Amidst the serene surroundings of the Buddhist Temple in Chandigarh, Prajna Trust organized a one-day meditation retreat on the 19th of January 2025. The retreat, attended by 25 devoted practitioners—including members from Mumbai and Pune—offered a sacred space for selfdiscovery and spiritual nourishment. Under the esteemed guidance of Lama Ji, the day unfolded with a structured schedule of meditations and discourses, inviting participants to embark on an inward journey of reflection and mindfulness.
“The mind is everything. What you think, you become.” – Buddha
A Journey Within:
The retreat commenced at 9:00 AM with a warm welcome and tea, setting a tranquil tone for the day. The first session featured the profound practice of Nine Round Breathing, followed by a guided meditation that encouraged stillness and awareness.
Lama Ji led a discourse titled ‘Taking Back Control – Thoughts’, emphasizing the impermanence of thoughts and the importance of mindful observation. Participants were encouraged to reflect in silence, absorbing the wisdom imparted.
At 11:00 AM, a silent tea break provided an opportunity for deeper introspection. As Buddha once said, “Silence is an empty space, space is the home of the awakened mind.” This break was not merely a pause but an extension of the practice, reinforcing the essence of mindfulness in every action.
Exploring the Depths of Emotions
The next session resumed with a meditation on thoughts, followed by another enlightening talk on ‘Taking Back Control – Emotions’. Lama Ji guided attendees on recognizing emotions without attachment, fostering self-awareness, and cultivating equanimity. A period of quiet reflection allowed the teachings to seep into the hearts and minds of the participants.
A wholesome and delicious lunch was graciously arranged by Prajna Trust, an offering deeply appreciated by all. Post-lunch, members were encouraged to spend time in silent reflection — whether within the sacred walls of the temple or in the tranquil embrace of nature.
At 2:00 PM, meditation on emotions provided a space to delve deeper into personal awareness. The next discourse, ‘Taking Back Control – Acceptance and Self-Care’, illuminated the path of selfcompassion and resilience. The wisdom shared resonated with all, reinforcing the truth that “Peace comes from within. Do not seek it without.”
A Harmonious Conclusion
As the retreat neared its culmination, participants were treated to a profoundly healing Sound Healing Session, where the resonant vibrations of singing bowls created an ambiance of deep tranquility. The retreat concluded at 4:00 PM, leaving hearts brimming with gratitude and minds enriched with newfound clarity.
Before dispersing, Lama Ji bestowed each participant with sacred threads—a token of blessing and a gentle reminder to integrate the teachings into daily life.
“Just as a candle cannot burn without fire, men cannot live without a spiritual life.” – Buddha
With hearts touched by wisdom and spirits elevated by the collective energy of mindful presence, the retreat ended as a transformative experience. Prajna Trust extends its heartfelt gratitude to all who attended and contributed to this sacred gathering, hoping that the ripples of this day’s practice continue to flow into everyday life, fostering peace, mindfulness, and compassionate living.
May we all walk the path of enlightenment with mindfulness, wisdom, and boundless compassion.
