Spiritual Retreat.

We've just had a festive few days with our guest Jiva-doya das from Bhaktivedanta Manor, in England. Jiva-doya is a teacher at the Manor, teaching courses in Bhagavad-Gita and taking charge of the new bhaktas in the temple there - a sort of novice master. We have really enjoyed his classes and kirtans.

I can't remember where J-D is originally from - Croatia, I think, or maybe Czech. Shame on me for forgetting!

On Sunday, Jiva-doya led a spiritual retreat at the temple, for our extended community. That was an especially nice day.

We gathered at 7.15 a.m. in the temple-room for kirtan, after which Jiva-doya began with a class on the theme of the retreat "Living Vaishnava Culture". Beginning with his definition of 'culture' as; 'an appropriate and supportive environment for transformation', he led us to discuss how to create such an environment for the transformation of our selves in love of Krishna.

In the following classes, we discussed the importance of shravanam - hearing and reading about topics connected with Krishna and examined the obstacles we experience in attempting this. Kirtanam - chanting the sacred names of Krishna, naturally followed on, as the most important ingredient for cultivating the heart.

As well as being a boost for the spiritual "batteries", it was good just being together all day, with the other retreat members. It brought us closer together; deepened our friendship and helped us appreciate each other more as devotees. In a community, it's easy to get annoyed with each other and notice the glaring faults of our fellows, but here in the retreat, it was clear to see the sincerity of each devotee and their true motivation of wanting to please Krishna.

By the time the Sunday Feast guests had all assembled, the temple was overflowing; it was a tight squeeze for the final tumultuous kirtan, but we danced anyway!

Jiva-doya was an excellent retreat-leader; well-prepared and personable, he brought out many interesting and thoughtful points from our workshops and was concerned to help each of is in our spiritual development. Many thanks JD!