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This was the first program in Philadelphia and was sold out nearly a month ago. People were searching to register for the program on the social media platforms looking for ways to be in the presence of Sadhguru and one enthusiastic seeker posted the following:

“I am interested in 1 ticket for Inner Engineering on May 5-6 in Philadelphia. If you have a ticket but cannot attend please contact me- if you have a ticket we can arrange to meet or perhaps arrange payment through PayPal. Please need to let me know ASAP as I will also have to arrange a flight from Texas if i find a ticket.”

Volunteers came from every corner of North America and even from other continents to help make this Inner Engineering event happen. Greater Philadelphia Expo hall was transformed by over 350 volunteers into a beautiful environment for eager participants to receive yoga in this much anticipated weekend with Sadhguru.

What do 2400+ weekend yogis look like? A sea of heads that go on endlessly, faces tilted slightly upwards, eyes closed, most of them with a smile on their face. The quality of the attention in Philadelphia was phenomenal; a true sense of intensity and receptivity. No fidgeting. No noise.

On Saturday afternoon, their excitement and hope were palpable. Two participants from Tampa, Florida were positively beaming, explaining that they had first heard Sadhguru’s talks on YouTube and couldn’t wait to meet him in person. When asked, one of the pair related her hopes for the program. “I’m open, completely open to receiving whatever I’m going to receive today.”

Before entering the hall, participants stored their shoes in customized wooden racks, built by the volunteers. As they entered, participants were greeted with soft music from Sounds of Isha and the hum of people connecting with each other and finding their seats.

Delicate violin melodies serenaded a quiet and attentive audience as the program began. Musicians of all ages and nationalities had joined together to create one sound, one voice: the Sounds of Isha. This diversity was matched by the diversity of the participants in attendance.

As Sadhguru entered the hall, the entire audience stood up and applauded, united by their enthusiasm in meeting Sadhguru in person. One of the volunteers said that this was the loudest applause he has ever heard during any program!

Throughout the session, participants were quick to respond with bouts of laughter at Sadhguru’s many jokes and stories. “We know what is a full fledged bird, what is a full-fledged worm, but we do not know what is a full fledged human being,” he said as he talked about what it means to be alive. “Life is about the profoundness of your experience, not the hugeness of your accumulation.” The evening continued as a dialogue between Sadhguru and the participants.

Sunday morning’s session began with Sounds of Isha bringing everyone to their feet dancing.  Even the quiet and reserved joined Sadhguru to dance and clap with abandon. As the program progressed, participants were clearly moved, “It was very emotional for me. I felt that it was just Sadhguru and me in the room. It was hard to keep my eyes closed at the end and there were tears of happiness just flowing.”   

As the program culminated and Sadhguru was starting to leave, one of the participants shouted, “Don’t go!” which seemed to mirror what everyone was feeling. Sadhguru responded with, “I’m going with you!” Referring to the powerful Shambhavi Mahamudra practice that had just been transmitted to and would blossom within them!

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Sharings from Participants & Volunteers:

“I am no longer depressed and feel much more joyful appreciating living and experiencing life in full. My body is calm, I didn’t realize how much anxiety was apart of my daily existence. I lost weight while going through the program and lost a range of negative emotions and thoughts. Now my mind is free to hear, to love and create!”

“I actually discovered Sadhguru while looking online for diets and came across the yogic diet – I follow the blood-type diet – and checked it out. I’m old and been around for a long time, doing yoga for 40 years. But what attracted me to Sadhguru was his focus on the environment and the Earth. I’m a horticulturist, and work with garden clubs and international organizations and rarely have I seen anyone spiritual talk so well about the environment and how important it is to the spiritual process.”

Sadhguru suddenly cleared blocked channels where I was struggling. I had read and heard a lot and had explored and knew a lot on my own but never knew how to connect it all. He showed the connection and helped me on the right path and direction. When I came I was highly disturbed internally. Finally I see the light ahead and see the meaning of life that I had forgotten. It has been a true blessing to be in the presence of Sadhguru.

As a volunteer who has witnessed many programs, I felt these participants in particular had a high level of willingness and intensity. Many shared that they have been following Sadhguru on YouTube for years. They felt very ready for Shambhavi Mahamudra.





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