The UK National Yuvak-Yuvati Mandal Shibir was held in the presence of Sadguru Pujya Mahant Swami (Keshavjivan Swami) and visiting sadhus from India on Sunday 13 September 2015 at BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, London.
Entitled ‘Maro Haribhakta: Ishak, Asakti, Veg’, the event enlightened more than 850 youths from across the country on how one’s zeal, attachment and passion can help accelerate spiritual progression. Profound questions exploring the purpose of human life and the impact of one’s choices were answered through insightful discourses from sadhus, informative skits, and self-reflection sessions.
Following the traditional lighting of divas, a powerful video introduced the key themes of the shibir. Satyavrat Swami underlined the importance of becoming the ideal spiritual aspirant, providing examples of devotees who have followed the guidance of Pramukh Swami Maharaj.
Atmatrupt Swami addressed the audience on the impact that negative influences have in one’s judgement, after which Mahant Swami outlined the fundamental importance of spirituality and explained how Satsang inspires one to make the right choices.
The theoretical learnings were reinforced through personal testimonies from youths who spoke of the consequences they have experienced from their choices. Sadhus also narrated inspiring real-life examples of youths who have demonstrated strong spiritual ideals by making the right choices in challenging circumstances.
The various elements of the shibir were consolidated through video excerpts of Swamishri’s blessings in which he explained his expectations of an ideal devotee.
Mahant Swami concluded the day by underlining the clear and correct choices that are made by drawing inspiration from Swamishri as our ideal and by continually introspecting on one’s spiritual progress.
Youths departed from the shibir highly inspired with new knowledge and tools for their personal satsang development. One individual particularly appreciated “the excellent clarity of the messages”, while another was grateful for the “deep concepts presented in such an easy-to-understand way.” A young professional summed up the feedback of many by sharing her personal observation: “I feel that this shibir has brought me closer to Satsang and Swamishri.” Another attendee added that the shibir “made me think deeply and motivated me to excel in my spiritual journey.”