Tuesday, July 17, 2012

Sadhu Sanga Retreat

The Sadhu Sanga Retreat was really a treat for the heart. His Holiness Jayadvaita Swami started off the event on the first morning by giving us a clear understanding of what the word sanga is all about. It is association, but not superficial association. It is just like a scientist's convention where they gather together and share their realizations, devotees similarly gather to hear and chant about Krishna, that is sanga, association.

The retreat was set in the beautiful town of Wimberley, Texas which is situated at the confluence of Cypress Creek and the Blanco River. The crystal clear creeks and numerous swimming holes make it one of the 10 ten best small town vacations spots in America. I had taken some videos where you can see the amazing tree house and the waterfall bridge as well. 

The festival consisted of morning program with class, kirtan, kirtan, and more kirtan. It was an opportunity for all devotees to simply focus on Radha and Krishna's Holy Names without distraction. For my family and I this was our LA Ratha Yatra, our New York Ratha Yatra, and so on. Because now, with having kids, it is not possible for us to travel to see all these festivals. At the Sadhu Sanga Festival were the best kirtaniyas in the world and the beautiful kirtans went on all day long. I took a short video clip that you can see of His Holiness Giriraj Swami dancing blissfully to His Holiness Indradyumna Swami's kirtan. 

Indradyumna Swami Kirtan at Sadhu Sanga Festival - Giriraj Maharaja Dancing

Another special treat for me was being able to see a small initiation ceremony, ( which I also video taped) of a very old friend of mine. His Holiness Indradyumna Swami promised him a name that everyone could remember, Sadhu-Sanga dasa

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