A very special camp on Shri Vishnusahasranama by Pujya Guruji Swami Tejomayanadaji took place at Chinmaya Vibhooti from 24th to 31st December 2014 and was attended by many from around India and the world, as well as the 9th Batch of the Youth Empowerment Programme. Blessed also by the presence of other Acharyas from different Chinmaya Mission Centres, it was an event not to be missed.
Guruji inaugurated the Camp on the afternoon of 24th December. The foyer of the Sudharma Auditorium was buzzing with excited attendees in a festive spirit, before the inauguration. After tea, over 500 people flooded in through the doors, all eager to learn and hear the glories of the Lord.
As an exceptional public speaker, Guruji began with the explanation of what the Vishnusahasranama is and how it begins with Yudhisthira’s confusion and dilemma. Catering to the varied audience, of all ages, spiritual and cultural backgrounds, Guruji panned out a perfect introduction. Yudhisthira is taken to Bhishma Pitamaha, to whom he asks his questions about the Lord of the universe, By worshipping whom one can attain Moksha ? So, in response, the journey into the depths of the 1000 names of Lord Vishnu began.
The camp was organised efficiently, allowing attendees to experience the peace and serenity of the ashram as well as study Vishnusahasranama in detail and mingle with like-minded people. Daily, morning tea would be served at the auditorium foyer followed by the chanting of the Visnusahasranama at 7:30am. A series of classes with Guruji took place over the 8 day residential camp, starting at 9am. There would be daily Paduka Puja sponsored graciously by Yajmans at midday and the evening class would finish by 5:30 with the Aarti sung by Guruji himself. Every class would be as enchanting as the one before, as Guruji beautifully explored all 1000 names with much devotion and clarity.
The evenings held a presence of their own with a range of Indian Classical programmes including a violin recital by Kala Ramnath, Bhajans by Satish and Santosh Sundaram, Rukmini Swayamvar, Odissi dance ballet, Abhanga & Bhakti Geet by Pushpa Anand, and a beautiful Bhajan Sandhya by members of the Chinmaya Naada Bindu gurukul and Guruji. It was indeed a treat to be uplifted by such talented groups every evening after the classes.
The last class ended with everybody standing to do the Aarti, holding small LED lamps in their hands. The auditorium was lit up as though a spark of Lord Vishnu had been lit in each of the attendees, followed by a touching performance by Balvihar children, showcasing what they learnt from sevikas during the camp.
After 8 days of studying and understanding Vishnusahasranama, the campers were delighted to participate in a Maha Puja and Archana on the evening of 31st December, reciting the 1000 names of Lord Vishnu. The atmosphere was sacred and a spiritual charge spread through the Annashree dining hall as all the attendees, day delegates, Acharyas and Guruji together chanted each name of Lord Vishnu and offered flowers and rice at the feet of his image. As midnight approached, bhajans and Aarti were sung as the New Year 2015 was welcomed. It was the perfect way to draw a close to the camp and the year, with invocation and inspiration.
Report by : Bindini Karia, Yuva Veer.