Why should I attend a retreat?

The path to seek unknown, the journey of going within and exploring those frontiers of consciousness where we haven’t gone ever – this is the path of spirituality. The word 'spirit' is taken to be by some people as some unseen forces which are evil or good. Well this is one meaning, as such technically 'spirit' means - energy or existence. Who are we? Are we mere mortals, bag of skin which is filled with bones, blood, urine or something beyond?

Who we really are, where have we come from, what or who is our origin, where do we go after death, these are some of the crucial and very important questions which at some level of mind, at some junction of life we wish to know. Now there can be two ways to know answers – one way is that we read scriptures, holy books and derive our answers from them and second is that we explore it ourselves. Books are words said by prophets, son of God, Gurus and sometimes compilations of their teachings, which the disciples of these masters write it down from their memory and as much as they had understood from the master.

As it happened with Bible, it was written after fifty to sixty years of Jesus' death or resurrection; his apostles wrote it later. But I wish to raise a question what was the source of Jesus, Moses, Buddha, Nanak’s knowledge? Who taught them? Who was their teacher? Higher intuition or God, but their knowledge came from within, it was not read or borrowed from outer source. One way or the another, we will have to come to this conclusion that what we are seeking is within us - the knowledge, the wisdom, enlightenment, nirvana or whatever word you might want to give. Only if one could learn the way to reach that source, one can gain immensely. Information can be borrowed, gained or read but knowing cannot be.

So what is the path, what are the methods and tools to know the truth. In East, we believe that being with the one who has known can be the first step towards knowing the unknown. Be with that Guru who would readily share his or her knowledge with true seeker. In Sufism he is called the Murshid, in Hindu tradition he is called the Guru and in esoteric sciences he is called the guide.

But how would one know that who will be my Guru? Moreover, who is a true Guru? Well there are no easy answers for this, you have to listen to your heart, and you have to be sensitive to hear the bell when it rings in your heart. As for now it is more important to know that until and unless we do not experiment with truth – truth cannot be found. Yes! This seems pretty confusing, how can one experiment with the truth if one has not known the truth? By now you must have understood that there are no easy answers. It is only when you will sit with the enlightened person – breathe in that same space –meditate in that space; some unseen forces begin to work. It is very important to be in association of such a realized being.

One who understands you, with whom you can communicate and relate, can become a bridge for you, a gate for you. One such person, who can be a perfect gateway for you is Anandmurti Gurumaa... a master, a teacher, a mother who is energizing, blessing, guiding seekers world over. Her laughter, her deep silence, her enlightening words work like magic which dispel darkness and ignorance of mind. Gurumaa says, "I don’t want to be anyone's Guru", but just allows people to be with her so that they can learn and gain. Love is needed, a deep urge to seek is needed, if you have that then you can avail her treasures.

Her talks are filled with wisdom of east, practicality, reasoning and logic of west. A pragmatic, contemporary master who might not endorse traditions, rather present a way which might baffle your mind, but her way is easy to follow. She says, "there is no need to get initiated by me or become a blind follower, come and just be in my space with open heart. In time, complexities of mind will go and things will become clear because your mind will become clear." Loved by millions, this Guru is unique in her approach. Laughter, humor, jokes, deep thoughts, easy demeanor, all are her trademarks. Every year many retreats are organized in her beautiful and serene Ashram in India. Time to time these retreats are done in USA and UK too. Next year in January 2008 a meditation retreat is coming in Florida, USA from Jan 23 to Jan 27.

Hundreds of people have participated in these retreats up till now and one thing is commonly experienced by all, that time flies by, and it is time of great relaxation, learning new way of living and celebration. Something to be experienced to know.

Give yourself an opportunity to evolve and live consciously.

Are you ready for it?

Then why wait? Fill up your registration form now and avail this golden chance. Just fill up the registration form and register online, as simple as that. Retreats in USA are organized by non profit organization New Age Seers Inc. All contributions and donations to New Age Seers are eligible for tax deduction.

Come on. Do not delay.