Self-Restraint- Key to Fulfill Life – JVB Conducts 15th Annual Family Camp

jvb 1in

By Seema Jain

HOUSTON: Under the spiritual guidance and presence of Samani Parimal Pragyaji and Samani Maryada Pragyaji,  JVB Preksha Meditation Center, Houston conducted its 15th Annual 3-day Family Retreat Camp at 66-acre facility of Camp Woodmen in Bellville, TX  from April 3 to 5.  About 85+ participants from the Greater Houston area, San Antonio and Austin came along to enjoy the calm and scenic surroundings while nurturing their soul through powerful discourses, yoga, meditation and relaxation techniques. This year we had a special guest, Shri Kamlesh Shah, Chairman of JVB Orlando who also participated in this camp.

Shri Swatantra Jain, Chairman of JVB Houston delivered the welcome note. New attendees introduced themselves and shared their anxiety to experience this special camp. The emcees of the evening, Shashank and Mukta Jain kept the audience engaged with their witty humor and interactive activities. Parallel session for kid’s meet and greet from ages 4 to 14 yrs. was also held under the supervision of Samini Maryada Pragyaji and Seema Jain. Samani Parimal  Pragyaji initiated the programs with an ever interesting topic- “Self Restraint-key to fulfill life.”

Saturday morning session conducted by Jeetendra Tannaji aimed at recharging everyone’s battery through various laughing exercises followed by a Powerful yoga class held by certified yoga instructor, Upma Chauhan.  Samani Parimal Pragyaji & Samani Maryada Pragyaji led various interactive & learning  sessions  throughout the day  which included multiple lectures/presentations on meaningful topics such as “Words create the world”, “live in nature- live with nature” and “Talk show”.

Samanijis used everyday examples in their presentations & delivered tips that can be utilized to transform one’s habits via different discourses. The audience appreciated situational examples that they could relate to their daily lives; which led to thought provoking discussions and  ideas to overcome them. Participants relaxed and meditated during various meditation sessions during the course of the day with focus on relaxation. The retreat had concurrent kids programs, where they focused on Learning, Yoga, Pranayam, and other creative activities conducted by Samini Maryada Pragyaji, Shashi Jain , and Seema Jain. Some of the highlights of the children activities were interactive sessions on “My choice-stress or peace ” by Samanjis, “Jainism in today’s world ” conducted by Kajal and Udai Jain, “Non- Violence beyond Vegetarianism” led by Kamleshbhai Shah and Jigisha Doshi.

All participants, especially kids participated in a cultural eve on Saturday night, where they expressed and shared their views on Jainism in today’s world through presentation slides. For the adults, 10 different teams were formed to make a 4 minute silent skit (mime) on pre-assigned topics given to each team. Creativity peaked in each of the team skits, and the audience enjoyed the entertaining & fun presentations. Nitesh Jain played the perfect host for the evening. Families also enjoyed the excellent recreational facilities like paddle boats and canoe in the beautiful spring weather.  ​Seema Govil from TV Asia Austin covered the event. Audio, Video & pictures were done by Ashok Jain & Jigar Dedhia.

All participants appreciated the great bouquet of programs, activities, and the way arrangements were handled professionally by the JVB team.  Food arrangements, which were handled by Anju Bengani, Ritu Jain, Anusha Jain, Bimlaji Jain and Meena Shah were also highly talked about. The Annual camp concluded with a one hour interactive session with Samanijis. Rajat Khater and Mukta Jain joined in and moderated a feedback session, & JVB President, Nikhil Jain, expressed his thanks to Samanijis, all attendees & volunteers for making this a memorable and successful event for one and all. Samaniji brought the event to a successful close by reciting mangal paath, with everybody taking the resolve of implementing things learned during the camp and to come back next year.

​​JVB Preksha Meditation Center is home to a specially designed Preksha Dhyan ‘Pyramid’ Meditation Hall and is located at 14102 Schiller Rd, Houston, TX 77082. For more information and for current and upcoming programs please visit www.JVBHouston.org or call 281.596.9642.