Toronto Inner Engineering Monsoon Miracle
20 June, 2008
The Inner Engineering program held from June 11-17, 2008 in Toronto was a transforming experience for both the participants and volunteers alike. The 33 participants embarked on an inward journey for 7 days at the Botanical Garden coming from as far away as Montreal and Calgary. This program saw the largest volunteer turnout with 20 dedicated volunteers working tirelessly to ensure the program ran smoothly despite unexpected circumstances.
On Sunday morning, just as the days leading up, the activities went smoothly and kept the participants eagerly involved. The weather was beautiful all morning, however, in the early afternoon the course of events took a sudden turn. Heavy thunderstorms and rain quickly subdued the sun's rays as the volunteers waited outside in the garden during the Initiation process. Reverberating drum beats seemed to shatter the clouds sending torrential rain and thunder which electrified the participants. Immediately after the process was over, a wall of water suddenly hit the entrance doors without warning and started gushing into the Hall.
Everyone scrambled to grab belongings off the floors and move it into the hallways, tables or any dry area before it became immersed. Both the police and facilities people came to offer assistance as the participants and volunteers waded back and forth through the water to retrieve everything and move to another room. One volunteer described her experience: "The Sounds of Isha music was playing while the participants ate and when my favorite song was playing, I couldn't help but dance a little while wading through the water which was up to mid calf, as I moved items out."
Despite the unforeseen conditions, the volunteers worked together with joy and efficiency to set up quickly in the new room while the participants served themselves the delicious and wholesome food that had been prepared. By the time lunch was over, the rest of the day's activities sailed by smoothly with Sadhguru's grace after all the commotion.
During the last 2 days of the program, there was a new radiance in the participants who willingly shared the shift they were experiencing. Inner Engineering had already opened up small, yet significant changes in their lives such as reduced stress, and the ability to enjoy the wholeness of little actions that had previously seemed insignificant. One participant shared: "The last 3-4 days something has changed inside me. I'm starting to see myself change mentally, physically, emotionally. Something happened; something is different inside of me. I am committed to doing this kriya regularly and looking forward to doing the advanced courses." - Tony Tran, Toronto, Canada
We would like to express our sincere gratitude to the participants, the willing volunteers, the dedicated teacher and above all to Sadhguru for this wonderful experience - Isha Volunteers, Toronto
