147th camp on art of graceful ageing Chinmayananda Ashram Allahabad

“Hari Om Hari Om”

First let me thank our chairman Captain Dr. M.Singaraja Senior Citizen Bureau Chennai  requesting me to lead a team of senior citizen members for the above camp . Also special thanks to Swami Yogasthananda for making arrangements to conduct the camp in english as per our request . Enroute we visited New Delhi on 26 th march and 5th april M/S Panicker  travels took care on both days from Airport to Departure at Airport . Sight- seeing Dehli by Panicker travels on both days was arranged magnificently by travels.

In Allahabad,   Ashram had arranged to and fro transport , boarding and lodging  with nice well furnished .bed rooms. for 9 members from Chennai and two from bangalore ( Mrs .Umapathy and Mr. Umapathy) the oldest person in the camp was 88 years young dynamic person 1 Mr.Rajarathnam from Neyveli . He was very independent  and took  care of himself and carried his own luggage . He ate well  and exercised well and tried as far as possible to give least trouble to other members.

In short  the following were taught.

 

1) Meditation   2) Keeping fit  the Yoga Technique  ( Shri  Dharmendra  Mishra ) 3) Emotional Health  ( Dr.Sajjan Singh ) 4) Sadhana Panchkam  ( Swami Madhavananda  ) 5 ) Accupressure  theory and Practice  by Sri Someshwar Lal and Smt Manju Agarwal  direct disciples  of  Swami yogasthananda  6  Old AGE and Diseases   by Dr Sajjan  Singh   7 ) Social and Financial Health  by  Shri G.K.Khare 8 ) Aarthi  in Temple by Delegates 9 ) talks on Bhaja  Govindam by Hari Ohm Swami Chinmayananda – a Video Presentation  10 )Bhajans by Delegates Lastly Valedictory Function before commencing  ROAD  TOUR  for four days from 1st April.to places like Varanasi,Vidhyavasini, Ayodhya Triveni Sangam, Temple Visits etc. To my surprise  and to all delegates from Pune, trichy,coimbatore, New Delhi, maharashtra   Bangalore and other places SWAMI YOGASTHANANDA called me by name Jayakumarji  and announced best Team Leader and good health  maintained person, honoured me with ORANGE Shawl .Mrs Sumathy  was congratulated for good oratorical skill.

SYNOPSIS.

The main take-away is that we should focus more on self -realization after one has finished duty towards bringing up children, Children should be allowed  to make their own life with very less interference from parents unless asked for. Sadhana Panchakam by Adhi Shankara gives more information on how the vedas can be interpreted and read during Van Prasth period ( approximately 50 to 75 years age) . After 75 years one enters the Sanyasi period when more   internal reflection  and calmness of mind should  be the aim.

    • When one seeks self realization, the cycle of births and deaths in future can be avoided  One need not fear DEATH  as the JIVA lives on when the mortal body is shed. A self  realized person  goes into  better cycle of births as he advances  in his  self realization.

 

Children should be encouraged to EARN  their own health and wealth  and not depend on Parents  after a certain age.One should take very good care of his health, be self reliant  as far as possible where  wealth is also concerned.Ones GOOD HEALTH is the best gift one can give our children . As when we fall ill, the person who suffers  most physical and emotional pain is ourselves the care giver. So if we care for our loved ones, we should care for  OURSELVES  first.

 

VISITS  Allahabad  and nearby places.

Visited  Ayodhya, Chitrakoot, Vindhyachal, Varanasi( P.M.Modys )Triveni Sangam. Seen many historical sites, buildings especially the places  where Rama and Sita lived thousands of years ago in Chitrakoot and in the Vindhchal Caves It was  very very interesting  to see these places.Going into the caves in darkness walking over the water was very thrilling experience and most dangerous for Senior citizens, slipping is possible and stampede cannot be described (HORROR).Luckily all members enjoyed Cave walking and withstood the difficulties. Gods Grace and my prayer. before commencement.

Unfortunately, these historic  monuments that are  4000 -5000 years old  need more care and preservation. VARANASI itself  is  more than 4000 years old LIVING CITY and also one of the  oldest living  cities in the world. Senior Citizen Bureau  will have  to bring  this to both Central and State Govts notice about very poor maintenance.

Then we saw the rivers Ganga,Yamuna, Sarayu and Mandakini. At Tiruveni Sangam many members performed their pooja  for  their parents, wife etc.We went to  Kasi Viswanath Temple, and took bath in the GANGES.We saw more Hanuman temples  and the site RAMAJANMABHOOMI, the  most disputed place  under very strict Army vigilance Control, for every ten feet frisking and  checking  the whole body with scan, more than  10000 jawans  with Rifles, and  any  slip  witn gun  will be a chaos. A Mosque  most beautiful before the demolished  RamaTemple is an attraction.

We stayed  at Ashram most  comfortable rooms of our choice, led a very simple austere life with simple SATVIC food, and classes from 6.00 A.M. To 7.00.P.M. with short breaks We also learnt Accupressure, Accupuncture, Psychology of Old Age  by Dr.Sajjan Singh ( REWA M.P. )The  living  rooms where  we  stayed surrounded by a very very most beautiful  ROSE  GARDEN   may  be  one  of  the  best  in INDIA, special Fertilisers used and also a lawn with a beautiful SHIVA Temple with wonderful Architecture  and very peaceful silent atmosphere. No Pollution. On the last day 4th april Senior Citizen Bureau Chennai with Bangalore Sumathy and Umapathy hosted A DINNER for all delegates attended in view of good relationship with all delegates and cordial atmosphere from other states with most helping attitude and lived in a Joint Family Atmosphere tears rolling down from their eyes.

As I have been asked all of a sudden to propose a vote of thanks on behalf of all delegates, i give below my  short thanks giving speech.

 

HARI OHM   HARI OHM

Ramnavami Celebrations at Chinmaya Mission Delhi

Indians love festivals….we only need an excuse….any excuse to celebrate!

Every year CM Delhi celebrates Sri RamaJanma Utsav, the birth of Sri Rama. Like other years, this year too Tapovan Hall was decorated….the shining lamps and the flower bedecked altar all added to the festive mood. This happens every year, so how was Ramnavami different this time round? To add to our joy we had in our midst Pujya Guruji, Swami Tejomayananda and the day took on a new meaning.

Sri Sai Ganesh Nagpal set the tone and contributed to the ambienceby invoking the presence of the Lord through his melodious bhajans. Following which Swami Nikhilananda Saraswati performed the Puja of Sri Vishnu, to the chant of the mantras of the Vishnu Sahasranama.

For Pujya Guruji Ramanavami is very special. Taking the easiest way to enter the durbar of his istadevata, to the beat of the table and the melody from the harmonium, he began by singing His glories. Immersed in love, his single pointed agenda was through Nama-sankirtan to direct the attention of the seekers to Bhagawan Himself.
Hethen began his discourse by focusing on the difference between a jiva and Ishvara. Some significant points he mentioned were:

* Jiva has desires but does not have power to fulfil them. Ishvara has all the powers to fulfil them but He has no desires.

* Man is adept at getting into trouble but does not know how to get out of them. Ishvara has the ability to solve problems but He has none.

* God gives and forgives. Man gets and forgets.

* We should pray for strength to handle our troubles or request Bhagawan to take them as his own.

He explained how Bhagawan took Avatara to free Mother Earth of the evils (adharma) that had crept in. When He took the human form (Nara rupa), the devatas not wanting to be separated from the Lord followed him as monkeys (Vanaras). Immersing the congregation in love and devotion for the Lord, he illumined the sublime essence of Sri Rama.

A vivid description of Nature brought us to the time when the Lord took birth at the stroke of noon, with the sun at its zenith. Singing lines in praise (stuti) of Rama, Guruji encouraged
devotees to pay their respects at the altar of the new born….gently rocking His cradle and
showing the light of the Aarti to the greatest of all babes!

Steeped in devotion, and enveloped with love the celebrations ended with a sumptuous bhandara!

Click here for photos:  Ramnavami Celebrations

Brief Report on Tulsi Ke Sri Ram – 13 April 2016

पतितपावन रघुकुलनन्दन सुन्दर है श्री राम|
रचना गुरु की, वाणी गुरु की, ‘तुलसी के श्री राम’|

Pujya Guruji Swami Tejomayanandaji was welcomed at the entrance of the Hall by Poorna Kumbha. The yagna started with a melodious rendering of a beautiful Shiva Stuti by Vinita Dauletsingh.

Thereafter, Sri Shyam Banerjee, the Master of Ceremonies welcomed Guruji, Swami Nikhilanandaji and Swamini Gurupriyanandaji.  Each of them was garlanded by active members of the Chinmaya Mission. Sri Banaerjee appreciated the Padma Bhushan award bestowed on Guruji by the President of India. It was indeed a proud and joyous moment for the entire Chinmaya Family!

Guruji commenced the yagna with the famous stuti of Goswami Tulsidas – “Sri Ramachandra Kripalu bhaja man…” and explained Sri Rama’s beauty and unconditional love for all. Tulsidas, a true saint, does not advise others, but addresses his own mind to ‘bhaj’ the lotus feet of the Lord. Explaining the deeper significance of this and other beautiful stutis, Guruji inspired and enthralled the audience.

The evening concluded with a special, uncommon, but unique arti composed by Goswami Tulsidas. Everyone was given copies of this exquisite arti so that all could participate. Finally, a small packet of delicious Prasad was distributed to all as they left the auditorium. An enlightening and glorious evening indeed!

Click here for photo gallery: Tulsi Ke Sri Ram

A Chinmaya Tribute to Padma Bhushan Pujya Guruji

We stand as one family
Overjoyed together, with pride and reverence.

We salute as a mission,
Inspired and dedicated,
Ever ready to serve
Your Lotus Feet and the Highest Purpose
Above and beyond us.

We admire endlessly
Your noble life of Devotion and Knowledge
Delighting more than what we deserve,
And loving more than we can ever know.

We seek your compassionate guidance
To keep us on the path of Truth, Auspiciousness, and Beauty.

May Thy Grace and Blessings
Melodiously  guide us
And the universe around us.

We believe that your service to Gurudev’s mission
Is the service to humanity and God,
And your love for the people
Is the Realization of the Highest Self.

We know You are our greatest Bhushan (Ornament);
Grant us the honor and privilege to adore You.

Om Tat Sat

2016 Parenting Retreat: Chinmaya Mission Chicago, Yamunotri Center

2016 Parenting retreat at Chinmaya Mission Chicago Yamunotri center was a first of its

kind. The camp was help Friday February 12th through Sunday February 14th.

It was facilitated and led by Acharya Vivekji Gupta from Niagara Center in Canada and

Acharya Visaliniji from Washington DC center.

The retreat focused on parenting with happiness. Utilizing the vedantic principles,

family interactions were explored. There was one goal – how to feel and spread

unconditional joy. Parents were in a separate retreat while the children were also

exploring various activities and programs.

Vivekji and Vilasiniji both took turns with the following format:

1. Discourse – given by the Acharyas

2. Workshop – practical sadhanas

3. Reflection – by families and the acharyas

Each day, the children were also invited to participate in the family discussions.

Saturday afternoon children also asked questions about parents and family

intereactions. This section was particularly helpful because the children were extremely

open in asking their question about their parents and understanding their role in the

family.

Acharya Vivekji guided the parents through ashta (eight) siddhi. Sitaji, moved by

Hanumanji’s sacrifice and service, feels overwhelmed with gratitude and blesses

Hanumanji with the ashta (eight) siddhi (phenomenal powers) – being able to

manipulate one’s body for battle is super, being able to manipulate one’s mind for

family is sadhana.

Acharya Vilasiniji guided the parents in raising a family with spirituality. There were four

areas of sadhana for parents – Helping children/teens manage emotions, Engaging

cooperation, Working it out together and Family prayer time.

Padma Bhushan – Proud Moment for Chinmaya Family

The great grand day finally arrived. The whole Mission awaited it with bated breath! After pranaams to Pujya Gurudev, Swami Tejomayanandaji accompanied by Swami Nikhilanandaji and Smt. Prarthna Saran reached the grand Rashtrapathi Bhavan and were escorted to the Durbar Hall. It is a very historic hall where all great people, Viceroys, Queens, Kings, Presidents, Prime Ministers and so many other dignitaries have been received and honoured by our Nation! The President of India arrived at exactly 11:30am and was saluted by military drums. Then we all rose for the National Anthem. The awardees were all great achievers in their own fields and there was huge applause for each one as the President himself pinned on the medals – Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan and Padma Shri. Our Guruji, Pujya Swami Tejomayanandaji was so simple, gracious, holy and divine among the other glitterati: Priyanka Chopra, Sania Mirza, Paresh Rawal, Rajnikanth and others. It is a big moment of pride for the entire Chinmaya Mission worldwide! The award, by Gurudev’s blessings, bestows on the mission National honour, prestige, pride of recognition and the fragrance of a country’s love and salutation. The President, the Prime Minister, Home Minister, Transport and Roads Minister, Power Minister etc. were all there including the top brass of the three defense forces and top government servants. The heart swelled with pride and the eyes were moist with gratitude, they all honoured our Chinmaya Mission in honouring Pujya Guruji. The function came to a close with the National Anthem, and tea hosted by the President in the Grand Old Ball Room and Ashoka Hall with its garden views and painted ceilings! Glory to the Chinmaya Mission!

The second part is even more charming! Back at the Chinmaya Centre for World Understanding, Delhi, Guruji was welcomed with dance, drums, aarti and flowers. Devotees danced their way to Pujya Gurudev’s Pratima sthal. Guruji first and foremost prayed to and thanked his beloved and revered teacher, Pujya Gurudev, Swami Chinmayanandaji. It was so touching when he put the awarded Padma Bhushan and the citation at Gurudev’s feet and then in his lap with so much ‪#‎love‬ and ‪#‎devotion‬. This selfless devotion was a great teaching to all Mission members on selfless service and graceful renunciation.

View the complete pics on Chinmaya Mission Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/ChinmayaMission/photos/pcb.10156809220390343/10156809216625343/?type=3&theater
Watch the Recorded Telecast on ChinmayaChannel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=82EUjg5FhTo&feature=youtu.be

Felicitation of Padma Bhushan Award to Pujya Guruji in Delhi

 Swami Tejomayananda
Hari Om!

 

Further to the email sent on 7th April 2015, this is a reminder to watch the official felicitation of the Padma Bhushan upon Pujya Guruji, Swami Tejomayananda which will be held at the Rashtrapati Bhavan in Delhi on 12th  April, 2016.

 

There will be a live telecast of the event on Doordarshan TV Channel at 11.30 am.

 

The recording will be made available on Doordarshan Youtube channel. https://www.youtube.com/DoordarshanNational