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Benefits of waking up early morning and going to temples

Waking up early is beneficial as it charges us with positivity which lasts throughout the day. This positivity is further enhanced on going to a temple. A temple is a center of meditation and positivity. When we go to the temple after waking up early in the morning and meditate, we invite into our minds and bodies wellness and mindfulness. This is indeed the best of all healthy habits — it cleans our minds of any negativity and due to the psychosomatic nature of the human body, leads to the overall wellness of both mind and body. In order to wake up early, one needs to go to sleep early. Only then can the whole cycle be maintained.

If we follow this healthy habit of sleeping early, waking early, and going to the temple, we will not only benefit health wise but also in terms of wealth. A clear mind and a healthy body are the recipes for success in all walks of life. In our daily jobs, we need to make decisions which affect not only us but the fortune of the companies we work for. So, if we are at peace with ourselves imagine the effect on our decisions and our daily work — clever and correct decision making can invigorate the finances of both our companies and our own selves.

If we have the blessings of God from the temple every single day, all that we touch will turn to gold, figuratively speaking. The divine grace will calm us down, so we have solutions to all our problems readily available in our mind. Over a period, this will get us closer to God and therefore closer to moksha which is the release from the interminable cycle of birth and death as believed by all followers of Hinduism. Birth and death are both painful and we are bound to this cycle through Karma for an eternity unless we purify ourselves in mind and body and seek the mercy of God and ask for the blessed release.

Regular meditation in the early mornings also helps to increase our power of concentration. It can activate the Ajna chakra, one of the 7 chakras throughout our bodies. In western civilization, the Ajna chakra is popularly referred to as the third eye. The opening of the third eye can bring about many wonderful consequences such as zero stress, worry, and anxiety; razor-sharp intuition or gut feelings; the manifestation of abundance; mindfulness, increased self-confidence, and self-trust; increased awareness and consciousness; and the list goes on and on.

In conclusion, I would like to stress the fact that this habit needs to be impressed on the young mind as that of our children. If we start early in life with this divine practice then imagine the health benefits we will reap by adulthood, not to mention the benefits garnered in childhood itself — doing well at school, calm temperament, an understanding nature and so the list goes on.

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CORPORATE YOGA - A NEW RELIGION

INTRODUCTION

Corporate Yoga is a new generation methodology of yoga that focuses on managing stress at work, correcting the ill effects on body due to long sitting hours along with boosting the overall productivity of the employees.Corporate yoga may be the best initiative for a business house towards ensuring a win-win perspective for both the employers and the employees. Yoga is a proven science that deals in enriching one’s mental and physical aspects. It also helps in enhancing the power to cope with various forms of stress, including work related. Hence, more and more corporate are making it an HR practice to include Yoga in the daily work regime. Given below are few benefits of Corporate yoga from all perspectives :  Benefits of Corporate Yoga for the Employees · 

   1.Yogic practices including the meditation and breathing largely help in curtailment of work related stress and also to handle a given situation more diligently.  

 2.Yoga augments the circulation of oxygenated blood throughout the body and hence helps in energizing one’s mind and body.  

3.Regular practice of yoga helps one to thwart common ailments and eventually one becomes strong and fit.   

4.Improve focus, concentration, decision making skills, multi-tasking ability.  

 5.Improves the posture especially the neck and spine along with controlling high blood pressure etc.   

 Benefits of Corporate Yoga for the Employers   

1.Yoga definitely energizes the employees resulting in better outputs and productivity. 

 2. A healthy and fit staff means minimized health care costs.  

3. A lively atmosphere at work also reduces the overall staff turnover.   

4.Lower employee absenteeism, especially the sick leaves.  Fun at work and bonhomie amongst peers which ensures a great place to work.

Scope and feasibility of Corporate Yoga

Corporate Yoga curriculum are specially designed to ensure minimum inconvenience and one can actually resume work after a fulfilling yoga session. The emphasis is much on the breathing, meditation including few soft asanas which does not take a toll on like few active sports or gym etc. The idea is to make best use of the given space and the time. As a matter of fact, many of the asanas and pranayama can easily be practiced while sitting on the chair and does not involve much time either

·         Yoga at work station does not require much space and few asanas can be done while sitting on your chair

·         Boardroom Yoga involves substantial stretching that also ask for yoga mats, blocks and other props

·         Teambuilding activities with yoga, especially outdoors is a great way to unwind the corporate stress

·         Conference Yoga is the new thing that emphasizes on energizing the participants between the breaks

·         Many corporates also provide private sessions for specific needs like weight reduction, pre-post natal ladies, distress programs, improving the body posture to name a few.

Corporate Yoga Curriculum

Corporate yoga syllabus evolves as per the specific requirements and is largely determined by the nature of the business house –  say,  a media house where typical desk job is the norm as against a manufacturing unit where it involves certain repetitive physical movements by the work force. The trainers generally ensure to include all the elements of yoga, breathing and meditation along with few other forms to make it worthwhile for all. Given below are few aspects of the curriculum of the corporate yoga :

·         Hatha yoga including a combination of asanas, pranayama and meditation

·         Vinyasa Yoga is the advance level involving in rapid asanas and lots of sweating

·         Pilates focusing on few core parts of the body including pelvic and abdominal muscles

·         Yin Yoga is more passive and focuses on connective tissues like bones, ligaments and joints

·         Mindful meditation to help in concentration  and also to lower stress, blood pressure and unwanted cholesterol.

·         Laughter Yoga is the best way to spurt in fun and joy that is so essential at work place

·         Yog Nidra helps one to reach the border line between awakening and sleep, the state where the greatest healing and rejuvenation happens.

CONCLUSION

Yoga is the best investment for a business house with sure shot ROI. And more so to ensure a healthy work force towards a healthy state of affairs.

Do check for the Corporate Yoga

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KAILASH BECKONS !

INTRODUCTION & SIGNIFICANCEKAILASH MANASAROVAR - 

                    The name itself spurs up an infinite amount of energy within oneself. Hence no wonder, Mount Kailash & Lake Mansarovar together are looked up as the most revered pilgrim destination for any Hindu and are popularly referred as KAILASH MANSAROVAR YATRA. Incidentally Mount Kailash is equally important to Buddhists, Jains and Bonpa Tibetans as well and it is believed that that the very sight of Mount Kailash absolves one of all the sins and protects him / her of negativity of all sorts. Hovering at a height of 22,028 ft, Mt Kailash holds a very special significance in the Hindu mythology. This perpetually snow covered pyramid shaped mountain with four faces is believed to be the abode of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. This is the very place where both of them indulged in “Ananda Tandav” which resulted in the creation of the first Spanda or the first throb of cosmic energy which was instrumental in creation of this universe. Also the primordial sound of OM originated from here and more so from the anklet of goddess Parvati, whose resonation gave the universe the variegated form that it is today. Also this is the very place where Lord Shiva captured the mighty River Ganga in his matted locks before releasing it to the earth in form of small life-giving streams that nourished the entire Indo Gangetic plains in the northern India.

HOW TO REACH

Mt Kailash and Mansarovar Lake are located in Autonomous Region of Tibet, China and hence it`s quintessential to have a passport in order to embark onto the pilgrimage. There are many routes to reach Mt Kailash from India, but the most popular and convenient one is to reach Kathmandu and then embark either on a 14 days road trip or 10 days trip comprising of drive, helicopter and small flights. The other two routes managed by MEA, Govt of India are thru Uttarakhand (Lipulekh Pass) and Sikkim (Nathula) but the entire journey takes nearly one month Ex Delhi to Delhi.

EXCURSIONS & LOCAL VISITS

Mount Kailash which literally looks like a Shiv Ling is the most revered and iconic pilgrimage for any Hindu. No one is allowed to scale the mountain but it is said that a mere glance of it absolves ones sins forever. Nestled between Lake Rakshasa Tal and Mansarover, this perpetually snow covered mountain is the abode of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati.

Lake Mansarovar is an astounding water body located at a height of 4900 mts and spread over 350 sq mts, is a sacred lake for both Hindus and Buddhists. The pious and serene lake is considered to be the imagination of Lord Brahma and one finds bevy of white swans which are traditionally considered sacred and wise. With Mt Kailash at the backdrop, it surely is the most mesmerizing site to reckon with. It is believed by the Hindus that a dip in the lake purifies their body and soul from all sins.

Rakshas Tal contrary to Mansarovar, Rakshas Tal is considered toxic with no fish or aquatic plants as it is associated with Ravana when he penanced to appease Lord Shiva. One can admire the beauty of the lake but is not advised to take a bath for obvious reasons.

BEST TIME TO VISIT MT KAILASH

The Yatra is open from early May to end September every year.

It is considered very fortunate to pay homage at Kailash on a full moon day.

For more:                  http://karmicroutes.com/Pilgrimage/Blog/KAILASH_BECKONS_!?BlogId=2

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Holy Amarnath Yatra

As per Hinduism, the processes of God are three fold – Creation, Preservation and Destruction. The first two are attributed by Brahma and Vishnu and the the last one is attributed by Lord Shiva – the destroyer whose primary role was to purge all the obstacles and unwanted from the world cycle.  The Transcendent God called Shiva is the timeless God of the universe and he alone exists as an existence itself, even before the creation of our world and can be understood as the ultimate transcendence and the supreme being.

Amarnath Caves are located in Pahalgam in Jammu & Kashmir at a height of 3888 mts and considered as the most revered pilgrim destinations of the Hindus. Despite not being a Jyotirling, lakhs of Hindu pilgrim brave the unfriendly mountain terrain, harsh climate and not to mention personal safety & security to have a glimpse of the icy Shiv Ling which is open to the public for a short duration from June end till August end every year. The Shivling is Swayambhu (self created) by when the water drips from the cave’s roof and starts to freeze as it touches the ground and consecutive accumulation results in formation of the Shiv Ling. One can also find two other such formations which are designated as Maa Parvati and Lord Ganesh.

THE LEGEND OF AMARNATH

As per the legend, Lord Shiva chose Amarnath, an isolated and inhabited location, to render the secret Amar Katha to goddess Parvati who wanted to be immortal just like Lord Shiva.  As they wanted absolute isolation with no one around, he left all his belongings stating with Nandi at Pahalgam, Moon at Moon at Chandanwari, Snakes at Lake Sheshnag, son Ganesh at Mahgunas Parvat and his five elements at Panjatarni.

Once inside the cave, Lord Shiva started the rendition by getting into Samadhi or the meditative state. Further, to ensure that no one is around to hear the Amar Katha, he created a rudra named Kalagni and ordered him to set fire around the cave so that everything living around that place could be destroyed. He then started narrating the story of immortality to Maa Parvati. But in spite of all these efforts, one egg remained protected under the deer skin on which the Lord was sitting. But it was considered as non-living. A pair of pigeons was born out of that egg and supposedly became immortal. Pilgrims can still see the pigeon pair while going towards the Amarnath Cave.

DISCOVERY OF THE CAVE

It is believed that a Muslim shepherd by the name Buta Malik discovered the cave when he chanced upon a saint at a cave while grazing his sheep. There he met a saint who gave me him a bag full of coal which turned into gold when he reached home. The saint was none other than the Mahadev himself and from then on hoards of pilgrims visit the cave where one can find icy shiv ling signifying the lord himself.

HOW TO REACH

Traditional Route : Srinagar / Jammu – Pahalgam – Chandanwari –  Pissu Top – Sheshnag – Panchtarani – Sangam – Amarnath Caves (minimum 3 days)

This is the most popular route as it passes thru all the significant places associated with the mythical tale of Amarnath. One can reach Chandanwari by vehicles and later need to embark on a challenging trek of 21 kms to reach Amarnath Caves. Enroute destinations include Pissu Top, believed to be formed out of the dead rakshasas slayed by Lord Shiva followed by Shesh Nag  with its picturesque set up with a flowing stream with hovering seven peaks that resemble the head of Sheshnag. From Sheshnag one needs to proceed to Panchatarni which is the last base to Holy Amarnath Caves. Be prepared to face the cold winds and lack of oxygen from here onwards. From Panchtarni, the Amarnath Cave is located at a distance of just 6 km. As there is no place to stay, so pilgrims have to start their journey early in the morning so that you can come back to the base camp on time. The entire route is very beautiful and out of the world.

New Route : Srinagar / Jammu – Sonmarg – Baltal – Amarnath Caves (minimum 1 day)

This new route via Baltal is much steeper and challenging but is gaining a lot of popularity because of the ease of completing the yatra in just one day if done by helicopter. Else two days are quite sufficient if done on foot.

One can drive down to Baltal, located about 15 kms from Sonmarg and then trek for 14 kms to Amarnath. Alternatively one can take the helicopter to Panchtarni and then do the final leg of 5 kms to the holy Amarnath Caves.

For more:               http://karmicroutes.com/Pilgrimage/Blog/Holy_AmarnathYatra?BlogId=5

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Is there a right age to practice yoga ?

Yoga nurtures and strengthens body, mind and soul collectively thru a regime of structured Asanas, Spiritual practices and leading an Ayurvedic lifestyle. Yoga, infact is an activity which is lot different from other forms of exercises as this is the only format that attributes both mental and physical aspects.

Generally speaking, an ideal age to adopt Yoga is around 12 – 13 years when the body is most suited to take the up the rigorous yoga stress. However, in actual, there are no age restrictions as long as he / she has an intent backed by a strong will power to continue practicing it regularly.

As a matter of fact, most of the modern hospitals in India advocate yoga as a therapy in dealing with ailments, trauma and to strengthen stamina by improving blood flow which is so vital in healing with practically zero side effects. Statistics show that almost 60% of the patients are in the 35 years plus bracket and those who have adopted Yoga as a therapy have shown remarkable improvement, hence proving the fact that age is just a number.

With the advent of time, Yoga has evolved and now we have specialized yoga therapies for pregnant ladies, weight loss, corporate yoga, yoga on the move, yoga for the special children etc and hence reiterating the fact that yoga is meant for everyone and for every age.

However, it is always advised to practice yoga under supervision and more so if one takes up yoga practice at a late age. Generally it is recommended to start with easy and doable asanas and progressively graduate to more complex asanas. 

Conclusion

Yoga is a proven methodology to keep oneself fit and to lead a good life ahead. It should be practiced by anyone and everyone irrespective of age or gender.

Yoga for All and It’s Now or Never !

For More:   http://karmicroutes.com/Pilgrimage/Blog/Is_there_a_right_age_to_practice_yoga_?BlogId=4