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Meditation In Desert
In a society that was as well formulated as
that of Rajasthan, it was expected that there
would be systems of both healing as well as
preventive cures, and ways of aiding longevity.
The royal palaces had workshops attached where
such practices of healing were taught, based
not only on the traditional systems that had
been in prevalence in the country for centuries,
but in combination with new systems gained from
interaction with parts of West Asia. There were
also ashrams where vaids, hakims and yoga instructors
advised people on the benefits of these sciences
to train people in their kingdoms on their benefits,
so that their prevalence became more widespread.
These scientific methods of cure and prevention
are well documented in the ancient Indian texts,
and are based on mental and physical exercises,
assisted with natural herbs used in special
formulations. Unfortunately, under the British
regime, these healthy practices were logged
with faith healing and spirit healing, associated
with certain practices in villages, and as such
were mistaken for quackery. As a result, their
popularity dwindled, and was soon replaced by
the allopathic system of medicines. Though the
traditional systems of what are now referred
to as alternative healing and medicinal practices
lost their pre-eminence, the science not only
survived but continued to be is use, at least
among a smaller group that believed in its efficacy.
Even though there is nothing about them that
is linked only with Rajasthan, these practices
have once again been revived, and are enjoying
renewed popularity. This has to do with several
reasons: it enjoins the practice of meditation
and yoga which are the buzzwords of GenX, and
so have a youthful appeal. Also, in a world
waking up too late to the horrors of antibiotic
medicines, these natural systems offer no fear
of side-effects. The Rajasthani way of life
is certainly free from many of the stresses
suffered by people in urban centres around the
world, because it is closely linked with families
and communities, who in turn provide the avenues
for relaxation that are so important to the
human mind. Since communities have always encouraged
interdepdence, burdens and responsibilities
are also split up, therby guaranteeing a healthier
approach to lifestyles. While nature cure looks
at the benefits that a healthy way of living
and cosumption patterns can provide, and holds
out the most balanced approach to life, there
are systems of healing too such as ayurveda,
homeopathy and unani, along with a mix of massage
and yoga, that can show the way to a healthier
life.
Fortunately, most of these centres where
such guidance and help is available are located
in Rajasthan's historic cities, and many of
them, in fact, are in Jaipur, so the visitor
who wishes to seek a cure for himself can also
combine it with sightseeing and the relaxation
of a holiday. Should a visitor choose to avail
of the benefits of these systems, it may be
necessary to check into an institute, while
in other cases it is possible to stay in your
hotel and come in for a daily prognosis. In
the case of chronic ailment, an idea is to show
yourself at an institute, go under observation,
and start the cure. You can then proceed on
a tour of the state, while taking the recommended
exercises and herbal treatments, coming back
to the institute once more so that you can combine
a holiday with a cure or even complete rejuvenation.
What follows is a list of the various practices
of healing, cure and preventive cure that you
can expect from institutes in Rajasthan. Any
of these would be happy to advise you on a system
of cure, and the likely period, ideally suited
to your individual needs.
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