Report: ‘The Inner Quest’ – Unique Residential Youth Camp at Chinmaya Maauli Ashram, Pune.
A unique residential youth camp was organized at Chinmaya Maauli Ashram, Pune for the age group 18 to 30 years. A Rare Camp Text was chosen as the main theme for the camp – ‘Drig Drishya Vivek’. Swami Advayanandaji was the main Acharya for the camp. Swami Siddheshananda, Brahmacharini Maitreyi Chaitanya and Brahmachari Ved Chaitanya assisted for the other camp sessions.
Chinmaya Mission Pune members encouraged the youngsters with their presence for the camp inauguration and best wishes. Starting from 13th up to 17th August 2016 camp was attended by 25 youngsters and 8 elders as resident participants and some guest day campers attended Swamiji’s sessions during daytime. Pune, Navi Mumbai, Nagpur and Goa participants represented in this camp.
Even though half of the listeners were new to this subject and Chinmaya Mission, Swami Advayanandaji with his vast knowledge, made the topic very systematic, logical, interesting and simple. Swamiji inspired all to discuss and strengthen theirunderstanding from listening, by group discussions and question answer sessions. After listening to the lectures, special time was provided for self-study, followed by group discussion and question answers. To remove the fear of Sanskrit and simplify the shloka reading, special chanting sessions were conducted everyday before lunch. In post lunch workshop, each camper was encouraged to think on how this knowledge can be transferred further through various means. Special interactive workshop was conducted to know the structure and working of Chinmaya Yuva Kendra, and how it can transform the life of youngsters with clarity of understanding. Evening outdoor games, Aarati and seva in Ashram was practiced.
Morning meditation classes helped campers assimilate the knowledge gained. Session on goal setting and the importance and place of this knowledge in our life were conducted specially for the youngsters.
Every night after dinner there was a treat for the campers from young Indian classical performers. First day was delightful with professional instrument players of Sarod and Santoor. On day two Violin and Tabla artists performed for the campers followed by Harmonium recital from a camper from Goa, who matched the professionals. Next day Indian classical dance was performed by budding professionals joined by a few camp participants. On the penultimate day, campers performed skit in groups expressing what they learned from ‘Drig Drishya Vivek’.
On 15th August Independence Day morning, after flag hoisting and national anthem, an inspiring Sanskrit patriotic song was sung by the whole group. Swami Advayanandaji gave a very inspiring talk with an appeal to ‘Act for India’ in present condition, knowing the great glory of our nation in the past. In afternoon session, special tree plantation programme was executed by campers. A talk by Pujya Gurudev on ‘Love & Devotion’ was also screened to enable the new campers to have a glimpse of how Pujya Gurudev spoke and transformed so many millions of lives.
In valedictory session on the last day, campers expressed great appreciation, gratitude and thanked the Acharyas for conducting such a substantial and fruitful camp. Pujya Gurudev Swami Chinmayanandaji’s Ashtottara naam Archana was performed on the Padukas and Aarati was offered.
On 18th August, last day after the camp, special outbound empowerment programme was organized at ‘Z-Bac’ Adventure Institute with the help of Shri. Prasad Deole Chinmaya Mission Member. Participants learned how to face fears, working in team, facing challenges and observing nature.
All parted with great satisfaction, enjoyment and decision to work and volunteer for more such camps to be organized in future.
All the session and glimpses of the camp are available on the website of Chinmaya Mission Pune – www.chinmayamission.com/pune
Also all the video recording is made available online on youtube channel of Chinmaya Mission Pune – www.youtube.com/chinmayamissionpune
All the seekers worldwide can take benefit of these lectures made available online.