During the period of Kali, all moves fast! The body is restless, the mind is often negative and the intellect seeks happiness externally. In efforts to evolve from being extroverted (dependently joyous) to being introverted (independently joyous), 18 Sadhakas (seekers) met on September 19^th in Pittsburgh to be in SILENCE for 100 hours.

Several Sadhakas were SILENCE retreat pros having attended retreats in the past, while others were new to the experience. A few days prior, Sadhakas received clear instructions from their guide, Vivekji, on what/ what not to bring, how/ how not to come and most importantly, how to best be prepared for the intensity of SILENCE.

The packing list included loose clothing, basic toiletries, a simple alarm clock and a reusable water bottle. Phones were not permitted and water was the only substance that could be consumed at all times. Also on the list and arguably the most important of all packing items, were materials for a personal meditation seat.  Six hours were spent daily in a seated contemplation practice, so basic physical comfort was essential. Sadhakas were also instructed to not bring reading, writing, or ritual materials. They would come and go as monks and even in packing, were tactfully being prepared by Vivekji to reject dependencies and distractions of the outer world.

Each day, the schedule was cyclical – wake up, contemplation, nutrition, reflection, rinse and repeat. Sadhakas slept around 9pm for ~8 hours each night. Developing an introverted personality requires much energy and one of the first obstacles on the path of self-unfoldment is laya or sleepiness. Therefore, a good night’s rest was essential for the sadhakas’ internal growth. The regulated schedule also allowed sadhakas to break out of their usual limitations of space and time, so sadhakas were generally unaware of where they were or what time it was.

Contemplation sessions served as training grounds for the sadhakas’ SILENCE journey, while nutrition and reflection sessions reflected testing environments. Where training and testing overlapped, sadhakas could identify truth. Vivekji led sadhakas through Vipassana meditation during contemplation sessions. Vippasana comes from the Sanskrit word vipashyana or vairagya, meaning to see things as they are, without color. This practice allows one to live in the present, experience positivity and even improve concentration.

Over the span of 100 hours, sadhakas acquainted themselves with this means of spiritual purification and by the end, found their bodies’ to be calmer, their minds’ quieter and their intellects’ stiller. Purification prepares a sadhaka to ultimately transcend the same equipments to realize one’s true nature of joy. In this process, sadhakas began to cultivate an appreciation for the role that their equipments (body, mind, intellect) play in liberation. Sadhakas caught a glimpse of what it feels like to be independently joyous.

With freshness in their hearts and clarity in their minds, sadhakas packed their belongings and returned home to their real testing environments. All returned back to their daily responsibilities, yet this time, with a new and peace-filled vision for life.

Activities in Bengaluru during Sep 2018

Gita Jnana Yajna by Pujya Swami Gahanananda

Pujya Swami Gahanananda of Tumkur centre conducted a Gita Jnana Yajna in Kannada at Chinmaya Mission, Malleswaram  from 4^th to 10^th September, 2018 taking Bhagavad Geeta Chapter – 4. The Yajna was inaugurated by senior Mission member Smt Vijaya Byrappa.

Introducing the subject Pujya Swamiji explained how worldly knowledge fails in evolvement and only Self knowledge can help in attaining peace of mind. This knowledge can help in maintaining peace of mind while interacting with the outer world through control of the senses and right thinking that helps in removing several false understandings created due to misunderstanding. Lord Krishna compares this Self knowledge to a ship that can take us across the ocean of samsara, fire of knowledge that will burn all ignorance, the light that will dispel the darkness of ignorance and sword that will cut asunder all doubts.

The Yajna was very well attended.

Gita Jnana Yajna by Pujya Swami Adityananda

Pujya Swami Adityananda of Mandya centre conducted a Gita Jnana Yajna in Kannada on Bhagavad Gita Chapter – 4 at Sri Varasiddhi Vinayaka Temple, HSR Layout from 17^th to 23^rd September, 2018. The Yajna was inaugurated by Sri Raghurama Reddy noted philanthropist and industrialist.

Pujya Swamiji explained how most scriptures contain subtle stories with deep meaning that kindle the mind of the student to think and attempt to discover the Reality. It is very important to understand the essence of the Real and Unreal  getting established firmly that ‘I’ am not the body but the all pervading entity enlivening the entire universe. This is possible only through Self knowledge and actions with yajna bhava when all bondage vanishes and the sadhak revels in an ocean of bliss and quietitude.

The Yajna was very well attended with Pujya Swamiji conducting Vedic Mathematics, Balavihar and Yuvakendra classes also during the course of Yajna.

Annual Bhajan Competition

The annual Bhajan Competition for Balavihar children was held on Sunday, 9^th September,2018 at Sripaadakshetra, J P Nagar where 20 teams participated. The entire complex reverberated with each group trying to excel the other as they sang bhajans selected from the famous album Gana Taranga. The preparation that had gone for the programme was clearly visible in the perfection and clarity of the children who tried their best to emulate Pujya Swami Brahmananda’s golden voice. Pujya Swami Brahmananda gave away the prizes to the three best teams. Five groups were awarded consolation prizes.

Dear All,

 Hari Om! Greetings from Adi Sankara Nilayam, Veliyanad!

 Today, on this auspicious morning – 2^ndOctober, 2018 – at Chinmaya International Foundation, Veliyanad, 5 more precious lives dedicated themselves to Chinmaya Mission and the vision of Pujya Gurudev. I am happy to announce the initiation of yellow-clothed Brahmacharins into the flaming orange Sannyasa ashram as Swamis and Swaminis. Their new names, preceded by their earlier names are:

Br Vamsi – Swami Vijayananda (CM Vijaynagaram)
Brni Vidya – Swamini Shreyananda (Chinmayaranyam)
Br Hrishikesh – Swami Sarvatmananda (CM Kothapatnam)
Brni Bhavana – Swamini Pavitrananda (CM Renigunta)
Brni Vibha – Swamini Supremananda (CM Kurnool)

Attached is a photograph of the new initiates.

May the grace of God and the blessings of our entire Guru Parampara lead them to the ultimate goal of Self-realisation.

A small video of the announcement of their new names can be viewed on the YouTube channel of Chinmaya Mission. The link is:

https://youtu.be/NBHgFJyJRnU

Today we have inaugurated the third Malayalam Vedanta course at Sandeepany Kerala, Adi Sankara Nilayam, Veliyanad. I invoke Bhagwan Sankaracharya and Gurudev’s Blessings on Swami Sharadananda and the students.

Love,
At His Feet,
Swaroopananda

The work of Chinmaya Mission Worldwide has been appreciated and acknowledged by Swaraj Sansthana Sanchalaya, a division of the Ministry of Culture, Government of Madhya Pradesh. In recognition of the path breaking initiatives in the field of Spirituality and for spreading the ancient Knowledge of the scriptures to all age groups across the world, Chinmaya Mission, has been awarded the Maharaja Agresen Rashtriya Samman 2018-19.

As per the directions of Swami Swaroopanandaji, Swami Advayananda and Swami Raghavananda attended the award ceremony function on 15^th August, in Bhopal since Swami Swaroopanandaji was travelling overseas. They received the citation as well as the purse of Rs 2.00 lakhs, on behalf of Chinmaya Mission. Both thanked the Government of Madhya Pradesh for this prestigious award, and the honour bestowed on Chinmaya Mission.

JCHYK Camp

We had an amazing JCHYK Camp last week at CMB.  Vivekji kept the youth very occupied, teaching them as well as making them think independently to derive answers that are most practical and useful in life.  They learnt how to handle situations better and how to analyze and direct their thoughts to be positive and productive.  Under his guidance the youths discussed the importance of thinking before speaking and directing their own thoughts into action.  Vivekji also taught them to step out of their comfort zones and to learn and accept others – some very important qualities of being a leader!  Additionally, the kids had fun in Boston, enjoyed playing games, made new friendships and did lots of chores – an unbelieving amount of Seva for CMB!

Most importantly, all kids went home with a confident smile exhibiting that they had learnt unique lifelong lessons from the camp and knowing that they would be able to implement them to lead a fuller and a happier life.  They also mentioned that they would like to return to the camp next year.  In addition, some of them encouraged their older siblings to join Vivekji’s CHYK camp.

It was a great success – a BIG thanks to Vivekji and we look forward seeing him again next year!

CHYK Camp

During the weekend of August 31 to Sept 2, CHYK Boston hosted a retreat titled “Unlearning to Learn”. A small but dedicated group of CHYKs from around the US gathered to study lessons from Sri Rama Gita, under the guidance of  Vivekji. Sri Rama Gita is a teaching given by Sri Rama to his brother Lakshmana, answering questions that Lakshmana poses about knowledge, dispassion, maya, devotion, and God.

Vivekji guided the CHYKs through Sri Rama’s answers on each of these topics and provided short “unlearnings” and “learnings” to overcome habits and tendencies that keep one from achieving happiness. Several individual and group activities throughout the weekend gave the CHYKs an opportunity to try out these learnings for themselves. A water-filled soccer (football) game in a nearby park was the perfect setting for getting out of one’s comfort zone, while a cooking challenge with limited time and resources pushed the CHYKs to come to decisions more effectively as a group. On the final day of the camp, the CHYKs created charcoal drawings representing one word that summarized their learnings from the week; some of the chosen words included growth, detachment, redefine, and cleansing.

As autumn begins in the US along with the start of a new school year, the Unlearning to Learn retreat was an energizing opportunity for the CHYKs to set goals, try new things, and rededicate to learning and reflecting in the year ahead.

Blessed indeed were the members of Chinmaya Mission Jaipur who had
amongst them the erudite scholar of Vedanta and acharya of CIF Veliyanad,
kerala, Pujya Swami Advayananda from 4th to 8th September 2018.
Adept in the pedagogics of a subject as profound as Advaita philosophy,
Swamiji explained Nasadiya Sukta or Hymn of Creation, from the Rig-Veda, in
the morning sessions and Bhagavad Geeta Ch. 15 in the evening sessions.
Yagna was ceremoniously inaugurated with shanti path and lighting of lamp.
President Mamta Mansingka welcomed Pujya Swamiji and all the seekers
present.
Dealing with the Pralaya kaala, Srushti kaala, and stithi kaala paramatma,
Swamiji explained how this Creation came to be.
In the evening, explaining the 15th chapter of the Bhagavad Geeta which is a
summary of the entire upanishad, Swamiji said that Krishna the greatest
strategist compares our lives to the ashwattha tree.
The realm of our life, our complexities is metaphorically presented as an
ashwattha tree, and just as an tree can be cut, so can we with the blade of
dispassion sharpened with the discrimination(Viveka) detach our mind from
the lower in the persuit of the Higher. SwamiJi explained what is the Supreme
State & steps in spiritual path to reach it.
On the last day Secretary, Chinmaya Mission Jaipur Dr. Uma Acharya
presented the vote of Thanks.
It was a blissful spiritual feast of Supreme Knowledge for the seekers of
Jaipur.

Jai to Generations!! The first of its kind retreat conducted at the Chinmaya Tapovanam in Flint, Michigan by Teacher Sri Vivekji in August 2018 was a great success.  To witness the multi-generations, toddlers to Senior citizens, coming together and engaging in 3 days of Spiritual activities and Sadhana was a real joy.

Which grandparent does not grow younger when interacting with lively grandchildren?  Which child does not aim higher when placed in a loving family environment? Which adult does not feel happier when choices they have made lead to the right path?  It is these questions that made us realize how beautiful our lives are when we are integrated, and share in the creativity and mindsets of other generations. The Intergenerational retreat comprised of three groups: the Pioneers, the Bridge, and the Future.  During the Tapovanam reunion, each group shared in the good fortune they have, and have had, to be a seed, a sprout, and a potential tree in the Chinmaya mission family. This reunion gave a unique opportunity for each group to express, the direct or indirect,  impact that His Holiness Swami Chinmayananda has had on their lives.

Flint, Michigan compared to other US cities, is rather small with about 150 Indian families.  However, it is large spiritually with a strong group of Pioneers who have been conducting bala vihar classes, satsangs, and hosting Mission Swamis and other Spiritual teachers for many years.  In great regard to his inspiration and influence, the families of Flint’s Tapovanam remain cohesive and rooted in Gurudev’s teachings. Thus, when a reunion of children and families, who grew up together in one of the earliest Chinmaya Mission centers in US,  was suggested, there was an enthusiastic response. Nearly 125 members from all over the country reunited for the First Intergenerational Retreat.

Swami Chinmayananda was a beacon of light for many early immigrants and young parents, who were anxiously raising their children in a foreign country.  Gurudev’s arrival to Flint in the 1970’s was a timely blessing. He paved a path for these young and inexperienced Indian parents to teach and uphold the rich, timeless spiritual values of Sanathana Dharma.  Within no time, Swamiji had motivated devotees to build one of the first Hindu temples in the US, the Paschima Kasi Sri Vishwanatha Temple. The temple became a center of religious and cultural upliftment for Flint and the surrounding areas.  Parents & children were drawn, regularly, to the center to celebrate and experience the vastness of our Hindu Heritage. To promote further spiritual growth and learning, Chinmaya Tapovanam was also established in Flint in 1990 and was inaugurated by His Holiness.

Many of The Pioneers, or first generation, had the grace of meeting Swami Chinmayanandaji between the years of 1978-1990  when he used to visit and conduct camps in Michigan. They were sincerely motivated to provide Balavihar classes and emphasize Gurudev’s teachings to their children.  These children, the Bridge or 2nd generation who are now adults with children of their own, continue to be spiritual seekers. Rising to the role of parents and professionals, the Bridge generation embraces the opportunity to observe the full circle of knowledge from receiving it,  to now carrying it on. Finally, the Future, or 3rd generation are undoubtedly aspiring learners who can appreciate the culture and values of their Indian heritage. Nonetheless, the fact that each generation is imbibing the teachings of Vedanta by participating in their local Satsangs & Geeta Yagnas, and encouraging young ones to attend bala vihar and Seva groups in their respective cities is a mere indication that Gurudev had left an indelible mark on this small community.

Sri Vivekji was instrumental in making this retreat an amazing experience for all.  Shedding light on various shlokas from Chapter 4 of The Bhagavad Gita, The Supreme Science of Knowing God, he shared the philosophy of the Guru Parampara.  It was a very appropriate text to help understand the essence of knowledge passed from the Teacher to the Student, and from the experience to the inexperienced.  He discussed the qualities of an ideal teacher, as well as the attributes of the student, and how teachings are shared and recieved. Thus, we see in our parent and our grandparent a teacher, who we respect and appreciate; we see in our child and our grandchild a student, who we adoringly guide and mentor.   Ultimately, we are all seekers of the knowledge of truth, which is attained only by going back to the Original source, God.

The Intergenerational Retreat was a weekend to reflect, to revel, and to rejoice.  Together the groups meditated, sang bhajans, did Yoga and Seva, played games, and enjoyed each other’s company.  The Pioneers shared stories and experiences from their interactions with Gurudev; the Bridge arranged fun activities for bonding & growth, and the Future participated and witnessed the love shared in this special community blessed by his Holiness Swami Chinmayananda.

Jai to each generation that holds the torch of this great mission, and treads in the beautiful footsteps of Gurudev.