Getting Back On The Cycle - Trips to Munger, BSY, April 2014

They say that to get over your fear of falling when learning to cycle, one has to quickly get back on and try again. This note aims to capture my experience in relation to my visits to a bastion of Yoga in Bihar, India.

In Dec 2011 and then almost two years later in Oct 2013, I spent some time at the Munger Ashram of the Bihar School of Yoga (BSY). In both the trips we had come during large events that were attended by many from across the world. Our small group from Chennai was lost in the sea of humanity at the Ashram – And I did not like the feeling….

The experiences in Munger were in stark contrast to the coziness in BSY’s other ashram in Rikhia. At Rikhia, particularly during my first trip, we were made to feel extra special and being the only guests at the Ashram gave us tremendous access to the wonderful people there who went the extra yard to make our visit very comfortable and memorable. Very quickly, most of us passed the judgment – We like Rikhia better! 

In fact, I cut short my last visit to Munger and came scurrying back from the hoards that had descended from across India and the world to attend BSY’s Yoga Convention (organized once every 20 years)! Simply said, one had enough of roughing it out with the unwashed masses!

So, earlier this year when a very small group (led by Shantanu my Yoga teacher) planned another trip to both the ashrams, I was initially a little hesitant. I was indeed interested in going to Rikhia but frankly was not sure about Munger. I can’t recall how it played out, but a few days ago a gang of six from Madras found ourselves making this trip.

I had an open mind and really no expectations about this trip. Maybe this was the secret sauce! I have just completed my best trip to the Ashrams of BSY and the three days in Munger were outstanding. It’s hard to quantify what makes the difference, but here are some thoughts:

The Munger ashram was quiet with very few visitors. The quiet allowed for adequate time for introspection while providing an opportunity to learn through interacting with other ashramites who were relatively free.

We had two informal interactions with Swami Niranjan (the spiritual head of BSY). In the past, my impression of him was an intellectual giant (which I liked and respected) but on the other hand someone who was always very serious, gave complicated sermons and was treated like a demi-god by the other ashramites. These had created a barrier (in my head).  But the interactions we had on this trip, while clearly reinforcing the intellectual bit, showed him in a very different light – he was very casual, had a twinkle in his eye, broke into an easy smile, connected and encouraged us on an individual basis and made the time to spend with us. Seeing him walking alone like yet another ashramite was a revelation! 

I was particularly struck by his vision and energy to craft out a new agenda for BSY focusing on ‘consolidation’ for the next 20/50 years. Sw. Niranjan believes that while there has been widespread diffusion of yoga, this has happened with variable quality and there is a need to pull back, focus on a few key essentials and ensure that the philosophies, principles and practices of yoga are communicated and understood in a more disciplined and rigorous manner. Intuitively, I have been irked with the practice of yoga being taught by someone who has just completed a 3-week course and hence Sw. Niranjan’s thoughts resonate with me.

Two other highlights of the trip were:

I had a nice one on one interaction with Sw. Satsangi. She helped me address a few questions I was grappling with respect to my future and I was quite amazed how she recalled that I used to have many questions during our past interactions. She commented that I seemed more ‘settled’ now.

Now, let me get this straight – it was ONLY due to Shantanu that we had these interactions to begin with and for that I am indeed grateful. As Divya put it, he seems to have the ability to sense where and how the 2 Swamijis can be accosted so that he can arrange an informal meeting with them!

The composition of our group from Chennai played an important role in enriching this experience. Shantanu, Divya and Barbara are my closest fellow travelers in this journey and it was terrific to have the opportunity of quality time with them. We know each other so well and this level of comfort provides for in-depth, open and easy communications. The 22-year-old Praveen was a bundle of open enthusiasm and soaked in what he could get without ever once raising a discordant note. The elder statesmen Krishnaji knew exactly what he wanted and did not wanted to do and went about his business on his own.

There was a lump in my throat as I stepped outside the imposing Munger gates yesterday. Not exactly sure why. But the emotion was indeed real. This was the first trip (have made four before) where I did not feel the urge to leave within the first 24 hours. On the other hand, I was at peace during the entire trip and there is no denying that the people and the grace that makes BSY special, has indeed left me wanting more. I found myself comparing Munger more favourably to Rikhia. Ah, the fickleness of the mind!

My next two trips are planned. Go back for a two-week course later this year and then do the three-week TTC next year. I suspect there will be another shorter trip (or two) as well. Really enjoyed getting back on the bi-cycle and feeling the wind in my hair (excuse the exaggeration)!!!