Hari Om!Pranams!
Pujya Guruji is the quintessence of Knowledge, Devotion and Service and our inspiration. All across the world, special greetings of abundant love and gratitude was showered upon Pujya Guruji. Sharing the special moments on account of the 65th Birthday Celebration of our Dearest Pujya Guruji at Los Angeles.
Vedanta Camp 2015 June 15 –June 22, 2015 at Krishnalaya, Piercy, California.
Once again, in the glorious year of the celebration of Gurudev’s birth centenary, we happily and gratefully renewed our presence in the peaceful, auspicious environment of Krishnalaya, nestled in the foothills of the coastal mountains, streams and beautiful redwood forests of California. The Eel River flows nearby invoking the image of the Ganga, which so inspired Gurudev to bless this place of study and worship more than thirty five years ago. Lovingly maintained by the devotees of the Chinmaya Mission Bay Area and blessed by the presence of our acharyas, this place has been a beacon of spiritual teaching and a source of loving inspiration for thousands of seekers of the sublime knowledge of Vedanta.
On June 15, 2015, in the presence of our beloved teacher and spiritual guide, Swami Tejomayananda, the Vedanta Camp opened with a brief inauguration of welcome and introduction by Pranji, who acknowledged all of the returning sadaks and welcomed those new to the Krishnalaya experience, of whom there where quite a few. We then were embraced by the loving words of Guruji, who introduced the text for our studies (The Gita of Sri Rama) and presented the Camp program of spiritual teachings, study, and a morning meditation led by Swamini Shivapriyananda from Toronto, Canada.
This once-a-year Camp event holds a special place in the hearts of the Chinmaya Mission devotees who return year after year to bathe in the sublime waters of Truth. The Camp is dedicated to the unfoldment of the essence of Vedanta teachings in the presence of Gurudev’s spirit, Guruji, and the acharyas of the Mission who have supported the many hours and days of teaching, meditation and devotion. Here at Camp, there is a beautiful, meaningful blend of head and heart: the two wings of knowledge and love which support the many seekers who have grown and deepened their knowledge and experience of the Self.
In the hands of the master teacher Swami Tejomayananda, The Sri Rama Gita is a profound and explicit text of the Truth of Self. In his inimitable style, blending humor, poetic illustration and musical accompaniments, Guruji effortlessly unfolded the deepest meaning of the stanzas. The path of understanding was laid bare for us all to see, partake of, and experience. Through the elegance of Guruji’s examples and explanations, the wisdom and essence of Sri Rama’s words to his devoted brother, Laksmana, were made available for our absorption and adoption. Although Laksmana was the brother of Sri Rama, he already had sufficient understanding and awareness to approach Sri Rama as his enlightened Guru. Delightfully illustrated by Guruji, the deeper meaning became clear: the need for us to completely surrender our unmindful egos so that our purified minds could receive and become aware of this inner surrender to the all-encompassing Presence of the One Truth – the Self in all and as all. Again and again, Guruji led us to the brink of direct perception, guiding us with a loving hand and apt metaphors, encouraging us to take that final step of letting go of our intellectual understanding so that the Truth appears shining and effulgent. This is the experience of Vedanta teaching in its finest and most direct means: the mirror of the mind cleansed of its projections becomes available for the appearance of pure awareness. How can we express our gratitude more sincerely than by following our teacher’s pointing finger and realizing This!
Swamini Sivapriyananda followed the theme of the talks in her daily meditation sessions encouraging us to witness the silence within, and to hold this awareness throughout the day.Focusing on the mind’s capacity to enter into a state of conscious awareness, saksi bhav,
Swaminiji demonstrated the presence of peace and awareness both as a state of mind and a way of being.
One of the achievements of the Bay Area Mission members has been to create a beautiful and inspiring exhibition of Gurudev’s work and teachings. An impressive and elegant new building is nearly completed next to Gurudev’s kutia. With space for display, as well as puja and meditation, the new building will be a showcase for Gurudev’s accomplishments. We enjoyed an inauguration ceremony, conducted by Guruji, complete with delightful bhajans. The final pada puja and Gurudaksina ceremonies were also held in this newly dedicated space.
Another highlight of this wonderful week, as if the teachings alone were not enough, was a special visit to the movie house in Garberville to see the new Chinmaya Mission movie titled
“The Quest.” Many of us attendees at the Camp had not seen this movie, although some said that they had seen it more than once. Depicting a faithful rendition of Gurudev’s journey through life, the movie commences with his pre-sannyasi days as a journalist and freedom-fighter, including a rather graphic episode of his imprisonment and near-death event before being blessedly nursed back to health by a woman who must be called a saint! We then see his attendance at Swami Sivananda’s asram in Risikesh, followed by his conversion to a convinced devotee and eventual swami by Swami Sivanandaji, at whose instruction he then journeys to the side of Swami
Tapovan Maharaj for the many years of service and teachings before commencing his life’s work as Swami Chinmayanda. The portrayals by the actors of these key personages are awesome in their completeness and authenticity, giving us a clear insight into the challenges and
achievements of becoming established in Truth. This becomes a lesson for us all, and the movie ultimately turns into an additional teaching experience alongside The Gita of Sri Rama.
To further fill the cup to overflowing, we enjoyed some extremely talented presentations by camp members, including a riveting performance by a young woman, Anjal Chande, from Chicago, who gave us an hour of beautiful dance and music interpretations of her own composition. She also played a very cool tabla!
Of course, which is itself a compliment – because the continued efforts by staff and volunteers are seamless – the meals and all arrangements for the comforts of the attendees were absolutely great. Our thanks to all, especially to John and Maureen.
We could not complete the camp without at least one Arti at the feet of Lord Krisna in the garden of Krisnalaya. Guruji delighted us all on the harmonium with bhajans, and we all joined in enthusiastically. Finally, as mentioned earlier, the Camp closed with the pada puja and
Gurudaksina in the new presentation building.
We do not see the Camp as coming to an end because we know that the physical presence of the Camp is form only, and the awareness of its spiritual contents remains with us in our hearts. So it is with great gratitude and love that we carry Krishnalaya with us wherever we (BMI) may go, and rest in the awareness that its deeper meaning is always present as “Presence – Prajna.”
Thank you Guruji, thank you Gurudev, and thank you Chinmaya Mission members.
A blessing for Michigan. Sharada Kumarji is the power behind Chinmaya Mission and Chinmaya Bala Vihars across the USA. She is a coordinating committee member of the Interfaith Round Table of Washtenaw County and also serves in the Ethics committee of Science and Religion at the University of Michigan. A much loved and blessed soul. Divine — Sharada Kumar with Congresswomen Debbie Dingell and Brenda Lawrence. State Rep Christine Greig, State Rep Stephanie Chang and later joined by State Rep Kristy Pagan – “sometimes you are so engrossed in your passion that even you don’t matter” – here are some of the women who continue to lead the community with their never die attitude, integrity, faith, commitment and devotion. Miindia.com Women’s Expo Hall of Fame Salutes and Respects the winners – at Farmington Hills Manor Banquet & Restaurant.
Chinmaya Birth Centenary Celebration
May 2015, Chinmaya Mission St Augustine, USA
As reported by Shanti Shivaya
Jai Gurudev! Hari Om! Om Shanti Shanti Shanti!
International Day of Yoga celebrated in Chinmaya Mission – In response to the call by our Honourable Prime Minister Sri Narendra Modi at the UN General Assembly, this ancient Indian tradition, embodying the unity of mind and body has found world recognition. The UN declared 21st June as INTERNATIONAL DAY OF YOGA.
Chinmaya Mission Delhi celebrated International Day of Yoga with a two hour guided session conducted by Dr. Anita Raina Thapan Mitul Seth, Bhaskar Raman, Suanaina Arha and Ms. Seth trained in Shivananda Yoga. Swamini Gurupriyananda graced the occasion with her divine presence.
A crowd of 130 people jointly practiced Yoga, starting from relaxation. The guests also did various asanas and pranayam concluding with dhyana and shanti mantra.
India Herald
June 3,2015
On a Quest, a marvelous biopic
Seshadri Kumar•Wed, Jun 03, 2015
“On A Quest” gripped the minds and filled the hearts of Houston audience at the AMC theaters in a simultaneous showing on two screens on May 30.
The ‘reel’ was real and realistic, clear and convincing.
A great cinematic challenge to depict the story of Swami Chinmayananda has been successfully executed during his birth centenary year.
The life story of an ordinary man who became an extraordinary saint of modern times, the movie sheds light on a freedom fighter, an atheist, a seeker and finally a master and spiritual guru.
Some riveting dialogues in the movie mirror the word power of Swami Chinmayananda. For example, “India is free; are Indians free?” says it all. Asked to explain Vedanta in a hurry, he says “Detach and Attach”. (Detach from the worldly pleasures, attach with the divine spirit.)
How could the biography of a contemporary personality evoke interest and sustain the suspense for an audience to watch it with interest?
The only way to find the answer is to watch the movie and experience it, as mere words can’t explain the experience.
There is no suspense or mystery in the life of Swami Chinmayananda, yet every scene was pregnant with a meaning and message that kept the entire movie interesting, captivating the audience.
What about the “actionless action”? You enjoy the beautiful mountains, but you don’t own the mountain.
Another brilliant analogy of a car, driver and petrol (gasoline). The divine spirit is like the petrol which is essential for the car to run, but the car itself cannot do anything and the driver is responsible for the car to reach a destination, not the petrol.
When Chinmaya nee Balakrishna Menon survives an assault by the British, his young friend dies prematurely, leading him to question the fairness of god.
The opening scene was bold and somewhat provocative as young members of an atheist club, with wine glasses in their hands, celebrate their so-called success in exposing godmen. Obviously, they were under the influence.
There is no miracle in the story as one would expect in the life of a godman, but a mischievous child, growing into an atheist and a questioning intellectual journalist, ending up in a quest for knowledge is unbelievable, yet it was real.
The one who sought to expose the fake gurus becomes one among them, but not fake. That story is inspirational.
Sandeep Hebbar, a monk undergoing Vedantic studies at Sandeepany in Mumbai, a look- alike of Swami Chinmaynanda, in his younger days, plays the role.Noted filmmaker R.S. Prasanna, who made the Tamil movie “Kalyana Samayal Saadham” in 2013 has done an outstanding job in this move, shot in 27 days across India and the Himalayas. He was really “destined” to make this movie.
The movie does no propaganda. In fact the movie merely shows the beginning of his mission to bring Vedanta to the common man, in English. The rest is well known. Even the establishment of Chinmaya Mission, its motto and its expansion get mention in passing and there is no suggestion of Swami Chinmayananda claiming “I did it.”
To give maximum happiness to maximum number of people for maximum time is the motto of Chinmaya Mission.
The movie on Swami Chinmayananda does live up to this motto.
Chinmaya Mission Cleveland welcomed Swamini Vimalanandaji for talks on Shiva Sankalpa Suktam from April 22-24, 2015. Not only was this the Swaminiji’s first visit, but it marked the first time a visiting Swami has graced Cleveland, Ohio since Chinmaya Mission activities began in January 2014. The impact of her presence was strongly felt, with an audience upwards of 100.
Fully aware of an audience that not only included attendees completely new to Chinmaya Mission and Vedanta, but also those who were attending talks for the first time in several decades, Swaminiji used her characteristic wit and inimitable style to engage the audience with practical examples and frequently asking confirming questions related to the subject of the Mind.
A classic example used the analogy of electricity, bulb and light, in relation to God, the body and mind/intellect. Yet, rather than having the audience accept what she was saying, she always made them think. For example, “Does a rock have a mind? No. Does God exist in the rock?” Of course varying answers from the audience resulted in Swaminiji’s advice to reflect on this question.
Vivekji, who has guided the creation of Chinmaya Mission Cleveland and continues to serve there, accompanied Swaminiji on this inaugural trip, which took place primarily at the Greater Cleveland Shiva Vishnu Temple in Parma, Ohio. In addition to holding evening talks, Swaminiji also conducted morning satsangs on ‘Happy Parenting’ and ‘Mind in Harmony.’
Chinmaya Mission Jaipur organized a 7-day Geeta Jnana Yajna from 25th to 31st
May 2015, under the guidance of Br. Visharad Chaitanya Ji, from Chinmaya
Mission, Rajasthan at Chitragupt Mandir, Bapu Nagar, Jaipur.
It was the second seven-day Yajna on complete Bhagwad Geeta at Jaipur.
On all the seven days,the audience were spell bound with vivid explanations by Br.
Visharad Ji. Overall it was very well accepted and liked by all present.
On the occasion of birth centenary celebrations of Pujya Gurudev Swami Chinmayanandaji a spiritual family camp was held at ‘Tapovan Kuti’ during 23-29 May 2015, under the guidance of Swami Madhavanandaji and Swami Chidrupanandaji, acharayas of Ranchi and Noida Chinmaya Mission respectively. During the camp meditation, pranayam, Sandilyopanishada and Ramcharitamanas classes were taken by Swami Madhavanandaji. Classes on ‘Yoga Vasistha Sara Sangraha’ were taken by Swami Chidrupanandaji. In the serene atmosphere of Tapovan Kutti on the bank of Ganges around 85 devotees from all over India and abroad participated in the camp. Devotees also participated in Gurudev’s paduka puja, Ganga snanam, Ganga vihar and visit to Kashi-Viswanath and Lakhseshswar temples and a rare opportunity to feed and have darshan of around 70 sadhus from the divine region. After the camp there was a visit to Gangotri. For most devotees it was a life time opportunity to come and be in the camp at ‘Tapovan Kutti’, where Pujya Gurudev undertook his studies and sadhana at the lotus feet of Paramaguru Tapovanji Maharaj.
DEENABANDHU PRATISHTA DAY
Pratishta day of Deenabandhu Kalia Mardhana Krishna temple in Indiranagar was observed on May 10, 2015 with the usual religious festivities like abhisheka to Lord Krishna with Vedic chanting in the morning followed by Akhanda Bhajans throughout the day. The evening saw hundreds of devotees visiting the temple to have darshan of the Lord and the festivities ended with the grand aarati in the night. The entire temple was beautifully decorated and the grand vision of Kalia Mardhana Krishna flanked by Vinayaka on right and Hanuman on the left was the talk of all who visited the temple. Lord Krishna always has a special place for all seekers of True knowledge, but the Deenabandhu Kaliamardhana Krishna stands out very special not only in giving physical solace, but also mental peace by removing the ego by dancing and trampling on it.
PADUKA PUJA IN 1000 HOUSES
After the successful completion of Akhanda Gita Yatra – nonstop discourses on the Bhagavad Gita for one full year from May 1, 2014 to May 3, 2015, yet another sankalpa of Pujya Swami Brahmanandaji to observe Pujya Gurudev’s Birth Centenary Celebrations – Paduka Puja in 1000 houses from May 4, 2015 to May 7, 2016 has begun with a very encouraging note. Already over 75 Paduka Pujas have been completed as on May 31, 2015 and the response has been very enthusiastic with several devotees requesting for dates.
Pujya Gurudev’s Paduka is received at the host’s residence with Poorna Kumbha and after installation on the altar, mass chanting of Ganapati Atharvasheersha, Hanuman Chalisa, Bhagavad Gita Chapter – 15 and Vishnu Sahasranama is done by all present. This is followed by Guru Paduka Puja, Aarati, Bhajans and prasada distribution. Depending upon availability, the gathering will be blessed by the divine presence and Satsang by an Acharya. In their absence a senior member of the mission will speak a few words befitting the occasion.