A Journey of Yoga, Meditation, and Inner Peace
There are a few experiences in life that one never forgets, because they leave an indelible mark on your soul. One of these was my visit to the Taj Mahal-one of the world’s most beautiful symbols. But it was certainly not a visit-it was a transformative journey with elements of yoga and meditation.
Often referred to as a “monument of love,” the Taj Mahal is more; it is a vision of ethereal beauty. As I walked toward the gates of the monument early at dawn, the sun was rising in the east to throw golden and pink hues upon the white marble mausoleum. There was a freshness in the crisp morning air carrying a hint of jasmine from nearby gardens. But it was not the majesty of this architectural marvel that impressed me; it was the calmness that seemed to emanate from it.
I started my day by doing yoga on the banks of Yamuna River, which was quietly flowing behind the Taj Mahal. Under the tutelage of Mr. Sandeep, I was doing a set of asanas, where my body was stretching and coming alive with the rising sun. The Taj Mahal stood silently there, with its reflection rippling in the river. With every breath, I felt that I was moving closer to the history and the spirituality of this holy place.
After yoga, I sat in a secluded space that lined the lush gardens around the Taj for meditation. I sat cross-legged under a giant neem tree with my eyes closed and let the nature sounds guide me. The chirping of the birds was melodic, and the soft rustling of leaves in the wind was just enough background noise to create the mood for introspection. I was feeling deeply thankful not so much to stand before such a wonderful edifice but to be able to stop and reestablish my contact with myself.
The Taj Mahal itself, with carvings so intricate and symmetry so perfect, seemed to embody the very principles of balance and harmony that I sought in my meditation practice. The story of Shah Jahan and Mumtaz Mahal, whose love inspired this wonder, added another layer of depth to my reflections. It reminded me of the enduring power of love and the beauty of creating something timeless.
I strolled around the Taj after meditation with a composed mind. The workmanship from the inlay work of semi-precious stones to the Quranic inscriptions adorning the Taj was felt much more at that time.
A small group invited me to a mindful lunch at one of the local cafes specializing in Ayurvedic food. Fresh from the local land, it was going to sustain my body and spirit for the rest of the day.
It was never about truly gazing at the beauty of the present but more an experience in itself as a sanctuary, taking things slow, breathing in, and getting connected with the inner self. One only really takes in the essence of this wonder by doing yoga and meditation.
