A regional retreat, themed “God–Man–Nature,” took place in the picturesque surroundings of Wartaweil, near Lake Ammersee, from 12th to 14th May 2017. About 90 SSIO members participated in the event, which featured in-depth study circles on a variety of environmental topics, ranging from spiritual to practical. Attendees discussed Sathya Sai’s teachings that nature serves mankind selflessly and in an exemplary manner. They also studied a German translation of the Bhagavad Gita and composed a song based on the 12th chapter of the Gita, which was subsequently presented at the retreat. To emphasise the practical aspects of being in tune with nature, volunteers cleaned a nearby lake, built habitats for smaller insects, and collected seedlings of oak trees to plant at home. The retreat concluded with a musical programme showcasing Indian classical dance, a cello concerto, and devotional songs based on world religions

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