Retreat Reflection
The Windwood River Retreat 2016 was a pivotal experience in this life as it was during this period of separation from society that I determined that my priority list needed to change. Through spiritual company with the sangha, teachings from the noble and compassionate Babaji, and my own direct spiritual experiences, it is clear that the Vedanta is the path for me. My yearning to be one with The Unattached Lover has only been increasing and the Windwood River Retreat 2016 is when that natural desire reached a new level of intensity.
From learning about the integral constitution of the Luminaries, the true meaning of Moksha/Mukti, to the six esoteric yogic gateways and much more, my curtain of nescience thinned allowing the Pure Nectar of Truth to sweeten the tea of maya. Learning how Swamiji emphasized integral yoga and challenged his audience to not only focus on one yoga but to be well versed in all four yogas (Bhakti, Karma, Jnana, and Raja), is motivating and inspiring. In fact, this ingenuity has challenged me to keep my mind on Brahman and the scriptures at all times through utilizing the four yogas. This has proved to be quite difficult to do when in the midst of the office environment, but, as with any practice, I am noticing that as the days go by and my practice continues that my efforts to utilize the four yogas are increasing in efficacy.
In addition to Swamiji’s accent on integral yoga, his emphasis of surrounding oneself with spiritual company while on the razor’s edge path was a teaching which resonated with me during and since the retreat. The environment that the SRV sangha creates acts as a spiritual force field that enables one to see through maya’s avaranashakti and vikshepashakti. Such company influences the one-pointedness of the mind to focus on the scriptures and extract their wisdom filled matras through meditation. Greatly influenced by the enlightening meditations that I experienced while at the Windwood River Retreat surrounded by the SRV sangha, I have focused on structuring my daily routine like the schedule during the retreat. This has enabled me to focus on the scriptures and meditate even in the midst of society. I am looking forward to the Summer Retreat 2016 and returning to the SRV sangha where we will all meditate, study, and walk the razor’s-edge path to Freedom together.
– Powell Fansler