I write a regular column for theTravelWireAsia website about India, yoga and travel in Asia (my favourite continent for travel!). Recently, I published a three-part series onHow to do a yoga ashram in India.Heres a synopsis of each post to read the full article click on the link provided.

HAVE you considered going to an ashram in India? This is a 3-part series on where to go, what you need to know and what to expect.

Holy men have been congregating in ashrams in India to meditate and chant since the dawn of time. But theyve only become popular as a travellers destination sinceThe Beatles went to the Maharishi Mahesh Yogis ashram in Rishikeshin the late 1960s and yoga became a worldwide phenomenon.

The best way to find an ashram is to ask people you know, especially your yoga teacher.Some of the questions you should ask include:Does the ashram or school take foreign students; do they have a program for foreigners? Is instruction in English?Where, exactly, is the ashram or school; is it accessible and in a place that has access to trains, the Internet, etc. Click here to read the full articleHow to find an ashram.

Once youve decided to stay at an ashram in India, and you know where youre going, its time to start getting ready. Find out everything you can about the ashram including the amenities, daily routine, accommodations and what you need to bring. Talk to people whove been there to find out what its really like.

Ashrams are not hotels, they do not come equipped with mod cons and supplies. They tend to be very simple, and you have to bring almost everything you need with you but remind yourself that you are not going to indulge in luxury. Bring what you need, but bring the bare minimum, such as:all the toiletries you need, including soap, shampoo and medications,a flashlight,a towel,a shawl or sweater (it can be chilly at night in winter and in the mountains),loose cotton clothes, preferably Indian-style (Lululemon spandex just doesnt cut it),flipflops and/or sandals, etc.Click here to read the full articleWhat to pack and how to get ready for your ashram adventure in India.

Yoga capital of the world: RIshikesh, India

Preparations can only take you so far when youre travelling or experiencing something new you have to expect the unexpected. And this is doubly, triply true oftravel in India! Its also especially true of doing something that is off-the-radar for most people from the west, where spirituality, and even just the concept of looking within, is nowadays considered a radical notion.

Looking within is exactly what you do at an ashram, and if youre new to it, you may not know where to start or where to look. Thats what the daily routine is for. The daily routine grounds you in the life of the ashram and provides you with a map. The destination is your unique experience and epiphanies. When in doubt, follow the routine and have faith thatsomethingwill happen! And if thatsomethingturns out to be a catharsis, the routine will support you as you go through it.

I always go through a few very uncomfortable days of unwinding when I first get to the ashram.I usually feel like I have the flu, but I know its the symptoms of a natural detoxification.Click here to read the full articleWhat to expect at an ashram and the daily routine.

Read more:
How to find, get ready for and visit a yoga ashram in India

Attn to Commentors:

Eucharistic Miracle at Tabor Ashram (Mumbai, India): Drops of Water and Blood during the Holy Eucharist (Monday, 27th August, 2007)

1 John 5:6

This is the one who came by water and bloodJesus Christ. He did not come by water only, but by water and blood. And it is the Spirit who testifies, because the Spirit is the truth

About the Miracle

On 27th August 2007 in the presence of around 60 retreatants (of a special English Growth Retreat) when Fr. Joby was con-celebrating Mass along with Fr. Anto (who himself was a retreatant), during the Epiclesis [that part of the prayer of consecration of the Eucharistic elements (bread and wine) by which the priest invokes the Holy Spirit] when Fr Joby invoked the the Holy Spirit, he noticed many drops of water and blood on the altar cloth. He immediately announced to the congregation that Jesus was pouring out His Blood and Water and continued with the Holy Mass.

Later he testified that the wine had changed to Blood and that when had sipped it at communion it smelt like blood and it was not flowing as easily as wine should normally flow. After sipping he found it sticky in his mouth, a sensation which lasted for quite sometime. Fr Anto too testified of the same.

The choir members (I was one of them) who were near the altar too witnessed the droplets. All the retreatants later testified what they had witnessed and nine of them testified that they had visions of Jesus sprinkling his blood and water on to the stage.

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Glorify God Miracle at Tabor Divine Retreat Ashram

Kankhal

Haridwar is one of the most ancient cities in the world. Its original name was Mayapuri and it is mentioned in all our ancient Vedas and Puranas. The small town of Kankhal is very close to Haridwar and it has a beautiful temple to Shiva which is known as the Daksha Prajapati Mandir. The temple itself is not that old but the yajnashala or place where yajnas (fire sacrifices) are conducted is very old and it has been confirmed as the place in which the original Sati gave up her life for the sake of her husband who had been insulted by her father. Kankhal is the place where Satis father who was one of the patriarchs of the ancient world had his capital and performed a famous yajna or sacrifice many hundreds of years ago. This yajna was obviously a very important one since it is mentioned in all our Puranas.

Sati Yajnashala at Daksha Prajpati Mandir The legend of the goddess Sati, first wife of Shiva is one which has enthralled and inspired Indian women through the ages. She was the youngest daughter of the famous Prajapati or patriarch known as Daksha. His kingdom was in Kankhal, near modern Haridwar. From the time she was born her mind was completely dedicated to Lord Shiva. However her father was totally against such a bridegroom for his beloved daughter. Shiva, clad in tiger skin with snakes round his neck and smeared with ashes from the cremation ground was hardly a fitting son-in-law for him and Daksha swore that he would never let his beautiful daughter wed such a man. However, Sati was adamant and refused all other offers of marriage and devoted her time in doing tapas to Shiva. At last her austerities bore fruit and Shiva, who was a born recluse decided to accept her in marriage. At the end of her year-long penance, Shiva approached her and blessed her. He knew what was in her mind and held out his hand and asked her to accompany him. Shivas ways were always unconventional! She begged him to first ask her fathers permission. Shiva knew that Daksha who was the impeccable priest of orthodoxy would never agree to a union between them; however since she was insistent he caught hold of her hand and took her to her fathers court.

Daksha looked at Shiva in disgust and shouted, You scoundrel! What have you done? Are you trying to snatch my beloved daughter from me? Turning to Sati he roared, I will never let you marry this wretch! Sati spoke vehemently, Father I have made my choice. This is the man I want to marry. I will wed none other.

The Custom of Sati Urdu Print (www.exoticindia.com)

Daksha exploded, In that case you can marry him without my consent and without my blessings. You will be shunned forever, condemned to wander like an outcaste with this madman! Sati said not a word but clung harder to Shivas arm. He lifted her in his arms and placed her on his vehicle the bull, Nandi who had been patiently waiting for his masters command. The couple set off without any of the pomp or show which befitted the daughter of a patriarch. There was no priest or rituals which were so dear to Dakshas heart and no music or trumpets!

Sati did not care. She was prepared to sacrifice all her comforts for the sake of her beloved Lord. Shiva took her to the bleak and barren mountain where there were only beasts and reptiles to welcome her. Sati was content to roam wildly in the wake of her unpredictable husband across the desolate Himalayan ranges and peaks, inhabited by wild animals. Thus they lived for many years and Shiva taught her many of the esoteric secrets of life known only to him. These teachings form the basis of all the abstruse cults found in the Hindu religion.

Once when she was wandering on the hillside she noticed many aerial vehicles passing above. Some of them contained her sisters and their husbands. She called to them to find out where they were going. They said, Dont you know that our father is celebrating the grand Brihaspati Yajna to which everyone who is anyone has been invited. It is going to be the greatest show in the world. We are sure you will get an invitation soon and we will all meet at our fathers house. Sati ran to Shiva and asked if they had received an invitation. Shiva replied, Dont you know that your father hates me? He is conducting this Yajna with the express purpose of humiliating me and will certainly not invite us.

Sati was crestfallen when she heard this. She thought for a while and said, Of course you cannot go to a place where you have not been invited but Im his daughter and can go to her fathers house without an invitation. I would love to meet my mother and sisters so please let me go. Shiva said, I cannot stop you from doing what you want Sati, but let me warn you that no good will come of it. You will dishonoured and forced to listen to your fathers insults."

Go here to see the original:
Sati - Vanamali Ashram. Vanmali Gita Yogasram, Bhagavad ...

Video Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i7awJSpBbc8

Huston Smith on Buddhism - Historical background the Eightfold Path
Huston Smith lecture on the historical background for Buddhism and the teachings of the Buddha. A charming presentation, somewhat odd and obscure.

By: lecturesbeyondbeyond

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Huston Smith on Buddhism - Historical background & the Eightfold Path - Video

Video Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j-yuzH3Ya9g

2014/12/21 Zen F1 Meeting Chance Circuit F1-Wide A
25.5T Foam Tire 205mm 47 zm rb0 os3.6 bo,2h500 65.5 sqpw rod3000,82-48 .

By: ligierjs39

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2014/12/21 Zen F1 Meeting Chance Circuit F1-Wide A - Video

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Zen and The Art of Teaching Humans How to Return a Ball
As taught by fur ball Antigone. For more info on Antigone and her lovely cat friends who would like you to give them a new home, please visit: http://mygreekcat.jimdo.com/cats-katzen/antigone/...

By: Your Greek Cat

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Zen and The Art of Teaching Humans How to Return a Ball - Video

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Zen Bodi from Jeunesse Global by Dr Vincent Giampapa- Slavomir Rychnavsky
See more details about products on official website: http://bit.ly/1xRunvF Or contact me on Facebook: Jeunesse Youthful Aging Slavomir.

By: Jeunesse Slavomir

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Zen Bodi from Jeunesse Global by Dr Vincent Giampapa- Slavomir Rychnavsky - Video

Video Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sbe7yeqqTtA

Perfect World Zen Generator v10
Perfect World Zen Generator v10 2015 [ NEW ] New release of the Perfect World Zen Generator v10 2015. With this Perfect World Zen you can buy features for all of Perfect World Entertainment #39;s...

By: andrea giovvano

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Perfect World Zen Generator v10 - Video

Video Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q3n4XEkcAjE

Dead Rising 3 - Zen Garden Psychopath - Part 3
I hope you guys enjoyed the Video!!! Please Rate Comment and Subscribe if you enjoyed!!!

By: Lavender Comet

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Dead Rising 3 - Zen Garden Psychopath - Part 3 - Video

Video Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_uPFG5-r3lY

Zen Bodi by Jeunesse Global
The human body is complex. It takes several mechanisms working together to keep you fit and healthy, which means a multi-functional approach is necessary to target fat loss correctly. Carefully...

By: K.D. Surgeon

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Zen Bodi by Jeunesse Global - Video