BuddhaHome Team

The Perfect Meditation and Yoga Rugs from Bhadohi

Bhadohi located 58 km from Sarnath, a famous Buddhist Pilgrimage Place, is popularly known as Carpet City. Home to the largest weaving industry of hand-knotted rugs in South Asia, it receives an extensive demand for exclusive carpets from all over Asia. Besides it, Bhadohi’s proximity to Sarnath, the birthplace of Buddhism adds to its cultural significance. Devout Buddhists, Yogis, and meditation practitioners have been using yoga and meditation rugs for years. The unique designs of rugs from Bhadohi not only suit as floor decorations but are also preferred for yoga and meditation owing to their soothing design and earthy texture.

History of Bhadohi Carpet Industry

The carpet industry of Bhadohi has a rich history that dates back to the time of Mughals. Mughal Ruler Jahangir during the 16th Century had friendly relations with the then ruler of Iran, Shah Abbas, under whose rule the carpet industry of Iran was blooming. Jahangir himself was a patron of art and promoted the handicraft industry. The flourishing industry faced a setback during the First War of Independence of 1857 when many weavers from Agra took refuge near Bhadohi. Noticing the skill of the weavers and the viability of the rugs, two companies were set up by British men in the village of Khamaria and Bhadohi respectively. It served as the foundation for the famous carpet industry of Bhadohi.

Contrary to the machine carpets, handwoven carpets require much time and handwork of skilled weavers. Though the process is time taking, it is also the reason that unlike machine carpets, each handwoven rug can be customized. Indian Government has also come forward to help the local weavers. As such, today, around 90% of rugs from Bhadohi are exported.

Bhadohi Rugs for Meditation and Yoga

Meditation and yoga are the “buzz words” today, however, beyond being just “the trend” the practices are highly beneficial for your mind and body. Unified and holistic mind-body relief practices of Yoga and meditation have given extraordinary results to the people suffering from depression and anxiety. The benefits of Yoga and meditation don’t just restrict to mental health but have broad significance on physical health too. It helps us in many ways like concentration, realization, awareness, and, most importantly, releases stress and negativity.

As per the Zen teachings, an enlightened mind that understands the actual form of existence and the ordinary mind that doesn’t, are the same. Zen Buddhism practices like zazen meditation help in clearing minds by differentiating the impurities and releasing them to find peace. Zen teachers guide their students to achieve a clearer mind so that they experience the awakened state that was always within them.

There have been debates on Gradual Enlightenment vs. Sudden Awakening. It took centuries for Zen Buddhists to understand that both situations co-exist. All Zen Buddhism Schools today believe that the enlightenment is already present within one, however, the realization may strike instantly. Alongside this, they also teach that awakening is an integrated process and a deepened thought which can be achieved with practice.

Meditation holds a pivotal place in Buddhism. It is considered as the path towards enlightenment. Yoga and meditation are almost similar. There are a few myths that limit Yoga to exercise. However, the truth is that yoga guides many asanas to calm the mind and soul. Also, the breathing exercises in Yoga encompasses meditation.

The practice of Yoga and meditation have existed for centuries. Believers practice the art to keep themselves composed and away from outside negativity. With the rising levels of stress in daily life, people have resorted to these traditional means that help relax. Meditation and yoga are such practices that provide you long term benefits as such they have been gaining a lot of popularity around the globe.

Bhadohi weavers having an influence of Buddhism, have come up with some exclusive designs for yoga and meditation rugs that form an important part of the ancient practice.

Importance of rugs while practicing yoga meditation

Rugs not only mark your territory for yoga or meditation but also help in elevating the whole experience.

A rug is advised to use while meditating or practicing asanas in Yoga. The idea behind this is to resist ground touching. This can be done to save energy from getting grounded.

It is popularly believed that while performing on rugs, the mind feels relieved from the stress and undesirable happenings of life. The rugs bring some sense of life, nature, growth, and freshness.

Yoga and meditation rugs from Bhadohi have been specially designed to connect you with nature and bring in peace and calmness. Inspired by traditional Indian as well as Persian art, the designs are unique and give you a sublime experience. From mandala rugs for meditation to traditional yoga mats you get exclusive designs to pick from.