HOUSTON. The search for that Truth which carries with it the sense of everlasting happiness is an endless preoccupation of mankind. That universal search has gifted us with profound scriptures which have quintessential verses of deep import. At Chinmaya Prabha, for five days from Aug.11-15, 2017, the audience was propelled through one such meditative search by Pujya Mukhya Swami Swaroopananda, on his first visit to
Houston after becoming the global head of Chinmaya Mission. With a powerful, multi-layered analysis of each word of “Ik Onkaar,” the opening verse of Japji Sahib which is the first chapter of Guru Granth Sahib, the revered Sikh scripture, Swamiji made the audience recognize, reflect, and rejoice in the absolute beauty of the One Truth.
The atmosphere at Chinmaya Prabha was ready and waiting for such a unifying contemplation from the first evening when Mukhya Swamiji was welcomed with Texan enthusiasm and Indian festive spirit.
Kerala drums and Kannada cymbals set the rhythm for a resounding welcome and, as Swamiji entered the courtyard with Acaryas Gaurangbhai and Darshanaben, he was greeted with colorful and energetic regional dances – Punjabi, Marathi, Gujarati, and Telugu – to showcase the one joy behind the diverse gathering. After Mukhya Swamiji offered his prayers to the resplendent deities of Sri Saumyakasi Sivalaya and his pranams at the pratima of Pujya Gurudeva Swami Chinmayananda, the auspicious yajna began. Swami Swaroopanandaji skillfully described the backdrop of Guru Nanakji’s inspiration at the much-needed time of India’s religious crisis. With a humorous yet thought-provoking anecdote of a ‘cat-tied to-a rope,’ he brought attention to how the pomp and show of mindless practices often eclipse the essential Truth that is the real substratum of all faiths. Thereon, Swamiji held the attention of a rapt audience throughout his five days of pravachans; as he explained the deeper meanings of each word of the Mool Mantra, more vistas of thought opened up.
The significance of Ik using the logic of One in the multiplicity; the great sweeping
symbolism of Om; the countless expressions of That Real Existence; the glory of the Highest Cause and true Creator; the awe of connecting to the Source of fearless strength and unconditional love; the mind-shattering indication of the Timeless, eternal, Self-luminous Existence; and the depth of surrender that gains the supreme Grace of the Guru – as every word came alive in the descriptive eloquence of Swamiji, the audience was immersed in the mantra and inspired to continue the chant (jap) all through the yajna and beyond. Chinmaya Houston was also blessed by Swamiji’s guidance in the morning meditation sessions during that weekend. Using different techniques that included powerful guided imagery, Swamiji gently led the audience into a deep silence that energized wordlessly. Equally joyful in satsang, Swamiji endeared himself to also his youngest listeners during his special Bala Vihar weekend satsang when he narrated and dramatized a story about Sri Hanuman’s devotion for Lord
Rama.
The children and adults alike were spellbound with Swamiji’s story-telling skills.
Seamlessly, Swamiji could then engage in a thoughtful satsang with the youth of Chinmaya Yuvakendra (CHYK) where he answered questions and encouraged the youth to probe deeper into life’s lessons. This 2017 summer yajna leaves behind many memories along with great indicators as the many at Chinmaya Prabha continue the search toward that blissful One Truth.
For more information visit CMH website at www.chinmayahouston.org or contact
Bharati Sutaria at 281-933- 0233 or Jay Deshmukh at 281-565- 1108.