Chinmaya Seva Centre Singapore organised Srimad Bhagawat Saptah, conducted by Swami Abhedananda from 12^th to 18^th August 2017 at the PGP Auditorium in Singapore. After a span of 13 years, this Bhagawat Saptah was organized which in many ways was truly an epic experience for the devotees of Singapore. Resplendent in its divinity, spiritual grandeur and scale, Singapore witnessed seven days of blissful satsangs on complete Shrimad Bhagawatam, which included festive celebrations of various Utsavs and leelas including Shri Ram Janmotsav and Shri Krishna Janmotsav. The pinnacle of the Saptah was the satsang on Krishna Janmotsav which coincided beautifully with Janmashtami and Indian Independence day on 15^th August. After Swamiji’s soulful discourse, the audience were delighted with scintillating dance performances by Balvihar children and ladies from the Swaranjali and Devi group.

                   Aside from this, two traditional Vedic priests performed daily Havans and rituals which were participated by the Mukhya Yajamans of Bhagawat Saptaha. Prior to commencement of the Bhagawat Saptah, the priests conducted the Sankalp Havan and Pooja where all the Yajmaans took sankalp for inculcating divine virtues of Gyana, Bhakti and Vairagya, and prayers for the prosperity and growth of Chinmaya Mission worldwide. On subsequent days, the priests performed different havans to propitiate the various deities. Performing the daily morning Havan and listening to Srimad Bhagawatam discourses by Swamiji in the divine atmosphere of Srinivasa Perumal Temple was an uplifting and divine experience for all.

                 On the inaugural day of Bhagawat Saptah, a grand procession of Shrimad Bhagawatam was held from the Yagnashala to the Satsang Hall. The procession was led by Swami Abhedanandaji, accompanied by Chairman of Hindu Endowments Board Mr. Jayachandran and followed by all the Mukhya Yajamans who carried the Bhagawatam on their heads. Swamiji was garlanded and welcomed on stage by Anandaji, and offered the Poorna Kumbha by CSC Committee members. The traditional lamp lighting and formal inauguration was performed by Mr.Jayachandran, Trustees Mr.Chandru Bharwani and Mr.Rajan Bharwani along with Swamiji. The Chairman of Hindu Advisory Board Mr.Rajan Krishnan also graced the event.

                How should one lead his life? How can one perform his duties and yet be free from the bondages? How can one have a yearning thirst to see, to feel and to unite with the Lord? The answers to these questions and much more was revealed in the daily satsangs by Swami Abhedanandaji, who in his most inimitable style showered the secrets of blissful devotion upon all sincere seekers. While describing the glories of the blue boy Sri Krishna, Swamiji traversed the minds of all devotees to ‘Gokul & Vrindavan’.

                     Hundreds of devotees thronged each day to revel in Swamiji’s soul stirring discourses and explanation of Shri Krishna’s playful leelas. While Swami Abhedanandaji described the enchanting glories of the Lord, the main priest silently performed the parayana of ‘Shrimad Bhagawatam’. Throughout the saptaha, lunch and dinner bhiksha were lovingly served to all the devotees who were present to hear the Bhagawat Saptah. Every session concluded with the melodious singing of Mangala Aarti for the main altar of Radha Krishna and Pujya Gurudev. The culmination was on 19^th August with the auspicious Purnahuti Havan and Samashti breakfast Bhiksha at our ashram “Chinmaya Kesari”. Knowing that it is highly auspicious to listen to a Bhagawat Saptah at least once in a lifetime, the delegates carried with them the feeling of joy, satisfaction and completeness.

                   Aside from the Bhagawat Saptah event, Swami Abhedanandaji was also invited for two other special programs. On 10^th August, the Global Citizen Forum invited Swamiji to inaugurate the premiere screening of an upcoming serial on Bhagawan Adi Shankaracharya. Similarly on 20^th August the Gita Jayanti Organization of Singapore invited Swamiji to speak at the “International Gita Forum” event on the topic “Magic of Surrender” based on Gita Chapter XII.

Activities in Bengaluru during August 2017

Gita Jnana Yajna by Pujya Swami Krutatmananda

Pujya Swami Krutatmananda of Hubli and Dharwad centres conducted a Gita Jnana Yajna in Kannada from 16^th August to 22^nd August 2017 at Twinklers’ Vidyaniketan, Nagarbhavi taking Bhagavad Gita Chapter 9. The Yajna was inaugurated by Sri Sudheendra Rao, Vice President of Karnataka Journalists’ Association.

Pujya Swamiji introduced the text as an attempt to train the ever turbulent mind to understand the impermanency of external objects and seek the everlasting happiness that is our real nature. The Lord in His infinite compassion has provided everything in the world for our existence but we live with greed never satisfied and ever jealous of other’s prosperity that is the root cause for all unhappiness. This leads to uncalled for misery and bondage. Only when we realise that ‘I’ am not the body but the eternal source of unlimited peace and joy that all bondage vanishes and we can lead a meaningful life serving society. The Yajna was well attended.

Pujya Gurudev’s Aradhana

Gurudev Pujya Swami Chinmayanandaji’s twenty fourth Aradhana was observed on 3^rd August, 2017 in Deenabandhu Temple, Indiranagar in the holy presence of Pujya Swami Brahmananda, other Acharyas of Bengaluru and many devotees of Pujya Gurudev through Rudrabhisheka, Paduka Puja and Bhajans. Pujya Swami Brahmananda in his Satsang remembered Pujya Gurudev’s contribution in safeguarding and spreading the message of scriptures. He emphsised on Gurudev’s clarion call “You Change” instead of waiting or asking others to change which is the only way to lead a peaceful life and bring harmony in society.

Sri Krishna Janmashtami Celebrations

Sri Krishna Jayanti was celebrated as usual at Deenabandhu Kalia Mardhana Krishna Temple, Indiranagar with all religious fervor and rites. The celebrations started on 8^th August, 2017 with daily morning and evening tulsi archana followed by devotional renderings by dedicated devotees across the city. The Janmashtami day on 14^th August, 2017 commenced with early morning archana followed by Vishnu Homa which drew several devotees form all parts of the city. The evening Ratha Yatra saw the Lord first enter Chinmaya Hospital blessing all inmates and staff followed by the gorgeous procession round the temple to the chanting of bhajans and nama japa by thousands of devotees. The evening was filled with devotional songs, bhajans, instrumental music, abhisheka and finally the midnight Aarati. The festivities continued even to the next day with hundreds of devotees seeking the grace of the Lord.

Ganesha Puja Celebrations

Ganesha festival which is one of the most important in our Hindu calendar was observed with all religious rites at Sripaadakshetra, J P Nagar on 25^th August, 2017 with pancahmrita abhisheka, alankara and aarati to the chanting of Ganapati Atharvasheersham, Ganesha Stotrams and Bhajans. Inspite of the festival being celebrated in individual houses the temple witnessed visit by a large number of devotees who were enthralled and blessed by the sheer beauty and wonderful flower decoration to the Lord. Children in particular were benefitted by the rare presentation and explanation of the significance of Ganesha festival by the Acharyas.

Satsang by Pujya Swami Brahmananda

Pujya Swami Brahmananda conducted a Satsang in Kannada at Sripaadakshetra, JP Nagar on 26^th August, 2017 on the auspicious day of Rishi Panchami. Pujya Swamiji stressed on the fact that all of us commit the mistake of identifying with the body while in reality we are the ocean of total completeness and unlimited happiness. This can be realised only when we transcend the body, mind and intellect and are able to revel in the inner depths of calmness and serenity. All the sadhanas like puja, bhajans, japa, dhyana, etc., prescribed by our rishis is to calm our mind and turn inwards to the very source of infinite peace and joy. This can happen only through unconditional surrender to the scriptures and Sadguru when all attachments and desires drop leading to total annihilation of the Ego. With this, the desirer himself vanishes leaving only the Nitya Shuddha Buddha Mukta Tatwa that is the one and only all pervading entity which is the cause and effect of the entire universe. This concept has been beautifully brought out in Ganapati Atharvasheersham.

The Satsang was well attended.

Chinmaya Youth Camp “Being Your Best” – A Thought Provoking Experience

Several rising 9^th graders to rising college freshmen in the Boston area attended the spiritual youth camp Being Your Best: You Only Live Once led by Vivekji of Niagara Falls, at the Chinmaya Mission Boston ashram located in Andover, MA.

The camp was a brief but packed event; it was held from Friday 8/11 evening to Sunday 8/13 afternoon.  This was a unique Chinmaya experience not only for the students but also for parents and youth volunteers, as it was a Junior Chinmaya Yuva Kendra (JCHYK) camp. Friday evening was exciting, where all students watched a movie, after having dinner. During the movie, short discussions relating to the to the general idea of the camp were led by Vivekji. The students couldn’t wait for what Saturday had in store for them after the exciting movie and discussions.

The next morning started with a session of guided meditation, followed by a period of silence (maunvrat) and observation/exploration of the temple. After breakfast, camp participants were joined in discussions led by youth volunteers. The topics discussed included barriers in life, how to overtake them, and ways to reach happiness. The afternoon featured athletics, which promoted team building and sports tactics, along with strength and fitness. The evening included a thought-provoking talk held by Vivekji, where the topic continued the exploration of “being your best.”

On the last day of the camp, Vivekji shared his thoughts on how students could maximize themselves to become his/her best as well as being as happy as they could be. His tips on being one’s best included always learning, always committing, and always reflecting. Nearing the end of the camp, students expressed their gratitude to Vivekji by offering Guru-dakshina and performing Swami Chinmayananda’s aarati.

This camp was a wonderful opportunity for all students and parents to experience what a true Chinmaya camp had to offer. Many students said Being Your Best: You Only Live Once was not just any usual camp; it was an amazing thought-provoking experience.

Chinmaya Mission Twin Cities (Minnesota) celebrated the sthapana of Sri Ashtavinyaka at the Chinmaya Ganapati ashram in Chaska from August 23rdto 27th. Ashtavinyaka (or “eight Ganeshas”) refers to a pilgrimage of eight specific Ganesha
temples in Maharashtra, in a pre-ascertained sequence.

The event marked the first establishment of these specific eight Ganesha altars outside of India. The sthapana ceremonies and celebration were graced by the presence of Swami Ishwarananada, Swami Advaitananda,Swami Sharanananda and Swami Paratmananda. The festivities included discourses by Swami Ishwarananda and Swami
Advaitananada, cultural programs by balavihar children, comprising of short skits showcasing their learning, a Swaranjali concert and a dance program.

Cultural programs by other local cultural organizations as well as a fusion musical concert “Gam Gam Ganapathi” by Yuva Rhythms were also part of the festivities. The events were attended by hundreds of families who rejoiced in the festivities and the blessings of our Swamis.

Sunshine and Moonlight

Just a day before a historic complete solar eclispe was due to cast it’s spell binding shadow on a narrow path of America on August 21^st, 2017, Swami Advaitanandaji of CMSJ used the imagery of the solar system to describe the purpose of BalaVihar: to help a child shine brilliantly like the sun in his own life, and to delight others like the moon!

Swamiji addressed over 150 teachers on the morning of August 20^th at the Sandeepany ashram; and what a blessing that was!  He commenced his address with a wonderful and appropriate bhajan invoking the grace of the Adi Guru Lord Shankara Himself.

Although Swamiji asked us to raise our right hands and pat our own backs for the seva that we were offering as Bala Vihar teachers, much to the surprise of all present, it was actually a totally energized and motivated crew of teachers who left the ashram that day after his inspiring address.  Swamiji described Pujya Gurudev’s compassionate vision in creating the Mission and especially Balavihar, which when followed with the right attitude in action will result in transformation.

Bala Vihar’s motto, “Keep smiling” is in keeping with the Mission’s motto of providing the maximum happiness to the maximum number of individuals for the maximum amount of time, because smiling is a manifestation of happiness.

Swamiji glorified teaching as a holy profession and being a Bala Vihar teacher is even higher because all our teachers are volunteers who offer their time and service without any expectation in return.  Describing the different types of teachers, Swamiji mentioned that the greatest teacher is one who goes beyond telling, explaining, and demonstrating, to one who inspires the student.  We should all aspire to become such teachers, he said.

The measure of our success as teachers is when our students look forward to coming to class every weekend, week after week.  And to make this happen we have to create a conducive environment in which every aspect from chanting, to story-telling, to art projects, and games are included in the right measure to create an inviting and interesting classroom that children look forward to.

Since our motives are unselfish, we too can serve cheerfully like Hanumanji, whose only motive was to serve his beloved Lord Rama. With such an inspiring address, and with his benevolent presence, we can’t wait for the Bala Vihar session to commence this year!

As I looked through my special glasses to witness the awesome solar eclipse the next day, it was Swamiji’s words from the day before that kept ringing in my ears about the brilliant sunshine and the delightful moonlight.

Hari Om!

As our Pujya Guruji teaches us in Hindu Culture, the temple in Hindu tradition is not only for the purpose of fulfilling the spiritual needs of an individual – it is also a place for secular learning, for spiritual discourse, for the celebration of special festivals, and for the dedication of music and arts. The Hindu temple is a place where people can come together to share common experiences, not only of a spiritual nature, but also those that were for the total cultural awakening and upliftment of the people.

And as the morning of Vinaayaka Chathurti dawned at Sandeepany Sadhanalaya in Mumbai, Maharashtra, we saw that the beautiful Jagadeeshwara Temple in the ashram served exactly this purpose: a total upliftment of the people. Householders from across the city gathered in the grandly decorated mandir while students of the 17^th Vedanta Course at Sandeepany also joined in celebrating the auspicious day. For them, it was auspicious not only because it was Ganesha Chathurti, but also because the day marked the beginning of their two-year study program at the ashram.

The festivities began before sunrise, with a few students helping the temple priests prepare for the pooja: cutting fruits for the abhisheka, setting up the sound system, and also offering a few fervent prayers to the Lord before the pooja officially began. By 5:56 am, the chanting of the holy Ganesha Atharvashirsha – for 1008 repetitions! – commenced. Devotees filled the temple, which reverberated with the awesome sound, while the abhisheka was performed to Lord Ganesha. Mukhya Swami Swaroopanandaji graced all with his presence, and an aura of devotion and dedication filled the place. The pooja could not have gone more smoothly.

                At 11:00 am sharp, the brief yet impactful inauguration and commencement ceremony of the 17^th Residential Vedanta Course began. Purna kumbha was performed for Mukhya Swami Swaroopanandaji upon his entering the Sarasvati Nilaya, and introductions were then in order by Kirti Bhima, CEO of Tara Cultural Trust. Just as Kirtibhai finished his speech and handed the microphone over to Swami Bodhatmanandaji, acharya for this batch of students, the magnificent Mumbai monsoon made its presence felt. Over the crisp hum of the rain falling outside, Swamiji shared his most heartfelt and welcoming message.

First, he offered a shloka composition at the feet of our Pujya Gurudev:

Cinmayam sarvagam sarvam Sarvabhuta guhaashayam

Yatsarva vishayaatitam Tasmai sarvavide namah

Salutation to Pujya Gurudev, who is all-pervading, who is all,

who resides in the hearts of all, who is beyond all, and the knower of all.

He then shared the uniqueness of the number 17: coming after the number 16, which represents purnatva, or completeness, the number 17 symbolizes a beginning – newness, the turning of a fresh page. To be a part of the 17^th residential Vedanta course in the year 2017, he highlighted, was really a blessing and exceptional gift.

Swami Bodhatmanandaji emphasized that on this new journey undertaken by all students of the course, mumukshutvam is the crucial.  As Gurudev has written in his commentary of Tattvabodha, “Man runs after objects, people, and experiences of the world. In this process, he experiences various measures of sorrows. At some point in life, he feels, ‘Enough is enough. I want to get out of this mess. I shall no more remain a slave to the world and my mind. I refuse to get tossed around by the world. I want to free myself from all limitations, feelings of incompleteness, hopelessness, and helplessness. I seek that which is permanent and complete.’ This desire is called mumukshutvam.” It is this desire which brought each student to the ashram, and will be most important along their studies over the two-year course.

Swamiji’s speech also contained a surprise: a letter to the students from our loving Pujya Guruji! Guruji expressed his love and best wishes to all the students, and it was a special moment to all those present who were able to hear his compassionate, ever-caring thoughts.

Directly following Swami Bodhatmanandaji’s speech, Mukhya Swami Swaroopanandaji shared the most eloquent message for the students. He vividly expressed his own memories and experience of joining the residential Vedanta course at Sandeepany Sadhanalaya 36 years ago, under the tutelage of Pujya Gurudev himself. Tears filled the eyes of both students and devotees in the hall as Swamiji recounted his journey, from his first day as a student, throughout the two-year course, and through the many years after that. He expressed the auspiciousness and magnitude of the new beginning which the students were experiencing. He then left them with an inspiring reminder to focus on nothing but Vedanta – look not even left or right! – and to make themselves available for Sandeepany to transform them.

Transform them into what, you might ask? Mukhya Swamiji reiterated what Gurudev had told him so many years ago: “Allow Sandeepany to transform each of us into the Lord Krishna’s of the 21^st century, who can guide the Arjuna’s of today’s world, and who can protect the Draupadi’s in every society.”

And so the day progressed, with the bouquet of blessings from our most revered Guru Parampara, from Lord Krishna, and of course from Lord Ganesha too –  dhol taasha processions and celebratory festival music were heard throughout the day at the ashram from the streets of Mumbai, reminding everyone of the omnipresence of His grace and love.