Sri Ramakrishna Advaita Ashram, Kalady, conducted its monthly one-day spiritual retreat on 14th December 2024. The program featured spiritual discourses, devotional bhajans, and guided meditation, which deeply inspired the participants.
Swami Akshayananda, the senior monk, shared his long-standing association with Sri Ramakrishna Ashram, Puranattukara. He highlighted the ideals of Tyaga (renunciation) and Vairagya (dispassion) exemplified by senior monks of the Ramakrishna Order.
Swami Kritanjananda elaborated on the profound meaning of the song Prakritim Paramam, composed by Swami Abhedananda. The song extols Holy Mother Sri Sarada Devi as the epitome of purity, compassion, forgiveness, and fearlessness, and as the universal mother who provides refuge at her lotus feet to all who seek her blessings.
Swami Nandatmananda emphasized the enduring relevance of the values embedded in the Valmiki Ramayana. He spoke about King Dasaratha, who deeply respected his children’s teachers, by whom Rama received all good virtues. He stressed the importance of man-making and character-building education. He also highlighted the negative influence of bad company, using the example of Manthara and Kaikeyi from the Ramayana.
Swami Brahmaparananda cited the example of Poothana from the Krishna Leela, who appeared outwardly beautiful but was poisonous within. This example served as a reminder to be cautious of the deceptive allure of the external world, as perceived through the senses (indriyas).
The retreat concluded with a brief session of meditation, the chanting of Sri Ramakrishna Ashtottarashatanamavali, and the song Ramakrishna Saranam by the devotees.
