YSS ‘How-to-Live” Camp draws 200 children to Shoolini University

Solan, June 1
Swamis and volunteers of Yogoda Satsanga Society of India (YSS) welcomed over 200 children and teens from across India for a week-long summer camp at Shoolini University in Solan. Based on the “how-to-live” teachings of Sri Sri Paramahansa Yogananda, who is recognised as one of the most beloved spiritual teachers of modern times, the camp offers its young participants an opportunity to cultivate a balanced way of life that includes physical, mental, and spiritual development. .
This camp, especially designed for boys and girls aged 12 to 17 years, is the largest in the history of YSS Youth Services. What makes it unique is that it includes twice-daily group meditations, satsangas, chanting, initiation into powerful Yogoda Satsanga meditation techniques of energization and concentration, arts and crafts activities, sports and games, and nature hikes.
On May 31st morning and afternoon, an inaugural programme was held for the girls’ and the boys’ sections. YSS sannyasis accompanied by Shoolini University Chancellor Prof P. K. Khosla and Vice-Chancellor Prof Atul Khosla lit a ceremonial lamp to mark the new beginning and shared inspiring words with the attendees.
Swami Lalitananda read out a special message sent especially for the occasion from the USA by Swami Chidananda Giri, president and spiritual head of YSS/SRF. In the message, President Swamiji inspired the young participants to use the camp as an opportunity to cultivate self-discipline and inner strength through faith in God.
Speaking in the inaugural for the girls’ camp, Swami Nirmalananda drew on Paramahansa Yogananda’s “how-to-live” principles with a quote that resonates with Shoolini’s natural setting in the tranquil Himalayan town of Solan: “The soul-horticulturists of India say that, ideally, school-aged children should be taken away from the temptation-surrounded school atmospheres of modern cities. They should be placed amidst nature and in the company of trained teachers ideal in health, morality, and worldly and spiritual efficiency.”
In his remarks, Chancellor, Shoolini University Prof. P. K. Khosla, said: “These children are very fortunate to receive this opportunity to meditate at such a young age. I wish these students become the rising stars of this nation.”
Vice Chancellor, Shoolini University, Prof Atul Khosla, urged the students to pursue their dreams with passion. He said, “Many of you will diligently follow Guruji’s teachings and guidance. I am sure Guruji would also want you to add success to spiritual growth.”
Addressing the boys’ camp, Swami Shankarananda said, “The highest purpose of life is to find God. Every other goal, riches, name, fame, and power, will have to be abandoned at the end of life. What remains with the soul is our good works and love of God. That is why it is important to learn to seek Self-realization from a young age. Congratulations to all of you for starting on the spiritual quest at such a young age. You all will do great good to the world.”