Geeta Ashram Youth

All participants with Ashok at the 3rd Geeta Retreat

3rd Bhagavad Geeta Retreat @ Fraser’s Hill 2018
written by Bro. Kumara

Ashok at his 3^rd Bhagavad Gita Retreat continued to expound the truths of the scriptures. He gave us a good appetite on the Bhagavad Geeta, Upanishads, Mahabharata, Ramayana, Puranas and extracts from other literatures.  We appreciated the abundance of knowledge there is in our scriptures. We revisited the beauty in Hinduism. We understood jnana, upasana and karma yoga as the path to liberation.

The cool climate at Frasers Hill accompanied with its lecture room ambiance was most conducive for a student to do ‘sravanam’ ‘mananam’ and ‘nidhiyasanam’. All our doubts got cleared with Ashok. Being with likeminded people, it was indeed a real retreat for all of us. Many also found comfort being away from the hustle bustle of city and family life. We came to realise that the Gita is undeniably our holy grail.

The beautiful view of our accommodation, and Ashok delivering his talks

Participants had opportunity in group assignments and presentations. Team working was so much fun. We saw many fine characters and wondered on the many divine qualities. It was interesting because members came from different backgrounds. There were ladies, men, some older, some younger, different occupations, some married, some not, working and retired, newcomers verses long-time devotees, etc. They all had a good sense of humour.

Working on the assignments

The diversity of activities made our 3 days-2nights stay with a group of 39 participants exciting. We had yoga in the mornings, walking down the trails/greenery, bird-watching, or just chatting and relaxing over a cup of coffee. Students were reenergized and rejuvenated. 

Enjoying the cool weather, getting rejuvenized

And soon it was time to return home. Ashok had shared plenty of advice for us to take back. Mine had 3 notable ones. Being grateful to have received this knowledge, not sure after how many past births is my first. This bliss is indescribable and you have to experience it yourself is my second. If the abundance of literature and discourses available has not helped you yet, believe me it will someday, keep striving with Ashok’s classes. We look forward to HIS next retreat.