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.

Chinmaya Mission, Jaipur was fortunate and blessed for a second time this year to be in the Divine presence of Pujya Swami Subodhanandaji, and get drenched in ultimate knowledge through GyanYajna on 12th chapter of Srimad Bhagavad Gita from 16th – 22nd August 2017 at prestigious Panchayati Raj Sansthan Auditorium, JLN Marg, Jaipur. Yajna was inaugurated at sharp 7pm on 16th August with Chanting of Shanti Mantra and traditional lighting of lamp by PujyaSwamiji, Rajasthan State Minister Sh.GovardhanRaika, Director General Income Tax Sh. Satish Gupta and Chinmaya Mission President Smt. MamtaMansingka. Known for his deep knowledge, erudition and teaching skills, Swamiji kept the audience rapt in attention and mesmerized as he extolled the virtues of the path of bhakti. The auditorium as usual was occupied to its full capacity everyday by galaxy of intellectuals, scholars and staunch devotees including Br. Om Chaitanyaji from Jodhpur and Br. RaghavChaitanya from Jhansi.

Replying to the query of Arjuna, Sri Krishna explains the qualities of both the “saupadhik” and “nirupadhik”. The true yogi is “Nityayukta”, one who is endowed with supreme faith, who knows that the Lord is always with him. With the mind centred on Sri Krishna, such a yogi is united with him through meditation and worship. Swamiji explained how the eighth shlokha was the life- breath of the chapter and how renouncing the fruit of action would enable the sadhak to reach his goal of liberation. The one who is centred in himself, realises his true nature and is equanomous in every situation, is very dear to the Lord. The GyanYajna concluded on the 22nd of August. Vice President Sh. M. L. Gupta offered vote of Thanks to PujyaSwamiji and the audience. It is heartening to note that many new members became a part of the Chinmaya family in Jaipur.
It was truly a Spiritual Treat & everyone was deeply touched by feeling Grace of PujyaGurudev flowing through Pujya Swami Subodhanandaji. The executive members with heavy hearts bid farewell to
Swamiji on 23rd afternoon.

Inspired training workshop for Bala Vihar teachers

During the weekend of August 19-20, 2017, Chinmaya Mission Houston hosted the much awaited Balavihar Teachers’ Training workshop that drew over 190 onsite and 150 online participants. The online live streaming feature was a first-time add-on to benefit teachers from other parts of the country. Darshana Nanavaty, fondly adored as Darshana Aunty, shared her decades of wisdom with the eager Balavihar teachers who ranged from the experienced to aspiring beginners. In the two-day event that began promptly with a prayer dedication to Pujya Gurudeva Swami Chinmayananda, Aunty eloquently elaborated on the philosophy behind Balavihar
training. She highlighted how freedom is our natural state and how Balavihar equips both the teacher and the taught to gradually build a truly free paradise in life based on scriptural wisdom. With concepts that have grade-wise sequential answers to a set of five questions: Where is God?; Why can’t I see HIM?; How can I see HIM?; What should I do?; and, What is the result of this knowledge?, the curriculum is designed to guide children from Kindergarten to 12th grade. The Acarya described the teaching methods which blend in age-appropriate hands-on arts and crafts, singing, chanting, and other fun-filled options to keep every child excited. This variety in instruction caught the attention of the second generation aspirants among the attendees. All the training methods were centered on Gurudev’s simple instruction – “Tell, not teach.” Being rooted in Dharma, being compassionate and loving to the children is a must if a Balavihar teacher aspires to be effective. The Acarya stressed the need to be mindfully responsible – to walk the talk and to be committed from the heart. Darshanaben explained in detail the syllabus of each grade, using the teachers from the Houston Bala Vihar team who shared tips from her books: Alphabet Safari, Bala
Ramayana, Sri Hanuman, Bala Bhagavatam, My Twenty four Teachers, Symbolism in Hinduism, India, the sacred land, P.O.Box Mr God, Yato Dharmah Tato Jayah, Hindu Culture, and Gita for me. These books are widely acclaimed and followed across the world by a multitude of Chinmaya missions and Hindu institutions. Her youth-friendly way of explaining Bhagavad Gita could inspire both high school students and adults alike.

As Darshanaben weaved her magic, the rapt audience busily took notes of the various
teaching aids she presented, be they charts, games or props used by Balavihar teachers. The ease with which she made complex spiritual ideas simple enough to be grasped by children was extraordinary. Darshana Aunty reminded all participants that spiritual study and harmonious cooperative effort with discipline was a must for Bala Vihar success.  Darshana Aunty provided living proof of Gurudeva Chinmayananda’s continuing inspiration as she concluded her workshop. Many eagerly signed up for volunteering as Balavihar teachers for the first time, even as many bought several books for their far-flung centers. One could only wonder that Pujya Gurudeva was orchestrating this impeccable workshop through the several sincere teams of volunteers who worked in the yajna spirit and made every aspect of this training memorable!

Photos by Jayesh Mistry

For more information visit CMH website at www.chinmayahouston.org or contact Bharati
Sutaria at 281-933- 0233 or Jay Deshmukh at 281-565- 1108.

Chinmaya Mission Centres and Acharyas Worldwide

Dear All,

Hari Om!

Hari Om!

Swamini Niranjanananda, a senior disciple of Pujya Gurudev, Swami Chinmayanandaji and serving at Chinmaya International Foundation (CIF) merged with Pujya Gurudev today, 24th August 2017 at 9:30 am.

Swamini Amma was a teacher by profession having served at Chinmaya Vidyalayas in Chennai and Bangalore as the Principal for more than ten years. She completed the Vedanta Course at  Sandeepany Sadhanalaya, Mumbai in 1993, and was bestowed the name Brni. Tapasya Chaitanya by Pujya Gurudev. Amma went on to serve Chinmaya Mission Chennai till 2001.

In 1996, Pujya Guruji, Swami Tejomayanandaji initiated her into the holy order of Sannyasa with the name Swamini Niranjanananda. Her immense academic abilities became a great asset when she took on the editorship of Tapovan Prasad, the international monthly journal of the Chinmaya Mission.

Since her posting at CIF in 2002, Swamini Amma took an active role in shaping the landscape of CIF where she was able to express her deep knowledge and also her love of plants and trees. Amma also undertook a vigorous programme of Sadhana camps. Amma conducted marathon camps on Vivekachudamani, Bhagavad Geeta, taught all the Upanishads and all chapters of  Panchadasi. In her final camp in 2016, Swamini Amma taught Bhagavan Adi Shankaracharya’s Adhyasa Bhashya on the Brahmasutra.

Our respectful homage to Swamini Amma.

At His Feet

Swami Swaroopananda

HOUSTON. The search for that Truth which carries with it the sense of everlasting happiness is an endless preoccupation of mankind. That universal search has gifted us with profound scriptures which have quintessential verses of deep import. At Chinmaya Prabha, for five days from Aug.11-15, 2017, the audience was propelled through one such meditative search by Pujya Mukhya Swami Swaroopananda, on his first visit to
Houston after becoming the global head of Chinmaya Mission. With a powerful, multi-layered analysis of each word of “Ik Onkaar,” the opening verse of Japji Sahib which is the first chapter of Guru Granth Sahib, the revered Sikh scripture, Swamiji made the audience recognize, reflect, and rejoice in the absolute beauty of the One Truth.
The atmosphere at Chinmaya Prabha was ready and waiting for such a unifying contemplation from the first evening when Mukhya Swamiji was welcomed with Texan enthusiasm and Indian festive spirit.

Kerala drums and Kannada cymbals set the rhythm for a resounding welcome and, as Swamiji entered the courtyard with Acaryas Gaurangbhai and Darshanaben, he was greeted with colorful and energetic regional dances – Punjabi, Marathi, Gujarati, and Telugu – to showcase the one joy behind the diverse gathering. After Mukhya Swamiji offered his prayers to the resplendent deities of Sri Saumyakasi Sivalaya and his pranams at the pratima of Pujya Gurudeva Swami Chinmayananda, the auspicious yajna began. Swami Swaroopanandaji skillfully described the backdrop of Guru Nanakji’s inspiration at the much-needed time of India’s religious crisis. With a humorous yet thought-provoking anecdote of a ‘cat-tied to-a rope,’ he brought attention to how the pomp and show of mindless practices often eclipse the essential Truth that is the real substratum of all faiths. Thereon, Swamiji held the attention of a rapt audience throughout his five days of pravachans; as he explained the deeper meanings of each word of the Mool Mantra, more vistas of thought opened up.

The significance of Ik using the logic of One in the multiplicity; the great sweeping
symbolism of Om; the countless expressions of That Real Existence; the glory of the Highest Cause and true Creator; the awe of connecting to the Source of fearless strength and unconditional love; the mind-shattering indication of the Timeless, eternal, Self-luminous Existence; and the depth of surrender that gains the supreme Grace of the Guru – as every word came alive in the descriptive eloquence of Swamiji, the audience was immersed in the mantra and inspired to continue the chant (jap) all through the yajna and beyond. Chinmaya Houston was also blessed by Swamiji’s guidance in the morning meditation sessions during that weekend. Using different techniques that included powerful guided imagery, Swamiji gently led the audience into a deep silence that energized wordlessly. Equally joyful in satsang, Swamiji endeared himself to also his youngest listeners during his special Bala Vihar weekend satsang when he narrated and dramatized a story about Sri Hanuman’s devotion for Lord
Rama.

The children and adults alike were spellbound with Swamiji’s story-telling skills.
Seamlessly, Swamiji could then engage in a thoughtful satsang with the youth of Chinmaya Yuvakendra (CHYK) where he answered questions and encouraged the youth to probe deeper into life’s lessons. This 2017 summer yajna leaves behind many memories along with great indicators as the many at Chinmaya Prabha continue the search toward that blissful One Truth.

For more information visit CMH website at www.chinmayahouston.org or contact
Bharati Sutaria at 281-933- 0233 or Jay Deshmukh at 281-565- 1108.