National Yoga Camp 2019

The National Yoga Camp is a project organised and sponsored by the Malaysian Yoga Society (MYS) in collaboration with the Malaysian Association of Yoga Instructors (MAYI).

The objective of Yoga Camp is to bring greater awareness about the deep realities of Yoga and its benefits to school students; to teach simple and effective asanas, breathing techniques for steady mind, increased energy and inner peace, inspiring them to understand themselves and their surroundings better for a meaningful existence, and, to lead a calm, caring and successful life based on powerful yogic techniques.

Understanding the Yama (restraints) and Niyama (observances) values, for example, which are the first two steps in the eight limbs of yoga, will help students learn how to respect oneself and others, live in harmony, differentiate between good and bad company, prevent them from succumbing to negative influences, pick up commendable, healthy and progressive habits, and be responsible individuals with rational, motivated and forward thinking skills.

The camp’s yoga-related personality development programmes, will have far reaching benefits on the student’s inner and outer development, and give a great boost to their self-esteem and self-confidence.

The five-day programme follows a complete yoga syllabus: yama and niyama for personality development; asanas for physical and mental health; shatkarmas, the yogic cleansing techniques; pranayama for steadiness and energy; relaxation to manage stress; dharana for memory and concentration; and dhyana, meditation, to stay centred during studies and exams.

The camp, closed its chapter of 2019 on the 8th of December. It was an excellent opportunity for the children to learn the in-depth meaning of yoga and get exposed to 5 days 4 nights of yogic lifestyle. It was perfect for children looking their self-discipline, manage to improve emotions, learn the values of Yama and Niyama, ancient techniques to improve memory, breathing techniques, yogic relaxation and much more.

This year’s NYC was held from Nov 30th to Dec 4th for girls and Dec 4th to Dec 8th for boys at SJK (T) Saraswathy, Sungai Buloh. With the guidance and leadership of Master Manisekaran, along with the passionate and dedicated support of MAYI yoga instructors and volunteers, the camp turned out to be an extensive platform of experience-sharing, life altering and spontaneous learning for both the students and volunteers.

On the first day, some children arrived at the camp with tears in their eyes and doubts in their minds, but as the camp continued with fun activities – ranging from classical hatha yoga sessions and ayurveda, to guest speakers’ talks on various subjects – the children very quickly adapted to the loving and lively learning environment, and made friends with ease.

On a typical day at the camp, the kids wake up at 5:30am and perform yogic cleansing. This is followed by the practice of hatha yoga,

breathing techniques and relaxation practices. Afterwards they have yoga-based talks and activities for the entire day before lunch and dinner. Lastly, they tune in to Master Mani’s talk on yoga, and do concentration and guided meditation practices. Sleeping time is at 10:00-11:00pm.

The kids worked hard to prepare for the final day performance and performed well in front their parents and teachers. The parents’ thunderous clapping showed that they were proud of their kids. And the kids smiles upon receiving their certificates displayed their joy and gratitude. Upon taking the group photo with all participants at the camp, the kids’ love and gratitude filled the entire hall. All vowed to be a better person and reach their highest potential by putting concerted effort towards learning yoga. Some even cried and did not want to leave the camp.

Despite the challenges, the National Yoga Camp 2019 was a big success, thanks to all the volunteers and kids. Everyone will definitely look back at this experience with fruitful feelings.

“We did exercises for the eyes (tratak). I did this exercise for 4 to 6 months, 10 minutes every day. We were taught to treat other people as if they were our own brothers and sisters. I learnt to be more confident and build my leadership attitude. Join the camp and let miracles take place in you.” — Aravind, camp participant

“The yoga camp taught me Jala Neti and other simple methods that helped my chronic sinus problem, and relaxation techniques like Yoga Nidra that helped me through tough times. I can’t wait to join the camp again.” — Harsvini, camp participant

“One of the most important life lessons I acquired from this camp is to accept myself as I am and at the same time continue to strive for improvements. Yoga is an investment you make for your life.” — Turiya, camp participant