Avadhutika Ananda Siddheshvarii Acarya and Ac. Ragatmananda Avt. recently held a retreat in Cuatro Ciénegas, near Monclova City, a place of extraordinary natural beauty. This desert landscape is known for its small rivers formed by groundwater, creating a striking contrast of water and arid terrain. Recognized as a Pueblo Mágico (Magic Town) in México, Cuatro Ciénegas is famed for its unique and whimsical geological formations.
During this deeply immersive experience, out of seventeen participants, four sisters and two brothers took initiation, marking a significant step on their spiritual journey. The retreat featured yoga, philosophy, and art classes, as well as Akhanda Kiirtana and Katha Kiirtana around the fire. A special highlight was a soulful sitar concert by Dada Ragatmanandaji, which elevated the atmosphere even further. The food was delicious, entirely sentient and vegetarian, and participants had the opportunity to learn how to prepare it. The retreat left everyone feeling uplifted and inspired.
Following the retreat, a new opportunity emerged to introduce yoga to students in Monclova City. One of my yoga students, an English teacher at a COBAC high school, introduced me to the principal and suggested offering regular yoga classes for both students and teachers. As a result, we conducted the first session for 150 students, all around 15 years old. The school has a total of 900 students and about 30 teachers, and we have been given access to the auditorium—a quiet and enclosed space suitable for practice.
This first class was a demonstration, and the students responded with curiosity and a sense of calm. It is a promising beginning, and we look forward to expanding this initiative, bringing the benefits of yoga and meditation to more young minds.
