54 seekers of all ages from around the world had the incredible opportunity to experience SILENCE for 60 hours over 3 days, guided by Shri Vivek Gupta virtually. Throughout the “Re-treat” seekers committed to a vow of SILENCE, no technology, reading, writing or rituals to limit input. They followed a schedule with repeated cycles of contemplation, nutrition and reflection for an hour each.

Through his clear and systematic approach, Shri Vivek Gupta guided both experienced and novice seekers into 16 distinct contemplation sessions. By introducing seekers to identify with each Kosha (layer), beginning with Lifestyle, and moving through Body, Breath, Mind, Intellect, Ego and ultimately being ‘Presence’, he meticulously guided seekers, deepening their journey within, building upon each session.

During the session on nutrition, seekers were advised to solely focus on experiencing what they ate for the entire hour. During the session on reflection, seekers were encouraged to be in nature while personalizing guidance and reflecting deeply on questions posed during contemplation. The entire “Re-treat” was training in contemplation in different forms.

As seekers reflected on their experience during the completion session, it was apparent how impactful the 3 days had been for all. Many shared that this “Re-treat” felt unlike any other they had engaged in through its format, intensity and depth. Many expressed gratitude for the steady and patient guidance that enabled their journey to “Re-treat within.”

This was the 10th SILENCE retreat that Shri Vivek Gupta has guided in over 8 years with 300 seekers participating overall, and it has felt to the participants like just the beginning of an ever-lasting movement.

From 12 July to 16 July 2021, Shri Vivek Gupta of Chinmaya Mission Niagara led the annual summer youth camp of Chinmaya Somnath, Chantilly, Virgina.

The largest high school camp in Chinmaya Mission West came together online daily for two hours of engaging discourse, discussion, dialogue and dynamic activity. The camp’s theme was “Managing Me.”

This year’s camp brought together 92 youth from more than 13 states across North America. In this camp, Shri Vivek Gupta taught the youth about investing in the self, managing the body, breath, mind, intellect, ego and lifestyle (Shatakosha Viveka).

A highlight of the camp was a fast-paced game of Taboo, where the campers experienced guided imagery and guided reflection. They made blackout poems with excerpts from Swami Chinmayananda’s book “Self Unfoldment”, to dig deeper into the mind and thoughts.

Parents gathered during one of the evenings for a special dialogue with Shri Vivek Gupta, which was a most intimate, meaningful experience for all.

A major takeback was how one’s external lifestyle influences one’s internal life:
“A managed self is at peace, and a mismanaged self is distracted.”

The feedback from the campers was positive and all of them opined that they would love a longer camp next year!

On 20 July 2021, sevaks of Chinmaya Mission Mumbai’s Mahima Zone distributed raincoats to 45 BMC (Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation) cleaning staff, as part of the “Maximise Happiness” seva programme. The BMC staff wore the raincoats immediately to carry out their duties, as it was raining at the time. The monsoons usually continue until at least September and Mumbai sees very heavy rainfall, so this was an ideal gift to the hardworking staff.

Satsang by Pujya Swami Brahmananda

Pujya Swami Brahmananda conducted an online Satsang in Kannada on “Implementation of Traditional Practices” on 13th June, 2021.

Pujya Swamiji stressed the need of rethinking on the importance given by our elders in following the several daily rituals. Many of them have either been forgotten or neglected as blind beliefs as we have not understood their significance trying to defend our stand seeking scientific proofs & reasons. Pujya Swamiji took several forgotten habits and scientifically proved the importance and benefits of observing them. Simple rules like respecting elders, visiting temples, circumambulating the temple once, thrice, five or seven times, receiving Aarati, Teertha & Prasad, ladies wearing bangles, ear rings, etc., have a deep meaning besides physical and spiritual benefits. Our elders knew the immense good effects but in their wisdom gave them a religious flavour to ensure that they are not lost. The future generations just followed them without questioning; but of late the youngsters have started challenging them and it is the duty of all elders to equip themselves to satisfy the queries so that the rich meaningful traditions are not lost. Pujya Swamiji also emphasised that many catastrophes can be avoided and a peaceful homogeneous meaningful living possible even if we just follow the rituals without understanding their meaning that is sure to dawn as we reap the results.

Satsang with English captions was viewed by over 17000 sadhaks.

Under the Maximise Happiness 2021 initiative, Chinmaya Mission Mumbai, Chinmaya Prakash Zone organized a talk on the subject `Emotional Hygiene’ on Sunday 6 June 2021.

The talk, by Dr. Sunitha Shankar, touched upon myths and facts about emotional hygiene. She explained that all negative emotions are not bad and that often even strong people can’t control their emotions. Every individual has a different emotional threshold and emotions can’t just be stopped. She also explained how one can practice emotional hygiene. Regular small steps fetch rich rewards. One should be compassionate to oneself and to others. One should not ruminate over emotions. Dr. Sunitha also advised those who find themselves getting swayed by emotion to maintain a gratitude journal and to do some form of physical exercise.

The talk was attended by about 90 participants.