Satsang takes place every morning at 11:30. This hour before lunch reminds me of a Quaker meeting I once attended on the Sunshine Coast. That was a rather short-lived experiment. The only other attendees were named Hilary and Clinton. I didn’t even make the correlation until I got home and then how could I possibly go there with a straight face?
But in satsang, the idea is that we all sit together, comfortable in Quaker-like shared silence. In between the moments of quiet, where the only sound is the overhead fan moving the hot air, heavy with the fragrance of wild mint and tulsi, someone might feel moved to ask the Swami a question.
Imagine you’re the Swami, wearing your simple outfit, sitting in a chair by the window. All eyes are on you while questions like the following examples, are asked of you;
“What is identity?”
“What is happiness?”
“What is the purpose of meditation?”
“What is a soul?”
These are not the questions that normally pop up at a cocktail party.
He strokes his beard, considers his response…the aforementioned consideration might take a little while…and then replies with some wonderful insights. Simple but elegant.
Then again, he just might answer his cell phone or sign an invoice shoved through the open window. This is a pretty casual Swami, who laughs easily and loves a good joke. But back to those questions;
For instance…”What is gratitude?” asks the woman from Colombia. Swami’s reply? “The only thing which can save or repair us. No matter what happens, say, Thanks God.”
“What is patience?” might come from another woman from Colombia. (Colombia is well-represented here). Swami says, “Patience is a state which comes when one lives with full clarity. All of Nature lives with patience. There is perfect rhythm; full harmony. Lack of faith in oneself and in the Divine gives birth to impatience.”
I am definitely paraphrasing, as some of his answers go on for quite awhile, and others are wrapped up in a few short sentences. But all of it is food for thought…especially that part about patience…it’s kind of embarrassing. I have so much to learn.
It feels like another form of nourishment before our lunch.
Hi Colleen, I’m just catching up on this series – I didn’t expect you’d be blogging from the ashram. It’s been wonderful reading them one after another watching the retreat magic happen! I loved the pic of the cow drinking from the tap. Love today’s beautiful thought about being nourished by more than food. And the bit about seeing things with greater intensity. I’m always amazed by how much that goes with calmness and inwardness! Thanks for taking the time to write it down and share.
Hi Janet, I know that you know all about the magic of retreats 🙂
It’s been a lovely bonus having WiFi at the ashram (as intermittent as it is). Writing the blog posts helps me to focus my thoughts on all these experiences. Thanks for taking the time to share them with me and for your always-thoughtful comments.