Often times a retreat is defined as an escape from the daily routine of life. However, at the second annual Chinmaya Mission Cleveland Family Retreat, participants dove into their lives. They dove “Deeper Into The Wild”: examining Sandana Panchacam, participating in team events, and just enjoying the beauty of the Cuyahoga Valley National Park.
Over 100 members from as close as Cleveland to as far as India joined for three days of Vedanta in the wilderness. The participants ranged all ages, ready to learn from inspirational speakers. Families were joined by Vivek-Ji who graciously led the daily discourses and Gina-Ji, Neha, and Vinay who gave the kids their daily lessons and activities.
The entire weekend was filled with discourses that left everyone with a fresh state of mind and a set of skills to utilize for betterment. The children had fun while learning about the basics of Hinduism, learning the fundamental beliefs and the beautiful stories that are outlined in the scriptures. Families came closer together as they went on night hikes and explored the premises. The camp was held between three lodges deep in the wild connected by wooded paths. The focus of the discourses was Sadana Panchacam – A text by Bhagavan Adi Shankaracharya for the spiritual aspirants towards discovering their higher nature through forty simple straightforward guidelines. Selected aspects of this inspiring text were utilized in Vivek Ji’s sadhanas (lessons for daily application). After the introspective lectures, adults joined the kids and walked through the elements. In silence, with their thoughts, they reached within themselves to uncover the wild within.
Families were formed into groups that participated in an adrenaline racing scavenger hunt. Fun is an understatement to the pure adventure and surge of happiness participants felt. Each discourse had a new meaning, a fresh mindset, and a helpful outline to self-unfoldment. Each activity was riddled with fun and pure happiness, no electronics and no drama needed for a good time. After a thrilling match of soccer in the open field under the dry heat, participants had the day to explore the paths, the various lakes, and the curious plants and animals of the woods.
To culminate the event, the families came together and shared stories in front of the bonfire. Everyone set aside the fact that is was raining, the pain they were feeling from walking all day, and all other elements and just enjoyed the warmth of the fire, the company that was brought, and the delicious s’mores.
The camp was a perfect opportunity to bridge families closer to each other and closer towards the path of Sanatana Dharma. This event was a great preface to the yearlong of Bala Vihar, Hindi/Sanskrit classes, Jnana Yajnas, and other special events planned for by the Chinmaya Mission Cleveland for 2017-2018 school year. Participants went deeper into the wild; learning about themselves and others along the way.
by Mahathi Venkatesh
Bala Vihar and Adult Classes begin on September 10, 2017. Feel free to register online at www.ChinmayaMissionCleveland.org.