We began Day Two of Enstasy just after sunrise with yoga asana practices guided by our teachers, Robin, Jasmine, and Yvonne. Each of our guest teachers led their classes from various locations on the luxurious Kumarakom Lake Resort property, offering our participants an experience of conscious, stabilizing movement, set against the backdrop of a breathtaking view of the backwaters of Kerala, no less! Following yoga asana and a delicious buffet breakfast, which included a spread of breakfast items from pastries and yogurt to traditional South Indian dishes, participants gathered for class with Dandapani. They received an introduction to Hindu philosophy, learned about the lineage of masters in the history of Hinduism, and had a direct experience of meditation.
While our Enstasy guests enjoyed a delectable lunch, our staff lovingly distributed today’s gift to their rooms. Each participant received an incense holder, incense sticks in Dandapani’s signature scent, and their own set of rudraksha mala beads.
Today’s evening program, led by our guest teacher, Sri Janahan, included an overview of traditional Hindu devotional practices, known as puja (ritualistic prayer and worship.) After the lecture on these practices, each participant was guided through performing these practices themselves in a very authentic manner according to Vedic tradition. Participants were given their own banana leaf, on which was placed a clay pot, coconut, mango leaves, water, incense, turmeric, among various other materials used for the ritual. At the completion of the ritual, participants were led through kirtan, (devotional music and chanting,) offered by our guest teacher, Lynda and her accompanying musicians and back up singers, who have affectionately and humorously called themselves the Bhakti Babes. The evening concluded on a very lively note, with finger-snapping and hand-clapping to the vibrant beats of the music, and smiles all around.
Our second day concluded with a special excursion for dinner- a three hour-long boat ride under the stars on India’s longest lake, Lake Vembanad, featuring a spectacular performance of traditional Kerala dance. Our performer, a young gentleman named Kannan, shared his gift of this impressive art form, which includes dance, singing, drama, and extensive make up- literally painting the face. Traditional Kerala dance is known for its intricate combination of all these art forms, and dear Kannan’s passion for his art was extremely evident in the manner in which he engaged our participants within the performance.
Our day started with yoga asana practice each morning. Classes were tailored for students of all levels.
Morning yoga asana classes were divided into 3 groups that were spread across the resort.
One of the yoga asana classes took place on a deck overlooking the lake. It was just breathtaking practicing yoga at dawn and watching life on the lake in the foreground.
Dandapani’s classes were focused on getting a clear understanding of the philosophy, the path, the goal and a systematic process of practicing meditation.
Our morning classes with Dandapani took place lakeside under a shady tent overlooking the gorgeous lake.
Each participant received a personalized 104-page study guide for their study on Enstasy.
The venue for our afternoon classes is beautifully set up with a colorful OM kollam (mandala) made of rice flour gracing the entrance.
Sri Janahan teaches his class on worship (the power of devotion), Sanskrit chanting and pranayama (breath control).
For almost everyone in the group it was their first experience of learning a traditional Hindu worship ceremony.
A traditional kumbha (pot) was set up as part of our study of puja (worship).
Lynda concluded the day with kirtan, devotional singing, as part of our study of the importance of devotion on the meditative path.
Kannan gives a spectacular performance on our dinner boat ride under the stars on Lake Vembanad.
What a wonderful way to end a great day.
