Chinmaya Mission Chicago Yamunotri joyfully hosted the 2023 Annual Divya Shakti Retreat in person led by Smt. Vilasini Balakrishnan (Chinmaya Mission Jacksonville, Chinmaya Mission Washington Regional Center, Chinmaya Mission West) and Shri Vivek Gupta (Chinmaya Mission Niagara, Chinmaya Mission Cleveland) from Oct 6 – 8. Seventy-five devis aged 18 and above from across North America registered for the event centered around the theme “Finding Your Roots,” aiming to reignite their inner Divya Shakti.

The enriching weekend included insightful discourses on Gayatri Mantra and Rama Gita, complemented by activities like personal reflection, yoga asana, meditation, yoga nidra, small group discussions (covering topics like environment and individual life journey stages), outdoor games, team dance performances, kitchen seva, and engaging question & answer sessions. 

The diverse range of activities was carefully curated to stimulate and invigorate the body, mind, and intellect, challenging women to venture outside their comfort zones. Reflection was promoted throughout the weekend, including moments of maunam (silence), even during meal times. 

Devis gained practical insights for dispelling negativities such as stress, anxiety, and dejection while fostering positive values like compassion, kindness, and forgiveness. The weekend emphasized overcoming obstacles with a smile and instilled lessons about placing faith in Samhara (Divinity), Shastra (Scripture), Sadguru (Guide), Shishya (Student), and Sadhana (Discipline).

The empowering message that change is unavoidable, yet “willpower is greater than world power,” served as a source of encouragement.

Looking ahead, the 2024 Divya Shakti Retreat is planned for Oct 17 – 20 at Chinmaya Mission Niagara.

Devi Sanga RAM — January 2023
Identify one person who has changed your life and try to measure up to them.

Devi Sanga RAM — December 2022
Sit outside every day for 15 minutes in an uncomfortable way. Choose discomfort and make that comfortable (e.g. to be in the cold but not feel cold).

Devi Sanga RAM — October 2022
Come up with a phrase that will make you be more independent ( make it personal).

Devi Satsang RAM — September 2022
Care for your body like you have a body of a 3 year old.

Devi Satsang RAM — August 2022
Direct your emotions rather than being controlled by emotions.

Devi Satsang RAM — July 2022
Watch “Why do we…?” workshop here

Devi Satsang RAM — June 2022
Every person you interact with, ask them if they have become quieter.
Think, say, hear, and think AUM. Go to sleep and wake up to AUM.
Next time you feel you are arrogating, knock on your own head.
If you complain, ask why do I and the logic of it.

Devi Satsang RAM — April & May 2022
Try not to have background music during your day.
Fast from talking everyday (daily) – 1 hour, weekly – half a day and monthly – one day.
Do not criticize food.
Plant and nourish a Tulasi plant.
Be more cheerful when a person with you is having a rough day (hence cranky).
Learn how to blow a conch.

Devi Satsang RAM — March 2022
Make using social media hard.
Wear vibhooti.
Before you eat offer 5 small bits.
Outside your front door, turn 3 times every day.

Devi Satsang RAM — February 2022
Offer Namaste to everyone.
As you engage in your karma, remember your mother, father, guide and all.
Wear natural anointment naturally on your forehead.
Keep your books and notes organized.

Devi Satsang RAM — January 2022
Light lamp and create prayer space. Know the reason and benefits behind it.

Devi Satsang RAM — December 2021
Come up with your own 9 virtue verbs framework that will lead us to Independent Joy!

Devi Satsang RAM — November 2021
Watch these Follow and practice the practices given for 13 – 16.

Devi Satsang RAM — October 2021
Follow and practice the practices given for 11 and 12.

Devi Satsang RAM — September 2021
Follow and practice the practices given 7-10.

Devi Satsang RAM — August 2021
Follow the 6 practices given.

Devi Satsang RAM — July 2021
Implement the realistic change that you can make in your life right now.

Devi Satsang RAM — June 2021
Join the Yoga challenge.

Devi Satsang RAM — May 2021
Condense 40 verses from Devi Chalisa to Char – 4 verses that will become your compass.

Devi Satsang RAM — April 2021
Write a poem every day.

Devi Satsang RAM — March 2021
To not use the phrase “You should…”!

Devi Satsang RAM — February 2021
Not allowed to speak/type any negativity.

Devi Satsang RAM — January 2021
Everyday speak to the sky!

Devi Satsang RAM — December 2020
Continue to invest in memorizing Devi Chalisa. Make your own RAM — take a sankalpa on what you will do to make your 2021 awesome. Share.

Devi Satsang RAM — November 2020
Memorize Devi Chalisa. 2 verses a day and in 20 days we’ll be able to memorize the Chalisa!.

Devi Satsang RAM — October 2020
Our CommUnity is aspiring to raise $20,000 for women’s shelters that are devoted to providing safe refuge and programs to enable women and children to break free from violence by November 14th, 2020. We can help rewrite the current narrative, and Elevate HERstory! Together, let us support a world that loves women. Join us: https://medium.com/vicharagurukula/gratitude-through-giving-supporting-womens-empowerment-eac958f24790

Devi Satsang RAM — September 2020
Save $5 a day intentionally ! 21 days — $5 each day — $105.

Devi Satsang RAM — August 2020
Watch these recordings on Human to Hanuman: t.ly/ABLA

Devi Satsang RAM — July 2020
Every time you escape (i am frustrated i am going to watch netflix) — do your prayaschitta Karma. Write out (on paper) the 1st verse of Devi Chalisa 11 times for every time you escape!