Over 730 yuvaks and yuvatis from across the UK and Europe gathered at Warwick Conference Park for a three-day summer shibir, held from Friday 23 August to Sunday 25 August 2024. The event, marking the shibir’s return after five years, was met with great enthusiasm. The shibir’s theme, ‘Ekantik: The True Path’, was held in the presence of senior and visiting swamis from India and swamis from the UK, including Somprakashdas Swami, Narayancharandas Swami, and Gnanvatsaldas Swami.
The aim of the shibir was to inspire yuvaks and yuvatis to deeply understand the concept of Ekantik Dharma. Central to the shibir’s teachings was understanding that walking the Ekantik path requires unwavering commitment, discipline, and courage. The shibir emphasised that, through a strong connection (jodaan) with the Param Ekantik Satpurush, Mahant Swami Maharaj, one can successfully navigate this path, attain the Ekantik state, and ultimately experience the bliss of Akshardham.
The shibir featured several memorable moments, presented through various engaging mediums. These included lively panel discussions with the swamis, filled with humour and wisdom, an exciting interactive session game called ‘Mission Ekantik’, as well as inspiring presentations, videos, interviews, dramas, sankirtans, and a kirtan aradhana that beautifully encapsulated the theme of the shibir.
Each day of the shibir focused on a distinct range of topics:
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Day 1 explored the pursuit of happiness, the allure of worldly pleasures, and how true happiness is found by walking the path of becoming Ekantik.
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Day 2 delved into the four pillars of Ekantik Dharma, culminating in a powerful kirtan aradhana at the end of the day.
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Day 3, the final day, concentrated on recognising the true identity of the Param Ekantik Sant and how making the Satpurush the centre of our lives can transform our spiritual journey.
Throughout the shibir, both the swamis and yuvaks shared personal prasangs that highlighted the profound influence of the Satpurush in guiding their lives. A particularly moving moment came on the final day when a special video from Mahant Swami Maharaj was shown, in which he emphasised that “The Satpurush is the true path.”
Overall, the delegates were deeply inspired by the theme and content of the shibir, with many expressing sentiments such as, “I honestly believe it was one of the best shibirs I have ever been to” and “it was a fabulous, heart-touching shibir.”