"Staying here is very beneficial. The power that is flowing from Arunachala stills and purifies the mind. Devotees who live and meditate here will make good progress. The grace of Arunachala can take one to the final state of sadhana, which is the effortless thought-free state."
- Shri Lakshmana Swamy Dear friends, It is a pure joy to announce "Water and Silence", our second India retreat. In this retreat, we'll have the rare and good fortune of spending much time in the company of some highly advanced teachers such as an Advaita master in the tradition of Ramana Maharshi who realized the Self in 1973. This teacher is the inspiration for the name given to this retreat.
Subject to confirmation of dates, we'll depart from Montreal on Thursday, November 4th and return on Saturday, November 20th. Once again, dear Anne Meplon is the coordinator. If you would like to join us, please contact her at Anne@AnneMeplon.com or at 510 336 9407 as soon as possible. Already, a number of people have indicated their wish to come. All information should ALWAYS be addressed to her so that there are no duplications in communication.
Briefly, we'll spend five wonderful days in Mumbai with Ramesh Balsekar who at eighty-eight may not forever grace us with an unlocked door to his home.
From Bombay, we'll fly south (possibly with more clothing in our suitcases after shopping in the early afternoons and late evenings) to Tiru where we have discovered a new location with a wonderful view of Arunachala. Salutations to the sun looking out at the mountain should take on an entirely new meaning!
Daily morning satsangs with the grandnephew of Ramana whom we met for the first time a few weeks ago will prove to be a great gift, not to be missed. I feel so blessed to have
spent several days with him.
Part of each afternoon will be spent on the rooftop of an extraordinary silent Ma who radiates light and peace. As you shall see for yourself, this Ma seems to clearly reside in this and other worlds at the same time. I cannot possibly describe the grace which accompanies her direct glance to each one of us. We have recently experienced many powerful sessions with this Ma.
Lakshmana Swamy, a jnani who lives in Tiru, says "The power which Guru transmits cleans and purifies the mind. When the mind becomes pure, that is, free from thoughts and out-going tendencies, it is easy for it to sink into the Heart and experience the bliss of the Self. The purifying power of the Guru cannot be overstressed."
Obviously, we had the golden opportunity to meet her so that all of us could reap the benefits of meeting her this fall.
In addition, there are many other rare beings and places to see on and around Arunachala.
Naturally, chanting, postures, meditation, prolonged periods of silence and relaxation will all be included in this retreat. The emphasis is on SILENCE. If this is not comfortable for you, best to ignore this notice.
The final five days of the retreat is at Fisherman's Cove, an exquisite Taj resort. Here we'll continue our yoga practices and play joyfully in the ocean and in the swimming pool, with time out for surprise blessings!
As soon as you contact Anne, she will explain the next step. My sincere wish is for you to reap the great benefits of such a trip to India.
Lakshmana Swamy says "All people benefit from being in the company of a jnani. Immoral people give up their bad behaviour, ordinary people become devotees, good devotees find their devotion increasing and those who are ripe for realization realize themselves."
Much much love,
Mollie xoxo |
