National CHYK Camp 2023 – “Divinizing the Mind: Living the Gayatri Mantra”, Krishnalaya, Piercy
From July 13th through 16th, Chinmaya Mission West and CHYK West organized an in-person National CHYK Retreat at the Krishnalaya ashram in Piercy, California. A total of 83 attendees joined, ranging in ages 17-35, from 14 states across North America. The retreat was led and graced by Pujya Swami Swaroopananda (Global Head, Chinmaya Mission). SwamiJi was assisted by Swamini Akhilananda (CM Miami), Brahmachari Soham Chaitanya (CM San Jose), and Brahmacharini Stuti Chaitanya (CM Columbus).
The theme of the camp was “Divinizing the Mind: Living the Gayatri Mantra”, reflecting on how the Gayatri Mantra can help tune the mind. Pujya SwamiJi’s discourses shined light on the power of mantras, cultural significance behind the upanayana samskara, the beauty of the Gayatri Mantra, and how it can be incorporated into daily sadhana.