• Table of Contents
  • Raising a Spiritual Child by Swami Veda Bharati
  • The Future Force Yoga Youth Conference 2013
  • In the Gurukulam by Maurizio Teodoro
  • Yoga for the Little Ones by Noida Sadhakas
  • Ferry Meditation by Sarah
  • Something Swamiji Said by Roxanne Currie
  • Spring 2012 Korean Tour by Stoma
  • Lithuania 2012 by Stoma
  • One Year Anniversary in Pune by Dr. Shirin Venkat
  • Silent Retreat on the Shore with Ma Radha by Lauren Forney
  • God Speaking, Humans Hearing, and a Nice Jewish Boy Meets Rabbi Jesus
  • Poem for Swamiji by Elizabeth Proctor
  • The Art of Joyful Living
  • Tattva Samasa by Swami Nityamuktananda
  • 2012 Events and Beyond
  • Full Moon Meditation Dates
  • Location of our SRSG ashram
• AHYMSIN Newsletter Archive

Ferry Meditation

by Sarah

Little Arthur led a meditation on the ferry en route to see his grandparents with me, his mother, and his brother. While at the Children’s Retreat at Swami Rama Sadhaka Grama (SRSG) last December, he often sat on John’s lap or right next to him to help lead the relaxations and meditations. This is about our journey and the events leading up to it.

After a splendid time with many friends at SRSG, we got home and the shower started leaking through the ceiling. Then the bedroom radiator leaked and had to be shut off. It was very cold. The window started to separate from its frame where green and black mould gathered. The washer blew up. Everyone got sick. I got pneumonia.

It was decided that this was a perfect time to go visit the grandparents (in another country) while Dad saw to repairs at home.

It was a long journey. The first night, the boys missed their father, and it took them a long time to fall asleep. Up early the next day for the ferry, we made our way to the boat and found a place between the games and dining areas, with the smell of food wafting through and the sounds of clinking plates and silverware mingling with people’s chatter and the beeps of video games.

Some people slept. Others sat around tables eating, drinking and talking. The boat was large and it was a bit like riding in a great big caravan from the 1980’s. On the ferry, the children moved many wooden chairs together and made a sort of camp to play in. There were groups of adults on either side of us, some who slept and some who kept looking and smiling at the children kindly.

After awhile, the boys put the chairs back to do some reading and writing. Just as they finished tidying up, Arthur announced that it was time to meditate. He removed his shoes and sat cross-legged on the seat. His brother and I followed. He told us to put our hands on our laps and to feel the breath coming in and out. Then he led us in three aums. The boys did not hold back. Their aums resonated loudly around the seating area, drowning out all other sounds.

After that, we were directed to follow our breath. Then Arthur announced that we were finished. The whole thing lasted about five minutes, which is all that they can manage away from the ashram. As I opened my eyes, I witnessed a couple of curious glances from people on either side of us, followed by some beautiful smiles.

After our meditation, I sent my husband a message to say that we had just meditated. Amazingly he had just finished sitting himself, so we had all meditated together! I felt so much more at ease for the rest of the long journey. As we departed, people who had sat on both sides of us commented on how lovely and well behaved the boys were. No one mentioned the meditation, but I have no doubt that it helped all present.

Editor's Note

To read about the Children’s Retreat:  http://www.ahymsin.org/docs2/News/1201Jan/index.html

There will be a “Nurturing Spirituality in the Family” Conference 20th – 25th February 2013 at Swami Rama Sadhaka Grama (SRSG). Join us for five days of learning simple philosophy of living and practical guidelines to develop and cultivate a healthy and happy family life.  Please see: http://www.ahymsin.org/main/index.php/India-Events/nurturing-spirituality-in-the-family.html