by Neetu Wadhwani
“Faith and fear cannot coexist.” Four transformational days were had at the Chinmaya Maruti Ashram in Andover, MA, over Labor Day weekend. Boston welcomed youth and young adults from across the region to a heartfelt retreat, Unlocking the Heart, guided by Shri Vivek Gupta, Shrimati Shashikala Dwarkanath, and Shri Suman Rajupet. An eclectic experience consisting of seva opportunities at the permaculture West Parish community garden, spirited soccer playoffs, poetry, revelations, s’mores shared around a campfire, and deep moments of reflection in the forest’s arms as the seekers hiked and recited the Hanuman Chalisa overlooking the stillness & vastness of nature.
Spiritually, the guides drew from Srimad Bhagvatam & the Ramayana to cultivate a harmony between the hearts & minds of seekers. Intimate Q&A sessions further enabled closeness with the guides. The retreat concluded leaving behind a renewed sense of love, lightness and clarity on the significance of devotion and how to cultivate it with true authenticity and depth.
