Pujya Gurudev’s Aradhana and Gita Jnana Yajna by Pujya Swami Ramatmananda

Pujya Gurudev Swami Chinmayananda’s Aradhana was observed in the form of a Jnana Yajna in English through Talks on Vedanta Chintana from 30/07/2018 to 03/08/2018 in Deenabandhu Devasthanam, Indiranagar by Pujya Swami Ramatmananda. The Yajna was inaugurated by Smt Nirmala Menon, a senior member of the Mission

Pujya Swamiji introduced the concept of Vedas and how they help us dissociate from the external and turn our attention to recognise our real nature that is an ocean of infinite joy. He took selected shlokas from Mundakopanishad, Bhagavad Geeta, Upadesha Sara and Drig Drishya Viveka for chintana.

It is the general experience that attachment to the impermanent worldly objects never give us peace of mind whereas detachment gives supreme joy just as the joy of deep sleep can be experienced only when we withdraw from the senses, mind and intellect. The entire world is just an appearance from the absolute stand point and what really exists is only Brahman. The external world of attractions and emotions will fail to perturb a calm mind. Surrender to the scriptures and Guru is perhaps the first step when shravana, manana and nidhidhyasana is practised and the truth grasped is applied in daily life. The experience of duality is only because of the influence of Maya and liberation is possible through knowledge just as we negate all dream experiences that automatically get dissolved once we wake up. We need to clear the mirror of our mind if we have to experience divinity in all our experiences and understand with crystal clear clarity that “THERE IS ONE ALONE”

The Yajna was well attended on all the days with Pujya Gurudev’s Aradhana being observed on 3^rd August, 2018 before the Yajna with Rudrabhisheka and Paduka Puja.

Jnana Yajna by Pujya Swami Krutatmananda

Pujya Swami Krutatmananda conducted a Jnana Yajna in Kannada at Sri Rama Seva Mandali, Jaynagar from 05/08/2018 to 11/08/2018 speaking on Adhyatma for Daily life. The Yajna was inaugurated by Smt Vishalakshi, Vice president of the temple.

Pujya Swamiji explained how we misunderstand daily life as events happening the way we want them to happen. We are always bogged down with the question of creation, creator and miseries in our lives without getting a convincing answer. We fail to recognize that real success lies only in a calm mind which can interact with the world in a selfless humble manner realising the fact that permanent peace cannot be gained from the outer world but is our own inner nature. A real sadhak is one who does not complain against situations and smilingly receives whatever he gets in life with a calm mind. In life we get what we deserve and not what we desire and the compassionate Lord knows what we deserve. This type of living with total control of the senses adhering to the cosmic law not allowing the mind to go wayward is true adhyatmic living.

The Yajna was very well attended.

Annual Balavihar Meet in Bengaluru

The Annual Balavihar Meet was held at the Deenabandhu Temple, Indiranagar on the 19^th  August, 2018 with the children from nook and corner of the city traditionally attired as little Krishnas and Radhas showcasing their talents and cultural background through short skits and dances.  The story of Lord Ganesha teaching us that Lord Shiva and Mother Parvati are the Universe and his way of humbling Kubera was indeed delightful. The stories of the great sage Valmiki and the devotion  of Purandara Dasa and Pundalika were put up very well by the children. The legends behind the 7 sacred rivers of our Bharata – Ganga, Yamuna, Godavari, Sarawati, Narmada, Sindhu and Kaveri was clearly brought out  by another set of children. Hanuman being the mighty and the humblest of devotees was conveyed by another team.

Balavihar children who completed Class X with 90% or above in the previous academic year were recognized and mementoes were awarded to them. Pujya Swami Ramatmananda blessed the children who were graduating out of Balavihar.

Sri Krishna Jayanti Celebrations

Sri Krishna Jayanti was celebrated in Deenabandhu Temple, Indiranagar from 27^th August, 2018 to 2^nd September, 2018 with daily morning abhisheka and archana followed by evening archana, bhajans different groups and Aarati. Sri Krishna Jayanti on Sunday, 2^nd September, 2018 started with early morning abhisheka and puja followed by Vishnu Homa and Geeta Chanting. The grand chariot procession commenced in the evening at 5.30 pm with Pujya Swami Brahmananda leading the procession to the chanting of Vishnu Sahasranama, Vedic Hymns, Bhajans and Saxophone performance. The chariot was beautifully decorated with exotic flowers and beautiful illumination to the devotional appreciation by devotees who followed the chariot. The chariot procession ended by 7.00 pm which was followed by devotional songs till 9.30 pm. From 9.30 pm to 11.30 pm the famous Aruna Group from Shivamogga  rendered soul stirring classical programme along with wonderful Krishna Bhajans. Nama japa started at 11.30 pm culminating with midnight Aarati. The entire temple was beautifully decorated and thousands of devotees visited the temple to receive blessings of the Lord.

A sangam of swamis and respected teachers from various centers blessed the expansion bhumi puja of Chinmaya Mission Chicago – Badri on September 7, 2018. Pujya Swami Swaroopanadaji emphasized the importance of personal growth of devotees; buildings and attendance may grow but are we growing spiritually within?

Respected Shri Shanker Pillai, President Chinmaya Mission Chicago, and Board member CMW welcomed Swami Shantananda, Swami Sharanananda, Swami Mitrananada, Swami Ramkrishnananda, Swamini Kaivalyananda, Shri Gaurang Nananvati from Chinmaya Mission Houston and other CMW lead Sevaks from various centers who showered their blessings amidst pouring rain.

Sri Krishna Jayanti was celebrated will all religious festivities on Sunday, 2nd September, 2018. The day strted with early morning abhisheka and puja followed by Vishnu Homa and Geeta Chanting. The grand chariot procession commenced in the evening at 5.30 pm with Pujya Swami Brahmananda leading the procession to the chanting of Vishnu Sahasranama, Vedic Hymns, Bhajans and Saxophone performance. The chariot was beautifully decorated with exotic flowers and beautiful illumination to the devotional appreciation by thousands of devotees who followed the chariot. The chariot procession ended by 7.00 pm which was followed by devotional songs till 9.30 pm. From 9.30 pm to 11.30 pm the famous Aruna Group from Shivamogga rendered soul stirring classical programme along with wonderful Krishna Bhajans.Nama japa started at 11.30 pm culminating with midnight Aarati.

“The Eternal, the Infinite, the Lord Murari. He is … IN YOU. Seek and Discover. ~ Swami Chinmayananda.”

Krishna’s BirthDay bash – just as it should be, overflowing with happy faces – adults and children, gleefully celebrating the birth of the little blue boy of Vrindavan in a spirit of joyful celebration and a whole lot of cheer. The largest ever turn out for Shri Krishna Janmashtami @ Chinmaya Seva Centre! Bolo … Krishna Kanhaiyalal ki Jai! Stay tuned for all our upcoming and exciting festivities!

CHINMAYA MISSION JAIPUR In the auspicious month of Shravan, from 13 -19 August 2018, devotees of Chinmaya Mission Jaipur were blessed with the divine nectar of Srimad Bhagwat Katha by Pujya Swami Subodhananda ji. Pujya Swamiji explained the Sixth Canto called Poshan Skandh of the Mahapurana. Mukhya yajman of the seven day divine festivity were Sh. Ashok Sodhani ji and Smt. Padma Sodhani ji, Books Incharge, Chinmaya Mission Jaipur.

All students of Gurukul Sidhbari Vedanta Course along with their Resident Acharya Pujya Br. Visharad Chaitanya ji (Acharya, Chinmaya Mission Jaipur), Pujya Swamini Achalananda ji and Br. Om Chaitanya ji also came to attend the program. Pujya Swami Abhedananda ji (Acharya, Durban, South Africa), Pujya Swamini Anaghananda ji (Acharya Chinmaya Mission Thane, Mumbai) also graced the occasion by their divine presence for two days. The program was ceremonially inaugurated with Shanti Path, chanting of Gurustotram and lighting of lamp.

A warm welcome of Pujya Swamiji and all sadhaks was done by the President, Chinmaya Mission Jaipur, Smt. Mamta Mansingka. Known for his scholarship and pedagogy, Swami ji kept his audience rapt in attention as he began with a description of Bhagwan who is Sat-Chit-Ananda Swaroop. Explaining the importance of expiation and repentance (prayashchit), Swami ji said that even the most sinful man is purified if he surrenders to the God of Love with utmost devotion. The mere Name of God has the power to save even the most depraved and so was the fallen Ajamil forgiven, freed from the bondage of Karma by the Lord Himself. God nourishes him with His Grace and ‘poshanam’ takes place. Swamiji then explained the meaning of ‘Pravritti’ and ‘Nivritti’ and spoke of the Haryasvas and the story of Vishwaroop and Vritasur. Insult of a Guru by his shishya is a grave sin leading to the Guru leaving his shishya. Thus was Indra punished and forgiven only when he repented for his actions. Finally, Swami ji spoke about how the grieving King Chitraketu was consoled by the wisdom of the sages Angira and Narada. As initiated by Narada, Chitraketu meditated and soon had a vision of the God of Love and he ultimately realised his unity with Brahman, exclaiming, “The blissful Self am I, I am Brahman.”

On 3rd day of the program redemption of the book चतुःश्लोकी भागवत was done by Pujya Swami Subodhananda ji. Thus concluded the seven day divine discourse on the Sixth Canto of Srimad Bhagwatam. The relatively huge hall was packed to capacity everyday. Dr. Hanuman Sahai Sharma ji and his group presented classical Hari bhajans which were soul lifting and were appreciated by all the bhaktas. Pujya Swamiji felicitated Smt. and Sh. Ashok Sodhani with a shawl and Sriphal each.

In the end Dr. Uma Acharya Secretary, Chinmaya Mission Jaipur presented the Vote of Thanks. It was a memorable and Blissful week with invaluable gift of Divya Vedanta Gyana by our revered Pujya Swami Subodhananda ji.

Chinmaya Yuva Kendra Jaipur with Chinmaya Mission Jaipur has been organising Inter-School Patriotic Competition “SHRADDHANJALI” every year for last 19 years. This year it was organized on 10th August.

Chinmaya Study groups of Ahmedabad organized a half day camp titled Hari Sharanam based on Bhakti Yoga for the Vanaprasthis of Ahmedabad at ParamDham by Swami Avyayananda ji. The devotees watched an episode on the life of Bhadrachala Ramadas from Upanishad Ganga and reflected on Bhakti as the means and the goal in Swamiji’s talk based on Pujya Gurudev’s BMI chart. 50 elders not only reflected on the wisdom of our scriptures on the Supreme love but also re-lived their childhood memories by playing many fun games and thereby rekindled the love for themselves in their own hearts. The activities of the camp were facilitated by the Chinmaya Yuva Kendra and Chinmaya Setukari members. Thus, the younger generation of the Chinmaya family spent quality time with the elders and got inspired by their spirit and depth of faith.