A Divine Journey
Spiritual Retreat at SISS
Upasana Phukan
Golaghat, Assam
Hari Aum!
Pranaam to Sree Guru Parampara!
Stepping into God’s own abode, SISS… the very address of Divinity on Earth. The name itself resonates with inner vibrations and spiritual inspiration.
Blessed by Sree Guru Parampara, Maa ji, and Manish ji, we arrived on the mystical night of 14th November 2024 from Assam. It felt as if the flowers of Brahm Udyan were blooming just to bow before the temple.
The spiritual gathering began on 15th November 2024, coinciding with the auspicious day of Sree Kartik Purnima and Dev Deepawali. Kartik Purnima, marking the full moon of the Kartik month, is a day of great significance. Dev Deepawali, celebrated as the festival of lights for the Gods, added to the sanctity of the occasion.
For the devotees of SISS, this day holds special importance as it provides the rare and blessed opportunity to perform the Maha Abhishekam of Sree Ishwar in the Sanctum Sanctorum of Ishwar Darshan Temple. This elaborate ritual involves the ceremonial bathing of the Deity with various sacred ingredients, symbolizing purification and the bestowal of divine blessings upon the devotees. The atmosphere was filled with devotion and reverence as chants and prayers echoed throughout the temple.
In the evening, we prayed to the revered lineage of Sree Gurus (Guru Parampara) with the Sree Guru Paad Puja, symbolizing our deep respect and gratitude for Their guidance and wisdom. The event was followed by aarti, a devotional song and light offering, and Deepotsav - the festival of lights where numerous lamps were lit, illuminating the temple and creating a serene and divine ambiance.
Lighting the deeyas @16x3 at the Deep-Stambh (Pillar of Lamps) was a profound experience. As we placed each deeya, the flickering flames seemed to dance in harmony with our hearts, illuminating not just the surroundings but our inner selves as well. The twinkling lights mirrored the sparkles in our minds… "असतो मा सद्गमय। तमसो मा ज्योतिर्गमय."
On 16th November, Maaji began the Spiritual Retreat after aarti with “Sree Geeta Mahayantra.” She revealed during the discourse that our senses alone are not our guides; only Adhyaatmikata, a synchronized approach to consciousness of the Self, will lead us. Maaji unfolded the Geeta Mahayantra—how Karm Yog, Dhyaan Yog, Bhakti Yog, and Gnyaan Yog are interconnected, with The Self, as the core of our existence. She urged us to be fearless yet aware of everything around us. Like Arjun, Maaji taught us that we can navigate our duties and attain self-realization through divine consciousness, devotion, and dedication.
We then immersed ourselves in Aanandotsav at Annapurna Kshetram, playing enchanting games like “dumb charades” and the “courier game.” In dumb charades, with ‘Sree Ram Charit Manas’ as the theme, devotees enacted stories like Rishi Vishwamitra ji performing Homam and Lord Hanuman ji bringing Sanjivani Booti for Sree Lakshman ji. It felt like we were transported to Treta Yug, with all characters coming alive. Performing the role, I felt like Devi Ahalya, waiting for Lord Sree Ram. The courier game emphasized the importance of attention and logical thinking for seekers.
Next was Chitra Kala & Mrida Pratirupan, the traditional art of painting and sculpting with clay in the lush garden “Brahm Udyan” in a perfect natural environment of greenery. Maaji gave us the theme ‘Any Vaahan of Gods and Goddesses.’ We drew Vaahan like Nandi ji, Mushak ji, Hans ji, and Mayur ji. Praying to these Vaahans felt essential for receiving blessings from Their respective Gods. We then crafted these Vaahans out of clay in Mridu Pratirupan.
We are profoundly grateful to Maaji, Manishji, all the seekers, and the devoted team at SISS for this extraordinary spiritual retreat amidst our busy lives. With hearts full of gratitude and minds illumined by divine wisdom, we feel blessed and optimistic, knowing that with Guru Kripa, we are guided towards our ultimate Spiritual Goal.
Hari Aum!