In December, the Second Annual Śaraṇāgati Youth Retreat was successfully held at Govardhan EcoVillage, bringing together 40 young devotees from six countries for a seven-day immersive global bhakti experience.
Organized by Arjuna Sakhā Das and Sudevī Sakhī Devi Dasi, this year’s retreat centered on the lives and teachings of the Ṣaḍ Gosvāmīs, offering participants a deeply reflective and practice-oriented exploration of devotional life. The retreat featured enriching classes and the association of senior ISKCON leaders, including Radhanath Swami, Gaurāṅga Das, and Gaurāṅga Darśana Das.
Each day followed a structured devotional rhythm, beginning with maṅgala ārati and the morning program, followed by japa, recitation of aṣṭakams, personal reflections, and interactive discussions. Evenings were highlighted by deeply moving kīrtanas at Yamunā and Rādhā Kuṇḍa, as well as heartfelt exchanges at Prema Sarovara.
Participants also engaged in hands-on devotional service, including a Deity Dressing workshop led by Shivanand Shyam Das, collecting flowers from the EcoVillage gardens, preparing garlands for the Deities, and assisting in temple services. These activities complemented the philosophical teachings by grounding participants in practical expressions of devotion.
Read more: https://iskconnews.org/youth-from-six-countries-join-saranagati-retreat-at-govardhan-ecovillage/
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