Last time we wrote, we mentioned that we were about to host around 100 devotees for a Japa meditation retreat. It took all week to prepare the farm for the arrival of our guests. On Friday afternoon everyone began to arrive and settle in. The mood was one of enthusiasm and anticipation for absorption in the Holy Name.
On Saturday everyone was asked to chant 32 rounds of the Hare Krishna Maha Mantra in preparation for Sunday, when everyone would absorb themselves in chanting 64 rounds. The momentum built over the weekend, and everyone became swept up in the nectar of chanting the Holy Name. The Kirtans in the evening, which were lead by Krishnagraja Prabhu, were some of the most esctatic kirtanas I have been in in my life.
On Monday morning Bhurijana Prabhu instructed everyone to perform dramas, displaying what they had gained from the previous 2 days. The dramas were both instructive and exteremely entertaining. After the feast the devotees then departed back to Melbourne with blissful spirits.
The farm devotees were then left with the service of cleaning up and recovering from a rewarding but exhausting long weekend.
We will speak to you again next week to keep you updated with any progress.
Until then, I remain yours in the service of Srila Prabhupada.
Kesava dasa.