from 29th May to 3rd June, Chinmaya Mission Ahmedabad organized a family camp titled “AntarYatra” led by Swami Avyayananda ji at Siddhabari. About 170 members of ParamDham family enjoyed seven days of sadhana in the serene ambiance of “Chinmaya Tapovan” ashram at Siddhabari. Expounding profound verses with piercing questions from Bhagavan Ramana Maharshi’s Saddarshanam, Swami ji indicated 42 gateways to realize one’s true nature. Evening bhajans and Satsang with Swami ji and Swamini Nirgunananda ji were enjoyed by all.

Being in the divine presence of Pujya Gurudev’s Samadhistala, all effortlessly experienced deep peace of mind. The seekers also performed Aaratis, Pujya Gurudev’s Paduka Puja and a cultural program during the camp. Visit to Kapilmuni’s Ashram, small expeditions in the nearby forests and streams brought everyone realize the glory of mother nature. Campers also visited the CORD (Chinmaya Organization for Rural Development) campus and learnt about various seva projects and opportunities. The Balavihar kids group led by Brni. Tejaswini enjoyed the camp with fun games, activities and trekking. These seven days of sadhana in Siddhabari not only provided a vision to the campers but also filled all with enthusiasm and joy.

a 3 day retreat focused on spirituality with the specific theme of “Seeing Through Problems” held at an Ashram in the Central Florida region on April 6th – 8th. The program had as its main speaker and teacher Vivek who heads the CHYK outreach section of the Chinmaya Mission which is the organization based on the legacy of Swami Chinmayananda – a dynamic guru from India who has taken a philosophy called Vedantra and translated Vedic holy texts and commentary for the benefit of a worldwide audience.

His example and legacy has inspired devotees and teachers alike to continue the work of building Ashrams, self-development, teaching interested ones, and community outreach programs. Vivekji is a charismatic and knowledgeable person who has devoted his time and teaching skills to the foundation and was the special guest at the retreat we were a part of. The individuals who attended were from a wide range of backgrounds. From college age students to working professionals a wide gamut of ages and occupations were represented. All wanted to learn how “Seeing Through Problems” could be applied in their life. The retreat lasted 3 days beginning on Friday evening with a welcome talk to the group participants and a evening meal. On Saturday and Sunday the program started with early morning group meditation guided by Vivekji then a series of talks and break out sessions along with meals and fun activities.

In between lectures there were group activities such as painting, games and even a field-trip that thematically tied together the discourses which were the main focus of the program. The series of discourses used a book entitled Tapovananjali as the basis for the spiritual discussions and delved into the example of Swami Tapovana who inspired others to uplift themselves and remove the mental blinders so as to skillfully deal with life’s challenges. This was a main theme of the retreat: Challenge + purpose = training; challenge – purpose = problem. All in attendance learnt that life’s challenges need not become problems if wisdom and discernment are applied.There were other salient points taught such as skillful interaction with family members, how to build healthful relationships, re-framing failures as leaning experiences and reminders that service to others is a hallmark of spiritual life for happy individuals. To work through our problems we were encouraged to slow down, step back and see more.

The brief synopsis of the discourses do not do justice to the useful information imparted or the feeling of community that was apparent among the attendees. There were some in attendance who had been a part of the Ashram for years and others who were joining for the first time – we all left as friends who share a bond of unity and love among one another. If any can be a part of the next program I would encourage you to do so. Vedanta philosophy transcends everyday living and becomes a part of life and the way others are viewed and treated. Let us all continue to grow spiritually and give thanks for the efforts of our teachers, coordinators, sponsors, volunteers and those who make retreat programs like “Seeing Through Problems” possible!

April 26, 2018 marked a landmark for Chinmaya Mission London in Canada as Gaurang Nanavatyji from Chinmaya Mission Houston conducted the first Jnana Yajna at the newly renovated Ashram, Chinmaya Hanuman. After a traditional welcome by  Vijay Gupta and Chinmaya Mission London families,  Gaurang ji expounded on Shri Ramana Maharshi’s ‘Upadesha Sara – the Advice of Lord Shiva’ over 4 days from April 26, 2018 to April 29, 2018. He kept the audience spellbound through endearing stories and anecdotes while explaining the BMI chart with the utmost clarity. Gaurangji completed the Karma Yoga, Bhakti Yoga and the Ashtanga Yoga sections thus guiding the audience on their quest for realisation and understanding of a Yogi who is firmly rooted in his nature.

Chinmaya Mission London started with humble beginnings in 2011 in a Yoga studio and basements of sevaks. With the blessings of Bhagavan and the Guru-Sishya-Parampara, an Ashram, Chinmaya Hanuman was established in August 2017 within a short span of 6 years and the renovation work in the shrine was completed in April 2018. Our sevaks and sevikas, inspired by Vivek Gupta and Vijay Gupta are grateful for the platform provided to the community of London for the study and practice of Sanatana Dharma. Chinmaya Mission London is honoured and humbled by the visit of Pujya Guruji Swami Tejomayananda in 2016, Swami Prakashananda in 2017 and the much awaited visit by Mukhya Swami Swaroopananda in July 2018.

Sreelatha Varapravan
Chinmaya London

On the clear bright morning of Saturday, May 5^th, Chinmaya Mission Houston conducted its annual Gita chanting competition to commemorate the 102nd birth anniversary of Pujya Gurudev Swami Chinmayananda. This year’s selection was Chapter 16 “Daivasurasampad Vibhaga Yoga’ and 87 children assembled in Chinmaya Prabha Smriti Hall at 8:30 am in readiness to participate in this event.    This event was preceded by months of preparation by students assisted by a team of dedicated teachers.

Sreedevi Gundamaraju, the Gita chanting coordinator, inaugurated the Competition welcoming all and invoking Pujya Gurudev’s blessings. She then invited Sri Gaurang Nanavaty to address the competing children and audience. His inspiring and encouraging words reminded everyone assembled in the Smriti Hall that the very participation of children was the true gift for our Pujya Gurudev. Just by preparing for this special day with months of chanting the Gita Ch. 16, and showing up to participate, each child was already a winner.  He pointed out, “Children have a wonderful capacity to learn chanting; though their understanding may not be complete now, what they have learned will stay with them and be an inspiration to them as they advance into adulthood.”

The children were enrolled in four groups divided according to their Bala Vihar grades. Judgement criteria included pronunciation, memory, chanting style, and overall presentation. Children also had to provide the meaning for chosen verses or words specific to the group.

In every group, the children awed the judges and listeners with their beautiful chanting and explanation. Once the competition which spanned over three and half hours was over, all children gathered in the Smriti Hall. Manasa Kethireddipalli, a lead Balavihar teacher, had the children play a very creative version of the game ‘Hot Potato’ where they recited verses that contained the Sanskrit words they got. It was such a special treat for parents and the BalaVihar teachers gathered in the Smriti Hall to watch the enthusiasm of the children as they played this game!

Then as the results were announced, Brahmacharini Shweta Chaitanya lovingly commended all children as winners and congratulated them for their amazing and inspiring performance. The specific prize winners in each group were then announced:

Group 1 (KG to Grade 2)

First place – Ahana Rao

Second place –  Shyam Jayant

Third place – Cira Parikh and Samarth Srivatsan

 Group 2 (Grades 3-5)

First place – Pranav Sriram

Second place –  Prakruti Shenoy

Third place – Harini Ganesh, Diya Parikh and Gayatri Thatte

 Group 3 (Grades 6-8)

First place – Meghana Prabhakaran

Second place – Aditi Chaubal

Third place – Ayush Manoj

 Group 4 (Grades 9-12)

First place – Bhavya Kethireddipalli

Second place – Saaketh Rao

Third place – Rohit Narra

As this truly inspirational annual ritual drew to a close, everyone who were blessed to witness the competition were reminded yet again that children’s lives are enriched in no small measure by drawing close to the glorious all-encompassing divine Bhagavad Gita.
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.

On the occasion of 102nd Janma Jayanti of Pujya Gurudev, Chinmaya Mission Ahmedabad celebrated “Chinmaya Utsav 2018” from 1st May to 8th May at ParamDham centre. Everyday of the Chinmaya Utsav began with early morning talks titled “Geeta for Yuva” by Swami Avyayananda. These talks for youth were based on the 18th Chapter of the Bhagavad Geeta. This was followed by a non-residential Balavihar Summer Camp “Bum Bum Bhole” led by Swami ji. The kids got to know Lord Shiva and adore him through beautiful stories and bhajans. Many fun games and activities such as snake show, clay modeling were also a part of the camp. In the evening a Jnana Yajna by Swami Avyayananda on “Tulasi na ShriRama” based on uttarakand of Shri Ramacharitamanasa was organized. Thus different programs were conducted for the entire Chinmaya family to come together and express their love and gratitude towards Pujya Gurudev.

On the 6th May a unique essay and drawing competition was organized across all age groups wherein in the youngest participant was of 4 years and the oldest was 85 years. The topics of the competition were inspiring quotes by Pujya Gurudev. It was a beautiful experience to see the whole family enjoying quality time together while painting or writing for Gurudev. During the week special Geeta chanting classes for learning 18th Chapter of the Bhagavad Geeta were also conducted by sevaks. The Chinmaya Utsav celebrations culminated into a grand finale on 8th May which included presentations by Chinmaya Balavihar kids, prize distribution to the winners of the completions, Pujya Gurudev’s Paduka Puja and Mahaprasad. With more than 500 members of the Chinmaya family Ahmedabad coming together for the fulfilling Chinmaya Utsav 2018 celebrations, the event was a great success.