Special shibirs were organized
for the kishores and kishoris of Australasia in the presence of
six BAPS sadhus. Entitled “Pillars of Faith”, the
shibir focused on three pillars that make our faith in God strong.
Due to the vast distances
in the region, the shibirs were held separately in three locations
– Auckland, Sydney, and Perth. Dates and attendance figures
are as follows:
Location |
Date |
Total
attendance |
Auckland |
December
24-26, 2004 |
64 |
Sydney |
January
11-13, 2005 |
35 |
Perth |
January
20-21, 2005 |
27 |
Through lectures
by sadhus, group discussions, workshops, games, and audiovisual
presentations, the children and youth learned a great deal. Many
took vows to give up meat, bow down to their parents, study harder,
start regular satsang reading, stop dating, and more. Everyone
felt it was a memorable and motivating experience.
The first topic,
Satsang, gave kishores and kishoris an overview of the vastness
and depth of the meaning of Satsang. It taught them what it means
to be a satsangi. Through group discussions, attendees also discussed
how they can implement Satsang in their lives through activities
like daily arti, satsang reading, ghar sabha, eating dinner with
the whole family, listening to discourses, thal, and other steps.
The second topic,
Samjan, emphasized the understanding required to excel in satsang.
The third topic,
Satpurush, emphasised the need for understanding the guru, Pramukh
Swami Maharaj, who is the link between man and God.
At the end of the
shibir, a memento was given to each participant.
In addition, the attendees took part in sports activities such
as mini-golf, go-cart racing, bowling, cricket and soccer.
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