Instead of a long winded description of the experience, I would like to share some pictures and parts of the experience that go to make up Winter Solstice.
Of course, Winter Solstice is not just Winter Solstice any more. Prior to its start, we, Sat Inder and I, participated in an enlightening and inspiring KRI workshop for Lead Trainers. This is the group, some long time teacher trainers, others brand new and learning. We all got something out of it thanks to each other.
Guru Sahai Singh, KRI Board Member had an informative and inspiring talk about prosperity and how we might help the Library of Teachings with additional support through our own prosperity. Sat Inder Kaur was a strong and helpful participant in the whole and small group sessions.
Soltice time is perfect for catching up with old friends and new.
This picture above (of Akhal Sahai Singh) was taken through a window of the kitchen, thus the "screen" effect.
Flags at the site flew at half staff in reverence for the news from Newtown Connecticut. As much as we leave the real world behind and involve ourselves in Kundalini Yoga, White Tantric Yoga and the many events available there, it is difficult to keep some events out of our consciousness.
A good friend of ours here in Kansas City, Gard Hanselmann, is a frequent particpant in both Summer and Winter Solstices, in White Tantric courses in between and at our morning Sadhana at the ashram. In a short conversation in the evening langar lines we were both hard pressed to remember exactly how many solstices we had attended. They all blended together perfectly as powerful and uplifting experiences.
Ladies in the hospitality tent enjoyed eacher other's company and the comfy rockers that were available to everyone. Above (left to right) are Jai Jeet Sangheet Kaur, Hardarshan Kaur and HarNal Kaur.
Sat Inder kaur, right, admires Har Nal Kaur's skill with making videos and photos with her iPhone.
Morning Sadhana, below, need we say more?
Ahhh! Live music at morning sadhana, with Guru Ganesha Singh and friends.
A highlight of the daily sadhana was the warm and cozy Gurdwara that completed the morning. Here Sat Kirin Kaur delivered blissful kirtan for all participants. Siri Sevak Kaur is behind the Guru Sahib.
A graceful lighted pathway led disciples to the feet of the Guru. Gurdwara concluded each morning with the distribution of warm and sweet karah prasad. Always a highlight!
The kitchen was always a busy place (especially with attendance at Winter Solstice over 850) and always included smiling and enthusiastic sevadors.
(Above) Always veggies to be chopped and readied for the next meal. (Below) Here one kitchen karma yogi peels, sorts and chops ginger preparing hot and delicious Yogi Tea, served hot each morning. In addition to the variety of Yogi Teas (Milk, Soy or Almond Milk), there was also joint easing Golden Milk, done to tasty perfection.
There's always dust or sand from the feet of the saints to sweep out of the kitchen. The sevador(Harimandir Kaur) you see here was also responsible for the art in the Tantric/Sadhana Tent. (See below, a few pictures down.)
The kitchen was also a place for conversations with friends and of course a source of electical power for those of us who wished to stay connected to the Internet.
Lunch on non tantric days only seemed like a mob scene. Nirmal Singh, who was in charge of serving food had a good handle on the organizational aspect and everyone was well fed as a result. Lunch usually consisted of baked sweet potatoes, fresh garlic and a quinona salad. Delicious!
Below is one of my favorite parts of the evening meal, when they came around with a large spoonful of mung beans and rice, beets or solstice hot sauce. The lettuce has never been a favorite of mine--I eat it but don't look forward to it. Thank you, ji!
The ether tattva was the focus of this year's Winter Solstice. This symbol was painted on the main tent's backdrop by Harimandir Kaur from Gainsville, Florida.
Turban tying for novices was a main activity at the hospitality tent. Here Ravinder Singh helps out a newby. See the results below.
Dukhniwarn Kaur was in demand for her skills.
Marc from New York City shows off his new identity.
Sat Inder Kaur tied a unique turban--we're not sure what kind of ears they are???
The main colors in the Tantric Tent were white (of course) and aqua blue thanks to the effort to keep clutter down by requiring participants to carry their things in the colorful tote bags given out with each registration.
Some White Tantric participants had plenty of energy and space to do some more yoga in between 62 minute meditations as prescribed by the Siri Singh Sahib.
Between exercises/meditations in White Tantric there was also time for healing.
Shankar Singh from Espanola.
It's never too late to think about next year (2013) in fact it's right on time!
Most folks traveled by planes, trains and automobiles, but who knows, maybe someone came by canoe!
恋にいくつかの狂気は常にあります。しかし狂気のいくつかの理由が常にもある。地獄は軽蔑官僚のように全く怒りをかれらない。
Posted by: Chan Luu | December 28, 2012 at 04:01 PM
Karta Purkh,
Great report! As always seeing you and Sat Inder (and Gard)at Solstice makes me ever so thankful for my "roots"! Wahe Guru!
Posted by: Dev Atma S. | December 28, 2012 at 09:56 PM
Winter Solstice is always a highlight of our year, and this year was super special. There were so many more participants than expected that we had to add on to the White Tantric shelter. Wahe Guru!!
Posted by: Sat Inder Kaur | January 11, 2013 at 02:57 PM