Analysis of Results

"REVIVING NATHA VIDYA"
3rd International Conference on
"NATHA YOGA SAMPRADAYA TRADITION"

By Bholanath Yogi

The 3rd international conference on “Nath Yoga Sampradaya Tradition” started bright and early on Friday, the 23rd of April in Pokhara (the City of Lakes), Nepal. The participants traveled from the America’s (Brazil, United States), Asia (Thailand) and South Asia (Nepal, India) and the presentations were given in various languages (Sanskrit, Nepali, and English) and then translated into English and Portuguese.

The conference was the brainstorm of Ms. Maria Helena de Bastos Friere and was organized by the International Yoga Coordination Centre (YOCOCEN) of which, Maria Helena is the Chairperson. Gorakshyanath Sewa Sangh in Kathmandu, Bhola Nath Yogi of the Children’s Peace Home, Dang and Dr. Chintamani Yogi from HVP-Kathmandu assisted in the coordination of the conference. The first conference was held in 2006 at Rishikesh and the second in 2009 in Bangalore, India. The purpose of the conference was to emphasize and analyze the practical aspects of Aasanas, Pranayams, Bandhas, Shat Kriyas, Mudras, Sharanas, and Paratyahara Dhyana Techniques to the modern yogi with the help of Siddhas, Swamis and Sadhus that have kept the tradition alive.

Before arriving in Pokhara, the participants spent time in India and then traveled to Ghorahi, Dang. While in Dang the Shri Shiddha Ratna Nath Mat Chaughara Yogi Temple was visited; yoga in the morning followed by a tour of the art museum and library with a delicious lunch prepared by the monks. After a rest at the Hotel Dang, a trip to the Children’s Peace Home (CPH) was arranged. There the travelers were met by the children staying at CPH and were given flowers upon their departure from the bus. After enjoying tea and biscuits everyone gathered in the Prayer room for Satsang which included dancing from some of the children. A wonderful meal followed Satsang and a peaceful evening was had by all. The next day, the participants once again enjoyed yoga at the temple and then visited the Nepal Sanskrit University in Beljhundi, Dang. After packing up their things they boarded the bus with the next destination – Butwal.

After a quick overnight in Butwal, they arrived in Tansen for a visit to the Amar Narayan Mandir Temple and viewed the reconstruction of the Tansen Durbar, which was destroyed by fire in 2006. Some people hiked up to the mountain to see a complete view of the city and mountains while others shopped at the market. Everyone once again boarded the bus for their much anticipated next stop – Pokhara. Upon catching sight of the city after the long drive, everyone broke out in a joyful happy song “We are happy, so very happy, that we are in Pokhara” over and over!

The momentum continued until arriving and disembarking at the Kantipur Hotel. With one day to sight see before the conference started, a tour of parts of the city was arranged. Some sights visited were Devil’s Falls, Seti River Gorge, and Bindhya Basini Temple. That afternoon there was a press release organized by Ghanashyam Yogi, Organizing committee, Secretary of Nath Yoga conference, which was promptly followed by a pounding rain and large size hail which went on for over 30 minutes. It was determined that this was a very good omen for the start of the conference! After the cleansing storm, we drove to Lake Phewa Tal and then back to the hotel for dinner.

The next day, after a refreshing 6:00 AM yoga session, by Acharya Vishwanath (member of YOCOCEN, India), the conference officially started at 9:00 AM with introductions and the lighting of the ‘holy fire’ by Dr. Shyami Prapannacharya (Nepal), Swami Shivanath Ji Maharag (India) and Maria Helena accompanied with the Swastigan by young Bibek Yogi, Class 8 from HVP-Kathmandu. Presentations of badges/ribbons followed the ‘holy fire’.

Distinguished speakers were announced by Ganesh Oli and the first day consisted of opening speeches by Dr. Swami Prapannacharya (Nepal) and Maria Helena (Brazil). After lunch, in the afternoon there was a discussion about Paratyahara and then presentations by Swami Shri Shivanath Ji Yogi about Gorakanath’s incarnation story (how Gorakanath was born from the ash which was given by his guru Matsyendranath, Gorakanath was ayonija –not born from the yoni), Dr. Trilok Chandra Majpuria (Nepal) spoke about Gorakanath and Makshyandra Nath how they are related and important to Nepal and Yogi Nath philosophy (religious and philosophic point of view). He gave the background of Gorakanath and how he was the disciple of Matsyendranath and Dr. Chintamani Yogi (Nepal) spoke about Gorakh Vani.

On the 24th more visitors arrived and the morning paper presentations were given by Ruy Alfredo (Brazil) about Yoga in a botanical/scientific point of view. Bhola Nath Yogi (Nepal) then spoke about the Anahada Nada and Mohan(Nepal) gave a presentation on the Nath culture in Nepal.

After a short break, Ganesh Oli (Nepal) presented on the history and philosophy of Nath in Nepal and Acharya Vishwonath Yogi (India) spoke about the practice of Paratyahara and told a story about having patience. In the afternoon, Maria Helena Ji explained what her desires are regarding the preservation of Nath Yoga and Swami Shri Shivanath Ji Yogi spoke on Mudra and chakras with demonstrations on Bandah by one of his disciples.

Later that afternoon there was an open circle lively discussion on Dhyrana which included vistors from the Tribhuwan University, Professor and lecturer form Pokahar.

On the 25th, the participants once again started their day with yoga, breakfast and then presentations by Aarun Subedi (Nepal) regarding the Eastern philosophy and Western Science doctrines and the principles of mass and energy. The final event, the closing ceremony/photo taking session started by a remark from Dr. Swami Ramanand Giri Ji on the prevalence of Gorakanath around the world and the conference ended with an energetic Yoga Rasa with Dr. Chintamani Yogi.

The participants ate lunch, packed their belongings and boarded the bus one final time. They waved a big goodbye (for now) and headed off to Kathmandu!