Lake Texoma Retreat . . . . . Ahhhh

This past weekend, Brahmacharis Jason and Rich came from California to conduct a retreat for local devotees.  We enjoyed long meditations, guided meditations, kirtans (devotional chanting) and plenty of free time to explore the grounds around Lake Texoma.

One of Brahmachari Jason's meditation tips that he was given as a young postulant before his first all-day Christmas meditation was to go into it with an attitude of giving.  Giving to God and the Gurus and also giving to his fellow meditators.

Since over 50 of us attended, the local devotees arranged a tent for our meetings next to the private residence.  We had our meals, which consisted of fabulously healthy main dishes and fabulously decadent desserts, in the house. 

After our Saturday morning three-hour guided meditation this yogi was ready for the rich desserts.

Some of the interior woodwork.

We had plenty of free time to explore the grounds and the beach.

I even tried my hand at landscape sketching.

Delightful statues greeted us everywhere.

An unexpected hail storm Saturday night collapsed the tent so we met inside the 

house on Sunday.

Our closing event was a video satsanga (fellowship) with Sri Daya Mata.  Some of the things she mentioned was that our direct relationship with God is our own responsibility.  Meditation is the difference between self-realization and merely reading the scriptures.

This world is a dream.  Learn from your lessons but don't hang on to them.  Strive above all to be cheerful.  Master said that no one can make you unhappy if you want to be happy and no one can make you happy if you want to be unhappy.  He used to tell devotees, "when I don't like this world I enter into that temple within."

Ma said that if we remember only two thoughts from listening her they would be:

1. Meditate and love God.

2. Be positive.

Ask each day,  "what good can I do?"