Girls were excited to present their work in front of Gurumaa. Since there are number of courses taught in Shakti Udaan, so was the variety of the work. Some were the marvellous designs, some unique embroidery, and some creative mehndi expressions while others were the exquisite make-over expressions. On seeing their dedicated efforts Gurumaa not only encouraged them with words of appreciation but also recommended to the teachers to award the most creative work from time to time.
They came. They learnt. They evolved. They went back empowered and ready to live a healthy and happy life. Such was the invigorating Summer Youth Retreat, recently organized in the evolutionary ambience of Rishi Chaitanya Ashram for youngsters from the age group 14 yrs to 24 yrs.
Every festival gives us a reason to celebrate life. Festivals enliven and enrich our lives with exuberance of song, dance and music. Each festival however, also brings with it a reminder, an unspoken message to delve deeper within, to connect with the inherent source of all joy and bliss.
It was indeed a magnificent setting for a momentous occasion. The place was Rishikesh in Northern India, one of the holiest places in the world and an all-time favoured destination of saints, sadhus and seekers, since time immemorial. ‘Rishi’ and ‘kesh’ – the name itself is a pictorial incantation evocative of a sage, a rishi, a sadhu with matted locks...
It was a cold, misty morning in Rishi Chaitanya Ashram, where seekers and devotees gathered to have darshan and hear beloved master Anandmurti Gurumaa’s enlightening words of wisdom on New Year’s day. Many came straight from the just-concluded Rishikesh winter retreat by Gurumaa, a double cause for celebration!