Reflection on Summer Retreat

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Nestled in the pines of Foresthill is a home rich in teaching and fellowship, the July 2013 retreat of SRV was an inspiring venture for me into the study of Vedanta. The truth and peace I found there followed me home, and still taps at my heart as I weave in and out of Maya. I continue to learn, and hope to fracture old ideas and rebuild this body and mind with yoga.  The Gunas (Tamas, Rajas,  in particular)  have eluded me since I have been home, and I have kept a watchful eye on these two as I practice toward Sattva.

 

Sandra worked heartily in the kitchen with 3 wholesome vegetarian meals each day. Flavorful and varied, there was something for every taste, and it was plentiful. Babaji’s ‘clear mind’ soup was one of the best I’ve tasted, and it certainly sated everyone as we prepared for the first sleep before the first full day. As a newbie, I learned that there is love and patience amongst this group, and it transcends the class, meditation, hikes, silence, and meals. My only regret is that I didn’t stay the whole week.  Too soon, my son and I departed and stopped at Starbuck’s on the way out. We opened the door and were vaulted into noise, consumerism, and mechanical racket; all for an iced tea for the journey home….to whit Babaji would say,  “Let pleasure go; it is part of the cycle of suffering. “ Too true.

– Pam H.