2015 Prajna Summer Camp

08/03 – 08/29, Sai Temple, Chelmsford

Jai Srimanna:ra:yana!

What is Avadha:nam? It is a method to channel all our 5 senses on one topic.

Why is Avadha:nam important? In a world where distractions drive our lives, to achieve anything, we need to channel our mind, body, soul and all our energies into something of our choice. This is a quality that is developed and is not innate. Practices started in our early ages have long lasting effect on our development.

What is the outcome if one channelizes all 5 senses into one topic? The possibilities are several. In the camp, we saw kids set a new high bar.

·         2.5+ minutes of doing Ta:da:sana

·         Improve sequential memory by recalling 16 steps of doing pu:ja and their significance

·         Improve sequential memory by recalling 108 starting na:mas in Vishnu Sahasra na:ma:s in 2.2 minutes

·         Chant Vishnu Sahasrana:ma:s with proper diction and with proper sruthi

·         Multiply 9996 x 9999 or compute 93^2 without using pen and paper in less than 15 seconds

·         In teams, unleash their creative juices to build 6 storied tower using 20 cups

·         Forge long lasting friendships and bonds with others in the camp

How was this possible? 48 families in the New England area felt the need to develop this skill in their kids from a tender age of 5 – 15. Under the auspices of Sri Chinna Jeeyar Swamiji and under the leadership of SaradaJi, a vedic scholar and alumni of Jeeyar Vedic Univeristy, the New England Chapter of Jeeyar Education Trust, created this offering to preserve our heritage through practice. In a week long camp, one can but only get a taste of our heritage. And over 4 weeks, one can become a practitioner.

Who made this possible? Countless individuals. Sri Chinna Jeeyar Swamiji’s thought leadership gave birth to this offering. Sri SaradaJi matured the curriculum over several years. The leadership of Sai Temple was gracious to offer their premises. Willing parents, countless youth volunteers (Rama Amaravadi, Varshitha Jakkaraju, Raga Chilakamarri, Uday Chilakamarri, Medha Kuruganti, Savan Goli), numerous adult leaders (Lakshmi Prasad, Praveen Goli, Raghu Samudrala, Raja Chilakamarri, Murali and Shree Maqtedar, Priya Tanjore, Venu Appana, Sunil Pininti, Lesly the bus driver) and JET New England Team worked tirelessly over a 4 week period to execute on this effort.

What is the impact?

·         Camp Activities Video. https://youtu.be/5ZkumtnszIs

·         Camp Finale and Parent Testimonials Video. https://youtu.be/vod1qf6qNZw

We thank you all for your patronage. Please send any inputs / questions / comments / concerns to vish.kolla@gmail.com.

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