Date: Saturday, 11th January 2025
Venue: Bhaktivedanta Manor
Attendance: 155 participants
On Saturday, 11th January 2025, Bhaktivedanta Manor hosted a free wellbeing retreat that exceeded all expectations in turnout and enthusiasm. The event began at 9:30 AM with participants arriving to register. Initially prepared for an anticipated 120 attendees, the overwhelming response of 155 individuals led to a quick adjustment: registration was streamlined by distributing wristbands in four colours—blue, pink, orange, and green—and ushering everyone in without delay.
Morning Activities
The retreat commenced with an introduction by Radha Govinda, who warmly welcomed attendees and outlined the day’s activities. This was followed by a guided tour of the stunning Bhaktivedanta Manor. Participants were divided into four groups according to their wristband colours and rotated through the various highlights:
- The Temple: Participants visited the central place of worship where daily spiritual practices begin at 4:30 AM.
- Prabhupada’s Rooms: The residence of A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada during his visits offered a glimpse into the life of the movement’s founder.
- Gardens and Woodland Walk: The George Harrison Garden, the serene lake, and woodland areas provided a tranquil outdoor experience.
- Cow Protection Centre: The participants enjoyed meeting the cows and bulls, integral to the ethos of sustainable and compassionate living.
Midday Sessions
After the tour, attendees reconvened in the magnificent Haveli building for a 45-minute yoga session led by Tina. This invigorating session was followed by a short snack break to recharge.
The next highlight was a session on Spiritual Resilience, which resonated deeply with participants. The speaker’s insights on maintaining inner strength and balance in life left many inspired and reflective.
Lunch and Afternoon Activities
A sumptuous lunch awaited the attendees, featuring a diverse menu of seven delicious items, including curries, rice, bread, salad, drinks, and dessert. Served at beautifully decorated round tables, the meal fostered community and connection among participants.
The afternoon brought an immersive sound experience with a session of kirtan, the sacred art of mantra chanting. The vibrant music quickly energized the room, leading to spontaneous dancing and joyous participation. This hour-and-a-half session was a highlight of the day, leaving everyone uplifted and full of energy.
Concluding Sessions
The retreat concluded with two meaningful sessions:
Wisdom of Yoga and the Bhagavad Gita: Kripamoya Das, a disciple of A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, delivered a profound spiritual message, sharing timeless teachings from the Bhagavad Gita.
Sound Bath Session: A calming and meditative sound bath provided the perfect finale, allowing participants to relax and absorb the day’s experiences.
Impact and Takeaways
The retreat’s purpose was to enhance wellbeing and offer a rejuvenating start to 2025, a goal it undoubtedly achieved. Each attendee left with a copy of the Bhagavad Gita and a book on Sanatan Dharma, ensuring the spiritual wisdom shared during the retreat would continue to inspire long after the event.
Feedback from Participants: The response was overwhelmingly positive, with many praising the organization, the uplifting sessions, and the nourishing meals. The diverse program elements catered to both the body and mind, providing a holistic approach to wellbeing.
The Wellbeing Retreat at Bhaktivedanta Manor was a resounding success and an unforgettable day for all who attended, setting a high standard for similar future events.
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