By: Sudarshan Atmavilas and Anushka Bhat

From November 25th to December 1st, 2024, Shri Vivekji of Chinmaya Mission Niagara led a yatra of 94 seekers (from across the US, Canada, and the world) to the Chinmaya Ashram in Couva, Trinidad & Tobago. Swami Prakashanandaji and Brahmacharini Kritikaji of the Trinidad Ashram welcomed the yatris for a week of satsanga, seva, and inspiration, with unique activities planned for each day.

After the inauguration ceremony, the group visited the Chinmaya Vidyalaya Sant Tulsidas Campus, before a dinner of Swamiji’s pizza, straight from his handmade oven. The next two days’ adventure was a hike up Tapovan Hill, through the Amazon Rainforest, to Tapovan Ashram at the top. The group set off on Jeeps and pickup trucks until a certain point, after which most yatris hiked on foot through the heavy storm, mud, and river ahead. After reaching the top, everyone enjoyed Swamiji’s hot cocoa and freshly made dinner, before enjoying informal satsanga, sleeping on foam mattresses, and heading back down the next day.

For the rest of the week, the mornings started with Swamiji’s discourses on Manah Shodhanam, a text on how to purify the mind. These days consisted of trips to (1) Maracas Beach, where the group played in the massive waves, (2) two temples, including one with an 85-ft tall Bhagavan Hanumanji statue, (3) Swamiji’s bhakti-filled public satsang on “rAma kAja”, and (4) a boat ride through the Caroni Bird Sanctuary. Meals included bake and cheese sandwiches, a Trinidadian street food, doubles, and lunch at the Ashram restaurant, Garam Masala. In the evenings, Vijayji gave discourses on Chatushloki Bhagavata, explaining Shrimad Bhagavata’s fundamental questions. It was soon time for the Closing Ceremony, before the seekers bid each other goodbye and departed.