a while ago, swamiji mentioned how much he planned for his first
lengthy sankalpas in india. he indicated the planning itself was
significant. this made a dent.

here we go, we have a week ahead of us this month. tonight i am
taking a moment to look at the schedule.

first and foremost, i need to coordinate with family. i have a sign-
off so to speak, but there are incidentally some events going on
simultaneously i can't avoid.

under purpose[s] the online chandi retreat document says, one of
them is to possibly jump-start a sadhana after the retreat. that
sounds like me; since we moved i have not had the regular practice i
had built up over the last 6 months or more.

every night at 6 we will meet online it says. very cool, that is 8
pm texas time. i hope it can work for y'all. at the mandir it will
be 6 pm.

august 23 is a welcome session at 6 mandir time. and we end at 7 pm
aug 27. that is a week, a monday to a friday.

they mention important texts, beginner shiva or durga puja and
Chandi Path. there is also mention of some videos -- i have the
books, not the videos [meeting a modern saint, and, the meaning and
method of worship.] i think there is time to get them. there are
also 2 audio titles mentioned, I believe I might have them.

i am looking at the daily routine. it starts at 4:00 am. by 8:00 am
there has been meditation, yoga, puja, recitation, etc.

i am wishing to ask soon "maa, what is meditation to you?" or more
exactly, "what meditation do you wish devotees to do?" ...
perhaps it is described in a book, or swamiji, or someone else can
say.

time is allowed for both seva and rest. very nice. also, malas of
japa during lunch time.

walking or other exercise is also included ... good!

7-10:30 pm is all sadhana, spiritual video, and includes dinner and
attending to items of the temple. 'lights out' time is nice and
early, i do believe if i follow this i will get some nice rest and
be very refreshed after!

it says, participants will be sent an e-mail re: details for
recitation, etc. there is mention of on-going japa as well as
silence, reduced speech. take care of bills first. real good idea.

there are some wonderful suggestions for seva; you might like to
read them.

food -- it talks a little about vegetarian diet, not a fast.

this is very nice, i suggest y'all read it, and get a jump-start on
the jump-start! I am interested in sharing any preparation
challenges; I know I will have them myself.

steve