A unique shivir in Sydney, Australia
Pravin Patel, Yogini Patel, Bharat Patel and Pratibha Patel sponsored a shivir with Pujya Bhaishri from 21st May 2008 to 23rd May 2008 and invited various devotees from Sydney to join this great event. About 100 people, ranging from students to senior citizens participated with great excitement in this event.
The long wait was finally over on Tuesday, 20th May when Pujya Bhaishri arrived in Sydney. He was welcomed by devotees at Sydney Airport.
On Wednesday, 21st May 2008, all devotees arrived at the venue of the shibir, Govinda Valley, which is a beautiful resort like an ashram in Helensberg. Govinda valley is a serene place in the middle of a forest. It is a resort dedicated for meetings and gatherings for devotional programmes like spiritual retreats.
Param Pujya Bhaishri arrived on the morning of the 21st and was greeted by the devotees with great enthusiasm. Rashmiben Vanza welcomed him and all the devotees. Thereafter, Pujya Bhaishri gave a discourse on Ramayan and explained the love and greatness of the Mother Nature. In the afternoon a question and answer session was organised. One devotee asked Pujya Bhaishri, “Which is better, Bhakti or Gyan ?”
Pujya Bhaishri replied, “Depends upon one’s nature. Bhakti is easier for people who are emotional. By practising Bhakti, Gyan and Vairagya, one should try to realize God.” Such jigyasas were put forth by devotees.
In the evening after dinner, Pujya Bhaishri with the musicians and devotees greatly enjoyed a game of antakshari which included bhajans, slokas, and devotional songs.
On Thursday 22nd May, everyone walked at the beach where a prayer was said and Pujya Bhaishri answered more questions. In the afternoon another discourse of Ramayan was held. Garbas were organized in the evening after dinner. Pujya Bhaishri and the Musicians sang garbas. The whole atmosphere became highly spiritual and blissful. In addition, Pujya Bhaishri explained the adhyatmik meaning of raas between Lord Krishna and the Gopis. He blessed all the participants by distributing Ganga jal to them.
On Friday 23rd May, everyone tearfully bade goodbye to Pujya Bhaishri. No one wanted to part from Pujya Bhaishri.
On Friday 23rdAll Sydney residents now eagerly await another shivir in 2009.
