UK News & Events

Retreats 2012

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NEWS

Wonderful Winter Bhakti Weekend

The Winter Bhakti Gathering on the weekend of 18 February was a wonderful success, with more than 200 people coming to chant through the night at the beautiful Matara Centre, near Stroud in Gloucestershire. The Kirtan began at 3.15pm and included the traditional Shiva Lingam Puja and went on until 6am, concluding with a sacred fire ceremony. We raised £1,250 for Amma's Charities, which is wonderful. A number of uplifting films were also shown, including the documentary drama of the Life of Amma, River of Love.

Old and New at Sunningdale Retreat

A generous mix of ‘old timers’ and those who met Amma for the first time only a few weeks ago came together for the Sunningdale half-day retreat in December to revive the bliss of Amma’s recent visit to London. One of the highlights of the day for the 35 devotees present was the sharing of experiences around Amma. Some who have been with Amma for many years shared anecdotes of their personal experiences in Amma’s company. Newcomers also spoke of their experience of the atmosphere of Alexandra Palace and their first darshans.

There then followed a healthy discussion about spiritual practices and the various methods given by Amma to help us to strengthen our contact with the divine self within. One thing that came up time and again is the importance of a regular practice, whatever specific technique is being used. We also took part in the customary features of a retreat, including chanting the 108 names at the start and an enthusiastic bhajan session in the evening before enjoying a delicious meal together. As one devotee said, it was "a wonderful opportunity to connect with one another and grow in Amma’s spiritual presence."

Sunningdale Music Weekend Retreat

The weekend of 2nd July heralded our first Indian Classical Music retreat workshop. We were graced with the presence of  Indian classical singer Nirali Kartik, an ardent Amma devotee, who took time out of her busy European tour to share her gift with us and pass on some of her secrets. The retreat was well attended by devotees of varying knowledge and ability. Nirali’s skill as a teacher ensured that all participants were able to follow and deepen their learning and skill regardless of knowledge and ability.

The first day consisted mainly of an introduction to Indian Classical singing, with a focus on the meditative aspects of the practice. Nirali taught us techniques to breathe in a way that connects us with the subtle energy flowing through us and how to feel the energy flowing in the brahma nadi. She taught us how to sing with our mind focussed on the flow of energy and perfection of the notes. We also learned that as the focus is on the flow of energy, with Indian classical singing it is impossible to know what notes the performer will perform beforehand as whatever expresses is the spontaneous expression of the energy.

The second day started at 5am with archana, followed by yoga with a particular emphasis on postures that enhance the vocal ability. After breakfast we continued with music meditation and then swiftly moving on to learning 2 ragas – Raag Bharav (Raag for Lord Shiva) and Raag Kaliyan (Raag for auspiciousness). We practiced the note placements and learned the basics of how to improvise with a raag. A raag is a set of rules (similar to a scale) whereby the relative placement of notes in relation to each other is set out. Unlike a scale, a raag can start at any note. We were also blessed to hear Nirali’s impromptu improvisations which moved some participants to tears.

We concluded the second day joyfully with bhajans led by each participant in the group and fabulous Indian meals were enjoyed by all. Nirali was touched by the sincerity and devotion of our group and promised to come and join us again when she comes back to Europe.