Biggest Ever West Coast Retreat 2023 - 500 Global Attendees Soak in Divine Bliss
A record 500 people worldwide relished the showers of grace and bliss at the JKYog West Coast Retreat 2023. The corridors and halls of the Wyndham Garden Hotel in Fresno, CA, were packed with over 250 JKYog Retreat attendees, who flew in from various parts of the USA to attend the first in person retreat of the year in the divine presence of Swami Mukundananda. Over 300 online attendees from various parts of the world also joined. People had tears in their eyes as they described their first time experience of meeting and interacting with Swamiji - they could not get enough of his playfulness, and humble, loving guidance.
Lectures on Chapter 8 Bhagavad Gita - Akshar Brahma Yog
Several devotees found their inner questions answered by way of Swamiji’s insightful and deeply touching lectures on Chapter 8 of the Bhagavad Gita - Akshar Brahma Yog, dealing with death, the path of light and darkness, the Vedic concept of time, cycles of creation and many basic existential topics.
Nectarine Kirtans
The atmosphere was charged heavily with devotional jubilance through nectarine kirtans, and was indescribable in words. Devotees experienced various inner emotions of humility, surrender, service, gratitude, love for God and relished the pastimes of God as described in Jagadguruttam Shri Kripaluji Maharaj's kirtans.
Time stopped in the divine company of Swamiji as people experienced inexplicable spiritual emotions, watching him dance with complete abandon in transcendental joy during the ecstatic Haribol on the second day and cheering him on.
Attendees ran around the room, dancing in circles and performing Bhangra to the thundering sounds of a Punjabi Dhol, deftly manipulated in spurts to generate Gujarati Dandiya sounds. The expert cadence of drum beats and the devotion of the singers, amplified the devotional jubilance in the room.
Watch glimpses here
Divine Ram Navami Celebrations with Swami Mukundananda
Ram Navami celebrations transported devotees to Ayodhya during the Treta Yug. Beseeching the Lord to appear in their midst they danced with the deepest emotions of devotion. King Dashrath and Queen Kaushalya lovingly brought in Baby Ram as the Ayodhyavasis danced to the ecstatic beats of the dhol, and clashing of cymbals. Chants of Siyavar Ramchandra ki Jai, Jai Siya Ram, Jai Hanuman reverberated across the huge hall. Swamiji lovingly placed Lord Ram in a beautifully decorated cradle with His bow, and cut the birthday cake. Devotees performed Aarti along with Swamiji and candy was distributed. Children and adults leapt up to grab candy from Swamiji.
The celebration ended with a powerful glorification of Lord Mahadev, one of the greatest devotees of Lord Ram. Devotees swung Baby Ram with great affection and enjoyed cake.
It was an exhilarating and exuberant experience for all, especially hundreds of first time attendees who had never witnessed such a mesmerizing divine celebration in the presence of a saint. Watch blissful glimpses here.
Exhilarating Parikrama, and Intimate Mehfil
Attendees relished Swamiji’s jubilant dancing and mesmerizing exuberance during the Parikrama.
Many devotees presented Bhajans and popular songs expressing their devotional sentiments for God and Guru during the intimate Mehfil with Swamiji in a casual setting. A little girl said,"Swamiji, you are like a star"; and then proceeded to sing "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star" for him in the most adorable manner!
As the sounds of Radhey Govind chants and drum beats filled the air at the Japanese Garden in Fresno, devotees danced and ran with Swamiji, in the blissful park environs. Swamiji showed his sprightly and nimble side, jumping on top of various rocks, dancing vigorously and racing devotees. People experienced inexplicable spiritual joy in the divine company of Swamiji and forgot their cares.
Even a peacock showed up gracefully spreading its gorgeous blue and green plumage and dancing! Later there was a Mehfil - where attendees expressed their devotional sentiments for God and Guru through various bhajans and songs. Swamiji laughed and joked with attendees displaying lovable antics.
The Parikrama was one of the most cherished memories of the retreat for attendees. It felt as if they had been pulled into a different world far away from this planet.
Uplifting Yoga and Meditation Sessions
Morning Yoga sessions were highly beneficial for retreat attendees who received a full body reset with the JKYog Radhey Krishna style of Yoga and Pranayama (incorporating chanting of the holy name in the various poses and breathing exercises for divine benefits).
Those who were lucky enough to participate in the deeply relaxing subtle body relaxation guided by Swamiji experienced transcendental bliss during the morning Yoga sessions - Swamiji described blissful pastimes of Lord Ram and Lord Krishna. People felt as if they had become a part of the Maharaas Leela of Shri Radha Krishna by the grace of God and Guru.
Laughter yoga had all the participants raising their hands in merriment!
Bal Mukund and Youth Club
Children and youth were highly engaged in the Bal Mukund and Youth Club character building programs, while parents relished the Sadhana program leaving aside all their worries in the hands of the divine.
May 29 Global Launch of Latest Book - The Art and Science of Happiness
Swamiji’s latest book was also launched on May 29th officially - pre-orders for The Art and Science of Happiness opened globally. People promptly pulled out their phones and placed their orders to receive a digitally signed copy, and a special discount.
The West Coast 2023 Retreat with Swami Mukundananda, was one of the best JKYog weekend retreats in a decade. If you want to experience an ever more highly amplified version of this retreat, make sure to attend the weeklong Family Camp from July 3-10 at JKYog US Headquarters, the Radha Krishna Temple of Dallas - Spend Guru Purnima in the divine company of Swamiji, experience the transcendental bliss of Ratha Yatra, and lectures on the Bhakti Shatak. It is the best spiritual vacation for the whole family. Register here
