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April 2nd - 7th 2008 Retreat: G Statements
During Satsang, Swamiji said that the theme of the retreat was, ‘to lift your mind to the Divine.’ The ‘G Statements’ Retreat provided many opportunities to contemplate the inner world.
‘G Statements’ are the uplifting statements of the wisdom traditions. They are examples of inspired language. In his nightly Satsang talks, Swamiji urged us to, ‘take G Statements on. Don’t argue with them – use them in your meditation.’
He gave us a selection of G Statements to contemplate:
Everything is Consciousness
Everything is going according to Shiva’s plan
The Universe is drenched in love
There is no problem
Shiva is my most intimate and inner reality
The mornings began with chanting and meditation in the mornings. The afternoons were focused around a chanting workshop and then a Hatha Yoga class.
Swamiji and Devi Ma ran self inquiry sessions at midday. On Friday, Swamiji led us through a ‘healing puja’ – or healing ritual, which was simple yet nourishing to the body and soul.
That evening, after Satsang, we held a ‘Dancing Sapta’ or dancing chant.
During the Intensive, Swamiji remembered his parents: it was ten years since his father passed away. ‘Baba loved my parents and called them ‘Mata Pita – which means ‘mother father in Hindi.’ Additionally it was Swami Premananda’s (Premji’s) birthday.
That aside, it was a day to focus on the impersonal; the truth within. Utpal gave an stirring introductory talk, which inspired us all to value the Intensive, to value our spiritual practise. At one stage Swamiji said, ‘The best way to solve problems is to go to the place where there are no problems.’ We were all refreshed by spending time in the company of G Statements.
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