23 December 2011

Wonderful laughter and play of children, youth, and families fills Swami Rama Sadhaka Grama as we come together in one global family during the Yoga Youth and Children’s Retreat.  The busy days are filled with sharing, learning, playing, serving, and laughing…and also the fullness of silence.

The Opening Ceremony delighted young and old. Flower petals showered us as our hearts overflowed with love…love that continues to flow through the unfolding events.

After a short silent meditation, Guru puja and the singing of ashram children marked the official beginnings.

Swami Veda gifted each of us with Verse 13 of the Su-baala Upanishad, Upanishad of the Beautiful Child:

“baalyena tishthaased baala-sva-bhaavah
Seek to remain in childhood, With child nature through whole life.”

Noting his age and the ages of the senior teachers, Swamiji spoke about the multi-generational families in our tradition and the future represented in the young.  He remarked that Swami Rama Sadhaka Grama is a village of spiritual seekers.

Bhagabandev brought students from the Orissa Nav Prabhat Ashram, who had composed a song, which they sang and also translated into English for us.

So pleasureable too – the sewa of sadhakas working together and so creatively too.

Lela Pierce has worked on organizing this event for over three years, and Nalini Behari has been active in this effort for over a year.  Carolyn Hodges, also part of the organizing committee, gave a brief outline of the program and introduced the many volunteer teachers.

What a rich and joyful time this is for everyone here!  A time made more full with the realization that this richness and joy is not confined to SRSG.

To see photos by Michelle, Stoma, Stephan, please see this same article in the December 2011 AHYMSIN Newsletter: https://www.ahymsin.org/docs2/News/1112Dec/16.html