ॐश्री-दक्षिणामूर्तयेनमः
Om Śrī Dakṣiṇāmūrtaye namaḥ
Special thanks to the volunteers whose hard work made this retreat a success: Bakul, Sudhindra, Avani, Anurag, Trupti, Ashwin, Malini, Srinivas, Archana, Sunil, Vyom, Aruna.
Attendees’s Reflections
“During the 4 days of retreat it was as if Peoria itself had become a gurukulam! During the morning and evening classes in the temple Swamiji would immerse us in understanding our own self through the lens of Dakshinamurti Stotram. This was followed by mananam during the Q&A sessions after bhiksha at various host family homes. Around 35 people ranging from 13 to 85 years of age were blessed to attend the retreat and spend time with Swamiji. The Q&A topics ranged from everyday problems to philosophical questions. In each case Swamiji’s responses were filled with compassion, wisdom and very practical tips for everyone to easily follow. Not only was Mother Shruti blessing us by providing a shrotriya teacher like Swamiji but we were also immensely fortunate to spend time with a Brahmanishtha like Swamiji who lives the vision through a perfect combination of compassion, scholarship and wisdom. The discussions would be so engrossing that it was never “alam” for us! Each satsang had to end with Swamiji’s “handler” calling time out so as to give Swamiji much needed rest before next class 🙂 Even though Swamiji never made any injunctions, I made some for myself based on his teachings:
1) Offer your ignorance to Ishwara, do not commit to staying ignorant by saying “I will never get moksha in this life”.
2) Practise japa to “Ishwarize” everything in life
3) Look at difficult situtations as prasada (karmayogi attitude) or as mithya (jnani attitude)
4) Meditate upon “I am awareness and notice that “I” is not displaced by any thought”
“There are moments in life when you feel the ultimate happiness like no other, and we experienced it when Swami Advayatmananda visited Peoria, IL. The quietness in listening, grace in answering, and knowledge shared on the auspicious occasion of Dakshinamurti Strotram retreat was so good that it left me with purnavatvam, contentment of completion. Morning walks, lunch and dinner Satsangs, one on one Q&A with Swamiji ….Om. I am very proud to say to Swamiji that you have truly blessed us with knowledge of Advaita Vedanta, that our lives are changed forever, and we would love to have you come again and again. My sincere Pranams.”
“Swami Advayatmanandaji‘s presence in Peoria has been a huge blessing. Swamiji came to teach Dakshinamurti Stotram. I feel like I am relatively at peace, with the worldly thoughts loosening their hold. I consider this a great blessing. Swamiji‘s message of – “let it go” – and shifting attention from idam to aham has stuck with me. Swamiji‘s chanting of Dakshinamurti Mula mantra is reverberating in my mind. Thank you Swamiji – love and Gratitude”
“Pujya Swamiji tactfully explained the gist of Vedanta while highlighting the complex concepts to logically reach the “Tattva” in a simple practical manner. While he was adept in satisfying the intellect he also catered to the emotions of a seeker with a compassionate loving heart. Swamiji helped me have a better understanding of “Tyaga” on a practical level and its application in day to day living.”
