A Beautiful Time with Swami Avatar Puriji in Rijeka
From 27–29 August 2025, the Yoga in Daily Life Centre in Rijeka, Croatia, was blessed by the presence of Swami Avatar Puriji. For three unforgettable days, participants enjoyed inspiring satsangs, gentle yoga, meditation, the warmth of the spiritual community, and the beauty of the Adriatic coast.
Auspicious Beginning – Ganesh Chaturthi
The retreat began on the auspicious day of Ganesh Chaturthi. Swami Avatar Puriji shared the story of Lord Ganeshji’s miraculous birth and how he received the head of an elephant. He explained that God Shiva himself blessed Ganeshji to be worshipped first in all new beginnings – whether starting a journey, opening a new home, or beginning any sacred ritual.
Swami Avatar Puriji also reflected beautifully on the symbolism of Shiva’s family: Mata Parvati rides a lion, while Shiva rides Nandi the bull. Ganeshji rides a mouse, while Shiva has a snake around his neck. The second son of Shiva is Kartikeya, and he rides a peacock. Usually, lions like to eat bulls, snakes like to eat mice, and peacocks like to eat snakes. Although each has natural conflicts, Shiva’s family lives together in peace, unity and love.
Swami Avatar Puriji reminded us, “If Shiva’s family can live in harmony, so can we. Whenever conflicts arise, we should remember this example and support each other with love.”
Meditation with the Relaxing Sound of Tibetan bowls
The second satsang was marked by a profound sound meditation led by Swami Avatar Puriji. Participants were guided into inner stillness by the healing vibrations of eleven Tibetan singing bowls, chimes, a rain stick, a handpan, and a shamanic drum. Each sound invited relaxation, release and a return to the natural state of peace within.
Words of Gratitude
During the retreat, Jai Prakash from Croatia, a long-time disciple of Vishwaguruji, shared his heartfelt reflections:
“We are blessed to spend these days with Swami Avatar Puriji Maharaj – with bhajans, kirtans, the sun and the Adriatic sea. Yet the greatest blessing is to dive into the ocean of mercy of our beloved Gurudev, Vishwaguru Mahamandaleshwar Paramahansa Shri Swami Maheshwarananda Puriji – Vishwaguruji – and our Parampara. We are grateful to Vishwaguruji for sending Swami Avatar Puriji to continue his mission in India, Europe, Croatia and worldwide. For a precious time, when Swami Avatar Puriji was very young, we had on this Earth, Holy Guruji, Vishwaguruji and Swami Avatar Puriji together, something very, very rare. Today, we have Swami Avatar Puriji with us here in Rijeka, and while Vishwaguruji is in India physically, he is present everywhere, especially here with us.”
Farewell Satsang – Lessons from the River and the Ocean
The retreat concluded with a farewell satsang filled with wisdom. Despite forecasts of storms, the day remained calm enough to enjoy the sea, reminding us that fears of what might come often never materialise. Swami Avatar Puriji encouraged everyone to live in the present moment instead of worrying about possible future storms.
He also reflected on the symbolism of Rijeka (meaning “river”):
“All rivers, whether clean or muddy, slow or fast, flow into the same ocean. And the ocean accepts them all without complaint. In the same way, we are all rivers, different in many ways, but we all merge into the ocean of Gurudev’s love, where everyone is accepted without discrimination.”
A Time of Light, Joy and Grace
The days in Rijeka were a true celebration of spiritual life, filled with satsangs, bhajans, kirtans, yoga, vegetarian meals, and the joyful presence of sangha. Most of all, it was a time to feel the grace of Vishwaguruji and the loving guidance of Swami Avatar Puriji.
As all rivers unite in the ocean, so too did hearts unite in love and gratitude during these days in Rijeka.
