The new land is a perfect setting for our 1st retreat themed on Independence!
The monsoons have let up, merely sprinkling early morning mist
Friday night, a warm welcome awaits guests
Saturday morning registration
After quiet time at breakfast, Biraj picks a reading to end the silence
Saturday morning meditation in Swamiji's Great Room before the main talk
Speaker and participants prepare for the talk in different ways
Biraj connects Patanjali's 8 limbs of yoga to final freedom
Sundeep takes in new insights on an old topic with rapt attention
Saturday lunchtime blessing on the Seva House porch
Delicious meal, spirited conversation
Kailash ("Nandaji")
Sundeep & Delkush in sideline chat with Biraj
Ambar works his way down the plate-cleaning line . . .
A few changes go up on the schedule board
Aditya takes advantage of lunchtime to finish a writing task
Little Somnath & Shivam
Somnath invites Shivam to swing at his caretaker family hut
But all good things must come to an end!
Saturday afternoon seva: Biraj and Delkush start tackling a paint job
Nandaji in formal painting attire
Meanwhile, over at the monastery . . .
a solar panel frame needs to go on top of the monks' new bathroom
Rooftoppers Jemal, Baraquiel, Hezequiel, and Aditya await the frame
Jemal directs the project on the ground
Up . . .
. . . up . . .
. . . and away!
Job well done!
A joyous rendition of "Many Hands Make a Miracle"
Savouring success
Another seva project: transplanting bougainvilleas
Delkush digs in
The 1st transplant sits proudly on the lower kutir wall . . .
. . . soon joined by 9 others
Saturday afternoon meditation before satsang
Jemal leads chanting . . .
. . . then launches into a dynamic talk . . .
. . . with occasional injections of humor
While taking in their brother's talk, the monks also send him energy
Point after point springs from personal experience
Chai time
Pradnya is happy to have been able to drop by even though only for satsang and tea
Kailash & Shilpa's attention is drawn to a nearby picture . . .
. . . one of so many fascinating things around Swamiji's house
Saturday evening meditation
Light prevails in darkness
Saturday dinner: Jemal in discussion with Hezequiel
This meal blessing is accompanied by gratitude for the day's many insights
Platefuls of reflection
Sunday morning energisation attracts 4-legged devotees
Sunday morning meditation
Masters & mountaintops
Sunday breakfast
Asavari, our chief meal director, with a word of advice for Aditya
This little melon seems to be personally inviting Amita to share its joy
Katyayani must agree the melon is special
Gaurav finds a new way to dry his plate
Closing circle begins with 3 questions for personal consideration
Time to ponder the answers
Sharing time for those who feel to
Indians & "goras" join in singing the national anthem
A round of applause for Asavari's meals
Sunday morning seva: Madhuri pulls weeds in the garden
Biraj joins in
Dr. Aditya performs surgery on the banana tree
The tree is a beauty on the inside, but needs pruning
Baby bananas show much promise!
Varun brings banana leafs to decorate Seva House
Blezy becomes engrossed in gardening activities
"A time to plant, a time to uproot"
Varun adds to the growing weed pile
Gaurav trying his hand as telephone repairman
Asavari shares food wisdom with Aditya
One of the dishes, she tells us, is believed to bring guests back to Maharashtra
Sunday lunch blessing
Lunch guests Dr. Wani, who has sold us much of our land, & friend with Nandaji
Madhuri's son & husband notice they are in camera view
Good neighbour Dr. Wani with Biraj
Madhuri's husband passes out prasad
Nandaji & friend
Farewell to an unforgettable weekend
Time to carry home our Independence Day insights on spiritual freedom
