Many thanks to Greta and Melike for their report on the joyful day at Woodstock Community Centre in Burwood, Sydney,  where Sahaja Yoga participated in Burwood Council’s 2008 International Women’s Day celebrations. 

“Everything in Sahaja Yoga is always sahaja, i.e. spontaneous, and this day wasn’t any different. Room 2, upstairs, was allotted to us.  Just as we had set up the room the way we wanted, the organiser came to tell us that we had to move to Room 1, downstairs, because the television set was too big to be brought up.  Dismantling quickly, we set up again in the new room, only to realise that it was much better and perfect for our needs!  We were located just off the main auditorium with a lot of traffic.  We had planned to screen a lecture given by Shri Mataji which was on DVD but when we got to Room 1, we found only a video machine.  So once again, a change of tack was required, and the three meditation sessions scheduled before the screening of the film turned into one long session while the right equipment was obtained. 

The organisers were very helpful and supportive of our efforts, steering people towards us throughout the day. About 40 to 50 people got their Self-realisation.  There were many interesting activities which vied for visitors’ time, thus preventing many from participating in the meditation sessions.  However, handbills for the film, Freedom and Liberation, flyers showing the nearest Sahaja Yoga public programs, and Sahaja Yoga information pamphlets were distributed, with everyone expressing a sincere desire for follow-up.

The meditation session helped to clear the atmosphere in the room, lightening it as the heart chakra opened.  Just as we finished the meditation, people flowed into the room for the screening of the film, only to find the fuse had blown! This created another glitch, with most of the people streaming out again to get refreshments.  By the time the electricity problem had been solved an almost new group of people had settled into the seats.  These people watched the screening of the film, The Vision, and enjoyed the experience of the guided Self-realisation meditation.  Everyone felt the peace and quiet of the Cool Breeze of the Spirit.  Many of the women live locally and expressed their desire to attend the free Sahaja Yoga programs at the Belmore Community Centre in Burwood.

Somewhere in the morning I found a few minutes to get a cup of tea.  One of the ladies who had come in during the meditation session came up to me and said, “I don’t know if I’m imagining it or not, but I am moving much more freely”, indicating that she felt much freer in the joints.  I looked at her smiling, calm face and told her that it wasn’t her imagination but that this is what happens when people do Sahaja Yoga, and that there is often an instantaneous relief of whatever problem they may have had previously.  It was very satisfying to know that we had made a difference. 

No-one left without feeling the Cool Breeze, and right up to the last minute people were coming to take their Self-realisation.  A few women’s organisations asked for introductory meditation sessions to be held at their own venues. We also left flyers and brochures on the community centre’s information table for any future visitors to the centre.

A special thank you to Aunty Joy whose initial research had made it possible for Sahaja Yoga to contribute towards the celebrations for International Women’s Day 2008, “Women’s Business: Celebrating 100 Years of Paid and Unpaid Work” sponsored by Burwood Council.  We would also like to thank the staff of Burwood Council for making our participation an enjoyable event. ”

Greta and Melike