YSS Youth Services Hosts Young Sadhak Camps at Bengaluru and Chandigarh in February 2026
“If one wants to know how we can experience a joyous life amidst the turmoils, this camp delivered just that.”
— D.M., Bengaluru
In these words, a young devotee summarizes her experience at a three-day Young Sadhak Camp conducted by YSS Youth Services at the bustling tech hub of Bengaluru in February 2026. A similar camp was held in Chandigarh a week later, where young sadhaks came together to witness a weekend of spiritual recharge and renewal in the company of others in their peer group on the YSS path.
These regional Young Sadhak Camps are a new initiative designed to bring the How-to-Live teachings of Gurudeva Paramahansa Yogananda to YSS devotees between the ages of 18 and 35. The camps help them step away from the relentless hum of modern life and rediscover themselves in a quiet retreat.
Over 180 devotees, including working professionals, students, young parents, and others — many of whom would ordinarily find it hard to get away from their demanding lives for longer retreats owing to time and distance constraints — joined these weekend camps.
“Living in the Divine Presence”
The theme of the retreat, chosen by the young sadhaks themselves, reflected a clear intent — a practical guide to remaining anchored in God while navigating the challenges of the modern world: “Living in the Divine Presence.”
As the camps progressed in Bengaluru (February 19–22) and Chandigarh (February 26–March 1), weary faces of the arriving participants soon transformed into bright ones. The world outside — one of stress and imbalance — receded, and the joy of the camp took over. The camp’s schedule was simple yet purposeful: a five-fold daily routine of meditation, service, spiritual study, introspection, and exercise. Modelled on the pattern of balanced living taught by Gurudeva, this structure was aimed at the rejuvenation of the physical, mental, and spiritual selves.
The spiritual routine included twice-daily group practice of the Energization Exercises and meditation led by YSS monastics. The highlights of the camps were shravana (deep study) sessions, japa walks, and outing days amidst nature.
Bringing Back a Sense of Balance in This Restless World
In these few days, these camps helped the young sadhaks experience inner balance — taking them through physical renewal, offering them time for mental study, and providing them with opportunities to dive deep in meditation. The profound truth of Yoganandaji’s words echoed through the halls:
Many thousands have listened to my talks, but few have truly put into action what they have heard. Those who do shall find the mighty Truth — the Love and Glory Divine which is everywhere — manifesting through their consciousness evermore.
— Sri Sri Paramahansa Yogananda
Through interactive workshops filled with real-life analogies, poetry, and shared stories, Swamis Nirmalananda, Shankarananda, and Brahmachari Saumyananda guided separate groups of senior and junior sadhaks in the How-to-Live classes. Young people felt they could talk to the group about their struggles with ease, realizing that their spiritual journey did not have to be an isolated and lonely one.
“…this concept of a young group gathering together, with the same energy levels, facing the same challenges in life, was just mesmerising.”
— K.S., Chandigarh
Among the many benefits of the camps felt by the young devotees, especially those who recently enrolled for the Yogoda Satsanga Lessons, was the review of YSS meditation techniques conducted by monastics. Devotees were also able to receive feedback on the practice of the techniques.
“I was not confident whether I’m practising things in the right way. This camp gave me the opportunity to ask questions and learn from the monastics, and the sense of community was the cherry on the top.”
— M.S., Karnataka
Shravana and Satsanga: Study and Fellowship
Each morning, the participants would sit in groups and silently study chosen passages from YSS Lesson 15: The Art of Balanced Spiritual Living, during shravana — the practice of attunement with the Guru through study of his teachings.
The sadhaks strived to absorb the wisdom in deep silence before sharing how they intended to bring these truths into practice that very day.
“Shravana helped us understand the deeper and more intense meaning of our sadhana.”
— P.M., Bengaluru
The isolation that so often haunts young seekers vanished in the warmth of satsanga or fellowship. Between structured camp sessions, lifelong bonds formed spontaneously over shared car rides, short walks through quiet evening streets, or an unhurried bus journey.
A devotee summarized the feeling in these words:
“[The Camp] feels like you’ve come home.”
— K.A., Chandigarh
Spirit and Nature: An Ideal Setting for Retreat
On the ‘Outing Day,’ the activities of the weekend camps moved under the open sky — taking spiritual practice beyond the meditation halls.
At Bengaluru: Young sadhaks gathered at the picturesque outdoor gardens. They meditated and chanted kirtans under a canopy of trees. Sitting on the grass, they joined an informal, candid question-and-answer session with the YSS sannyasis.
At Chandigarh: The sadhaks travelled to the breathtaking, 100-acre Dhillon Farms. Surrounded by perfectly manicured gardens, they walked, played volleyball, and laughed, blending moments of pure joy with divine contemplation.
As evening approached, the seekers went on brisk japa walks alongside the monastics. Combining physical exercise and deep breathing with the silent, rhythmic repetition of the Divine Name, they prepared their minds and bodies for the coming night.
“The picnic location was wonderful. Chanting together and listening to the monastics answer questions in that natural setting felt like a traditional guru–disciple experience.”
— S.B., Mumbai
An Outpouring of Love
In the closing programme consisting of meditation and kirtan, as the harmonium breathed to life and the cymbals began their rhythmic beat, the atmosphere was filled with an undeniable, unified vibration of devotion. The monastics led the congregation with them in the chanting sessions.
“Monastics can speak and teach so well, but their love and adoration for God comes up truly during chanting. That is a time when the hard-earned gifts of their meditation are freely shared.”
— S.D., Chandigarh
When the music finally faded into silence, the stillness was profound and sweet. Many remained anchored to their meditation cushions long afterward, unwilling to break the deep peace they had discovered.
The camps have concluded, the bags are packed, and the young sadhaks have returned to their offices, classrooms, and homes. But they returned transformed. They left with a blueprint for balanced living, a network of soul-friends, and a deep, firsthand reassurance that peace is not an elusive dream — it blossoms from within through practice.
An Invitation to Join the Young Sadhak Community
If you are a YSS devotee between the ages of 18 and 35 who would like to connect with fellow young sadhaks across India, we invite you to fill out the Young Sadhaks’ Participation Form shared below and stay informed about upcoming online and offline spiritual events for this community. A volunteer will reach out and guide you through further steps.
