Over the course of three peace filled days, Pujya Swami Chidanand Saraswatiji and Sadhvi Bhagawati Saraswatiji led a beautiful Guru Purnima retreat at the stately resort overlooking a gorgeous lake in the Dale Hollow State Park, Kentucky. The weekend included multiple satsangs each day that covered topics as varied as achieving conscious dharmic relations, faith versus blind faith, and dealing with stress, depression and anxiety. Participants also had many opportunities to ask questions and to have one-on-one audiences with Swamiji and Sadhviji.
Each satsang began with an inspiring guided meditation led by Sadhviji, and included instructions from Pujya Swamiji on the correct pronunciations of significant mantras and verses from the Bhagavad Gita. The program also included early morning yoga classes and nature walks in the wooded areas surrounding the retreat center. Particularly special were the daily Ganga Aarti ceremonies that were held at sunset overlooking the Dale Hollow Lake.
One enchanted evening, attendees walked in the growing dusk as fire flies emerged to illuminate our path with their flickering lights. Another night was spent immersed in a sound bath that combined gongs, glass bells, and other instruments in a blissful experience.
The site was well chosen because it allowed for meditation and quiet contemplation in proximity to much natural beauty. It allowed those in attendance to act on Pujya Swamiji’s words when he says, “Come to Nature, Be with Nature and Change your Nature.”