Youth Union 4th Conference
Swamiji reminded the participants that Yoga joins both soul and nature: "Yoga has a vast meaning. It is not just a matter of physical exercise, but Yoga enables one to go deep inside, to know the Self."
Swamiji's message was that we are all united - soul, humanity and nature, and that humans are the custodians and guardians of the planet.
He also reminded the Conference that "Children are the culture of tomorrow" and therefore need to be educated in a way which will develop their good habits, in order to live a healthy life.
“Happiness cannot be found by fulfilling the senses, we must learn to sacrifice - to discover for ourselves the difference between want and need. Mahatma Gandhi was a living example of it. His famous saying was 'Renounce and Rejoice!'.
Swamiji stated that if our necessities of life are less, happiness will come about more easily. With regards to the environment, Swamiji reinforced the need to protect our trees - in fact, all of the flora and fauna. Each person must take an individual stand. Youth must be educated and made aware of their responsibilities to their environment - to reduce waste, to recycle and to conserve water. The Government cannot be relied upon to do this, it is up to the individual to take personal accountability.
On the subject of a Unified India, Swamiji expressed his sadness:
"We are not free in our own land. We have to take a permit like a passport from the government, to go to Manipura and Meghale. We are Indian but prohibited to enter our own territory. Youth should come out and rally hard to rectify this. The youth of today are the ones who will solve this problem. We can only guide and help them."