After four years HH Giriraj Swami visited South Africa. He has been doing several programs and attended the annual Ratha Yatra at Lenasia, Johannessburg. From the 11th to the 15th December he had a Japa retreat with about 140 devotees. Together with Her Grace Mother Arcana Siddhi an extremely well appreciated workshop was expertly facilitated.
His Holiness Bhakti Caitanya Swami was also in attendance. The atmosphere was very surcharged with spiritual energy as every one gathered to chant at 4.30am. The setting was the tranquil atmosphere of the Drakensburg Mountains. The focus want to chant attentively and to hear each mantra. Each name is actually a personality that can reciprocate with the sincere chanter.
One day was set aside to chant 64 rounds. All the devotees participated in all seriousness. Some chanted much more. The attendees proclaimed the experience to be life altering. Hearts were pierced and minds were spinning. One devotee remarked that his chanting for many years was synonymous to calling numbers but at the retreat he learnt to chant with his heart as well as hear every name audibly.
To chant with a mood of a receiver rather than an achiever was the prerogative. Quelling the turbulent mind and engaging it peacfully was also discussed. The beauty of the Japa Retreat was that we did not have to hear anything but japa.
Many preachers that attended the Japa Retreat developed determination to put all the tools into serious practice and to repeat the experience in various places. Indeed personal japa cannot be the same after attending this retreat.
Mother Arcana Siddhi, who also facilitated the workshops was an embodiment of love, compassion and deep friendship to all. During her breaks she spent much time speaking to devotees. Whatever she taught was present in the character of her husband His Grace Karanamrta Prabhu. Just to be in the presence of such serious chanters, such special facilitators was indeed a benediction that really touched the heart. We are all very eager to do the next level workshop together and to progress eternally together, to please Srila Prabhupada and to thus advance spiritually together forever.Each evening culminated in meditative bhajan and kirtan with His Grace Madhava Prabhu.Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare HareHare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare
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