It can be hard to find inner peace, but if you can take a break from work, social commitments and other obligations for just one week, the Ananda Mela Yoga Festival near Tainan promises to help you in your search for spiri-tual contentment.
From July 11 through July 17, the festival will host workshops on contemplative arts, natural health, self-expression, ecological living and other aspects of a well-rounded spirituality at the Ananda Marga Ashram, and has been organized by the Ananda Marga Yoga and Meditation Association, a registered non-profit organization.
The event hopes to unify each participant's body, mind and spirit through these workshops guided by experienced teachers in each field. Classes will facilitate beginners of yoga and meditation by explaining basic principles of the spiritual arts and by suggesting ways to integrate those arts into daily living. All meals served at the festival will be prepared according to yogic principles.
PHOTO: AP
The event will also help participants find creative and rewarding means of self-expression. Performances by spiritual artists will give participants the chance to relax in the evenings and to learn about ways that other people have individualized their creative energy.
Indian classical dancer Deepa will perform, as will Turkish mime Aslan Akyer, Aboriginal singer Inka Mbing, and A Moving Sound, one of Taiwan's best world-music performance groups.
All festival participants will come together during these performances and meals, but throughout the day, adults will be divided into their choices of meditation groups and workshops, while children will be busy learning nature survival skills, playing group games and sports, and exploring their own creative interests through theater, art, music, yoga and meditation.
The seven-day festival costs NT$7,000 for non-students, but if you can't make the whole week, it's NT$1,500 per day. Students get a special deal: NT$4,000 for for the week or NT$1,000 per day.
For more information or to register, call (02) 2933 3035 or (09) 6063 2906 or go to www.anandamela.net. -- Emily Drew
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