Jai Ganesha!
Over the past week, Yoginathaswami and Nirvana Tejadevanatha have been traveling throughout Malaysia, conducting Path to Siva workshops and connecting with youth and attending statsangs with devotees. One of the highlights of this journey was Dharma Camp 2.0, a three-day youth retreat held at the beautiful Templer Park Rainforest Retreat. It was a record created by the team, conducting nearly 20 events in 19 days.
Day 1
The camp began with a relaxed morning as Yoginathaswami and Nirvani Tejadevanatha checked out of the PJ Sheraton and traveled a short distance to Templer Park. Nestled amid lush rainforest and manicured gardens, the retreat’s treehouse-style villas provided a peaceful setting for the weekend’s activities.
After a brief yoga session, they joined the camp participants for introductions. The gathering included 60 youth members and several adult coordinators, with ages ranging from 4 to their 40s. During introductions, participants shared what they hoped to gain from the camp. Many expressed a desire to deepen their understanding of Hinduism, while others spoke of finding inner peace and learning more about dharma.
The afternoon featured a variety of non-competitive team-building games that helped participants become acquainted and build a sense of community. Yoginathaswami and Nirvani Tejadevanatha observed the activities before preparing for the evening program.
Following dinner, the group assembled for the first workshop session. Participants gathered in small groups to discuss the question, “When do you feel at peace?” Responses included singing, performing puja and completing examinations. The discussion also led to thoughtful questions about karma, and one participant asked Yoginathaswami what inspired him to become a monk.
The first day proved to be a wonderful beginning to the camp, setting the stage for a weekend of learning, reflection and spiritual growth.
One memorable feature of the retreat was the abundance of stuffed tiger figures placed throughout the property. The tigers serve a practical purpose, helping to discourage the local monkey population, which is known for creating mischief around food areas and rubbish bins. Several monkeys were spotted during the drive up to the retreat, and one even paid a visit outside Yoginathaswami’s room. While certainly charming to observe, the monkeys have earned a reputation for being clever opportunists, making the stuffed tigers a surprisingly effective deterrent.
Day 2
The second day of Dharma Camp 2.0 began with a beautiful morning puja conducted by Yoginathaswami on the retreat’s rooftop deck. Surrounded by the peaceful sights and sounds of the rainforest, it was a special and uplifting way to begin the day.
Following breakfast, Yoginathaswami and Nirvani Tejadevanatha met with the camp’s older youth, ages 13 to 30, for an intimate question-and-answer session. The participants asked a wide range of thoughtful questions, including why Hindus apply vibhuti, whether women can become monastics, the challenges of leaving family to embrace the monastic life and how one ultimately realizes moksha. The sincerity and depth of the questions reflected the participants’ genuine interest in understanding and applying Hindu teachings in their lives.
The morning continued with one of the camp’s most creative activities—a treasure hunt designed and organized by the youth leaders. Teams worked their way through five stations, solving clues and completing challenges along the way. At one station, participants carefully observed a series of hatha yoga postures and then attempted to recreate them from memory. After successfully completing every task and solving each clue, the teams finally arrived at the teaching room, where they discovered that the ultimate treasure awaiting them was Yoginathaswami himself. Each participant received a vibhuti blessing, and the teams were rewarded with a variety of delicious treats. The activity concluded with group photos and plenty of laughter, becoming one of the most memorable highlights of the camp.
After lunch and a short period of rest, the monks returned for another question and answer session, this time addressing questions that had been submitted by participants prior to the workshop. The discussions covered a variety of spiritual topics and provided an opportunity for deeper reflection and learning.
Following dinner, the group gathered for the day’s final session. The evening concluded with the Vasana Daha Tantra practice, a perennial favorite among participants. The powerful exercise offered everyone an opportunity for introspection and personal growth, bringing a fitting close to a full and rewarding day.
Activities concluded around 10:00 p.m., with participants looking forward to one final day together at Dharma Camp 2.0.
Day 3
The final day of Dharma Camp 2.0 began with another beautiful morning puja conducted by Yoginathaswami, accompanied by the powerful chanting of Sri Rudram. The sacred atmosphere provided a fitting start to the camp’s concluding day.
Following breakfast, participants began packing their belongings before gathering for a special question-and-answer session focused on reflecting upon their experiences during the retreat. As part of the discussion, Yoginathaswami asked the youth a simple but profound question: “What are you taking back from the camp?”
The responses revealed the meaningful impact the weekend had made on many of the participants. Several spoke about the value of the Vasana Daha Tantra practice, noting that even when emotions do not immediately arise, perseverance eventually allows deeper feelings and insights to emerge. Others shared their appreciation for daily worship, describing puja time as a personal sanctuary that helps bring clarity and balance to the entire day. Participants also reflected on the benefits of color meditation for improving concentration and spoke of feeling inspired to strengthen their daily spiritual disciplines and sadhana practices.
Following the discussion, each participant came forward to receive vibhuti and ask any final questions they wished to share with the monks. The camp then gathered for a group photograph before enjoying lunch together and saying their farewells. Later that afternoon, Yoginathaswami and Nirvani Tejadevanatha returned to the PJ Sheraton.
Dharma Camp 2.0 proved to be a deeply transformative experience for many of the youth in attendance. Several participants admitted that they had arrived feeling nervous, either because they knew few people at the camp or because they expected the classes to be uninteresting. By the end of the weekend, those same youth had formed meaningful friendships, gained practical spiritual tools and developed a deeper appreciation for Hindu teachings and practices.
One sentiment was shared again and again throughout the closing discussions: participants were already looking forward to next year’s camp. In fact, the most common complaint was that the camp had ended too soon.
The monastery extends its appreciation to the organizers, volunteers, parents and youth whose enthusiasm and dedication helped make Dharma Camp 2.0 such a memorable and inspiring success.
Testimonials
Here are some testimonials from participants who attended Dharma Camp 2.0, sharing what they learned and what the experience meant to them.
Both Senthil Velan & Seyon Velan just participated a 3 day Dharma Youth Camp with Yoginathaswami and Sadhaka. They returned happily saying they enjoyed very much, especially Swami’s talk, activities and superb food. This is thier first time and surprisingly they are asking when is the next camp, Bodhinatha.
I have to say, the youths are doing tremendous job, with dedication. Boys are so happy with the male youths whom they regatd as elder brothers.
Thank you Bodhinatha for the camp, and for sending Swami to run it. Youths are so fortunate. We pray for more such continuous activities to keep our Gen Zs abd Alpha kids at bay.
– Kulamata Ahila Devi Ganesan
This dharma camp conducted by Yoginathaswami was a truly enriching experience. His Q&A session was a blast. Swami’s answers were sharp, concise, clear, relatable, and presented in an inspiring manner, making even deep spiritual concepts accessible and meaningful. Swami, being a Malaysian, knows to keep us engaged throughout his sessions. The Siva pooja that was conducted also was really a powerful one that all of us felt so divine and charged up.
– Shamadevi
What touched me most was seeing how deeply the participants connected with the camp. Even though it was a 3 days and 2 nights program, many youths became emotional that it ended so quickly. Several of them personally shared with Swami that they are already looking forward to a NextGen 3.0 in the future. To witness their enthusiasm, transformation, and sincere interest in dharma was truly fulfilling and heartwarming.
– Aran
The youths requested for Dharma camp 3.0, with longer days. Being in the committee, all of us are working adults with so many things ahead, but the fullfillment of having done a svadharma is unimaginable. Contributing to community and teaching religion the fun way is great. As a person myself, i learned so many new approaches and how i can give myself an extra 15 minutes for my inner self.
– Hemavalli
Many of spoke expressed their desire for a camp with a longer duration next year, as well as friends who would definitely be interested to join such camps as well. The participants also spoke about how we, the organizers were fun, warm and friendly and how they could be themselves without being judged. I think it was truly helpful to have a young team of organizers who themselves were proactive, dynamic and creative.
– Ratnavathy Sivalingam
These reflections capture the spirit of Dharma Camp 2.0 far better than any report could. What began as a weekend gathering became an opportunity for youth to deepen their understanding of Hinduism, form lasting friendships and discover practical spiritual tools they can carry into daily life. The enthusiasm for a future Dharma Camp 3.0 and requests for an even longer camp speak volumes about the impact the experience had on everyone involved.
