One Year Celebration of the 19th Vedanta Course

The 19th batch of the Vedanta Course in English celebrated its first year anniversary at Sandeepany Sadhanalaya, Powai, Mumbai on Tuesday 14 January, the auspicious Makar Sankranti day.

With addresses by Swami Tejomayananda and Swami Swaroopananda, reports by Swami Avyayananda and Brahmachari Mukunda Chaitanya, and various cultural performances showcasing in creative ways what the students have learned in one year, the programme was a treat to watch. It concluded with a touching video set to Pujya Gurudev Swami Chinmayananda’s voice. Best wishes to the students for the final year of the course.

Watch the programme here: https://www.youtube.com/live/GrG8qL69_hw?si=SbN44mgH-7gBSQpc

Chinmaya Yuva Kendra, Kerala, organised an alumni meet on 28-29 December 2024, bringing together 70 alumni from the Chinmaya Yuva Kendra (CHYK) community, the youth wing of Chinmaya Mission. The event took place under the esteemed presence of Swami Viviktananda, Regional Head of Chinmaya Mission Kerala, and Swami Anukoolananda, National Director of All India Chinmaya Yuva Kendra.

The programme commenced with a sacred invocation, followed by the Chinmaya Ashtottara Archana, invoking the divine blessings for the success of the meet. Brahmachari Sudheer Chaitanya, State Coordinator of CHYK Kerala, extended a warm welcome to all participants, setting the tone for the gathering.

Swami Viviktananda delivered the introductory address, where he emphasized the significance of CHYK alumni reconnecting with the Mission and recommitting to the ideals of Swami Chinmayananda, particularly in light of the 50th anniversary of Chinmaya Yuva Kendra. He highlighted the importance of alumni as pillars in supporting the Chinmaya Mission’s ongoing work and growth, urging everyone to express their gratitude to the Guru through active participation in the Mission’s initiatives.

The meet featured an emotional experience-sharing session where senior alumni took the stage to share their life-changing experiences with Chinmaya Mission and Swami Chinmayananda. Their stories, filled with deep reverence and personal transformation, resonated with the audience and served as a reminder of the lasting impact that the teachings continue to have on individuals.

Swami Abhayananda, former CHYK State Coordinator, provided an insightful overview of the ongoing activities of Chinmaya Mission Kerala. He presented a detailed picture of the Mission’s current work, highlighting the impact and outreach of various programmes, as well as the role of CHYK in these initiatives.

Swami Anukoolananda then addressed the gathering about the plans for the 50th anniversary of Chinmaya Yuva Kendra. His address focused on upcoming events and initiatives that would celebrate this significant milestone. He encouraged alumni to actively engage in these plans, contributing their time, energy, and ideas to ensure the success of the celebration and furthering the Mission’s goals.

In an engaging session, Brahmachari Anand Chaitanya spoke about the various activities and initiatives of Chinmaya Mission at large. His talk offered a deeper understanding of the Mission’s global impact and the vital role played by alumni in continuing the work of Swami Chinmayananda.

The participants engaged in a group discussion aimed at brainstorming new ideas for the future of Chinmaya Yuvakendra and ways to enhance alumni involvement. The conversation was rich with innovative suggestions that could further strengthen the bond between the alumni and Chinmaya Mission.

The evening culminated in a spiritually uplifting session of bhajans and arati, where all present united in prayer and devotion, celebrating the timeless teachings. The bhajans filled the air with divine energy, creating an atmosphere of peace and camaraderie.

The event was graced by several Swamins and Brahmacharins of Chinmaya Mission Kerala, including: Swami Gabeeranada, Swami Viswananda, Swami Tattvananda, Swami Samhithananda, Brahmachari Akhilesh Chaitanya, Brahmacharini Taarini Chaitanya, Brahmacharini Bhakti Chaitanya, Brahmacharini Disha Chaitanya, Brahmachari Nikhil and Brahmachari Sudheesh. Their presence added to the sanctity and depth of the gathering.

The Chinmaya Sangamam was an inspiring and heartening reunion for the alumni of Chinmaya Yuva Kendra, Kerala. The Meet allowed alumni to reconnect with each other and the Mission, sharing experiences, reflecting on the journey, and re-committing to the noble cause of spreading the teachings of Swami Chinmayananda.

With the 50th anniversary of CHYK on the horizon, the Meet served as a reminder of the enduring legacy and ongoing importance of Chinmaya Mission in shaping lives and communities. The event concluded on a note of gratitude, with participants feeling renewed in their commitment to the Mission and eager to contribute to its future endeavors.

The youth wing of Chinmaya Mission turns 50 this year, and we are delighted to share the special logo that has been created for the momentous occasion. The logo has been designed by Renjith, an alumnus of Chinmaya Yuva Kendra (CHYK) who was an attendee of the first batch of CHYK’s Youth Empowerment Programme.

Chinmaya Mission Centres and members are requested to use the logo for wide-spread awareness about Chinmaya Yuva Kendra and its work in harnessing youth potential through dynamic spirituality.

The Andhra Pradesh and Telangana State Level Bhagavad Gita Chanting Competitions 2024 were successfully conducted on 15 December at Sri Lalita Panchayatana Temple, Chinmaya Mission, Kadapa.

Participants from 16 combined districts of United Andhra Pradesh (Andhra and Telangana) enthusiastically took part in the event. Cash prizes of ₹10,000, ₹8,000, and ₹6,000 were awarded to the first, second, and third-place winners, respectively, in each of the six categories. Additionally, winners received mementos, medals, and merit certificates.

All participants were presented with Chinmaya Mission books as tokens of participation.

Beginning of a new innings! The Chinmaya Cricket Academy was inaugurated at the Chinmaya Educational Campus, Chala, Kannur by Brahmachari Sudheer Chaitanya (Coordinator, Chinmaya Yuva Kendra, Kerala) in the presence of Brahmacharini Disha Chaitanya (Chinmaya Mission, Kasargod) Mahesh Baliga (Secretary, Chinmaya Mission, Kannur), Vinish Rajagopal (Jt. Secretary, Chinmaya Mission, Kannur), and Vijayanand Variyer (Principal, Chinmaya Vidyalaya, Kannur). The Chinmaya Premier League Cricket Tournament and CHYK camp took place at Chinmaya Vidyalaya Kannur from 29 November to 1 December 2024.

Under the auspices of Chinmaya Mission Jhansi, a Gita Tapovan Jayanti celebration was organized at the Central Park of Ganesh Residency. The sponsor of the event was the family of Advocate Shri Gopal Sharan Goel. In the presence of Brahmachari Raghavendra Chaitanya, the members recited verses from allotted chapters of the Bhagavad Gita. All participants were allotted chapters 15 days prior to the event. Each chapter’s learning aid clip with lead and follow was shared on a WhatsApp group with each participant.

Br. Raghavendra Chaitanya explained the significance of the Gita and how our body, mind and intellect are instruments to make our lives meaningful. He emphasized that the Gita teaches us the path of Karma Yoga through the body, Bhakti Yoga through the mind and Jnana Yoga through the intellect. He also stressed that the most important sadhana is to surrender to the Supreme Being (Sharanagati).

Br. Raghavendra praised Swami Tapovan Maharaj and explained that he is the seed of Chinmaya Mission tree. Because of Tapovan Maharaj, a most detached person, selfless service in the mission is possible. He emphasized that no great work can be accomplished without detachment. More than 100 members, including Chinmaya Mission officials, Ganesh Residency residents and Chinmaya Yuva Kendra members, were present at the event. The programme concluded with a group recitation of the Gita and the Chinmaya aarti.

The serene Chinmaya Vibhooti, nestled in the picturesque Sahyadri range near Pune, recently hosted a Mindfulness and Meditation Retreat from 15 to 17 November 2024, welcoming over 65 seekers to pause their daily hustle and embrace a journey of mindfulness and self-discovery.

This retreat brought together a harmonious blend of Vedantic wisdom, neuroscience insights and Yoga practices expertly guided by Swami Swatmananda (Chinmaya Mission Mumbai), Dr. Sunitha Shanker (psychologist), and Smt. Anju Taparia (Yoga instructor and wellness coach).

Swami Swatmananda seamlessly integrated spiritual wisdom from the Gita and Swami Chinmayananda’s teachings with modern mindfulness practices. Dr. Sunitha complemented this with a scientific perspective on how the brain functions and offered practical tips to alter thinking patterns. Anju Taparia’s Yoga sessions provided participants an opportunity to connect mind and body, while the Yoga Nidra sessions at the end of each day offered a deeply restorative experience.

The sessions were not just theoretical and participants were guided first hand through meditation sessions. Participants also engaged in various activities to anchor themselves to the present moment, taking home practical tools in mindfulness to integrate into daily life.

The retreat featured powerful immersive sessions that participants described as life-changing and transformative, enabling them to attempt to let go of lingering regrets and ease future anxieties, paving the way for spiritual growth.

In addition to the sessions, participants enjoyed contemplative moments at unique spaces within Chinmaya Vibhooti, such as the Swanubhooti Vatika, which provided a tranquil environment to connect deeply with oneself.

By the end of the retreat, participants carried with them a peaceful energy, deeply inspired and equipped with renewed clarity to sustain mindfulness in their personal and professional lives.

From 7 to 23 November 2024, Chinmaya Vibhooti (the Vision Centre of Chinmaya Mission) was privileged to welcome the students of the 19th batch of the Vedanta Course in English, from Sandeepany Sadhanalaya, Mumbai, accompanied by their Course Acharya Swami Advayananda.

The students brought with them additional blessings in the form of Swami Tejomayananda, Swami Swatmananda, and Brahmacharini Maitreyi Chaitanya, who graced Chinmaya Vibhooti with their presence and teachings for different segments, creating a spiritually charged environment.

Beyond the classroom, joyful memories were created through activities such as star gazing, a palkhi yatra, a classical music concert, trekking and a brilliant skit by the students that left everyone in splits!

Informal interactions with Swami Advayananda outside the Annashree after meals, was a highlight for the students as well as for the residents of Chinmaya Vibhooti. These spontaneous gatherings would often resound with laughter and were also filled with inspiring words of encouragement to nurture sadhana and swadhyaya.

Continuing a cherished tradition, the batch participated in a tree planting ceremony. As the tree takes root and flourishes, it will stand as living witness to the batch’s spiritual journey and the ever growing ‘vibhooti’ (glory) of Pujya Swami Chinmayananda.

BHASKER-Chinmaya Mission Kuwait hosted a 5-day Jnana Yajna (series of talks) from 6 to 10 November 2024, focusing on the theme “Divinising the Mind” based on Shiva Sankalpa Suktam.

Swami Avyayananda, in his signature insightful style, delved into the essence of the Suktam, offering deep reflections that resonated with the audience. It was a celebration of wisdom, devotion and the power of the divine word – a true testament to the power of knowledge and the transformative potential of ancient wisdom!

Adding to the week’s enriching activities, a family picnic was held at Wafra Farms. Swami Avyayananda met with Bala Vihar parents and spoke about the challenges of parenting in the 21st century and ways to overcome them. He also honoured the winners of the Gita Chanting Competition, recognizing their dedication to preserving and practicing sacred traditions.

This spiritually charged week left the Chinmaya family in Kuwait inspired and united in their journey toward self-growth.

A banner utilizing repurposed cloth material, was handed over like an Olympic torch for the next “Loving Earth” retreat to be held at Chinmaya Mission, Boston, MA. The doors have opened for an era of cultivating Prithvi Yoga.