Open Day – 9th May 2009 – Shirley Hately

– Programme Director

Open Day was a really lovely sunny day – as always. Many old friends came from far and near and it was especially good to see Leonard and Jean and other long-standing members who made the long journey. Lynn comes from Somerset and Jenny from Suffolk, as well as those who travel from North London, the shortest journey being more than 2 hours long. Thank you all for your continued support.
We had a really special time together with Swami Nirliptananda Ji honouring us with his presence. It is wonderful that contact with this beautiful Soul continues. The day began with the usual yoga session which has now become part of our monthly Satsang, followed by the Sacred Havan Yajna led by Premanand. Carole was persuaded to give a demonstration of asanas which enthralled everyone. She has been dedicated to the Yogic path for many, many years and this was evidenced by her excellent postures executed with poise and grace. As Swami Ji always said, practice will make perfect, but it has to be done consistently for a long time to get any real benefits.

After a delicious lunch prepared by Rani, Swami Nirliptananda Ji gave us an inspiring talk. His message was how to find the Ocean of Happiness within. He commented that it is obscured by mental delusion of what is real. The Ocean of Happiness is within all the time, but the deluding factors are name and form. What is the reality of it all? For example, we see a piece of furniture, say a table. Do we see that only as a table, or as a piece of wood, or a tree? Are they one and the same? Rising above name and form is not always easy, but meditation upon what is real will help us.
Phil read from his book about his travels with Swami Ji and sang the lovely “My Old Friend” which has become the unofficial monthly tribute to Swami Ji. The Satsang was closed with Avril leading the meditation and rounded off by tea and cakes brought by Jean and Jenny to celebrate Jean’s birthday. A really special day, full of loving vibrations and peace.