Nam Cát Tiên Jungle Adventure: A Journey Into Nature

Our adventure began early, with a 6:00 a.m. bus ride from Saigon. The cool morning air and the quiet streets set the perfect mood as we headed towards Nam Cát Tiên, one of Vietnam’s most beautiful and biologically rich national parks. After a comfortable journey, we arrived around 9:30 a.m., greeted by the lush greenery that surrounds the area.

Nam Cát Tiên, located in southern Vietnam, is part of the larger Cát Tiên National Park. It’s famous for its rich biodiversity, dense jungles, rare wildlife, and unique landscapes. The park is home to various species of birds, mammals, and reptiles, many of which are endangered. As we entered the park, we knew we were stepping into a sanctuary for nature lovers, wildlife enthusiasts, and adventurers alike.

After a hearty breakfast, we mounted our bikes for a scenic 9-kilometer ride along the jungle trail. The sound of the jungle surrounded us as we pedaled through, spotting monkeys leaping between trees and deer grazing peacefully in the distance. The ride was breathtaking, especially as we approached one of the park’s treasures: the 400-year-old Tung tree, standing tall and majestic—a living witness to centuries of nature’s stories.

Once our biking adventure concluded, we embarked on a 5-kilometer hike deeper into the jungle, heading toward Bàu Sấu, or Crocodile Lake. Every step took us further into the shaded trails, heightening our senses with the life teeming around us. As we arrived at Crocodile Lake, a beautiful peacock welcomed us. Though shy, it revealed its stunning colors, captivating us with its natural grace. Bàu Sấu is a serene yet thrilling lake, home to over 700 crocodiles. Standing on its banks, we marveled at the calm waters, aware of the powerful creatures just beneath the surface.

Crocodile lake – house of 700 crocodiles

As evening fell, we enjoyed a simple yet delicious meal prepared by the kiểm lâm (forest rangers). Earlier, we had watched them venture out into the crocodile lake to fish for our dinner. There’s something magical about dining in the heart of the jungle, surrounded only by nature. When night came, Bàu Sấu revealed its mystique. By flashlight, we saw the red glimmers of crocodile eyes reflecting in the water—a sight both eerie and awe-inspiring, reminding us of the wildness that thrives in these hidden corners of the world.

Red glimmer of crocodile eyes at night

Dinner prepared by ranger (fishes was caught by ranger at Crocodile lake when we just arrived)

The next morning, I woke to the chorus of birds, geckos, and peacocks, their calls echoing through the jungle and gently pulling me into the day. After a peaceful stroll through the misty morning trails, I couldn’t help but wonder what animals might be silently watching from the dense bushes. Before leaving, we unrolled our Yoga Nest mats for a yoga session by the lake. Practicing just two meters from a sleeping crocodile hiding beneath the water hyacinth and with a peacock strolling nearby, we felt entirely immersed in nature.

Morning with sun, peacock and gecko singing

Yoga at Crocodile lake (2 meters from a giant crocodile and a beautiful peacock behind)

This was the perfect moment to take on poses like Mayurasana (Peacock Pose) and Nakrasana (Crocodile Pose). Both from the Second Series of Ashtanga, these poses helped us build strength in our core and upper body, drawing inspiration from the creatures around us. The peacock, known for its ability to consume poison without harm, reflects how yoga purifies the mind, freeing it from conditioned toxins and allowing us to return to our true nature. The crocodile, with its grounded power and resilience, reminded us to cultivate inner and outer strength—qualities essential for thriving in any environment, much like the crocodiles of the jungle.

How to do Mayurasana (peacock) in Ashtanga

How to do Mayurasana (peacock)

As the sun climbed higher, it was time to hike back, but not before we visited another marvel of the jungle: an 800-year-old Tung tree. Towering over us, this ancient tree has witnessed the passage of time in a way no human ever could. Standing beneath its immense canopy, I couldn’t help but feel a deep sense of respect for the natural world.

800 years old Từng tree with its root is 2 meter height

No words can describe this magnificent scene of this 800 years old tree

Our journey through Nam Cát Tiên was unforgettable, a blend of adventure, wildlife encounters, and peaceful moments of reflection. It reminded me of the deep connection between humans and nature, and the importance of preserving such wild places for future generations.

The Yoga Nest mat was our constant companion—light, firm, and perfectly non-slip for all our yoga practices.

(To be continued…)

October 23, 2024 0

Yoga Sutra text 1.3

Text I.3 tadā draṣṭuh svarūpe ‘vasthānam

tadā, then, at that point;

draṣṭuḥ, of the seer, of the soul;

svarūpe, in its own real essential nature;

avasthānam, abiding, remaining, being absorbed in

Translation: When that is accomplished, the seer abides in its own true nature. (Edward F. Bryant, The Yoga Sutra of Pantajalin, A new Edition, translation, and commentary).

“The mind is often engaged in relentless activity, brimming with thoughts, emotions, and various distractions. However, achieving a state of inner quietude allows us to access a more profound level of awareness and insight. Reflect on the analogy of a lake and the moon, as mentioned in text 1.2. When the lake’s surface is calm, it mirrors the moon’s perfect reflection. Similarly, yoga teaches that when the mind is tranquil, undisturbed by the constant ‘winds’ of sensory input and external influences, it can reflect our true nature. This idea echoes the concepts in texts 1.1 and 1.2, where yoga is defined as the practice of calming the mind’s fluctuations, leading to a state of Nirodha, or control and cessation. In the serenity of Nirodha, the soul begins to perceive its authentic essence. This essence is often described as pure consciousness, free from the mind’s constraints and conditioning. It is a state of unadulterated awareness, allowing us to connect with our genuine selves and experience unity and interconnectedness with our surroundings. This realization is akin to seeing and understanding one’s true self. Notably, yoga’s goal is not to alter who we are but to unveil and awaken the true nature of our being. It is a journey of attuning to our spiritual selves, recognizing that we are inherently complete and perfect.

Imagine a time when you were entirely absorbed in a moment, perhaps while watching a sunset, listening to music, or even in deep contemplation. In that instance, the usual clutter of thoughts, worries, and distractions faded away, and you experienced a sense of peace and connection with the moment. This experience is a glimpse of what the sutra describes — a state where the soul (the seer) rests in its true nature, unaffected by the usual turbulence of the mind.

In our everyday lives, our minds are like an ocean in a storm, constantly churned by waves of sensory inputs, emotions, and thoughts. This relentless activity often veils our true self. However, yoga offers the tools to calm this storm. Through practices like meditation, breath control (pranayama), and physical postures (asanas), yoga systematically quiets the mind.

For instance, consider the practice of meditation. Initially, it might seem like a battle with endless thoughts. But with persistence, there comes a moment of stillness, where the mind is no longer distracted by its usual patterns. This stillness is where we begin to experience our essential nature, free from the layers of conditioning and perception.

This concept is also echoed in the analogy of the calm lake reflecting the moon. When our mind is still, it reflects our true self, unobscured by the ripples of mental disturbances. This clarity brings about a profound understanding of our interconnectedness with the world, fostering a sense of unity and peace.

The practice of yoga, encompassing meditation, breath control, and asanas (physical postures), aims to purify the body and cultivate mental stillness. This process enables us to access our inner wisdom, gain clarity, and align with our true nature, ultimately fostering a deeper sense of peace, fulfillment, and self-realization.”

December 22, 2023 0

Yoga Sutra text 1.1

Text 1: atha yogānuśāsanam

atha, now;

yoga, yoga;

anuśāsanam, teachings

Translation: Now, the teachings of yoga [are presented]. (Edward F. Bryant, The Yoga Sutras of Patañjali, A new Edition, translation, and commentary).

Atha Yoganusasanam is the opening phrase of Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras, which is considered one of the foundational texts of yoga philosophy. It can be translated as “Now, the teachings of yoga.”

This phrase signifies the beginning of the text and sets the stage for the subsequent teachings on yoga. It suggests that the reader or practitioner is now ready to embark on the journey of understanding and practicing yoga. This text also introduced the concept of “Now” or present moment. The teaching of yoga is happening in the present moment. When you are practicing yoga, it is happening right now.

Consider a typical day in your life: You wake up, check your phone, rush through your morning routine, and then dive into the day’s work and responsibilities. Amid this routine, you might find moments where you’re physically present but mentally elsewhere, thinking about past events or future plans. This disconnection from the present is like losing the essence of “atha yogānuśāsanam,” the foundational principle of being fully in the ‘now’ as emphasized in Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras.

Let’s say, during your lunch break, instead of scrolling through your phone, you decide to practice mindfulness, a key aspect of yoga. You eat your meal slowly, savoring each bite, fully aware of the flavors and textures. This simple act of mindfulness brings you into the present moment, embodying the spirit of “atha” – now.

The decision to practice yoga, either through physical postures, meditation, or mindful living, is a step away from the constant chase of material desires. It’s not about renouncing your job, relationships, or possessions, but rather about reducing the mental and emotional attachment to them. For example, while working on an important project, you might feel stressed about the outcome. Yoga teaches you to focus on the effort rather than fixating on the result, a practice of detachment that aligns with turning away from material attachments.

But what makes a student ready to practice yoga? Yoga is a traditional path that requires some sacrifice, to move away from the material world toward the spiritual. You become ready when you realize that true happiness does not come from the material world, instead, real happiness lies in the inner spiritual world. It also means, you, as a human being, have experienced some sufferings and limitations of the material world. When you are ready to turn away from the material world and to seek enlightenment in the inner spiritual world, then the teaching of yoga begin (Kino McGregor)

You may wonder, “ I do not have any suffering, but I still want to practice yoga. Why do I have to turn away from the material world to study yoga?”

It’s great that you do not have any suffering and that you are taking good care of yourself by practicing yoga. It’s important to note that the idea of turning away from the material world does not mean that only people who are suffering can have a genuine spiritual path. However, in any authentic spiritual path, there is an element of sacrifice involved. This sacrifice does not mean giving everything in the material world, but rather having a willingness to let go of attachments and prioritize the spiritual journey. It is about recognizing that true fulfillment and lasting happiness come from within, rather than relying solely on external possessions or achievements.

By turning away from the material world, it means shifting our focus from external desires and distraction towards the exploration of our inner selves and the pursuit of spiritual growth. This does not mean completely abandoning the material world, but rather fining a balance and understanding that the material world alone cannot provide lasting fulfillment. Turning away from the material world in yoga doesn’t imply abandoning it entirely. Instead, it’s about reducing our attachment to material possessions and external achievements. The key is to find a balance and understand that while material aspects can contribute to our happiness, they are not the sole sources of it. The spiritual journey involves prioritizing internal growth and understanding over external gratification.

Choosing to practice yoga doesn’t require suffering or dissatisfaction with the material world. It’s about recognizing that while material comforts can bring temporary happiness, deeper, lasting fulfillment comes from within. By integrating yoga into your daily life, you begin to cultivate inner peace, resilience, and a deeper understanding of yourself. This shift in perspective can transform your approach to daily challenges, leading to a more balanced and harmonious life.

If you’re not experiencing suffering but are drawn to yoga, it’s an opportunity to deepen your self-understanding, cultivate inner peace, and explore spiritual growth. Embracing yoga’s teachings can transform your perspective, revealing that true contentment and fulfillment originate from within, beyond the material realm. Yoga encourages this exploration, offering tools and wisdom to navigate life with more clarity, balance, and internal harmony.

December 18, 2023 0