Monday, 25 September 2017

Saturday, September 23rd, 2017

Moundsville, West Virginia

So Much So Little

It was my first time attending a retreat of the Bhaktivedanta Medical Association (BMA) held this year at the location of the New Vrndavana country ashram.  When I was invited as a special guest, I was flattered.  I have no medical background and, thus, what qualifies me, really, for being at such an event?

In a certain amount of words, organizer Prasanatma from Omaha, expressed that leading a kirtan, giving a class from the Bhagavatam and participating in the discussions offers a healing dynamic.  He was just a gentleman for saying so.

What was discussed?  A number of relevant topics came up such as how to balance work, family and community with one’s spiritual sadhana (practices) and not “burn out,” which is a common theme nowadays at major world conferences.  “This is a reality,” expressed Prasanatma.  Surprising?  Or maybe not?  People are sick in greater numbers, more than can be imagined, and doctors as well as nurses are few.  Medical people are in super-high demand.  It puts a strain on them.

The attendees who came from places like Chicago, Detroit, Tulsa, New York, Columbus, Miami—I’m sure I'm missing a few—were just wonderful folks, very mature and brahminical.

The venue was the new yoga structure located by the lake where you have situated these towering figures of Chaitanya and Nityananda.  Yes, here we are in the gorgeous hills of West Virginia.  I and the boys were given Cabin #7 by that placid lake.  This atmosphere, and the fact that we didn’t drive for two days, truly gave us the rest we needed.  Too bad, but I got so little walking in.

May the Source be with you!

0 miles

No comments: