by an invisible hand, for it to then be placed down again to resettle into a new form of patterned particles - so too were the flux of sensations circulating within my body, mind and spirit.
Frequently referred to as ‘God’s Country,’ the state of Kerala was clearly calling. With many sources sharing the reputation of Kerala being the home of Ayurvedic Medicine ( revered as the sister science of Yoga), coupled with the scenic splendour promised due to its abundance of lush green tropical and diverse environment - the idea of taking respite in a state where physical and spiritual healing were believed to be strongly connected through the treatment of whole body ailments with traditional and ancient healing techniques resonated with me deeply. The fact that the co-existence and general harmonious relationship between the diverse branches of religions and belief systems was present had also interested me. Enriching this was the truth that within the same state, an ashram that had on numerous occasions cross my mind was not far from the beachside town of Kovalam which was the first stop of respite and relaxation in Kerala. As if on a pilgrim-like quest, I was to follow the foot steps of my teachers, and teachers’ teachers who have shared the yogic threads shaped from their time learning the teachings of Swami Sivananda Saraswati. I wanted to go to the source of information and inspiration, to personally experience and discern how engaging and immersing in the teachings of Yoga and Ayurveda shared by the Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Dhanwanthari Ashram would come to bring me in deeper connection with my yoga practice.
Steeped in the rhythm of the ashrams foundation of a cyclical two week, ‘Yoga Vacation’ schedule as shown below, I had yet again surrendered to the intensity and beauty that another spiritual centre experience was inviting to explore. Personally, the structured flow of each day - which was highly encouraged to follow fully, had provided an atmosphere that encouraged a calm and conscious atmosphere to the educational community centred approach of the multi-faceted offerings that the Ashram hosts. From ayurveda studies, massage courses, to philosophy, yogic scripture and personalised individual retreat plans, the schedule’s consistent rhythm elevated the importance of gathering, especially for meal times and ‘Satsang’.
5.20amWake up
6am Satsang (group meditation, chanting and talk)
7.30am Tea
8am Asana Class (separate classes for beginners and intermediate students)
10am Brunch (Indian vegetarian meal)
11am Karma Yoga (selfless service)
12.30pm Asana Coaching (Optional)
1.30pm Tea
2pm Lecture (talks on various yoga topics)
3.30pm Asana Class (separate classes for beginners and intermediate students)
6pm Dinner (Indian vegetarian meal)
8pm Satsang (group meditation, chanting and talk)
10.30pm Lights out
…
The sanskrit term ‘Satsang’ encompasses the notion that by gathering within a spiritually conscious collective who have a similar intention or goal of practice whilst in connection through a teaching or teacher that serves as a metaphorical and physically safe and stimulating container to explore inward - has the potential to further empower and motivate the aspirant to continue to persevere with their own journey of practice. For me, the physical presence of others who are also showing up for themselves and their devotion to discover, integrate and deepen their awareness to Self and therefore awareness of relating to the world around them, is inspiring and can serve as a reminder that even though each individual has to walk the path of practice themselves, that there are others who are also travelling a similar direction. As the timetable shows, satsang was twice a day at 6am and 8pm. Through the practice of meditation, and heart/mind provoking talks included - the majority of satsang was shared through the chanting of mantras.
With the belief that musical vibrations are a universal language, it brought me joy when reading the chant book to see that there was a mixture of mantras from a diverse range of languages and religions. With musical props scattered on the floor for those willing to add their melody to the symphony of student voices and lead harmonium played, it was evident that some of the students found this part of the schedule to be uncomfortable and foreign yet were willing to participate, and others who surrendered to the journey of discovering the sensation of what it feels like to be struck by the vibration within. Needless to say, whether someone thinks they ‘ can ’ sing or not is of no importance - for the importance lies in connecting to the vibrational change within you, allowing the chanting to shift something inside - that allows a heart opening state that certain mantra’s can help access. The Sanskrit meaning of Mantra means to “ cross over the mind ” : man = ‘ mind ’ and tra = ‘ to cross over ’. I like to see the chanting of Mantra as one of the many meditative tools that encourages connection to a higher state of consciousness, the part of us that longs to express from a place of devotion the gratitude for the goodness and beauty of life and of others. A practice that asks the ego to bypass the critic of the head, and instead that asks the fire of ego to serve as the flame that illuminates and radiates the secret songs stored inside the heart space.
As a passionate writer, I value the power of words - those we say out loud and the words that stay silent within us that the mind and heart feeds on. Like any tool, it is important for each practitioner to understand how their tools can help support the goal of their practice - which is unique to each individual.
Back to my dream… It had taken me a few moments to realise that I had been chanting in my sleep, loud enough that it had woken me before the daily wake-up call at 5:20am ! Appreciating both the humour and ridiculousness of the situation, I could see the impact that my daily habits and rituals were having - understanding fully that my intention to bring ‘ openness ’ during my time at the ashram was the driving force of my permeability to the environment and its sacred impressions.
As a lover and admirer of the written and spoken word, this instance had given me insight into the scope of holistic health and harmony that the healing arts and the practice of yoga can offer when weaved together. It was during the weekly ‘ talent nights ’ that I decided to put my name down to share a poem during satsang. The week before I had admired all those who had shared something from their practices ; which was a mix of yoga asana sequencing, classical Indian dance performance, and singing. Each person contributed their slice to the vibrational pie that was being served to all who had gathered. Sharing creativity through their devotion to practice was beautiful to witness. It can be seen as a beautiful or beautifully daunting gesture that the Ashram offers a weekly opportunity for those wanting to further lean into the zone of discomfort within the context of a supportive audience. It is almost as if it were a freely given chance to express gratitude ; for the dedicated teacher’s expanding the lineage of Swami Sivananda Saraswati’s teachings, for the silent yet sacred wisdoms held within the walls embellished with the many deities of Hindu mythology, and for the satsang hall in itself and the harmony of hearts dwelling within it.
After my time in Nyerr Dam, I have since reconnected in-person and still continue to stay in touch with a number of the precious people encountered during my stay. Thank you for sharing your songs with me through the sharing of your sufferings, stories, musings and planted seeds of endeavours to come.
Hari Om.
