About Shibirs
Some months ago the Canara Union Study Circle (Bangalore) held a symposium on
“Parenting of Teenagers”
where I was to sum up “with a spiritual
slant”. With little professional training to draw upon, except several years of high
school teaching, I turned to the best authority for advice – our Param Poojya
Swamiji. Poojya Swamiji gave me a sloka from the
Bhagavad Geetha and said, “Tell the parents to send their children to our
shibirs”.
This initiated a vimarsha in my mind, about the role of shibirs in personality development of teenagers.
Our role as parents does not stop at fulfilling our children’s physical, material and emotional needs. They have spiritual needs that are unrecognized or overlooked because parents are busy and children are even busier. Whether it is due to want of time, knowledge or interest, the fact remains that there is something lacking in the personality development.
Sadly, spirituality is mistaken to be only poojas, chanting and rituals, all of which our young ones don’t find attractive. But it is much more than that. It is about discovering yourself; it is living life positively and correctly; facing challenges bravely; having the right attitudes and values; and finally, knowing oneself to be an integral part of God’s creation and to feel His presence both within and around oneself.
Shibirs are designed and conducted to address all these issues so that our youngsters turn out to be stable adolescents and good members of the samaj.
What is a shibir?
Param Poojya Swamiji first introduced Shibirs to our samaj in May 1999. Prior to that a few of us were familiar with Guides, Scouts and NCC camps. They are very different from our shibirs in their objectives and approach. Our shibirs, planned and conducted under Poojya Swamiji’s guidance, have a strong spiritual base. Built on that are objectives which vary according to the target group and type of shibirs.
Since the first Samskruti Parichay Shibir in Shirali (May 1999) there have been nine shibirs of different types: Samskruti shibirs for youth and adults, Sadhana shibirs for adults, a Prastar Aarohan shibir, and Sanchalak Prashikshan shibir.
Samskruti Shibir
Objectives common to all youth samskruti shibirs are:
` To regulate interaction with His Holiness.
` To expose the youth to Saraswat Cultural Heritage.
` To provide structured open-air adventure and fun.
` To build self-confidence and develop leadership qualities.
` To inculcate healthy habits and develop a sense of belonging.
All the youth shibirs cater to age 15-20. Samskruti Parichay Shibir at Hubli in May 2000; Samskruti Parichay Shibir at Pune in January 2001; Samskruti Samvardhan Shibir at Vangni in May 2001; and the latest Samskruti Jaagaran Shibir at Goa in November 2001.
Youth shibirs insist on discipline and punctuality – two failings of modern society.
The following are common to all samskruti shibirs:
` Formalities like Dhwajarohana – The math flag is hoisted solemnly to the accompaniment of mantras selected by Poojya Swamiji, to mark the commencement of the shibir. Then onwards daily dhwajavandana is compulsory, with the inspiring shibir gaan “ Snehmaayi Mrudu Bhashi, Saraswata aamhi…”. On the concluding day, the dhwaja avarohan takes place, again to the accompaniment of different slokas.
` The powerfully worded Shibir Pratidnya has been composed with the aim of awakening the awareness of our duty towards family, friends, Guru, Guru Parampara, Math, the Samaj and the natural environment.
` Adhyatmic activities are mainly chanting pratahsmaranam and shanthimantras, dinacharya slokas, vimarsh, deepanamaskara, bhajans, ashta-moorti upasana and meditation. Sessions on Saraswat Heritage include Saraswat history, Guru parampara and Math history, our samskaras, festivals and Konkani language.
` In
all shibirs they also learn the protocol of
receiving Poojya Swamiji with Poorna Kumbha and
shantimantras and paad
prakshaalan.
` Physical activities – loosening and stretching exercises in the morning, trekking, rock climbing and rappelling.
In addition, some shibirs have different inputs:-
` The Pune shibir had access to a lake, hence kayaking and boating were included. The Vangni shibir had sessions on unusual topics like snake awareness and mushroom cultivation. The Goa shibir had some very interesting personality development games.
` Karseva is an integral part of shibirs. The shibirarthis are divided into karseva groups with duties like hygiene, serving food, maintaining discipline etc.
` If tents are available then tent pitching, knots and camp craft (making gadgets with ropes and bamboos) are included in the programme.
The Chitrapur Samskar shibir at Bangalore in April 2000 was unique because it was targeted at the 10-15 years age group and concentrated mainly on our samskaras and Konkani language. Besides, the children learnt interesting things like making ‘toran’,’kholle’, ‘khotte’, how to wear a dhoti; and draw rangolis. Within ten days these little ones memorised (no books used) all the slokas and shantimantras and knew the Guru Parampara thoroughly.
The Samskruti Samvardhan shibir at Vajreshwari in December 2000 was for adults in the age group of 30-45 years. The objectives for this target group were:
` To discover potential of self so as to lead a quality life.
` To understand children and inculcate family values and samskars.
` To enrich knowledge about Saraswat origin, culture and Guruparampara..
` To enjoy nature and natural environment.
` To participate in Vimarsha and enrich Adhyatmic knowledge.
The inputs were in accordance with the objectives and age group, lectures on stress management, nutrition and exercise, Hinduism, pooja vidhi, vimarsh, Saraswat and Math history, Konkani language, bhajans and chanting. Physical activity was limited to loosening exercises and a long nature ramble. The classes in the open air were a heavenly experience for the urban shibirarthis.
Sadhana Shibir
The Sadhana shibirs are very intense and focus completely on Adhyatmic activities. The shibirarthis are always adults.
The two sadhana shibirs at Kanya Kumari/Rameshwaram in October 2000 and Mt. Abu in October 2001 focussed on adhyatmic activities like early morning meditation that were guided by His Holiness, swadhyaya, pooja, chanting, vimarsh and paramarsh. Mornings beginning with basic asanas of Yoga and some stretching exercises and a pleasant walk along with Poojya Swamiji in the evenings take care of physical fitness. Temple visits are also a part of the schedule.
Prastar Aarohan Shibir (Rock Climbing)
Prastar Aarohan Shibirs focus on physical activities. For the Prastar Aarohan shibir at Bangalore in February 2001 the objectives were:
` To introduce shibirarthis to outdoor life and learn to be one with Nature
` To channelise the energy of the youth towards interest in physical activities.
` To learn how to appreciate the importance of physical activities.
` To understand the dynamics involved in working with others.
` To discover the role of physical activities and Nature in our spiritual development.
This shibir was inspired by Mumbai’s Vasundhara to combine physical adventure and with the spiritual. Optimum time was devoted to rock climbing, trekking and rappelling. In their free time shibirarthis either played throw-ball or used the excellent obstacle course that was available at the shibir site. Kayaking and rafting were an added activity. The spiritual was not neglected. Dhwaja vandana, chanting, meditation, bhajans, Asthamoorti Upasana were blended in harmoniously. The shibirarthis spent quality time with Poojya Swamiji when he conducted a Vimarsha, inspected their demonstration on the obstacle course and joined them in kayaking and boating at the lake.
Sanchalak Prashikshan Shibir
Sanchalak Prashikshan Shibir are incorporated within the Samskruti Shibirs. At these shibirs, shibirarthis are trained to be Sanchalaks. The first one was in May 2000 at Hubli along with the Samskruti Parichay shibir. The second was with the Samskruti Jaagran Shibir at Goa in November 2001 to which an encouraging 14 members got trained (three gents and 11 ladies). They got trained in the different aspects of shibirs, organising, conducting, all the skills involved – from tent pitching to cooking! In the Jaagran Shibir they rolled out 250 chapatis in one evening (for the next days’s trek) and also cooked and served a delicious dinner on campfire night!
Why have Shibirs?
Shibirs give youngsters all round learning experiences. We Bhanaps are basically academically oriented people who view time spent away from the study table as a ‘waste of time’. Concerned about their academic prowess, we tend to shield our children overmuch from any kind of strain and discomfort. Most of our youngsters need toughening up.
A little amount of rough living in these shibirs goes a long way. The modern single unit family stunts us emotionally. It makes us self-centred. Shibirs also help to counter act the evil influences of mass media, T.V. and Internet.
Shibirs teach one to share and care for others. Young shibirarthis at the Shirali shibir interacted with the members of Anandashraya, served them food, chatted with them etc. It brought the two generations closer and lasting friendships were made.
Knowingly or unknowingly, children undergo a lot of ‘tapa’ at all levels. At the physical level, getting up early, exercising, trekking, rough living, sharing limited space in tents, queuing up for bathrooms and toilet and even for meals.
Behaviour also has to be controlled – ‘Vaani Sayam’ (control of language). At home, they are used to quick retorts and defiance. At shibirs, they have to hold in their irritation, speak politely and ‘no foul language at all’ is the rule.
Adjustments to new environment: living at close quarters with strangers, learning to interact with them comfortably. There are many attitudinal changes – they lose their inhibitions (of speaking in public of singing bhajans, dancing, etc). They overcome fears of heights, water, strangers etc.
They learn not to have ‘dosh drishti’ a negative attitude, faultfinding habit. They learn also that there are many good people in our samaj like Heranjal Gajanan maam and Nirmala pacchi, Amladi Srikar maam, Gautam Mavinkurve and many others who willingly contribute their time, energy, knowledge, skills and money too, to make the shibirs a great success. Association with such people leaves good samskars.
The most unique experience is the interaction with Param Poojya Swamiji. Just being in Poojya Swamiji’s gracious presence is an education for us all. Children at once become mature in their behaviour, use correct language and interact with one another with decorum. Most of all, they learn the proper etiquette of addressing Him and talking to Him. His serene protective presence helps them to overcome their fears. One young lady (in the Prastar Aarohan Shibir) had a strong fear of water. But seeing Poojya Swamiji skimming across the lake in a Kayak, she gathered courage to step in a boat and soon enjoyed a ride by herself in a kayak too.
The conclusion of the shibirs is not the end of the shibir experience, usually after returning to their home cities, shibirarthis make a presentation. Here they are able to voice their personal learnings. Since they prepare their own scripts and organise the programme they gain more experience.
Learnings for Sanchalaks
In His valedictory address at the Samskruti Jagran Shibir at Goa, His Holiness remarked, “When the shibirarthis say they have learnt a lot from the shibir, we know it has been a good shiibir. But when the sanchalaks also say that they have learnt a lot, we know it has been a successful shibir.”
The learning at Shibirs is not for the youngsters only. We sanchalaks are also constantly learning – about ourselves and about the shibirarthis. Most of us in our staid middle-age are reconciled to a life of uneventful stagnation. Nay! Now we have the excitement of organising, planning, conducting and participating – the years roll away and we feel young and useful again.
We do several new activities that we never did before. I have always been an indoor person – a bookworm mainly. Never in my wildest dreams did I imagine I would enjoy rock-climbing and kayaking or sleeping in tents. What adventures!
All my fellow sanchalaks must be sharing my feelings when I say that shibirs charge up our batteries with enthusiasm and energy. Our self-esteem goes up and we too gain in self-confidence. In short, we earn a new lease on life. There is nothing like feeling useful.
We have also learnt that our families have extended to include all our young shibirarthis and fellow sanchalaks – bonds of friendship and affection hold us all together. We have really learnt to appreciate and respect the young generation – never did we face discipline problems – they obeyed commands implicitly and promptly; participated willingly in all tasks, observed all rules, in fact behaved like responsible mature people. With such wonderful youngsters coming up, I have full faith in a golden future for our Saraswat Community. It would not be an exaggeration if one said that shibirs have helped me to internalise the motto of our Math – caxaunaao- Qaoih caxauYao | caxauiva-#yaO tnaUBya: | sancaodM iva ca pEyaoma ||
The shibirarthis say …….
The following are a few thoughts expressed by shibirarthis:
On Rappelling
` ‘I really got over my fear of heights while hanging in mid-air on a rope’..
` ‘One gets a new perspective on the world seeing it from mid-air!’.
` ‘When we were poised, paralysed with fear unable to take that first crucial step over the edge (during rappelling), we remembered Gautam Maam’s words,”look at the sky and smile!” What a lovely attitude to have in life’.
` ‘The most valuable lesson I learnt is grit and determination. Amladimaam encouraged me to hang on and finish the task and to have a never-say-die attitude.’
On Kar seva
` ‘None of us had done jobs like cleaning bathrooms or toilets at home. We learnt the importance of doing our duties. Karpe maam gave us a thorough training.’
` ‘As our duties changed each day, we had experience of working in all areas and appreciated the importance of team work.’
` ‘We learnt good time management. We could do so much more in a day due to proper planning.’
On tent pitching and dismantling:
` ‘My first thrill of accomplishment was when our tent went up beautifully! I never thought we could do it!’
` ‘It was backbreaking but very regarding. Now we know how to pitch tents properly, thanks to Vidyanand maam.’
` ‘Teamwork and proper co-ordination is very important. Other wise the tents are a mess.’
On Ashtamoorti Upasana
` ‘The constant emphasis on physical and spiritual, and close association with the natural environment (stargazing, bird-watching, asthamoorti upasana) put so many things in life in proper perspective.’
` ‘Extremely soothing and elevating.’
` ‘Just looking and listening to Mother Vasundhara in Her glory makes life worth living.’
General
` ‘We realise how proud we should be about our culture and heritage.’
` ‘We developed a sense of belonging towards our community.’
` ‘’We learnt our responsibilities through the chores.’
The Samskruti Jaagran Shibir was an experiment. For the first time, ten Gowd Saraswat children were enrolled. To our delight, the two groups intermingled well and have formed loving friendships.
About this our Bhanap children said,”We learnt to interact and intermingle with others from different backgrounds.” ; “At first we were worried because we could not understand each others Konkani. But when we were permitted to use English also, we could converse easily and soon became friends..”
On Vimarsh
` ‘At first it was frightening to speak in front of Poojya Swamiji. But He put us at ease and I soon overcame my fear.’
` ‘Vimarsh is very thought provoking, I enjoyed it very much.’
Thus spake their parents …..
` ‘My son has become more outgoing now and he has made many new friends. He mixes more with ‘Amchi’ children. There is a change in his attitude towards religion.’
` ‘My daughter has stopped reading trashy books. She is currently reading David Frawley’s Arise Arjuna which she received as a memento at the Jaagran Shibir. Her bonds with the community have become stronger.’
` My daughter’s tolerance level towards older persons at home has improved. She is more caring and patient and not short tempered anymore.’
` ‘My daughter used to pray casually but now she chants the stotras and spends a definite time praying after her bath.’
` ‘The trekking and rock-climbing has helped my daughter in her basket-ball. She plays better now.’
` ‘My son has become more selfconfident. His demeanour is more self-assured. His interest in philosophy appears to have kindled. The shibir has initiated his spiritual quest and has been truly a Samskruti Jaagran!!
It is heartening to get such a good feedback. All the effort, time, energy and money is well spent if the children of our Samaj benefit. All of them have benefited in some way On the first day of the Sanskruti Jaagran Shibir at Goa, a couple of Gowd Saraswat shibirarthis said, “We didn’t want to come because we don’t like chanting and don’t really believe in God. Our parents forced us to come.” On the last day of the shibir, they were amongst the many Gowd Saraswat children who asked me, ”Pacchi, when will the next shibir be? And how will we know about it?”
The shibir is one of the key activities that have brought a spiritual and cultural renaissance in our Saraswat Samaj ever since Poojya Sadyojat Shankarashram Swamiji graced the Holy Guru Peetha of Shri Chitrapur Math in February 1997.
The entire samaj, young and old alike, is charged with new energy as a result of our beloved Swamiji’s efforts. Every shibirarthi is conscious and appreciative of how much of His valuable time He gives for us, in spite of His busy schedules. Poojya Swamiji takes keen interest in every detail of each shibir and interacts with every shibirarthi. Poojya Swamiji considers that the shibirs play a very important part in the personality development of our youth.
Our youngsters have tremendous potential. Let us channelise their energy and intelligence in the right directions. With guidance from Poojya Swamiji, let us have more Samskruti Shibirs. Can there be a better way of uniting our samaj into one harmonious family belonging to our Guru Maavuli?