Dandavat Pranamas to all our respected readers.
By the mercy of Sri Sri Guru and Gauranga, in Murwillumbah, Australia, we have just completed our first Japa Retreat at the Sri Girraja Gaudiya Matha.
This was a mini retreat, 4 full days in all. It was attended by 12 devotees and extra visitors came for our morning programs. We spent much time studying Srila Bhaktivinodes Thakuras “Bhajana Rahasya”, covering many essential points of philosophy and Krsna’s sweet Vrndavana pastimes.
I am seeing, that after doing these retreats in different places, that the power of concentrated japa, full temple program including bhajans and artis, and providing a space to share our realizations, is so empowering and beneficial for the devotees.
In many cases the devotees attending have never really experienced a regulated temple life before, or haven’t experienced one for many years. The retreats are offering a sample of this. Of course it’s artificial in the sense that normally people have their various means of livelihood to attend to, and for the duration of the retreat all that is put on hold. Nevertheless, by experiencing a taste of the sweetness of this simple temple atmosphere, even for a few days, where our connection to the holy name is emphasized and made prominent. Where respectful dealings are encouraged and minimal useless chatter discouraged, then a powerful sanscara or impression, is formed in the heart. An ideal life to aspire for. A goal to work towards. Surely without a clear impression of what we want to achieve in this brief life and how to effect that goal, then how can we proceed at a respectable, reasonable pace?
I’m convinced, time and again, by the devotees positive comments on the retreats, that creating this space for Sri Nama to flourish, a very powerful, nourishing, and life long impressions come in the heart. This is our goal, to become more attracted to this process of chanting and remembering the Lords Holy Names and pastimes than striving to fulfil our various material desires and ambitions. When we leave this world our practice of this chanting will be sufficient to carry us to a much higher birth and beyond.
The retreat here in the splendid, natural environment beneath Mount Warning, in the ancient volcanic valley around Murwillumbah, on Mathuranath prabhus, Sri Girraja Gaudiya Matha property, has been a total, wonderful success. The devotees who attended were so well looked after by Chandrakala Didi and Jaganatha Suta prabhu, and we lacked for nothing at all. The speciality of living deep within the folds of mother nature, being able to swim daily in the clean river and walk amongst the untouched forest, was indeed a refreshing support for our connection with the Lords Holy names. It was all quite magical.
Thank you all who attended and participated and in particular we thank our kind hosts Mathuranath prabhu and his good wife Chandrakala didi and our kind brother Jaganatha Suta prabhu, for all your rich and generous services to the devotees. It has been deeply appreciated.
With gratitude and hopes for many more retreats here.
BV Tridandi Swami.
Appreciations.
Devotees comments.
I found the Japa Retreat very rewarding. It was wonderful to have unlimited time to chant without responsibilities of everyday life. It definitely took me deeper into the process of bhajan and gave me so much more knowledge and courage to build my devotional practices on. The mood was so nice; loving and supportive- it felt like a lovely dream. It made me realize how deep and wonderful it is to be able to practice japa constantly and be able to go unlimitedly deeper. And I realize fully that this is all by the mercy of Srila Gurudeva.
Thank you Maharaja.
Anuradha Dasi
Very stimulating, uplifting and enlivening.
Highly recommended!!
Hare Krsna
Mathuranatha Dasa
I am very inspired by this japa retreat. I regained my confidence to chant more than I ever thought I would.
Wonderful!
Thank you.
Nirmala Devi Dasi (Brisbane)
Inspiring, challenging, educational, gentle, peaceful and sweet!
Chaitanya Mahaprabhu Ki Jaya !!
Hari Nama Prabhu Ki Jaya !!
Srila Gurudeva Ki Jaya !!
Sadhu Sanga Ki Jaya !!
Jaganatha Suta dasa
I have felt a deeper feeling and appreciation of Krsna’s love for Radha and Radha’s love for Krsna.
Jaya Sri Nama
Ghadadhara dasa
This retreat is a wonderful way to re-orient oneself with the subtleties and efficacy of the process of chanting Hare Krsna.
It was a potent and immensely rewarding experience. Well run and absorbing.
Tridandi Maharaja’s efforts are very much appreciated and helpful.
Four and a half stars!!
Chaitany Chandra dasa
It opened the portholes of my hardened heart so that I could contact the sweetness of my essence in service to the Lord.
Thanks.
Rsi dasa
Thank you Mahraja for the japa retreat. It has encouraged and strengthened me to go deeply into Sri Hari nama.
Acintya Gaura Dasa (Brisbane)
This japa retreat has been purifying and uplifting.
Thank you so much.
Chandrakala Dasi
I am so very grateful to Sripad Tridandi Maharaja for his japa retreat program.
His classes were full of wonderful realisations and by praying sincerely to Srila Gurudeva and Sri Nama, I began to get a taste for chanting the Lords holy names.
I also felt great friendship and want to thank everyone involved.
Hare Krsna
Subal Sakha dasa
This has been a great opportunity to connect with Sri Harinama, Srila Gurudeva and the teachings of our acaryas.
Thank you many times.
Hare Krsna
Sundhara Gopal Dasa (Brisbane)
