John Kaldawi

John Kaldawi learned that in ancient times, yoga techniques were kept secret and were never written down or exposed to public view.  They were passed from teacher or guru to disciple by word of mouth.  In this way there was a clear understanding of their meaning and aim.  Through personal experience, realized yogis and sages were able to guide aspirants along the correct path, removing any confusion, misunderstanding and excessive intellectual contemplation. Sage Patanjali's treatise on raja yoga, the yoga Sutras, codified the first definitive, unified and comprehensive system of yoga.  Often called the eight-fold path, it is comprised of yama, self-restraints, niyama, self-observances, asana, pranayama, pratyahara, disassociation of consciousness from the outside environment, dharana, concentration, dyana, meditation and samadhi, identification with pure consciousness. Doing more research, John Kaldawi learned that in the 6th century BC, Lord Buddha's in...

John Kaldawi learned that the pranic currents, ida, pingala and sushumna, operate alternately.  The current that is flowing at any particular time may be gauged by noting the flow of breath in the nostrils.  When the left nostril has a greater flow of air, then ida nadi is predominant.  When the flow is greater in the right nostril, then pingala is predominant.  If the flow is equal in both of the nostrils, then sushumna is predominant. Doing more research, John Kaldawi learned that when the right nostril (pingala) flows, there is more vital energy for physical work, digestion of food and so on.  The mind is extroverted and the body generates more heat.  When the left nostril (ida) is flowing, mental energy is dominant.  The mind is introverted and any kind of mental work may be undertaken. During sleep ida nadi flows.  If pingala flows at night, sleep will be restless and disturbed.  Likewise, if ida flows while taking food, the ...

John Kaldawi learned that Sahasrara Chakra is situated at the crown of the head.  It is not really a chakra but the abode of highest consciousness.  The word sahasrara means "one thousand".  Sahasrara is visualized as a shining lotus of a thousand petals, containing the fifty-two beeja mantras of the Sanskrit alphabet twenty times over.  Doing more research, John Kaldawi learned that in the center of the lotus is a shining jyotirlinga, lingam of light, symbol of pure consciousness.  It is in sahasrara that the mystical union of Shiva and Shakti takes place, the fusion of consciousness with matter and energy, the individual soul with the supreme soul.  John Kaldawi also learned that when kundalini awakens, it ascends from whence it originated.  Matter and energy merge into pure consciousness in a state of intoxicating bliss, the goal of yoga.  Having attained this, the yogi gains supreme knowledge and passes beyond birth and death. ...

John Kaldawi was inspired by Zen Buddhism which is at the heart of the Japanese culture as the school of Mahayana Buddhism.  It is a practice that is transmitted directly from a master to a disciple.  It is also called ZaZen, Za for sitting and Zen for meditating, and is also called the journey of self discovery.  It is the experience of living from moment to moment, in the here and the now.  It is the attitude of spiritual awakening which is also the source of all actions of daily life flow like eating, breathing, sleeping, working, walking, thinking, etc... Doing more research, John learned that Zen is not a theory, or an idea or knowledge, not a moral teaching, and does not require one to believe in anything, but rather a practical experience.  One cannot intellectually learn Zen because the mind in limited.  It is a spiritual path that does not tell people what to believe, but Zen lead them to basically not to think. John Kaldawi also lear...

John Kaldawi learned that in ancient times and through observation, the rishis understood how animals live in harmony with their environment and with their own bodies.   They understood, through experience, the efforts of a particular posture and how the hormonal secretions could be stimulated and controlled by it.   For example, by stimulating the rabbit or hare in shashankasana they could influence the flow of adrenaline responsible for the 'fight or flight' mechanism.   Through imitating animal postures, the rishis found they could maintain health and meet challenges of nature for themselves. Furthermore, John Kaldawi learned that Prana, vital energy, which corresponds to 'ki' or 'chi' in Chinese medicine, pervades the whole body, following flow patterns, called nadis, which are responsible for maintaining all individual cellular activity.   Stiffness of the body is due to blocked prana and a subsequent accumulation of toxins.   When prana begins to ...

John Kaldawi learned that the ultimate purpose of yoga is the awakening of 'Kundalini shakti', the evolutionary energy in man.   Practicing asanas stimulates the chakras, distributing the generated energy of kundalini all over the body.   About 35 asanas are specifically geared to this purpose.: bhujangasana for manipura chakra, sarvangasana for vishuddhi, sirshasana for sahasrara and so on.   The other asanas regulate and purify the nadis facilitating the conduction of prana throughout the body. The main objective of hatha yoga is to create balance between the interacting activities and processes of the pranic and mental forces.   Once this has been achieved, the impulses generated give a call of awakening to 'sushumna nadi', the central pathway in the spine, through which the kundalini shakti rises to sahasrara chakra, thereby illumining the higher centers of human consciousness. Hatha yoga, therefore, not only strengthens the body and improves health b...

John Kaldawi learned that in the Upanishads it is said, "A man may have ears, eyes, and all facilities and parts of the body, but unless he has mahaprana there is no consciousness."   Prana is both macrocosmic and microcosmic and is the substratum of all life.   Mahaprana (the great prana) is the cosmic, universal, all-encompassing energy out of which we draw substance through the breathing process.   The various pranas in the body, prana, aprana, samana, udana and vyana, are at once a part of this mahaprana and also separate from it. The cosmic manifestation of prana or mahaprana in the individual body is represented by Kundalini.   The entire cosmic experience from creation to dissolution is embedded within the folds of kundalini, hence it is known as atma shakti or universal energy.   In all living beings the divine consciousness is first converted into prana or energy and, as kundalini is reservoir for the magnanimous amount of prana, it is also ...

John Kaldawi   learned that prana shakti also manifests as six main centers or chakras which are located along the spinal column.   The lowest chakra in the energy circuit is mooladhara.   The next chakra, swadhisthana, is two fingers width above mooladhara and corresponds to the sacral plexus.   Above this is manipura, behind the navel, which corresponds to the solar plexus.   In the spinal columns, in the region of the heart, lies anahata chakra which is connected to the cardiac plexus.   In the middle of the neck is vishuddhi chakra which corresponds to the cervical plexus.   At the top of the spinal cord, at the medulla oblongata, is ajna chakra which is connected to the pineal gland in the physical body. Furthermore, John Kaldawi learned that in order to control the functions of the body, prana shakti also manifests in the five major prana vayus: prana, aprana, samana, udana, and vyana.   In the Upanishads prana vayu is also called th...

John Kaldawi learned that of the five vayus the two most influential are prana and aprana.   Prana is the inward moving force which is said to create a field moving upwards from the navel to the throat.   Aprana is the outward moving force which is said to create a field moving downwards from the navel to the anus.   Both prana and aprana move spontaneously in the body but can be controlled through tantric and yogic practices.   The Upanashads say a method has to be employed to reverse the direction of the opposite moving forces of prana and aprana so that they unite with samana in the navel center.   The result of these forces coming together is the awakening of kundalini. The moment prana completely leaves the body, consciousness departs because prana and consciousness are the two poles of the same source - the self.   The Prashnopanishad says: "This prana is born of the Self.   Just as there is a shadow when a man is there, so prana is fixed...

John Kaldawi learned that prana, or the tangible manifestation of the higher Self, flows through various energy pathways or matrices within the body.   Three most important paths of pranic energy are known as ida nadi, pingala nadi and sushumna nadi.   They are located along the length of the spinal cord.   Ida and pingala spiral staircase.   A complete knowledge of these nadis helps in understanding the inherent multi-dimensional energy of man that is prana. Ida and pingala are flows of charged ions capable of exerting an influence upon the flow of prana.   Ida nadi is a negatively charged flow of prana and pingala is positively charged flow of prana.   Consequently, discharges occurring between them are likely to influence all the dimensions of consciousness of one who meditates upon them.   In fact, it is believed by some scientists that the psychic centers, or chakras, in the body are nothing more than areas of immense radiation caused by l...

John Kaldawi learned that many thousands of   years ago the rishis and seers said that the pranas are not located in the gross physical body, but in more refined and subtle body called the pranamaya kosha or pranic sheath.   This body the described as being cloud-like in appearance with constant activity in its interior.   Different colors are emitted depending on one's diet, thinking, state of consciousness at the time of meditation, and one's environment. According to yoga, the pranamaya kosha forms the fine network through which prana flows.   It is also known as the pranic, etheric or bio-plasmic body.   This energy body is said to have the same shape as the physical body.   However, through certain yogic techniques, concentration and visualization, the practitioner is able to make it expand and contract, especially through the technique of prana vidya.   If our perception was finely attuned to the pranic body, we would see a body of light ...

John Kaldawi learned that according to Swatmarama's Hatha Yoga Pradipika, "Only when all the nadis and chakras, which are full of impurities, are purified, is the yogi able to retain prana".   In the process of awakening the great kundalini shakti, the practitioner has not only to clear the energy channels but also to increase the quantity and quality of prana and store it. Prana is accumulated in six main centers along the spinal column.   These centers are situated in the subtle body but actually correspond to the nerve plexuses in the gross body.   Prana shakti and manas shakti collect in the chakras and form swirling masses of energy.   Each chakra vibrates at a particular rate and velocity.   the chakra at the lowest point of the energy circuit operate on a lower frequency and are said to be grosser and to create grosser states of awareness.   Chakras at the too of the circuit operate on a higher frequency and are responsible for subtle states ...

John Kaldawi learned that an easier way of understanding and realizing the dimensions of consciousness is to study and realize the different aspects of prana in the body through yogic techniques such as pranayama and prana vidya.   Since prana is the force within the breath and the body it is the most amenable to study. Furthermore, John Kaldawi learned that the word 'prana' is a combination of two syllables pra and na and denotes constancy, being a force in constant motion.   Whereas prana is the vital force, pranayama is the process by which the internal pranic stores is increased.   Some people split the word 'pranayama' into prana and yama and define it as 'breath control'.   However, it is actually comprised of the words prana and ayama which means 'pranic capacity or length'. John Kaldawi also learned that pranayama is a technique through which the quantity of prana in the body is activated to a higher frequency.   By practicing prana...

John Kaldawi learned that the whole system is controlled by becoming aware of the nature of the breath and by restraining it.   When the breath is restrained, nervous impulses are stopped in different parts of the body and the brain wave patterns are harnessed. Furthermore, John Kaldawi learned that in pranayama, the duration of breath retention has to be increased.   The longer the breath is held, the greater the gap between the nervous impulses and their responses in the brain.   When breath retention is held for a prolonged period, mental agitation is curtailed. JohnKaldawi also learned that technically speaking, and according to Patinjali, pranayama is actually only retention, "...pranayama is the cessation of the movement of inhalation and exhalation".   Inhalation and exhalation are methods of inducing retention.   Retention is most important because it allows a longer period for the assimilation of prana, just as it allows more time for the ...

John Kaldawi learned that the yoga we know today was developed as a part of the tantric civilization which existed in India and all parts of the world more than ten thousand years ago Shiva is said to be the founder of yoga and Parvati, his first disciple.   Lord Shiva is widely considered to be the symbol embodiment of supreme consciousness.   Parvati represents supreme knowledge, will and action, and is responsible for all creation.   This force or energy is also known as kundalini shakti, the cosmic force which lies dormant in all beings. Doing more research, John Kaldawi learned that Parvati is regarded as the mother of the whole universe.   The individual soul is embodied and bound of name and form, and also liberated from the bondage of the world and united with supreme consciousness through her grace.   Out of love and compassion for her children, she imparted her secret knowledge of knowledge in the form of "Tantra".   The techniques of y...

John Kaldawi learned that the main aim of hatha yoga is to bring a balanced flow of prana in ida and pingala nadis.  The word hatha is comprised of two beeja mantras "ham", representing the sun or solar force, and "tham", representing the moon or lunar force.  To bring about a balance between these two forces, the body must first be purified by the shatkarmas.  The aim of hatha yoga is to balance these two flows so that neither the mental nor physical faculties and dominant.  During the twenty four hour period of the day, the flow of ida should predominate for about twelve hours and the flow of pingala for the other twelve hours. Doing more research, John Kaldawi learned that when ida and pingala nadis are purified and balanced, and the mind is controlled, then sushumna, the most important nadi, begins to flow.  Sushumna must be flowing for success in meditation.  If pingala flows, the body will be restless; if ida flows, the mind will be overactive...

John Kaldawi learned that Ajna Chakra is situated in the midbrain, behind the eyebrow center, at the top of the spine.   This center is also known by various names such as: the third eye, jnana chakshu, the eye of wisdom, triveni, the confluence of three rivers, guru chakra, and the Eye of Shiva.   The word ajna means "command".   In the deeper states of meditation the disciple receives commands and guidance from the guru, and from the divine or higher self, through this chakra. Ajna is depicted as a silver lotus with two pedals which represent the sun and the moon or pingala, the positive force, and ida, the negative force.   These two pranic flows which are responsible for the experience of duality, converge at this center with sushumna, the spiritual force.   In the center of the lotus is the sacred beeja mantra OM.   The element of this chakra is manas, mind.   This is the center where wisdom and intuition develop.   When ajna is awake...

John Kaldawi learned that Vishuddhi Chakra is situated at the back of the neck, behind the throat pit, which is the center of purification.   The word "shuddhi" means 'purification' and the prefix "vi" enhances this quality.   It is symbolized by a violet lotus with sixteen petals.   In the center of the lotus is a white circle, the yantra of akasha tattwa, the ether element, and the beeja mantra is ham.   The animal related to vishuddhi chakra is a white elephant.   Right understanding and discrimination develop at vishuddhi chakra.   Here the dualities of life are accepted, allowing one to flow with life and let things happen as they will, without distinguishing between good and bad. Doing more research, John Kaldawi learned that Vishuddhi chakra governs the vocal cords, the region of larynx, and the thyroid and parathyroid glands.   Disorders of this area of the physical body can be remedied by concentrating on this chakra.   The throa...

John Kaldawi learned that Anahata Chakra is situated in the spine, behind the sternum, level with the heart.   The word "anahata" literally means 'unstruck'.   All sounds in the manifested universe is produced by the striking together of two objects which sets up vibrations or sound waves.   That sound, however, which issues from beyond this material world, the primordial sound, is the source of all sound and is known as anahadnada, psychic sound.   The heart center is where this sound manifests.   It may be perceived by the yogi as an internal, unborn and undying vibration, the pulse of the universe. This chakra is symbolized by a blue lotus with twelve petals.   In the center of the lotus is a hexagon formed by two interlacing triangle.   This is the yantra of vayu tattwa, the air element.   The beeja mantra is yam and the vehicle is a swift black antelope, the symbol of alertness and compassion.   Anahata chakra is the center of un...

John Kaldawi learned that Manipura Chakra is situated in the spine behind the navel.   The word "mani" means 'gem', and "pura" means ' city', therefore, manipura means 'city of jewels'.   It is so-called because, being the fire center, it is lustrous like jewel and radiant with vitality and energy.   This chakra is depicted as a bright yellow lotus with ten petals.   Within the lotus is a fiery red triangle, the yantra of agni tattwa, the fire element, and the beeja mantra ram.   The animal which serves as the vehicle for the manipura is the ram, the symbol of assertiveness and energy. Manipura is the center of self-assertion, dynamism and dominance.   It is associated with ambition and the will and the ability to rule.   On the negative side, this may be expressed in despotism and in seeing things and people merely as means to gain personal power or to satisfy personal needs. The solar plexus is the center chiefly concerned with th...

John Kaldawi learned that the Sanskrit word "swa" means "one's own" and "adhisthana" means "dwelling place or residence".   Swadhisthana is involved and responsible for the awakening of the kundalini shakti.   This particular chakra corresponds to the reproductive and urinary systems in the gross body and is physiologically related to prostatic plexus or nerves.   The location of the Swadhisthana is at the base of the spinal column at the level of the tailbone.   This chakra can be experienced as black in color, as it is the seat of primary ignorance.   However, traditionally it is depicted as a six-petal vermilion or orange-red lotus.   On each petal there is a letter: bam, bham, mam, yam, ram, lam;   written in the color of lightening. Doing more research, John Kaldawi learned that in tantra, Swadhisthana chakra has water as it's element, symbolized by a white crescent moon within the pericarp of the lotus.   The tanmatra or se...

John Kaldawi learned that the Sanskrit word "moola" means "root" or foundation and that is precisely what this chakra is.   Mooladhara is at the root of the chakra system and its influences are at the root of our whole existence.   Mooladhara is the first chakra and is located in the male body slightly inside the perineum, while in the female body it is located on the posterior side of the cervix.   Mooladhara is traditionally represented by a lotus flower with four deep crimson petals.   On each petal is a letter: vam, sham, sham, sam, written in gold. Doing more research, John Kaldawi learned that in tantra, mooladhara is the seat of kundalini shakti, the basis from which the possibility of higher realization arises.   This great potential is said to be lying dormant in the form of a coiled serpent.   When aroused, it makes its way upward through sushumna nadi in the spinal cord until it reaches sahasrara where the ultimate experience of enlighte...

John Kaldawi was inspired by the meaning of Tantra, which predominantly means "technique", which in Hinduism, it is associated with godness called Shaktism, then Shaivism and Vaishnavism.   The Hindu and Buddist tradition on Tantra influenced other religions like Jainism, Sikhism, Daoism, and Shinto.   The word Tantra appeared in the hymns of the Rigveda with the meaning of "weaving".   Furthermore, and in an example, Atma-Tantra also means the "Theory of Atman or soul". Doing more research, John learned that Tantra is when action or a thing once complete becomes beneficial in several matters to one person or to many people.   Tantra is also defined as a combination of texts, techniques, rituals, monastic practices, meditation, yoga, ideologies that are freely selected based on personal preference, or master-disciple developed, or guru related. John Kaldawi also learned that Tantra is also defined as systematic quest for salvation or spiritua...

John Kaldawi was inspired by the virtues of Compassion which is the complete flowering of true love in human beings. Love is our intrinsic quality, we are born with it, it is just a matter of being aware of it.   Awareness makes our love stronger and makes it a virtue and brings out the Compassion within us.   Doing more research, John learned that Compassion is the ability to identify and understand the emotional state of another person.   It has the element of reducing the suffering of another associated with the feeling to help.   If someone try to hurt us, instead of having negative feeling towards them, we assume instead that they had a good reason for doing what they did given their particular circumstances. John Kaldawi also learned that Compassion is a process of connecting by identifying and feeling one with another person.   This identification with others through compassion can lead to increased motivation to do something in an effort to...

John Kaldawi was inspired by Zen Buddhism which is at the heart of the Japanese culture as the school of Mahayana Buddhism.   It is a practice that is transmitted directly from a master to a disciple.   It is also called ZaZen, Za for sitting and Zen for meditating, and is also called the journey of self discovery.   It is the experience of living from moment to moment, in the here and the now.   It is the attitude of spiritual awakening which is also the source of all actions of daily life flow like eating, breathing, sleeping, working, walking, thinking, etc... Doing more research, John learned that Zen is not a theory, or an idea or knowledge, not a moral teaching, and does not require one to believe in anything, but rather a practical experience.   One cannot intellectually learn Zen because the mind in limited.   It is a spiritual path that does not tell people what to believe, but Zen lead them to basically not to think. John Kaldawi als...

John Kaldawi was inspired by the various Spiritual Mantras available that brings various intended vibrations to the human body that is packed with life energies.   Mantra (which literally mean: "instruments of thought") is a sacred utterance of words and sounds that has many spiritual powers.   The early Mantras were composed of Vedic Sanskrit language which goes back thousands of years into very early civilizations.   Mantras do not necessarily have a literal meaning, but are musically uplifting and have spiritual effects. In Indian tradition Mantra may come from RC (verses from Rigveda), or Saman (musical chants from Samaveda), or Yajus (words from Yajurveda), or Nigada (loud spoken Yajus).   Since early ages, Mantras took the center stage in the Tantric schools of India. Doing more research, John learned that Mantras are neither unique to Hinduism nor to any other Asian or Western traditions.   Mantra is a structured formula for thoughts, a praye...

John Kaldawi is inspired by medication.   Meditation is where the mind moved into higher level of consciousness for the purpose of reaching the state of mindlessness leading to where the Self is finally realized. Meditation if practiced on a daily basis, it can promote relaxation, give internal energy and develop compassion, love, forgiveness, generosity.   The more dedicated type of meditation can allow someone to reach single-pointed concentration and enjoy the state of well being. Doing more research, John learned that meditation has been practiced since the beginning of humanity and through various groups and religions all over the world.   It is an effort to self regulate the mind and the thoughts that's associated with it. It also can be practiced as awareness of everyday activities which is a different form of meditation.   Yoga on the other hand is usually practiced to prepare someone to sit for long intervals of meditation, and meditation ultima...

John Kaldawi was inspired by the eight limbs of yoga by Patanjali, a teaching that leads to liberation.   It offers guidance on how to live meaningful and purposeful life. Yoga means to unite, to connect to our true Self. The 8 limbs of Yoga are: 1- Yama:   Restraints, moral disciplines or moral vows. 2- Niyama:   Positive duties or observances. 3- Asana:   Posture. 4- Pranayama: Breathing Techniques. 5- Pratyahara:   Sense withdrawal. 6- Dharana: Focused concentration. 7- Dhyana:   Meditative Absorption. 8- Samadhi:   Bliss or Enlightenment. Doing more research, John learned that once the mind is pure and we experience the state of Samadhi, and we can truly hold on to that state for sometime, we attain "Moksha", a permanent state of being liberated and free from the cycle of life and death. John Kaldawi also learned that The Eight Limbs of Yoga are essential to practice in our everyday lives to reach the depth of who ...

John Kaldawi was inspired by Ramayana, which is an ancient Indian poem that narrates the story of prince Rama (the son of King Dasharatha) trying to rescue his wife Sita from the devil Ravana.  Rama was forced by his father to relinquish his right to the throne for 14 years and go into exile.  Ramayana depicts the duties of relationships projecting characters of the ideal father, servant, brother, wife, and the ideal king.  All the characters are the fundamentals to cultural consciousness of India. Doing more research, John learned that Ramayana teaches the goal of human life.  Rama is believed to have been the incarnation of Lord Vishnu with a mission to kill demon Ravana, who abducted his wife Sita (the daughter of Mother Earth).  Later, Rama returned to his father's land to form an ideal kingdom. John Kaldawi also learned that Ramayana is one of the most well known texts in India.  There are diverse regional versions of the Ramayana wr...

John Kaldawi was inspired by Mahabharata, where the authorship is attributed to Vyasa, which is a narrative of the Kurukshetra War and the fates of Pandava and Kaurava princes, who both claim to be the first in line to inherit the throne, the result of which Pandava was victorious. Doing more research, John learned that Mahabharata was traced back to Vedic times which are before 3rd century BC.   The battle produced complex conflicts of friendship and kinship and family loyalty and duty, and at the end the death of Lord Krishna, and the beginning of the Hindi age of Kali Yoga.   Kali Yoga is the 4th and final age of humankind in which great values and noble ideas are lost, and people heading towards complete dissolution of morality and virtues. John Kaldawi also learned that Mahabharata is one of the most widely use holy text in India and is considered as the most precious jewel of Hindu literature.   It offers one of the first instances of theorizing about ...

John Kaldawi             was inspired by Bhagavad Gita, which is a dialogue between Arjuna and Lord Krishna.   Arjuna, a worrier, was to fight a righteous war called Kurukshetra between the Pandavas against their cousins the Kauravas.   Arjuna, the prince of the Pandavas was counseled by Lord Krishna to fulfill his war duties and establish the right virtues.   It deals with the spiritual foundation of human existence, and a call of action to meet the duties of life while keeping in mind the spiritual nature of the universe. Doing more research, John learned that the Gita begins before the start of the war where Arjuna is filled with doubt on the battlefield realizing that his enemies are his own relatives, friends and teachers.   As a result, Arjuna turns to God incarnated Lord Krishna for advice as he was afraid of losing friends and relatives as a consequence of war. John Kaldawi also learned that...

John Kaldawi is inspired by Vasistha Yoga, which is an old Indian text attributed to Valmiki (an Indian Saint and the author of Ramayana).   The text was named after sage Vasistha who is mentioned in Rigveda.   It is structured as discourse to Rama and consist of stories and fables with a philosophy similar to Vedanta which holds that the whole world is the object of the mind. It also focuses on the question of Who am I? and What is this universe? Doing more research, John learned that the traditional belief among Hindus is that reading Vasistha Yoga text leads to spiritual liberation.   It discusses consciousness, liberation, non-dual nature of existence among many other things. John Kaldawi also learned that Vasistha Yoga is most valuable for someone that is aware of atman and non-atman, and is indifferent to the enjoyment of objects in the world, and who is virtuous and ethical, and has longing for the meaning of life and liberation. As a result, that som...

John Kaldawi visited the Taj Mahal in the city of Agra in India.   It is a white marble building to house the tomb of the emperor Shah Jahan's favorite wife. The project was completed in 1653 and was built on 42 acre land.   While building, it employed over 20,000 people and costs in today's money over $800 million USD.   In 1983, it was designated as UNESCO site and is one of India's rich history. Doing more research, John learned that Taj Mahal attracts over 8 million visitors a year.   It symbolizes the love of the emperor Shah Jahan to his wife Mumtaz Mahal, and the design contained the core traditions of Persia and Mughal architectural. John Kaldawi also learned that the tomb was the central focus of the whole complex of Taj Mahal.   The exterior decorations were among the best in Mughal architectural and had many Islamic symbolism.   John Kaldawi believes that the Taj Mahal is one of the most frequent   tourist attractions in the wor...