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Houston:Chinmaya Birth Centenary Celebrations begin with Glory and Grace

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India Herald , Houston, covers the beginning of Birth Centenary celebrations world wide in its issue dated May 13, 2015.

“Unto Him, Our Best” is the global resolve and promise as Chinmaya Mission worldwide prepares to pay tribute to the beloved spiritual Master Pujya Gurudev Swami Chinmayananda on his birth centenary year beginning Friday, May 8th, 2015.

Inspired by that lofty slogan, Chinmaya Mission Houston offered its best during the three-day- event commemorating the onset of the 100th year celebration of the birth of a rare modern sage – a fearless Guru who galvanized the globe with his powerful logic of spirituality and sang the Lord’s Song everywhere.

It was a birthday event where dedicated action joined hands with unabashed devotion and united before the altar of blissful Knowledge. The spirit of the Bhagavad Gita was exemplified in every heart as each aspect of the festivities from May 8th to May 10th shone with Chinmaya glory, precision, and beauty.

On the evening of May 8th, in the beautiful courtyard of Sri Saumyakasi Sivalaya, a life-sized image of the inimitable Gurudev placed just outside the temple evoked the memory of Gurudev’s promise to wait for every seeker at the door to eternal Truth. Surrounding Gurudev was beauty beyond aesthetics – the decorations of flowers, candles, and banners seemed to perfectly complement the beaming blue skies and the gently glowing green grass of the courtyard.

Inside the Smrti hall, Manasa Kethireddipalli invoked the Grace of the Guru and highlighted the fearless transformation of Balakrishnan Menon into Swami Chinmayananda. As the chanting of Gurustotram and Chinmayastakam energized the hall, Acarya Sri Gaurang Nanavaty lit the Akhanda Jyoti – the flame that will shine on and light the spiritual journey for the whole year ahead. Following that ceremony, Acarya Sri Gaurangbhai addressed the gathering. He said that Gurudev’s extraordinary intellect, deep conviction, and fearless quest for Truth gave this world
the Chinmaya Mission.

Then, the devotees were thrilled to hear from Gurudev himself, via one of his timeless video talks. Describing the process of setting and facing challenging goals, Gurudev elaborated on one of the immortal verses of the Gita. Just like the Ganga, Gurudev dramatized, a determined seeker must learn to jump lightly over small hurdles, rush with strength over big obstacles, and skirt around mountains of seemingly unending challenges, never losing sight of the goal to merge with the Highest!

The rest of the evening was a rare birthday party where a thousand-plus CMH family members assembled in the courtyard. A special birthday song composed by Pujya Guruji Swami Tejomayananda, a musical encore by the Chinmaya choir children, and an energetic flash-mob styled dance delighted all with both devotion and cheer. The evening ended with fireworks that formed an awe-inspiring background for the Sivalinga above Gurudev’s image.

The morning of May 9th welcomed a happy Chinmaya army to a well-organized walkathon. It was a walk that symbolized the Chinmaya family’s courage and fortitude to fight against all negativities and progress on the path of universal spirituality.

As part of the 5K walkathon to the Eldridge Park, over 1000 people enjoyed several fun activities including a tug of war and laughing yoga. If laughter were like flower petals and cheerful thoughts like rising fragrance from incense then the Mission family certainly made the walkathon a grand offering to our Gurudev.

The next day, on May 10th, the centenary celebrations took on yet another hue of pious joy and gratitude. The day began with performing Gurudev’s Paduka Puja. Since the day also marked Mother’s Day, both the mother and the Guru were revered. The Chinmaya Houston family conveyed their love and gratitude to beloved Acarya Srimati Darshana Nanavaty and prayed for her years of good health ahead. All mothers were wished with a tender poem written by Elisha
Thakare, a Bala Vihar child.

Urging for a truly Chinmaya movement ahead, Acarya Gaurangbhai said that the best tribute to Gurudev – and the most meaningful inheritance left to the next generation – is the regular study of the Bhagavad Gita. And, just two verses of the Gita everyday could begin an unending personalized tribute to Pujya Gurudev!

Chinmaya Mission invites all to the special screenings of a biopic about Swami Chinmayananada, “On a Quest,” on May 30th and June 7th at 3:15pm at the AMC Dunvale. The movie portrays the unconventional life journey and an unforgettable glimpse of a great Master, Buy your tickets online at www.chinmayahouston.org/onaquest .Ticket availability is limited, so we encourage you to purchase soon. For more information, please visit www.chinmayahouston.org or contact Jay Deshmukh 832-541-0059.

Report by: Padmashree Rao & Vinod Sharma

CBCC launch at NOIDA

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In an endeavor to offer Unto HIM Our Best the Noida Centre launched Pujya Gurudev Sw.Chinmayanandaji’s Birth Centenary Celebrations with a 3-day programme from 8th-10th May. On 8th May we had the Paduka Puja for 21 times. Early in the morning at 5.30 am Pujya Gurudev’s worship began with Paduka Puja by Sw. Chidrupananda (CM Noida). There was abhishek with various items, chanting the Purusha Sookta and the Rudram. This was followed by offering archana to Sw.Tapovan Maharaj and Pujya Gurudev with their 108 names.

Simultaneously 10 other altars were set up where by turn devotees sat and offered the flower archana to Pujya Gurudev. Thus at a time 11 pujas were being conducted and the sequence was repeated 20 times. In between two pujas there was chanting of Tapovan Shatakam, Geeta, stotras and bhajans on Pujya Gurudev. The devotees had specially prepared a variety of delicacies for naivedya to offer in each puja.

On the 9th May the glory of Gurudev was celebrated on a public platform where several eminent citizens who had been inspired by him shared their reminiscences at the Amity University auditorium. The special invitees were Shri NP Singh, the erudite District Magistrate of Noida, Dr.Ashok Chauhan, Educationist and Founder President of the Amity group of institutions, Dr.Sambit Patra the eloquent spokesperson of the BJP and our own beloved Sw.Nikhilananda, Regional Head, CM (NCR). Drawing parallels between science and spirituality Shri Singh showed how all religions have the same philosophy and that the real offering to Pujya Gurudev was not merely a ritualistic worship but living the knowledge he imparted and developing a missionary zeal.

Dr.Sambit Patra, alumni of the Chinmaya Vidyalaya (Bokaro) shared how as a child he attended Gurudev’s yagna and though he could not understand much he felt the vibrations assimilate in him and also made him resolve to be a speaker like him. He gave a beautiful logical explanation of the way the panca-deva pujan prescribed by the scriptures for the Kali-yug integrate the body, mind and pranas. Dr. Ashok Chauhan who had hosted Pujya Gurudev at his residence on several occasions narrated some anecdotes. His frank admission to the reason for sponsoring the program that the University will be blessed by the spiritual minded people assembling in the auditorium was touching.

Sw. Nikhilananda appreciating each person on the dais said they represented achievements like Shri, Vijaya, Vibhooti and Dhruva Niti which follow when one lives the Geeta way of life. Swamiji said that the Vedas are the Constitution given by God and Bhagavad Geeta is its essence. And in a very potent one liner he said – Gurudev is Krishna inside and Arjuna outside! Summing up the session Sw. Chidrupananda said that in view of the present-day challenges in the society this platform gives us hope as there are so many good people in society doing marvelous work in their respective fields. Col. K.K.Puri, President, CM Noida presented the vote of thanks.

There was a cultural program of music and painting where the renowned painter Shri Kuchi Saisankar brought out on a canvas the accompanying musical rendering by Smt. Susheela Subramanyam and her group.

And on the 10th May the joyous occasion was shared with one and all by having a Bhandara (lunch feast) for several hundred people, mainly members of the public. The Noida family is looking forward to more such events to celebrate during Pujya Gurudev’s centenary year.

Report by Devna

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Chinmaya Jayanti at Jaipur

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Chinmaya Mission Jaipur organised a two-day program to celebrate 99th birthday of  Poojya Gurudev on 8th and 9th May 2015. It also marked the beginning of Birth Centenary Year.

On 8th May, 2015 Paduka Poojan and Bhajans were arranged at local centre at Bani Park. Most of the Committee members along with other devotees participated in Paduka Poojan. Swaranjali Group then presented melodious bhajans followed by tea and snacks for all.

On 9th May, 2015 a two-hour seminar on ‘Bhartiya Darshan mein Advait Darshan ka Sthan’ was organised at local Rotary Bhawan at Church Road. Shastri Kosalendra Das, a young Assistant Professor in Philosophy Department of Jagadguru Ramanandacharya Sanskrit University, Jaipur was the main speaker. He spoke in detail about the vitals of Advait Darshan and contribution of Bhgwan Sankaracarya. Prof. R. P. Sharma, HOD of Philosophy Department of Rajasthan University was the chief Guest on the occasion and explained the Pravratti and Nivratti margs. Along with them two other scholars Shari Kalanath Shastri Ji from Jaipur and Shri Shrivats Goswami from Vrindavan also graced the dais. Br. Visharad Chaitanya from Chinmaya Mission Rajasthan, was also present on the occasion and in fact under his guidance only the whole program was organised.

After garlanding and lighting of lamp a brief introduction on life of Poojya Gurudev and Chinmaya Mission was given. Then one by one, all guests spoke about the significance of Advait Darshan in Indian Philosophies. Br. Visharad Chaitanya  then informed the contribution of Poojya Gurudev in the field of Advait Darshan.

Program ended with distribution of prasadam for all devotees present.

Report by Malti Gupta

Sannyasa Diksha at Adi Shankara Nilayam

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Dheeksha
Today 5 more Chinmaya Mission Brahmacharis and 1 Brahmacharini cast off their yellow robes to enter the Sannyasa ashrama with the blessings of Pujya Guruji Swami Tejomayananda at Chinmaya International Foundation, Veliyanad.This morning brought with it, more rays of light than usual in the form of 5 new Chinmaya Mission Swamis and 1 Swamini. Pujya Guruji was delighted to announce the initiation of these Brahmacharins into the Sannyasa ashrama as Swamis and Swamini (one who is one with the Self) on this auspicious morning.

The new renunciates are:
1. Br Shivdas Chaitanya – Swami Keshavananda (CM Rewa)
2. Brni Sushmita Chaitanya – Swamini Atmikananda (CM Angul)
3. Br Navaneet Chaitanya – Swami Durgeshananda (CM Gurgaon)
4. Br Shravan Chaitanya – Swami Atmeshananda (CM Aurangabad)
5. Br Shekhar Chaitanya – Swami Pranananda (CM Bhubaneswar)
6. Br Pavan Chaitanya – Swami Nirbhayananda (CM Mumbai)

Please watch the video here.

On the Road to Transformation

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SRI_8176The moment has arrived. The much awaited Chinmaya Sandesh Vahini which is to embark upon the Jyoti Yatra to traverse the length and breadth of India spreading the message of Pujya Gurudev has been flagged off. Along with it is the mobile Yagnatarium which has displays on God Symbolism aiming to engage children.

Pujya Guruji addressing the audience on this august occasion spoke on his gratitude for all the people who have worked to bring this moment a reality. He said that while the work of the Pujya Gurudev, which we see all around us, was no doubt magnificent, Gurudev himself transcended all this.

He also spoke about the purpose and role of sadhus in society – as people who show the path to transformation and provide the means to walk it. He concluded his talk by speaking on the essence of Gurudev’s message – “You Change” and “We can. We Must.”

With that, at 7.30 PM, he lit the Jyoti that was to travel across India and finally rest in the Pranav Ganesh Mandir, Chinmaya Vibhooti as an Akhanda Jyoti.

 

On the eve of Centenary of Gurudev’s Bday at Delhi

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A Glorious Beginning to the Chinmaya Birth Centenary Celebrations Swami Tejomayananda visits Delhi on May 7th 2015

The best things in life come unplanned. They just happen. One such happening was Pujya Guruji’s visit to Delhi on May 7th, on the eve of Pujya Gurudev’s birthday – marking the beginning of the Chinmaya Birth Centenary Celebrations. Accompanied by Swami Brahmanada and a few devotees, his visit was unexpected, beautiful and joyous. Speaking briefly to an audience of mission members, devotees and guests he said that Pujya Gurudev is a vibhuti of the Lord. Quoting from chapter 10 of the Srimad Bhagavad Gita, Guruji said that whenever we see something, be it a material thing or in a person, that is spectacular, glorious, shining and graceful, coupled with beauty and wealth, we must understand it to be His vibhuti.

Pujya Gurudev is a vibhuti, because that brilliance was his whole life and he was true to his name – Chinmaya– meaning Pure Knowledge, Awareness and Ananda. Guruji said that the definition of vibhuti is fully applicable to him and that we are indeed blessed people to be the direct recipients of his glory and beneficiaries of his work and knowledge that he gave to all of us.At this time of celebrations, Guruji, in utmost humility paid his most reverential prostrations at the lotus feet of Gurudev again and again. He said to make the celebrations more joyful, meaningful and delightful, the main purpose of our inner purification and transformation should not be lost.

After his short address, accompanied by Swami Brahmananda, Swami Nikhilananda and Swamini Gurupriyananda, everyone went to Gurudev’s pratima. Guruji lit the lamp there, and performed aarti. Thereafter,he switched on the illumination lights.And then the entire night sky came alive with the brilliance of twinkling lights that illuminated the entire Delhi centre. The entrance gates, the building, the pratima, the trees, everything shone with His glory and His name. Taking prasad in their hands everyone walked with Guruji and the Acharyas around the building – a pradakshina. Thus, keeping the Lord as the focal point, the source and the essence in our lives, may we all continue to be conduits for His Grace and Blessings to flow through us into the world around us.

Release of Commemmorative Coin by Sri Narendra Modi

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TO HONOUR PUJYA GURUDEV SWAMI CHINMAYANANDA’S BIRTH CENTERARY – THE RELEASE OF A COMMEMORATIVE COIN BY THE HONOURABLE PRIME MINISTER NARENDRA MODI

The nation led by the Honourable Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi paid tribute to Pujya Gurudev, Swami Chinmayananda with the release of a commemorative coin on 8th May 2015 at his residence, 7 Race Course Road, in Delhi. The Chinmaya Birth Centenary Celebrations got off to a magnificent start.

Invoking the Lord’s presence and grace set the tone for this simple yet poignant ceremony. Prasanna chanted the invocation written by Pujya Guruji in praise of the Guru.

Pujya Guruji, Swami Tejomayananda expressed his heartfelt thanks to the Prime Minister and the Government of India for recognizing the monumental and immense work of Gurudev and the Chinmaya Mission. He assured the assembled Shri Modi and the august guests that the Mission would continue in their endeavours and do their best in the field of national character building.

Shri Arun Jaitley, the Finance Minister of India, expressed his happiness that the Government was able to bring out the commemorative coins in honour of Pujya Gurudev.

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi poured rich accolades on the persona of Pujya Gurudev. He said that one of Gurudev’s greatest achievement was disseminating the knowledge of the scriptures via the medium of English. The educated elite who at that time were largely disconnected from our culture were reconnected with their spiritual heritage.

The Prime Minister said that Gurudev truly lived the spirit of the Bhagavad Gita by combining in himself the qualities of gyana yoga and karma yoga. He applauded Gurudev’s vision in raising an ever expanding group of sanyasis involved in character building.

On a personal note Modiji recalled his meeting with Pujya Gurudev at Baroda. He said that he had looked forward to Gurudev’s presence at the 100 year celebration of Swami Vivekananda’s speech at the World Parliament of Religions. Pujya Gurudev gave up his body 3 days before the conference.

Swami Mitrananda wrapped up the day’s proceedings with a succinct vote of thanks to those who made this special event a possibility. He spoke about how the Prime Minister himself came out with the idea of releasing commemorative coins to mark Gurudev’s centenary. He also expressed grateful thanks to Shri Arun Jaitley, Shri Jayant Sinha and Shri Ram Madhav, each for their proactive and speedy handling of the logistics that finally lead to the release of the coin.
‪#‎CBCC100‬ ‪#‎NARENDRAMODI‬

Please check out the photos of the coin release here.