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Chinmaya Mission UK Trust Circular

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On conclusion of another successful Yagna in London, Pujya Guruji was very pleased and expressed great satisfaction with the efforts of the entire Chinmaya Mission UK family for putting together the event with so much dedication and love. We would like to thank everyone for contributing to this event in the selfless spirit of karma yoga.

In presiding over the last Trust meeting before His departure, Guruji recalled of when he was called to serve as the head of the mission in 1993, how from modest beginnings, the UK chapter has grown into a vibrant and dynamic mission it is today, with vastly increased following and outreaches beyond London. With tireless dedication and devotion, the Mission in the UK has established a very active center at Chinmaya Kirti in Hendon, and has recently added the Chinmaya Vidya Nagri (CVN) at Oxford and with Ramesh Pattni, having recently been invested with doctorate from University of Oxford, we look forward to his even greater contribution towards development of the Mission and in particular CVN.

Rupin Vadera and Tushar Karia have both been expressing their wish for some time now to step down from the Trust Board and Working Committee due to health and work reasons, although both have reiterated their commitment to serving the Mission in whatever way they can. Pujya Guruji and all the board members recognized the enormous contribution Rupin has made in building up the Mission over the last decades, very ably supported by Tushar Karia. Guruji was clear in his mind that though He honoured their wish to step down, He had no doubt that both Rupin and Tushar would remain in the Mission just as the Mission will remain in them and that they will be ever prepared to support the aims and projects of the Mission.

Guruji then nominated Suresh Wadhwani, who has served as the Vice-President for many years, to take over as the new President and remarked that Suresh has worked tirelessly and devotedly for the Mission and without doubt is equipped to take the responsibilities ably. The Board members honoured and accepted Guruji’s decision and affirmed their commitment to serving the Mission with their best efforts.

The Trust Board looks forward to all of us collectively working together in yajna spirit to build on the strong foundation passed on to us and take the Mission to greater heights as our offering to the vision of Pujya Gurudev.

Chinmaya Mission Indore is coming up with a construction project

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Hari Om!

We feel proud to announce that by pujya Gurudev’s blessings and pujya Guruji’s guidance Chinmaya Mission Indore is coming up with a construction project. We are expanding for you. Indore is a vibrant center in terms of transportation for the visitors of Mahakal and Omkareshwar. Chinmaya Mission Indore proposes to extend help to the devotees like you who are coming from all over the world to visit these shrines. Additionally, after the completion of the project, residential camps can be held at Indore very smoothly by any Chinmaya Mission center and beloved devotees. We appeal to you to be a part of the project and give your valuable contribution in making it a success.

Chinmaya Mission Indore

Chinmaya Mission Indore1

Bhagawat Saptah in CM South Africa

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Srimad Bhagawat Saptah by Swami Abhedananda in Durban, South Africa

As part of commemorating Pujya Gurudev’s Birth Centenary Celebrations, Chinmaya Mission South Africa organised a ‘Bhagawat Saptah Family Camp’, conducted by Swami Abhedananda from 26th June to 2nd July 2016.

A day before the Bhagawat Saptaha was the grand inauguration of “Brahmaloka” – a newly renovated and state of the art auditorium cum satsang hall, which was dedicated to the public by Swami Abhedananda. Thus, the Bhagawat Saptaha was the first auspicious program to be conducted in this new auditorium.

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More than 300 devotees and delegates attended the Bhagawat Saptah, and around 50 overseas delegates from USA, Singapore, Dubai, and India stayed in the newly constructed ashram premises, which is nested on top of a serene hill in Durban within the premises of the Chinmaya Shivam temple. The delegates revelled in the beautiful ashram, experiencing the towering source of spiritual knowledge that invigorates the entire vicinity with its resounding spiritual energy; bestowing peace and happiness upon everyone who enters it’s inviting gates from all walks of life.

The Bhagwatam Saptah camp witnessed seven days of blissful satsangs on complete Shrimad Bhagawatam, and festive celebrations of various Utsavs and leelas including Shri Ram Janmotsav, Shri Krishna Janmotsav and Rukmini-Krishna Vivaha Utsav. During the evenings, devotees revelled in musical performances and Bhajan Sandhya by professional artists, as well as cultural programs by children. Aside from this two traditional priests from Madurai had come specially to perform daily Havans and rituals which were participated by the Yajamans of the Bhagawat Saptaha. Prior to the commencement of the Bhagawat Saptah, Saturday, the priests conducted the Sankalp Havan and Pooja where all the Yajmaans took sankalp for peace, prosperity and growth of the ashram and all it’s devotees. On subsequent days, the priests performed different havas like Sri Ganesha havan, Sri Maha Vishnu havan, Navagraha havan, Sree Sooktam havan, Gayatri havan etc.

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On the inaugural day of the Bhagawat Saptah, a grand procession of Shrimad Bhagawatam was held from the Chinmaya Shivam Temple to the Satsang Hall ‘Bramhaloka’. The procession was led by Swami Abhedananda ji and followed by the Yajamans and other devotees, carrying the Bhagawatam on their head. Hundreds of devotees thronged the ashram to witness this glorious moment and to revel in the leelas of Shri Krishna. The traditional lamp lighting and formal inauguration was performed by His Holiness Swami Saradaprabhananadaji – Vice President of Ramakrishna Mission South Africa, along with Swami Abhedanandaji. While Swami Abhedananda described the enchanting glories of the Lord, the main priest performed the parayan of ‘Shrimad Bhagawatam’ and the assist priest mentally chanted ‘Om Namo Bhagawate Vaasudevaaya’ to invoke the grace of the lord and bless everyone present there. Throughout the saptaha, lunch and dinner bhiksha were lovingly served to all the devotees who were present to hear the Bhagawat Saptah. Every evening concluded with the Aarti of the magnificent Lord Shiva in Chinmaya Shivam temple where devotees thronged in large numbers.

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’. How can one describe the ecstasy of the devotees on the night of celebration of Sri Krishna Janmotsav! Sweets, miniature flutes, feathers, giveaways as gifts, chocolates were all showered and distributed among the elated devotees.

On the last day of the Bhagawat Saptah, the children performed a captivating skit on Shri Krishna and his devotees. The well scripted skit once again melted the hearts of the audience reminding them about the glories of the Lord.

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The culmination was done on 3rd July with the auspicious Purnahuti Havan, followed by Vishnu Sahasranama Archana and Samashti Bhiksha for all devotees. Knowing that it is considered 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. Expressing their gratitude in many different ways to Pujya Swamiji and other members of Chinmaya Mission South Africa, the devotees departed for their homes with a heavy heart, but overflowing with joyful memories that they would cherish all throughout their life.

The Bhagawat Saptaha camp was truly a befitting tribute to Pujya Gurudev on the auspicious occasion of His birth centenary.

 

Activities in Bengaluru July 2016

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Pujya Swami Hamsananda of Hubli centre conducted a Jnana Yajna at Rajeshwari Vidyashala, R R Nagar from 26th June to 2nd July taking Hanuman Chalisa in the evenings and Sadhana Panchakam in the mornings. The Yajna was inaugurated by Dr. Mohan, secretary of school and Rajeshwari Charitable Hospital. Swamiji brought out the essence of Hanuman Chalisa linking it to our daily sadhana and how just this one composition is enough to liberate mankind from the ocean of samsara. Swamiji also mentioned how we all believe in God, but do not have faith in God. Hanumanji is an embodiment of fearlessness arising out of absolute, unshakable faith in the Lord. Study of Sadhana Panchakam helps the sadhak to strive in the path of sadhana and gain the absolute knowledge. The Yajna was well attended.

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Swamiji also conducted mid-day class on Saraswati Puja Vidhi for the Devi Group members. He also conducted a Balvihar Meet on 2nd July and a Youth Meet on 3rd July which were well attended.

Pujya Br Sujay Chaitanya of Mangalore centre conducted a Jnana Yajna in English at Jayarama Seva Mandali, Jayanagar from 3rd July to 10th July taking Amrita Bindu Upanishad in the evenings. The Yajna was inaugurated by Pujya Swami Brahmananda. This Yajna happened to mark 25 years of association between Chinmaya Mission and Jayarama Seva Mandali. Pujya Sujayji explained the importance of understanding the fact that it is necessary to purify the mind from all negative thoughts and dwell only in such activities that tend to calm and keep the mind inwards away from the external objects that tend to make the mind extrovert. It is also necessary to understand the impermanent nature of the body, mind and intellect so that one can strive to understand the all pervading, omnipotent, changeless entity that constitutes our very nature – Sat Chit Ananda. The Yajna was well attended.

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Sujayji also conducted a Youth Meet on 10th July which was attended by over 30 youngsters.

Pujya Swami Brahmananda conducted a Gita Jnana Yajna in Kannada from 15th July to 21st July at Bunts Sangha, Vijayangar taking Bhagavad Gita chapter 17 in the evenings. The Yajna was inaugurated by Sri K Krishnamurthy, President and Managing Director, Rambus Chip Technologies (India) Pvt Ltd who is also an ardent devotee of Pujya Gurudev and a senior mission member. Pujya Swamiji stressed the importance of developing absolute and unflinching faith in the scriptures and Guru if one has to blossom in the spiritual field and understand the ultimate Truth that ‘I’ am not the body, mind & intellect but the all pervading life principle – Sat Chit Ananda. The three Gunas play a very important role in a person’s life and personality influencing every aspect of character, personality and daily living but it is important to evolve from Tamas to Rajas and ultimately Satwa controlling the senses through puja, japa and meditation so as to train the mind to become calm and serene to face life in a meaningful way. Guru Poornima was observed on 19/07/2016 through Vyas Ashtotra, Chinmaya Astotra, Bhajans and Paduka Puja. The Yajna was very well attended.

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Pujya Br Sujay Chaitanya of Mangalore centre conducted a Jnana Yajna in English at Prarthana Mandir, Chinmaya Vidyalaya, Koramangla from 24th July to 30th July taking Amrita Bindu Upanishad in the evenings. The Yajna was inaugurated by Sri B Krishnakumar, president of the Mission. Explaining in detail the impure and pure mind, Pujya Sujayji explained how the impure mind can be purged and evolved to become pure through constant introspection, meditation and Satsang so that it can through the light of knowledge grasp the fact that all names and forms are just appearances projected as the reflected moons in different pots but the ultimate TRUTH is the all pervading immutable Self which is beyond all division, speculation and logic. The Yajna was well attended and Pujya Sujayji conducted a youth meet on Sunday 31st, July whcih was attended by over 30 youngsters.

Celebration of Jnana Yagna at Chinmaya Maruti

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Swami Tejomayananda Completes Week-Long Visit to Boston, Celebrates Jnana Yagna at Chinmaya Maruti.

ANDOVER, MA—Spiritual leader and world-wide Chinmaya Mission head Swami Tejomayananda completed his week-long visit to Chinmaya Maruti and led Jnana Yagna and discourses on Bhagavad Gita for Daily Living and on Guru, the Guiding Light and Roles and Goals, spreading the wisdom of Vedanta throughout the world.

With his busy itinerary that included San Jose, Portland, Minneapolis, Pittsburgh, Dallas, London, and so on, Chinmaya Mission Boston (CMB) was fortunate enough to be part of that itinerary, hosting him from July 21st  through 26th, 2016.

This visit was extra special as it was the last Jnana Yagna conducted by Pujya Guruji in Boston before he steps down as the world-wide head of Chinmaya Mission at the end of this year.

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For six days, in his discourses on Bhagavad Gita for Daily Living, Pujya Guruji lovingly shared with us not just what the Gita teaches us for our day-to-day living, but more importantly the why’s and the how’s as well.

By pointing us to verses from the Gita, Guruji clearly explained how best to maintain our relationships with material things and interactions with humans, as well as why doing so would lead to a happy life.

At the Metrowest center of Chinmaya Mission Boston, Pujya Guruji gave a brilliant talk about our Roles & Goals. He started off by describing the seemingly varied roles each of us plays in our daily lives and the different goals that go along with them. By the end of the discourse Guruji had shown us how ultimately all of us have only one role and one goal – we should see the Lord in everyone (Sevak); and all our actions should be done with the attitude of worship of the Lord (Seva).

Guruji's Visit to Center

In his discourse on Guru, the Guiding Light, Guruji explained how a spiritual teacher would help us understand what is Real and Unreal in this world; how that understanding would lead us from the darkness of ignorance to the light of knowledge; and how that knowledge would free us from the fear of death.

We were also fortunate to listen to discourses on Gopika Geetam from Srimad Bhagavatam by Swami Shantanandaji, head of Chinmaya Mission West. Just listening to the beautiful meaning behind Lord Krishna’s tricks and the devotion the Gopis had for their Lord tugged at our heartstrings.

With great pride and joy, CMB members felicitated Pujya Guruji Swami Tejomayanandaji on Saturday, July 23rd for having received the Padma Bhushan, one of India’s highest civilian awards earlier this year. At the same time, Pujya Guruji released the “Chinmaya Maruti” souvenir that was brought out on the occasion of Pujya Gurudev Swami Chinmayanandaji’s birth centenary and Pujya Guruji’s visit.

All six days of spiritual discourses saw packed halls. CMB members, local non-Mission members and Chinmaya Mission members from Ottawa to Florida were in attendance. Cultural programs by CMB members preceded the evening lectures and set the tone for the evening. With Pujya Gurudev’s grace and blessings the Jnana Yagna went off smoothly and all CMB members are ever grateful to Pujya Guruji for giving us this opportunity.

Love but Give Space

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Generally, we tend to get attached to the things and beings we live with.  An interesting point with regard to material objects, is that when we love a living being we expect them to reciprocate our love.  But with material things, our love is utterly selfless, without any expectation.  The cherished object does not even know how much you are attached to it. You are attached to it; it is not attached to you!

Suppose a thief comes and steals my treasured object, the object will, most happily, go with him.  It makes no difference to it, whether it remains with me, another person or all by itself. One day this thought occurred to a Mahatma. He reflected, “Why am I so attached to objects? I take so much care of them, but they do not care about me. They are happy and satisfied without me.  If they can remain without me, why cannot I remain without them?”

We are so dependent on things and beings; but what did we bring with us when we were born? Not even a cup of coffee! Now we say that we cannot function without a cup of coffee or tea in the morning! We have cultivated these addictions; we were not born with them. Yet they have the power to make us dance.

Psychological Dependence on Objects

Spirituality is freedom from slavery and dependence on the world of material objects. Yes, objects are there, they are valuable, they are necessary, they fulfill our needs; therefore, we must take care of them. But, unfortunately, instead of us possessing them, they possess and control us. A householder is one who holds a house; but in our case the house, holds us!

There are two types of dependence – physical and psychological. For example, when I am hungry, I will eat food; this is a natural physical dependence on food.  But if there is no food and my worry over it becomes an obsession, it is psychological dependence.   One day a young boy came to me and asked, “Swamiji, is it true that those devotees who went in search of God, somehow managed to get food all the time?  Someone came and gave them food. Is it true?”

“Yes. It is true.”

“If I go in search of God, will I get food?”

“No”.

“Why not?”

“Because you are going in search of food, not God! You are already worrying about food. But those who went in search of God, the thought of food never entered their mind. The Lord took care of them. If they got food, they enjoyed it. If not, they were still satisfied.”

There was no psychological dependence.  To free our mind from this kind of dependence is called spirituality.

Attachment to Beings

We display the same attachment and dependence with beings, be they our relations or our pets.  Not being attached does not mean that we do not love them.  Loving and being attached are quite different.  The nature of attachment is such that either you become totally dependent on them or you make them dependent on you. This dependence is called attachment.

Some mothers think that loving their toddler means physically holding him all the time. You do not even allow him to put his foot on the ground!   That is not love.  On the other hand, allowing your child to stand up and walk, even though he may initially stumble a few times, is real love. So love and attachment are very different.   Do not be attached.

Healthy Relationships

How can we develop healthy relationships?  The best example is our two hands. Put them together as though in a clap.  They are together, and yet at the same time, there is an almost invisible gap between them. Whenever you like, you can release your hands – you are not bound. Your relationships should be like this – that you are close together, but at the same time, there is some space. We are together; yet there is some distance, some freedom also. If you love someone, you set him or her free.  We should know how to detach and how to be together.  This is spirituality.