Spiritual Retreat 5th to 11th February 2015

All India Spiritual Retreat was held in Vivekanandapuram, Kanyakumari from 05th to 11th February 2015.

The reporting day was 4th February and most of the participants had arrived and reported during the day. Thirty One participants from seven different states viz, Maharashtra (12 Participants), Assam (8 Participants), Gujarat (4 Participants) Tamil Nadu (2 Participants) reported. On the same day the participants attended the bhajan sandhya and introductory session, wherein the participants were given orientation for the camp. On 05th Morning, Retreat was inaugurated by Mananeeya Angirasji (Mamaji), Very Senior (1973) Life Worker.

The medium of the camp was in Hindi and English.

The 31 participants were organized into three different groups – three groups and named as Tyaga (English) Seva and Samskar (Hindi).

The seven day camp had Morning Prayers, Gita – Pathan, Yogabhyas, Shram – Samskar two lecture sessions, Manthan, Geet – Abhyas, Omkar Dhyan – Meditation, Bhajan Sandhya, and concluded with Ananda Mela.

The lecture sessions were on the topics of Concept of Spirituality, Kendra Prarthana, Shrimad Bhagwad Geeta, Acharya Shankara, Swami Vivekananda, Story of Vivekananda Rock Memorial, Vivekananda Kendra – Concept and activities and purposeful life and Manneeya Eknathji Janma Shati Parva Celebration.

During Manthan Participants discussed over different Chapters from Sadhana of Service.

During Shram – Samskar, Participants took care of the cleanliness, arrangement and management of the premises, accommodation, class rooms and dining hall displaying team – spirit and selfless service.

During the camp, participants visited Vivekananda Rock Memorial, Kanyakumari Amman Temple, Wandering Monk, Vivekananda Pictorial, Gramodaya and Gangotri exhibition. One day Pratahsmaran was held at Mandapam and participants also enjoyed the sunrise that day.

The Retreat went on well in a congenial, spiritual atmosphere with moderate discipline and affection.

Many of the participants have expressed their willingness to devout their time and energy for the service of the society through Vivekananda Kendra. Several enrolled as Patrons thus joining the large family of Vivekananda Kendra.