Balashram Trek 2009

The third Balashram Trek took place from 8 to 17 October in a renowned spiritual area of the Indian Himalaya and similar to previous treks proved to be a great success in raising money for Balashram construction as well as providing a wonderful adventure for all those that took part. The group which included our Beloved Guruji trekked in the beautiful Garwhal region of the Himalayas renowned as the source area of the sacred Ganga. The Himalaya is the centre of spirituality, meditation, and natural beauty since time immemorial. The source of the Ganga and its valley which are considered  holy and auspicious, provided us with a wonderful natural space for meditation. The magnificent temples and holy places that we visited and meditated in and the beauty of the snow-peaked hilltops, green forests, and waterfalls provided us all with a spiritual feast that will stay with us forever.

Here are comments from some of those that took part:

“Joining the challenging 2009 Balashram Trek was an unforgettable experience. It was a true blessing to trek together in the Divine presence of our beloved Master Paramahansa Prajnananandaji for the children of Balashram in such a magical environment. The Holy Himalayas and many places of worship we visited made a deep, everlasting impression on me. It was a purifying and inspiring experience to follow the Ganga and to feel the spirit of Mother Ganga rushing through it. It was such a beautiful way to serve the children of Balashram!”

"Balashram trek 2009 was a wonderful experience for me. To follow the the great, life giving, Ganges river from Hardwar right up to it's source in Gaumukh left a great impression on me. It was wonderful to be in the close presence of beloved Paramahamsa Prajnananandaji for 10 days. To hear his beautiful stories of the Ganga and to meet sadhus and yogis in the company of Prajnananandaji.It is a great pleasure to have such a trek with meditations in the nature and at the same time to support the children in Balashram. I am looking forward to joining the Balashram trek 2010."

"If you have the opportunity to participate in the Balashram trek and raise money for the kids of Balashram School then you will be blessed with the trip of a lifetime! Imagine visiting spiritual sites with our Guru, meditating together, and enjoying incredible peace and joy. This was my trek experience in 2009".

“The 2009 trek was a wonderful opportunity to spend time with a group of like minded people in the company of Paramahamsa Prajnanananda. It is a rare occasion to have the opportunity to share so many wonderful moments with Guruji in his beloved India and know that at the same time you are helping the children of Balashram. If you get a chance to go on one of these treks grab it with both hands!”

"To be at the heart of the Himalaya's and Mother Ganga, with Swamiji who loves this area so much was very inspiring and breathtaking. The temperature was cold but the atmosphere full of warmth and friendship"

“Travelling in India with Paramahamsa Prajnanananda is a priceless experience. Swamiji's divine presence enlightened the experience throughout the trip and beyond.”

"During the whole trek we didn't lose sight of the holy river "Mother Ganga". Slowly we started to learn and appreciate why this river is considered so holy. We experienced her many shapes, colours, forms, intensities, beauty, purity and so on. It is an experience that is difficult to describe. The trek made us feel that we were in touch with the original purity of nature itself. An experience that would have been impossible to get, would we have tried it through an individual journey."

"I can't imagine a more thrilling and challenging way to support 240 souls and growing, on their way to changing the planet for the good of all.  Having just spent time volunteering at Balashram, I can honestly say, the children being raised and educated by the school will truly serve the world tenfold to our fundraising efforts. The trek was saturated with Divine beauty, Divine teachings and Divine service.  What a rarefied experience for all who participated.  Put on your hiking shoes and start training... it's worth every precious breath!"

“The 2009 trek to the source of the Ganga was amazing! The energy of the mountains Mother Ganga is such a high spiritual vibration. Being in this sacred place with our beloved Guruji who described this area as his home was so very special! It was definitely a trip of a life time! It was also great to have a support team to help transport our luggage, and only have to carry a small day pack while trekking. I highly recommend these trips which not only support Balashram but also benefit those of us that take part!”

"The outward pilgrimage to the source of Mother Ganges was in the same time reflected in a pilgrimage deep within our inmost self. The struggle outside with the thin air, altitude and cold, along with some inner struggle helped us to discover, what is hidden deep within. May the holy vibration and atmosphere from the Himalayas, the Ganges and our Master experienced during these special days be the guide of these little children of Balashram throughout their whole lives."

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