Retreat experience - Fresno, 2011

[Shreya Bhat]

Radhey Radhey dear Devotees,

As always, the words fail to describe the experience of Fresno Retreat with Swami Mukundananda!  I loved each and every moment of it.  It is an experience of lifetime ---- spiritually inspiring, filled with inner joy, strong vibrations of chantings, and much more!   At the end of the retreat, many participants are in tears that this retreat is coming to an end, and time to go back to the world.  However, as Swamiji says this is only the beginning of our spiritual journey! 

We have two more retreats in USA this year.  I am looking forward to attending both the retreats!

I am forwarding Hari Venkatachalam ji's email on their retreat experience. 

Warm regards,
Shreya

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Venkatachalam, Hari P <Venkata...@aetna.com>
Date: Sat, Jun 11, 2011 at 4:13 PM
Subject: Retreat experience

We would like to share our experience in the Fresno retreat that happened during the memorial day weekend:

 

Retreat - Day 1 -

 

Devotees started coming from all over US in various modes - flights, bus, cars etc and accommodation/rooms were allocated appropriately to all of them. Thanks to perfect coordination by the volunteers. Lunch was served by noon and everyone got energized to begin the retreat. The function started off with arati and blissful Bhajans, followed by wonderful discourse by Swamiji on Narad Bhakti Dharsan. It was great to listen and absorb the importance of Bhakti and how it was critical for all of us to follow it to get the happiness that every one of us is seeking for.

We had a good yogasan/pranayam session with Radhey Shyam chanting and it enhanced the devotional feeling inside us. Following this we had fun time celebrating Ramnavami function. It was a feel as though we were in India with all the devotees adorned in their traditional costume dancing with Swamiji.

 

Retreat - Day 2 -

 

Day started off with relaxed Radhey Shyam yogasan, pranayam, Meditation session, prayer and arati, which had given the best start for the day to both our physical body and mind. After which we had the B'fast break where everyone was completing their morning food eager to continue the day's program. After B'fast, We had Swamiji discourse on Narad Bhakti Darshan in which he expounded the principles of true love/devotion and how it differs from our perception of love in this worldly life. He gave many practical examples and explained with such logic that - we were wondering - how fortunate we were to be here, listening to such eye-opening discussions. As ever, blissful keerthans continued where we lost our material existence and got soaked in devotional songs sung by Ujwala, Rishina and her team.

 

The next program was - Q&A session - and it was wonderful to see the various questions that came up from all quarters and how Swamiji answered each one of them with clear explanation, providing reference to various quotes from our scriptures. We could realize that - logic and clarity had been brought forth in each of those answers. Questions from kids won appreciation from the audience as it was wonderful to see such mature thinking and curiosity from the next generation of our life. Along with sweet answers at the end of the session, everyone of us got sweet chocolates as well, as the prasad from Swamiji!!

 

Bhajan competition, one of the highlights of the day was conducted during noon time.  Many devotees including kids exhibited their talent singing the glories of lord. The enthusiasm exhibited by all participants was matched only by the Aahs and woows by the audience. Infact, the whole room stood up when one of the kids was playing the national anthem on his violin, depicting the glory of our mother land. 

 

After the lunch break, in the afternoon session we watched Maharajji's lecture on how to do Sadhana. It was yet another eye-opener on how his words directly got into our heart and touched our souls. Once again we thanked god and our Swamiji for providing us an opportunity to absorb such knowledge which was so important for us to achieve the goal of our life. Following this, Kids presented beautiful skits based on what they had learnt in the Bal-Mukund sessions that was going on in parallel. Audience, including parents were surprised to see how beautifully the kids presented the skit that they learnt in such a short span of time.

 

In the evening, with the day being bright just like how our internal mind was feeling, we started off to the nearby Park.  It was one of the best time of our life - singing the name of god along with Swamiji. He became like a kid overflowing with such energy unmatched by anyone else. We were amazed at how much energy he had - singing, dancing, running, jumping! and we joined the happiness circle that formed there in the park.

 

After we returned back to the hotel, had fulfilling dinner and got ready for Swamiji's discourse. Once again, we were drenched in the devotional discourse on Narad Bhakti darshan where Swamiji explained in layman terms on various views of true Bhakti and how we also can follow such selfless feeling in our thoughts.

 

Retreat - Day 3 -

 

Just like the prior day, the day started with Radhey Shyam yogasan, Pranayam, meditation, Prayer and Arati. After breakfast, we had Swamiji's final discourse in the retreat on Narad Bhakti Darshan. Post the divine discourse, we were privileged to participate in the padacharan of Maharaj ji. After getting Maharaj ji's blessing, devotees got a chance to provide their feedback. Testimonial session was overflowing with praises for Swamiji for having led everyone take a great step forward in their spiritual journey.

 

In parallel, throughout the retreat kids had wonderful time participating in the Bal-Mukund session, specially designed for them. They got an introduction to Maharaji, played games, performed arati, meditation and practiced for the skits. In addition the kids built an accountability tree and designed a 'Drink the divine nectar of Krishna' mug.

 

All the volunteers did an amazing job organizing this great event. Everything, starting registration, accommodation, food (a good blend of western, south and north Indian menu), decoration and all facilities was excellent including the venue.

 

Three days of enjoyment and spiritual rendezvous had to come to an end with the afternoon lunch, after which everyone started returning to their respective homes.

 

We thank the almighty for having given us an opportunity to participate in this divine experience.

 

Thanks and Regards,

Hari

 

 

[dgpski]

Radhey Radhey,

I can't describe the wonderful spiritual experience of the Fresno retreat any better then Hariji has done! He said it ALL !

The anticipation and excitement to partake in the retreat,the spiritual and enlightening experience during the three days,and the pangs of sadness when it ends are very aptly put.

I am also eagerly looking forward to attend both the remaining retreats, one in CT and one in Texas!

If Swamiji can spend over 18 hours  EVERY SINGLE DAY for SEVEN months in the US to enhance our spiritual journey,we can at least spare THREE weekends and attend ALL three retreats!

Regards,

Dilip Patel (Chicago)

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