From 18th to 23rd May 2014, 170+ campers came together, from different places and from different walks of life, for a unique camp by Pujya Guruji Swami Tejomayananda at Chinmaya Vibhooti. The camp was beautifully titled Geetaamrit, as the texts were Bhagavad Geeta Chapter 5 and Amrit Bindu Upanishad. Guruji had decided to take these texts as it was always Pujya Gurudev’s tradition to teach Geeta in the evenings, and Upanishads in the mornings. And so took place Chinmaya Vibhooti’s first ever Geetopanishad camp.
Guruji’s wonderfully simple style of sharing meaningful insights of the ancient wisdom of the scriptures, is something that never fails to amaze sadhakas who are lucky enough to be a part of his audience. One can only marvel at the fresh and new ways in which he approaches texts, despite having been a teacher of Vedanta for more than 40 years. Campers eagerly sipped each delicious drop of the eternal nectar of Amrit Bindu Upanishad, and equally enjoyed each melodious and uplifting note of the 5th chapter of Shri Krishna’s song divine.
The opportunity to offer bhikshas and paduka pujas was readily taken up by campers. There were also several new releases and exciting offers thanks to Chinmaya Vani bookstore, Chinmaya Upahar gift shop, and Shivashakti rudraksha specialists, and the happy campers doubled up as happy shoppers, armed with some great gifts to take back for loved ones.
Chinmaya Jeevan Darshan is always a special experience, and set against the Geetaamrit camp, it was really quite something to take the journey with Pujya Gurudev through the spectacular permanent exhibition outlining just how he became such an incredible Vedantin.
Each camp at Chinmaya Vibhooti has a unique touch brought to it by Guruji. In this camp, one evening Guruji took off for a walk to the Chinmaya Maruti Mandir. As he walked, more and more campers joined in for a strolling satsang. Spontaneously, Guruji comfortably seated himself under the Vata Vriksha (Banyan tree) in the Swagatam compound and an impromptu recitation of Daksinamurthy Stotram followed.
A special outdoor screening of the two Darashikoh episodes of Upanishad Ganga completed what was a memorable evening for all. But it was more than just an outdoor screening. Guruji decided to have a makeshift outdoor theatre on the lawns behind Swagatam where 200 chairs were set up, and the episodes were projected against the outer wall of the white pradakshina dome of Chinmaya Jeevan Darshan! This brilliant idea translated into a breathtaking experience for one and all.
More than 75% of the campers stayed back to attend Chinmaya Naada Bindu’s 4th annual festival until 25th May, and what a treat that was. Sitar, Taal-Vaadya, Kathak, Bharatanatyam, Hindustani and Carnatic vocal – and all by world famous maestros who delighted the audience with their talent, depth, and love for the Arts. At the end of each programme, Guruji offered words of appreciation and inspiration. It was plain to see that the wonderful programmes that take place at Chinmaya Vibhooti do not happen by chance, but rather because of the love felt for Pujya Gurudev and to keep His divine vision glowing at all times.