SPIRITUAL CAMP AT C.I.F, ADI SHANKARA NILAYAM, KERALA.
“If there is a paradise on earth, it is here, it is here, it is here.” Such thoughts entered our minds as
we stepped into the holy birthplace of Adi Shankaracharyaji for a 6-day Spiritual Sadhana Camp
(17th to 22nd May, 2015) at Chinmaya International Foundation, Kerala. Organised by Chinmaya
Mission, Navi Mumbai, about 50 campers got an opportunity to hear and reflect upon the
teachings of the great Master in an ashram pulsating with His presence. Lush greenery, ancient
heritage structures, temples, ponds, tree lined paths ideal for walks and talks and warm Kerala
hospitality; little wonder that we were transported to the Gurukul systems of yore.
Mornings began with Meditation on the verses of Nirvana Shatakam. Br. Ved Chaitanyaji, our
camp Acharya explained that all 3 obstructions clouding our vision of the Pure Self (Mala,
Vikshepa and Avarana) could be removed by meditation on Nirvana Shatakam. With each
session, we were made to understand how we were neither the subtle nor the gross nor the causal
body, along with all their expressions. We were given a glimpse of how Realised Masters ended
dualities and revelled in the Supreme; Chidanandarupah shivoham shivoham.
If Nirvana Shatakam nudged us to open our eyes, Bhaja Govindam made us wide awake.Vedji in
his captivating style explained the deeper import of Shankaracharyaji’s words.
What we learnt:
The futility of our quest for Kamini, Kanchana and Kirti.
The uncertainty and instability of life ought to lead us to intelligent enquiry.
Climbing the ladder of progress through the steps of Satsanga, Nissangatva, Nirmohatva
and Nischalatattva, we can aspire for Jivanmukti.
The 4 recommendations of geyam (gaana), dhyeyam (dhyana), neyam (satsang) and
deyam (daana) would help us to overcome our Shadripu (6 enemies).
Being now able to see all as one, we could realise the world to be unreal and develop true
Vairagya.
From here it is “Nandati, Nandati, Nandati eva”
Finally, Bhaja Govindam (Worship, Serve and Seek the Lord) is the path we all have to take
and serving Guru would indeed lead us to our destination.
We were also lucky to have sessions on Shishyaanushaasanam by Sw. Sharadanandaji. Being
students on this path, his words on what is actually meant by speaking the truth and following
Dharma enlightened us. We were instructed to never miss Swadhyaya, Deva and Pitru kaarya.
Guru Dakshina and Daana both had specific injunctions on the way they had to be offered. In the
absence of the Guru, the role models we should follow were also described. It was a complete set
of instructions on the Art of Living!
Our cup of joy overflowed when evening satsangs were taken by various Acharyas – Sw.
Atmeshanandaji, Swn. Atmikanandaji and Sw. Advayanandaji.
During the camp, we also went around the ancestral maternal house of Shankaracharyaji,
attended daily aarati in the room where He was born, lit 1008 lamps around the Ayappa temple
(chottu vellakku) and did Paduka Pooja in Pujya Gurudev’s Shrine.
For some, there was the added joy of visiting Padmanabha Temple, Attukal Bhagawathy Temple,
Suchindram, Kanyakumari Temple, Swami Vivekananda Rock Memorial, Kalady and the famous
backwaters of Kerala. This yatra was all the more special because the pilgrims had our Acharya,
Br. Vedji for company. He explained the stories and the glories of each site and made the places
come alive. This camp was yet another example of Gurudev’s infinite blessings on all of us!!