For the very first time a week long Sadhana Shibir was organised in Banara, JK University this week. Sadhana Shibir also known as Spiritual Retreat is a especially organised program for devotees. It goes without saying that all Sadhana Shibirs are blissful with the grace of God and Guru. Every moment spent in the Sadhana Shibir is precious.

For the ones who could not participate, we thought it would be worthwhile to share some of our most wonderful memories from Sadhana Shibir that just concluded at Banara. The reader is requested to take delight in these memories (not ordered chronologically) and pray to God to bestow many more such opportunities:

1. Parikrama around JKU Campus

Parkiramas are an indispensable part of JKYog Spiritual Retreats. Swamiji leads the large of group of devotees who loudly chant the names of Hari and Guru, and follow in the circumambulation. This time, the parikrama took place around the JKU Campus spread over a hundred acres and bordered by dense forests on one end. The entire campus was resonating with the chanting of ‘Radhey Radhey’,as Swamiji led the devotees. The sunset in the far horizon and serenity of Banara, all made the heart melt.

2. Memorable Moments of Shri Maharajji

As a part of the daily schedule in the Shibir, memories of Shree Maharajji’s leelas were played every day. Archive videos of Shree Maharajji were screened so that devotees could remember the charming leelas of Maharajji. Throughout the session, devotees would sit with eyes glued to the screen. Every little action of Maharajji evoked joyful responses in the audience – such is the glory of our beloved Gurudev.

3. Dawat in Shri Maharajji’s Room

Shri Maharajji had visited Banara in the year 2012. Back then, a special building was created for him where he resided for 8 days. Today, Shree Maharajji’s room is a treasured place and houses the temple in the entrance. On the occasion of Jagadguruttam Diwas, a special Dawat was organised in the building and elaborate bhog was offered to Shri Maharajji.

4. Maha Aarti for Shri Maharajji

Maha aarti was also performed as a part of Jagadguruttam Diwas celebrations. More than a thousand people performed the aarti for Shri Maharajji at the same time. Sadhana Hall was lit up with hundreds of diyas and divine vibrations of Jagadguru Arti. (Watch Arti of Jagadguru – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fql0RCRyFO0 )

5. Joyous Kirtan Sessions

This was a really energetic and fun filled part of the daily sadhana. As the singers sang nam sankirtan and musicians played the tabla and manjiras will full energy, the audience danced with even more fervour. In the ecstasy of sankirtan, everyone seemed to forget the world. Swamiji would sometimes lead the sankirtan from the stage and at times would be found in the audience, encircled by devotees.

6. Swamiji’s Lecture on Bhakti Shatak

This time Swamiji delivered lectures on Bhakti Shatak – a compilation of 100 couplets by Jagadguru Shri Kripaluji Maharaj. Every morning and evening, Swamiji would deliver lectures on select couplets. Through these lectures, Swamiji covered many important points related to bhakti and sadhana. The knowledge shared by Swamiji, left everyone inspired to progress on the spiritual path.

For details of upcoming retreats and programs, visit: www.jkyog.org/events