Divine Life Society of South Africa hosted a highly successful and inspiring Yoga Camp on Sunday, 21 June 2026, at the Sivananda International Cultural Centre (SICC), in La Mercy. June marks significant events in our national and spiritual calendar. This year's June Yoga Camp coincided with a triple impact of meaningful observances. The Yoga Camp incorporated Youth Day, International Day of Yoga and Father’s Day. In keeping with succession planning and to promote and train our Sivananda youth to assume responsible positions in the Society, the organisers of the Yoga Camp handed the responsibility to the youth to plan, execute and direct the Yoga Camp programme, which commenced at 6am and concluded at 12 noon.

The Yoga camp commenced on an auspicious note with a sacred Mass Homa of the Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra conducted by the fathers, being Father’s Day. The Tryambakam Homa (or Maha Mrityunjaya Homa) is an ancient Vedic fire ritual dedicated to Lord Shiva. Centred around continuous chanting of the powerful Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra and offering ghee to a copper pyramid fire, it is performed to overcome the fear of death, heal physical ailments, and to promote deep spiritual and environmental purification. The combination of the sacred Mantra and the purifying fire is said to create a profoundly healing atmosphere for the body, mind, and surrounding environment. It helps calm the mind and alleviate deep-seated fears, particularly the fear of illness and death. In June 2001, Pujya Swami Sahajananda, while speaking about the value of Agnihotra, mentioned the importance of the Tryambakam Homa. (Path of Divine Grace Volume 2). It was indeed pleasing and inspiring to hear the entire congregation in Ganga Rani chanting the Mantra in unison and at the end of each Mantra concluding with “Swaha” as the males made their sacred offerings.

In recognition of the International Day of Yoga, Mass Yoga Asana sessions for males and females were held, drawing participation from attendees of all ages. Guided by experienced instructors, participants practised a series of carefully selected postures designed to improve flexibility, balance, strength and overall well-being. 

Another significant highlight of the programme was the Mass Likhit Japa session. Hundreds of sacred names were written with concentration and devotion, allowing participants to immerse themselves in a powerful spiritual practice. Likhit Japa, which was strongly recommended by both Sri Swami Sivananda and Pujya Swami Sahajananda, combines prayer, meditation and discipline, helping to focus the mind and cultivate devotion. 

The educational dimension of the Yoga Camp featured a variety of scriptural and co-curricular lessons for all age groups. Participants explored timeless spiritual teachings that remain relevant in contemporary society, while engaging in discussions and activities that reinforced ethical values, character development and practical spirituality. These sessions encouraged participants to apply spiritual principles in their daily lives and demonstrated how ancient wisdom can provide solutions to modern-day challenges. In the presentation on “The Mystery of Divine Grace”, our young presenter said, “…..A beautiful example (of Divine Grace) comes from the life of Sri Hanuman. Sri Hanuman possessed immense strength and wisdom. Yet, he did not claim any achievement as his own. Everything was offered to Lord Rama. Because of his humility and surrender, Divine Grace flowed through him effortlessly. This teaches us that Grace enters where ego leaves”.

It must be mentioned at this stage that an important aspect of the Yoga Camp is the moulding of our little ones ─ preparing them at this tender and impressionable age to meet the challenges of youth and adult life. Lessons specifically designed for the grade 0 – 4, grades 8 – youth and post-matric, and adults were conducted in various venues.

Another innovative and eagerly anticipated activity was the “Amazing Race” with a spiritual flavour. This dynamic event combined physical activity, teamwork, problem-solving and spiritual learning. Participants moved through a series of stations where they completed challenges based on scriptural knowledge, Yoga principles, values and practical skills. The “Amazing Race” demonstrated that spiritual learning can be both engaging and enjoyable while promoting cooperation, leadership and healthy competition. 

During the Satsang, a beautifully compiled Yoga Asana power-point presentation with skilled demonstration showed clearly that Yoga Asanas, if practised regularly, can contribute significantly to radiant health. Our Divine Master, Sri Swami Sivananda furnished an all-embracing benefit of Yoga. He said, “Yoga leads the way from ignorance to wisdom, from weakness to strength, from disharmony to harmony, from hatred to love, from want to fullness, from limitations to infinitude, from imperfection to perfection, from misery to bliss”.

A thought-provoking message also featured in the Satsang from one of our youth. She said, “Just as the youth of 1976 demonstrated courage in the face of external obstacles, so too must spiritual aspirants cultivate the courage to overcome the internal obstacles that stand between themselves and the Divine”. The message concluded with a touching prayer, “Salutations and prostrations at the holy feet of our beloved Father, our dearest childhood companion, our gentle teacher, and the Lord of our hearts. O beloved Gurudev! You are the very essence of the soul within this body. Bless your Spiritual Darlings with strength of mind, body and soul, so that we may follow your teachings diligently to the very end”.

The devotional segment of the Satsang programme which featured melodious Bhajans and Kirtans to the expert accompaniment of the harmonium, sitar and tabla, left attendees feeling spiritually elevated. The refreshing introduction of the soothing and celestial sounds of the sitar, so skilfully played, added to the impact of the Satsang. 

Sumptuous breakfast and lunch Prasad were served. 

A particularly noteworthy aspect of the Yoga Camp was the outstanding leadership displayed by the youth. From planning and logistics to programme coordination and participant support, the youth assumed responsibility for every aspect of the event. Their dedication, enthusiasm, professionalism and teamwork contributed significantly to the smooth execution and success of the programme. The Yoga Camp Organisers are confident that our young protégés will be able to assume greater responsibility in future. The Yoga Camp served as tangible evidence of the Divine Life Society's commitment to empowering young people and nurturing future leaders grounded in spiritual values. 

All in all, together with the chanting, meditation, Ganga Arati, Yoga Asana session, Likhit Japa and fun and games, camp participants went home with a sense of spiritual fulfilment. 

Our next Yoga Camp will be held on Sunday,19 July, commencing at 6am at Sivananda International Cultural Centre.

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