Sangha Gathering Group

20240729_063628

US Sangha_2024 July 13

US Sangha_2024 July 12

US Sangha_2024 July 11

US Sangha_2024 July 7

US Sangha_2024 July 5

US Sangha_2024 July 2

The AHYMSIN gathering returned to St. Olaf’s College, Northfield, Minnesota after 24 years for its Meditation and Silence Retreat. The beautiful serene grounds at St. Olaf in the summer were very conducive and inspiring for the event, particularly for meditative and contemplative practices. The gathering comprised more than 60 participants of the Americas that included those who have been in the Himalayan Tradition of Swami Rama and Swami Veda for a few or many years, as well as new participants who were attending to experience the rich and rewarding practices for the first time.

The program of the retreat covered three main aspects: lectures and presentations on important topics and practices of the Himalayan Tradition and Yoga Philosophy by various senior disciples of Swami Rama and Swami Veda; a four-day Silence Retreat from July 29 to August 03; and several profile presentations on Centers and activities. The silence component included special sessions on Akhanda Japa which was preceded by a special lecture and recitation of the Akhanda Mandala mantra from a recording by Swami Veda.

The daily program was an intensive schedule of activities that included early morning group meditation followed by guided hatha yoga practices, individual study, contemplative walking, japa, morning and afternoon workshops (practicums and practices), digestive breathing, personal practices and rest. The evening program consisted of lectures followed by group meditation and preparation for rest with Atma Tattva Avalokanam.

Lectures and presentations were made by several senior disciples and initiates that included Swami Ritavan Bharati, Swami Ma Radha, Stoma, Dale Buegel, Pierre Lefebvre, Charles Crenshaw, Cynthia Gran, Gary Gran, and Paul Emerson among others. The themes and presentations covered such topics as various aspects of Silence, Meditation and Transition, Joyful Living, Pillars of Sadhana, Sadhana in Applied Spirituality, Chitta-prasadana, Ishwar-pranidhana, Mantra Japa and Ajapa Japa, Special Mantras, Marks of Spiritual Progress, Pleasant Mindedness and Forgiveness and Journaling and Introspection.

Although the first couple of days were challenging to particularly the “first timers”, participants settled quickly into the meditation and silence routine, and expressed their wonderful and excellent experiences of participating in the Sangha. For those who participated in previous Sanghas including the one that was held in St. Olaf in 2004 and even afterwards, it was a sort of homecoming for them, bringing back years of a memorable experience. It was wonderful to see old friends again and meet so many new ones as one spiritual family. For the several newcomers to the event, the Sangha provided them the opportunity of a new experience, enabling them to delve into their individual personalities and learn of themselves through silence, japa, group meditations, asana practices and prayers.

Very notable experiences of the participants include:

• For those who were initiated in the tradition, the Sangha provided the opportunity to regroup, recommit and rededicate themselves to their practices and discipline, particularly on mantra practice and silence techniques, and to the teachings of the Himalayan tradition.
• Discoveries of their inner personalities through self-observation that came about from spiritual and contemplative practices throughout the day that led to a stable mind, which allowed for observation of samskaras and the ability to shift them through the practices.
• While the overall Sangha provided so many wonderful experiences, the one aspect that stands out for many that was so impactful was the silence practice which was at the core and underscored all other practices. The silence experiences were found to be intense and overwhelming in so many ways ranging over a broad spectrum of emotions. They provided a good opportunity to dive deeper and gain insights into their individual personalities, learn from themselves of themselves, and stabilizing their mind to become more of a friend and guide. This practice has induced the need of a longing to continue the practice of silence and introspection.
• The guided subtle body practices in the loft during the Akhanda japa sessions had a profound impact on participants. Coming together in the mind field that participants created in silence during these sessions was a memorable experience of all. After the yoga nidra session in the silence practices, some persons expressed a greater closeness of being held by their mantras since their initiation a time ago.
• The gathering reminded many persons of the human personalities of Swami Rama and Swami Veda, and to experience the Guru spirit that was the light that shone through their lives. This energy was very much alive and accessible through the current leaders and an eagerness was expressed for all those participating to move forward and continue the momentum created in the past.
• The Sangha provided an excellent opportunity to sit in prayer and meditation with members of the Sangha, develop a spiritual network with a common goal and one spirit, share individual experiences and learn of the challenges and successful approaches to individual and social life.
• Most “first timers” expressed their gratitude for the event which enabled them to connect with and being in the presence of many leaders of the Himalayan tradition, an experience that they will continue to cherish. The Sangha provided a conscious energy field that revitalized their beings and they look forward to returning to another Himalayan Yoga Meditation and Silence retreat again.
• Many participants were inspired by the personal sharing of the history and experiences of AHYMSIN disciples from across North America. They gained good insight into the history of Swami Rama’s and Swami Vedas’s work that have touched the hearts of today’s senior leaders and encouraged the growth of many centers. The videos of lectures of Swami Rama and Swami Veda were especially inspiring and several participants expressed their hope to have access to such videos and to read and study their publications.
• The Sangha also provided the opportunity to come to meet and greet teachers and other initiates that they met online but wished to meet in person for a long time.  Meeting in person, feeling the energy, knowing each other and easily connecting just sitting together as ONE in a spiritual home was a very positive experience.
• Many left St Olaf with a full heart, a recommitment to their personal practices and a renewed sense of responsibility and gratitude to serve wherever and whenever they are able to do so. Everyone understands the inner work that they are all doing, together, and they expressed their support to one another fully and joyfully.
• There was unanimous gratitude and thanks to the organizers of the Sangha, particularly the Meditation Center in Minneapolis, the AHYMSIN Board of North America, the teachers and presenters.

There were also several profile presentations made during the retreat. These provided information on personal experiences of Swami Rama and Swami Veda, overview of the programs, classes and other activities of the various Centers in the U.S., Canada and the Caribbean, Teachers and Training programs, Social Media, Promotion and Retention, Preparation for Initiation, further Guidance for Initiates, Holistic Health and Yoga Practices, Charity Projects, Yoga and Lifestyle Applications, Mental Health Addressing, Retreats and Silence Days, Youth and Families. New publications of AHYMSIN and other materials were on display also during event.

One session focused on the AHYMSIN Board of North America. Some new members were added to the Board to replace a few who were not seeking re-election as well as to have a greater geographic representation on the body. More information on the new Board will be available soon and the next meeting of the Body is scheduled for August 27 this month. Among the various issues to be discussed will be the next Retreat of the Americas.

Editor’s Note:

To know more about the 2024 American Sangha gathering, you may want to read

1) Why I Will Joyfully Attend the Sangha of the Americas by Jenny May – https://www.ahymsin.org/why-i-will-joyfully-attend-the-sangha-of-the-americas/

2) Sangha Blessings by Swami Ritavan Bharati – https://www.ahymsin.org/sangha-blessings/

3) A loving invitation to the Sangha of the Americas by Swami Ritavan Bharati – https://www.ahymsin.org/a-loving-invitation-to-the-sangha-of-the-americas/

4) AHYMSIN Sangha of the Americas – https://www.ahymsin.org/event/ahymsin-sangha-of-the-americas/