Vivekananda Rock Memorial and Vivekananda Kendra Kanyakumari, organizes Spiritual Retreat twice a year, in February and August. The Spiritual Retreat for February 2024 took place at the Vivekanandapuram Campus in Kanyakumari from February 22nd to 28th, 2024. A total of 62 participants (44 Hindi + 18 English) and 20 organising team members from 10 States across India participated in it, which included 28 Brothers and 52 Sisters.
The Shivir, conducted in both English and Hindi through parallel sessions, the Shibir included a comprehensive syllabus covering the study and practice of Yogasanas & Pranayama, Yogic Relaxation methods, Japa and Techniques of Meditation, as well as the study of Yoga Darshana, Bhagavad Gita, Indian Culture, and more. The camp aimed at the five-fold development (physical, mental, intellectual, emotional, and spiritual) of the participants.
The camp started on February 21st evening with a soulful Bhajan Sandhya, setting a serene atmosphere for the entire Shivir. During the inaugural session on February 21st, Mananeeya Rekha Didi, the Joint General Secretary of VRM & VK, delivered an insightful session about the sacred land of Kanyakumari, enriching the participants' understanding of the spiritual significance of the location.
The first 3 days of the camp focused on learning Prayers, Mantras, Geet, Bhajans, etc., taught using the Lead and Follow method. All participants were able to learn them with good pronunciation and tune.
The bauddhik sessions covered topics related to the Message of Upanishads, Ananda Mimamsa, Bhakti Yoga, Karma Yoga, Indian Culture, Swami Vivekananda, Mananeeya Sri Eknathji Ranade, the inspiring story of Vivekananda Rock Memorial, and Kendra Prarthana. These sessions were designed to help participants realize their Atma chetana and expand it from the individual to the family, from the family to society, from society to the nation, from the nation to the world, and to the entirety of existence.
During the Shivir, participants also visited the Vivekananda Rock Memorial – a midsea monument, Gongotri, ‘Arise! Awake!!’ and ‘Wandering Monk’ Pictorial Exhibitions, and Ramayan Dharshanam & Bharat Mata Sadanam. They also enjoyed the sunrise at Vivekanandapuram beach, providing a rejuvenating experience.
Overall, the Spiritual Retreat provided a unique and transformative experience for the participants, facilitating them to discover and nurture their spiritual essence.
