Our journey to India began long before our flight touched down at Delhi airport. The preparation to return to our spiritual home and to reunite with our global spiritual family in celebration of the wisdom, ever-flowing love, and blessings of our masters filled our hearts with joy and quiet anticipation for weeks.

This was not our first Sangha gathering, and yet we knew it would be unlike any we had experienced before. Each gathering is always new, always different, perhaps reflecting where we are in our lives, and in our sadhana and understanding.

As the great master Abhinavagupta expressed so beautifully:
“Vismaya yoga-bhūmikā”
“The path of yoga is full of wonder.”

And so, we prepared ourselves to become like empty vessels ready to receive, allowing every layer of our being to absorb the many forms of wonder that would unfold throughout the gathering.

After arriving at Delhi airport, we set off by taxi toward Rishikesh. The journey was smooth and joyful, filled with laughter, shared stories, and a delicious meal along the way. It already hinted at what was to come during our stay at SRSG, where around 200 people from 33 countries gathered, flowing together like a quiet, nourishing river.

Entering the Ashram is an experience that touches every heart. It feels like stepping into a cocoon of silence and lightness. The vibrant colors of fragrant flowers, the gentle presence of birds, the cows and their playful calves, and the lush green gardens create a hidden oasis amidst the vibrant intensity of India.

The Ashram family worked tirelessly to prepare for our arrival. Every detail was infused with love, and they served the Sangha with wholehearted devotion. Even in moments of fatigue, they radiated a gentle, caring presence. They all are living expressions of seva – selfless service – flowing as naturally as breath and prana.

Swami Ritavan welcomed us with a warm smile and unconditional love. His presence carried the sweetness and fragrance of Bhagavan, the source of divine rasa, the essence of all that is sacred and alive. Simply being near him began preparing our hearts and minds for the Vasudeva mantra initiation that was to come.

The gathering itself unfolded as a beautifully orchestrated flow. The program was rich and diverse:

• asana and pranayama sessions led by teachers from around the world,
• introductions and sharing from the global AHYMSIN network (so many that we couldn’t hear every center’s story),
• inspiring teachings from initiator teachers,
• and stories from disciples who had the blessing of sitting with Swami Veda while he was still in the body.

It was a truly special time for all of us.

We sat together for the Full Moon meditation with Swamiji, preceded by a magical evening around the bonfire with gentle guitar melodies. The following day brought a joyful explosion of colors and playfulness during the Holi celebration.

Throughout these days, Swamiji and the teachers continued to share inspiration, gently preparing us to receive the Vasudeva mantra in its fullness.

The culmination of the program was the yajna, marking the completion of our practice of the Akhandamandlakaram mantra, and the beginning of a new chapter with the Vasudeva mantra, following Swamiji’s initiation.

When the day of initiation arrived, Swamiji sat in silent meditation as we entered the meditation hall. To step into that space permeated by his presence was beyond words. Sitting there, held in what truly felt like a shawl of love woven by the Guru Parampara, supported by the depth of Swami Ritavan’s meditation… Even that single hour felt like enough inspiration to sustain a lifetime of dedicated sadhana.

We have carried so much home with us. Far more than words can capture.

The deep bonds of kalyana mitras, noble friendships.
Practices that silenced our minds and opened our hearts.
Ever-deepening connections with fellow seekers across the global AHYMSIN family.
And countless blessed moments that we can only hope to share, so that many others may experience the sweetness and fragrance of Bhagavan Vasudeva.

May all the seeds planted during these weeks blossom in countless hearts and minds around the world.

With love and gratitude,
Dea

Editor’s Note:

Dea is a long term initiate within the Himalayan Tradition and is one of the center leaders of AHYMSIN Affiliated center in Hungary – Budapest Center of The Himalayan Yoga Tradition.