Students of Ramjas School visited YSS Noida Ashram on December 22, 2016 for a special ‘spiritual’ excursion. Accompanied by three teachers, 53 students of this popular Delhi academic institution participated in the day-long programme – a first of its kind for Noida ashram.
Welcoming them to the ashram, Swami Ishwaranandaji introduced these children studying in classes from 5th to 8th standard, to the concept of yoga and meditation, and its benefits for them. Swamiji stressed on the significance of self-discipline in their lives. He then led them through a very brief meditation session starting with the chanting of Door of My Heart chant of Gurudeva, Sri Sri Paramahansa Yogananda. The students joined in with Swamiji in both its English and Hindi versions, aided by printed hand-outs of the chant wording.
Afterward, they were divided in four groups and were ushered to four different venues for exclusive interaction with monks. Swamis Lalitanandaji, Hiteshanandaji and Vasudevanandaji, and Brahmachari Dhairyanandaji addressed their queries. Narrating short stories and sharing their own experiences, the monastics responded to the inquisitive young minds. The sessions had a sweet conclusion with the participating students receiving chocolates from the monastics, following which they were served a special lunch. Later, a video on Guruji (Years spent from 1920 – 1928) was screened for the schoolchildren.
The students left the ashram with pleasant memories and a pair of vases which they presented to Swami Ishwaranandaji in gratitude. The children received copies of the Amarcharitra Katha (based on Paramahansa Yoganandaji’s life) and a How-to-Live booklet as souvenirs, while their teachers received copies of the Autobiography of a Yogi. A group photograph of the children, tachers and YSS monastics and volunteers was clicked to capture their joy at the Ashram visit at the close of the programme.
