The Yoga Shiksha Shivir [ Foundation course in Yoga ] was held at Vivekanandapuram, Kanyakumari between 22nd Nov to 6th Dec 2023. 74 participants enrolled in the Shivir, who came from various states like Tamilnadu, Kerala, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Aasam, Delhi, West Bengal, Madhya Pradesh, Goa and Maharashtra.
Formal reporting & registration started from morning on 21st November and introductory session was held the same day in the evening after Bhajan sandhya and supper wherein participants were given orientation for the camp.
Camp was conducted in Hindi and English Languages and accordingly participants were organized into 12 different groups that were named after 12 names of Sun- Mitre, Ravi, Surya, Bhanu, Khag, Pusne, Hiranyagarba, Marich, Aditya, Savithre, Arka and Bhaskara.
The 15 days camp had Morning Prayers, Yogabhyas, Pranayama, Shramsanskar, Lectures, Group discussions, Chanting practice, Bhajan sandhyas and Prerana se punrutthan sessions.
In yoga practicals participants were taught loosening exercises, Suryanamaskaras and various Aasanas. In Pranayama they were trained into a practice of different pranayamas in a systematic way.
Theory lectures comprised of sessions on Concept of Yoga, Yama, Niyama, Aasana-Pranayama, Antrang Yoga, Kriyas-Bandhas-Mudras, Bhagvad Geeta, Karmyoga, Bhaktiyoga, Jnanayoga, Anand Mimansa, Pranav Mantra and Indian Culture.
There were lectures about Swami Vivekananda, Ma. Eknathji, Story of Vivekanand Rock Memorial, Vivekananda Kendra : a Thought Movement, Kendra Prarthana and Sanghe Shakti Kaliyuge.
All these lectures were followed by Manthan ie. Group discussions to enhance the understanding of subjects.
In Geet Abhyas sessions participants were taught various chantings that included Shantimantra, Aikyamantra, Pratahsmaran Prayer, Bhagvad Geeta Karmyogshlok Samgraha and Shivir Geet along with other chants and songs.
Participants did shuddhikriyas Jalneti, Sutraneti and Vaman dhauti twice during the shivir. They also practiced Trataka in a session and experienced Omkar Dhyana & Cyclic Meditation.
Daily Bhajan Sandhyas were held in the evening that helped emotional culturing through chanting of devotional Bhajans.
Pure and Sattvik food was devised for daily diet that supported the Yoga Sadhana of participants throughout the camp.
Shramsanskar sessions helped participants cultivate attitude of service and self sufficiency by working on campus cleanling.
Prerana se punrutthan sessions were comprised of games, Vivekananda Kendra activities updates, stotra chanting and introspection.
All took part in Kendra Vargas on two consecutive Sundays during the shivir. Participants visited Vivekanand Rock Memorial on 27th November. On 30th November they went for a our campus visit where they saw Ramayana Darshan, Arise-Awake Exhibition and Gangotri. On 1st December they all trekked onto Marutvamalai Hill. On 4th Dec they visited Kanyakumari Devi Temple & Sunset.
The shivir went on well in a congenial, spiritual atmosphere with moderate discipline and affection. Many of the participants have expressed their willingness to devote their time and energy for the service of society through Kendra activities.
