Author Archives: Web Master

Shraddhanjali to Shri Laju Chanrai

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Hari Om!

With a heavy heart we inform you that Shri Laju Chanrai, a long-time devotee of Pujya Gurudev, attained His lotus feet in London this morning, Thursday 7 January 2021, at age 81. Lajuji has been a stalwart of Chinmaya Mission for decades. He will be remembered for his cheerful countenance and readiness to lend a hand wherever and whenever required. A storehouse of information, his sharp mind has helped to resolve many a complex issue.

To fulfil her request and to please his mother, Smt. Kamala Chanrai, Lajuji met Pujya Gurudev for the first time in 1965-66, at Mumbai. The rest is history.

Pujya Gurudev appointed Shri Laju Chanrai as Trustee on the Boards of Central Chinmaya Mission Trust (CCMT), Tara Cultural Trust (TCT) and Chinmaya Tapovan Trust (CTT). Later he served as Director on the Management Committee of Chinmaya International Residential School (CIRS) and a Trustee of Chinmaya Organization for Rural Development (CORD) and Chinmaya Vishwavidyapeeth. His contribution to Chinmaya Mission UK, Lagos and South Africa is a legacy he will be especially remembered for.

A hands-on person, always available, he was never found wanting in discharging the duties assigned to him. The Chanrai home played host to Pujya Gurudev many a time and his last stay at their home was in June 1993, at London. Lajuji’s wife, Kavitaji, always willingly supported him in all his duties.

We offer prayers to grant strength to the family in this hour of loss. Lajuji’s devotion and seva has been an inspiration to many of us and he remains now ever at the feet of Pujya Gurudev.

At His Feet,

Swami Swaroopananda

Our homage and Reverential Pranaams to Swami Sundarananda

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Dear All,
Hari Om!

Pujya Swami Sundarananda of Gangotri, the last living direct disciple of Param Pujya Swami Tapovanji Maharaj, attained Mahasamadhi in Dehradun last night.

🕉️ He will rest permanently at Tapovan Kuti in Gangotri, where he used to reside, amidst the glorious Himalayas he adored and beside his beloved Mother Ganga.

Born in April 1926 near Nellore, Andhra Pradesh, Swami Sundarananda is famous as the Himalayan photographer, who clicked lakhs of photographs capturing the grandeur of the Himalayas he loved to trek across.

On his own admission, he had lost count of the number of times he had trekked to Gomukh and Tapovan.

🪔 He climbed over 20 peaks above the height of 21,000 feet. An authority on Himalayan terrain, he showed the way to the Indian Army during the war.

Some of his prized photographs capturing the pristine beauty of his beloved Himalayas, are featured in his book, ‘Himalayas – Through the Lens of a Sadhu’. The book carries an endorsement by Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee, former Prime Minister of India.

🌻 A nature lover and keen environmentalist, Swami Sundarananda has worked to spread awareness of the deteriorating ecological conditions in the mountains over the last several years, with special focus on the source of Mother Ganga.

🕉️ Our homage and reverential pranams to Swami Sundarananda, the loving devotee of Param Pujya Swami Tapovanji Maharaj.

At His Feet,
Swami Swaroopananda

Activities in Bengaluru Nov 2020

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On Line Gita Jnana Yajna
Pujya Swami Krutatmananda of Hubballi and Dharwad centres conducted on line Gita Jnana Yajna in Kannada from 1/11/2020 to 8/11/2020 on Bhagavad Gita Chapter – 3. Pujya Swamiji beautifully explained how it is important not to abdicate action in the name of renunciation but to perform action with a selfless attitude and cooperative spirit. What is important is to understand the fact that it is impossible to stay away from action and perform all actions sincerely with dedication without expecting any result but develop an attitude to accept what comes with humility and gratitude. It is also very important to lead life in a give and take policy that can inspire the next generation to follow and experience a peaceful and meaningful life. All realised Masters have lived such a life with complete control of their senses – thought, word and deed demonstrating that leading such a detached but active life is actually possible.
The Yajna was well viewed by hundreds of sadhaks.

Kartika Masa Celebrations
Kartika Masa celebrations commenced from 13th November, 2020 – Deepavali with the usual religious fervor in Sripaadakshetra, J P Nagar with daily lighting of the temple complex and special puja to Lord Shiva. Special Rudrabhisheka, alankara and seva were performed on Mondays with devotional songs in the evening. The pandemic situation no doubt deterred the regular devotees who would come in large numbers but online viewing of the puja every day was viewed by thousands. Quite a number of devotees did visit the temple and participated in the celebrations that had the same glamour of previous years. The celebrations will end on the 14th December, 2020 – last Monday of Kartika Masa.

Johannesburg Ashram Inauguration Ceremony

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Chinmaya Mission South Africa

The grace of Lord Shiva and blessings of our sacred Guru Parampara fructified! Even in the midst of a pandemic situation, this was the day when our rejoicing hearts were overwhelmed with gratitude to our worshipful Pujya Gurudev, to Pujya Guruji Swami Tejomayanandaji and Mukhya Swami Pujya Swaroopanandaji.
It was in June 2006 when Pujya Swami Abhedanandaji first landed in Johannesburg. Swamiji thought that he would be taken to the Johannesburg center, but much to his surprise, he was taken to a devotee’s home as there was no Johannesburg center. Swamiji thought, that a city so big with so many Indians should have a well-established Chinmaya Mission center which could become a center of Learning, Loving and Serving for one and all. And it was at that moment, that the Sankalp for CMSA Johannesburg, was born!!!
Fourteen years later, after building of the most glorious Chinmaya Shivam temple in Durban, and emergence of several Brahmacharins from the land of South Africa, that the permanent abode of Pujya Gurudev, in Johannesburg, was found!

On the auspicious day of 26th November 2020, amid great joy and celebration, Chinmaya Mission Johannesburg’s sprawling new ashram property in the heartland of the city was officially inaugurated by Swami Abhedanandaji. On this beautiful, sunny, spring day in Johannesburg, the programme started with elaborate Pooja and Hawan. Even COVID-19 could not limit the joy of the devotees that joined us on the festive occasion. The face masks, could not hide the happiness in every devotees’ eyes, and in their very being. The picture of Pujya Gurudev, placed above the mantle, made everyone feel like HE was presiding over the whole ceremony.
After the Pooja and Hawan, Pujya Swamiji addressed the congregation, which installed the timeless glory and importance of Ashrams in everyone’s mind. Swamiji beautifully explained how such Ashrams are the epicenter of Faith, Knowledge and Love for all in a society. The effect of Swamiji’s inspiring address, could be seen on the beaming faces, of all present. Melodious bhajans were rendered by Pradosh Maharaj, after which, lunch prasad was served.

Brni. Keertida Chaitanya who completed her 2-year Vedanta Course in 2017 under the tutelage of Swami Abhedanandaji, resides in Joburg ashram and takes care of all the activities. From the new Ashram Building, may Pujya Gurudev’s glory be spread far and wide!

Running from the Mind – 100 Day GIVING Challenge – Jul 4 – Oct 11, 2020

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“Let your hands and legs function, but let a part of your mind steadily hold on to the idea of the divine essence in you,” said Pujya Gurudev Swami Chinmayananda. With this vision to anchor their efforts, 29 seekers from 16 cities committed themselves to the 100 Day Giving Challenge—a movement to give resources, time, and effort towards individual and societal development. This meant giving 5 dollars/day to help society, reading 10 pages/day to support self-development, and completing a 20-kilometer run in their own cities on October 11.

Guided by Shri Vivek of Chinmaya Mission Niagara, the community participated in regular satsang as they prepared for the half-marathon. Each week, runners reflected on insights about the body, mind, and intellect that emerged from training. For many, this was the first time they had taken on a physical and mental challenge of such magnitude. For others, this was the fourth year they had participated in the running community.

“This has been a tremendous year and running has not only helped with health, but also has kept things in perspective,” shared one seeker during the virtual satsang following the race. “Running this year has helped to bring positivity, perspective, strength, creativity, stamina, community, inspiration, and connection.”

The 29 seekers raised over $28,000 for diverse causes across the United States and India, such as the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, Girls on the Run, the Cleveland Food Bank, the Children’s Heart Foundation, Mental Health America, and more. With these efforts, the Chinmaya Mission Niagara community is nearing its goal to raise $100,000 for society in 2020.

Unto Him Our Best!

Navaratri Mahotsav of Sri Lalita Panchayatana Temple in Chinmaya Srividyashramam

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Hari Om!

Pranams!

With the blessings of Divine Mother, Pujya Gurudev & Pujya Guruji, the Navaratri Mahotsav of Sri Lalita Panchayatana Temple in Chinmaya Srividyashramam of our Chinmaya Mission – Kadapa, Andhra Pradesh concluded in a grand manner. Keeping in the view of COVID guidelines, preparations were made well in advance. On 17th Oct the first day of Navaratri Mahotsav began with Abhishekam to Divine Mother with Panchamruta & Mangala Dravyas. All 9 days various Special Sevas like Chandi Homa, Srichakrarchana, Kumkumarchana, Vishesha Alankara Puja, Maha Mangala Aarati & Veda Swasti were offered to Divine Mother as per Aagama Shastra. Last day, some more special Sevas like Kumari Puja, Suvaasini Puja, Maha Poornahuti & Kalasha Jala Prokshana were performed. And of course it was an eye feast to see Divine Mother’s spendor & glory in Rathotsavam on Vijaya Dasami night.

Swami Turiyanandaji and his team say that it’s really Divine Mother’s grace for smooth functioning of a 9 days program without any incident in this COVID time.

Some pictures are shared in the link attached here …

Deeksha Ceremony and Valedictory Function of the 3rd Malayalam Vedanta Course

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Report – Deeksha Ceremony and Valedictory Function of the 3rd Malayalam Vedanta Course at Chinmaya International Foundation (CIF), Adi Sankara Nilayam, held on 2 October 2020.

The ceremony and function took place in the presence of Global Head of Chinmaya Mission, Pujya Swami Swaroopananda, Swami Viviktananda (Regional Head of Chinmaya Mission Kerala) and other Swamins, Brahmacharins and devotees of Chinmaya Mission.

Three student Brahmacharis were given Brahmachari Deeksha by Swami Swaroopananda:

Old Name        New Name              Posting

Ramesh         Br. Shankara Chaitanya        CM Thiruvananthapuram

Raghu Ganesh      Br. Prahlad Chaitanya      CM Palakkad

Adarsh         Br. Vishnu Chaitanya         CM Chengannur

Three student Brahmacharis will serve Chinmaya Mission in white clothes:
Name                 Posting

Br. Sudheesh        CM Alappuzha

Br. Vinay         CM Taliparamba

Br. Sudhir         CM Tripunithura

The Valedictory Function commenced with Pujya Gurudev Swami Chinmayananda’s Ashtottara-shatanamavalih Archana, offered by Swami Swaroopananda and Swami Viviktananda. This was followed by a welcome address by Shri Suresh Mohan (Chief Sevak, CSTK). Thereafter, Swami Sharadananda, Course Acharya, presented a report about the 3rd batch of Kerala Sandeepany. After the Deeksha ceremony, Swami Swaroopananda delivered the Valedictory address.

The programme included two benedictory addresses – the first by Pujya Guruji Swami Tejomayananda in Sanskrit and the second by Swami Viviktananda. Swami Gabheerananda, Swami Aseshananda, Swami Satyananda and Swami Advayananda blessed the Brahmacharis with their words of wisdom, after which Shri T. M. Reghunandan (Trustee-Treasurer, CSTK) delivered the vote of thanks.

The event concluded with Shanti Path followed by recitation of the Chinmaya Mission Pledge.

The Brahmacharis have been initiated to serve the noble vision of Pujya Gurudev, bringing joy, fulfillment and wisdom into the lives of those they touch by their selfless, dedicated seva.

Swami Subodhananda attains Mahasamadhi

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Hari Om!

It is with a heavy heart that we inform all devotees of Chinmaya Mission that our dear and respected Swami Subodhananda, Regional Head of Chinmaya Mission Centres of North India, attained Mahasamadhi in Sidhbari in the early hours of 27 September 2020, having suffered a cardiac arrest. He has reached the Lotus Feet of Pujya Gurudev.

Swami Subodhananda’s natural and deep interest in Vedanta brought him to the portals of Sandeepany Himalayas, Sidhbari, in 1981, where he attended the first Hindi Vedanta Course under the tutelage of Pujya Guruji. After the Vedanta course he worked at Prayagraj as Brahmachari Vishal Chaitanya. Later on, Pujya Gurudev himself initiated him into the order of Sannyasa, bestowing on him the name Swami Subodhananda.

Swami Subodhananda had taught Hindi Vedanta Courses in Sandeepany Prayag and Sandeepany Himalayas. He remained in Sidhbari and taught and guided students of several batches.

With deep and reverential devotion, Swami Subodhananda served Pujya Gurudev when he was unwell in Sidhbari.

Swami Subodhananda was known for his in-depth and scholarly knowledge of Vedanta. His talks on Bhagavad Gita, Ramayana and Bhagavata were very popular. He was fond of discussing Vedantic topics with students and would encourage reflection on such topics.

Our respectful homage to Swami Subodhananda.

Talk 17

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We started the Shrimad Bhagavata Sandesh with invocation prayers (maṅgalācaraṇa). Then, we saw the introduction of this Mahāpurāṇa followed by an invitation to partake this ripened and nectar laden fruit derived from the wish fulfilling tree (kalpataru) called the Vedas. read more …