Paris-born Yogini finds solace in India, teaches Yoga, meditation
GOKARNA (KARNATAKA): If Indians have a fad for liking anything that comes with a ‘western’ tag, here is a foreigner who found solace in India and its spirituality. Paris-born Swami Yogaratna Saraswati has made India her home for the past 30 years, and has been teaching yoga to Indians and foreigners. For four years, Swami Yogaratna Saraswati has been running ‘Yoga Meditation Centre’ with the help of Shankar Prasad Foundation in Bankikodla village near the beach town Gokarna.
She was born to Australian parents, raised in Mumbai. Her job took her to Australia but for a stress-free life, she returned to India and joined a two-week course at Bihar School of Yoga in Bengaluru in 1984.
meals at the yoga centre
She received sanyas and served in the ashram, learning and teaching yoga, meditation and philosophy. Between 2004 and 2012, she travelled across the globe and taught yoga and meditation in Bengaluru, Kerala, Ghataprabha (Karnataka), Paris, New Zealand and several other places. In 2012, she started a yoga centre in Bankikodla, Karnataka.
“Yoga provided me the much-needed relief when my job became too taxing.
It was then I decided to help others find peace through yoga. Many in the IT sector find their job stressful and ultimately the work pressure takes a toll on both their physical and mental health.
My centre helps them get rid of stress,” says the swamini. The centre is located on two-and-a-half acres, which also houses an organic farm and a playschool. Free classes on meditation and yoga are conducted twice a day for both Indians and foreigners. Apart from these classes, a special two-week yoga and spiritual course is held.
Many foreigners reside here and take this course. They even conduct havan (fire ritual) every Saturday. During their course, they are supposed to cook food and keep houses and fields clean. As a part of Karmayoga, they also have to work in fields.
“I’ve been here for the past one month. I love the village and its natural beauty and enjoy yoga and reciting mantras,” says Nienke Keeselperg of Holland.
At present, there are 10 foreigners from the USA, Australia, New Zealand and other countries pursuing course here. They are also involved in several social awareness programmes, including clean India campaign.