Late this year, before I commit myself to the Corporate World again, I joined a weekend retreat in Brahma Kumaris. In all honesty, I really don’t know anything about this retreat even though I’ve already checked out their website. It’s a bit scary at first as I don’t know what to expect but I just tried to explore and see what good I can get to it. Besides, it’s still about Spirituality.
The Brahma Kumaris World Spiritual University acknowledges the intrinsic goodness of all people. We teach a practical method of meditation that helps individuals understand their inner strengths and values…. – About Brahma Kumaris
The Retreat Center of Brahma Kumaris is located in Tagaytay near Leslie’s restaurant. It is just a walking distance from the Highway but I opted to ride the tricycle since it was my first time and not sure where it was located. The tryk ride was Php 25! The cost doesn’t justify the distance. Hahaha!
I rode the bus in Taft, near MRT Taft station with a signage Nasugbu or Tagaytay. You can just ask the driver if it will pass Tagaytay Rotonda and you’re safe. The bus ride cost Php 83 with a receipt similar to department stores.
Anyway, as I reach the Center I was a bit scared, nervous but excited to see what I can benefit from them. I was welcomed by the sisters and assisted me to my room. It was a nice room with our own CR. I shared the room with Alison who flew from Cebu just to experience the Yoga Retreat. Like me, it was also her first time and don’t know what to expect for the next 2 days.
I will just share to you highlights of what happened during my stay in their retreat house. It was surely a different experience!
Day 1: Thoughts
On our first day, they gave us an introduction on what to expect for the next coming days. They discussed about their University and what they do. Things about our thoughts and what meditation is were discussed on our first day.
A guided meditation will be given to us since it was our first time to do it. Contradicting with what I know about meditation where people usually close their eyes and breathe deeply, this one is an open-eyed meditation. It was really challenging because I tend to get dizzy looking at the “light”.
Day 2: ME
We were asked to be ready by 6:00am to have a morning walk. Again, a challenging task for everyone but we managed to wake up that early. We went outside and walked around the area appreciating God’s creation. Our task is to find something striking for us as we walk and draw it afterwards.
A group sharing was conducted before our breakfast. Each one of us discussed what strike our attention when we had our stroll that morning. That moment was the start of our own self discovery.
The day continued with talks and workshops on how to know your own self more than you though you know. Sometimes you already know it but you tend not to acknowledge it especially the bad side of you. We were guided to see beyond what we used to know about ourselves and was given time to reflect on it.
Anniversary Special: Medit8
On the night of our second day was a very special moment for the sisters. They celebrated their 8th year in the Philippines.
There were distinguished guests and personalities such as Tessie Tomas as the host for the night and Timmy Cruz who rendered a song for everyone. The dancers of Powerdance as well as Douglas Nierras were also there to grace us with their dance moves. Little did I know, all these TV personalities are enrolled in Brahma Kumaris.
Cora, who was also one of the retreat’s participant chose to celebrate her birthday in the Center. A nice way to celebrate one’s birthday.
Day 3: God
This final day, we had our meditation at 5.45am! A total silence in their meditation room and honestly I was really sleepy. I’m sure I was banging my head because I am likely to be asleep for a couple of minutes.
The topic for the day was about God, the Supreme Being. As Catholic Christians, we have our own beliefs about God and they also have their own. They are similar to Buddhist religion since they believe in reincarnation.
A word of caution though if you’re a Catholic and wants to experience this retreat. Just respect on whatever they believe in and just get what is helpful to you. If your faith is not that solid, I think you will be trying to convert at once.
As a wrap up, a video presentation was presented to us. We ended the day meditating in their “Dome” better known as their “Babba Room”. A token of appreciation was also given to us afterwards.
The final experience was for me the most amazing one. Sr. Yogini, our meditation adviser for the 3 days gave us a card that indicates qualities that we either want to have, need to have or something we have that is our core quality. As for me, that was somewhat related to what I pray every day. I tend to be strong and bubbly outside but I’m still scared of what is in store for me for the day. I am a worrisome person that gives me a headache most of the time. Thus, a prayer of faith that everything will be fine is what I needed most. And, that is what I got.
The 3-day retreat was self discovery for me and I’m sure with the others too. It was a transformation of thoughts that will help you achieve something you thought you can’t. This kind of experience is really worth sharing.
I almost forgot, the Center only serves Vegetarian food. I was hesitant at first but believe me the food was extraordinary! Hahaha! If I didn’t know that they were vegetarian, I could’ve mistaken them as real meat. We all thought that if there are restaurants that serve vegetarian food as good as theirs, we would most likely give up being meat lovers and be vegetarians too!
Food: Vegetarian
They also have quotes in every table in their pantry. However, I wasn’t able to sit on each table to take pictures of each quote so here’s what I got.
For 2012 Schedule of Retreats, check: Brahma Kumaris Official Website
Brahma Kumaris Retreat Center for Spiritual Learning
1020 Magallanes Drive, Tagaytay City
Tel/Fax: (046) 483 2128
Mobile: (+63) 917 502 0243
Email: tagaytay@bkwsu.org
Website: www.tagaytayretreatcenter.org
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