Yoga and Meditations in lap of Himalayas - Rishikesh

Yoga tour is an ultimate experience to achieve self-realization and get rid of worldly tensions and stress caused due to the hustle-bustle of city life. Yoga means the union of body and breath and the coming together of mind and muscles. It is also referred to as the unification of the self with the divine.

Introduction Yoga
Yoga is the oldest system of personal development encompassing body, mind and spirit. The origin of Yoga goes back more than 5000 years. This valuable science developed by the ancient sages of India. and modified through generations, took many years to spread around the world. In the modern times, the value of Yoga is being increasingly recognized for general health and its preventive and curative effects.

Modern Concept of Yoga
In the modern perspective, yoga is one of the most effective and wholesome forms of experience to control the waves of thought by converting mental & physical energy into spirtitual energy. Yoga eases away pent-up tension, rejuvenates the body & soul, enhances concentration, cures diseases and keeps a hold on the aging process.

Come celebrate the joy of Yoga at the International Yoga Festival

International Yoga Festival Rishikesh India 10 day Tour 28 February – 10 March 2010, India
Rishikesh is the gateway to the Ganges River’s Himalayan source. This sacred ”City of the Divine” is some 150 miles northeast of New Delhi is a draw for both local Indian and foreign yoga practitioners. Once a year, the International Yoga Festival convene at Rishikesh and here, you will practice yoga and go on a personal retreat with both International and Indian yoga gurus over the entire week. The annual International Yoga Festival was organised since 1999 and has grown each year to attract over 500 delegates from 32 countries across the world, including Australia, Canada, China, France, Germany, Israel, Japan, New Zealand, Romania, Singapore, South Korea, Spain, Switzerland, Thailand, UK and USA and many more.

Why Yoga ?
Yoga work on the mind and the body at the same time, as well as exploiting their interdependence. No other system does this. Western psychology studies the mind, western exercise physiology studies the effect of exercise on the body, but there is no emphasis on the interrelationship of the mind and the body.

Yoga asanas(postures) and breathing deal with the physical body, but due to their effects on the brain, they also effect the mind. All the wonders of modern science will not bring happiness, peace of mind, health or a long life. Although wonders have been achieved in our external environment - space travel, computers, etc. our internal environment has been neglected. Thousands of years ago the ancient yogis turned their minds inwards and discovered their true nature. This allowed them to work out a system of body and breathing exercises which results in vitality, rejuvenation and peace of mind.

Who can practice Yoga ?
Yoga can be practiced by anyone, at any age, with any physical condition, depending on individual needs. For example, athletes and dancers can practice for restoring the energy and to improve stamina; housewives for rejuvenating the energy and to reduce fatigue; exectives to give a break to the overworked mind; children to control the wandering mind, muscle toning, to improve memory and concentration; seniors to feel strong and to improve memory. Yoga breathing techniques(Pranayama) are very powerful since they work as a tonic to reduce stress, insomnia, emotional imbalance, headache etc. Yoga therefore, is for all ages from 5 years to as long as we live.

How to practice yoga?
It is very important to practice yoga with the full mind. Best time to practice yoga is either in the morning or in the evening, beginners find it easier to practice in the evening because the body is supple. It is best if practitioner practices yoga at a time that best suits his or her schedule, as long as the stomach is empty prior to the practice.

Yogasanas and their benefits
Yogasanas help relax body and mind together. Stretching helps relax and tone the muscles, to improve circulation, to regain the vital force or energy, lose or gain weight, feel and look young and improve concentration. It can relieve conditions like stress, back-pain, allergy, headaches, high and low blood pressure, insomnia and depression. Some of the yogasanas are easy to practice and yet very powerful.