Swami Prakashanand Saraswati

Friendships were formed and bonds strengthened at Barsana Dham, as families deepened their understanding of being Hindu in America.

Barsana Dham, the Ashram founded by H.D. Swami Prakashanand Saraswati held its annual July 4th Hindu Family Camp from July 2nd to July 6th.

The theme of this year's camp at Barsana Dham was "The Essence of Sanatan Dharm: Teachings of Jagadguru Shree Kripaluji Maharaj".

Topics included: celestial gods and Divine God, avidya and vidya maya, nishkam bhakti, greatness of Gopi prem, and roop dhyan - meditation on the form of God.
 
Concurrent classes for adults and youth throughout the day, rest time and fun activities were planned for the whole family. The learning sessions were arranged by Swami Prakashanand Saraswati, to stimulate interactive learning, strengthen faith, deepen understanding and provide quality devotional time as a family. Youth activities included courses on scriptural knowledge, chanting, games and contests that facilitate fun ways of learning. In addition to their program, adults selected various electives including yog, harmonium, dholak and cymbal classes. 

Youth studied the ‘The Science of Devotion, Divine Love and Grace’,a book by Swami Prakashanand Saraswati based on the teachings of his Master, Jagadguru Shree Kripaluji Maharaj. They held their late morning class outside under a beautiful old oak tree at Barsana Dham and got a chance to receive a lot of time with the teachers, clarifying issues of growing up Hindu in America and asking their spiritual questions.

Two college bound students acted as mentors and helped everyone study after hours to be able to finish the worksheets, understand the content and prepare for the exam on the last day.

There was a strong and positive group dynamic where the teens bonded together spiritually.

Swami Prakashanand Saraswati is preparing another camp for Friday December 26th – Wednesday, December 31st which will co-incide with the annual 24 hour Nam Sankirtan to bring in the New Year.
Register online: www.BarsanaDham.org/camp  or call: 512-288-7180