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Swamini Apoorvananda attains Samadhi

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Swamins, Brahmacharins and Members of Chinmaya Mission Worldwide

Dear All

Hari Om!

Swamini Apoorvananda of Chinmaya Mission Kannur took final refuge at the feet of Pujya Gurudev this afternoon, November 23rd, 2018, at Trivandrum.

Gayathri as she was known, was brought up as a Bala Vihar child. She met Pujya Gurudev, while still at school and joined the Vedanta training course immediately after her graduation. She studied at Sandeepany Sadhanalaya, Powai under the tutelage of Pujya Guruji, Swami Tejomayananda and received Sannyasa Diksha from him in 1997.

From 1991, first as Brahmacharni Maitri and later a Sannyasi, Swamini Apoorvananda served the Kannur centre in Kerala, where she spearheaded Mission activities and programmes. Geeta Jnana Yagnas, Study groups and Bala Vihar classes were a regular feature.

 In connection with the centenary celebrations of Gurudev, Swamini Apoorvananda conducted mass Geeta Chanting in the Police Maidan, which inspired over 1000 people to attend.  Of special note are the classes she conducted for the inmates of the Central Jail in Kannur. Her deep commitment to this cause, helped transform several hearts.

Swamini Apoorvananda’s deep compassion for humanity and her unswerving devotion to the Guru Parampara will continue to inspire the thousands of lives she impacted.

Our respectful homage to Swamini Apoorvananda.

At His Feet

Swami Swaroopananda

AN INTEGRATED PERSONA

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Life has three aspects: action…emotion…thought.

They appear separate but we know that

no action is possible without thought or feeling.

 

At different times…in different situations

they each have a different effect.

Often…we struggle with our actions

BECAUSE…

Many times…thoughts take one direction…

feelings go a separate way…and

actions are completely contrary to both.

 

Sometimes…logic fails to make an impact.

But an insignificant action melts hearts.

 

Our emotions are unpredictable

and vary according to the situation.

 

Often what we FEEL…THINK…DO

are poles apart.

 

With such a disintegrated mind…

we experience restlessness.

 

Emotion is a power that influences our entire life.

Even our problems are at the emotional level!

 

NEGATIVE emotions make us miserable.

They bring:

agitation…unhappiness…conflict…frustration

 

POSITIVE emotions make us feel elevated.

They evoke:

calm…peace…happiness…harmony.

Accordingly…they affect our mind.

 

Where there is love…kindness…compassion

the mind automatically becomes CALM.

 

Where there is anger…hatred…jealousy,

the mind gets AGITATED.

 

Emotions can lead to…

thought fixations…obsessions…

maniac tendencies…mental health issues.

 

 

Understanding the place of emotions

is important but not enough!

 

We also need to harmonise…integrate:

=>>> our thoughts and emotions

=>>> our emotions and actions.

 

The purpose of all spiritual practices is

to integrate…harmonise…all three…

ACTION…EMOTION…THOUGHT.

 

The only one who achieves integration among

THOUGHT…EMOTION…ACTION…

 

is an INTEGRATED PERSONA

integrated at all levels of the personality.

He alone can live in peace and harmony!

– – SWAMI TEJOMAYANANDA

Tree Plantation

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Whenever children need some freedom to do what they want, like to have someone listen to what they say, and desire to have a person who is ever willing to share their experience and knowledge with them , they  have this tendency  to run towards their grandparents, who through their unconditional love, , humour and patience, , share stories, anecdotes, values, etc.

Likewise, whenever, we face oppressive heat, we run under the shade provided by trees, Today someone is sitting under the shade of a tree because someone planted the tree a long time ago.

Taking the analogy further, Allenhouse Public School, Jhansi in association with Chinmaya Mission, Jhansi, decided to celebrate a day where the seeds of wisdom are sown in young minds so that they grow up and give shade to many. Towards this, the grandparents of the children were invited, and tree plantation was planned on 8th October 2018.

Pujya Brahmachari Raghavendra Chaithanya Ji, Chinmaya Mission, Jhansi, had kindly consented to grace the occasion with his divine presence and also share profound wisdom.

The programme started at 10.30 AM on the 8th of October 2018 by lighting the lamp.

Pujya Brahmachari Raghavendra Chaithanyaji invoked the blessings of Guruji, addressed the group and shared on what Chinmayananda always used to say

“Children are not vessels to be filled, but lamps to be lit“ “Children are not careless, but are cared less “.

Everyone present was informed of how different aspects of our ancient culture, in terms of moral, spiritual, family and social values; can enrich the lives of children, and how they can move ahead in life, by focussing on core values.

Subsequently, the children performed a skit and showcased the values they had learnt from their grandparents, recited poems to show their love and affection, prepared greeting cards, sang songs, etc.

The programme ended with children planting tree saplings of guava, mango, neem, ashoka, jack fruit, jamoon, etc. around the school.

Chinmaya Mission Boston Charity Walk for publication

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The annual Chinmaya Mission Boston Charity Walk and picnic was held on Sept 30, 2018 at the Great Brook State Farm in Carlisle. It was well attended with over 190 participants. Participants included 4-year-olds, an 84-year-old, and everything in between. The event kicked off with a prayer by Dr. Shashiji followed by stretching exercises. The 3-mile walk/run was flagged off promptly after that. This was followed by a picnic with activities that included face painting, frisbee, and ball games that were enjoyed by everyone present. With generous contribution from the CMB Community, over twelve thousand dollars was raised. Funds collected will be distributed between a global and a local organization/cause.

Chinmaya Organization for Rural Development (CORD) and Merrimack valley gas disaster relief fund, have been chosen this year. CORD is an India-based non-profit organization to help the disadvantaged transform their lives through self-help programs. In operation since 1985, under the leadership of Dr. Kshama Metre, who was recognized with the prestigious Padma Shri Award in 2008 by the Government of India. CORD supports over 700 villages in Himachal Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Orissa, Tamil Nadu and Sri Lanka, providing help to over 150,000 villagers Merrimack Valley Gas Disaster Relief fund was chosen for local charity this year. The fund was launched to provide short-term assistance for things like shelter, food and health services as thousands of residents in Lawrence, Andover and North Andover who have been without gas since Sept. 13 cope with the circumstances until the restoration of service.

Diwali was celebrated in Chinmaya Mission Houston

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The grand autumnal festival of Diwali, arguably the biggest celebration among Indians the world over, was celebrated in Chinmaya Mission Houston with vibrance and devotion on Sunday, November 4, 2018.

Against the exquisitely decorated backdrop of Lord Rama and Sita Devi, and the row of ashtalakshmi murtis, Sri Ganesh Satyanarayana, Sri Saumyakasi Sivalaya priest, lead the puja with each family seated in the hall following the rituals step by step with their own idols. This was both personal and especially empowering for the children who immediately got involved, and participated with enthusiasm throughout the puja.

“Bring out the divinity in you”, was the message Shri Gaurang Nanavaty had for those present. Just like gardens flourish by constant weeding, he said let us allow ourselves to grow, by persistently removing the negativity within us. Wishes from the acharyas on this occasion were to light the diyas within our hearts, be alert to destroy the Ravana within us, and keep the light of knowledge continuously shining within.

In the five days of the rituals of Diwali is a beautifully packaged message worth reflecting upon every day. On the first day the homes are cleaned and new things are bought. On the second, houses are decorated with diyas and rangoli. The third day, Goddess Lakshmi is worshipped. This is followed by the celebration of the New Year. On the fifth day siblings pray for each other’s well-being and visit upon each other.  In the microcosmic realm of an individual, our journey to an elevated existence begins with first purging our minds of the clutter. Then we bring in things of value that will equip us to get better at our endeavors. With renewed exuberance and optimism we pray for the light to continuously kindle this spirit. Without the wealth of knowledge and a balanced state of mind, all the worldly joys are evasive to us; hence we seek the grace of MahaLakshmi, the supreme goddess of wealth, for an abundance of knowledge and all worldly comforts to make our progress possible. And lastly, while we work zealously towards our personal goals, the last two days of Diwali remind us to expand our circle of influence, and spread the joy of love and look out for as many lives as we can.

As the glance traverses down the neatly seated aisles of devotees in the hall, the familiar eye would spot some young parents; themselves balavihar children not too long back, passing on the tradition to their little ones. The new brahmacharini Shweta Chaitanya herself was a bala vihar student at this center. As philosopher Rumi said, the lamps are different but the light is the same. Under the guidance of Shri Gaurang and Shri Darshana Nanavaty a dynamic group of volunteers strive to keep the rich philosophy and knowledge of the hindu scriptures relevant and applicable and of interest to all generations and all kinds of seekers.

For more information on Chinmaya Mission Houston and its activities visit www.chinmayahouston.org or reach Jay Deshmukh 832-541-0059 or or Bharati Sutaria 281-933-0233 or better still, stop by Chinmaya Prabha, 10353, Synott Road, Sugar Land, TX-77498.

Integrated Personality Development Camp at CM Hosur

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Hari Om!

Chinmaya Mission – Hosur

Integrated Personality Development Camp for Sri Bharathi Vidyalaya Matriculation School

Potential to Perform

 

With the blessings of Pujya Gurudev, Pujya Guruji, Pujya Mukhya Swamiji, Chinmaya Mission Hosur conducted  IPDC (Integrated Personality Development Camp)  for class 9,10,11,12 of Sri Bharathi Vidyalaya Matriculation School students.

Swami Krishnathmanandaji facilitated the camp at Chinmaya Upasana with the theme POTENTIAL TO PERFORM.

It was a two-day camp & was held on 19, 20 & 26,27th of October 2018 for class  9,10 & class 11,12 respectively.

This is the first time in 5 years the students of Sri Bharati Vidyalaya School attend the IPD camp.

The camp was inaugurated traditionally by lighting the lamp by Swamiji, staff & student leaders.

The sessions given below were conducted by Swamiji & sevaks Smt.Vijaya, Smt.Suganya, Smt. Rajeswari & Smt.Seetha, Smt. Vaidehi. The sessions sowed the seeds of Values in student’s mind.

Day 1

  1. Ice breaking & grouping
  2. Questionnaire- Everyone has POTENTIAL
  3. Sharpen the instruments
  4. Know Your Instruments – KYI
  5. Being aware of senses
  6. How we abuse our senses
  7. How our senses deceive us
  8. Tower building

Day 2

  1. Communication
  2. Search within
  3. Mind – Emotional unfoldment
  4. identify within
  5. Poisons within – Hatred, Fear, Jealousy
  6. Overcoming Hatred by Forgiveness
  7. Overcoming Fear by Trust
  8. Overcoming Jealousy by Appreciation
  9. Intellectual unfoldment
  10. Differentiated thinking

The sessions were in the form of activities, games, discussion & learning happened in these ways.

Both the students and the facilitators enjoyed the camp.

Certificates for all the participants were handed over to the staff representative from the school.

Kanchipuram District level Chanting Competition by CM Sriperumbudur

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Chinmaya Mission Sriperumbudur conducted Kanchipuram District level
Chinmaya Chanting Competition on 28th oct 2018. Twenty schools participated in this Competition. We conducted Bhagavat Gita 18th chapter and Kandhar Anubhoothi which is the tamil text. Here, most of the people scared of Sanskrit but now its slowly changing because of Bhagavath Gita. All the school supporting us very well.
 Our chief guest Prasanna Harishyam(zonal co-ordinator of chennai gita chanting competition)& Arunachalam ji, Tamaraipakkam Sevak honoured our judges and encouraged the winners by giving their blessings.
        Our CHYK students showcassed the importance of Bhagavath Gita by skit. They cooled down the participants by Krishna Bajans and Dance.
            After the programme we arranged lunch for the participants.

Divya Shakti Retreat at CM London (Canada)

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Chinmaya Mission London (Canada) was honoured to host the 6th international Divya Shakti Retreat from October 5-7, 2018 on “Finding YourSelf” guided by Vivekji and Vliasiniji. 72 Devis registered for the Retreat with an equal representation from USA and Canada. The Retreat was held at the newly acquired Ashram, Chinmaya Hanuman.

Vivekji is the Deputy Director of Chinmaya Mission Yuva Kendra West and currently serves Chinmaya Mission Niagara and Chinmaya Mission Pittsburgh as well as other satellite centres including London. Vivekji in his usual dynamic style expounded on Adi Sankaracharya’s ‘Nirvana(Atma) Shatakam’ keeping the audience spellbound and engaged. The Theme of Finding YourSelf was unfolded through the verses of this most profound text making it relatable and meaningful

Vilasiniji is one of the founding members of Chinmaya Mission Washington Regional Centre and serves as the Regional Bala Vihar Director of CMWRC. Vilasiniji in her usual style through endearing stories shared the Science of Happiness with ease, natural wisdom and compassion. The Devis appreciated her smiling presence and guidance during the Meditation and Yoga Nidra sessions as well as the interactive sessions where Devis gained insights on facing challenging situations in their daily lives.

The Devis started their day at 7 am with Yogasanas and Meditation followed by discourses and discussions led by Vivekji and Vilasiniji. The schedule was balanced between quiet time for contemplation, games and craft activities specifically designed to the theme of Finding YourSelf. The Devis were impressed by the serene atmosphere of the Ashram, hospitality, freshly cooked meals on site and the selfless Seva by the devas and youth at the centre. All the Devis left feeling inspired and rejuvenated. Devi study groups were formed subsequently transforming this event to a movement. Chinmaya Mission London is grateful for the privileged opportunity to host the Retreat, meet the Devis from other centres and for the guidance and blessings of Vivekji and Vilasiniji.

DISCOVER PEACE IN THE ONE

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We see the sun ‘rising and setting’

but in fact it does not ‘rise or set’.

Nor DOES THE MOON WAX OR WANE!

THE EARTH THAT APPEARS STATIONARY

is in fact rotating!

 

We experience the world.

Perceive it with our sense organs

through the projections of our mind…

which we know are constantly perishing.

We are caught by the display of variety.

We then give these experiences a label.

Some ‘joy’…some ‘sorrow’.

A disintegrated mind sees things as

‘I-Like’… ‘I don’t-Like’

Bound by the variety

which is only an appearance.

We see differences in the WHOLE.

 

But with mastery over the senses

THEN, the Mind will be unified, calm.

THEN the world will be is seen as One.

THEN we will see our Self in the Lord.

THEN our actions and thoughts will be

directed in His service.

 

 When we see the One God in all.

The doubts of the wavering mind

cease to be an obstacle.

The many-ness projected by the mind

does not preoccupy us…

it does ensnare us with unreal ‘desires’.

 

We become child-like…spontaneous…pure

with no knowledge of good and bad…

not directed by likes and dislikes

THEN we are at peace with all…

THEN all ‘differences’ disappear

To merge into the ONE.

 

Lord Krishna’s parting words of advice

to His close friend Uddhava

just before He ended His Avatara are:

‘ABSORB YOUR MIND AND INTELLECT IN ME,

ABIDE IN ME AND SEE THE WORLD AS ONE.’

– – SWAMI TEJOMAYANANDA.

Respectful shraddhanjali to Nambiar Amma

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Swamins, Brahmacharins and Members of Chinmaya Mission Worldwide

Hari Om!

With regret, we inform you about the passing away of our beloved Nambiar Amma, at age 97, early this morning, Friday November 3rd, 2018. Smt. Leela Nambiar, a pillar of the Mission, was a founder Trustee of Central Chinmaya Mission Trust.

A key figure in all Mission activities, Nambiar Amma helped establish the education movement of Chinmaya Mission, that initially put down roots in Chennai. She was Honorary Treasurer for the Chinmaya Vidyalayas, Chennai for many decades.

Nambiar Amma was the publisher of Tapovan Prasad, the international magazine of Chinmaya Mission, for the last fifty years. Periodically she also took on the responsibility of the editor and nurtured the magazine through the years.

Sarveshwara Dhyana Nilayam in Thamaraipakkam, near Chennai, took shape under her careful guidance. Her house was the hub of many mission activities in the seventies and eighties.

Most importantly, she was one of the most dedicated devotees of Pujya Gurudev, Swami Chinmayananada. She served and hosted him in Guru Niketan, her family home, Chennai, from 1963-1993.

Her unwavering faith and surrender to God and Guru, with a Serve All Attitude, has made her unforgettable. She will be greatly missed. With her passing away, a whole era of Chinmaya Mission seems to have receded into the past.

We offer prayers for her peaceful passing to the Lord and for granting strength to the family, in this hour of loss. May she ever remain in His loving grace and care.

Our respectful Shraddhanjali to Amma.

At His Feet,

Swami Swaroopananda