We held our annual retreats in September this year, inviting Rabindra Sahu from Swami Rama Sadhaka Grama (SRSG) as the guide for our inward journey. For two weeks, we were blessed to share the teachings of the tradition with many people in different parts of Japan.
On the first weekend, we had three one-day workshops in Okayama and Shiga. The topics included “Understanding Body, Breath and Mind”, “Hatha Yoga as a Gateway to Meditation”, “Who am I?”, and “Bhakti Yoga: Path of Love and Devotion”. As always, the participants came from different backgrounds and experiences. The focus was on explaining the topics by giving daily life examples which the participants could relate to. By becoming their own observers or “scientists” to themselves, the participants gradually deepened understanding of themselves at different levels. Rabindra introduced some practices that can be applied in our daily lives such as sitting quietly for a few minutes before getting out of the bed and before going to bed, counting breaths for a few minutes at office, on the train, at traffic, etc. and the participants made a commitment to themselves what they are going to practice after the retreats.
During the second weekend, we had a 3-day retreat in Yamanashi, in a beautiful cottage in the forest area surrounded by mountains. This year, our theme of the retreat was “Cultivating Love Within ~ Entering the Sacred Chamber of the Heart”. We shared many learnings and laughter throughout the retreat. In the morning, we had a gentle yoga class followed by a guided meditation. Rabindra shared his wisdom and experiences on the topics of “Knowing Your Own True Self”, “Spirituality in Loving Relationships”, “Developing Strength and Willpower” and “Creating a Loving Commitment”. The topics were introduced and taught in a systematic way, which helped the participants.
Embraced by the natural environment, we had many opportunities to feel thankful to Mother nature while going for a nature walk and enjoying delicious meals cooked with locally grown vegetables. Rabindra reminded us to make deeper connections to each of the five elements—Earth, Water, Fire, Air, and Ether—and to become aware of how nature always nurtures and nourishes without asking for anything in return. For example, the sun gives us light and helps plants to grow by burning himself. Respecting the 5 elements and developing deeper connections with them will help us lead a harmonious lifestyle within and without.
On the second night, we had a kirtan and chanted mantras while understanding their meanings and the power that the sound vibrations have. Although most of the participants were meeting for the first time, the connection became stronger each day by sharing ourgoals and knowing that we are there to help each other grow. It seemed that the participants found what they needed to work on in order to achieve their goals, with a key to access their inner chambers.
We feel grateful for those who came to the retreats and for being able to share the teachings of the Tradition with many people. Heartfelt thanks to Rabindra Sahu for sharing the teachings, his wisdom and experiences with us to help us to continue growing.
P.S. – A big tree can give shade and have abundant fruit for all the living beings. Likewise, when our spirituality matures, we can help people around like mothers nourish children. With gratitude to the masters and all the teachers who have nurtured us. I hope this small seed may someday sprout to give shades and fruit to many…
In loving service,
Yuko Metsugi
