The first phase of the UK & Europe Kishore-Kishori Mandal adhiveshan was held in London and Leicester on Saturday 18 February 2017.
Titled ‘Rajipo’, the multi-faceted spiritual development programme brought together more than 270 youths who had been preparing diligently for two months. The first phase of this adhiveshan comprised three components: a written assessment on the ‘Basic Concepts of Swaminarayan Satsang’ book, prasang manan (reflecting upon and analysing spiritual events and incidents), and an oral assessment of ahnik recitation (daily rituals).
Following registration and lunch, the day began with a short opening session in which Paramtattva Swami elaborated upon the spiritual concept of rajipo and the personal benefits of such adhiveshans.
A handwritten letter from Mahant Swami Maharaj and a video message from Sadguru Ishwarcharan Swami provided further motivation for the delegates.
Participants then proceeded to take their written papers, which tested knowledge of core satsang concepts and biographical details of the Guru Parampara. Participants also completed written analyses of two prasangs.
The ahnik component examined their proficiency of daily rituals, including the arti, ashtaks, thal and shlokas. Participants were asked to recite these different elements to a judge and were assessed on recollection, pronunciation and tune.
Parth Patel, one of the volunteers of the project, shared his impressions of the day. “It was encouraging to see the determination and efforts of so many young people. These exercises will serve to strengthen their spiritual knowledge as well as sharpen important skills that will benefit both their academic and professional careers.”
Sheena Patel, aged 18, adding her own thoughts, said, “The adhiveshan has helped me improve the quality of my daily rituals and bring all of them together. We now sing the arti and thal together as a family and I also feel more confident when I am speaking and presenting to others.”
The adhiveshan is a year-long initiative, with further phases still to come. In Europe, the first phase will be rolled out during the month of April, in Paris, Lisbon and other centres.