Nepal Yoga Retreat is a sanctuary tucked in the midst of Sriban jungle about 15 km of Kathmandu, in the Chhaling of Bhaktapur. The quiet, tranquil, lush green environment provides the perfect backdrop for the yoga and meditation provided here by the practiced and accomplished yoga gurus.
Dr. Chintamani Gautam, who holds a Ph.D. in Yoga Science and is an expert on Sanskrit, yoga, and physiology is the pioneer of this retreat and academy and has given yoga training to many people and teach them its physical, mental and spiritual aspects.
Dr. Gautam gives a very descriptive background of the concept of yoga. "Every person wants their life to be healthy and happy, but which is actually quite a tough job, as we can see many dissatisfactions all around. There is 44 lakhs life around us and each life has a soul. Being a human being, it is our job to get in touch with our inner self, or our soul. What makes it difficult to achieve this is that all our deeds on earth make a layer around our soul concealing it from clear view. Having been born as a human with minds, it is a quest for us to make use of it to come across our souls or our inner self," says Dr. Gautam adding, "like the sun is always there even when obstructed by the clouds, our inner self is also always there, which can be seen once we remove these layers through yogas and meditations. It is not very easy for people to walk on this path for we have been hardwired since birth to take life for accomplishments rather than for self-realization. There are many health issues that we have in our physical as well mental health. So most of the people adopt yoga for physical health."
"Yoga comprises of breathing exercises, contractions, and relaxation of muscles, which contributes to our health. But that is not what yoga ultimately is. Yoga is actually the realization of self, and connection with all other and the higher consciousness," he adds. He also points out the mental problem people face these days. It is relatively easy to find physical problems, as symptoms can be seen. But many times, mental issues cannot be recognized which again results in physical ailments. But pranayams and meditations help to calm the mind too. He says, "the expertise of yoga is actually si9ritual. The physical and mental benefits can be attained along the way!"
" In the earlier days, yoga was never preached about; people practiced it on their own, unlike now, when people are spreading awareness about yoga. So many people know how to bend their bodies and the asanas of the yoga but are far from understanding its original intention. There are naked yoga, beer yoga, these days which are because yoga has become a market now, and are to attract people with these varieties. But what is the use of this when the real motive behind yoga gets lost?" Dr. Gautam opines. Nepal is the place where yoga and ancient yogi got their learning from, like ashtanga yog whose initiator is Patanjali, hath yog with guru Lord Shiva, guru Kapil in Kapilvastu, Gorakhnath and birthplace of Lord Buddha, all are in Nepal. The mantras they said and the knowledge they gained has its effect till now, making Nepal the most auspicious and natural place for yoga.
The beautiful natural forests also provide a very fitting place for yoga. People coming to practice yoga there are contributing a lot to the retreat, there were 25 students from all over the world. The retreat is providing a place for the people who want to learn yoga in detail to come here, who then again visit various places which causes a ripple effect providing employment to various people involved in tourism. Therefore, Dr. Gautam points out that it is important for the tourism board, the government, and other tourism promoters to work together to further promote yoga in Nepal.
The Yoga Retreat offers many yoga packages, ranging from a few days to a few months and aimed at people just practicing it to people who want to be yoga teachers and instructors. Each day begins with nasal cleaning and goes to pranayamas, or the breathing exercises. And then after breakfast the asanas, yoga postures begins, which goes on till breakfast. The retreat also offers meditation and spa services to the guests.
The food here is very healthy and simple but also exceptionally delicious! Foods here are all organic, vegetarian, and the most acclaimed dish is the roti. The tea is also herbal and given after each meal. So the whole experience here is very calm, serene and healthy.
So, the yoga retreat can be a very good place for many people whether you are looking for relaxed time with yoga, wanting to know more about yoga or even looking to be professionals, all while living in a very beautiful and fresh place with the best hospitality.
Makalu Adventure Pvt. Ltd is the co-partner of Nepal Yoga Retreat Center has built up in the peaceful and natural area at Chhaling, Bhaktapur district.
