The 7th Annual Divya Shakti Retreat, held at Chinmaya Mission Orlando in Florida, was deeply
nourishing and insightful. Ninety women, thirty from other states, gathered for the three and a half day event from October 17-20, 2019. The theme of “Finding Your Path” included a balanced program of yoga asana, guided meditations, arts and games, and, most importantly, Vedanta discourses and workshops conducted by inspiring teachers Vilasiniji and Vivekji.
Adi Shankaracarya’s Shiva Manasa Puja was the retreat text. Both Vivekji and Vilasiniji expounded
on this stotram in practical ways. He explained how the offerings made during the puja ritual
represent the virtues of the ideal which is to be internalized. The key aspect of any action is the
feeling, or bhaava, supporting it which makes that action efficient, effective and joyful. Thus, when any action is undertaken with the right bhaava, it is transformed into worship or puja, with Moksha, or Eternal Happiness, as the ultimate goal.
Vilasiniji used the stotram to guide the morning meditations and interactive workshops on finding a purpose and path in life. She explained how paths vary, depending on temperaments and phases of life. Through discussions and small group sessions, she encouraged reflection of short-term and long-term goals, as well as the practices which could be undertaken to overcome obstacles along the way.
In this fast-paced age of technology, self-inquiry is becoming a forgotten practice. This retreat helped the attendees realize the need to be intentional in thought as well as action. The overall atmosphere which emerged during this retreat was conducive to spiritual reflection and evolution. Gratitude to the Guru parampara and our teachers.
