Blue Star Info

Transform Yourself. Transform Your World.

Blue Star Holland Info year 6 ● June 2010 ● number 1

Index Looking back at a successful retreat

2
Enthusiastic reactions Being Together
5
A choice of workshops Our first retreat without the physical presence
of our inspirational teacher Sri Vasudeva was
6 organized at the Sun House from May 27 -30.
Something for everyone Its theme: Being Together/Together in Being.

7 Our vision for the retreat was to explore

And the winner is... personal qualities of leadership and wisdom as
Kitchen pearls well as those of the group. Also the promotion
Wake up to your Reality of deep and open sharing and the experience
of ‘Togetherness in Being’ in all our power and Home of Blue Star Holland:
8 love. The Sun House in Loenen
Blue Star Holland Centra
We had between 40 and 60 participants daily who created a sparkling energy of
love, interest and connection. This co-creation was a huge success.

Although Vasudeva was not physically present, his whole being participated fully in
the retreat. His energy flowed through the hearts of all participants. His meditation
workshop, given last year in Trinidad, was seen on Dvd. And he was virtually with
us via a Skype connection. We could speak with him, ask a question, share an
experience and see his expressions as he spoke to us via a large screen. We have
been given a fantastic means of bridging the physical distance between us using
these modern techniques.

Vasudeva’s advice to us was to organize this energy exchange every two weeks.
This forms both a challenge and an inspiration for us. What a support, to be able to
re-charge ourselves with this powerful energy on a regular basis. What an
incredible power that could unleash in our lives!

Karin Groet suggested the following: It would be meeting this challenge if we could
organize a chain of small groups of people who were at the retreat, also including
The Blue Star Vision others who want to be involved, to meet in groups every two weeks using the same
framework as in the past retreat. We can pass on the intention like a “relay baton”.
People learning to live
using inner strength Allow yourself to be inspired and touched and step into the flow of energy that
and working on accompanies this Blue Star Newsletter! Whispered in many ears at the retreat was
the idea that these small meetings may be the initiation of a Dutch ashram. Could
a world of
this be an intention that is manifesting from the Source?
harmony and
happiness. The Blue Star Board wishes you much pleasure in reading about our retreat
experiences.

Blue Star. Transform your Self. Transform your World. 1

 Enthusiastic reactions
For the first time in Milestone
many years, Blue I experienced this weekend as a milestone or a
Star Holland had a turning point for Blue Star Holland: we have
three day retreat never stood so close together and experienced
without the physical so much unity. The huge openness during the
presence of entire ‘sacred conversation’ in which people felt
Vasudeva. The free [safe] to share very personal feelings can be
theme was: “Being sited as an example of the special energy that
Together” (in Dutch, was created.
the two words are
reversed – And everything we did was done with ease and
“Together Being” fun! It was beautiful to see how everyone played
and the expression their part in this co-creation, in so many alone. Nobody had to do anything alone in these
can be understood different ways. past few days because everyone was there for
in two ways, as each other, new or old, known or a unknown, a
“togetherness” and This is the beginning of the co-creation of a new
large and warm spiritual bath.
as “together in world full of harmony in every dimension! We
being”). It was can do it! Let’s go for it together.
What am I talking about? Our own Blue Star
wonderful, a special
Holland Retreat from the 27th to the 30th of
experience of Vasudeva, thank you so much for providing us
transformation and this opportunity and that you led and supported May. With great thanks to the organizing group

unity with moments us so that we could manifest this retreat in this
of personal growth way. And to everyone who participated: thanks
and growth for us for your Being Together/Together in Being!
as a group, too. Gauri
In one word: FANTASTIC...
... In all aspects. We enjoyed, learned,
experienced, shared, hugged (of course!),
expanded energy, felt, gave and received
fantastic and educative workshops, healed and
were healed, ate delicious meals, (wonderful
Nelly and Bram), felt the continuing presence of
and all the other people who played a part in
making this retreat an energetic, loving and
powerful big party. Also thanks to Shankari and
Himani and, of course not to be forgotten, all
the participants. Did it take an effort to enjoy
oneself or to experience? Not at all! What
happened [just] happened. It was accepted and
it was good.
I heard superlatives like: “There is an even
stronger energy than when the Guru is present.”
Also, “What great potential in power, knowledge,
love and wisdom in our own Blue Star House.”

Sacred Conversations with Vasudeva and… I’m sure I am forgetting Or, even better, “our Blue Star home.” And: “Why
Vasudeva using Skype something… But I also don’t have to do this haven’t we done this before?”

Singing the Shiva Mahimna Stotram with accompaniment by Indu, Saraswati, Hans and Sjoerd

Blue Star. Transform your Self. Transform your World. 2

In short, it was more than worth it. And there are new
initiatives for future retreats with our own Blue Star family
under way. And we hope that everyone will be able to be
there again. If not in body, then certainly in spirit. It’s all
OK.
With many thanks to our great Teacher,
In love and support, Sharada Devi
Jayanti on the Sacred Conversations
During the Sacred Conversations the group shared
experiences and asked  questions that seemed to
emanate from the Source. These were very special
sessions. We were a large group (on Sunday 60 people)
and the level of openness and authenticity was
remarkable. We did not discuss or give wise counsel
from some distant place. There was no judgement. We
listened, showed empathy, understanding, authentic
interest and allowed lots of space as we shared deeply.
It was very moving. Afterwards there was the possibility
to ask questions of Vasudeva or to share an experience
with him.
Blue Star Holland alive and kicking
I felt in this retreat that Blue Star Holland is alive and
kicking even if we are also very busy on our own turf with
many other activities. The Blue Star feeling is simply a part
of us and that is what we understood at Blue Star's
conception. Sri Vasudeva binds us like a Patriarch, so we
really are like a family. I want to keep both feet on the
Blue Star. Transform your Self. Transform your World.
ground and so perhaps a sober comment from this Dutch
clay is warranted. We admit that we can form a wonderful
team, that there is a lot of talent available and that we can
create fabulously. These are things no one would dispute.
But we also quite easily separate and become busily
involved with our own things, just as it happens in many
families.  You see each other, love it and make promises to
call more often but it just doesn’t happen. And still, the
fact of the matter is, the connection is there!
Vasudeva spoke to us a few days ago via Skype: “What are
you going to do in two weeks time? And next month? Don’t
allow this feeling to ebb away. Go for continuity” he said.
The Blue Star shines in me like a warm blue light that I take
with me wherever I go. And that light is shining strong and
bright as a result of this retreat. Thank you, one and all, for
this Being Together in Love! Jayanti
Growth and a warm bath
Before the retreat I realized that I was disappointed that I
could only be there on Sunday. Even though it was only one
day, I held an intention of abundance within. And that is
what I experienced. The other days I wasn’t there
physically, but Thursday I was very conscious of everything
going on and from the evening on, I felt like I was in the
retreat in Loenen too. I really liked what happened in the
preparations for the retreat. As Bhaktan (Eric) said, the
organizing committee were really looking forward to the
retreat. And I was also looking forward to the chakra
singing meditation that I would lead.
3
“The interconnectedness in love was vast and clearly tangible.”

As a result of the inviting and positive energy, I dared to It was so beautiful and inspiring to be able to share and

offer to lead a chakra meditation and it was wonderful! The exchange personal experiences. But just being present, a

sounds were so unique and formed a marvellous harmony. part of the group and following the daily program was also
fantastic.

I know that I have grown enormously in the last years. And

without Loenen and Vasudeva, I would not have dared to I enjoyed making plans together for the future and

take that place. And it felt like it will happen more often. resonating with the enthusiasm of others. For me

Before I arrived on Sunday, I already felt the loving, kind personally, it is a stimulus to continue walking this chosen

and warm energy flowing to me and the whole day I basked path.  

in a ‘warm bath’. The workshop “Eye Yoga” was interesting

and new for me. I will certainly delve deeper into that. That we were all able to create something this beautiful

  makes me hopeful for everything that lies ahead of us. I am

The mantra Om Shiva Hare Om resounds in my head and convinced that Blue Star Holland has undergone a powerful

heart still. That was beautiful to take away with me. I hope co-creative impulse. In any case, for me personally, it has

to see everyone before Madhavi arrives, but otherwise, inspired me to take an active role in the future.

certainly then. Yvonne van Gameren

“Together being” in this “being together” is an event to be
repeated. I sincerly hope that we will meet each other again

Being together soon.

The May retreat from 2010 was a resounding success…

Namaskar! Jan
WOW… To be honest, I had some reserves as I journeyed to
Loenen. I found myself musing that a retreat without the
physical presence of the Guru could possibly be less
powerful. The opposite was quickly proved because my
Meditation retreat on dvd
doubts totally disappeared with the singing of the Shiva [on
During the retreat we watched the recording of the
Thursday evening]. It was a fantastic opening of the
weekend. meditation retreat that Sri Vasudeva gave at the
ashram in Trinidad in 2009. These recordings are
The interconnectedness in love was vast and clearly available on dvd. Interested? Send an email to
tangible. This gave me the feeling of being a member of a shankari@xs4all.nl. The costs are €10 per dvd. Each
large Blue Star Family. The visitors who arrived later were dvd is of 1 retreat day in Loenen - a compilation of
included with the same love and openness and so the
the 5 day retreat in Trinidad. There will be an
strong energy just increased.
additional cost for shipping.    

The team that organized the retreat: Bhaktan, Marieke, Jody (pink shirt) and Hans

Blue Star. Transform your Self. Transform your World. 4

 A choice of workshops
What a lot of talent There were many Blue Star members who offered to
we have in Blue give a workshop as the list below attests. We made
Star and what it possible for all who said they would like to give a
involvement. That workshop to do so. And that was very special - to
made this retreat a experience the many talents and qualities available
very special to us within our Blue Star family.  But a word of
co-creation where thanks also goes out to all the participants. Without
those talents were you there would not have been a retreat at all!
shared. As a result
of the Guru’s Summary of the workshops
absence, we were
able to allow the • Energy Training - a training to become Walther explains the principles of EFT

Guru in ourselves to more conscious of the power of the breath,

speak. We were using movement and voice (Jayanti)
more interested in • Self deception – gaining insight in how to be Of course, the Guru Gita, Shiva Mahimna
each other, it more loving and honest in life (Sharada Devi) Stotram, yoga/tai chi, meditation and mantra
seemed, and less • Diksha - Oneness University - background singing were part of our daily schedule. There
directed towards information and Dikshas (Ben and Ria) were also opportunities to visit and share with
the Guru. • Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) – a each other with greater intimacy.   
method to alleviate emotional blockages in  
the energy system (Walther) Vasudeva suggests keeping “good company”
• Ayurvedic head massage – relaxing, and after three days in such good company, we
cleansing and balancing for the body and the totally understood why this is so valuable!
mind (Jaya (Yvonne))
• Tools from the 40 Day Retreat 2010 – how
to consciously make use of the tools given in
the talks by Sri Vasudeva (Indu-Odile)
• Eye yoga - techniques and background
information to create a better and more
relaxed use of the eyes (Shirley)
• Fairy tale - the unexpected deeper meaning
of a personal fairy tale (Gina)

Our youngest participant, • Learning to feel chakras - exercises that

Michaela make conscious experiencing of the chakras
possible (Saraswati)
• Health in several dimensions – a workshop
about the possibilities and tools to
optimalise your health (Gauri) Wonderful to walk in the beautiful area of
• Residing in the Self - practicing staying the Sun House. Luckily the weather showed
centered in various situations using role play its sunny side.
and drama exercises (Jenny)

Energy Training Tools from the 40 Days 2010 Once upon a time... (fairy tale)

Blue Star. Transform your Self. Transform your World. 5

Something for everyone
It was wonderful to have such a wide choice of workshops though making a choice was difficult, as
they all looked equally interesting! In these three sketches you will get an idea of what was offered.

Energy Training Emotional Freedom Technique

Jayanti gave her workshop with her characteristic vibrant
enthusiasm. Her choice was for participants to experience
energy through breath, voice and movement. She began
with breathing exercises that I recognized from Trinidad.
And then we started to move.
We played a game in which one’s partner’s back was a
music instrument to  play. The higher and lower tones were
associated with the higher and lower areas of the back. The
different qualities of touch were to instigate different types
of sounds. One person brought the other into motion and
sound. The enthusiastic participation of all created lots of
fun. But it was also a challenge to really ‘listen’ (with the
body) to your partner and to be sensitive to the co-creative
possibilities. We laughed and enjoyed ourselves like kids –
whenever we were able to really let go!   movements to solidify the results in the energy system so
Walther began by telling us about the technique, how it was
developed and its effectivity using an impressive story about
traumatized Vietnam war veterans. Then we learned the
technique and went to work in pairs. By tapping on meridian
points with the fingers it is possible to influence the flow of
energy through the body. Energy blockages open so that
energy flows (more) freely. We were asked to bring up a fear
and allow ourselves to feel it. We rated it on a scale of 0 and
10 and used the EFT procedure. During the tapping, we
named the fear we were experiencing in order to keep it in
our field and then followed that with an affirmation. For
instance, someone might say, “Even though I am afraid of
water, I accept myself exactly as I am.” After using the
procedure, one checks to see if the fear had been reduced
and it often had. One uses another set of tapping and eye
that the feeling of fear will not return to its old level.

Let’s light up our world with the Light from within

Tools from the 40 Day Retreat 2010

Indu asked the participants to focus on themselves and to think of a
personal issue in which they would like to use the tools. The tools were not
just handed to us. No, we had to get to work to discover them. We all chose
a card with a picture that appealed to us. I chose a picture of a young boy
who looked back at me with penetrating dark brown eyes. Then we split up
into groups of three. We shared briefly, in 10 – 15 minutes, what we wanted
to bring into the light, what the underlying pain points might be and which
tools we could use to aid us: the power of intention, use of the intellect,
positive thinking, a non-judgmental attitude. That gave us many beautiful In groups of three...
conversations and insights. After sharing, we turned the cards over and read
the text on the other side. “What have you overlooked?” was written on my
card. Hmm....

We then returned to the group and Indu asked us to write down two
important insights and to hang these up in the room. After having read all
these, we shared what this process had brought us. To close, we each chose
a positive thought that we can carry with us. Indu gave us a little heart-
shaped stone to symbolize it. This little heart now sits next to my computer
keyboard and is a beautiful reminder of my intention and wish.
A heart with a memory

Blue Star. Transform your Self. Transform your World. 6

And the winner is...
At first sight, a lottery is not exactly a spiritual happening. On Sunday, Vasudeva blessed
But those who consciously broaden their view (and don’t we Shankari’s hand and she pulled
all do that from time to time?) and look deeper, will see the the winning lot out of the pot.
wisdom at the core. By selling lots, a cash flow is activated And just as one would expect
that benefits a common goal and the energy flows. That, in from a spiritual lottery, the
turn, stimulates new initiatives. picture went to someone who
really deserved it, even if only
During the retreat many lots were sold at the reception table because she said, “I never win
for €2.50 for the first, getting ever less expensive the more anything.”  That comment was
you bought. We generated € 400,- that has been donated to immediately made null and void.
the Sun House. Carolien was the lucky one to
receive the ‘Guru on linen’. Not
Wake up to your Reality only because of her selfless
On behalf of the organizing committee, Marieke explained investment in the Sun House (like
Carolien is a beaming winner
in inspiring, funny and varied stories daily, something many others) but also because she
about the picture, how it was made and the lottery. The seemed to stand as a symbol for
photographer was Wim van den Hoogen. The final product; spiritual and personal growth that was evidenced in her
an image of the Guru on linen with the text “Wake up to your wonderful and open sharing during the retreat.
Reality”. All honor was also given to Linda who, with
patience and crafts-woman-ship brought text and image And because this retreat was all about “Being Together –
together, creating a powerful picture that calls one into a Together in Being” Carolien’s growth was everyone’s growth.
very deep awareness.   And we all were, are and shall ever be, winners!

Kitchen pearls ‘Wake up to your Reality’ now

Just like in the old available in the Blue Star Shop
days, the kitchen was
Bram en Nelly’s
domain. The inner
person was in good
hands with them.

Every day there was

an extensive meal
cooked for nearly
sixty participants.
And once again, it
was evident that Bram
and Nelly love to
pamper people. They
give the best of
themselves in the
Bram and Nelly wield the pastry preparation of these
roller in the kitchen meals. Everything was Many people enjoyed the beautiful Guru on linen with the
a delicious treat and healthy to boot. Bram and Nelly, a title “Wake Up To Your Reality” during the retreat. All three
heartfelt thanks for your fantastic work. You are pearls! days the image stood in the Sun Hall and everyone was
hoping for the winning lottery ticket. Only one person could
win it, but that doesn’t mean that you have to let it slip
through your fingers. On the contrary! It is available to order
through the Blue Star Shop.

Blue Star. Transform your Self. Transform your World. 7

Blue Star Holland Centra
Also see: www.bluestarholland.nl

Doorwerth
Mail Marijke: mclaseur@planet.nl of bel 026-33 34 369 of
mail Dorine: dfrequin@xs4all.nl of bel 06-55542651

Ellecom
Mail Yoganand of Dorien: anandayogacentrum@gmail.com 
of bel 0313-414893

Haarlem
Mail Malou: malou_hermans@hotmail.com of
bel 06-45023980

Koudekerke
Mail Henriette of Wim: haernoudts@zeelandnet.nl  of
bel 0118-551495

Loenen
Mail Shankari: shankari@zonnehuis.com of
bel 055-5050180

Naaldwijk
Mail Martin en Bea: bluestar.naaldwijk@kabelfoon.net of
bel 0174 626 728

Amsterdam Nijmegen
Mail Jayanti: jetty.vd.meer@hotmail.com of Sabine: Mail Odile: odile.indu.koninx@gmail.com of
sabinevandooremaal@hotmail.com bel 024-3734086

Bennekom Nijmegen/Ooij
Mail Shelley: sd.krabbenborg@planet.nl of Mail Rob: rob-derksen@planet.nl of Lily:
bel 0318-463662 lilykorver@hotmail.com of bel 024-6633149

Brummen Noordwijk
Mail Uulaja: info@yogacentrumbrummen.nl  of Mail Ellen: ellenspaargaren@kpnplanet.nl of
bel 0575-565293 bel 071 36194 43

Bunde Ruurlo
Mail Hub en Francis: hubjaminon@planet.nl of Mail Shirley: Shirleyvos@planet.nl of bel 0573 461110 of 06
bel 043-3645683 123 04 515

Doetinchem Zwolle/Hattermerbroek
Mail Helmie: helmiebossema@hotmail.com of Mail Trudy: trudyvanrooyen@hetnet.nl  of bel 038-3764420
bel 0314-346338 of bel Monique 038-4479782

Transform your Self. Transform your World.

Colofon Editing and design Linda

Blue Star Info is een uitgave van Copywriters Bob, Gauri, Jayanti, Jan, Jody, Linda, Sharada
Blue Star Holland Devi, Yvonne, Willem
Beekbergerweg 25 | 7371 EV Loenen Translation Jody
E-mail infobsh@bluestarholland.nl
www.bluestarholland.nl

Blue Star. Transform your Self. Transform your World. 8