Last year, when Swamiji visited the UK, He blessed us with a very precious gift – the Energy Statue. In his discourse, Guruji's message to sadhaks was very clear: within few years Samarpan in the UK will grow to the extent that we cannot even imagine today. This progress will happen effortlessly, only as a result of heartfelt, sweet soul level relationships amongst sadhaks. Therefore, if we wish to create a good base for this progress to happen our main priority is to maintain good connection with the collective energy and have a strong soul level bond between us.

It has been a year since the Energy Statue was established here, in Samarpan House, Leicester. So from 19-22 June 2009 approximately 200 sadhaks gathered together to celebrate the 1st Anniversary and experience Meditation and Darshan, sing, share experiences, dance and hold a special ceremony to plant a tree to remember this auspicious day. Although we have the knowledge about the significance of the living Statue and its importance for the future of mankind, even so, it is a new occurrence for the world and it will take time to fully comprehend the gift that has been bestowed upon us, with the Gurus grace.

After the 800-year circle came to completion (as announced by Swamiji at Chaitanya Mohatsav in Junaghad), a new era has begun and we are still in the beginning stage of something new. We are like souls in wonder: at the magnificence of the living Statues; at what change it will bring upon the world, and also in wonder of our own good fortune - that we are able to be present and be a part of such auspicious events.

The future is a mystery, and will reveal itself naturally. But as sadhaks in the UK and Europe, we can at least reflect upon what had changed within our own spiritual progress during this year with the Energy Statue.

Having the special, sacred place of Shree Guru Dham, has increased our responsibilities and the amount of Gurukarya to share with one another, and it feels as if sadhaks really are learning from these experiences; that good, kind, loving relationships are the only key to success in gurukarya or life in general. And Samarpan in UK is slowly moving towards Soul level collectivity. This even reflects in the events that we are holding.

In addition to organising video Shibirs as the main means for Gurukarya (a number of which have been organised around the UK this year and have led to new groups starting), several new projects also are taking place.

Firstly, our children are learning about Samarpan from weekly workshops in London, designed especially for children. The first event took place on the 5 August, with a short meditation and practical experiments to understand about concentration in a children-friendly manner. This is also a great opportunity for them to become friends and connect with a good Energy source while they are young.

Samarpan Youth workshops are also developing and expanding into something really beautiful. Following the success of our first youth event, the second event took place on the 19 July. The young people had both spiritual and creative activities in the beautiful English countryside, such as experiencing thoughtlessness through drawing or going on long nature walks. There was a special feature about the stillness of birds in comparison to our busy lives, which helped to put the importance of meditation and practice of Surrender into perspective. An experienced sadhak gave an introduction to Meditation and later there was time to discuss spirituality and meditation and how it applies to every day life and ask any questions. The youngsters were really enjoying themselves and could open up and talk about things that are important to them.

On 8-9 August the UK held a Stree Shakti Retreat that was attended by approximately 40 women from around the UK. Although our numbers are not large in the UK the women here are keen to deepen their bond to one another and spiritual understanding, spend time in the proximity of their spiritual friends and their own souls. The retreat was dedicated to the theme of Purification and during the first day we learned how to keep the body pure and balanced using simple herbs that are available everywhere in abundance, or by applying a few principles of Ayurveda. We also had light and relaxing yoga sessions, and learned few simple stretches and breathing techniques that can be practiced at home.

The second day of the retreat was for purifying the mind and soul. We saw a play about the impact of thoughts on the environment, ourselves and other people and it was helpful to understand why is it important not assume things about others and not to send any bad thoughts towards anyone. Later we shared various techniques, given by Swamiji, to release negativity and stay balanced. At the end of the day we meditated in nature and shared experiences. The feedback was excellent and it is clear that such events are much needed in Samarpan.

We have also had regular Gurukarya days this summer, working side by side to look after Samarpan House and Beeby Centre, our current Ashram where we meet collectively. Gurukarya days are really helpful for the inner soul level collectivity and we all always enjoy them.

Each area around the UK joined in the worldwide Guru Purnima celebrations and, as always, Samarpan House was open for Meditation and Darshan of the Energy Statue.

On 28 June a day trip was organised by the sea. There was a picnic outdoors, collective meditation and few hours spent at the sea side and fun fair. There were many children present and everyone really had a wonderful time. On the journey back, everyone was singing and laughing and the whole atmosphere was lovely.

We have had many opportunities this summer to really get to know each other better, broaden our spiritual understanding, meditate and experience the good impact of collectivity on our lives. And thanks to the Guru's grace, that flows through active volunteers, postholders and keen sadhaks that attend Meditation Centres and events, we have really noticed that things have begun to change.

Jai Baba Swami
Anna Jahimovica, Leicester, UK