The first phase of the year-long spiritual development programme for youths in the UK, entitled ‘Become Adarsh’, was attended by more than 700 participants during June 2013. In the presence of Sadguru Pujya Mahant Swami and Anandswarup Swami, youths from London and the Home Counties gathered at BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, London, on Saturday 22 June 2013 to complete the first leg of their ‘Become Adarsh’ journey.
Mahant Swami encouraged all participants to draw inspiration from Pramukh Swami Maharaj as the highest ideal and to introspect on one’s spiritual progress. The context of the morning’s events was also shared by sadhus who elaborated upon the importance of spirituality and how one’s daily spiritual observances form the foundation of spiritual progression.
Following the traditional opening with the lighting of divas, youths embarked upon their assessment with a written paper which probed knowledge of daily rituals (arti, thal, prarthanas and the cheshta). The written element was followed by an opportunity for the participants to recite aspects of these daily rituals, which reached beyond a mere test of recollection, but included correct pronunciation, melody and meaning.
Youths from centres based in the Midlands and north England completed their first phase a week later in Leicester and Manchester.
The feedback from participants was highly encouraging with many expressing the positive impact on their lives. Specifically, youths shared how much more they now enjoy their daily rituals, especially with an enhanced understanding of the various verses from the materials provided in the project pack. Realising the spiritual significance of these daily rituals has also motivated them to strengthen this core aspect of their personal Satsang.
Below are some opinions expressed by those who participated in the first phase:
“I found the content and delivery of the assessment excellent. It catered for the target audience making it very understandable and applicable to every aspect of our lives.”
“Tremendously useful for me and my family. A great booster for improving our personal Satsang.”
“I have just had a look at the ‘My progress chart…’ and it’s a wonderful tool that helps me focus on all my daily goals. This has taught me things that I now have to focus on and think about daily, e.g. prapti no vichar. Well done Become Adarsh team.”
“I cannot find words to express my appreciation and gratitude for all the hard work and endeavours to inspire and help us all with Satsang. For my family, ‘Become Adarsh’ has removed our inertia and procrastination to gel as a family. We now truly feel and experience the divinity and grace of Maharaj and Swamishri in our house daily. Thank you for this amazing gift.”