During the holiday period which would normally see youth going out for parties, nightclubs and maybe the pub, 25 youth came to Chinmaya Dham for a 5 day spiritual retreat with Swami Swaroopananda. Although this was the third "intensive" retreat and was meant only for sincere youth, its popularity had grown so vastly that young aspirants from all over the world came to attend. Delegates from London, Honk Kong and Manila joined the local Melbournites as well as those from Sydney.

The atmosphere was amazing as the youth were guided by Swamiji to channel their dynamic energies to further their spiritual well-being. Swamiji discoursed on the RAM GITA from the Tulsi-Ramayana which explains the nature of devotion, knowledge and steadfastness to Dharma. These three form the essential traits of a successful person in any field. The lives of Ramchandraji and the other heroes from our Hindu scriptures gave a magnificent ideal to the youth to strive for.

To completement this the youth also learnt how to perform a 16 step Pooja and the art of awareness in all activities. The Grande finale event of the camp was the game "Who wants to be a millionaire while using a Pictionary to Monopolise Charades for a Trivial Pursuit" This unique game was a combination of various board games in which the teams competed for Moksha - final liberation!

The nighttime bhajan sessions saw unbridled enthusiasm coupled with a distinct lack of vocal training, but all imperfections melted away in the warm atmosphere of pure devotion to our Lord Krishna. All delegates had an uplifting experience and a great impression of the Melbourne Ashram and thanks to all the sevaks who so willingly served to make the event a great success. See you all next year!

Recordings of the Talks are available on CD, please contact Br.Gautam on 9846-8359.

Also, please refer here for a recap article by Prasanth on this intensive camp.

Please click here for photo gallery from this event.