Last Saturday, June 4, a team of Sat Yoga karma yogis joined together for a party—a garden party! The team celebrated the joy of transformation, changing the newly acquired back lot into a beautiful manifestation of holy communion and divine inspiration. The “Sat Yoga Sacred Meditation Gardens” will come to serve the Sangha in myriad sacred gatherings as the Sangha will likewise serve and maintain its beauty and blissful energy.

Saturday’s mission was led by Sat Yoga volunteer staff members Eric Grosman and Verónica Ramírez who planned and managed the event and provided a dedicated and enthusiastic example of servant leadership, “getting their hands in the dirt,” and joining in on all of the various projects. They explained that the goal of the day was to engage in true Karma Yoga, egoless service in a place of inner stillness and silence, which manifested itself creatively through the landscaping and artistic endeavors.

The day began with a meditation to center all the participants and to open them to all of the possibilities that the day would bring. The meditation continued under the guidance of Sat Yoga student and asana teacher, Saraswati, who helped to integrate the serenity of the sitting meditation with a mindful expression of movement through various asanas—which also served to help warm up all of the karma yogis for the day of service.

After that, karma yogis chose to participate in various projects including the building of a sacred geometric walking meditation trail, painting signs and stones with profound mahavakyas, preparing plant beds along the walls for vine-growing vegetation, digging a fire pit for use in drumming circles and nighttime meditation gatherings, and restoring the soil for actual garden beds.

Throughout the day the karma yogis worked hard, dedicating their time to the various activities of interest. But at the same time, there was an ambiance of relaxation and joyful celebration. Live art could be seen taking place and the sounds of meditative music, Indian kirtans, and even some familiar reggae sounds permeated the air, providing positive vibrations throughout the day. The team was also rejuvenated by delightful treats from the kitchen karma yoginis who worked throughout the day on the creation of culinary wonders for the garden karma yogis.

At the end of the day’s work, the whole team gathered around to bless the offering that had been made and to give thanks for each other’s dedicated service. Shunyamurti expressed his thanks for the community effort and led the participants in a meditation and blessing. Every individual offered his or her own blessing, which added to the purity of the energy field that had been cultivated that day.

After the meditation and blessings, all of the participants came together for a picnic of prasad prepared by the karma yoginis in Radha’s Kitchen. The yogis enjoyed delicious culinary delights, surpassing the expectations of most picnic gatherings.

“This is just the beginning of our journey into community life and service and the celebration of our own creative potentials,” enthused a content Eric Grosman.

“This joyful activity planted seeds of love and gratitude not only in the soil, but in our community members. We all contributed to create a sacred space for peace and inspiration!” rejoiced Veronica at the end of the day.

All in all, the day was a creative expression of wu-wei (action-in-nonaction), and was a wonderful community experience for all of the participants.

We hope to see all of you at the next gardening get-together.