Day 21 – 2 February 2025
The second day of the Pranayama and Meditation Retreat at Yogadham unfolded like a deep breath—steady, unhurried, and full of life. The morning began as it always does, yet no two mornings here feel the same. Mantra chanting rose with the sun, voices merging into the stillness of meditation. The body awakened through asanas, moving with quiet purpose, before settling into the rhythm of pranayama.
After breakfast, the retreat sessions deepened. Breath became both the teacher and the taught as we explored its many dimensions—how it energizes, how it balances, how it cleanses, how it cools. Kapalabhati brought brightness to the mind, Bhastrika burned through sluggishness, Ujjayi whispered like the ocean, and Anuloma Viloma quietly restored balance. The air was thick with focus, each inhale and exhale weaving a bridge between the seen and the unseen.
By afternoon, the silence was lighter, infused with an ease that comes after deep practice. After lunch, we gathered to learn the chants of Mantra Pushpam and Brahmarpanam, letting the vibrations settle into the marrow of our being. Some wandered towards the Ganga, seeking the embrace of her waters. Others slipped into the world of the akhadas, where the old traditions breathe through sadhus and their sacred fires. A few stayed back, their hands busy in quiet service, offering food and care in sadhu seva. And then there were those who simply sat by the Akhand Dhuni, reading, or resting.
As the day softened, the retreat shifted into Krida Yoga, bringing lightness and laughter. The evening settled gently, wrapping Yogadham in golden light as we moved towards the Yagnashala for Dhuni Puja. Flames flickered against the gathering dusk, bhajans rose like incense, and somewhere, a flute began to play—soft, unhurried notes drifting into the night. And then, as always, the day closed with a quiet meal, shared in gratitude.
The air is changing. There is warmth now, a whisper of the coming Spring. Outside Yogadham, the MahaKumbh is growing louder, pilgrims moving steadily towards the Ganga. The energy outside swells, yet within these walls, there is stillness—a deep, anchored quiet, like the pause between two breaths.
Volunteers were getting ready for Basant Panchami. The first hint of Spring, the presence of Goddess Saraswati, the turning of the wheel. The journey continues.
To contribute to our annadaanam seva, click https://app.satsang-foundation.org/donation/campaign_details/participate-in-annadaanam-seva-at-yogadham-in-mahakumbh.
Join us as we sustain the AkhandDhuni. To donate, please click https://app.satsang-foundation.org/donation/campaign_details/akhand-dhuni-at-yogadham-in-mahakumbh.
To register for the Yoga Retreats or simply experience the profound energy of the MahaKumbh, please write to connect@bharatyogavidyakendra.in.
To explore the details of our events, visit https://mahakumbh2025.satsang.foundation/.
