Divya Diksha Weekend Retreat at the Ashram in Walden

"To seek earnestly to know one's real nature - that is said to be devotion."

It was a beautiful weekend; with relatively cool weather and a joyous mood as we joined together on Saturday, August 16, for a retreat commemorating the 56th anniversary of Baba Muktanand's Divya Diksha at the Ashram in Walden . The day was rich and full. The theme was the Guru-Disciple relationship, explored through talks, discussion, and contemplation of our personal experiences of initiation as well as chanting, meditation and hatha yoga.
During the introductory talk given by Viney, one of the topics discussed was diksha. It was mentioned that diksha comes from two roots di-to give and ksha-cutting asunder animal instincts. Diksha is the gift the guru gives in charity to transform the negative tendencies in the disciple; it spurts the creation of positive aspects, which spur us to develop our spiritual capacities. The essential qualities needed to receive it are aware desire or yearning and faith. The means and types of diksha were enumerated, and then we heard in Baba's own words his account of the day of his Shaktipat initiation from his Guru, as written in Baba's autobiography, Play of Consciousness.
A video was then viewed of Baba Muktanand. We were reminded that the guru is the supreme consciousness, that it is the origin of the world and abides in everyone's heart. The entire world arises, lives, and merges in the supreme truth, which is called the guru principle.

The Guru, the embodiment of shakti, gives grace to help us turn within so that we may perceive our own Self. Through him we receive the grace and understanding to become totally independent, to realize the greatness we have within ourselves, and what it is that we can achieve.

Madhuvati then led a relaxing Hatha Yoga session, focusing on the power of balancing exercises and deep breathing to center the mind and allow the inner Self to speak to us from within. The true Guru is that inner voice in us that we can access anytime through our mind and body.


After lunch Amba gave a lively talk about the Guru-Disciple relationship. The Guru-disciple relationship begins with diksha , in which grace flows from both the Guru and the disciple, who opens oneself to the process of self-transformation with devotion and sincere effort to follow the Guru's instructions. The process of surrendering ego and will to the Guru, both inner and outer, was the focus of the rest of the talk. Obedience and faith are two keystones of the disciple side of the guru-disciple relationship, made possible by recognizing the truth of the guru principle flowing in one's chosen guru. This recognition brings respect, trust, and overwhelming love. Through these three key attitudes, surrender to the principle of grace is possible, and we can appreciate and put into action the subtle instruction that is given to us, both inner and outer. The guru is consciousness and since consciousness is our own Self, therefore the relationship is not one of duality between two separate entities.

Sandy then led us in a discussion session, encouraging each person to share his or her own wisdom based on personal experience. A series of questions were proposed and the first was: "Why do we discuss?" Have you watched a dog chew on a bone? Why does he gnaw of the bone? Because he enjoys it, it gives him pleasure. What happens to the bone? The dog absorbs it into himself; the bone becomes part of his own being. Such is the purpose of discussion and contemplation. We gnaw, discuss, enjoy, imbibe, and make it our own experience. The following questions and subsequent discussion was rich with feeling and insight:What does the concept 'disciple' mean to me?
How is it the same or different than 'seeker'? Why have I come to the ashram, to the guru? What do I have to get rid of to attain that? What quality or aspect do I need to develop to attain that? What attitude or quality, that I have found successful in my sadhana, can I share with others? What does 'Guru' mean to me or who is the 'Guru' to me? How will this influence my attitude and behavior? How will it determine my progress and attainment? What is the purpose of the guru? How do you relate to the Guru? How do you please the Guru? What do we get from the Guru? How and where does transformation take place? We discussed, shared, contemplated. We talked about commitment, grace, surrender, gratitude, longing, devotion, subtlety, steadiness, humility, perseverance, etc. We called upon the wisdom that lies in our own hearts. In the process we bestowed grace on each other and ourselves. We enjoyed a direct experience of shakti in action.


Devayani spoke movingly about the power of this satsang to nourish and make present the Guru's grace in our lives at all times, no matter what the circumstances. We were encouraged to keep the Shanti Mandir Walden satsang as powerfully alive in Gurudev's physical absence as in his presence, through our own connection to the grace in one another.

We closed with chanting Om Namah Shivaya and meditation.

The energy was sublime and the entire day serene. We experienced santosha - contentment.

"Whatever you seek can be obtained, provided the thirst for your desire pervades every fiber of your being."

The evening fast chant of Panduranga Panduranga was particularly sweet and subtle, as we each tuned in to one another and joined in unison of feelings and devotion for our Guru.

Sunday morning's program was a rich one as well, with the Guru Gita followed by a moving fast chant of "Gopala Gopala Devaki Nandana Gopala." In our hearts we remembered our own beloved Devaki Amma, who gave her whole life in unfailing service to her Gurus.

Girija then spoke on Chapter 12 of the Bhagvad Gita, which presents a challenging look at the qualities of a true devotee. A devotee is not simply one who serves the Guru and loves to chant, but one who dedicates his or her entire consciousness to perfecting his inner character and manifesting divine qualities within. This perfect discipleship, enabling one eventually to become one with the Guru consciousness, is the surest and only real way to please the Beloved. A list of 36 saintly qualities of a true devotee both chastened us to look hard at ourselves and inspired us to strive to better serve the Self.

Sri Kailashnathji arrived to perform a beautiful puja to the Guru's sandals. Nityeshwari spoke about the meaning of the Paduka Puja. Kailashnath did abhishek and puja, after which we all came for darshan.

The day ended with a wonderful lunch and impromptu celebration for Devayani's birthday and her departure for India. We are all inspired to keep the shakti flowing and enjoy our sadhana with each other's support and friendship. A rich array of Fall programs are scheduled to enable this satsang to grow and flourish.