Yin Yoga with the Gods in Bhutan

By Amy Cleghorn

The Himalayan mountains and the surrounding areas have been home to many gods and legendary figures throughout history. The area beckons monks, mystics, scholars and modern day travellers amongst others – all drawn to the energy and majesty synonymous with this region.

Nestled in these mountains, bathed in this energy is Bhutan, a country whose people live by the teachings of the Buddha, whilst playing an active part in our twenty first century global community.

How the country and its people find this balance was something I had always wanted to explore. When I found out that my teacher Victor Chng was organizing a Yin Yoga retreat to Bhutan there was never a doubt in my mind that I’d be a part of the group.

This retreat was described as being A Journey of Awakening intended for people who are keen to understand more about Buddhism and receive spiritual coaching based on Buddhist Philosophy. Victor said he is ‘creating an opportunity for all participants to delve deeper into the practice of Yin Yoga as well as taking time to completely immerse themselves in a Buddhist culture.’ Allowing one to learn more about Buddhism simply ‘by being in a place where you can settle down and work on the conditioning of the mind’. How perfect.

The retreat took place in Paro. All classes were held in the hotel – a hidden gem called Nak-Sel Hotel and Spa. Nak-Sel (meaning forest in Dzongka, the local language) – is so well nestled in amongst the trees you can’t see it from the road. Paro is perched at approximately 2300m above sea level, whilst some of the highest peaks of Bhutan reach nearly 6500m. The air is crisp and clean and the clouds swirl around the mountain peaks, above lush forest greenery.

It’s easy to see why the gods made this area home.

On arrival Victor told us ‘A retreat is the opportunity to withdraw. You’ve given yourself this time to enter a new cycle. Allow it to take form, to take shape. A new cycle is being cultivated into your life that you can take back with you.’

It does sound very simple. Create the space and allow the change to happen.

The teachings of Buddha are a vital ingredient to life in Bhutan. A twenty-three year old man – one of our guides gently said one day ‘to make a prayer more powerful you must first pray for the sangha (community), then your family, then yourself. If you pray only for yourself, then that is greedy’.

The Bhutanese people emit a sense of contentedness here that I have often searched for within myself. It seems that they know their connection to the universe – without any shadow of a doubt – and don’t have to travel anywhere to find it.

Witnessing this life and living amongst the teachings I could feel myself begin to unwind, de-stress and actually see the world around me. My thoughts began to drift to life at home and I wondered if this new perception and clarity would last. It was perfect timing when Victor discussed during class that we all have the opportunity for renewal every day. ‘On a daily basis when we try to form a new pattern in action we must also form a new pattern of the mind. We educate the new cells (that are created everyday) with our new habits. Are they new habits? Or are we teaching these new cells old negative patterns.’

An insight to the power of daily practice had just unfolded in my lap. I had control over how this new cycle will be cultivated into my life, and it could unfold gently day by day.

Saving the best till last we were yet to walk up to Taktsang Monastery. Taktsang translates to Tigers Lair (it’s also commonly referred to as Tigers Nest).

Taktsang was built around the cave where Guru Rinpoche (who introduced Buddhism to Bhutan) meditated for many months after arriving in Bhutan on the back of a tigress. Part of the magic of Taktsang is its stunning position – precariously perched on the side of a mountain. Besides the engineering genius involved in its construction, the history of this monastery makes it one of the most revered in Bhutan. As you near the entrance hundreds of prayer flags flap in welcome over the valley, and suddenly the physical and mental challenge of the almost vertical two-hour trek up to the monastery is but a faint memory.

The Bhutanese Government is adamant about preserving these temple and the treasures they hold, so much so that tourist numbers continue to be strictly monitored. One must remember that access is not always given, making the Kingdom of Bhutan a precious jewel in itself.

Government level decisions are made on the basis of Gross National Happiness. There was once a set of traffic lights in the capital – Thimpu. However they were removed after it was understood that the Bhutanese people much preferred a policeman to wave them through an intersection. Life in all of its uncomplicated beauty unfolds before you in Bhutan.

To breathe it in and bring a little bit of it home with you is a gift you will never forget.

Words and photographs by Amy Cleghorn. Amy is a Yin Yoga teacher who loves photography.  She shares her time between Melbourne and Perth, Australia. As often as possible she is out, camera in hand, exploring the world. Visit her website o email her for more information about her classes.

This article was originally published in a more extended form on the website Yoga in Asia.