MCKS Arhatic Yoga® Ashram Weekend 2011
A SOULFUL JOURNEY
Set amidst the alluring bountiful mountains across the Mulshi Lake in Pune, is Grand Master Choa Kok Sui's blessing to every soul – The GMCKS Arhatic Yoga Ashram. The ashram is impeccably designed across sixty acres of breathtaking scenic panorama. It is surrounded by mountains and gorges with intervening valleys and waterfalls. The ashram is mantled with bliss and completely secluded from the worldly caterwauling. It is a refuge for all souls looking for a deeper meaning to life and resurrection.
A weekend trip to ashram, organized by YVPHFK turned out to be the most fascinating and stimulating journeys of our life. The trip was well coordinated and drafted out by the volunteers of the Foundation. We left Bangalore on Thursday evening and wheeled our way out of the busy lamorous streets of the city. Slowly and softly, we zoomed out of our mundane lives and entered the most magical and intoxicating travels. Soon photography skills were on display. Some demonstrated their vocal chord abilities in Antakshari and others exhibited their dance movements. One would ponder as to what made this trip extraordinary?
Was it the beautiful Ashram?
The spectacular mountains?
The well-crafted geography?
Yes, However it was the company of 80 odd people from all over Karnataka that added the candied flavor of togetherness and warmth. Gradually, as we proceeded through the weekend 80 unknown faces integrated into a single big family.
The Karnataka stay at the ashram started with the walk to the lake which was located 2.5 km from the Ashram, with the intention of doing Twin Hearts Meditation in the lake. The very idea of meditating in a lake was so adventurous that we did not mind the long walk. The way to the lake was strewn with fresh blooming green trees. We danced and sang our way to the lake. We returned to the ashram and headed to the meditation hall. The meditation hall, designed by Grandmaster, has a huge golden pyramid on the top. It is designed in such a way that a meditator harnesses best results in the meditation.
The next day started with Hatha Yoga at 7:00 o'clock A.M with Jeyalakshmi Mahendrajan at the amphitheater. As the early morning cool and gentle breeze wafted across our faces, we performed different poses of Suryanamaskar and other Yogasanas, under the open blue sky which was a rejuvenating experience. After that we had a walk to the view point to look at the splendid beauty of the valley from the “Sunset Point” (as it is called). Some clairvoyants could see Beings and Angels of the mountains. After this we headed for breakfast. The ashram food was yummy, healthy and heavenly at the same time. We re-grouped at the Meditation Hall to do Meditation on Twins Hearts which was followed by the Meditation on Soul. Our experiences during the meditation were seasoned with bliss and euphoria. We analyzed and exchanged our varicolored assorted experiences.
4:00 o'clock in the evening we assembled again. This time the plan was to walk to the Sunset Point (outside the ashram). It was a 30 min walk through a wide stretch of golden grass. The demeanor of the field had a strong resemblance to a lion's mane. We sang and danced our way to the sunset point across what looked like walking over a lion’s furry body. It was not until we had reached our destination that we realized that we were on a gigantic lofty mountain which was overlooking a lake and mountains on the other side. Slowly as Grandmaster guided us through the Meditation on Living Water we drifted into a whole new dimension. The experience was unique and unparalleled. Meditation at the edge of a lofty mountain, 4954 feet above sea level and with the gleam of the setting sun touching our faces, was not only transcendental but also adventurous. As the meditation concluded and the golden sun turned bright orange. Here again the clairvoyants were able to see many more Angels & Beings(lucky them), as for others we enjoyed the scenic beauty of the setting sun in the deep distance with the myriad colors of the sunset splashed across the evening sky. It was a truly wonderful sight. The photographers, clicked away to capture Nature at its splendid best.
We then congregated back at the Meditation Hall. Now it was time for fun. The group was divided into various teams and we played Tug- of – War where the participants showed their skill and strength as a “Team”. Then it was Music time, when the serene atmosphere near the Meditation Hall was converted to a Party Floor for a short while with various songs of the latest Bollywood... oh and of course the famous “Kolaveri” song being played with the participants performing all the dance moves that they could think of dropping their inhibitions and hesitations. After the dance we headed to the Canadian Garden for Star Gazing. Star gazing was the most charming and fanciful event of the day. The sky was filled with twinkling stars. We lay down under the sparkling sky with warm blankets. So were we relaxing? No! We were absolutely alert and waiting for shooting stars with undivided attention. Suddenly the stillness and silence would be broken by the group who would have spotted a shooting star. Some say that if you wish for something on spotting a shooting star, it comes true.
Next morning we assembled and 80 people sat together under the Golden Pyramid in the Malaysian Meditation Hall(as its called) and did 108 Sharanagathi. Sharanagathi is a technique to develop devotion to the Supreme God and Reverence to the Guru, by removing most of the inner resistances and becoming a better Divine channel. We had queer, at the same time significant experiences. The session continued with a study on Golden Lotus Sutra, Beyond the Mind where Jeyalakshmi threw some light on some of the Sutras that gave a deeper understanding of them.
Soon it was time to return to Bangalore. As we sat on the rocks of the view point, romancing with the bountiful mountains, embracing and capturing every fleeting moment in our hearts, watching the pulsating sky and breathing in with each and every ounce of our being, we realized that this transit to a magical world was coming to an end. In the tranquility and solitude of the ashram we pondered over any aspects of our life. Some questions were answered and some unanswered. However there was one question which was common among the members of the group. And that was “When is the next Karnataka Weekend Trip to the Ashram?”
At the Ashram:
“Existence of GOD is self-evident, Soul searching is on the menu.
Life transforms on karmic payment, With the awakening of the beautiful serpent,
Change of perception towards every virtue, As one's life force renews,
It ceases the inner Kung-Fu..”
- Login to post comments