Our Mission is Meditation and Yoga for a Better World .
What you can gain:
* Self-Management Leadership
* Stress Management
* Living Values
* Positive Thinking
* Mind Management
* Relationship Management
* Self-Empowerment
* Developing Concentration Power
* Increasing Memory Power
* Increasing Self Esteem
* Exploring Eight Inner Powers
* Developing Positive Attitude
Rajyoga Meditation
Understanding the Self
Who am I? What am I?
What is my real identity?
How do my thoughts and feelings interact with the body?
How to make my mind powerful? Breaking the mysteries of mind.
Understanding thoughts, how they come and go, how to regulate them
* Why do we come under emotions, feelings, tension and stress
* How does an individual develops behavioral patterns, traits etc;
how to transform them
*How to enjoy this precious life?
How to lead a life of peace and bliss?
The first lesson is all about complete understanding of the self, which has remained a mystery that has eluded scientists, philosophers, great thinkers and many other intellectuals.
Soul and body
The human body is a complex pattern of physical energies. Atomic particles build together to form the organic structures and inorganic minerals, which perform the body’s chemical interactions, thus forming the basis of the hormonal and nervous control of the body. What we see as the old or young, ugly or beautiful, male or female, are also the differing levels of physical energies. However marvelous a machine the body may be, it is the presence of the non-physical conscious energy, the soul, which makes it function.
I am a living entity different from the body! Just as a person who speaks with the help of a telephone or listens to a call with the help of that instrument, has his entity different from that of the telephone – he himself being a living person who has the faculties or characteristics of feeling, thinking, willing and making effort. Similarly, the conscious entity in the body which uses the word “I” is different from the body which has eyes, ears, nose etc as it’s components. I am not the eyes, the ears or the mouth but I see with my eyes, speak through the mouth, hear with the ears and am their master. I am a soul (Atma), eternal and immortal. The body is mortal; I have got it to do actions and to experience the result of my actions. I am the doer and the one who experiences.
The soul is like a driver in-charge of the body, which serves as a carriage to the soul. The soul is a diamond, the body being the casket for it. When the soul leaves the body, the body is declared ‘dead’. Then people set about cremating it because, it’s valuable owner, the soul, has already left and the body is of no use. When the soul has relinquished the body, people say, “ the light (which is soul) has gone, that which lived in it has departed and the drama is over”
Faculties of a Soul
The soul is a living or a sentient being. It is said to be conscient or living because it can think and reflect; it can experience pleasure and pain, so also bliss and peace; it can bestir itself and make efforts and actions – good or bad. A soul has three faculties – mind, intellect and predispositions.
Mind is the thinking faculty of the soul. It is the mind that imagines, thinks and forms ideas. The thought process is the basis of all emotions, desires and sensations. It is through this faculty that, in an instant, thoughts can be projected to a distant place, past experiences and emotions can be relived or even the future can be anticipated. It is the mind that experiences the variations of moods. The mind is a faculty of the metaphysical soul, not be confused with the heart or the brain.
Intellect is used to assess thoughts. This is the faculty of understanding and decision-making which stands out as the most crucial faculty of the three. With the deepening and broadening of the intellect, clear understanding and the realization of the knowledge becomes natural, and the power to decide and reason becomes clear. It is the intellect which remembers, discriminates, judges and exercises its power in the form of will.
Predispositions (called Sanskaras in hindi) are the “impressions” or “subconsciousness” which is the record of all the soul’s past experiences and actions. Sanskaras can take the forms of habits, talents, emotional temperaments, personality traits, beliefs, values or instincts. Every action as an experience either creates a sanskar ( this is how a habit begins) or reinforces an old one. Whatever impression is etched in the soul remains within it, forming a complete archive of all the experiences that the soul has had. When we speak of defects, specialties or virtues, we are referring to the sanskaras. The sanskaras are the basis of the soul’s individuality.
Seat of the Soul
The soul is located in the middle of the forehead in between the two eyebrows. This is the seat of the soul. The brain is the “control-room”. Just as a driver controls the car using different parts of the mechanism seated at one place, the soul employs the brain to control the body. Brain is the machine by means of which the soul thinks, remembers, receives messages from or gives directions to the sense-organs. The brain is the meeting place of all nerves, which carry sensations from all parts of the body to brain which functions like a control-room and makes the body to work. It is in the brain that the soul, through the nerves, puts the body to work and experiences physical sensations, pleasure and pain or happiness and sorrow. But, the brain is separate from the soul, brain is a complex thing made of matter whereas the soul has the life-principal or consciousness.
Nature of Soul
A soul is a tiny, metaphysical, conscient point of spiritual light. There are a finite number of souls. Each soul is eternal. They were never created, and will never be destroyed. Each soul is unique. We are all souls, unique and different and remain so eternally. As such, souls are invisible to the naked eyes, but one can experience it’s presence. A soul has no gender.
The intrinsic nature of the soul is that of love, peace, happiness, truth, bliss, purity. Therefore, souls always desire for experiences of these
qualities. These are the qualities that naturally emerge when the soul is aware of itself, or in other words, is soul-conscious.
Body-Consciousness – the root cause of all evils in the world
A person is in body conscious when he/she identifies himself or herself with the physical body, ie when the thinking, feeling, actions and behaviors are with the awareness that he or she is a body. Being in body conscious is the root cause of all the evils in the world because the vices like lust, anger, greed, attachment and ego are all having their roots in body – consciousness
Soul - Consciousness – the key for a blissful life
When a person is in the state of awareness that “I am a Soul and not this physical body”, then he/she would be in soul consciousness. In other words, the person thinks, feels, acts, behaves, compares etc with the awareness that he or she is a soul, the master of the body. When in soul-consciousness, the original qualities of a soul naturally emerge. Then it is possible to experience lasting peace and bliss.
Karma Philosophy
There are times when thoughts of distress and tension raise their ugly head. There are situations when a person searches for right answers. Here are some typical examples – Why are we here? Why was I born here and he there? Why is she beautiful and I ugly? Why is so and so crippled for no apparent fault of theirs? Why does the egotistical bully who browbeats his business companions, fiddles his income tax returns and beats his wife, attain outstanding worldly success? Why does the timid, quiet little widow who has never said a harsh word to anyone, live in appalling conditions and die unwanted and uncared for? Why did he have to die? Why did he do that to me? Why is there so much suffering? Why this, why that?
The answers lie in one eternal truth - based on the Law of Karma or the Karma Philosophy – that no one can escape the result of his or her karma. Depending on the bad or good karma or action, one will suffer or enjoy, either in this or the next life. No one can escape the result of his or her karma. The law of Karma is inviolable. So everyone must act with a sense of responsibility. Ignorance of the law is no excuse. So we must acquire right knowledge of what is good and what is bad action. The morale of the story – I have to do right karma for my benefit; it is not for showing it to anyone outside.
Every human action has a moral aspect. If a person’s certain act is morally good, the person gets ultimately benefited. If, on the other hand, his acts are morally bad, he suffers. It would require a lot of space to express what is morally good and bad. But in one sentence, it may be said that, if a person acts under the influence of hatred, anger, lies, prejudice, greed, ego, partiality, lust and such other acts under the influence of body-consciousness, then his actions are bad or negative. These create disharmony and conflict and sufferings in the society.
On the other hand, if a person has a balanced judgment, stability of mind, peace of the spirit and acts with the feeling of love, justice, sympathy, humility and the such other actions in soul-consciousness, then his acts are good because such acts promote harmony, peace, unity and happy feelings.
The Power of Thought
The most powerful instrument that mankind possesses is thought power. Thoughts build our consciousness and shape our attitude. One needs to know how important thoughts are. Every human creation we see in this world is due to powerful thoughts in human minds. Thoughts shape our world. Thoughts are fertilized by knowledge. A person with a certain kind of knowledge usually creates thoughts in harmony with that knowledge. Knowledge gives wisdom; a person without knowledge is a person whose thoughts will be formed in ignorance.
Every action is preceded by thoughts. The quality of thoughts determines the quality of our karma. The karma in turn has good or bad effect on us. This again influences our thinking. So right thinking based on right knowledge is essential for leading a peaceful and contented life. Raja Yoga meditation helps us in doing the right thinking that leads to righteous actions. This also helps in remaining mentally strong amidst turbulent situations.
Even if you're not booking any tours with us but want some help while in India, do not hesitate to call or email us.
At the Airport
The arrival terminal at Kolkata International Airport is new though it looks old. Money Exchange counter will not cash credit cards. A Pre-paid taxi service is available. You receive a slip on payment and present it to a man as you exit the terminal. You need not pay any more, at any stage, although you may be asked to do so. A Pre-Paid taxi to the center of the city is around Rs 260/- and from Airport to our own homestay is Rupees 160 the place called "Nager Bazaar. "
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Taxi Drivers
Insist on the driver using the meter unless you know the correct fare. Outside meters have a different reading than inside meters but have virtually disappeared. Taxi drivers carry conversion cards telling you what you should actually pay for the amount on the meter. The calculation is actually simple. Whatever it comes on the meter just double the sum and add 2 Rupees. So if its 50 Rupees on the meter, the actual fare would be Rupees 102.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Kolkata Metro Timetable.
The Metro is a fast and usually efficient service which travels the length of the city on one line. It is faster than a taxi and much less expensive. Monday to Saturday the first trains leave from the south and the north stations at 7.00 AM. The last trains leave these stations at 9.45 PM. Early and late trains run at a 15 minute interval but drop to 7 or 8 minutes during peak times. Trains on Sunday do not commence service until 2.00 PM and end at 9.45 from the terminal stations. They run at 15 minute intervals. There are three main city price zones depending on distance travelled. Single, return and multiple ride tickets can be purchased. Trips to the new stations in the south put you into other fare zones but most travellers will not go to the most southern stations.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Other Transport
Auto Rickshaws play on set shortish routes and the cost is usually no more than 4-5 rupees per ride. Train bookings are open three months before the date of travel. If you are planning a tour and want to book trains in advance then you need to make the bookings on the day they open for many routes. Web services like makemytrip.com have revolutionised how people book. You can book trains, flights and even some luxury bus services through these web pages from the comfort of your home. There is a Tourist Quota Ticket Counter in Kolkata only for foreigners at Fairly Place where you can get train tickets without any extra charges.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Busy Periods
Like in most countries Indians travel during holiday time in extra numbers. The end of the monsoon holiday period during October and November can be an extremely busy travel time. Booking rail and even air bookings at this time can be difficult for many destinations. Book as soon as possible and provide options if your first choice is not available.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Planning a tour.
Some people tell us they want to see the Sunderbans and Darjeeling and do a cooking class all in 4 days. Distances between places can be long but also travel can be very slow. Roads are poor in places and waiting for connections can add a lot of time to a trip. A trip of 170 kms can take 5 hours or more. What looks like a day trip is better done in at least 2 days. It takes an overnight train and half the next day to get to Darjeeling from Kolkata travelling by train and jeep. It takes most of a day to get to the Sunderbans. Also remember that there is always a chance that your plane, train, bus or car will arrive at your destination late. This is so common as to be a factor in planning a tour. Try not to have one journey linked too closely to another in case you cannot make it to your second starting point in time. Also try and be aware of holidays that can also interfere with your travel plans. These days you can easily look up dates on the web. Also take into account the travel fatigue factor. Plan to do less rather than more. Many people devise plans where they are travelling every other day. Moving can be interesting but it is also taxing. Build relaxation places into your trip to give yourselves some quiet peaceful time. Apart from some of these practical considerations it is worthwhile reflecting on your reasons for travel and how you might make the most of the experience. Too many people follow guide books and not their existing passions. And of course we are here to help you build your tour.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Internal Flights
India now has a plethora of low cost domestic carriers. They are good value but there can be problems. Booking from overseas can be a problem and using international credit cards even here can have you getting your home bank to guarantee your credentials. Things however have improved and we refer you to the new web pages that make booking easier. You may also face the problem of flights being cancelled especially on less popular routes. Usually you can get on to another carrier but this can mean delays.
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Howrah
If you arrive at Howrah Station there are pre paid cabs at an inflated price. If you have a light back pack you can catch a ferry across the river during the day time (go by subway out of the station) and catch a cab from the other side of the river. Much cheaper. Also a pre paid system exists at Sealdah Station.
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Money
Banks are slow. For cash and traveller’s cheques, licensed money changers abound and are fast and easy. There is a good legal money exchange on the first floor of the new complex in the New Market or in the street leading to the New Market from The Grand Hotel. Also available in Airport Area Money Exchange.
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Credit Cards.
ATM’s work well and are bobbing up everywhere including on Chowringhee at Park St. and Esplanade metro station outlets. Getting cash is usually not a problem. Be careful however when you pay with a credit card. There has been widespread abuse of credit card information and foreigners with big credit limits can find themselves in trouble. Do not travel with a huge credit limit in your account and if you can, move money through your internet banking account into your credit account as you need it.
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Bargaining .
There are no formulas, you can’t divide the asking price by 2 or 4 and offer your price. Some shops have fixed prices. Where you can, start and maybe stay with these. Try not to offer a price until you have shopped around and walked away a couple of times. If it is a costly item go back over a period of time and see if the price changes. It is possible to bargain your hotel bill especially prior to arrival depending on the season.
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Sudder Street.
This is the backpacker’s budget area with a few middle range hotels. Not a heavy place but does attract touts out to make all sorts of deals with foreigners. It is not representative of the city which, although diversified, is generally a little less pushy.
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Cheap Bars.
Many cheaper bars will not serve women and have no female toilets. If you are after cheap drinks in bars that will serve you, Olley’s Pub in Park St. (upstairs) is a good starting point or The New Cathay on Chowringhee close to the Grand Hotel entrance. The Cecil in Bowbazar does allow women and is well run by a Canadian Sikh. The Broadway on Ganesh Chandra Avenue is a lovely old pub which welcomes women. Cheaper all male bars abound and can be interesting but are often none too clean with unbelievably bad toilet facilities. The Chota Bristol behind the Metro cinema is a large old style bar and interesting. Country Liquor bars are for the brave.
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What to wear .
Looking like you are loaded is not always wise especially if you are out and about the streets at night. On the other hand, looking like a ‘hippy’ will exclude you from many potentially rewarding contacts with the locals. Of course it is your choice, but choosing to alienate large sections of the population does limit the range of contacts that can be made. Many Indians disapprove strongly of women showing too much flesh, although Bengali woman can show a fair bit of tummy. It may be unfair but it is the reality.
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Security.
Kolkata is still one of the safer big cities. You do need to be careful however. Travel with a couple of locks and a chain. On a train trip chain your luggage immediately on entering a carriage to the rack above and opposite you or beneath your legs. Do not carry anything of value in top pockets or small backpacks, especially in the back zip pocket. Pouches in the front do make sense for carrying valuables. Credit cards are increasingly the best way to carry money if you protect them. Some people travel with a phony wallet and long inside pockets for items not needed often. Carry a torch and have it handy at night. Con tricks come in many forms. “Just wait here and I’ll go off and buy it for you,” should raise alarm bells, but there are many variations. Photocopy airline tickets, passport and credit card details before you leave home and keep them separate.
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Female Travelers.
Women travelling without men are considered by some local men to be, “loose and available”. How convenient. Nevertheless it remains a perception as does the one about women in the west liking ‘free sex’. Again unfair but to avoid nasty situations consider dressing conservatively, avoiding crushes (including crowded transport), keeping to lit areas and carrying a heavy torch at night. Bengal is better in this regard than many other parts of India or Asia. If you are taking taxis, especially at night, pass on the number plate details to someone as you get in and let the taxi driver see you do this or pass it on in a mobile phone conversation, even if the phone does not work. This is more for your peace of mind than anything but probably a useful insurance policy. Don't be put off, many women travel alone here.
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Gay and Lesbian.
There is no organized gay or lesbian social scene as such. There are a couple of support groups however. Kolkata is even more conservative than most other metros. On 2 July 2009, the Delhi High Court decriminalised homosexual intercourse between consenting adults. From time to time a bar becomes the in place especially for younger men. You can check with locals by going to any of the gay social networking sights that cover India. Men caught in cruising areas are subject to harassment and the mandatory bribe at the very least.
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Phone and email
There are numerous Personal Call Offices (PCOs) allowing local, STD and ISD calls and many Cyber Cafes operating in the central city.
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Mobile Phones.
You can purchase local SIM cards for your own phone but make sure it is unlocked. You can also purchase an unlocked cell phone for a very small price. For people travelling for some weeks this is not a bad idea. You will need a passport photo and your passport (copy of key pages) and usually a letter from your hotel proving that you are staying there. You can then purchase a sim card with a very short validity period. A new cell phone would cost you around 25-30 dollars.
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Enjoy the city and call if you need assistance at 09330659957. or email us at crazywanderers1@gmail.com.
What you can gain:
* Self-Management Leadership
* Stress Management
* Living Values
* Positive Thinking
* Mind Management
* Relationship Management
* Self-Empowerment
* Developing Concentration Power
* Increasing Memory Power
* Increasing Self Esteem
* Exploring Eight Inner Powers
* Developing Positive Attitude
Rajyoga Meditation
Understanding the Self
Who am I? What am I?
What is my real identity?
How do my thoughts and feelings interact with the body?
How to make my mind powerful? Breaking the mysteries of mind.
Understanding thoughts, how they come and go, how to regulate them
* Why do we come under emotions, feelings, tension and stress
* How does an individual develops behavioral patterns, traits etc;
how to transform them
*How to enjoy this precious life?
How to lead a life of peace and bliss?
The first lesson is all about complete understanding of the self, which has remained a mystery that has eluded scientists, philosophers, great thinkers and many other intellectuals.
Soul and body
The human body is a complex pattern of physical energies. Atomic particles build together to form the organic structures and inorganic minerals, which perform the body’s chemical interactions, thus forming the basis of the hormonal and nervous control of the body. What we see as the old or young, ugly or beautiful, male or female, are also the differing levels of physical energies. However marvelous a machine the body may be, it is the presence of the non-physical conscious energy, the soul, which makes it function.
I am a living entity different from the body! Just as a person who speaks with the help of a telephone or listens to a call with the help of that instrument, has his entity different from that of the telephone – he himself being a living person who has the faculties or characteristics of feeling, thinking, willing and making effort. Similarly, the conscious entity in the body which uses the word “I” is different from the body which has eyes, ears, nose etc as it’s components. I am not the eyes, the ears or the mouth but I see with my eyes, speak through the mouth, hear with the ears and am their master. I am a soul (Atma), eternal and immortal. The body is mortal; I have got it to do actions and to experience the result of my actions. I am the doer and the one who experiences.
The soul is like a driver in-charge of the body, which serves as a carriage to the soul. The soul is a diamond, the body being the casket for it. When the soul leaves the body, the body is declared ‘dead’. Then people set about cremating it because, it’s valuable owner, the soul, has already left and the body is of no use. When the soul has relinquished the body, people say, “ the light (which is soul) has gone, that which lived in it has departed and the drama is over”
The soul is a living or a sentient being. It is said to be conscient or living because it can think and reflect; it can experience pleasure and pain, so also bliss and peace; it can bestir itself and make efforts and actions – good or bad. A soul has three faculties – mind, intellect and predispositions.
Mind is the thinking faculty of the soul. It is the mind that imagines, thinks and forms ideas. The thought process is the basis of all emotions, desires and sensations. It is through this faculty that, in an instant, thoughts can be projected to a distant place, past experiences and emotions can be relived or even the future can be anticipated. It is the mind that experiences the variations of moods. The mind is a faculty of the metaphysical soul, not be confused with the heart or the brain.
Intellect is used to assess thoughts. This is the faculty of understanding and decision-making which stands out as the most crucial faculty of the three. With the deepening and broadening of the intellect, clear understanding and the realization of the knowledge becomes natural, and the power to decide and reason becomes clear. It is the intellect which remembers, discriminates, judges and exercises its power in the form of will.
Predispositions (called Sanskaras in hindi) are the “impressions” or “subconsciousness” which is the record of all the soul’s past experiences and actions. Sanskaras can take the forms of habits, talents, emotional temperaments, personality traits, beliefs, values or instincts. Every action as an experience either creates a sanskar ( this is how a habit begins) or reinforces an old one. Whatever impression is etched in the soul remains within it, forming a complete archive of all the experiences that the soul has had. When we speak of defects, specialties or virtues, we are referring to the sanskaras. The sanskaras are the basis of the soul’s individuality.
Seat of the Soul
The soul is located in the middle of the forehead in between the two eyebrows. This is the seat of the soul. The brain is the “control-room”. Just as a driver controls the car using different parts of the mechanism seated at one place, the soul employs the brain to control the body. Brain is the machine by means of which the soul thinks, remembers, receives messages from or gives directions to the sense-organs. The brain is the meeting place of all nerves, which carry sensations from all parts of the body to brain which functions like a control-room and makes the body to work. It is in the brain that the soul, through the nerves, puts the body to work and experiences physical sensations, pleasure and pain or happiness and sorrow. But, the brain is separate from the soul, brain is a complex thing made of matter whereas the soul has the life-principal or consciousness.
Nature of Soul
A soul is a tiny, metaphysical, conscient point of spiritual light. There are a finite number of souls. Each soul is eternal. They were never created, and will never be destroyed. Each soul is unique. We are all souls, unique and different and remain so eternally. As such, souls are invisible to the naked eyes, but one can experience it’s presence. A soul has no gender.
The intrinsic nature of the soul is that of love, peace, happiness, truth, bliss, purity. Therefore, souls always desire for experiences of these
qualities. These are the qualities that naturally emerge when the soul is aware of itself, or in other words, is soul-conscious.
Body-Consciousness – the root cause of all evils in the world
A person is in body conscious when he/she identifies himself or herself with the physical body, ie when the thinking, feeling, actions and behaviors are with the awareness that he or she is a body. Being in body conscious is the root cause of all the evils in the world because the vices like lust, anger, greed, attachment and ego are all having their roots in body – consciousness
Soul - Consciousness – the key for a blissful life
When a person is in the state of awareness that “I am a Soul and not this physical body”, then he/she would be in soul consciousness. In other words, the person thinks, feels, acts, behaves, compares etc with the awareness that he or she is a soul, the master of the body. When in soul-consciousness, the original qualities of a soul naturally emerge. Then it is possible to experience lasting peace and bliss.
Karma Philosophy
There are times when thoughts of distress and tension raise their ugly head. There are situations when a person searches for right answers. Here are some typical examples – Why are we here? Why was I born here and he there? Why is she beautiful and I ugly? Why is so and so crippled for no apparent fault of theirs? Why does the egotistical bully who browbeats his business companions, fiddles his income tax returns and beats his wife, attain outstanding worldly success? Why does the timid, quiet little widow who has never said a harsh word to anyone, live in appalling conditions and die unwanted and uncared for? Why did he have to die? Why did he do that to me? Why is there so much suffering? Why this, why that?
The answers lie in one eternal truth - based on the Law of Karma or the Karma Philosophy – that no one can escape the result of his or her karma. Depending on the bad or good karma or action, one will suffer or enjoy, either in this or the next life. No one can escape the result of his or her karma. The law of Karma is inviolable. So everyone must act with a sense of responsibility. Ignorance of the law is no excuse. So we must acquire right knowledge of what is good and what is bad action. The morale of the story – I have to do right karma for my benefit; it is not for showing it to anyone outside.
Every human action has a moral aspect. If a person’s certain act is morally good, the person gets ultimately benefited. If, on the other hand, his acts are morally bad, he suffers. It would require a lot of space to express what is morally good and bad. But in one sentence, it may be said that, if a person acts under the influence of hatred, anger, lies, prejudice, greed, ego, partiality, lust and such other acts under the influence of body-consciousness, then his actions are bad or negative. These create disharmony and conflict and sufferings in the society.
On the other hand, if a person has a balanced judgment, stability of mind, peace of the spirit and acts with the feeling of love, justice, sympathy, humility and the such other actions in soul-consciousness, then his acts are good because such acts promote harmony, peace, unity and happy feelings.
The Power of Thought
The most powerful instrument that mankind possesses is thought power. Thoughts build our consciousness and shape our attitude. One needs to know how important thoughts are. Every human creation we see in this world is due to powerful thoughts in human minds. Thoughts shape our world. Thoughts are fertilized by knowledge. A person with a certain kind of knowledge usually creates thoughts in harmony with that knowledge. Knowledge gives wisdom; a person without knowledge is a person whose thoughts will be formed in ignorance.
Every action is preceded by thoughts. The quality of thoughts determines the quality of our karma. The karma in turn has good or bad effect on us. This again influences our thinking. So right thinking based on right knowledge is essential for leading a peaceful and contented life. Raja Yoga meditation helps us in doing the right thinking that leads to righteous actions. This also helps in remaining mentally strong amidst turbulent situations.
At the Airport
The arrival terminal at Kolkata International Airport is new though it looks old. Money Exchange counter will not cash credit cards. A Pre-paid taxi service is available. You receive a slip on payment and present it to a man as you exit the terminal. You need not pay any more, at any stage, although you may be asked to do so. A Pre-Paid taxi to the center of the city is around Rs 260/- and from Airport to our own homestay is Rupees 160 the place called "Nager Bazaar. "
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Taxi Drivers
Insist on the driver using the meter unless you know the correct fare. Outside meters have a different reading than inside meters but have virtually disappeared. Taxi drivers carry conversion cards telling you what you should actually pay for the amount on the meter. The calculation is actually simple. Whatever it comes on the meter just double the sum and add 2 Rupees. So if its 50 Rupees on the meter, the actual fare would be Rupees 102.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Kolkata Metro Timetable.
The Metro is a fast and usually efficient service which travels the length of the city on one line. It is faster than a taxi and much less expensive. Monday to Saturday the first trains leave from the south and the north stations at 7.00 AM. The last trains leave these stations at 9.45 PM. Early and late trains run at a 15 minute interval but drop to 7 or 8 minutes during peak times. Trains on Sunday do not commence service until 2.00 PM and end at 9.45 from the terminal stations. They run at 15 minute intervals. There are three main city price zones depending on distance travelled. Single, return and multiple ride tickets can be purchased. Trips to the new stations in the south put you into other fare zones but most travellers will not go to the most southern stations.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Other Transport
Auto Rickshaws play on set shortish routes and the cost is usually no more than 4-5 rupees per ride. Train bookings are open three months before the date of travel. If you are planning a tour and want to book trains in advance then you need to make the bookings on the day they open for many routes. Web services like makemytrip.com have revolutionised how people book. You can book trains, flights and even some luxury bus services through these web pages from the comfort of your home. There is a Tourist Quota Ticket Counter in Kolkata only for foreigners at Fairly Place where you can get train tickets without any extra charges.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Busy Periods
Like in most countries Indians travel during holiday time in extra numbers. The end of the monsoon holiday period during October and November can be an extremely busy travel time. Booking rail and even air bookings at this time can be difficult for many destinations. Book as soon as possible and provide options if your first choice is not available.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Planning a tour.
Some people tell us they want to see the Sunderbans and Darjeeling and do a cooking class all in 4 days. Distances between places can be long but also travel can be very slow. Roads are poor in places and waiting for connections can add a lot of time to a trip. A trip of 170 kms can take 5 hours or more. What looks like a day trip is better done in at least 2 days. It takes an overnight train and half the next day to get to Darjeeling from Kolkata travelling by train and jeep. It takes most of a day to get to the Sunderbans. Also remember that there is always a chance that your plane, train, bus or car will arrive at your destination late. This is so common as to be a factor in planning a tour. Try not to have one journey linked too closely to another in case you cannot make it to your second starting point in time. Also try and be aware of holidays that can also interfere with your travel plans. These days you can easily look up dates on the web. Also take into account the travel fatigue factor. Plan to do less rather than more. Many people devise plans where they are travelling every other day. Moving can be interesting but it is also taxing. Build relaxation places into your trip to give yourselves some quiet peaceful time. Apart from some of these practical considerations it is worthwhile reflecting on your reasons for travel and how you might make the most of the experience. Too many people follow guide books and not their existing passions. And of course we are here to help you build your tour.
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Internal Flights
India now has a plethora of low cost domestic carriers. They are good value but there can be problems. Booking from overseas can be a problem and using international credit cards even here can have you getting your home bank to guarantee your credentials. Things however have improved and we refer you to the new web pages that make booking easier. You may also face the problem of flights being cancelled especially on less popular routes. Usually you can get on to another carrier but this can mean delays.
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Howrah
If you arrive at Howrah Station there are pre paid cabs at an inflated price. If you have a light back pack you can catch a ferry across the river during the day time (go by subway out of the station) and catch a cab from the other side of the river. Much cheaper. Also a pre paid system exists at Sealdah Station.
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Money
Banks are slow. For cash and traveller’s cheques, licensed money changers abound and are fast and easy. There is a good legal money exchange on the first floor of the new complex in the New Market or in the street leading to the New Market from The Grand Hotel. Also available in Airport Area Money Exchange.
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Credit Cards.
ATM’s work well and are bobbing up everywhere including on Chowringhee at Park St. and Esplanade metro station outlets. Getting cash is usually not a problem. Be careful however when you pay with a credit card. There has been widespread abuse of credit card information and foreigners with big credit limits can find themselves in trouble. Do not travel with a huge credit limit in your account and if you can, move money through your internet banking account into your credit account as you need it.
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Bargaining .
There are no formulas, you can’t divide the asking price by 2 or 4 and offer your price. Some shops have fixed prices. Where you can, start and maybe stay with these. Try not to offer a price until you have shopped around and walked away a couple of times. If it is a costly item go back over a period of time and see if the price changes. It is possible to bargain your hotel bill especially prior to arrival depending on the season.
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Sudder Street.
This is the backpacker’s budget area with a few middle range hotels. Not a heavy place but does attract touts out to make all sorts of deals with foreigners. It is not representative of the city which, although diversified, is generally a little less pushy.
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Cheap Bars.
Many cheaper bars will not serve women and have no female toilets. If you are after cheap drinks in bars that will serve you, Olley’s Pub in Park St. (upstairs) is a good starting point or The New Cathay on Chowringhee close to the Grand Hotel entrance. The Cecil in Bowbazar does allow women and is well run by a Canadian Sikh. The Broadway on Ganesh Chandra Avenue is a lovely old pub which welcomes women. Cheaper all male bars abound and can be interesting but are often none too clean with unbelievably bad toilet facilities. The Chota Bristol behind the Metro cinema is a large old style bar and interesting. Country Liquor bars are for the brave.
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What to wear .
Looking like you are loaded is not always wise especially if you are out and about the streets at night. On the other hand, looking like a ‘hippy’ will exclude you from many potentially rewarding contacts with the locals. Of course it is your choice, but choosing to alienate large sections of the population does limit the range of contacts that can be made. Many Indians disapprove strongly of women showing too much flesh, although Bengali woman can show a fair bit of tummy. It may be unfair but it is the reality.
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Security.
Kolkata is still one of the safer big cities. You do need to be careful however. Travel with a couple of locks and a chain. On a train trip chain your luggage immediately on entering a carriage to the rack above and opposite you or beneath your legs. Do not carry anything of value in top pockets or small backpacks, especially in the back zip pocket. Pouches in the front do make sense for carrying valuables. Credit cards are increasingly the best way to carry money if you protect them. Some people travel with a phony wallet and long inside pockets for items not needed often. Carry a torch and have it handy at night. Con tricks come in many forms. “Just wait here and I’ll go off and buy it for you,” should raise alarm bells, but there are many variations. Photocopy airline tickets, passport and credit card details before you leave home and keep them separate.
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Female Travelers.
Women travelling without men are considered by some local men to be, “loose and available”. How convenient. Nevertheless it remains a perception as does the one about women in the west liking ‘free sex’. Again unfair but to avoid nasty situations consider dressing conservatively, avoiding crushes (including crowded transport), keeping to lit areas and carrying a heavy torch at night. Bengal is better in this regard than many other parts of India or Asia. If you are taking taxis, especially at night, pass on the number plate details to someone as you get in and let the taxi driver see you do this or pass it on in a mobile phone conversation, even if the phone does not work. This is more for your peace of mind than anything but probably a useful insurance policy. Don't be put off, many women travel alone here.
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Gay and Lesbian.
There is no organized gay or lesbian social scene as such. There are a couple of support groups however. Kolkata is even more conservative than most other metros. On 2 July 2009, the Delhi High Court decriminalised homosexual intercourse between consenting adults. From time to time a bar becomes the in place especially for younger men. You can check with locals by going to any of the gay social networking sights that cover India. Men caught in cruising areas are subject to harassment and the mandatory bribe at the very least.
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Phone and email
There are numerous Personal Call Offices (PCOs) allowing local, STD and ISD calls and many Cyber Cafes operating in the central city.
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Mobile Phones.
You can purchase local SIM cards for your own phone but make sure it is unlocked. You can also purchase an unlocked cell phone for a very small price. For people travelling for some weeks this is not a bad idea. You will need a passport photo and your passport (copy of key pages) and usually a letter from your hotel proving that you are staying there. You can then purchase a sim card with a very short validity period. A new cell phone would cost you around 25-30 dollars.
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Enjoy the city and call if you need assistance at 09330659957. or email us at crazywanderers1@gmail.com.
