Greeting the day with tea and crossing the Ram Jhula; feeling the uneasy yet steadiness of the suspension bridge above the clear blue-green water of the Ganga shimmering below. Bodies and bikes buzzing around in the busy dance of morning- the makings of an adventure.

My first time in an autorickshaw, crammed with people as it climbed up and around the foothills of the Himalayas. Dropping us on the side of the road as we waited for the bus that took us to the sacred cave, Vasishta Guha. Each bump creating the flying experience, the jungle surrounding the hills and the music of horns as we made our way.

We arrived at the path to the cave, catching signs of how to dress and behave appropriately. I rechecked my scarf over my shoulders. We continued down, sighting the biggest spiders I have seen in person, larger than my palm, hanging from their webs.

Removing our shoes, we entered the dimly lit entrance of the cave. The “hall” was lined with cushions, the walls were well worn but enough features to make the mind wander towards bouldering. Probably not appropriate. I digress.

We all sat down on the cushions, being instructed to not rest against the walls. A bit of light came in through the doorway to the outside, but most of what we could see came from the flickering flame deeper within the cave itself. We were again instructed, but this time for 20 minutes of silence to meditate.

Finding a “comfortable” stance, I began. My eyelids flickered gently shut, my attention on my breath and third eye chakra (the brow point). I noticed the light feeling of the energy around- even though we were in near darkness, it felt light and serene. I allowed myself to drift with my mind, and finally found the purity of stillness for a few moments before I became aware of my foot falling completely asleep. Not wanting to disturb those still in mediation, I tried to subtly switch my posture to start “reawakening” my leg while observing the structure of the cave.

The rocks prominent curves, the shadows that danced between the natural and unnatural lighting, the stillness of those inhabiting it all…

The meditation came to a close, with the mantra “Om,” resonating the already holy area. We slowly got up and exited the cave (I hobbled out a bit as I was still reawakening my foot).

Finding our shoes, we immediately began wandering towards the Ganga River. When you are around it, it is quite easy to see why it can be considered so sacred. The blue-green waters surrounded by the deep jungle, with white caps of waves jumping up throughout, it is indeed a sight to behold. And makes me wish for a raft or board.

Down the beach we went, setting up lunch at the very end. A breakfast of bananas, chapatti, and curry (my compliments to the chef), we ate very well for a picnic on the beach.

Afterwards came the entertaining part, the perfect photography moment for yogis. Not only were we along the sacred Ganga, but surrounded by Yoga teachers to help with our alignment in the postures! Some even got into acro, though I considered the grounding a bit too rocky for the circumstance.

Facts on the Ganga:

• Goes by both the Ganges or Ganga River.

• 1,569 miles in length.

• Flows through India & Bangladesh, emptying in the Bay of Bengal.

• 3rd largest river in the world.

• Considered sacred to Hindus;

  • One can pay homage to ancestors and gods by cupping water in their hands and having it fall back into the waters.
  • Flowers, rose petals, and clay flower baskets are common offerings.
  • One often collects river water to use in rituals.
  • It is thought that a dip in the waters can remit sins, as her waters are purifying, especially in the more quickly flowing areas.

• Depended on regularly for daily needs by locals.

• The pollution is on a grand scale. There has been a “Ganga Action Plan” but with little effect.

  • That being said, the areas I have seen thus far have not been highly polluted (notice pictures).

The trip wrapped up the same way we came, back up the beach, along the path past the spiders, flying with the bus through the villages and crossing the suspension bridge to the ashram. The rest of the day filled with shopping in Laxman Jhula and visiting my new friend, Happy in his beautiful art shop. With only a week left in the ashram, yet so many more adventures to behold and reveal!

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

Check out Kopa bands (as pictured above). Doing awesome things for awesome reasons. Plus they are sharable bands! Mix and match for a good reason 😀 Check out more here.

Thanks for tuning in for this weeks post! Just wanted to also shout out to all my followers- super thankful for all of you and your support!
Love & Light