After an early start, some inexcusably clumsy map reading, and a beautiful sunrise amid the morning mist, Sydney CHYK joined Canberra CHYK at Tuggeranong Public Library for the “Why God?” workshop taken by Br Gopal Chaitanya on Saturday 2 May 2009.

Little time was lost in getting straight to the heart of the matter, as Gopalji posed a pronged riddle in the form of a parable: ‘Who is God?’, ‘does he exist?’, ‘why should we worship God?', 'Where is God?', What is God doing right now? Drawing from the treasure chest of our many scriptures, and using clear and simple examples, Gopalji took us through a methodical study of these questions and invited us to bring our own independent judgment and reason to bear on the subject.

Following a delightful lunch prepared by aunty Lakshmi, aunty Vidya and aunty Jyothi, the workshop continued to examine the questions in smaller groups using exercises challenging us to look for the reasons behind why certain rituals are performed and why certain customs are adhered to.

We did a group exercise on symbolism and learned why Hinduism provides so many different manifestations as well as the benefits of worship. Gopalji then guided us through a pooja activity, where each of us was able to perform a pooja for Lord Ganapati. Following this, we had some quiet reflection time, during which we each wrote our own prayer and contemplated the role that God plays in our lives.

We then had an open discussion on our relationship with the infinite, and a question and answer session with Gopalji.

And thus the workshop came to an end and we felt amazed that the time flew so quickly, and Sydney CHYK looked to make the four hour journey back home. But not before Canberra CHYK, whose organisation of the workshop was impeccable from first to last, showed Sydney CHYK tremendous hospitality once again at Neha, James, Gauri's home by ensuring none went home without a sumptuous dinner too.

With hearts warmed with cheer and heads filled with questions and new ideas about the ultimate subject, Sydney CHYK made it back to Chinmaya Sannidhi in the breezy chill of the late evening. So “Why God?”? Some questions just lead to more questions even as answers to others emerge. The next workshop with Br Gopalji is already awaited for with anticipation.

Canberra Chyks are planning to have another Workshop in July "You Ask, He Answers" with Br Gopal Chaitanya".