On Saturday, the 15^th of January, 2005 the Vrindavana Preservation Society presented a day-long Yoga retreat at the Clifford Marshall School in Quincy. The free event, a glorious success surpassed all expectations. It was energizing, entertaining and educational.

Yoga is one of the greatest gifts India has given to world. There are infinite paths to enlightenment and Yoga encompasses many of them. This event gave the participants a panoramic view of several of these paths.

After vibrant compeer Jyothi Setty began proceedings, Ajay Gupta, Celia Markey and Siddanta Dasa let the participants through the entire morning session with Yogic warm-ups, Asanas from  Hatha Yoga and Pranayama. Hatha Yoga is the most well known branch oh yoga that covers stretches and strength exercises.  Pranayama is a unique part of yoga that teaches deep breathing that promotes mental, physical and spiritual harmony. All three of the teachers , Ajay, Celia and Siddanta  have been Yoga practitioners for more than a decade.

Following this morning session was a ‘silent’ lunch session where all participants were instructed to enjoy their meal by paying ‘conscious attention’ to the process of mastication. The lunch exclusively contained vegetable salads, sprouts and nuts One of the participants remarked on how little thought she had given her lunch and how she had always taken it for granted. This session, she said helped open her eyes.

After lunch, Siddanta Dasa conducted a workshop on Asrang Yoga. This aspect of Yoga deals with the eight-fold path and goes to the core of material existence and raises questions about the body, mind and soul. The participants were divided into groups and discussed concepts like Ahimsa, Truth, Non-pocessiveness and what these terms meant to each of them. Until this session the children enjoyed a parallel session comprising of games and  Hatha Yoga.

It was then time for the fun part of the program. The power of laughter to boost the immune system, lower blood pressure and relieve stress and depression is well known. Dr Madan Kataria a physician from India pioneered the technique of Hasta(laughter) yoga. Thomas Varkey an expert on this therapy conducted a laughter workshop aided by two able assistants in this segment of the day. Adults and children surrounded the trio. Using neither jokes nor humor of any type the instructors had the participants laughing uncontrollably for half an hour with a series of simulated laughter techniques. The whole room thundered with the sound of children and adult laughter. For more information, visit www.laughterforlife.org

Refreshed and rejuvenated by this session, the participants then enjoyed a light snack of fruits with hot milk. Jill Jardin an expert on Counseling Psychology and Astrology then gave an enlightening talk on how planets control our lives and affect events that happen on Earth. She also epitomized the use of gemstones to change our destinies.

In the final session, Keshav Shukla presented a talk on Bhakti Yoga and how one could develop a loving relationship of God, regardless of the religion one belonged to. Then as he, Daru Krishna and Celia Markey sang devotional Bhajans, the audience, both children and adults danced to the music. It was a long day but the high spirits, love and devotion in the air was contagious. ‘I could feel the energy in the air’ said Preeti Nath, one of the participants. Almost everyone was rejuvenated by the activities of the day.

Gracie, one of the children was upset that the event was coming to an end. Jill Jardin gave the event 5 stars. Virginia Peck, another participant said that she had learnt how to bring more joy into her life. Participant Ajay Singh promised to practice all he had learnt that day.

Thanks to devoted volunteers, instructors and participants, this program was a glorious success. Two individuals who deserve special mention are Ajay Gupta and Jyoti Setty. Both wore several hats, conducting parts of the program, coordinating activities and ensured the smooth flow of events. Jyoti was ably assisted by her husband Uday.

At the end of the program, all present held a minute of silence for all the unfortunate victims and their families who were affected by the Tsunami. Some members of VPS will visit the affected areas near Chennai, India early next month. For more information on VPS and VPS activities and events, please visit www.vps-international.org

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