“A yatra is an outward expression of an inward journey.”
Since 2011, this simple phrase has kicked off ten such journeys across Bharat, Trinidad, and the Canadian Rocky Mountains. Spearheaded by Vivekji of Chinmaya Mission Niagara, the 10 Chinmaya Inspiration Yatras have brought together 300 Yatris from 60 cities and 4 countries for unforgettable adventures and indescribable self-development.
Commemorating this milestone, the alumni of all 10 Chinmaya Inspiration Yatras gathered in Niagara Falls, Canada, for a reunion retreat in July. Although the Yatris were brimming with shared memories and laughter, all energy of the reunion was focused on raising funds for a new school being built in Trinidad by Swami Prakashananda and Chinmaya Mission Trinidad and Tobago.
In the past, Yatris have contributed over USD $100,000 to the Chinmaya Organization for Rural Development (CORD) Siruvani and Thamaraipakkam centers. These resources have allowed CORD to further invest and expand in its women’s empowerment, child development, health, income generation, and construction programs. Founded on similar principles, the proposed Chinmaya Vidyalaya project in Trinidad will equip children with the skills needed to become self-sufficient, empowered members of their families, communities, and country.
With this Seva grounding the retreat, a weekend of inspired discourse and inward exploration continued. Vivekji delivered the retreat’s discourses focused on Ramayana’s Sundarakanda, carefully unfolding the lessons learned from Hanumanji’s own journey to Lanka and Vibhisana’s journey to Lord Rama’s feet. Swami Prakashananda even joined the retreat virtually to congratulate the Yatris for their efforts to support the new school. With his infectious smile and gentle humor, Swamiji observed how remarkable it was to raise resources for children one may never meet.
To further bring these lessons to life, the Niagara Chyks crafted experiences that matched verbs describing aspects of the original Chinmaya Inspiration Yatras (e.g., “wonder,” “cooperate,” “adventure”). In one such activity, retreat participants jotted down their reflections on paper leaves that were later joined together to form a growing “tree.” The simple exercise underscored how although each Yatri had their own different, unique trajectories of growth, they were all “rooted” in the same vision and direction, towards the Higher. In another activity, Yatris ate their dinners blindfolded—a challenge to think beyond the “likes” and “dislikes” that color people’s lives.
From intense soccer matches and illuminating visits to Buddhist monasteries, to silent hikes and planting squash on an organic farm, Yatris of all ages engaged in activities that engaged their bodies, minds, and intellects. One night culminated with an open mic full of song, poetry, and dance that centered on lessons from the yatra; another wrapped up with a lighthearted improv comedy game. The Yatris even joined the broader Chinmaya Niagara community for their graduation ceremony.
The highlight for many, however, was quietly watching the sunrise over the majestic Niagara Falls—taking time to ruminate over the weekend of Satsang and Seva as the sun’s early rays infused the mist with a frothy pink glow. For the Yatris, the indefinable magic of the morning was made even more precious knowing that they had achieved their goal of contributing more than USD $100,000 for the new Chinmaya Vidyalaya in Trinidad. Unto Him Our Best.
