Avadhutika Ananda Acira Acarya, Avtk. Ananda Hitaprabha Ac. and Ac. Diiptimanananda Avt. and Margiis in the San Fransisco Bay Area organized Los Angeles Regional Retreat. The retreat took place at Ananda Dhiira Master Unit in Grass Valley, CA, from October 6 – 9, 2022, and was attended by thirty people. 

The retreat was the first regional retreat for LA Region since 2019, and the Margiis were happy to come together for a retreat at Ananda Dhiira. The retreat was held a day after RDS at Los Altos Hills, and all the Dadas and Didis attending the RDS came to the retreat. 

Some of the highlights of the retreat included an interactive workshop on Friday morning facilitated by Ac. Diiptimanananda Avt. and a class on devotion by Ac. Muktatmananda Avt. in the afternoon. In the evening, we had Katha Kiirtana. 

On Saturday, October 8, we celebrated Kiirtana day with Akhanda Kiirtana in the morning and afternoon. In the morning, after breakfast, we walked to the South Yuba river and divided into groups, brothers in one area and sisters further down the river. Some of the brothers had mudpacks, sunbathed, and bathed in the river. We did noon meditation by the river. Brother Rudranath and sister Ánandii had revolutionary marriage in the evening. Rudranath was born in Algeria but moved to Russia, and sister Ánandii is from northern Russia. They have recently moved to the US. The wedding ceremony was beautiful, and everyone was happy with the program. Ac. Muktatmananda Avt. and Avtk. An. Acira Ac. led the wedding ceremony. 

Getting ready for a group photo after the wedding

Dadas and Didis attending RDS at Los Altos Hills Jagrti, October 3 to 5, 2022

Didi Ananda Acira leading group discussion during a morning workshop.

Group photo on the deck at Ananda Dhiira.

Revolutionary Marriage Ceremony of sister Ánandii and brother Rudranath

Group photo of Didis and sisters during the retreat. From left: Ánandii, Yogeshvarii, Isabella, Haripriya, Arunima, Priiti, Nirmala, Didi Ananda Sutiirtha, and Didi Ananda Acira.

On Friday morning, we went to the river for relaxing and taking sunbath. Brother Girish sitting in awe over the beauty and stillness!

South Yuba River. This photo is taking from the bridge.

Friday morning workshop group discussion. Arunima is explaining, and Dada Iishvarakrsnananda, Isabela, and Haripriya are listening.