by Sapna Rao

From August 21 – 23, Chinmaya Yuva Kendra (CHYK) and Chinmaya Setukaris (CSK) gathered for a virtual Retreat, hosted by Chinmaya Mission Boston. Guided by Vivekji and greater Boston’s resident teacher, Shashikalaji, the weekend consisted of daily discourses, guided walks and meditations, and several opportunities to engage in reflection, art, movement and self-care. Over 75 participants communed together, across a wide age range; the youngest at 19 and eldest at 60 years. The virtual format made the retreat particularly accessible, with participants tuning in from 5 countries!

The Retreat’s theme, “Paving the Way: Our journey from values to Virtues” focused on moving from intellectual understanding of values, to internalization and integration of these into one’s life. Prior to the retreat, each participant was given one virtue on which to focus their reflections throughout the weekend. Participants connected with others given the same virtue via an online Forum, sharing their thoughts and engaging in virtual dialogue. Vivekji and Shashikalaji guided participants through a rich set of Texts and materials; teachings from Chapter 17 of the Bhagavad Gita, verses from Tao te Ching, excerpts from the Peace Pilgrim, Native American prayers and their own life experiences from practicing medicine, gardening and parenting.

Several participants shared sentiments of feeling connected and part of the shared community despite the physical distance. Notably, tuning into the Retreat from home encouraged a Realness to the integration of virtues into one’s life; learning and reflecting in one’s own space naturally lends to action in the same. Deep gratitude to the Retreat Guides, Vivekji and Shashikalaji, for the priceless learnings and experience.