The centenary celebration of a Master whose lifetime was dedicated and devoted to first learning and then teaching the Scriptures, calls for a grand and glorious start! Chinmaya Mission centers across the globe will be celebrating the 100th birth anniversary of Pujya Gurudev Swami Chinmayananda from May 2015 to May 2016, in countless inspired ways. What better prelude to the momentous occasion than to host over one hundred mahatmas at the Mission’s very own Vision Centre in Kolwan, Pune.
It would not be far-fetched to say that the Himalayas themselves came to pay their respects at Chinmaya Vibhooti from 15th to 28th November 2014, in the form of the timeless knowledge that hails from the blessed region. That was indeed the main objective of Pujya Guruji Swami Tejomayananda’s idea to organize a program where the Sankara Bhashya Parayana, or reading of the commentaries of Adi Sankaracharya, would take place. Such an event would pay homage to the tireless contribution made by Adi Sankara to Advaita Vedanta itself, and would truly mark the spirit of knowledge, sought and taught. That very knowledge which was expounded by Pujya Gurudev during more than 40 years of service to mankind.
Bhagavadpada Bhakta Mandali, a group of Parayana-kartas with their base at Somashram in Uttarkashi, was invited to chant the Sanskrit commentaries by Adi Sankara, on the Upanishads, Brahma Sutras, and Bhagavad Gita (known as the prasthana trayi), as well as a short portion of the commentary on Shri Vishnusahasranama each day, for 12 days. This took place in a very systematic manner on the stage of Sudharma auditorium, with two groups on stage, one reading and one listening.
A day before the Bhashya chanting began, the sun peeked out from behind grey clouds that showered blessings in the form of raindrops – an auspicious start indeed, and most unexpected in the month of November in Maharashtra! The entire surroundings became clean, green, and pristine! Swami Sharadananda of Chinmaya International Foundation, appointed overall event co-coordinator by Pujya Guruji, had instructed the pujari at Pranav Ganesh Mandir to arrange a special morning puja and havan to invoke divine blessings on the event.
The rain continued as Vedic mantras were later chanted at the Chinmaya Maruti Mandir to welcome the visiting sadhus and sadhvis as well as several Chinmaya Mission acharyas, to a solemn start to the proceedings. A set of Bhashya books in a palki then led the way in a splendid shobha yatra, complete with an orange flag in the hand of each sannyaasi who followed. Witnesses to the procession were fortunate to be part of such a spiritually charged moment in time. The yatra made its way from the top end of the Sundaraangan plaza to the lower end, where it met a poornakumbha and red carpet reception to the Sudharma doors. Nothing less than the very best for the beloved Masters being represented.
Once inside, the Bhashya set was placed at the altar with due respect and reverence. The stage was spectacularly arranged so that at one altar there was a Guru Parampara photo, and at the other were the presiding deities of Chinmaya Vibhooti – Pranav Ganesh Bhagwan & Chinmaya Maruti Bhagwan. In the center was a breath taking life-sized cutout of Bhagwan Adi Sankaracharya seated on an ornate throne, blessing the proceedings. Swami Medhananada Puriji Maharaj of Kailas Ashram, Rishikesh, and other learned mahatmas formally inaugurated the program by speaking of the greatness of Adi Sankara’s works, expressing joy that there are still people who have value enough to organize and attend such an event. Pujya Guruji himself spoke of the importance of seekers familiarizing themselves with these great teachings and the need for further exposure still. Swami Vishnu Tirthaji Maharaj shared an introduction to Brhadaaranyaka Upanishad, the text for evening talks by various acharyas for the next 12 days.
From the following day, what unfolded was a beautiful collaboration and connection between all present. There was an atmosphere of mutual love and respect between the visiting mahatmas and the acharyas and devotees of Chinmaya Mission. All would come together every evening for the Upanishad discourse followed by a Q&A session. Before dinner there would be a cultural evening, sometimes a screening of “Upanishad Ganga” and sometimes a bhajan program. Many Chinmaya Mission swamis would join in with the Bhashya reading on stage during the day, while an army of brahmacharis provided behind-the-scenes support in every area of organization, in particular at the Annashree.
Bhiksha was an elaborate affair with the sadhus comfortably seated in the traditional low “path and chaurang” style. Sevak teams expertly and very quickly served the rows of sadhus amidst the elevating sounds of Vedic chanting. Visitors and residents could not help but stop and marvel at the wondrous site of so many sadhus partaking of bhiksha together in this way. More than 125 families from around the world had lovingly and spontaneously come forward to offer bhiksha, and each day a long list of names was announced. Such is the heart-warming value and respect that Chinmaya Mission devotees have for sannyaasis. Those present received blessings via a token at the hands of Pujya Guruji. All later received a personalized letter and a photo collage.
For the final three days of the event, the present batch of Vedanta course students from Sandeepany Sadhanalaya visited and contributed to the study and sadhana focus. As the program came to a close on the crisp bright morning of 28th November, there was a beautiful spirit of absolute devotion unto the feet of the Guru, poignantly summed up by an archana at the padukas of Pujya Gurudev. Each and every Vakta (speaker), Parayana-karta (reader), srota (listener), and acharya came up to the stage to receive dakshina as a token of love and gratitude from Pujya Guruji, including a specially designed Om lamp memento.
How beautiful are the ancient Vedic traditions, which beautify even modern culture by remaining as applicable and beneficial today as they always were. The mahatmas present all had great appreciation for the wonderful work being done by Chinmaya Mission to preserve the vast and vital Vedic heritage, for so many to seek grace and delight from. May the teachings of Bhagwan Adi Sankara and the grace of Pujya Gurudev continue to inspire and bless all on this glorious path.
Unto Him Our Best!
Hari Om!