A Retreat Hosted by Chinmaya Mission Boston

By CHYSK Boston 

From August 29- September 1, Chinmaya Yuva Kendra’s (CHYK) and Chinmaya Setukari’s (CSK) gathered for a retreat hosted by Chinmaya Mission Boston. Nearly 35 seekers communed, traveling locally and from across the country to spend the weekend at Chinmaya Maruti located in Andover, MA. With loving guidance from Vivekji and Sumanji, the retreat included daily satsang, discussions, dynamics, and quiet reflection time. Further opportunities to integrate mind, body, and spirit included a beach clean-up, sports, intentional seva throughout the ashram, and quiet reflection time both during the daytime and during a stargazing activity. 

The retreat’s theme “Life is Grace” focused on understanding and building acceptance to life’s circumstances. Our Retreat Guides shared during satsang about 10 factors intended to build association, thought, and therefore development. These factors are Aagama, Aapa, Praja, Desha, Kala, Karma, Janma, Dhyana, Mantra, and Samskara. Beyond illuminating satsang and fruitful dialogue, Seekers also had the opportunity to serve Mother Earth and picked up 1598 pieces of trash off of a public beach. The impact of removing 47.3 lbs of trash from the beach went beyond numbers as a young girl vising the beach with her family was inspired by Seekers and collected trash herself to help Mother Earth also. It was real life embodiment of how association and thought can help oneself and others develop. 

Seekers shared sentiments of feeling integrated, connected, and part of the shared commUnity at the formal retreat closing. Seekers reflected that outward actions such as journaling in a park or a beach cleanup are daily activities yet now, they were able to see the divinity in those same actions. Deep gratitude to Vivekji, Sumanji, Chinmaya Boston Sevaks, and all Seekers for the priceless learnings, wisdom, and for enabling this reflective experience for all.