Stay Tuned

Over 70 Chyks from Sydney staged an original theatrical production “Stay Tuned” for an audience of over 700.
A Story of a not so typical family as they discover their purpose and overcome the struggles to become free and happy.

A crisp, witty and meaningful production, with spectacular dance performances and subtle Vedantic messages conveyed of inspiration and empowerment urging audiences to understand themselves better and learn to enjoy their lives. Swami Swaroopananda, Global Head of Chinmaya Mission present there described the production as “brilliant”.

The Chyks raised over $50000 from the show which will be donated towards CORD India and Sri Lanka and Chinmaya Education Cell.

Stay Ahead

The Heart of Success
Stay Ahead

Different people respond
differently to obstacles.
SOME:

  • do not take on great work
  • give up when faced with.

A rare few PERSIST and are successful.

We think successful people
never have difficulties or obstacles.

HOWEVER…The Truth is…
great goals have…great impediments.

Obstacles cause people to:

  • lose confidence
  • become impatient
  • feel frustrated

Unable to persevere…
they lose energy.

Each one DOES have expectations…
BUT often when difficulties arise…
we give up the chase…

RESULT…our best never surfaces…
these feelings also become obstacles.

A problem is what we perceive
when our focus shifts from the goal.
Then…even minor obstacles appear
enormous and immobilize us.

Successful people never allow
Problems to discourage them.
They know:

  • streets will have traffic
  • roses will have thorns

They:

  • plan for obstacles
  • control impatience
  • know where obstacles lurk

When knocked down they…
bounce back with renewed…
COURAGE and CONFIDENCE.

Obstacles become…
stepping stones to GROWTH.
Failures a means to SUCCESS.

AND even if they lose everything
They know their mind is with them.

Successful people
RETAIN their confidence.

For them:
‘Determination’ is ‘I MUST’.
‘Patience’ is ‘I WILL’.

The heart of success is…
stay ahead of all obstacles!

– – Swami Tejomayananda

The link to the show is as follows:

https://www.speakingtree.in/allslides/stay-ahead

Summer Camp 2018 at Chinmaya Vijaya, Vijayawada.

Come January, the Mumbai Bala Vihar  sevikas team headed by Smt. Shyamala Acharya ( comprising  Smt. Usha Sundaresan, Priti kadakia, Aruna Joshi and Manisha Deole) starts  gearing up for their annual camp at Chinmaya Vijaya, Kaza village, Vijayawada.

Year 2018 saw the 6th edition of the BV camp, titled ‘Shakti’. Since these camps are held for 100-odd orphaned girls, all camp materials and essential basic necessities are procured at Mumbai and transported there. This year too, lots of stationery, lunch boxes and lunch bags, sanitary napkins, socks and undergarments were given to them. Of course all this was possible only through generous donations by scores of Mission members and well wishers.

Keeping up with the theme of ‘Shakti’, this year, we purchased ‘kolu’ steps and dolls, again thanks to the donors. Our 5 day camp included interactive workshops, hands on activities, physical exercise, work outs, a treasure hunt, BV sessions, a quiz and cultural presentations.

The highlight this year of course was kolu and the decoration of Devi.

Along with the children we too enjoy the entire process and the learning is mutual. We would like to mention here that this humble effort of ours is possible only through the blessings of Pujya Gurudev, Pujya Guruji , unwavering support from Swami Suveerananda , evergreen enthusiasm of  Drs. Sumati and Appa Rao and the help of support staff at the Vijaya ashram.

We hope to continue this spiritually satisfying endeavour in the years to come with the blessings of the Almighty and our revered Acharyas.

Enjoy a glimpse of the camp through photos attached.

Mother’s Day Seva Project at Chinmaya Seva Centre, Singapore

Invaluable is the role of a Mother in her physical presence – but even higher and greater is that of the SHASTRAS in our lives. Both nurture and care for us guiding us to manifest our personal and highest best in life. The only difference being, a Mother is a benevolent gift of the Universe that comes to most of us unsolicited right when we take our first breath in this mortal realm – whereas the Shaastras, in spite of being ever-present … we have to consciously seek, relentlessly explore, passionately study and uncompromisingly implement to invoke its full Grace in our lives.

What better way to continue to love and serve in Pujya Gurudev Chinmayanandaji’s name to commemorate His whole entire embodied life and the immortal legacy of wisdom, devotion and service He left behind than to conduct a Gnaan Daan in one of the most vibrant and Spiritually conducive spaces around, on the eve of Mother’s Day – where KNOWLEDGE – encapsulated in the many wonderful Scriptural texts ingeniously expounded by our unparalleled Guru Parampara – the greatest gift to the human intellect, was handed out FREE to countless unsuspecting passer bys – initiating who knows, their first contact with understanding the Scriptures or helping them dive deeper with sounder wisdom into what they already know?

Yet another brilliant and immaculately executed Seva Project by Chinmaya Seva Centre, Singapore!

We wish you all a very Happy Mother’s Day! May we revere and cherish both – the Mother that is in the physical form and the Mother that pulsates in and through the Om, thereby offering our sincerest gratitude to this life-giving, nourishing and sustaining SHAKTI of the Universe!

Activities in Bengaluru during April 2018

Gita Jnana Yajna by Pujya Swami Krutatmananda
Pujya Swami Krutatmananda of Hubli & Dharwad centres conducted a Gita Jnana Yajna in Kannada at Deenabandhu Temple, Indiranagar from 22nd to 28th April, 2018 taking Bhagavad Gita Chapter – 14. The Yajna was inaugurated by Sri Ravikumar, senior devotee of the Mission. Pujya Swamiji explained that the essence of the Gita is to inspire us to know our own real nature. God is not somewhere outside but our very inner core. Each individual creates his own Jagat based on raga and dwesha. It is extremely important to rise above all the three Gunas and lead a calm life without getting perturbed by the dualities with the firm understanding that outer objects have no influence on our mind.
The Yajna was very well attended.

Geeta Jnana Yajna by Pujya Swami Aparajitananda
Pujya Swami Aparajitananda of Mangalore centre conducted a Geeta Jnana Yajna in English on Mukunda Mala in Snea Bhavan, Sahakaranagar from 24th to 30th April, 2018 The Yajna was inaugurated by Smt Thangam Nambiar, senior devotee of Pujya Gurudev.

Real devotion, Swamiji explained is in forgetting all body consciousness and trying to merge with the Self. Sin is not in any action, but the sense of doership which starts pricking the conscious. The greatest tragedy of the human mind is in associating with the body and the actions performed then leads to untold misery boosting one’s ego. Total surrender at the lotus feet of the Lord or Guru helps in coming out of this shackle and all actions performed with the attitude of seva and non possessive nature gather beauty and efficiency in them. All our epics deal with such stalwarts who have shown the golden path by their very day to day living to inspire all future generations.
The Yajna was very well attended.

Deenabandhu Pratishta Day
Pratishta Day of Deenabandhu Kaliamardhana Krishna temple in Indiranagar was observed on Sunday, 29th April, 2018 with nonstop bhajans, abhisheka to Lord Ganesha, Krishna and Hanuman followed by alankara and aarati. The wonderful soul stirring melodious bhajans by various groups lent a unique divine atmosphere with Swamijis of Karnataka gracing the occasion.
Kalia Mardhana Krishna idol was first installed on 5th March, 1978 and was concecrated by Pujya Gurudev Swami Chinmayananda on 24th March, 1978. “You will realise the glory of this temple after 10 years”, prophesized Pujya Gurudev. Extension of the temple hall was undertaken in 1987 and the pratishta of Lord Ganesha and Hanuman was done by Pujya Gurudev on 3rd March, 1988. The needs of the ever increasing devotees needed one more extension and the renovation was taken up in 2011 and the renovated temple was inaugurated by Pujya Swami Tejomayananda on 13th May, 2012.

The Kalia Mardhana Krishna idol is carved out in single black granite piece with the Lord dancing on seven hooded serpent representing the negative tendencies and only when we surrender completely to the Lord, He will ensure that we overcome the negative tendencies and in due course realise the Supreme Brahman. The significance of the Lord’s triumph over the serpent is also the symbol of triumph of spirit over matter. Deenabandhu Krishna is flanked on the right by Lord Ganesha representing auspiciousness and on the left by Lord Hanuman representing valor and humility.

Satsang by Pujya Swami Brahmananda
Pujya Swami Brahmananda participated in the famous Ramanavami celebrations on Monday, 9th April, 2018 at N R Colony Rama Mandir where a galaxy of philanthropists from all over the city were present. Pujya Swamiji took Sharanagati extolling the glory and beauty of total surrender by Hanuman at the feet of his Lord. In a power packed emotional outpour, Pujya Swamiji took the audience to untold heights of divine ecstasy urging all to develop the qualities of Hanuman for a healthy family and society. The Satsang was attended by thousands of devotees from all over the city.

Balavihar Summer Camps in Bengaluru – 2018
Summer camps for children were organised in eight different venues across the city throughout the month of April – 2018 with duration of each camp ranging from 12 to 15 days. The camps were attended by not only the Balavihar children but also from the local neighbourhood with average attendance of 50 to 70 children. The theme of the camps also was unique – Humanity to Divinity, Great Rishis in our culture, characters of Ramayana, Bharatanatyam, different forms of painting, paper art, chalk art, rice art and puppet show. The camps also introduced several new bhajans, shlokas, stotrams, unheard stories from our puranas, quiz and unique character building techniques that were very well received by the children. The children also put up on the spot skits conceived, managed and staged in their own unimaginable perfection that left the elders dumbfounded. The camps also saw the children learning new chapters of the Bhagavad Geeta and participating in many social activities like street cleaning, creating awareness of traffic & law maintenance, gardening, language skills, cooperative living and working. Pujya Gurudev’s vision of children being the nation builders was clearly visible.

Chinmaya Shubh Sahas 2018 – Adventure Camp for CV students

86 students from 11 CVs participated in this 16 th Shubh Sahas – adventure camp for organised by CCMT-EC at Chinmaya Gardens, Coimbatore from 5 th to 8 th May 2017. The camp was conducted by team from Sieger Training Consultants, Chennai. Swami Anukoolananda inspired the students in the inaugural talk to break the boundaries and achieve greatness with fearlessness. Students enjoyed the activities like flying fox, artificial wall climbing, archery, bamboo walk, Tarzan swing, commando net, fire and glass walk and Burma-bridge, overcoming fear and gaining self-confidence.

Students got an opportunity to learn basics of aerobics at CIRS. Br. Sanatan Chaitanya, Spiritual guide, CIRS motivated the students on growing from within. Evening Aarti, bhajans and Gayatri Hawan provided the inner strength and spiritual development to the students. Students celebrated Gurudev Jayanti with anecdotes of Pujya Gurudev and Paduka Pooja conducted by Swamini Sampratisthananda. The camp gifted numerous life skills not only the students and but also empowered the accompanying teachers.

2018 Chinmaya Jayanti Celebrations at Chinmaya Seva Centre, Singapore!

“I know nothing about others. I only love them ardently, fully, unreservedly. In that love I act shamelessly, freely, easily, openly. Whether they feel benefitted, degraded, roughed up or mishandled, I don’t care! I enjoy such contacts – and I cherish such a life of pure and free love.”
~ Gurudev

To such a Master – who is a never ending sea bed of pure love, a fathomless ocean of compassion, a firmly anchored lighthouse of serenity … our loving offering … incessant waves of heartfelt chants of His 108 names a 100,000 times.

He was there – His Grace invoked – we felt Him – beyond ALL doubt!

Chinmaya Jayanthi at Chinmaya Vidyalaya, Tripunithura

The birthday celebration of Swami Chinmayananda ‘Chinmaya Jayanthi’ was observed at Chinmaya Vidyalaya, Tripunithura on 8th May, 2018. The programme started at 9.00 a.m. with Bhajans and Chantings of Gurudev’s Astotharanaamavali. An Archana was also performed, along with the chanting. A ‘Seva Project’ was also undertaken by the students wherein 5 Ceiling fans were donated to the nearby Govt. Taluk Hospital, Tripunithura for their Neo-natel section and the Post-operative ward. Our Principal Mrs. Priya C Pillai along with the Seva Club student members and teachers presented the fans to Dr. Shafeeq, Superintendent of Govt. Taluk Hospital, Tripunithura. There was a short video presentation on the importance of bringing change to people in society and how it should begin at a very young age. Another video of Gurudev’s discourse was also shared with teaching fraternity highlighting the importance of setting goals and striving to reach there. Prasadam was distributed after the function

Consecration of Sri Lalita Panchayatana Temple (CHINMAYA SRIVIDYA) at Kadapa

The Consecration programme of CHINMAYA SRIVIDYA, Sri Lalita Panchayatana Temple & Spiritual Centre of Chinmaya Mission, Kadapa was a grand event with Vedic rituals like Chandi Havan, Rudra Havan, Ganapati Havan, Sudarshana Havan. Saura Havan, Jaladhivasa (Keeping the idols in Water), Ksheeradhivasa (Keeping the idols in Milk), Pushpadhivasa (Keeping in flowers), Dhanyadhivasa (Keeping in Paddy), Yantra Pratishta, Prana Pratishta and Maha Kumbhabhisheka etc…
Pujya Guruji along with 45 Swamins & Brahmacharins of our mission graced the occasion for 5 days from 16th April to 20th April, 2018. Pujya Guruji spoke on various topics like importance of temples, Philosophical aspects & Symbolism of deities in Panchayatana i.e. Ganapati, Surya, Vishnu, Siva & Shakti in the evening Satsang. Last day around 3000 people had the Darshan of the Divine Mother followed by Annadanam.
Some of the pictures of the event are herewith the following link