A Weekend for Connection: Dharmic Life Retreat, Spring 2025

Photo Essay by Prakrithi Jayanth (SFS’28)

On our first night at the CCC, we spent some time doing Hatha Yoga and a laughing meditation, a unique yet unforgettable part of the Dharmic Life retreat. The yoga helped ease everyone into the retreat, allowing us to slow down and let go of any stress from the week. The laughing meditation, on the other hand, broke down any initial awkwardness and created a sense of lightness and connection among the group. It was a personal reminder not to take ourselves too seriously and to approach the weekend with openness and joy!

Beautiful views, meaningful conversations, and unforgettable memories—the hike during our Dharmic Life retreat brought the undergrad students closer together, strengthening our bond while connecting with nature and each other. Before the retreat, we had known each other individually or had only crossed paths briefly on campus. While there was some initial hesitancy, conversations flowed more easily as we walked side by side. Despite coming from different majors, class years, and life experiences, we discovered that we shared similar questions about purpose, balance, and personal growth. By the end of the hike, we had become a community, held together by shared reflections and laughter.

This photo shows another highlight of our mid-day hike: the top of the picturesque location. This was such a memorable experience with breathtaking views and the perfect opportunity to unwind. Nature played a profound role in shaping the retreat experience. Being surrounded by the peaceful beauty of the mountains and the quiet stillness of the forest helped create an atmosphere of calm. Sitting beneath the open sky at the top of the trail, we felt a quiet sense of unity — not only with each other but also with the world around us. 

Grounded in silence and centered in mindfulness during meditation, preparing to tie a charged thread for protection and positive energy, the group found a moment of deep connection and spiritual reflection. The moments of meditation and silent reflection were some of the most powerful parts of the retreat for me. It wasn’t just about calming the mind — it was about being fully present with ourselves and each other. I felt a sense of clarity and peace that’s hard to find in the busyness of daily life. Meditation and reflection are essential to the Dharmic Life retreat experience because they create the space to slow down and reconnect with our inner selves.

This memorable picture captures all the participants in the Spring 2025 Dharmic Life retreat. On this trip, we bonded as a group of undergraduate and graduate students with our beloved Dharmic chaplain, Brahmacharini Shwetaji. The Dharmic Life retreat was exactly what I didn’t realize I needed. Going into the weekend, I expected to learn more about Dharmic teachings and have some time to reflect, but from the very beginning, there was an immediate sense of warmth and openness within the group. The shared intention to grow spiritually and connect made it easy to feel comfortable and supported. What surprised me was how quickly that sense of community developed: through the hikes, conversations, meditations, and shared meals. Personally, the retreat gave me a sense of peace and clarity that I had been searching for without realizing it. I walked away from the weekend with a renewed sense of balance and purpose. 

Prakrithi Jayanth (SFS’28) hopes to study Business and Global Affairs at the School of Foreign Service. All photos are hers unless otherwise noted.