Sigh… I have arrived in Bali. Though I love to travel and explore new places there is something very special about this island and I am delighted to be back. I could feel it right away.
What struck me the most when I was here for the first time three years ago was the extraordinary beauty in everything. In addition to the magnificent natural environment the Balinese people revere art and creativity which seems to be woven into every aspect of their culture. Even the most basic everyday items are presented in an exquisite way.
The word we use for this kind of beauty in yoga is shri. Like most Sanskrit words shri cannot be defined with one English word. Shri is the goddess Lakshmi; she is divine beauty both elegant and graceful. Shri is splendor; the magnificent light that shines from the rays of the sun, gleams off the water and twinkles from one’s eyes. Shri is abundant and reminds us that there is always more; the universe is expanding. Shri is sacred and affirms life.
So as I was saying, Bali is the embodiment of shri. This tropical island is lush and green speckled with vibrantly colored flowers. The light is exquisite and glistens off the greenery and sparkles in the faces of it’s people. Everything is adorned with a touch of shri.
I hope to share with you my experiences of the ways Bali and the people here express shri. Stay tuned…
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