April 26-28, 2024
Authors: Akshaya Radhakrishnan & Lavanya Rao
Between April 26-28, 2024, a group of seekers spent a weekend at Chinmaya Amarnath Ashram in Pittsburgh. The retreat was themed The Joy of Change. The theme of the retreat revolved around the sacredness of relationships, particularly focusing on vivaha, the journey of marriage, and its profound impact on personal growth and spiritual upliftment. Participants, representing various stages of relationships, embarked on a journey of self-discovery and relationship enrichment. The retreat also featured a Balavihar component, where children engaged in art and storytelling activities on Lord Hanuman. This was led by a group of graduating Seekers to Facilitators, a program intended to train seekers in becoming confident facilitators of Sanatana Dharma, with a focus around the next generation of students.
The retreat provided a nurturing environment for individuals to explore and deepen their understanding of relationships. Discourses rooted in the ancient wisdom of the Narada Bhakti Sutra shed light on the essence of love, devotion, and mutual respect within partnerships. Retreaters were guided to cultivate 12 virtues essential for fostering strong and harmonious relationships, empowering them to become better partners.
Each day at the retreat was a blend of introspective practices and meaningful actions. Friday evening started off with an introductory discourse and discussion groups. Saturday morning commenced with a revitalizing yoga session, promoting physical well-being and inner harmony. The afternoon was dedicated to seva activities, including tree planting and community clean-up efforts, fostering a sense of interconnectedness and service. Saturday evening was adorned with soulful bhajans in the serene surroundings of the Amarnath shrine creating moments of spiritual connection and reflection. On Sunday, retreaters were encouraged to share their learnings with each other. The retreat culminated with participants leaving with a renewed sense of purpose and a deeper commitment to nurturing their relationships.
