Retreat Reflection #2
by Abhinaya Antevasin
To be a part of this retreat and partake of its wisdom transmission bolstered the hearts and minds of all its participants, and gave way to further unfoldment of the ancient teachings of the dharma, rendering them as if new for the aspiring students.
The main bhajan that we sang, Bhaja Govindam, or the Mohamudgara, is “the hammer that strikes away delusion,” and it gave fervour to my endeavours in spiritual life on retreat. Not only is it a fantastic song — a mart of joy for me, but it turned into the anvil that helped forge the community together in their common interests and longing for Truth. The verses were shared amongst the students, each gaining a sloka to study and memorize according to their own personal inclination towards the message of Freedom.
As to what it was like learning Sanskrit together, and being able to relate to each other’s spiritual gifts shared on the retreat, there was a lot of healthy group activity going on daily. Even for those who might have been a stranger to such a new world, they became fast friends with all as soon as they became acquainted with the teachings.
Amongst the all-embracing teachings of Universalism and unconditional love, I found that the retreat granted a reassuring guidance to each attendant. Engaging in spiritual activities with heartfelt devotion, all supported by the healing and inspiring presence of the teacher and the sangha, this “sharp, razor’s-edged path” was revealed to be accessible to all those who seek sincerely after God.