The 2020 JCHYK virtual Camp at Chinmaya Mission Boston was hosted by
Vivek-ji. Life Balance: Hacks to Wholeness had 55 JCHYKs from all over the
country attend the camp virtually. It allowed for campers to reflect upon small yet
vital details to improve their daily lives. This was done by utilizing the 4Ds
(Discourse, Discussion, Dialogue, and Dynamics) and by engaging in open and
honest conversations with Vivek-ji. The week began with analyzing their own
personality traits according to their Gunas. Age-related discussions helped young
campers understand the importance of achieving a more balanced and a peaceful
mind. Finally, different methods, such as sleep and wake early, forgive early,
utilize planners, etc. were explored to implement the hacks into their lives. Vivek-ji
made this camp inspiring and fun to all campers.

-Anushka Bhat

From August 21 – 23, Chinmaya Yuva Kendra (CHYK) and Chinmaya Setukaris (CSK) gathered for a virtual
Retreat, hosted by Chinmaya Mission Boston. Guided by Vivekji and greater Boston’s resident teacher,
Shashikalaji, the weekend consisted of daily discourses, guided walks and meditations, and several opportunities to engage in reflection, art, movement, and self-care. Over 75 participants communed together, across a wide age range; the youngest at 19 and the eldest at 60 years. The virtual format made the retreat particularly accessible, with participants tuning in from 5 countries!
The Retreat’s theme, “Paving the Way: Our journey from values to Virtues” focused on moving from intellectual understanding of values to internalization and integration of these into one’s life. Prior to the retreat, each participant was given one virtue on which to focus their reflections throughout the weekend. Participants connected with others given the same virtue via an online Forum, sharing their thoughts and engaging in virtual dialogue. Vivekji and Shashikalaji guided participants through a rich set of Texts and materials; teachings from Chapter 17 of the Bhagavad Gita, verses from Tao te Ching,
excerpts from the Peace Pilgrim, Native American prayers, and their own life experiences from practicing medicine, gardening, and parenting.

Several participants shared sentiments of feeling connected and part of the shared community despite the physical distance. Notably, tuning into the Retreat from home encouraged a Realness to the integration of virtues into one’s life; learning and reflecting in one’s own space naturally leads to action in the same. Deep gratitude to the Retreat Guides, Vivekji and Shashikalaji, for the priceless learnings and experience.

CHINMAYA VIDYALAYA, TRIPUNITHURA
REPORT OF ARADHANA DAY

The 27th Aradhana Day was observed in a befitting manner. The students presented a special online assembly in connection with this. The school choir started off with a prayer. Bhajans were rendered by the students of Class VI and VII. An anecdote from the life of Gurudev was presented by a student of class VII. Gurudev’s speech was declaimed by the student of Class X. A tribute to Gurudev was offered through a dance performance saluting the great soul who merged with pure totality on this day.

Adhering to the COVID protocol, we conducted the Ashtothara Archana in the Vidyalaya wherein all the Office staff assembled and chanted Shanthi Mantra, Gurusthotram, Chinmaya Ashtotharam and 15th Chapter of Bhagavad Gita.

Link of Aradhana day celebration at Chinmaya Vidyalaya Tripunithura

Guru Poornima Celebration :

Guru Poornima was observed on 5th Jul, 2020 in Sripaadakshetra, J P Nagar with Pujya Swami Brahmananda himself performing the Paduka Puja and later conducting a Satsang. The programme was streamed on YouTube due to the prevailing restrictions on social gathering.

Although we have our parents, elders and institutions to give us knowledge and help in evolving our personality, it is only the Scriptures and Sadguru who can impart the true knowledge that can reveal our real Self. All our questions on the purpose of life, birth, death, etc., and the fact that external objects and circumstances can only give temporary satisfaction while the real happiness is our very nature can be explained only by the Guru. What needs is acceptance of our limitations and have an intense desire to seek the Truth when the Lord Himself will ensure that we meet the Guru who will guide us on the correct path. We need to understand that our own mind is our enemy as well as our true friend. The Sadguru helps us in realising our limitations and guides us to evolve and find the true meaning of life.

Gita Jnana Yajna in Jayanagar:

Pujya Swami Adityananda of Mandya centre conducted an online Jnana Yajna in Kannada from 6th to 13th Jul, 2020 on Guru Paduka Stotram composed by the 33rd pontiff of Shringeri , Jagadguru Sachidananda Shivabhinava Narasimha Bharati.

Pujya Swamiji took each stanza of Guru Paduka Stotram in detail explaining the meaning, significance and root of each word along with the philosophical relevance and the subtle adhyatmic truth removing all false understandings that the sadhak may have in his understanding of birth, meaning of life, death, Jagat, Jiva and Ishwara. The Guru Padukas signify the eternal Truth understood and experienced by the realised Master and just remembering the Padukas inspires the sadhak to sincerely tread the path of Guru with dedication to ultimately realise and experience the ultimate Truth. The wrong understanding that I am not the limited body, mind and intellect but the all pervading, eternal illuming Jyoti illumining the entire universe where no suffering is experienced can be revealed only by the Guru and Shastras. Worshipping the Guru Padukas constantly serve as a reminder to surrender the Ego with the understanding that real joy is not in the outer world but keeping the mind peaceful at all times.

The Yajna was very well attended by hundreds of sadhaks daily.