The essence of spirituality amidst youth!!

Generally, the word 'Youth' refers to the backbone of our country and stakeholders of the future. They mainly constitute the intellect portion of society. But are they going to withstand our expectations? Will the youth brigade of society be up to the mark? With the advancement in science and technology and urbanization, the world is no longer just a place to survive but a place to compete for survival. Right from birth, we are surrounded by hi-tech sciences and machinery comforts. Gone are the days when the Gurukul system prevailed, which imparted morale among the budding kids.

Nowadays, the parenting system has also revolutionized and adapted itself to the needs of society. Life has become a race where the best will survive, and the ineffectual will perish. Alas, Darwin's theory of natural selection can undoubtedly be applied to the 'society' of humans also. As soon as the kids become sane, they are pushed into the race to become superior. In this flashing world, the future stakeholders of the world may become intellectuals but lack the basic humane characteristic. They miss out on the true purpose of human life. The youth especially fall for the challenging trends and continue to flow with the trend recklessly without trying to derive any certain meaning out of it. Though they do not foresee any preponderance in it, they still simply follow it by imitating others. As a result, youth has become easy prey to immoralities. They indulge in various unethical activities, like substance abuse, violence, materialism, juvenile delinquency etc. Hence at the end of the day, they enter a delusional state of mind where all that is left to do is regret. Why has this problem arisen? Are the youth being pushed into a darker world? How can they overcome this situation? The main reason behind the current scenario of youth is a lack of spiritual knowledge and life science.

The lack of ethics in the lives of the youth is due to their unawareness of the true motive of human life. Within this lickety-split, the lone young minds often quest out for solace in their souls. It's not that they don't seek out spiritual knowledge but are unable to find a perfect platform. In the corner of their heart, they know that spirituality is something that's going to save them from this benighted blackhole. However, only some are lucky enough to find their spiritual master at the right time. Upon finding a real Guru, they enter a phase of life where there is no worldly emotions, pain, or suffering. They experience something that is above all these, the ecstatic magic of spiritual devotion, the connectivity with the supreme one! The relief that they have always sought after. Their delusional souls get unified with the love of the supreme God and get incinerated with divinity. They renounce satanic qualities and slowly acquire divine qualities. They become aware of the true motive of life, which gives meaning to their life, which was unworthy before some time.

Hence the importance of spirituality and a spiritual Guru in the life of a youth is inevitable. Spiritual knowledge engulfs the lives of the youth with the magic of devotional love. It makes them aware of the transient nature of the human body and shows them the correct path of life to act accordingly before the watch stops. Without spiritual knowledge, the soul becomes delusional and unworthy. The soul loses its importance as the material world gains supremacy. Here spiritual knowledge plays the role of a saver. Hence, in order to restore the exquisiteness of the world, the youth generation must be enlightened, both intellectually as well as spiritually.

For this purpose, BGSM has organized ‘Yuva Utthan Shivir' (YUS) every year since 2014 under the auspices of Raseshwari Devi Ji and Swami Yugal Saran Ji. This year 2022, Braj Gopika Seva Mission organized the 10th Yuva Utthan Shivir (from 24^th -30^th December) on its premises in Tangi, Khordha, Odisha. About 250 Youth participants from India and abroad took part in this mega event. During the program, poignant sessions were held on mind management, life skills, and various activity-based lessons catering to the essentialities of everyday practical life. Nevertheless, the special talks on Sanatana Dharma by Swami Yugal Saran Ji and Raseshwari Devi Ji were the centre of attraction.

The participants found the ambience vibrant, grooming, and different from everyday life. It was like something substantial and significant had never happened before. Disciplined routine life, balanced vegetarian diet, everyday yoga exercise, and meditation practice provided them with the opportunity to recognize their true potential inside out. Self-analysis Assignment/project work, art & craft, Adventure Trips, infographics, Animation, AI, etc., put them together to pursue their inner potential collectively and build in them a true team spirit. The cultural programs exhibited by the youths were also very entertaining and inspiring. During these seven days of stay inside the ashram campus, the young participants experienced tremendous spiritual energy and opportunities to hone their skills to find avenues for a bright future.

BGSM has organized such retreats/ camps every year since 2002 under the direct guidance of Swami Yugal Saran Ji and Raseshwari Devi Ji. Sadhana Shivir/ Spiritual camps organized by BGSM are always inspiring and highly beneficial for seekers.

Every individual in this world searches for ever-lasting happiness every now and then. To attain it consistently, everyone is putting in efforts ceaselessly. Yet, what is the correct and absolute path to lead there and have it, is, of course, an uphill task. Braj Gopika Seva Mission provides that rare opportunity for seekers to discover their own being and connect to transcendental joy through meditational/spiritual camps

This year 2023, J.S.S (Jagadguru Sadhna Shivir) organized by BGSM is scheduled from 6^th Jan- 12^th Jan. During these 7 days, seekers live a disciplined routine life and observe maun (silence) for inner upliftment. Following a balanced vegetarian diet, yogic exercises, and enlightening discourses on Santana Vedic philosophy fill their body, mind, and soul with overwhelming inner joy and peace. On top of everything, the blissful meditation technique ‘ Rupdhyan'aligned with chanting of the holy name of the lord, takes them to the divine world of absolute peace. Nevertheless, the camp reinforces spiritual immunity in them to stay positive and contented amidst the dust and din of life. www.raseshwarideviji.org