Visit South Jersey 2:14 p.m. ET May 31, 2017

Devon Perry of Visit South Jersey describes how to spend the perfect day in Camden County. Shannon Eblen/ Staff photographer

Sharrott Wine & Music Festival takes place this weekend in Hammonton.(Photo: Sharrott Winery)

Sharrott Winery Wine & Music Festival. June 3 & 4, noon to5 p.m., Sharrott Winery, Hammonton. Sharrott Winery's biggest event of the year featuring non-stop live music, local food and craft vendors and of course some of the best wines in New Jersey! There will be eight wineries sampling over a hundred local wines. Entertainment for the weekend will consist of The Matt Noffsinger Band on Saturday and Shortly Long with the Jersey Horns on Sunday. Fabulous Food Trucks will be on site for you to purchase a delicious meal or snack. Enjoy Top Shelf Mobile Cuisine, Mannino's Cannoli Express and many more! Be sure to purchase your ticket before they sell out! For more information, visit sharrottwinery.com/event/wine-music-festival-3

Like Visit South Jersey on Facebook this week for a chance to win a pair of tickets to the Sharrott Winery Wine and Music Festival.

More: Join a New Jersey wine club to be in the know

LIVE! From the Vineyard Stage. Saturday, June 3 | 7 to 9 p.m., Auburn Road Vineyard, Pilesgrove. LIVE! From the Vineyard Stage on Saturday Nights. In addition to Auburn Road's partnership with their friends at Woodstown Music, Auburn Road is bringing you performers and performances from all around the area, as well as, outside the region. This weeks featured music is Hot Dog Cannon. For more information, visit http://www.auburnroadvineyards.com/the-enoteca-2/the-vineyard-stage-live/the-vineyard-stage/

Saturdays on the Crushpad. Saturday, June 3 | 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., Hawk Haven Vineyard & Winery, Rio Grande. It's been a long hard week, and now it's finally time to relax.Escape to Hawk Haven for an afternoon of wine, gourmet snacks, and live music by Dom Grosso from 2 to 5 p.m.Kick back, relax, and enjoy the vineyard views paired with musical performances by local singer-songwriters. Saturdays on the Crushpad is every Saturday from spring to fall with no cover charge. For more information, visit http://hawkhavenvineyard.com/events/saturday-on-the-crushpad/

Specialty Cocktails, Wine, Martinis & Tapas. Saturday. June 4 | 1 to 5 p.m., Tomasello Winery, Hammonton. On Saturday, June 3rd, stop by the Palmaris Room at Tomasello Winery in Hammonton, anytime from 1 to 5 p.m. Try the Tomasello Almond Joy Martini, and other specialty cocktails which will be available for purchase along with beer, wine, light fare and Tapas. Bring your friends and family for a casual, relaxing Saturday afternoon Happy Hour at Tomasello Winery. For more information, visit http://www.tomasellowinery.com

Skirmish on the Highway takes place Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Indian King Tavern Museum, Haddonfield.(Photo: King Tavern Museum)

Skirmish on the Highway, Saturday, June 3 | 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Indian King Tavern Museum, Haddonfield. The British are coming to Haddonfield! Starting at 10 a.m., members of the 2nd Pennsylvania Regiment (Continentals) will start walking from Indian King Tavern and members of the 1st regiment (Loyalists) will make their way through the village of Haddonfield. At 1 p.m., both regiments will meet on Kings Highway in front of the Tavern Museum where the skirmish will begin. After the smoke clears, meet members of both regiments at Indian River Tavern to learn more about the lives of Revolutionary War soldiers. Also visit the Museum's backyard for some fun activities and shopping. For more information, visit http://www.indiankingfriends.org

More: Have a blast this summer without leaving South Jersey

Appel Farm Music & Wine Festival. June 3, 3 - 8 PM | June 4, noon to 5 p.m.,Appel Farm, Elmer. Appel Farm and Bank of America has expanded this event into a special two-day experience that brings together regional artists, musicians, wineries and craft beer by Flying Fish Brewery. The festival's performance line-up includes Hotsy Totsy, Christopher Davis-Shannon, JUTUAN, Swing THAT Cat, Deidre Finnegan and Dave Cohen, Greg Jones Project, and Joe Crookston. Headlining Sundays performances is David Uosikkinens In The Pocket featuring members of The Hooters, The As, The Soul Survivors, Smash Palace, Ben Arnold, Jeffrey Gaines and more. Guests can sample wine from regional Vintage Atlantic Wineries, shop at Culinary Grove and Crafts Faire, grab a bite to eat from one of the on-site food trucks or enjoy a micro-brew. Guests are invited to camp overnight or stay in a group cabin and enjoy a bonfire, s'mores and a private concert. For more information, visit http://www.appelfarm.org/music-wine-festival

New Jersey Renaissance Faire. June 3 & 4 | 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Liberty Lake, Bordentown. The New Jersey Renaissance Faire, now in its 8th season, is the largest gathering of performers, artists, artisan merchants, and eccentric patrons in New Jersey! On Liberty Lake patrons can enjoy eight hours of entertainment on seven stages, including sword fighting, music, circus performers, comedy, fire eating and jousting between actual knights.Merchants sell beautiful, handcrafted items and clothing, including a blacksmith and world-class glassblower. With food like giant pickles and turkey legs, patrons will have a day they will never forget at the New Jersey Renaissance Faire. Can't make it this weekend? No worries, the Renaissance Faire will be back for June 10 and 11. For more information, visitnjrenfaire.com

Burlington County Annual Earth Fair. Sunday, June 4 | 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Historic Smithville Park, Eastampton. Burlington County's Annual Earth Fair returns each year to Historic Smithville Park featuring vendors, entertainment for all ages, and kids activities with an environmental twist. This family event focuses on ways to protect and enjoy our environment. Children's activities will include trash sculpting, paper making, storytelling, face painting and much more. There will also be Green vendors, artists, crafters, activity providers and performers that have a earth-friendly theme. For more information, visit http://www.co.burlington.nj.us/573/Annual-Festivals

Gloucester County Water Fest. Sunday, June 4 | 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Scotland Run Park, Clayton. The 19th Annual Water Fest is Gloucester County's largest environmental fair featuring "Wild World of Animals,'' kids activities exhibits, crafts, food, music, canoeing, kayaking and more. The event is free and held rain or shine. For more information, visit http://www.gloucestercountynj.gov

Taste of South Jersey. Monday, June 5 | 6 to 9 p.m., Battleship New Jersey, Camden Waterfront. For the second year in a row Taste of South Jersey brings us a detectable night out on the fantail of the Battleship New Jersey.This year visitors will sample delicacies from more than 16 restaurants from throughout South Jersey. The types of foods offered will range from soup to salad to entree to dessert and at the end you can vote for your favorites. There will also be a cash bar available. For more information, visitwww.camdencountychamber.com/calendar-of-events/#id=10236&wid=501&cid=1173

On-the-Town Food Tours offer an edible journey through downtowns in New Jersey.(Photo: On-the-Town Food Tours)

A Taste of Collingswood. Saturday, June 10 | 1 to 4 p.m., downtown Collingswood. Collingswood's Haddon Avenue has main street charm and is lined with arestaurant row. The tour starts with Indian appetizers, then you'll have an opportunity to sample a variety of Argentinian-style empanadas, authentic handcrafted Mexican dishes, and a unique tasting experience of olive oils and vinegar from around the world. The day will close with savory snacks of gourmet popcorn and artisan chocolate treats. For more information, visit http://www.onthetownfoodtours.com

For more events, check out VisitSouthJersey.com

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June starts with a bang with 11 SJ events - Cherry Hill Courier Post

When you buy organic produce, meat, or dairy products at your local farmers market or Whole Foods, you probably feel good about yourself, even though youre paying more. Why? Because organic food is better for you, for the livestock, and for the environment right?

According to a video narrated by Bjrn Lomborg, president of the Copenhagen Consensus Center, a U.S.-based economics think tank, and published by PragerU, a conservative website co-founded by radio host Dennis Prager, almost everything we think we know about organic food is a lie. Lomborg breaks down the ways the organic farming industry is allegedly fooling us into paying more for a product that isnt necessarily going to change the world (or make you any healthier):

Lomberg is the author of The Skeptical Environmentalist, a controversial 2001 book devoted to debunking many generally accepted environmental theories and predictions, and espousing the use of cost-benefit analysis in environmental matters.

The assertions by the organic food industry that Lomborg claims to refute include:

Organic produce is healthier for you. A 2012 study by researchers based at Stanford University showed that organic produce is not nutritionally superior, even though a blind research test from Cornell University showed that people are willing to pay up to 23 percent more because they believe organic produce is better for you. (It should be noted that many of the supposed health benefits of organic food have to do with the absence of pesticides and other potentially harmful chemicals, not solely with its nutritional value.)

Animal welfare is much better on organic farms. A five-year study from Oregon State University found that animals are no happier or healthier on organic farms than on traditional farms. Pigs and poultry are able to spend time outdoors, but this leaves them open to pathogens and predator attacks, Lomborg argues.

Organic food is better for the environment. Lomborg explains that organic farming uses less energy but more land because fewer pesticides and fertilizers are used, making it less efficient than standard farming.

Learn more about why organic food is so expensive and weigh for yourself whether or not its worth it.

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Here's Why Organic Food Might Not Be Worth the Price - The Daily Meal

The organic and natural food applies broadly to food that is minimally processed and free of any chemicals or any artificial preservatives. Organic food consumption has been increasing from years, so do their manufacturing.

According to the United States Department of Agriculture, there are around 20,000 stores and 3 out of four conventional grocery stores are producing organic food in U.S. Additionally, consumer demand for organic food is also helping in the growth of startup companies. Recently, General Mills invested around $3 million in the new organic granola company due to the rising demand for organic foods. For instance, new startup company Yumi, have come up with organic foods and products for babies, the company have gained attention of consumers rapidly. The start-up has raised the demand for organic foods, globally.

The market has been segmented on the basis of Product Type and Country. Based on Product Type, the market is segmented on the basis of Organic Foods and Organic Beverages. Organic Foods includes Organic dairy products, Organic fruits & vegetables, Organic meat, fish & poultry, Organic frozen and processed foods, and Others (Organic baby foods, organic groceries, and so on). Organic Beverages are further segmented into Organic coffee & tea, Organic beer & wine, Organic non-dairy beverages, and other organic beverages. Based on Country, the market has been segmented into U.S., Canada, Mexico, and Rest of North America.

The key player operating the organic food & beverages market are Amys Kitchen Inc., General Mills Inc., Hain Celestial Group, Inc., Starbucks Corporation, The Kroger Co., United Natural Foods, Inc., The WhiteWave Foods Co., and Whole Foods Market, Inc.

Key Topics Covered:

1. Market Scope & Methodology

2. Executive Summary

3. Market Overview

4. North America Organic Food & Beverages Market

5. North America Organic Food & Beverages Market - By Country

6. Company Profiles

For more information about this report visit http://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/vhszp9/north_america

Media Contact:

Research and Markets Laura Wood, Senior Manager press@researchandmarkets.com

For E.S.T Office Hours Call +1-917-300-0470 For U.S./CAN Toll Free Call +1-800-526-8630 For GMT Office Hours Call +353-1-416-8900

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To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/north-america-organic-food--beverages-market-report-2017---research-and-markets-300465485.html

SOURCE Research and Markets

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North America Organic Food & Beverages Market Report 2017 - Research and Markets - PR Newswire (press release)

by Garron Weeks

Growing up as a teenager in the 21st century, I felt constantly under pressure to have an image and social status. As I made mistakes and ran through a gamut of imperfections, these worries would keep me up at night. Id toss and turn in bed thinking about every little detail of my life and would do anything to distract myself from that feeling of anxiety. My mistakes and imperfections piled on top of each other through the years and as a result, my anxiety and depression led me to hit rock bottom. But it wasnt until I hit rock bottom that I saw the world in a different light.

Growing up through grade school feels like an eternity, as if the boring classes, bullies and social anxieties would never end. Because as kids, thats all we knew. Once I graduated high school, I felt liberated. But my demons would later return, as I continued to dwell within my thoughts.

I tried enrolling in therapy to talk about my problems, but I still dwelled on them. I tried prescription pills, but they would numb my emotions, cloud my head or make me groggy. I tried connecting more with religion, but still felt my anxieties controlling me. But it wasnt until I began researching on the internet how to better my mind that I came across meditation.

Meditation seems intimidating at first because of the way that our brains have been developed to operate. With our cell phones, we have the world at our fingertips. With clocks, we live by times and schedules.

Meditation, however, is where one relaxes and becomes in the present moment. I had always grown up with this weird perception that meditation was only something monks did and seemed like a waste of time in such a short life. Yet, the technique of meditation is simple and straightforward. But it is our own expectations and judgments that make the practice complicated.

The easiest way to get into a state of meditation is to listen to the world around you and focus on your breath. Listen to the hum and buzz of the world, and your breath going in and out. Its easy to forget that breathing is natural and it just happens to us. We dont need to focus on it, but once we do, it seems unfamiliar and very much in the present. Once one enters the meditative state, sensations of relaxation and clarity will come upon the person.

However, negative thoughts may creep back into the head. As contemporary philosopher Alan Watts once said, Its important that you dont try to repress those thoughts by forcing them out of your mind. Because that will have precisely the same effect as if you were trying to smooth rough water with a flat iron. The brain will create thoughts regardless, since it is a reflexive organ towards its environment and experiences.

I believe that its essential for human beings especially college students to understand the importance of living in a meditative state, as it allows you to let go of the worldly desires and anxieties. You do not have to sit cross legged in a field to meditate. One can come into this state at any time by just focusing on the breath in the present moment.

Beginning to practice meditation can seem very foreign, but fortunately in Denton, there are many places offering guided sessions in meditation and yoga. For myself, I studied for many months before I really grasped the practice. Thanks to meditation practice, I am finally at peace with myself.

Featured Illustration: Samuel Wiggins

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Living through meditation is essential to mental health - North Texas Daily

CONWAY Ellen Schwindt will offer another Music as Meditation event on Sunday, June 4, at 5 p.m. Enjoy music presented with its connection to human hearts in mind, and with time for contemplation interspersed between musical offerings.

Schwindt is planning improvisations based on a concerto for violin, piano and strings that she is writing.

Sylvia Chandler will sing Schubert's "Ave Maria" and Schwindt will reprise Beethoven's "Moonlight Sonata."

Schwindt began Music as Meditation as a way for her to share her newest music with listeners and to share a meditative spirit with attenders. The series has blossomed into an opportunity for community musicians to share music with each other.

Music as Meditation takes place on first Sundays of each month at Christ Episcopal Church on the corner of Pine and Main Streets in North Conway. Free admission.

Call (603) 447-2898 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for more information.

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Ellen Schwindt to offer another Music as Meditation June 4 - Conway Daily Sun

There are so many reasons (both totally obvious and completely unexpected) as to why youre feeling anxious on the regular (politics, anyone?), even if youre already eating all the right foods to manage your stress and youve learned how to leave work stress at the office. Which is why we are major proponents of meditation. It can help you achieve your fitness goalsandsleep better evenstrengthen your relationship. And thats to say nothing of the calming effects meditation can have on your mind.

To get the scoop on all the good meditation stuff, we chatted with tech entrepreneur and Simple Habit meditation app founder Yunha Kimabout her personal meditationjourney and easy ways even the mostmeditation-adverse among us can use mindfulness to create zen wherever we go. (And dont forget to check out the app for free oniOS and Android!)

Brit + Co: We recently read a study from the University of Waterloo that just 10 minutes of meditation can significantly increase focus for anxious people, in part because it promotes mindfulness. Youve mentioned before how being present is key to maintaining calm. What does that mean, exactly?

Yunha Kim: Stress has the ability to consume our minds with negative thoughts and affect our mood, physical health, and relationships. Simply being aware of your own stress can help prevent you from reacting to things instead of responding. (Photo via Yunha Kim)

B+C: What made you decide to create a meditation app? Was it a response to something going on in your life, or have you always been a zen chaser?

YK: I was so stressed at my previous startup and went through a period of burnout that inspired me to try meditating. At the time, I was working 24/7 and often found it hard to relax, step away from work, or sometimes fall asleep at night. Short, daily meditation worked for me, and I actually became a power user of some of the meditation apps out there. I found myself meditating periodically throughout my day, like during my commutes and before meetings, and it allowed me to be more productive and stress less.

B+C: Can you explain how the Simple Habit app works and what makes it stand apart from the meditation app crowd?

YK: Simple Habit is a freemium on-demand meditation platform that specializes in five-minute meditations for busy people. Our meditations are designed around your situations and moods. It has over a thousand topics from meditation specifically designed for engineers, meditations before work, or even going on a date. The meditations are guided by the worlds leading mindfulness teachers.

A feature that we have on the app is the On-the-Go wheel, which allows new meditators to select what theyre feeling or doing (walking, eating, feeling frustrated) and listen to a meditation corresponding to that like Spotify for meditation.

B+C: Ironically, meditationcan beintimidating for newbies often, we feel like weve failed if we cant completely rid our minds of all thoughts on the first go. Can you give us three beginner tips to make meditation easier?

YK: Start with five minutes. Its a common misconception that to meditate, you need to sit for long periods of time in the morning, but thats not true. You can meditate anytime and anywhere, even while commuting, while eating, or before giving a presentation.

Try meditating in different situations or stressful moments throughout your day (e.g., before a presentation or before an exam). You can try some of our On-the-Go meditations.

Try doing it at the same time every day. I like to meditate first thing in the morning and right before bed. Putting five minutes of mindfulness every day into your calendar or setting a daily reminder for yourself really works and you can do both through the Simple Habit app, and it will remind you on daily basis.

B+C: So basically youre telling us we have no excuse not to meditate! To play devils advocate here lets say, somehow, youre still strapped for time and cant use the app or one of the techniques listed above but want to get in some mindfulness. Do you have any on-the-go mantras you like to use in stressful situations?

YK: Focusing on breathing is one of the simplest ways to bring a sense of attention to yourself and slow down your thoughts. (This is a great breath meditation to start with.) Taking a few deep breaths with long exhales can immediately create a sense of calm in your physical body and emotional state and bring clarity in your mental thoughts. A simple exercise I do when Im in a middle of something (for instance, on stage, right before giving a talk) is repeating inside my head, Breathing in breathing out I usually do it 3-5 times.

How do you get yourself into the mindfulness zone? Tweet us your meditation secrets@BritandCo!

(Photos via Getty; featured photo viaYunha Kim)

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This Tech Entrepreneur Was So Stressed She Created a Meditation App - Brit + Co

Mindfulness has been heralded as practically a body hack that rolls productivity, anti-anxiety, and focus into one, its therapeutic benefits ranging from easing addiction and quieting mood disorders.

But researchers are dousing water on meditations glamorization as a miracle cure-all. In a paper published May 24 in the open-access journal PLOS One, psychiatrist Willoughby Britton and her colleagues interviewed Western Buddhist meditation practitioners and found that mindfulness-based meditation can have unintended negative consequences. Practitioners of Buddhist meditative traditions, like Theravda, Zen, and Tibetan style show that using meditation as a psychological therapy is much more complicated than it seems, and can come with long-lasting consequences.

Britton and her fellow researchers conducted interviews with 60 meditation practitioners about their challenging, difficult, distressing, or impairing experiences associated with meditation. These issues spanned seven different areas: cognitive, perceptual, affective, somatic, conative, sense of self, and social.

Mindfulness meditation programs, in particular, show small improvements in anxiety, depression, and pain with moderate evidence and small improvements in stress/distress and the mental health component of health-related quality of life, write the researchers. They found no evidence of negative side effects but most of these studies did not look for negative effects.

The vast majority (88%) of participants reported that challenging or difficult meditation experiences bled over into daily life or had an impact on their life beyond a meditation retreat or beyond a formal practice session, they wrote. Seventy-three percent of the subjects told researchers that they experienced moderate to severe impairment in at least one area. These results are especially significant when considering the fact that 60 percent of these people are meditation teachers, not just casual practitioners.

Its not that traditional Buddhist literature wasnt aware of the potential negative consequences of meditation: Ancient literature documents multiple experiences and effects, some causing long-lasting distress or difficulty.

In Tibetan Buddhist traditions, the term nyams refers to a wide range of meditation experiences from bliss and visions to intense body pain, physiological disorders, paranoia, sadness, anger and fear which can be a source of challenge or difficulty for the meditation practitioner, write the researchers.

That avoidance of addressing potential negatives might be the reason why meditations positive benefits have been overhyped. Every medical intervention has a possible risk of harm, and when prescribing part of a religious practice such as Buddhist mindfulness meditation, which carries an inherent possibility of negative effects, that risk seems to increase.

Abstract: Buddhist-derived meditation practices are currently being employed as a popular form of health promotion. While meditation programs draw inspiration from Buddhist textual sources for the benefits of meditation, these sources also acknowledge a wide range of other effects beyond health-related outcomes. The Varieties of Contemplative Experience study investigates meditation-related experiences that are typically underreported, particularly experiences that are described as challenging, difficult, distressing, functionally impairing, and/or requiring additional support. A mixed-methods approach featured qualitative interviews with Western Buddhist meditation practitioners and experts in Theravda, Zen, and Tibetan traditions. Interview questions probed meditation experiences and influencing factors, including interpretations and management strategies. A follow-up survey provided quantitative assessments of causality, impairment and other demographic and practice-related variables. The content-driven thematic analysis of interviews yielded a taxonomy of 59 meditation-related experiences across 7 domains: cognitive, perceptual, affective, somatic, conative, sense of self, and social. Even in cases where the phenomenology was similar across participants, interpretations of and responses to the experiences differed considerably. The associated valence ranged from very positive to very negative, and the associated level of distress and functional impairment ranged from minimal and transient to severe and enduring. In order to determine what factors may influence the valence, impact, and response to any given experience, the study also identified 26 categories of influencing factors across 4 domains: practitioner-level factors, practice-level factors, relationships, and health behaviors. By identifying a broader range of experiences associated with meditation, along with the factors that contribute to the presence and management of experiences reported as challenging, difficult, distressing or functionally impairing, this study aims to increase our understanding of the effects of contemplative practices and to provide resources for mediators, clinicians, meditation researchers, and meditation teachers.

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Meditation Isn't Necessarily Good - Inverse

New! Bring a friend and both you and your friend will receive a 15% discount on your program (only applies to some programs). Find out more.

On retreat you will find space for reflection, relaxation and spiritual renewal. Enjoy a quiet oasis of inspiration, far from the busyness of daily life.

Choose the retreat that is just right for you. Our Guided Retreats offer both space and structure. Personal Retreats let you design your time in a way that suits your needs. And if you are an artist, professional or student our new Renewal Retreats may be what you are looking for. Group or Work Retreats give you access to the Ashrams facilities while creating your own program.

View our Guided Retreats

All retreats balance personal time with community activities. Daily yoga classes and short workshops are included in your stay. Karma Yoga will also be a part of your day. Meditation rooms are available for practices. Comfortable accommodations and wholesome meals are provided.

A typical day on retreat

Learn more about the yoga classes and workshops offered during your retreat at Yasodhara.

Please note that while we will make your stay as comfortable as possible, Yasodhara Ashram is not a hotel or spa. Be aware that you are living in a spiritual community. Our retreats are meant for spiritual renewal.

Yasodhara yoga courses have been designed to emphasize the yogic tradition of self-discovery through reflection on the spiritual in everyday life.

Swami Radha believed that yoga is a path of liberation open to everyone. Her teachings, which are the basis of all of our courses, support students in building a foundation of character, courage and awareness the inner work necessary on the path of yoga.

View our Courses

Ranging from two days to our popular three-month Yoga Development Course, our courses give students techniques and practices to support emotional, psychological and spiritual development. By combining yoga practices with personal development techniques Yasodhara offers a unique set of teachings tailored to the Western student of yoga.

All courses include a daily early morning Hatha or Hidden Language Yoga class, morning and afternoon workshops, group work and time for personal reflection. Course participants are also invited to participate in Karma Yoga with our community and to attend satsang each evening.

A typical day on course

Learn more about the yoga classes and workshops offered during your retreat at Yasodhara

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Retreats & Courses at Yasodhara | Yasodhara Ashram

Located a short drive south of Delhi in north central India, Maharajji's beautiful Vrindavan ashram is the likely the most propitious of the ashrams and temples of Maharajji Neem Karoli Baba. The temple at the cremation place of Maharajji's last known body is called Samadhi Stahl. A yatra to this very holy place is always of great benefit to all devotees.

It was in Vrindaban that Maharajji chose to leave His body in 1973. The Neeb Karori Baba Vrindavan Ashram is located in Krishnas holy city of Vrindaban on the plains of Uttar Pradesh. The first temple was inaugurated in 1967. This ashram is on Parikrama Marg a short ways from Mathura Road.

Within this ashram is the Mahasamadhi Mandir of Neem Karoli Baba / Neeb Karori Baba. This is the site of Maharaj-ji's Mahasamadhi Bhandara in September each year. In this ashram are Hanumanji Temple, Durga Devi Temple, Sita Ram Temple, Shivaji Yugshala Temple, and Maharajji's Mahasamadhi Temple.

Maharajji's Vrindavan Ashram has Beautiful Gardens during most months of the year.

Babaji Maharaj has already fixed the date of His leaving this mortal body. He had to choose a place for the cremation of His body and to prepare back-ground for His devotees to build a commemorative temple.

Babaji had already got a yajna performed for nine days in the premises of the temple by His devotee Vishambhar from Aligarh on the occasion of Chaitra Navratra in March-April, 1973.

The place situated between the dharamshala on the northern side of the courtyard and the boundary wall of the temple on the south side leaving one third of the area of the courtyard on either side.

Thus the place was sanctified by adoration of the goddess Durga. Babaji ordered that this small area be blockaded and its sanctity should be maintained.

Babaji left His mortal body in Ramakrishna Mission hospital at night 10 September 1973. Inspired by Babaji's mystic power, Pagal Baba advised His devotees that His physical body be merged with elements inside the ashram.

The devotees, accordingly, made a platform of sandal-wood and cremated Baba's physical body on the sacred festival of Ananta Chaturdashi, on 11 September.

Maharajjis kutiya is a sacred place in Ashram where Baba Neeb Karori Maharaj used to take rest during the Vrindavan stay. The atmosphere inside the kutiya cannot be expressed in words. It is so calm and serene that by sitting and meditating here everyone is lost in another world.

Devotees feel the very presence of Baba Neeb Karori Maharaj. They feel direct communion with Baba Neeb Karori Maharaj. Devotees sorrow, tension, jitters everything is dissolved in the presence of Baba Neeb Karori Maharaj.

Activities at Vrindavan Ashram start with the opening of the ashram. The first arati is at Sri Ram Darbar and Sri Sankat Mochan Hanuman ji, followed by arati to Mata Vaishnav Devi and followed by the last to Baba Neeb Karori Maharaj. In 12 oclock noon the mandirs are closed, reopening at about 3 p.m.. Sandhya Shayan Arati of Sri Ram Darbar, Sri Sankat Mochan Hanuman ji, Mata Vaishnav Devi, then of Baba Neeb Karori Maharaj After Sandya Shayan Arati and bhog, temples are closed at about 8 p.m. Continious kirtan and bhajan are being done by maais in Sri Ram Darbar.

Every Tuesday there is Akhand Hanuman Chalisa Paath at Mahasamadhi temple. Every Tuesday and Saturday there is Sangitmay Sunder Kand Paath in Baba Neeb Karori Maharaj jis Kutiya.

Feeding of poor people is the main feature of Sri Baba Neeb Karori Ashram Vrindavan. Every morning after prayer, chana prasaad and daliya is distributed daily to everyone. On the Wednesday a large number of poor ones are benefited by balbhog (puri, aloo sabji) which is distributed after morning arati. In the evening tea is distributed daily to all. At the time of lunch and dinner prasad is being offered to everyone in ashram.

Baba Neeb Karori Maharaj took special care to see that whosoever comes to the Ashram is given Prasad. Baba Neeb Karori Maharaj said whoever comes to you is your guest.It is essentially against the tradition of Ashram that people should get away without getting Prasad.

Ashram also helps poor in many ways and run many type of charitable activities. In winter distribution of blankets, shawls, and saree to ladies is being done. Poor students are also being helped by providing educational utensils, books fees etc.

Baba Neeb Karori Ashram has a very beautiful Gaushala. In fact, about forty percent of the ashram area is dedicated to cow seva. At present there are approximately 300 cows, calves, bulls, and oxens. There are nearly 20 cows being milked by hand for the exclusive nourishment of ashram deities and the feeding of poor people in the ashram. All the cows and others receives highest quality of care and food.

The very special feature of ashram Gaushala is male calves (bulls) which are being treated in same fashion as cows. In most of Gaushala you will find absence of same as they do not produce milk and are being considered as burden.

All visitors are welcome the can personally visit Gaushala. Devotees can make donations for maintaining Gaushala and feeding the cows.

Some Indians and Foreigners are given rooms at this ashram. A letter of recommendation and prior arrangement with the ashram are very helpful if you wish to participate as an ashram inmate. Additionally some short-stay rooms are sometimes available.

During the stay at Vrindavan ashram active involvement is very much necessary. You must have been involved in ashram activities earlier. If a newcomer wishes to stay in the ashram then it is advisable to have recommendation of an old devotee. It is compulsory.

At the time of bhadaras the accommodation is not available due to limited accommodation available at ashram. It is advisable to contact the ashram well in advance to check the availability of room for stay. You must be present in morning and evening prayers at ashram and contribute in ashram activities.

A valid I.D. proof like Aadhar Card, Visa, PAN Card etc is mandatory requirement for stay in ashram. Whenever you are coming to ashram for stay must bring your valid I.D. proof.

Each and every visitor to the ashram and all persons staying in the ashram must follow the ashram rules to maintain the sanctity of ashram.

Address: Baba Neeb Karori Ashram, Parikrama Marg Goshala,Attalla Chungi, Vrindaban, Dist: Mathura, UP 281121, India. For General Enquiries and Donations: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Telephone: +91-9568138989, +91-7037232225, +91-9219515733.

More Information: "Staying Outside The Ashram" at page bottom.

This bhandara takes place on or about September 11 each year. Tens of thousands of Maharajji's devotees are fed.

Photos by Bhanu, Devendra, Kanishk, and Jai Ram

These hotels and guesthouses are suggestions for Maharajji's satsang visiting Vrindavan who cannot stay inside the ashram. These listing are not an endorsment of any hotel or guesthouse listed below. Please consult the Web for more listings.

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Vrindavan Ashram - Maharajji Neem Karoli Baba

Ahmedabad: To commemorate 100 years of Sabarmati Ashram and Champaran Satyagraha, both closely linked with Mahatma Gandhi, the railways will run a special train for tourists that will travel through cities of historical and religious importance.

Representational image. Reuters

The train, Gandhi Darshan, will leave from here on 17 June and return on 26 June after a 10-day journey, an official of the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) said in Ahmedabad.

Apart from connecting the two important places associated with Gandhiji, the train from Gujarat to Bihar would also take tourists to various religious places, said deputygeneralmanager oftourism, IRCTC, V N Shukla.

"17 June marks 100 years of both Sabarmati Ashram in the city as well as of Champaran Satyagraha in Bihar. Thus, IRCTC has decided to run a train, officially called Astha Special Tourist Train or Gandhi Darshan train, on 17 June. It will be flagged off from Sabarmati station at 8 am," he said.

"The train, having only non-AC sleeper coaches, has the capacity to accommodate 840 passengers. The fare, which will be inclusive of all, has been kept at Rs 8,720 per person. It will start from 17 June and come back here on 26 June," he added.

The tourists will be taken to various places of historical as well as religious importance such as Wardha, Motihari, Gaya, Varanasi and Allahabad, said Shukla.

The IRCTC may think of operating the train on a regular basis if the inaugural run meets with desired success in terms of response from tourists, he added.

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Railways to run Gandhi Darshan train to commemorate 100 years of ... - Firstpost