The Spanda Retreat
April 7-11, 2010

On the first night of the retreat, Swamiji humorously told us that Spanda did not mean Spandex but was a Sanskrit term. He described it as ‘a synonym for Shakti, for spiritual energy. It is the vibrational power of the absolute. It is the vibration of love.’ Swamiji said, ‘the goal of our practise is to get in touch with Spanda.’

Everything on the four days of the Retreat was designed to awaken our awareness of the Spanda energy. As well as Swamiji’s nightly Satsangs, the ‘retreatants’ and ashramites (ashram residents) chanted, worked in the ashram gardens, cooked in the kitchen and did Yoga classes.

There was a pause for the midday program, where Devi Ma taught Self Inquiry and the typology of Solids, Peculiars and Vitals. By lunchtime the ashram was filled with discussions along the lines of, ‘do you think I’m a solid?’ or ‘that’s a very vital action.’ This typology is often used by Swamiji and Devi to humorously highlight our individual inclinations.

In her ‘how to meditate’ afternoon sessions, Swami Girijananda gave teachings from the Vijnana Bhairava – an ancient Shaivite text which provides practical techniques and contemplations for finding the Spanda principle in our everyday experiences, such as when we sneeze, or enjoy the bliss of music. She said that the message of Vijnana Bhairava was that, ‘there is a higher reality embedded in every situation.’

When the evening came Swamiji spoke about spiritual practise from the point of view of Pratyabhijnahrdayam – the Kashmir Shaivite text focussing on self recognition. He would discuss a few sutras each night, relating them to our sadhana. One night, inspired by his teacher, Baba, he asked everyone to speak lovingly to their minds.

On a poignant note, the Saturday night Satsang was the last program held in our marquee, which has hosted hundreds of events for the past ten years. Swamiji said, ‘well, we’re Yogis. We can now practise detachment’. Through hundreds of Satsangs, many weddings, yagnas and pujas, the marquee has served us well. The Intensive was intended to be the last event under canvas, but the cold snap overnight meant we crowded into the Kailas Nivas meditation hall.

The Intensive day was a time to contact our Shiva nature. There were talks by Lilavati, Swami Atmananda and Swamiji, and we saw a video of Baba Muktananda. A highlight was the long meditation sessions. Just like his teacher, Swamiji gave the Shaktipat initiation, the transmission of spiritual energy. Even though there were so many people in the room, once we went into the inner world, it was perfectly spacious. It was an extremely restful and energising day. Before leaving, we all had a final chance to go up and meet Swamiji and Devi Ma.

And then at the day’s end, as Swamiji and Devi Ma left the room to loud applause, Swamiji turned and said, ‘You’re clapping for me, but so many people helped with this retreat. Let’s clap for them.’