51st SUMEDHA SADHANA CONCLUDES

 The 51^st Sumedha Sadhana – A Psychospiritual Wellbeing Journey --, the last of the year, concluded at Sumedha Centre, Jharmari (Punjab) on 14^th December. This 12-week  programme had begun on 22^nd September. There were 9 participants – 6 women and 3 men.

Sumedha Sadhana is an inner journey in quest of greater healing and wellbeing. This programme is offered three times a year.

The topics in this 51^st edition included: Self-Awareness and Self-Transformation, Holistic and Process Spiritualties, Psychological and Spiritual Dynamics at Midlife and Beyond, Unconscious Dynamics and the Spiritual journey, Psychosexual and Celibate Integration, Breath Spirit and Wellbeing, Emotional Hygiene, Challenges to Consecrated Life, Prayer and Mediation Practices, Intensive Group Therapy. The programme concluded with an Integration Retreat.

Moments of deep reflection and introspection were interspersed with  qigong, yoga,  recreation, dance, expressive arts, movies, birthday celebrations and picnics – fun and laughter.

Participants found the programme immensely useful for their psychospiritual journey. Four of the participants gave a 10 on 10 on a Scale of Usefulness, and three gave a 9.

Some illustrative comments:

·         “The programme is indeed great. Hats off to Sumedha! I am renewed, revived, rejuvenated. I came with anxiety. I go back bubbling with joy. I enjoyed every moment here.”

·         “I came disgruntled with life. I felt I was in bondage, struggling with lots of negativity. Here I learned to love myself and celebrate my life.”

·         “I have overcome those inner struggles that I was going though. I could let out grief and sadness and experience mental, physical, emotional and spiritual wellbeing.”

·         “I came here with lots of fear and sorrow. I return with courage and confidence. I experienced healing. Good atmosphere and environment.”

·         “Topics are well covered, modules are well chosen, we were happy with the facilitators, process followed were also good.”

·         “I came with fear and anxiety, restlessness. Here I gained lots of awareness which enriched me. I feel liberated. I am physically and emotionally healed. I am going back renewed, energised, with hope, with a desire to share my life.”

“    "The psychospiritual wholeness journey helped me to journey within myself through the various modules. Sumedha gave me an opportunity to understand myself better. I feel revived, experienced healing and wholeness. The module facilitators were good and experienced persons, well-informed and knowledgeable.”  

·         “I was very much welcomed here. I experienced homely atmosphere. Food was good. I will miss it in my community. Very good accommodation. Nice place to live in. Friendly atmosphere. I liked the community spirit. All the services were provided.”

·         “I have not experienced anywhere else sessions of this sort. I am very happy.”

 

The module facilitators were: Johny Dominic Padinjar PhD, Joe Kokandathil PhD, Jose Parappully PhD, Philip Pinto MA. B.Ed, Thomas KC Kurianthanam MPh.

2025 Sumedha Sadhana Schedule:

SS-52: February 9 – May 3

SS. 53: May 11 – August 02

SS. 54: September 25 - December 17

Registrations for the 2025 programmes are open: Contact sumedhacentre@gmail.com

See also our webpage: https://sumedhacentre.org

Conclusion of Psychological Dynamics and the Spiritual Journey Module at Sumedha Centre

 The Psychological Dynamics and the Spiritual Journey module (5 weeks) of the Sumedha Sadhana (12 week) programme concluded at Sumedha Centre today – 9^th November..

This module had several sub-modules, such as Self-Awareness, Prayerfulness, Process Spirituality, Midlife Dynamics, Sexuality and Intimacy, Celibacy and Hetero-Sexual attachment Dynamics, Trauma and Healing, and Holistic Spirituality. 

All these sub-modules were facilitated by Dr. Jose Parappully, the Director of Sumedha centre.

Participants expressed immense satisfaction with the module. They found it very beneficial Six of the nine participants gave a perfect 10 out of 10 on the Usefulness of the Module.

Some comments:

“The module enabled me to journey within, challenge some of my negative thought patterns, healed me of painful memories and overcome my restlessness.”

“I have experienced physical, mental and emotional healing. I am experiencing peace and harmony within.”

“The module was very practical and interesting. It helped me to let go of the past painful memories. I received a lot of healing. Somatic Meditation, Spirituality, Midlife Celibacy and Intimacy gave more clarity about religious life.”

“From all the modules I benefitted a lot: new insights and awareness.”

“The module facilitator was gifted with various capacities and taken the class in an excellent manner and I am enriched by the classes.”

“The facilitator has been Excellent!! His classes have been deep and meaningful.”

The Sumedha Sadhana concludes on December 14,2024.

The next Sumedha Sadhana begins on February 9, 2025. Registration is open Contact: sumedhacentre@gmail.com

49th SUMEDHA SADHANA CONCLUDES AT SUMEDHA CENTRE, JHARMARI

The 49^th Sumedha Sadhana – A Psychospiritual Wholeness Journey concluded at Sumedha Centre, Jharmari, Punjab on 4^th May. This 12-week programme had commenced on February 11^th.

Sumedha Sadhana is an inner journey in quest of greater healing and wellbeing.

Insights from faith and wisdom traditions, various psychological theories of development as well as experiential tools and techniques from Bioenergetics, NLP, Intensive Journal, Expressive Arts, Multi-Media, Qigong, Breathwork, Prayer and Meditation practices, and Sacred Scripture are used to explore and enhance one’s psychospiritual wellbeing.

There were 13 participants – 4 men and 9 women from 10 different religious congregations and one diocese in this edition of the Sumedha Sadhana.

The various modules were facilitated by Alex Clement, Edison Fernandes, Johny Padinjar, Jose Parappully, Philip Pinto and Thomas Kurianthanam.

Besides the academic programme there was time each weekend for integration of the week’s experiences, as well as for relaxation in group through picnics and visits to famous tourist locations.

There were two special events during the programme. One was the celebration of the Sumedha Foundation Day on 19^th March, the Feast of St. Joseph who is the Patron Saint of Sumedha Centre. Most Rev. Ignatius Mascarenhas, Bishop of Simla-Chandigarh Diocese was the main celebrant on the occasion.

We also had Br. Kurias Cyriac SDB, a great friend of Sumedha Centre and who had helped to renovate the building to make it suitable for conducting the Sumedha programmes, as chief guest on the occasion.

The second was the visit of the Extraordinary Visitor to the Salesian Province of New Delhi, Rev. Fr. Biju Michael, a member of the General Council of the Salesians of Don Bosco in Rome. He met the participants and interacted with them.

The participants were immensely happy with their entire Sumedha exprience. Five of them gave a perfect 10 out of 10 on a scale of 1 to 10 on Usefulness of the Programme. Four gave 9, three gave 8 and one gave 7.

Some typical comments;

“The programme helped me personally to open up myself. I was able to let go of many things, forgive many people who have hurt me, accept situations, and move on with my life. I feel I am healed of many things, especially emotional wounds. As I go back, I want to begin a new life, looking at things in new ways with the insights I received here. I am leaving this place with a light heart and full of happiness.”

 “I am fortunate to attend this programme. It has changed my perspective about my life and it gave me new life. It gave me opportunity to look back at where I am and challenged me to live a better life. I could work with my hurts and emotional imbalances and discover the root cause for it. This programme has changed me a lot.”

“When I entered Sumedha there was lot of questions in my mind, my heart was heavy, full of confusion, no clarity etc… But at the end now all my questions are answered. I feel light hearted, and have clarity into my life.”

“I am so delighted that I am enlightened and awakened, to be a better version of myself – to be fully human with a compassionate heart. I am grateful.”

“I came to Sumedha at a time when I was searching for greater understanding of myself. At the end of the programme, I feel my objective has been realized.”

“I was at breaking point when I arrived at Sumedha. This was where I needed to be at this time in my life. I experienced healing of body, soul and spirit.”

“Sumedha enabled me to accept my past and my present and learn to see God in the bits and pieces of my life’s journey.”

“This is the place where I was purified, renewed and felt that I needed to follow Jesus more passionately.”

Living together with fellow Sumedhans has been a very enriching experience of community life.”

“Welcome and hospitality was excellent. Felt very much at home.”

“Sumedha provided the best for our stay here.”

The 50^th edition of Sumedha Sadhana is from June 23 to September 14, 2024. Registration is open. A few seats are available for this programme. Please contact sumedhacentre@gmail.com.

Please go to our updated web-page for more information: https://sumedhacentre.org  

 

47th SUMEDHA SADHANA CONCLUDES

The 47^th Sumedha Sadhana – A Psychospiritual Wholeness Journey – concluded on September 18. This 80-day programme had begun on July 1, 2023.

There were 16 participants from 9 religious congregations and three dioceses.

The programme comprised of seven different modules. Psychological Dynamics on the Spiritual Journey which included Somatic Meditations, Process Spirituality, Prayerfulness, Midlife Dynamics, Sexuality, Celibacy and Intimacy, Trauma and Healing facilitated by Jose Parappully; Unconscious Dynamics and the Spiritual Journey facilitated by Johny Dominic Padinjar; Yoga and Cosmic Spirituality facilitated by Alba Rodrigues; Breath, Spirit and Wellbeing facilitated by Thomas Kurianthanam; Challenges of Consecrated Life facilitated by Philip Pinto; Group Therapy facilitated by Joe Parakkad and Jose Parappully; and an Integration Retreat facilitated by Jose Parappully.

The participants expressed immense satisfaction with the programme.

Some excerpts from the participants’ feedback on the programme:

“Sumedha Sadhana was a journey from the cocoon to a butterfly. It has given me a fresh new beginning. It was a deep experiential journey inward, of soul-searching to discover who I really am. I go back rejuvenated, reenergized, renewed. The combination of psychology and spirituality was par excellent.”

I came to Sumedha with a deep desire to renew and refresh myself. Sumedha experience has done it for me.”

“Sumedha journey was for me a pilgrimage that led to a new life, inviting me to be a happy and joyful seeker of God.”

“A very significant transformation journey. I came with a lot of chaos within me. Group therapy, module on Consecrated life and the Spiritual Retreat has transformed me.”

I came troubled. I return with peace. The Sumedha Integration Retreat was a deep God experience.”

“I came broken, wounded, and troubles and wanted healing and peace. I have found both at Sumedha.”

“All the modules blended beautifully. The me that I came and the me that is leaving is a very different person.”

“Very practical modules. Not just theory. Lots of time from reflection. Creative liturgies. Calm and quiet atmosphere.”

“I am immensely enriched by Sumedha Sadhana programme. The facilitators were highly qualified professionals with knowledge and expertise. Competency was the hall mark. Dynamic way of teaching brought home many insights for my onward journey. The programme was excellent, systematic, wholesome, synchronised well to lead to psychospiritual wholeness in a very effective way. The classes have touched, healed and transformed me into a better human being.”

 

“A very enriching experience. All modules relevant, with very competent resource persons. Comfortable stay. Excellent food.”

 “I felt very much at home Every need was taken care of. Wonderful hospitality.”

“Delicious food. Lovely atmosphere.”

“Excellent environment and hospitality.”

 “A unique experience.”

 

39th SUMEDHA SADHANA DELIVERS MORE THAN PARTICPANTS’ EXPECTATIONS!

The 39^th Sumedha Sadhana - Psychospiritual Wholeness Journey (October 1- December 2) concluded with a high level of satisfaction on the part of the participants. Most observed that they had received much more than what they had hope for. Nine of the participants gave the programme 10 out 10 on usefulness and five gave a 9. The average rating was 9.35.

There were 18 participants from different parts of India, from Bangladesh, Myanmar and Thailand. Among them were five priests and 13 religious women from 11 different religious congregations and one diocesan priest from the Archdiocese of Kolkata.

Fr. Uday D'Souza, the parish priest of Jeolikote, welcomed the participants and gave a short profile of the Jeolikote parish and the Diocese of Bareilly.

Sumedha Sadhana is a programme of inner journeying together with fellow seekers in quest of greater healing and wholeness, so that participants can live their lives in more fulfilling and satisfying ways and be more effective in their service to others.

There were seven modules in this edition of the Sadhana: Spirituality, Early Development, Midlife Transition, Unconscious Dynamics, Core Transformation, Group Therapy and Spiritual Retreat. Participants also had opportunity for individual therapy.

Dr. Jose Parappully SDB, Director of the Centre, facilitated the modules on spirituality, early development, midlife transition, group therapy and the retreat.

Dr. Johny Dominic Padinjar SDB facilitated the “Unconscious Dynamics.” This module explored the dynamics behind the helplessness that persons often experience in not being able to do what they want and doing what they do not want.  Using concepts from Freudian, Jungian, NLP and Transactional Analysis theories Dr. Padinjar helped participants unleash the powers of the unconscious to facilitate healing and wholeness. He also facilitated individual and group therapy.

Dr. Jose Mathew Kuttianimattathil SDB facilitated the “Core Transformation” module. In this module participants were helped to explore and examine their least liked behaviours, feelings and responses to move toward the wellspring within them (Core State) which radiates peace, love and harmony.

The academic programme was enriched by creative liturgies, integration days, weekly recreations, movies, and relaxing outing and picnic.

Participants expressed great satisfaction with and appreciation for the programme content, process, organization and the module facilitators.

Comments from the participants:

“I am immensely enriched by the programme… The facilitators were highly qualified professionals with knowledge and experience.”

“The programme on the whole was excellent. Module facilitators were competent, caring and adequately firm and gentle.”

“The programme as a whole was very excellent, systematic, well planned, well arranged.”

“I came here with certain goals. They are fully realized. I gained new enthusiasm and passion for life and ministry. I go back a happy person.”

“My goal was achieved. I give 10 on the scale.”

“I got more than I expected.”

 “Sumedha touched every aspect of my life – everything was useful. What I wanted I got.”

“I came here to deepen my spiritual life. Yes, it is realized.”

“I came here feeling very dry. Today my tree is budding forth green leaves. I feel healed and renewed, ready to bloom.”

“The programme came as rain to remove my dryness and renew my spirit.”

“My life had become a mess. It is Sumedha that challenged me to be who I am. Regarding my religious/priestly life also it challenged me and put me where I was supposed to be.”

“The Sumedha journey helped me to heal my wounded soul, mend the brokenness of my life. It enabled me to journey into my innermost and find the wellspring.”

‘Sumedha Sadhana prepared me to embrace the past, own up the present and plan for the future.”

“The retreat helped me so much to come close to God, to experience his love. I feel touched by God, healed. My life is blessed.”

“Search for meaning in life and deeper spirituality brought me to Sumedha. I have found both. My broken pot is mended, my heart expanded and I feel more integrated. I return with confidence and enthusiasm.”

“Reception, hospitality, accommodation, services and facilities were excellent. I would like to appreciate specially the food served to us every day. It was indeed commendable.”

“It was very enriching to stay over here, the warmth, love we experienced from the staff, non-teaching staff and from each other. All were very hospitable. We felt free to approach and the accommodation was very good. Everything was provided, the food was abundant and excellent. I feel very privileged to be here for 9 weeks.” 

 “The friendly and homelike atmosphere created by the hosts was beyond my imagination. I enjoyed my stay over at Sumedha, felt like it is my own home.”