All India Yoga Shiksha Shibir May 2013

Vivekananda Kendra is propagating the message of Swami Vivekananda and Sanatan Dharma since 1977 through its Yoga Shibirs and Spiritual Retreats at Vivekanandapuram, Kanyakumari. In this year of Swami Vivekananda’s Sardh-Shati-Samaroh, these Shibirs have an unusual significance. The first Yoga Shiksha Shibir of this year was organized from 5-19 May 2013.
In all 82 participants (Brother 45, Sisters 37) from 7 Indian States – Tamilnadu, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Assam – and 1 overseas – Australia participated in this 15 day event, which was simultaneously held in Hindi and English. 
The Camp day started with Pratahsmaran at 5:15, followed by Gita Pathan, Yogabhyas, Breakfast, Shram Samskar, Lecture-1, Manthan, Lunch, Geet Abhyas, Tea, Lecture-2, Yogabhyas/Meditation, Bhajans, Supper and Happy Assembly. In Yogabhyas Breathing exercises, Suryanamaskar, Asanas and Pranayama were practiced. Also amongst the Shatkriyas, Jal Neti, Waman Dhauti, Tratak, Kapalbhati were practiced.
During the Camp, lecture were held on: Concept and types of Yoga, Raja Yoga, Bhakti Yoga, Karma Yoga, Jnan Yoga, Bhagavad Gita, Swami Vivekananda, Eknathji Ranade, Story of Vivekananda Rock Memorial, Kendra Prarthana, Indian Culture, Challenges before Yoga way of life, Happiness Analysis,  Vivekananda Kendra movement and its activities. A Special session was held on the ongoing Sardha Shati Samaroh – 150th Anniversary of Swamiji.
Daily Manthan was held on the Lectures or from the Book : “ Sadhana of Service” and participants did presentations. During Geet Abhyas, practice of Bhagavad Gita Chanting, Shlokas, Stotras, songs, bhajans was held. Omkar Dhyan and Cyclic Meditation were practiced.
Devotional session – Bhajan Sandhya -  with melodious music was a daily practice in the evening.
Happy Assembly at night was the time for unwinding and sharing the talents by the participants in dance, music, Judo-Karate etc. Many group games too were held then.
During the camp, visits were made to Vivekananda Rock Memorial, Devi Kanyakumari Temple, Suchindram Temple, Bharat Gramodaya Darshan Park, Vivekananda Pictorial Exhibition, Gangotri and Wandering Monk Exhibition. Participants’ also visited Marut Malai hill, trekking to the top.
In all the Camp was organized in a congenial atmosphere with moderate discipline. Many participants have expressed their desire to work for the society, for the Sardh Shati Samaroh through Vivekananda Kendra.