How to Have a Conversation with God Like Neale Donald Walsch

“You've got to read this book!” A couple of friends insisted while we were hanging out at the Sivananda Ashram in Madurai, India. They were talking about Conversations with God, by Neale Donald Walsch.

I had seen that book many times before but it never really called my attention. That title “Conversations with God,” because of its religious connotation, was not very appealing to me.

Meeting with a Himalayan Yoga Master: Swami Veda Bharati

Before arriving at the Swami Rama Sadhaka Grama, a Himalayan Yoga Tradition ashram in Rishikesh, I wrote down all the questions that I wanted to ask Swami Veda Bharati, the founder of the ashram and disciple of Swami Rama.

I'd heard stories of people forgetting all their questions when meeting a master like him so I put them on paper to make sure I wouldn't forget them.

The Swami Rama Sadhaka Grama Ashram (SRSG), Rishikesh

In my opinion, the Swami Rama Sadhaka Grama (SRSG) is the best ashram for meditation that you can find in Rishikesh or even all over India. Throughout all my travels around India, and even after consulting with other seekers, I have not been able to find any other ashram that focuses on meditation like at SRSG.

How to Stay Connected with Mobile Internet While Traveling in India

Updated Feb 2015 There is nothing like traveling all around India, visiting temples, practicing yoga and meditation while at the same time staying connected with my family and friends using the mobile internet on my iPhone (with Indian Sim Card). I can check my e-mails, Facebook, browse the web, book flights and trains and a lot more. Do you want to know how to do this with your own smartphone?

Which Beach to Visit in Goa? Top 3 Beaches in Goa You'll Love

After three months of intense yoga practice at the Sivananda Ashram in Madurai, a nice break to enjoy some of the best beaches in Goa was not a bad idea at all.  If you would like some recommendations here you'll find my Top 3 Beaches in Goa.

Contrary to what I expected April was a great month to visit Goa. Fewer tourists, more accommodation available at a better price, and perfect weather.

Where to Practice Ashtanga Yoga in Goa, India

While traveling around Goa, after my three-month stay at the Sivananda Ashram, I contacted Carol, a dear friend of mine that I met in Mysore at the KPJ Ashtanga Yoga Institute. She is a very dedicated ashtanga practitioner so I asked her for some suggestions about ashtanga yoga teachers in Goa. 

Carol always has some good tips for me.  She immediately replied to my e-mail recommending me a place in Candolim, where her own teacher practices ashtanga yoga.  It is called Yoga Bones and it is run by two famous ashtanga yogis, Rolf and Marci.

Steps to Yoga: Inspiring Book by Swami Satyananda Saraswati

"Steps to Yoga and Yoga Initiation Papers" by Swami Satyananda Saraswati is an extraordinary book. It's a collection of inspiring letters written by Swami Satyananda to two of his disciples, with detailed instructions on yoga. These letters give us a rare opportunity to witness how a real guru guides and instructs his disciples in the deepest aspects of the yoga path and spiritual life.

What are Puja and Arati: Rituals at the Sivananda Ashram

If you've ever visited any ashrams or temples in India you most likely have witnessed different forms of rituals. These rituals are usually called "puja." Puja is basically an act of worship. The waving of lights before a deity, which is part of a puja, is called "arati." But there is a lot more to it.

Concluding Three Months at the Sivananda Ashram in Madurai

I can barely believe that I just spend three months in one single yoga ashram, the Sivananda Ashram in Madurai. Time went so quick.  It feels like I just arrived yesterday and now I'm already preparing to leave.  Just a few more days. I had such an amazing time and so many different experiences.

The Sivananda Yoga Advanced Teachers Training Course Madurai

This is how I ended two months and a half of yoga training at the Sivananda Ashram in Madurai, with the one-month Advanced Yoga Teachers Training Course (ATTC). I loved it! The content of the course was exactly what I like, the ashram is absolutely beautiful, but one of the most important things is the wonderful people I met.