Thousands Attend Swami Ramdev Yoga Camp
Swami Ramdev, the world renowned Indian Yoga guru, and one of the most important figures in the Yoga for Health movement conducted his yoga camp near Toronto, at the International Center in Mississauga, October 12-17, 2007. Organized by Catch the Rhythms, Inc. in collaboration with Divya Yog Mandir (Trust), and supported by Tathaastu So Be It, 410-GHAR, The Ford Company of Canada and Aastha TV, the Swami Ramdev Yoga Camp was a sold out event and attracted 3000 attendees.
The Camp was once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to learn under the tutelage of the famous guru who has transformed the life and health of millions of people in India and worldwide through his yoga workshops, TV shows which are broadcast internationally and books. Swami Ramdev’s philosophy is simple, he says "It is your birthright to pursue a disease-free, healthy, fit life; look beautiful & young; and get complete peace of mind and robust health.” The 6-day Camp held in an 100,000 sq. feet center was packed to capacity. Swami Ramdev ensured that the various groups and attendees got personalized attention during the Yoga sessions. His team of 20 Yoga experts also helped with workshop.
This was a not for profit event held by Georgy Bhaala and Anil Bhasin of Catch the Rhythms, Inc. in collaboration with Divya Yog Mandir (Trust). All proceeds from attendees went to Swami Ramdev’s Divya Yog Mandir (Trust) and Patanjali Yogapeeth – organizations that provide medical services to the poor; and are involved in research, development and production of Ayurvedic herbs for various ailments. The Camp was also supported by an illustrious group of people who included Anil Chopra, Satish Thakkar CGA, Mohinder Singh, Sanjeev Sethi and Raj Phauja. It was co-sponsored by ATN, Sam Signs Inc., Pot Pourri, Sant Gyaneshwar Ashram, The Toronto Sun, SVP Group, Sandalwood Suites, Floors & Walls, Gujarat Express, Insureu, Indian Express, Cellular Point, The Host, Indian Sizzlers, Eglinton Carpet & Flooring, The Weekly Voice & State Bank of India (Canada).
Swami Ramdev has a practical and easy to follow approach to Pranayama (controlled breathing) and Yoga. Air (vayu) – the essence of life when it is regulated and channeled helps promote a healthier more balanced life.
Combined with asanas (postures), Swami Ramdev’s methods are now world renowned. Pranayama combined with Yoga is the key to Swami Ramdev’s brilliant teachings. His is an easy-to-follow, practical approach. Apart from the spiritual and meditation benefits of Pranayama and Yoga, Swami Ramdev also focuses on health problems – ranging from heart disease, kidney disorders, diabetes, blood pressure and others. He has an in-depth knowledge of Ayurveda (the ancient Indian form of medicine) as well. While there are many Yoga studios and fitness centers teaching Yoga, learning with Swami Ramdev is a very different and unique experience. Scientific and thorough, with true understanding of the human spirit, Swami Ramdev brings a whole new dimension to learning Yoga and thus, changing your life.
During the camp in Toronto, Swami Ramdev launched “Tathaastu” a spiritual and holistic lifestyle magazine that is devoted to the Mind, Body and Soul. A Sanskrit benediction, Tathaastu is translated as “So Be It.” Tathaastu is published bi-monthly, and reaches out to a powerful audience in Canada and United States that aspires a peaceful, healthy, nourishing life. A phenomenal group of talented writers and photographers have come together to create this magazine. Whether it is healthy food, holistic healing through Yoga, Ayurveda and other therapies or spiritual connections, Tathaastu would like to be your partner in your journey towards a more balanced, more harmonious life.
Swami Ramdev also conducted a seminar on good health through yoga for healthcare professionals and cardiac rehabilitation patients at the Credit Valley Hospital. As reported in The Toronto Sun, Dr. Manish Maingi, medical director of cardiology at Credit Valley Hospital, said there is "strong evidence" that Yoga and Pranayam, through the power of breathing, can help promote better physical being for recovering and rehabilitating patients.
"Yoga and other alternate approaches might compliment what we do in cardiology and medicine," said Maingi. One of Dr. Maingi's patients, orthodontist Dr. Gagan Bhalla, said he has suffered from high blood pressure and allergies for the past 35 years. Many of his symptoms have diminished through Yoga and Pranayam, plus reduced his blood pressure medications from two pills a day to one.
"I started doing breathing yoga for the past six months," said Bhalla. "And doing the Yoga and Pranayama, it has helped me to reduce my blood pressure. And ultimately, on my doctor's advice, I have to reduce my medication." As for his allergies, "this is the first year in my life I have not taken any medication for the whole summer season."
Swami Ramdev is a humanitarian, deeply involved in charitable causes. His Institute in Hardwar in Northern India has onsite Ayurvedic treatment facilities for patients and thousands of people who cannot afford health care are treated free of cost everyday. With its own pharmacy and research institute this is one of the most scientific and holistic treatment centers.
Yoga which originated thousands of years ago is about achieving harmony – of the mind, body and soul. Swami Ramdev Yoga Camp was a great opportunity to achieve a healthier body, peace of mind and a new you.
The well-attended week-long workshop concluded on a positive note. Swami Ramdev honored Mississauga Mayor Hazel McCallion, The Honorable Gurbax Singh Malhi, P.C., M.P., Mr. Vic Dhillon, M.P.P., Honorable Maria Minna, P.C., M.P., and Mr. Miro Grudzinski.
