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Diksha ceremony at Chinmaya Mission Houston
HOUSTON. On this auspicious morning of August 12, 2017, just after 8 am, the audience in Chinmaya Smrti hall were witness to a most profound and moving Diksha ceremony. Aditi Deshmukh, a child of Chinmaya Balavihar Houston, born to two blessed parents, Jay and Rohini Deshmukh, and raised with a great love for spirituality, received her Brahmacarini Diksa from Pujya Mukhya Swami Swaroopanandaji, the global head of Chinmaya Mission who is presently at Houston for an awe-inspiring jnana yajna on “Ik Onkaar.” Giving her the new name of Brni. Shweta Chaitanya chosen by Pujya Guruji Swami Tejomayananda, Mukhya Swamiji inspired her to brilliant purity of purpose as her new name suggests. He blessed her to carry the message of the scriptures (pravacana) and reminded her to be steadfast in her self-study (swadhyaya).
Aditi’s spiritual journey began from childhood at Balavihar nurtured by the loving guidance of the Acaryas, Sri Gaurangbhai and Smt. Darshanaben. After graduating from University of Texas, Austin, she followed a deeper calling and completed her Vedanta Course at Sandeepany, Mumbai, under the great tutelage of Swami Bodhatmananda. Just a few months back, Aditi finished her secular commitment of earning a post-graduate degree from Columbia University.The decision became very firm in her mind about dedicating herself to uninterrupted Chinmaya sadhana.
Her transformational journey found its first momentous milestone this morning when she
offered herself to the Chinmaya monastic order and donned her yellow clothes. Overwhelmed by the sheer and sublime power of the Chinmaya Guru Parampara that has transformed an earnest and inspired Aditi into a serene and dedicated Brahmacarini Shweta Chaitanya, the audience was overjoyed, moved, proud, and also humbled by the uplifting ceremony. There were eyes moist with tears of joy and hearts full with a sense of great love.The entire Chinmaya family of Houston is honored to be part of her noble journey and pray for the new Brahmacarini’s spiritual fulfillment.
Hari Om!
For more information on Chinmaya Mission Houston and its activities visit
www.chinmayahouston.org or Jay Deshmukh 832-541- 0059 or Bharati Sutaria 281-933- 0233
A Soul Search – The Guru Answers the Scholar King By Swami Bodhatmananda
A Soul Search – The Guru Answers the Scholar King
Talks based on
Ashtavakra Geeta, Chapter 1 and Meditation based on Kathopanishad, Chapter 1
South Mumbai was blessed with the presence of Swami Bodhatmananda ji from 9th to 11th August when Swamiji expounded the teachings of Sage Ashtavakra to Maharaja Janak during the evening talks and the teachings of Lord Yama to the well-prepared student, Nachiketa during the morning talks. Swamiji also visited some of the Devi/Study groups for small satsangs with lunch bhikshas.
The meditation talks were held at the center, Chinmaya Sagar in the mornings and saw a regular attendance of 30-35 attentive seekers. In talks Swamiji explained how the purpose of meditation was not just to quieten the mind to a state of thoughtlessness but to strengthen our identity that the Upanishads have declared and the weaken our identity which the world has given us. Meditation is also not for gaining new knowledge nor is it for experiencing the atma.
In order to strengthen the Upanishadic identity, we need to use the Upanishads. Swamiji emphasized that we should first do Shravanam, to listen and take in the wisdom in the Upanishads, then we should realize that the atma that is being spoken of is me. I am that infinitude. Finally, we awaken to the fact that the Upanishads are talking about me, it is my biography, my identity.
Using the mantras in Chapter 1 of Kathopanishad Swamiji explained to us how we are different from dharma-adharma, cause-effect, the 3 periods of time and that we are that Pure Consciousness – Chaitanya Swaroop. I am not matter, nor matter and consciousness, nor changing consciousness. I am that Unchanging Consciousness. I am birth less and deathless, I am akarta, abhogta and I have no sambhandha with karma or karmaphalam.
These pointers are to be used in the seat of meditation to negate the worldly identity and assert the Upanishadic identity.
The evening talks on Ashtavakra Geeta were held at Prempuri Ashram with a 150 plus very receptive audience. Swamiji pointed out that almost every shloka in the Chapter was a Mahavakya. A Mahavakya being that which reveals my infinite nature. This text has a large collection of infinitude revealing statements.
Going through the Chapter, Swamiji explained King Janak’s question of how does a seeker gain knowledge and dispassion and how is liberation attained. The only way liberation is gained is through knowledge. Vairagya and liberation are the cause for knowledge of the atma, jnanam. Jnanam will result in liberation. Vairagya and mumukshutvam cannot directly give liberation.
Swamiji explained to us what exactly is liberation – it is the giving up of what I am not and abiding in what I am. It is due to erroneous thinking that we are bound. Only knowledge can remove this false identification that we have and give us freedom. Swamiji elaborated in detail the sadhanas mentioned by Sage Ashtavakra and urged us to develop qualities like Kshama, Arjava, Daya, Tosha, Satyam. We are expected to do sadhanas till such time as we are ready to accept the Upanishadic Truths as a fact.
After the sadhanas, the nature of the atma is pointed out. The atma is other than the gross, subtle and causal bodies, the 5 elements. It is the witness of all. The atma is akarta and abhogta. I alone am satyam, rest is all mithya. Something which is mithya cannot bother that which is satyam and consequently I cannot have fear of mithya. The result of this knowledge is fearlessness.
Swamiji pointed out that there were no specific criteria to define when one is liberated. Liberation happens only when one has clear knowledge that one is free. There is no partial elimination of ignorance. Swamiji then elucidated the rest of the verses wherein different pointers of the atma have been given which may be used for meditation.
I was ever the atma. Never the meditator. Never bound. I am ever free. I am Infinitude. I am Sat Chit Ananda.
Swamiji explained the depths of Vedantic philosophy in a very simple manner, sprinkled with many humorous examples to drive home the point clearly and surely. Swamiji somehow managed to link the morning talks, afternoon satsangs and the evening talks so well, one felt that were all in continuation.
South Mumbai was left wanting to hear more from Swami Bodhatmananda ji.
CHYK DC Retreat on July at Chinmaya Somnath
CHYK DC held their annual retreat from July 21-23 at Chinmaya Somnath, located in Chantilly, VA. The CHYK retreat was held alongside a Family Camp run by CMWRC, led by Mukhya Swami Swaroopananda. Mukhya Swamiji spoke on the Gayatri Mantra, including its history and cultural significance, its meaning, and its power. The CHYK camp also included discourses led by Vivekji on “Peace in a Restless World”.
Because the retreat was organized alongside a Family Camp, it was structured differently than a normal CHYK retreat. The CHYKs sat alongside other members during the discourses by Mukhya Swamiji and during meals, and spent the other hours listening to discourses by Vivekji, engaging in satsang, and participating in Q&As. This arrangement also allowed for CHYKs to participate in seva activities with the local Chinmaya Mission chapter, such as serving meals and helping with set up and clean up. This strengthened the bond between the local CHYK community and the Chinmaya Somnath congregation.
During the course of the retreat, Mukhya Swami Swaroopananda illuminated the history of the Gayatri Mantra, the traditions surrounding it, and its meaning, both literal and philosophical. Mukhya Swamiji spent a great deal of time focusing on the universality of the Gayatri Mantra. The message of Vedas and spiritual knowledge being applicable to all was reminiscent of the original message of Gurudev.
The final event for the CHYK retreat was a Q&A/satsang with Mukhya Swamiji limited to CHYKs. During this time, he told stories about his time with Gurudev and gave us further insight into his discourses.
FAITH – THE FORCE OF CONVICTION
We sleep with the faith that we will wake up in the morning
We turn on the ignition in the faith the car will start.
Faith is always about the unknown.
The known needs no faith. It is known.
Belief can be blind if not backed by intellectual inquiry or self-
experience.
In Context of Spirituality…Faith is the:
Conviction that precedes the determination to walk the path
Faith in the words…the nobility and ability of the Guru
Intellectual conviction in the validity of the Scriptures
Scriptures indicate the Truth, which the Guru correctly interprets
He is a realized soul and I will attain the same state.
I have not seen God but know He exists
WHEN THERE IS NO FAITH THERE IS
Confusion as to:
the goal
the means to achieve it
the effort needed to attain it
WHAT FAITH DOES?
Enables us to listen to the Scriptures with an open mind
Encourages reflection on their teachings…
…in the assurance it will reveal the Truth
Helps strengthen the mind through enquiry
Culminates in Knowledge
A Natural Corollary to this is – FAITH IN THE GURU
To be instilled with Faith in Scriptures
To determine and find the means to the Goal
To know the Guru trusts my ability to reach the Goal
– – SWAMI TEJOMAYANANDA
Guru Poornima and Shravanamasa Celebrations in in Bengaluru
Guru Poornima (Bhagawan Veda Vyasa Jayanti) was celebrated in the holy presence of Pujya Swami Brahmanandaji at Sripaadakshetra, J P Nagar on Sunday, 9th July, 2017 with melodious bhajans by Chinmaya Swara Sangam and Devi Groups followed by Vyasa Ashtottara and Paduka Puja led by Puja Swami Brahmanandaji himself. Later Pujya Swamiji held the packed audience spell bound with a powerful thought provoking Satsang – Guroh Parataram Nasti expounding the greatness of Sadguru.
It is indeed the fortunate few who through divine grace get the rare opportunity to meet a Guru who will remove all wrong notions of attachment to the limited body. It is only this Self knowledge that will destroy the EGO and reveal the supreme Truth that ‘I’ am not limited to the body, mind and intellect but pervade the entire cosmos without birth and death which are only for the physical body that is conditioned by time and space. This will remove all wrong imaginations and fear regarding birth and death paving way for calming the ever turbulent mind helping to live a fruitful and grateful life serving society. The entire Guru Parampara beginning with Bhagawan Veda Vyasa have ensured that this knowledge has been preserved, protected and shared with dedicated sadhaks who in turn have ensured that the flame of knowledge is kept eternally alive.
The programme was very well attended.
Shravanamasa Celebrations
The season of festivals has begun and the special puja of Lord Shiva in Sripaadakshetra, J P Nagar is being done with all religious fervor through Rudrabhisheka, Shivasahasranama, Bhajans, Alankara and Aarati every Monday during the Shravana Masa. The Puja is followed by classical musical performance by noted artists as a devotional offering to the Lord that take the devotees to heights of ecstasy bringing additional divinity to the entire atmosphere.
Gita Jnana Yajna by Pujya Swami Gahanananda in Bengaluru
Pujya Swami Gahanananda of Dharwad centre conducted a Gita Jnana Yajna today from 18th Jul, 2017 to 23rd Jul, 2017 in Kannada at Sri Vara Siddhi Vinayaka Temple, Nobonagar taking Bhagavad Gita Chapter 3. The Yajna was inaugurated by Sri K N L Rao, Managing Trustee of the temple.
Pujya Swamiji stressed that Jnana Yoga is fit for a person who has deep interest in thinking, understanding the supreme Truth, subtle Vedantic concepts while Karma Yoga is suited for a person with inclination to serve the society with a selfless attitude. The wheel of karma is very subtle as the entire universe is propelled based on interdependence and if this Dharma of living with an attitude of give and take is not followed the balance in nature will be upset leading to a life of misery and disharmony. We need to work in unison and harmony not only with human beings but also with the animal, plant and mineral kingdom besides the natural forces as one cannot survive without the support of the other. The right type of sadhana is to restrain the senses first allowing only good and noble thoughts to influence which in turn will help purifying the mind. The intellect nurtured by noble thoughts can then guide the mind to take right actions overcoming the enemies that are in the form of negative tendencies. This in turn will elevate the personality resulting in a true karma yogi whose action will benefit entire humanity.
The Yajna was well attended.
Jnana Yajna by Pujya Swami Brahmananda in Bengaluru
Pujya Swami Brahmananda conducted a Jnana Yajna in Kannada at Bunts’ Hall, Vijaynagar, from 10th Jul 2017 to 16th Jul, 2017 taking Gita Sara (selected shlokas from the Bhagavad Gita by Bhagawan Ramana Maharshi). The Yajna was inaugurated by Sri Santosh Rai, president of Bunts’ Association.
Pujya Swamiji stressed the fact that the biggest mistake of humanity is accepting the fact that ‘I’ am the body, creating duality by considering ‘ME’ the supreme all pervading Consciousness as different from the world and running after external objects seeking permanent happiness and joy. Only when we transcend the names and forms our true Self gets revealed to the calm and tranquil mind which in reality is true liberation. Liberation is not freedom from attachment but the knowledge that there is no attachment at all. The world is full of such great Mahatmas who have been able to control their senses and with a calm mind lead a meaningful life serving society.
Guru Poornima Puja was performed on the last day with Vyasa Ashttottara and paduka puja. On 15th July, 2017 Yuva Kendra members staged a value based drama “Na Me Bhaktah Pranashyati” depicting the glory of devotion through the story of Bhakta Chandrahasa who overcame all obstacles in life through namsmarana.
The Yajna was very well attended.
Gita Jnana Yajna by Pujya Swami Jitatmananda in Bengaluru
Pujya Swami Jitatmananda of Ottapalam (Palakkad) centre conducted a Jnana Yajna in Malayalam from 1st July to 7th July 2017 on Narada Bhakti Sootram at Deenabandhu Temple, Indiranagar. The Yajna was inaugurated by Smt Nirmala Menon, senior devotee of Pujya Gurudev.
Pujya Swamiji introduced the text as concepts of devotion laid down by Sage Narada who is the greatest devotee the world has seen. Narada Bhakti Sootra contains beautiful tips to remove ignorance and impart the highest Self knowledge through the medium of Bhakti. The true meaning of Bhakti is unflinching love to the Lord with no trace of any selfishness. True devotion to the Lord in any form be it for worldly comforts or the highest Brahma Vidya will lead to chitta shuddhi that ultimately helps the devotee to become one with the Lord. A real devotee is never tormented by the past or worried about the present and future but leads an exemplary life firmly rooted at the lotus feet of the Lord conquering all odds with a calm and serene mind. This is the only way to find our true purpose in life and serve society selflessly and become one with the Lord.
The Yajna was well attended.
Chinmaya Aradhana Puja at Chinmaya Centre of World Understanding, New Delhi
Chinmaya Aradhana Puja at Chinmaya Centre of World Understanding, New Delhi
“Remembrance is the greatest form of love and worship…His (Gurudev) remembrance is a remembrance of the love, the joy, the happiness and ananda that He is.” Swami Swaroopananda. On a very pleasant Thursday morning blessed by the cooling touch of Pavan Devata, devotees gathered at the Pratima Sthal to offer their gratitude and reverence to Pujya Gurudev on his Mahasamadhi day. Swami Prakarshananda performed the abhishek along with the mukhya yajman as the atmosphere resounded with the chanting of Vedic hymns led by Anand Sharmaji and Brni. Vrinda. The multi-faceted personality of Pujya Gurudev, his extraordinary karma, His Divine virtues, his Absolute nature – surfaced in the mind to the melody of Swami Prakarshananda’s heartfelt chanting of the 108 names of Pujya Gurudev. The puja concluded with aarti and mahaprasad. An added blessing was a sip of the jal from the sacred Mansarovar – thanks to Pujya Swamiji who has recently returned from a succesfully concluded yatra to Kailash Mansarovar. Swamini Gurupriyananda was present, as always, to pay homage to her beloved Master. August 3 rd is observed as Sadhana Day worldwide in the Chinmaya Family. To help us on our path, Swami Prakarshanada’s message enumerated three sadhanas that we should practice:
Maintain extreme awareness towards negative thoughts arising in the mind; to discipline the mind every time a negative thought crops up resolve to write, “Om Shri Chinmaya Sadgurave Namah” 108 times. This is the only way to root out negative thoughts; otherwise such thoughts will continue to grow unabated.
Drop insistence; we can try our level best but after a point insistence (about a particular result) should be dropped from the mind. This is a very subtle sadhana.
Be completely selfless. How do we know if the action is selfless? When we are not perturbed by any comments passed in relation to the action (because the action has been performed for the sake of the Lord, as His worship), then the action is selfless.
Following through on Swamiji’s instructions will make every day a Sadhana Day, true worship of Our Pujya Gurudev.