Ananda Marga Regional Retreat
Ananda Girisuta Master Unit
The Prama Institute
September 2-4th
The Fall Regional Retreat was held at the Prama Institute on Ananda Girisuta Master Unit - a 3 day devotional, social event, focusing on developing deeper spiritual practices through kiirtan, music, meditation and spiritual talks. The workshop theme this year centered on the psycho-spiritual-socio-economic limb called: Progressive Utilization Theory (PROUT). Our local PROUT specialists, Hiranamaya and Ramesh prepared an intensive workshop, working out of the 5 fundamental principles of PROUT. Dada Jyotirsananda gave daily philosophy classes and deep spiritual discourses. The food was lovingly prepared by Sister Haripriya and family. Sister Sharada from El Salvador brought her 3 month old baby and parents, who told stories, participated in the Prout workshop, and gave much insight to the social-political situation in El Salvador. Their presence added much warmth and joy to the occasion. Several new people came from Raleigh, thanks to Brother Pashupati.
Resident musician Jiivanmukta and I coordinated the kiirtans, and I headed up the Prabhat Samgiita and the evening programs. We had representation from Appalachia, Haiti, Latin America, India, and Israel. Young Govinda, who has been working hard on his fiddle and violin skills, attended a music camp this summer and presented a few complex, melodic pieces. As there was a large group of Spanish speaking members, I implored everyone to sing a Spanish folk song with me. A recitation of “The Jabberwocky”, worthy of an Oscar was executed by Ambuja!
One brother confided in me that for 30 years, he had had an aversion to Prabhat Samgiita. When he heard me singing the Shiva Giita, he began to experience himself being transported back into the time of Shiva, and sent chills up his spine, as he could see Him standing there with his trident and hair tuft. It brought tears to my eyes as he shared his personal story. We never know how these God-given gifts touch the human spirit….
Yoga Detox Program,
September 9-11
The Prama Institute
Dada Dharmadevanandaji graced us with another visit and dynamic workshop. I provided the music and kiirtan, including music for a movement segment Friday evening. Saturday night, I led a sweet, intimate chanting circle in the warm glow of candlelight.
The Prama Institute
This retreat was for The Institute of Whole Life Healing, "Many Paths; One Truth", led by Babaji Koleoso Karade & Iya Osunnike Anke. Visvamitra and I led an afternoon workshop titled: Devotion in Action
I met with Iya Osunnike beforehand, who let me know that they were honoring the goddess “Yemanja” this weekend. As we spoke further, I began to recognize the names of the (West African) gods and goddesses I used to sing about 20 years ago, during my exploration of Afro-Brazilian/Cuban music. Though I didn’t know much about the African religions, I always felt a deep, primodial connection to the songs. I told Iya my story as a lead singer (puxadora) for the "Mexe, Mexe" samba school in the San Francisco Carnaval, 1990. Along with the traditional “samba” song, I had chosen an Afoxe (Afro-Brazilian) song that I really loved. While singing from the float to tens of thousands of people, I switched to the Afoxe song, and felt a complete shift in the spiritual force. Capoeira artists from an Afro-Brazilian school left their group, and ran behind my float, singing along. I remember the powerful connection to the indigenious beings, and the universal elements in that very moment.
I wanted to bring something in common with the retreat participants, so I asked a sister who practices Candomble’ to drum for me while I led the Brazilian chant for Yemanja - the goddess of the sea. As we sang, calling to Yemaja, some sisters got up to dance. We all felt the strength of the feminine force!
I then brought in collective Prabhat Samgiita, and introduced the group to kiirtan. Our dancing and singing was spirited, as the group connected with the Divine. After a wonderful talk and workshop exploring ways to open our hearts and artistic activities on how to get in touch with our heart’s desire, I led the group in a round “Open up your heart, open up your eyes, open up your heart and let your love shine.” We sang with great passion. I scanned the room and my eyes fell upon a sister who was singing with her whole heart, eyes wide open. I sang with her for several more minutes, before winding down and stopping the song. More kiirtan and meditation closed the session.
Afterwards, as I greeted the participants, I spoke to the sister with whom I had connected while singing. She shared with me that she had always [hated] her voice, and didn’t like to sing. While singing, she felt her heart open up and began to sing louder and fuller, with total abandonment. She said she didn’t want to stop, and almost left the room so she could keep singing once I ended! Axe! I love these special moments in time – how we connect with others in deeper and deeper ways, until we feel, there are no barriers in this great universe. This was an exceptional group of people, and I thank the Divine for bringing us together today!
