Sanga, service, and spiritual adventure awaited devotee youth in the sunny environment of San Diego. The inaugural West Coast summer retreat for The Sanga Initiative (TSI) saw 45 attendees from 24 cities across seven states join together at ISKCON San Diego for an immersive and energizing spiritual experience. A dedicated team of organizers led by Abhirama Thakura Das, Braja Priya Devi Dasi, Kapiduach, and Sruthi worked diligently to organize this experience for West Coast youth, deepening their own friendships and spiritual missions along the way. Together, they aimed to facilitate a spiritually enriching environment where devotee youth could authentically be themselves, expand their enthusiasm for Prabhupada’s mission, and deepen new and existing devotee relationships.

A carefully curated theme set an exciting tone for the retreat – “Dive into your Spiritual Adventure.” With a packed schedule of keynote talks, sanga discussions, kirtans, service, and workshops, attendees dove into each day with a sense of eagerness and curiosity. Keynotes were given by SB Keshava Swami, Radha Bhakti Devi Dasi, and Bhuta Bhavana Das. Enthusiastic supporters of TSI, the guest speakers engaged in topics of maintaining physical and emotional health, deepening sadhana practices, and creatively sharing the mission of Krishna Consciousness.  An attendee shared that their “favorite part of the retreat was definitely how approachable all the speakers were. I felt like I was able to ask all the questions on my mind, which is often not the case.”

To supplement the keynotes in a hands-on way, four workshops were offered to attendees and focused on aspects of holistic well-being- emotional/mental, physical, professional, and spiritual. Led by experienced facilitators, attendees were able to explore their inner critic through art, learn the basics of cooking, identify individual talents for serving Krishna, and understand how to develop good sadhana habits. Attendees appreciated the practical aspects of applying the theme in their day-to-day lives and left each workshop with huge smiles. One attendee shared that they “loved the workshops; they were like bombs of inspiration.” Beach bonfire kirtans, a roaring harinam, and exquisite prasadam rounded out daily activities.

To reflect on the takeaways from both the keynotes and workshops and to develop deep devotee friendships, attendees engaged in sanga discussions. Sangas were led by experienced facilitators (many who were previous TSI attendees) who guided their groups through topics of inspiration, challenges, aspirations, gratitude, and action. Facilitators fostered an environment of confidentiality and openness, which in turn led to authentic, vulnerable conversations between attendees. Many shared that their sanga group was the favorite part of the retreat and left with many newfound friendships- “the Sanga Groups were especially amazing…really just discussing our inner feelings was very healing.” From being an open space to share one’s struggles and doubts to becoming a forum for celebration and joy that brings youth closer to Krishna, Sanga is the heart of TSI.”

​​The success of the West Coast retreat is just another beginning for TSI.  As they continue to build on this momentum, the team is focused on creating more opportunities for young devotees to connect, serve, and grow together. “We’re just excited, enthusiastic, we’re inspired,” Abhirama shared, reflecting on the journey so far. “I genuinely believe The Sanga Initiative is one of the most important things in the United States right now for the next generation of Krishna Consciousness.”

For more information and to get involved, connect with TSI on Instagram and check out their website where upcoming events and ongoing opportunities are regularly shared. Join TSI for their Vrindavan Yatra this winter, a spiritual adventure in Krishna’s home- registration is still open, click here for details.