SADHGURU AND THE ISHA FOUNDATION https://isha.sadhguru.org/in/en/center
I first heard of the Isha Foundation and Sadhguru through Anil around 6 years ago.
You know I am not a saffron gowned hippy wearing brown sandals and big wooden beads. I am far from any paragon of virtue. I always feel this is what flashes through people’s minds, especially in the West with words such as ‘Ashram’ ‘Guru’ ‘Meditation’ or when we mention Sadhguru.
But after years of chasing the dream, working for over 40 years, long hours, Corporate Challenges, being a mum to two boys, and meeting all of life’s challenges I do wish I had discovered the modern wisdom of Sadhguru before now! I can be an over thinker, I always want to ‘do the right thing’, I am a sensitive soul, and deep down the same insecurities as many people – Ha! I am sure some folks I know will not see me this way – Yes, I can kick some ass! But my natural state is more placid!
Finding such ‘equilibrium’ in today’s crazy world could be illusive for me, so when I came to read Sadhguru, his modern approach and understanding of the lives we lead today, his interpretation of the human mind, and age old wisdom, it was so revealing!
But aside from all that ‘stuff’ - to have the chance to spend time away from day on day distractions, what I thought were my ‘daily needs’ , and a constant state of ‘doing, and doing a bit more’, was such an opportunity.
The Isha Foundation is based in Coimbatore, a short flight from Mumbai , and this was our second visit. We came, the three of us, Anil, myself and Max in 2018 and completed the Inner Engineering Course. This time we had not signed on to any courses, but were to take up the Isha Yoga Asanas Course which was 3 days of intense training – waking up to start at 6am and following the specific and exact training delivered by the teacher with on line wisdom directly from Sadhguru.
I am not bad at yoga – back in the day I was actually very good at Gymnastics – I was a member of the British Amateur Gymnastics Association and had been graded. How I wish I had kept up my gymnastics – or even kept up the yoga I have dipped into over the years but never sustained. Always attacking everything with great gusto, and then tailing off as my enthusiasm waned! But now, even though my flexibility is not what it was, I can manage – and there is a reason it is called a yoga practice – I will practice! Whether at a class or just myself at home.
We had booked for 7 days but ended up extending for 10 days. Our room was a simple room, comfortable,clean and within the main compound of the Ashram.
The Ashram is in the foot of the Velliangiri Foothills, which are part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve. There are 7 main hills which border Coimbatore and Palakad. The hills hold the Noyyal River which is one of the main tributaries of the Cauvery River. The Cauvery is an important ecological element providing agricultural and drinking water. It was in fact one of Sadhguru’s main campaigns in 2017 – RALLY FOR RIVERS – India Rivers are rapidly depleting which will impact everyone – the campaign was to stop the depletion by reducing pollution and increasing forestation to encourage an increase in tree population – tress being an important contributor to the eco system and a crucial link in the chain of healthy abundant rivers.
Every day to see those hills, the land, holding us there was special. Never tired of it!
There is plenty of controversy surrounding Sadhguru, the most significant or maybe the most ‘interesting’ is the accusations that he played a part in the death of his wife – tantamount to murder! She was called Vijji and became a deeply spiritual person who lived for her husband, daughter and the life if Isha. There is a state called ‘MAHASAMADHI’ where it is said that a person can choose to die, or ‘leave their body’ There is an interesting and informative film about her life which can be found on Vijji (Vijaykumari) : A Story of Love and Devotion (sadhguru.org)
So our day started at 6am, and even once our Asanas course was over we found ourself naturally rising early. Anil would do his morning Kriya and then we would both go to one of the many beautiful places to practice our asanas. Anil would then go for breakfast but I had decided I would have only one meal a day! Now – what a feat that was! I write this with some of you in mind in particular (all my sugar bunnies and serial dieters!) and share with you that once I had made the decision I just accepted it – I let it be – and it was so liberating not to have the constant dialogue in my head of ‘ Go on, have a bite. No, I said I would not eat. Just one bite – try again tomorrow’. I made a conscious decision and let it be! SO I would then go for a walk or carry on with my gentle jogging programme, walking right to the perimeter of the foundation until the guardsman told me I could go no further – but you know me, like to push boundaries, so I would seek a small path through the trees and meander just a bit longer.
We would then meet up and treat ourselves to a coffee at the small restaurant on site – this was there mainly for the day visitors who were welcome at the Ashram. It was heartening to see so many different kinds of people coming to Isha – rich, poor, from towns, cities, villages, foreigners, all cast and creed. I loved that Isha is open to everyone and you do not have to book on a course to spend time at this sacred place.
Plenty time to read except as soon as I sat with my book, within a page I was drifting off. I did not enjoy sleeping during the day , feeling almost hungover when I wakened up!
There are 6 ‘Sacred or Consecrated’ Spaces at Isha –
· Theerakhunds – Energy pools of water
· Spanda Hall – A meditation space
· Linga Bhairavi – 8 feet tall consecrated Devi
· Dhyanalinga – Consecrated Icon – a place of peace, no chanting or meditation
· Adiyogi Alayam – A consecrated place which links the science of Yoga – practice is Hatha Yoga and is based on ancient wisdom, no modern Western Yoga Cultural Appropriation (i.e. fancy western gorgeous people in expensive gear!)
· 112 Feet Adiyogi – Stunning Icon, Adiyogi is the source of yoga
During our time there Sadhguru was on site and we were really excited to have the opportunity to ‘meet’ him 3 times. Why is it that we love to see our heroes face to face? Be it actor, singer, King or Queen – to be in the presence of someone we hold to high esteem is exhilarating. Sadghuru held an audience and we sat on the floor in the great hall, taking part in what we had only ever seen on YOU TUBE. Truth be told, I can not actually remember what the topic was. I was too spell bound!
After our ten days, it was back to Mumbai to stay with our friends until our Christmas trip to Goa. It was such a wonderful ten days – days of discipline combined with sweet freedom and release!
I am sure we will visit again – so much more to experience!
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