Gokarna calling. 2017

 Title: Gokarna Adventure: Shankar Prasad Foundation with Swami Yogaratna

As I contemplated which Ashram to choose for my yoga vacation, the memory of my dear friend Nish mentioning an ashram in Gokarna resurfaced. Gokarna had been on my travel bucket list for some time, so I decided to explore this coastal gem. After finding the contact number online and making a call, I was pleasantly surprised when Swami Yogaratna herself answered! It was akin to dialing the Shivananda Ashram and having Shivananda personally respond. I asked a few initial questions, and Swami Yogaratna suggested I send an email for more information, which I promptly did. Her swift reply was impressive.

I booked a 3-day stay, but it came at a cost of Rs 800/- per day, more than twice what I would have paid elsewhere. My inner bargain-hunter couldn't help but request a discount, but the request was politely declined. Despite this, my determination to visit remained strong.

I embarked on a bus journey (Sugama), opting for a tourist non-AC sleeper coach. Tickets ranged from Rs 500/- to Rs 800/-. The Sugama Travels office at Anand Rao Circle in Bangalore was spacious, offering a waiting area and restroom facilities. The bus set off at 9:30 pm and arrived around 7:30 am in Gokarna, with a brief 20-minute stop around 11:30 pm. Swami Yogaratna had provided clear directions. I slept comfortably throughout the journey and awoke to the conductor announcing, "Last stop, last stop - Gokarna."

A 10-minute auto ride, charged at a flat rate of Rs 100/-, took me to my destination. All I needed to say was 'Hari Om Ashram,' emphasizing the "Ashram" part to distinguish it from a guest house with the same name at Om Beach, which is well-known. I arrived just in time for breakfast.

The Ashram's architecture resembled a heritage home in Kerala, evoking a sense of familiarity. Swami Yogaratna welcomed me with a warm "Hari Om" and provided a quick tour of the premises. The Ashram was bustling with volunteers, predominantly of Caucasian descent. However, I noticed a long-haired Mallu (Malayali) sitting alongside Swamiji in the office.

After filling out a form and acquainting myself with the "happy house rules," I learned that Swamiji conducts personal interviews with each visitor. Chakra shudhi lectures were underway, and she strongly recommended I attend. These lectures lasted for 2 hours and were well worth the time and fee of Rs 300/- per class. She handed me a book on APMB (Asana, Pranayama, Mudra & Bandha), marking specific pages for me to study. She thoughtfully tore small strips of paper and marked the pages. Following this, she escorted me to my room, which I shared with a Swedish lady observing silence. The room featured neatly arranged twin beds, a window, and a table fan in one corner.

The breakfast menu typically featured porridge with fruits, nuts, and jaggery, followed by tea at 10:30 am. The lecture commenced at 11 am, signaled by the ringing bell. Lunch was equally delectable, offering red rice with sambar and mooli bhaji. Those seeking extra spice could indulge in the delectable mixed pickle. Notably, the vegetables and rice were homegrown.

Adjacent to the Ashram, you'd find a school for children. The Ashram itself spanned a 2-acre property, with half of it dedicated to farming. A few dogs and cats were cherished residents, receiving affection from all visitors. Hammocks were strategically placed around the yard, offering a serene space for reading library books or enjoying quiet moments.

The Ashram's daily routine commenced at 5:45 am with the bell signaling morning chants and meditation. Following this, from 6:30 to 7:30 am, there was an Asana practice, but you could opt for your individual practice if preferred. Breakfast was served at 9 am, followed by Karma yoga, where everyone contributed to cleaning and cooking with immense joy.

After lunch, you had the choice to enjoy personal time or attend a yoga nidra class. At 4 pm, you could either engage in your own practice or venture out for an outing. I had the privilege of accompanying Swamiji to Gokarna, and the multitasking abilities displayed were truly remarkable. From managing travel logistics to typing messages and even stopping the van in the middle of the road, Swamiji did it all. I offered to drive, and she gladly handed me the wheel. My constant smile said it all. It's important to emphasize that all this care and dedication came from a heart that exuded maternal warmth and boundless compassion. To fully grasp the depth of my experience, one would need to be in close proximity.

The drive to the beach area took approximately 15 to 20 minutes, although our numerous stops extended the journey to nearly an hour. Our destination was the Ram temple, where a natural spring provided water for filling bottles or showering. The water had an exquisite sweetness, and now that I'm back home, ordinary water tastes far less genuine.

As we took turns filling multiple bottles, an unspoken understanding permeated our group. After I filled one bottle, the next person would take their turn, and so on. There was a spring designated for water collection and another where men came to bathe. While collecting water, I felt a profound connection with the loving gaze of the mother from the temple. She beckoned me to her, and the familiarity was astonishing. When she spoke, it was as though she spoke directly to my soul. She shared a tale about her yogi friend who sat near the temple, unwell and in need of medicine and food. Remarkably, the yogi spoke fluent English and suggested that tomato soup would be the ideal remedy.

The kitchen at the Ashram felt like another rendezvous with a yogi, though this one didn't wear traditional sadhu attire. His eyes sparkled so brilliantly that I couldn't meet his gaze directly, and his warm smile was infectious. He introduced himself as Bobak, a Canadian of Iraqi origin. In a nutshell, he enlightened me about the temple and how Sri Ram had made a stop there during his journey back from Sri Lanka.

The temple graced the extreme left of Om Beach, offering a picturesque setting. Sunset meditation sessions took place on the beach behind the temple. The beach also boasted a few excellent shacks, and taking a swim was a delightful option. Most of the volunteers indulged in a daily dip. We returned to the Ashram around 7:30 pm. On certain days, if you wished to dine out, you could stay out longer. Back at the Ashram, the volunteers ensured that food was set aside for those still out. It truly felt like being part of a loving and nurturing home, where guidance and care abounded. I felt fortunate to be among fellow spiritual seekers who enriched my personal growth.

As my three-day journey drew to a close, I received a pleasant surprise when settling my bill. The generous mother had instructed the accountant to charge me a nominal rate of Rs 400/- per day. Since it was mid-afternoon, I hopped on a bus from the Ashram to Gokarna for just Rs 10/-. At the Gokarna bus station, I caught a connecting bus to Ankola, from where I could access another bus to Panjim. The journey cost me Rs 25/- from Gokarna to Ankola and almost immediately connected me to a bus heading to Panjim for Rs 117/-. The route along the coast of Karwar was scenic, and I reached home in Goa within four hours.

I'll forever be grateful to Mother Swamiyogaratna. Her selflessness, courage, love, and humor inspire me. It makes me believe that renouncing the world can be a way to fully embrace it. My hope and prayer are that you, too, have a deep and enriching experience like mine. Hari Om!