From June 25–28, a group of 30 seekers spanning Junior Chinmaya Yuva Kendras (JCHYK), Chinmaya Yuva Kendras (CHYK), and Chinmaya Setukaris (CSK) from across North America convened in Akron, Ohio, to look inward. The retreat, “Passion for Peace,” was hosted by Chinmaya Mission Niagara and led by our esteemed Vedanta guides, Vivekji, Shankarji and Sumanji. Our teachers delved into Swami Tejomayanandaji’s commentary “Shiva Sankalpa Suktam” and imparted the age-old wisdom of Sanatana Dharma. 

Despite the diversity of life experiences, each seeker learned what it means to divinize the mind. The foundation was set by learning that the mind is merely a flow of thoughts. Taking a glimpse inwards, one can fine tune their mind to be filled with auspicious thoughts. 

Through the discourse sessions, the retreaters learned six powerful verses. The first and second delves deeper into the mind and its actions, the third and fourth recognizes the immortal and omniscient nature of the mind. The fifth and sixth mantras describe the mind as balanced and swift to take us to the highest destination. 

Over the course of four days, the seekers engaged in various activities. Day two of the retreat was kicked off by attending meaningful mornings at a local overlook, followed by discourse with Shankarji by the roaring waves of the Cuyahoga River Valley. As the water crashed onto the rocks nearby, seekers learned to live in the present moment while on the path of self-discovery. The retreaters were able to ask their burning questions during the hot ones challenge and things continued to heat up on the soccer field. The fiery theme ended with a campfire dialogue. 

One aspect of the retreat the seekers enjoyed was taking intentional moments to pause. Some ways this was incorporated were the madhubani and mandala art workshops, where everyone was encouraged to slow down, step back and appreciate more. One way to practice this gratitude involves caring for our mother earth through the loving earth workshop.