June 1^st 2018 marked Chinmaya Yuva Kendra Pittsburgh’s third retreat for young adults in the last six years, guided by Vivekji of Niagara Falls, Canada. The retreat, entitled “Vedanta in…?: Finding Purpose in Everyday Life,” was designed to help young adults apply Vedantic principles in their day-to-day lives. The retreat entailed a series of workshops and Satsangs based on daily encounters in life, to help youth understand their relationship with family and friends, work and school, mental and physical health, and relationship with God. During workshops, participants engaged in activities that simulated real-life dilemmas, thought through how to handle these situations, and engaged in deep discussions about how best to bring lessons from the Shastras into their actions and thoughts. Vivekji debriefed participants on the purpose of the workshops and guided students in navigating difficult questions that arose.

Having a workshop-based retreat was a newer retreat model that most participants were not familiar with, as the usual model entails primarily discourses and Satsangs. This workshop-based model, however, was participant driven and was guided by Vivekji. As a participant put it, “[The workshops] forced everyone to think deeply about their lives, share their thoughts, and to come up with tactile improvement points specifically suited to their needs.” The workshops enabled participants to take lessons learned from the retreat and apply it to their lives after the retreat. In this way, this dynamic weekend was a great way to continue self-development and connect with the Self.

One of the greatest enduring legacies of Gurudev Pujya Swami Chinmayananda is to establish an amazing system to continuously infuse practical Vedic and Vedantic wisdom in the society. Amongst the various activities of the Chinmaya Mission world over, perhaps the one that touches the youth the most is the Chinmaya Yuva Kendra (CHY) camps. Chinmaya Mission Houston (CMH) played host to a power packed, an enlightening summer camp for five days from June 11^th through 15^th of June, which helped the youth (ages 14-17) to build their skills to introspect within. Vivekji transformed the minds of the participants with a themed message – The Efficient, the effective, the enlightened – an exploration of the Bhagavad Gita along with Br. Shweta Chaitanyaji, a living proof of CMH’s immense contributions.

Every participant felt Vivekji’s message was simple, easy to remember and practicable. Both Vivekji and Br. Shweta Chaitanyaji kept the theme around Sthitha Pragña Lakshana. Ten values distilled as characteristics of a wise person from Bhagavad Gita were emphasized. They include – being content, balanced, independent, fearless, accepting all situations, disciplined, devoted, awareness, knowledge and humility. The camp engaged the body, mind and intellect through a myriad of activities. Though the camp was laced with numerous discourses about each value, it was the workshops, fun activities, assignments to learn about oneself through introspection which kept the excitement of the camp. Both Vivekji and Br. Shweta Chaitanyaji, due to their Chinmaya Mission legacy, were able to reach deep into the psyche of the youth and transfer their wisdom in a fun way, as they related to the kids at every level.

The intense, yet fun camp, through powerful reiteration brought the kids to face their own mind and challenge themselves to ascend along the path of these ten values. Vivekji had a 24 hour challenge, Reflection Adventure Day (RAD) to transform the imparted wisdom as their new habits. Shwetaji’s game centered approach to impart a value was a big hit among the participants. Introducing the young minds to Mouna and having them introspect and analyze their own mind was a wonderful experience the kids had. Though it appeared challenging to the novice, by the end of the camp, they were able to master it, to work as their strengths.

The kids recounted their gained knowledge with the quote, they learnt at the camp – “Nothing to gain, so nothing to lose; nothing to lose, so nothing to fear; nothing to fear, so everything is love”. Camps like these leave lifelong impressions of Vedanta on the young minds and help one lead a life rooted in the ancient wisdom. CMH is proudly dedicated to transplanting the young minds in the fertile soil of practical Vedantic wisdom one at a time, constantly watered by the love and dedication of Vivekji and Br. Shweta Chaitanyaji, under the constant radiance of the Sun of Gurudev’s vision to revive a dharmic society.

Tradition steeped in wisdom, diffused with fun is the norm at Chinmaya Mission Houston, located at Chinmaya Prabha, 10353, Synott Road, Sugar Land, TX-77498. For more information, visit www.chinmayahouston.org or call Jay Deshmukh 832 541 0059.

Swamins, Brahmacharins and Members of Chinmaya Mission Worldwide

 Dear All,

 Hari Om!

 Swami Prameyananda of Chinmaya Mission Adoni took final refuge at the feet of Pujya Gurudev, Swami Chinmayanandaji, early this morning, 30th June 2018, at 5.30 am. He had completed the Vedanta Course at Sandeepany Sadhanalaya, Powai in 1998. Thereafter, he was posted in Chinmaya Mission centres at Guntur, Aakiveedu, and Adoni in Andhra Pradesh where he worked with dedication and inspiration.

Under his stewardship over the last four years, the Adoni centre spearheaded different Mission activities and programmes. The Geeta Chanting Competitions with the assistance of Mission members increased and reached out to approximately 3000 children in the area. Geeta and Upanishad talks at the Mission Centre were also a regular feature. This year, under his able guidance, Chinmaya Mission Adoni planned to host the state level finals of the Geeta chanting competition.

On the occasion of Pujya Gurudev’s 25th Aradhana year, from April to 3rd August 2018, Chinmaya Mission Adoni under his leadership started Chinmaya Aradhana Sravanthi daily. Amongst other activities, this includes Pujya Gurudev’s Paduka Puja.

Swami Prameyananda’s warmth and humility were a source of inspiration to the many who came in contact with him.

Our respectful homage to Swami Prameyananda.

At His Feet,
Swami Swaroopananda

“A yatra is an outward expression of an inward journey.”

Since 2011, this simple phrase has kicked off ten such journeys across Bharat, Trinidad, and the Canadian Rocky Mountains. Spearheaded by Vivekji of Chinmaya Mission Niagara, the 10 Chinmaya Inspiration Yatras have brought together 300 Yatris from 60 cities and 4 countries for unforgettable adventures and indescribable self-development.

Commemorating this milestone, the alumni of all 10 Chinmaya Inspiration Yatras gathered in Niagara Falls, Canada, for a reunion retreat in July. Although the Yatris were brimming with shared memories and laughter, all energy of the reunion was focused on raising funds for a new school being built in Trinidad by Swami Prakashananda and Chinmaya Mission Trinidad and Tobago.

In the past, Yatris have contributed over USD $100,000 to the Chinmaya Organization for Rural Development (CORD) Siruvani and Thamaraipakkam centers. These resources have allowed CORD to further invest and expand in its women’s empowerment, child development, health, income generation, and construction programs. Founded on similar principles, the proposed Chinmaya Vidyalaya project in Trinidad will equip children with the skills needed to become self-sufficient, empowered members of their families, communities, and country.

With this Seva grounding the retreat, a weekend of inspired discourse and inward exploration continued. Vivekji delivered the retreat’s discourses focused on Ramayana’s Sundarakanda, carefully unfolding the lessons learned from Hanumanji’s own journey to Lanka and Vibhisana’s journey to Lord Rama’s feet. Swami Prakashananda even joined the retreat virtually to congratulate the Yatris for their efforts to support the new school. With his infectious smile and gentle humor, Swamiji observed how remarkable it was to raise resources for children one may never meet.

To further bring these lessons to life, the Niagara Chyks crafted experiences that matched verbs describing aspects of the original Chinmaya Inspiration Yatras (e.g., “wonder,” “cooperate,” “adventure”). In one such activity, retreat participants jotted down their reflections on paper leaves that were later joined together to form a growing “tree.” The simple exercise underscored how although each Yatri had their own different, unique trajectories of growth, they were all “rooted” in the same vision and direction, towards the Higher. In another activity, Yatris ate their dinners blindfolded—a challenge to think beyond the “likes” and “dislikes” that color people’s lives.

From intense soccer matches and illuminating visits to Buddhist monasteries, to silent hikes and planting squash on an organic farm, Yatris of all ages engaged in activities that engaged their bodies, minds, and intellects. One night culminated with an open mic full of song, poetry, and dance that centered on lessons from the yatra; another wrapped up with a lighthearted improv comedy game. The Yatris even joined the broader Chinmaya Niagara community for their graduation ceremony.

The highlight for many, however, was quietly watching the sunrise over the majestic Niagara Falls—taking time to ruminate over the weekend of Satsang and Seva as the sun’s early rays infused the mist with a frothy pink glow. For the Yatris, the indefinable magic of the morning was made even more precious knowing that they had achieved their goal of contributing more than USD $100,000 for the new Chinmaya Vidyalaya in Trinidad. Unto Him Our Best.

Chinmaya Mission Jaipur organised Gyan Yajna on Srimad Bhagwat Mahapuran at Gulab Udhyan by Pujya Br. Om Chaitanya Ji (Incharge Chinmaya Mission Jodhpur) from 2nd June to 7th June. Yajna was ceremoniously inaugurated at sharp 7 pm with Shanti path and lighting of the lamp. Vice President Sh. M. L. Gupta Ji welcomed Pujya Br.Ji and all the seekers. Br.Ji covered the mahatmya and 9 chapters of the 1st canto. All seekers were deeply engrossed in divine discourses all the six days. On a concluding day Smt. Sangeeta Gupta conveyed the thanks note. It was a blessed event.

On 05.06.2018 Pujya Swami Swaroopanandaji was received at the TDM Hall with Poornakumbha by the members of Chinmaya Mission, Mattancherry unit at 5.00 PM with the accompaniment of ‘Panchavadyam” performed by the artists.

The inaugural meeting started at 5.15PM by lighting the lamp by Pujya Swamiji. Chief Sevak of CMECT-GC Shri. A Gopalakrishnan delivered the welcome speech. Shri. K.P. Krishna Menon, President, Ernakulam Karayogam honoured Pujya Swamiji by adorning a shawl. The inaugural address was given by the Chief Guest Honourable Shri. Justice R Bhaskaran (Retd.). Shri. P Ramachandran, General Secretary, Ernakulam Karayogam gave the felicitation. Shri. K.K. Appu, President, Chinmaya Mission, Ernakulam delivered the vote of thanks.

Pujya Swamiji gave the discourse on the first day from 6 PM to 7.30 PM.

On 06.06.2018 Pujya Swamiji at a special meeting addressed the students and teachers of Vidyalayas under CMECT-GC from 10 AM to 10.45 Am and 11.15 Am to 12 noon respectively at TDM Hall, Ernakulam.

Pujya Swamiji continued the discourse for the second third and fourth day (06.06.2018, 07.06.2018 and 08.06.2018) in the evening from 6 PM to 7.30 PM.

On. 09.06.2018 Pujya Swamiji had an interactive session with the Principals, Vice Principals and functionaries of the Vidyalayas under CMECT-GC.

Pujya Swamiji rendered the last day discourse from 6 PM to 7.30 PM, which was followed by Bhiksha.

Upanishad Yajna by Pujya Swami Advayananda

Pujya Swami Advayananda, President of Chinmaya International Foundation, Veliyanad conducted a Jnana Yajna in English from 1^st to 9^th May, 2018 taking the first Anuvaka of Brahmanandavalli from Taittreya Upanishad in Sripaadakshetra, J P Nagar. The Yajna was inaugurated by Parama Pujya Acharya Mahamandaleshwara Jagadguru Sri Jayendra Puri Swamiji of Sri Kailas Ashram who stressed that the essence of all scriptures is attainment of supreme bliss. He recalled his younger days when he had the divine opportunity of listening to Pujya Gurudev and remembered how Gurudev was instrumental in crystallizing his thoughts when he chose the spiritual path.

Pujya Swami Advayananda in his inimitable style took the first anuvaka of Brahmanandavalli for the entire nine days going into great depth and explaining every aspect of the teaching. He stressed the ultimate Truth that ‘I’ am not the body but the all pervading cosmic force that has neither any beginning nor end. But to realise our true nature which is an ocean of bliss and joy, we just need to rise above the delusion of identification with the body just as the waker spontaneously drops the dream world realising his true identity the moment he wakes up. Just as the Sun does not need any external light, the Self is luminous by itself declaring the fact “You are that Brahman”. Transcending the panchakoshas and merging into the infinity the supreme Truth declared by the Mahavakyas – I am That, Tat tvam asi, Aham Brahmasi, etc., can be experienced enabling the sadhaks to appreciate the unknown with the help of the known. The essence is that the sadhak ultimately realises the truth that his real nature is Brahman alone or as is said in the Mahavakyas – the knower of Brahman is in reality Brahman Himself.

The Yajna was very well attended.

Gita Jnana Yajna by Pujya Swami Adityananda

Pujya Swami Aparajitananda of Mandya centre conducted a Geeta Jnana Yajna in Kannada on Bhagavad Gita Chapter – 7 in Sri Brahma Chaitanya Mandir, Srinivasanagar from 20^th to 26^th May, 2018 The Yajna was inaugurated by Jagadguru His Holiness Sri Vidyanibhava Shankara Bharati Mahaswamiji of Kudli Sri Sringeri Mutt who explained the greatness of Bhagavad Gita and need to imbibe the positive qualities for peaceful life. He paid glowing tributes to Pujya Gurudev and how he was influenced by Him during the childhood days.

Pujya Swami Adityananda centered his talks in stressing the need to drop the false identification with the unreal and understand that ‘I’ – the real, am beyond body, mind and intellect. Once we are able to quieten the mind and experience the true infinite joy within us all other types of knowledge fade into insignificance. We need to broaden our vision and envelop the entire cosmos experiencing oneness in the entire creation. This is the only way to cultivate humility and egolessness.

Pujya Swamiji took the first stabaka of Pujya Tapovan Maharaj’s Badreesha Stotram explaining the subtle concept of Adhyaropa in the mornings.

Both the sessions were very well attended.

 CHINMAYA JAYANTI 2018 CELEBRATION

Pujya Gurudev Swami Chinmayananda’s 102^nd Jayanti was observed through a nine day Upanishad Yajna from 1^st May to 9^th May, 2018 by Pujya Swami Advayananda, President of Chinmaya International Foundation, Veliyanad. The subject – Brahmanandavalli was very apt for the occasion as it defines the Ultimate Truth – Brahman with crystal clear clarity and Pujya Gurudev after His studies at the feet of Swami Shivananda and Swami Tapaovan remained in that state. Such a Master’s Jayanti can be celebrated only through what He strived for His entire life – Jnana Yajna. Bhajans and Paduka Puja were performed on the last day (9^th May, 2018) of the Yajna.

Gita Jnana Yajna by Pujya Swamini Sampannananda

Pujya Swamini Sampannananda of Malleswaran cntre conducted a Gita Jnana Yajna in Kannada taking Bhagavad Gita Chapter – 9 in Chinmaya Mission Vijayanagar Centre from 26^th May to 1^st June, 2018. The Yajna was inaugurated by Smt. Ishwari Manjunath, senior devotee of the Mission.

Pujya Sampannamma explained that the chapter reveals the secret of understanding the real nature of oneself besides coming out of the bondage of samsara along with the cycle of life and death. But it is important for the student to develop faith in the scriptures and the Guru to appreciate the essence hidden in the teachings. But those who do not have faith will get caught in the web of samsara and get drawn into the whirlpool of delusion. It is only through Self knowledge that one can understand the true nature and get rid of false identifications. It is necessary to understand the Lord properly instead of getting sucked into the name and form world as He can be attained only through sincerity and dedication.

The Yajna was well attended.

Balavihar Summer Camp 2018

A Balavihar Summer residential camp – ‘Enjoy Life – The Krishna way’ – was held in Chinmaya Sandeepany, Chokkahalli from 5^th to 11^th May, 2018 with Pujya Swami Aparajitananda of Mangalore centre as the Camp Acharya.

Children mostly from Bangalore and a few from Mysore and Hyderabad totaling 92 in number enjoyed every event ranging from learning the Narayana Sooktam & a number of Stotrams, Yoga sessions, Swami Aparajitananda’s inspiring talks with useful tips, daily workshops giving an insight into the rituals, nature acceptance, traditional games like treasure hunt with a difference – the Kanha trail, dahi handi and cooking without fire. The main theme of the camp – Enjoy life the Krishna Way giving glimpse of overcoming obstacles with divine grace by being a flute in His hands was appreciated by all.    The camp song – ‘Come enjoy life the Krishna way’ was instantly a big hit with the children.

Gurudev Jayanthi on the 8^th of May was celebrated in the presence of Pujya Swami Brahmananda and other Swamijis. The valedictory function on 11^th May saw the children showcasing their talents through a number of self created, composed and directed compositions consisting of poems, plays and presentations without much props, all done with very limited resources, including preparation time that left all the elders gaping with wonder.

On Sunday, 10th June 2018, Ahmedabad Chinmaya Mission hosted first full day workshop “Every DROP Counts” for the age group 46 to 60 years. 27 members participated including a few having traveled from Baroda and Nadiad. The workshop included Satsang on karma yoga and an episode from Upanishad Ganga. Swami Avyayananda ji made it easy to understand the principle of Kartavya Karma using Gurudev’s BMI chart. Members participated in Bhajan Antakshari with great enthusiasm under the guidance of Swamini Nirgunananda Many new members joined for the first time. Teamwork activities like Narayan Seva and skit forced all to drop ‘I’ and enjoy being with like-minded individuals. The workshop ended with Aarti and delicious prasad to beat the heat. To sum it up it was a perfect way to de-stress, learn, enjoy and laugh. Chinmaya Study Group for the age group of 46 to 60 years now meets every Wednesday, 9.00 pm to 10.00 pm at ParamDham.