Why you should visit India for yoga and meditation ?

Bharat is the central spiritual civilization for the planet with it's vast yogic and dharmic (religious) traditions and science of self - realization through meditation.

- Vamadeva Shastri (Dr. David Frawley)

This statement is a complete answer to this question in itself, That's why I quoted this statement first over here. But still I will try my best to elaborate this answer and the topic.

History of Yoga (In brief) :-

It is well known that Rishikesh also known as the birthplace of Yoga is in Northern India, Yoga is said to be originated during the Indus - Sarasvati civilization in Northern India over 5,000 years ago. 

According to Yogic lore Mahadeva Shiva (One of the main deities of Hinduism. He is the Supreme being in Shaivism.) also known as the Adiyogi or the first yogi, the first who gave the Great knowledge of Yoga to the mankind.

Adiyogi Shiva

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Then Maharishi Patanjali introduced the Ashtanga Yoga in Yoga Darshan. The Yoga philosophy , this great gift to the mankind , the Yoga Darshan is enough if you want to know and learn Yoga.

May be the history and origin are some of the possible answers for Why you should visit India for yoga and meditation ?

What is the actual meaning of Yoga and Meditation ?

Before going any further answering this question it is necessary to understand What actually Yoga and meditation are ? 

Yoga word is derived from the Sanskrit word Yuj which means addition or unification, it's philosophical meaning is unification of soul with supreme soul. Which is the real goal or destination of Yoga known as Samadhi.

There are more than 100 kinds of Yoga with different procedures and practices but the destination remains the same i.e., Samadhi.

But here we are discussing about Ashtanga Yoga (Ashta means eight and Anga means limb in Sanskrit) introduced by Maharishi Patanjali.

Maharishi Patanjali

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The eight limbs of Yoga are :-

  1.Yama (External disciplines or Abstinences)

• Ahimsa (Non - violence)
• Satya (Truthfulness)
• Asteya (Non - stealing)
• Brahmacharya (Chastity)
• Aparigraha (Non - possessiveness)

  2. Niyama (Internal disciplines or Observances)

• Shaucha (Purity or Clearness)
• Santosha (Contentment)
• Tapas (Austerity or Self - discipline)
• Svadhyaya (Study of self and Vedas, introspection of self's thoughts)
• Ishvarapranidhana (Contemplation of the Supreme being)

  3. Asana (Posture or meditation seat)

  4. Pranayama (Conscious regulation of Breath)

  5. Pratyahara (Withdrawal of senses)

  6. Dharana (One - pointedness of mind or Introspective focus or Concentration)

  7. Dhyana (Abstract meditation)

  8. Samadhi (Union or State of oneness with Supreme soul)

These are the eight limbs of Yoga with their brief description, now, it is understood that Yoga is a vast topic in itself and hence it can't be explained in a single blogpost. But if you are really curious about Ashtanga Yoga and want to know more , then , I recommend you to read the Yoga Darshan by Maharishi Patanjali.

But generally many people in the lack of knowledge consider Yoga as just a set of physical and breath control exercises i.e., Asanas and Pranayama.

But the ultimate goal of Yoga, the Samadhi can never be attained by merely practicing Asanas and Pranayama. Hence following Yama and Niyama is essential or we can say that the practice of all the eight limbs of Yoga is necessary as all the eight limbs are equally important.

Now we will discuss about What is meditation ?

Meditation is just a higher form of concentration , when you contemplate deeply on any idea , thought , thing or whatever it is even zero , just silence or you just try to listen the silence , yes , it is meditation!

Doing anything just with a higher degree of concentration is meditation , even the state when you are self absorbed is meditation , meditation is when whatever you do you become like that , meditation is the state of absolute harmony with the nature , you become nature , you start knowing your true nature that you are not different , you are not an outsider , your soul becomes united with the supreme soul. There is no difference at all , this is what the true meditation is.

It is not necessary that for meditation you need a different special place , even a painter absorbed in painting is in the state of meditation , a writer while absorbed in writing is in the state of meditation.

Now you may think is it really unnecessary to find a peaceful place , solitude and so on...

Yes , these things are also important but only when you are a beginner , when you advance with time , these things become secondary. But , yes in the start these rudimentary things are very important. Maintaining these things will help you advance easily , like if you practice meditation daily at the same place , at the same time , on the same mat this will enhance your progress in a magical way , as your body and your biological clock become habitual of your daily schedule and assist you in making your meditation deep and strong for that period of time ⌚ , you will be able to calm your body fast in the start of meditation. 

(Some people find it difficult to meditate but it is easy if you just concentrate on your breathing process and following the things mentioned above you can master the art of meditation easily)

Geographical factors also affect your practice of meditation in the initial stage , the atmosphere , natural environment these things also effect your practice significantly.

so, in the next paragraph we will see how geographical factors are important and Why Geographical conditions in India (especially North India) are suitable for Yoga and Meditation ?

 

Geographical factors :-

• In North India the environment is perfect for Yogic activities and meditation , like in Haridwar and Rishikesh you can easily find many people doing such activities.
  
  Image source - pixabay.com
• In Gangotri and Yamunotri the environment is all set for meditation , the peaceful natural environment is special with comforting cold breeze is enough to carry you away to a different realm of ecstasy.
  
  Image source - dreamstine.com
• Himalayan region is also great for the beginning of Yoga and meditation , the start you make here will lead you to the success in Yoga and meditation as the strong memories you make here in the beginning of session will never leave you.
  
  Image source - pixabay.com
• And the most important of all the air in India (In the Himalayan region) is also unique as it is the same air and the same place where many Great Yogis practiced Yoga and Meditation , in the Himalayas. It is also the permanent residence of many Great Yogis , as it is a spiritual place mentioned in some ancient and Buddhist texts.

These are some geographical factors which made India perfect and best for Yoga and Meditation.

Knowledge of Yoga and Spiritual factors :-

• There is no other place in the world which has as vast knowledge of Yoga as India have , as India is the source of Yoga for the world.
• In India you can also find a Guru (not just a Physical training instructor) for guidance who can direct you and can help you in reaching your goal easily.
• The spiritual and traditional culture of India is unparalleled (which you should not miss at any cost) , here you can discover many traditional forms of Yoga which are unacquainted by the world.
• India is also a Spiritual Centre , so here you will proceed swiftly in your practice and get the best guidance and experience.
• In short , the experiences and learning that you can have in India , you can never get the same elsewhere.

Image source - pixabay.com

These are some factors answering Why you should visit India for yoga and meditation ?

Hope you find it helpful...

Thanks