In this age of technology and speed, distractions abound! In their efforts to unplug from dependence and replug into independence, 60 Sadhakas met at a Family Retreat organized by CM Milwaukee from October 19th to 21st at a Camp in Ingleside, IL to study the Game of Life with Vivekji. The theme of the Retreat was Vedanta Unplugged.
Vivekji shared the framework for the Game of Life – plan, purpose, players, practice and playing the game. The purpose of the game is Fun and Friendship, which the Sadhakas had the opportunity to practice with various games and activities throughout the Retreat – human knot game, taboo, soccer (epic game with hail!), treasure hunt, debate, camp fire (where the children got to “burn” Ravana symbolizing the destruction of vices), meditation, Yoga and nature walks. In addition, the families prepared videos on various scenarios depicting how technology can be effective and distracting, which was a lot of fun. Vivekji shared 6 sutras on the use of social media that were simple and practical.
Vivekji shared a simple framework for playing the game of life that parallels the game of cricket – accept the decision of the umpire (~God), adapt to the field (~World), protect your stumps (~Body, Mind, Intellect), utilize your bat (~Knowledge and discernment) and learn from the test. He challenged all Sadhakas to play a game every day and use these principles.
Over a span of 45 hours, the Sadhakas unplugged from dependence and tuned into Vedanta, engaged in various games to practice and play, and reflected on lessons to apply these principles in the uncontrolled environment that they will go back to. The Retreat concluded with reflections and gratitude for this opportunity to learn and practice with the guidance of Vivekji and blessings of Pujya Gurudev and God.
