2016 Parenting retreat at Chinmaya Mission Chicago Yamunotri center was a first of its
kind. The camp was help Friday February 12th through Sunday February 14th.
It was facilitated and led by Acharya Vivekji Gupta from Niagara Center in Canada and
Acharya Visaliniji from Washington DC center.
The retreat focused on parenting with happiness. Utilizing the vedantic principles,
family interactions were explored. There was one goal – how to feel and spread
unconditional joy. Parents were in a separate retreat while the children were also
exploring various activities and programs.
Vivekji and Vilasiniji both took turns with the following format:
1. Discourse – given by the Acharyas
2. Workshop – practical sadhanas
3. Reflection – by families and the acharyas
Each day, the children were also invited to participate in the family discussions.
Saturday afternoon children also asked questions about parents and family
intereactions. This section was particularly helpful because the children were extremely
open in asking their question about their parents and understanding their role in the
family.
Acharya Vivekji guided the parents through ashta (eight) siddhi. Sitaji, moved by
Hanumanji’s sacrifice and service, feels overwhelmed with gratitude and blesses
Hanumanji with the ashta (eight) siddhi (phenomenal powers) – being able to
manipulate one’s body for battle is super, being able to manipulate one’s mind for
family is sadhana.
Acharya Vilasiniji guided the parents in raising a family with spirituality. There were four
areas of sadhana for parents – Helping children/teens manage emotions, Engaging
cooperation, Working it out together and Family prayer time.