In This Issue CHINMAYA MISSION WEST BIMONTHLY NEWSLETTER. September 2009, No. 131 SPIRITUAL TRAILS REFLECTIONS NEWS & EVENTS ANNOUNCEMENTS

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1 CHINMAYA MISSION WEST BIMONTHLY NEWSLETTER September 2009, No. 131 In This Issue SPIRITUAL TRAILS Graceful Aging The True Worker Travelogue REFLECTIONS Light Teaching The Untying of Knots NEWS & EVENTS Pujya Guruji s North American Tour New CMW Centers and Acharyas Chinmaya Naada Bindu Opens BV Camp on Festive India BV Camp on The Value of Values BV Camp on Five Powers to Empower CM Toronto Mother s Day Puja CIF s New Sanskrit Certification Support Chinmaya Vibhooti Support CIF ANNOUNCEMENTS December Camp with Pujya Guruji Vedanta 2010: CMW s One-Year Course Pujya Gurudev s Birth Centenary Chinmaya Publications: New CD Arrivals New Prayer for CM Centers Easy Sanskrit Online Course Sevak Training Camps CIF's Correspondence Vedanta Courses Project CIF New CCMT Website

2 Mission Statement To provide to individuals, from any background, the wisdom of Vedanta, and the practical means for spiritual growth and happiness, enabling them to become positive contributors to society. CHINMAYA MISSION CENTERS IN NORTH AMERICA CENTERS in USA Arizona Phoenix (480) ; Arkansas Bentonville (479) ; California Bakersfield (661) ; Los Angeles (714) ; Piercy (707) ; Sacramento (916) ; San Diego (858) ; San Jose (408) ; Tustin (714) Connecticut Fairfield (203) ; District of Columbia/Maryland/Virginia Washington (301) ; Florida Miami (305) ; Orlando (407) ; St. Augustine (904) ; Tampa (813) ; Georgia Alpharetta (678) ; Atlanta (478) ; Illinois Chicago (630) ; Indiana Northwest Region (219) ; Massachusetts Boston (978) ; Michigan Ann Arbor (734) ; Flint (810) ; Minnesota Minneapolis (612) ; New Jersey Princeton (609) ; New York Buffalo (716) ; New York (718) ; North Carolina Raleigh-Durham (919) ; Ohio Columbus (614) ; Oregon Portland (503) ; Pennsylvania Philadelphia (215) ; Pittsburgh (412) ; Texas Austin (512) ; Beaumont (409) ; Dallas-Fort Worth (972) ; Houston (281) ; Washington Seattle (509) ; CENTERS in CANADA Calgary (403) ; Halton (905) ; Niagara Falls (905) ; Ottawa (613) ; Toronto (905) ; Vancouver (604) ; Chinmaya Mission is registered trademark of Chinmaya Mission West. Editor: Brahmacharini Aparna Chaitanya Layout: Odalis Valdivieso Copy Editors: Dipali Trivedi, James Hausman, Lynne Matous CM Centers' Liaison: Seema Jani Submissions: 'Krishnalaya' CMW Headquarters/Retreat Center: (707) / fax (707) ; info-krishnalaya@chinmayamission.org CMW Executive Secretary: Brahmacharini Aparna Chaitanya / (305) ; fax (305) ; secretary@chinmayamission.org CHINMAYA PUBLICATIONS Toll Free (888) CMW-READ publications@chinmayamission.org (215) ; fax (215)

3 d His Holiness Swami Tapovanam Ah! Wonderful! The Truth is very wonderful indeed. Jiva, jagat, and Ishvara are all nothing other than me. The sadhus are those who continuously do remember and should remember this great secret, this Tattva which is indestructible in the three periods of time. In any transaction of the world, their abidance in the Truth or Reality should never waver. Source: Kailasa Yatra d His Holiness Swami Chinmayananda Consciousness, the enlivener of the individual human being, is the same Consciousness that acts as the substratum for the entire cosmos. In short, the substratum of the microcosm, the individual (jiva), is the same as the substratum of the macrocosm, the universe (jagat). In the case of the individual, the substratum is called the Self, or Atman, and in the case of the macrocosm, it is called the supreme Reality, or Brahman. Source: Self-Unfoldment d His Holiness Swami Tejomayananda With the vision that the Self is Brahman, when we look at the world, the whole world is recognized as the Self alone. Based on this knowledge that the Self alone appears as the world of names and forms there is a same-ness towards all objects and beings. This is the vision of the jnani. Abiding in this vision, who is there to love or hate? Everywhere, in every object and being, he sees the reflection of his own Self. Then who is there to feel sorrow for? Who is there to be attached to? Source: Meditation: A Vision Click here for Pujya Guruji s Itinerary

4 Spiritual Trails Graceful Aging by Pujya Guruji Swami Tejomayananda Based on talks given at a senior citizens camp organized by Central Chinmaya Vanaprastha Samsthan From the Graceless to the Graceful The very fact that we are interested in learning the art of graceful aging shows that we are already aging gracefully. Yet we all also know that this process can always be further enhanced and accelerated. Parenting is one of the various facets of graceful aging. Many parents have raised their children well, perhaps without even knowing the art and science behind it. Doing something good is a good thing, but if we knowingly do something good, it is even better. When I first thought about the art of graceful aging, it occurred to me there must also be an art of disgraceful aging. But for the latter, no art is required merely living based on one s impulses, whims, and fancies is disgraceful enough in itself. Then there is graceless aging when a man in his old age has nothing to show to people except his age. Life is not just about gold medals or certificates. Sometimes, a person has climbed to the top of the so-called ladder of success, only to find out in his old age that the ladder was on the wrong wall! All the while he climbs, he feels he is doing wonderfully, for he sees everyone applauding. But when he reaches the top, he realizes, But this is not the place I wanted to reach! A reporter went to a person who had lived for more than a hundred years, and asked him, What is your secret? The old man said, Secret? The only secret is that I am not yet dead! If life goes on monotonously, and there is no joy or inspiration within, nothing to show for the years, the only thing one can say is, I am 4 old. No one likes to hear the word old, which is why many use the term senior citizen instead. No one says, Old is gold, anymore. I have met many old people, and in general, they usually complain. Only one person told me that old age is the best phase of life, because, he said, by then, a person has already seen the world, experienced all the fancies of youth and whatnot, and by then, the mind is much more calm, quiet, and understanding. Once we know what disgraceful aging is, and what graceless aging is, we can inquire about graceful aging. In this world is continuous change, which, it is said, is the changeless law of nature. Time can never be perceived, but we are aware of time, for it is always experienced by us in the form of change. If a change takes place, then we come to realize how much time has passed. If you were to see a baby who always remains a baby, you will never know how much time has passed, how old the baby is. Only through the perception of change do we become aware of time. And if we become intensely aware of time, we suddenly will feel such an urgency to question our life. We will realize how quickly time is passing and wonder what we have really accomplished in life. d From Rebirth to No Birth Changes are taking place everywhere. A tree will grow only as a tree, a creeper will grow only as a creeper, and a flower will grow only as a flower. Trees that grow only in a hot climate will not survive the cold, and vice versa. As compared to plants and trees, animals and birds have more freedom, for they can move from place to place. But again, as these living creatures are born, so they will remain, for while changes do take place in these plants and animals, they do not have the ability to consciously make any changes or decisions, such as, I am going to do this or I will become that. This is also

5 why they don t need a seminar on aging. But in the case of humankind, it is peculiar phenomenon that at the physical level, or any other level for that matter, even if one does not take proper care, one will change regardless. Whether this change is good or bad is a different issue. Here, the most important point is that we can consciously change; we can consciously bring about our inner and outer transformation. And because we possess this special faculty, we must utilize it to its optimum, which is why we need every kind of formal or informal education or training, so that we make the best of our lives. An elderly man went to his friend, who was also elderly. When he reached there, he found that his friend was not home, only the daughterin-law. So, he talked with her. During their conversation, he asked, How old are you? And because he was an old man, he could ask openly otherwise, to ask a lady her age is rather difficult. She said, I m 25 years old. Your husband? She answered, My husband is 15 years old. He asked, What! What about your fatherin-law? Basically, all of us have committed a big mistake and that big mistake is being born. If we were not born, there would not be any problem at all! Asti, jayate, vardhate (we exist, are born, and grow). Once born, the aging process begins. We cannot say, I will not grow. We may say this with reference to spirituality, but we cannot stop growing physically. The fundamental problem is that we are born. So, the fundamental solution is not to be born again, which is why spiritual seekers strive for moksha. Otherwise, Punarapi jananam, punarapi maranam, punarapi janani jathare shayanam : Again and again, birth, and again death, and again the mother s womb (Bhaja Govindam). And remember, here, mother s womb does not necessarily mean only a human mother, because when the jiva goes through transmigration, he can enter the womb of any being. Like this, the cycle of life and death just goes on and on, which is why the Lord says in Bhagavad Gita, Mam-upetyatu kaunteya, punar-janma na vidyate : Those who come to Me, Arjuna, are not born again. Yajjnatva amrtam ashnute : Having known which [Truth], one attains immortality. For freedom from the cycle of birth and death, knowledge of the Self is the only way. Thus, we must make an effort to not be reborn. No birth, no samsara. Such a beautiful idea: Freedom! No punar-janma. No disgraceful aging, no graceless aging, no graceful aging. No problem at all. Complete freedom. This is what our scriptures lead us to complete spiritual enlightenment. 5 She said, 10. The old man became more curious. He asked, How old is your mother-in-law? She said, Just born. What funny answers! He asked, Are you saying these things because you are angry with your husband and in-laws? She said, No, no! We all have wonderful relationships amongst ourselves. There is no problem at all. We are very happy. He demanded to know, Then, what is this? She said, I will tell you. Actually, my age is 35, but I said 25 because the first ten years were wasted. I never lived consciously, nor did I ever remember the Lord. There was no spirituality in my life at all. Only after I was 10 years old, by some mahatma s grace, I started living consciously and spiritually. So now I start counting my age only from that day, because that was when I can say I really started living. The rest of her answers were also clear now: My husband has been living consciously for 15 years, my father-in-law for 10 years. And my mother-in-law just started, but at least she started. Grace comes only when we start living a beautiful, spiritual life. Otherwise, the days merely come and go. Conscious living, in remembrance of the Lord, is how we must make our lives meaningful, joyful, and a blessing to ourselves and others. This is called graceful aging.

6 àawrnagitm! - Prārthanā Gītam BY PUJYA GURUJI SWAMI TEJOMAYANANDA Audio Download: Tv< ih nae neta Tv< ih nae data, yç Tv< nyis tç gcdam>. 1. tva hi no netā tva hi no dātā yatra tva nayasi tatra gacchāma 1 You are our Leader. You are our Provider. Wherever You lead us, there we shall follow. kaip nae icnta Kvaip nae Éym!, ydaïye tv vtarmhe sda. 2. kāpi no cintā kvāpi no bhayam yadāõraye tava vartāmahe sadā 2 We have no worries... we have no fear... for we are always under your shelter. r]kstv< ih s<kqe Kvaip, iz]kstv< ih zaeéne piw. 3. rakçakastva hi sa ka e kvāpi õikçakastva hi õobhane pathi 3 Indeed, You are our Protector in difficulties. You are our Teacher on the path of goodness. deih n> zi < buiï< twa Éi m!, dizrt e mager clnay inty< ih. 4. dehi na õakti buddhi tathā bhaktim darõite mārge calanāya nitya hi 4 Grant us strength, wisdom, and devotion to always walk on the path You have shown us. yid ivsmramstva< Tv< n ivsmr n>, balkastv he ké[akr àéae. 5. yadi vismarāmastvā tva na vismara na bālakāstava he karu ākara prabho 5 Should we forget You,You please forget us not. We are Your children, O compassionate Lord! he àéae! he ivéae!! he gurae!!! he prabho! he vibho!! he guro!!! O omniscient Lord! O omnipresent Lord! O Guru!

7 The Journey from Change to Changeless Chinmaya Family Camp 2009 Conducted by: His Holiness Swami Tejomayananda Venue: Hilton Dallas-Fort Worth Lakes Executive Conference Center Texts: Kaivalya Upanishad and Bhagavad Gita, Ch. 17 Activities: Satsangs with Acharyas, Meditation, Bhajans, CHYK Camp, Children s Activities, Cultural Programs, Banquet Attending Acharyas: Swami Shantananda, Swami Sharanananda, Swamini Shivapriyanananda, Brahmachari Uddhav Chaitanya, Brahmacharini Aparna Chaitanya, Brahmachari Prabodh Chaitanya, Brahmachari Girish Chaitanya, Acharyas P.B. and Asha Ghate To regsiter or get details: (972) /-0018 Easy Sanskrit Online Study Course Blessed Self, Hari Om! Salutations! Chinmaya International Foundation (CIF), a center for Sanskrit Research and Indology, is pleased to introduce its new Easy Sanskrit Online Study Course for beginners interested in starting their journey into Sanskrit. This course covers the salient aspects of Sanskrit grammar and vocabulary, and simplifies intricate details for easy learning. Students do not even need to know the Devanagri (Sanskrit) script, or the script for any other Indian language for that matter. So it is truly Sanskrit made easy! The course covers 13 topics that presented in modules, which students have up to 30 months to complete. A student who completes the full course will be awarded a Certificate of Completion from CIF. CIF is the academic front of Chinmaya Mission worldwide, and is affiliated to Rashtriya Sanskrit Sansthan (New Delhi) and recognized by Mahatma Gandhi University (Kottayam). Registration is US$150. Hurry to register online and become one of the first students to begin this Easy Sanskrit Course! You can also get your own Easy Sanksrit Self-Study Kit, which includes a textbook, workbook, and interactive CD for only $75! Visit Questions? easysanskrit@chinfo.org

8 The True Worker by Pujya Gurudev Swami Chinmayananda Do not rush out to improve the world. Chinmaya Mission is not there for you to look out into the world, not even so that you may look into the organization as a whole, or see and study the organization s total growth. Rather, it is here so that each one of you might develop internally. Do not keep thinking, How far have we done work outside? Only self-improvement is important. We want the chastest of the chaste for the Mission. We want sincerity and constant introspection. We are not interested in how many buildings and institutions we possess as a Mission. Instead, we are interested in how far each individual has become an institution.... Doing seva to the country or the community in the cultural field is a subtle art, and everyone is not fit for it. By paying wages, you can get any number of workers, but the number of people available as a supervisory cadre would be much less. Architects, for example, would be lesser in number, and creative thinkers are always very few in the world. Still lesser in number than the creative thinkers are the cultural workers. And this is so because the cultural workers must have true sympathy for all living beings. You can be a religious person, a spiritual seeker, but to impart religion and spirituality to others, and watch their progress in cultural edification, is vastly subtle work. For such work, the individuals must have special qualifications. cultural worker, they will lay enough adulation at your feet even to the point of destroying you. Either way, the cultural worker faces a hazard. You, the worker, must be capable of surviving both neglect and appreciation. This in itself is a great tapascharya (austerity), and this capacity you can discover in yourself only when you are in love with the work and not with the persons or the institution. This kind of work is a kind of fanaticism, but without the bad odor. You do your work with fervor because you are convinced that it is the thing to be done. You do it not necessarily for your sake, not necessarily for your country s sake, or that of your community, but you do it out of a strong conviction that it must be done, and not to do it will be an agony. If this feeling has not come in you, you can all be only labeled as a sevak, but you cannot work effectively in the field of culture. For this reason, though we have many great souls and leaders of thought, very few have been able to achieve anything or leave a mark on the cultural life of the country. Mighty individuals they may be. They may be able to start schools and hospitals, but at the end of their lives, to leave the country at least one inch superior culturally and morally, they should be made of sterner material. Ordinary mortals with their sentimental emotions, with all their weaknesses and passions, cannot achieve it. Cultural work is by its nature creative work, which demands a response from that for which it is created. You, the true sevak, should not expect recognition of your work from either the people or your own organization. To hope for patronage from the public is futile, because it is in the nature of your work that all will not patronize and very few will understand you. But once the public does recognize the 8 You, the cultural leader, may not even look like a hero, but your dynamism will come from the self-sufficiency within, from your conviction of the goal and the program to achieve it. Without conviction, no real work is possible for the true worker. This conviction can never be thrust from above. It must come from within. We must be in love with our ideal, the very purpose of our work. From the glory of our

9 vision within will come the gloriously effective work outside. By conviction, I do not mean an intellectual conviction, but an incapacity to be otherwise. Your work must compel you to act. It must be as intimate as your breathing. Even when you are drowning deep under the water, when you know air is not there, still you breathe in the water. Why? Without breathing you cannot remain. The muscles in your thorax, the muscles of your face and throat, will demand it. Just as the compulsion is there to breathe under water, if you feel such a compulsion for cultural work, then not to work is agony. Such an individual is the true worker in the spiritual field. To be a true worker is in itself the greatest tapas that is known to us. It is a great sadhana because you cannot take away your mind from it. There is no other greater tapas possible. It is not always by giving money that you become useful. Give your spiritual wealth. Give those ideas that you have thought out, understood, and lived, so that a person, having once come near you, should always hunger to come back. This is the quality of a sevak. The true spiritual worker must calmly work on in the face of jealousy, passions, and competitions, even within his or her own institution. You cannot avoid these things. To expect it to be otherwise is foolish. Our work is not outside this world, and this is the nature of the world. Also, in the world, in trying to do good, you are likely to get only kicks. Don t wait for the consolation of getting appreciation from others. Discover goodness in yourself. Seek it in others and do as much good as you can. You will then find that every moment is rewarding. You will find your happiness in the feeling of doing what you wanted to do in the world. This must be the attitude of sevaks. Seek peace in the midst of turmoil. Remember what Gandhiji said to a serene swami of Uttarkashi: In peace there is peace. Why should I seek it? I am seeking peace in the midst of restlessness. We, too, have carved for ourselves a momentous plan of tremendous work. We are moving in restlessness. The noblest sadhana of the highest order is for each of us to carry our mental peace wherever we go. The true worker of such supreme equanimity is His mighty Sevak. 9 Chinmaya Mission s Code of Conduct by Pujya Gurudev Swami Chinmayananda 1 By thought, word and deed, every member of the Chinmaya Mission should try to live up to and fulfill the motto as well as the pledge of the Mission. 2 He or she must spare time daily to meditate and study the scriptures. 3 Once a week, on any convenient day, he or she must offer worship at a nearby temple with members of the family. 4 He or she must discover a life of harmony, at home first. It is expected of the member that he or she does not, on any account, create any domestic unhappiness. If there are children at home, they must have a satsanga at least once a week. It should consist mainly of members of the family, and an important part of it should be reading of the itihasas like Ramayana and Mahabharata, or Puranas like Bhagavatam, in a language the children know. 5 When a member meets another Mission member, he or she must greet the other with Hari Om. 6 Daily offering of pranams by younger ones to the elders in the house should be followed and inculcated by the Mission members.

10 Pujya Gurudev s Birth Centenary From the Desk of Swami Tejomayananda Blessed Self, Hari Om! Greetings from Sandeepany! June 13, 2009 Chinmaya Mission Centers and Acharyas Worldwide I am very pleased to inform you that the Overseas Acharyas Conference held at Chinmaya Vibhooti in May 2009 was a great success. The most important point which was brought out overwhelmingly is that the birth centenary year of Pujya Gurudev ( ) should be celebrated in a grand manner befitting His stature. In order to do this, we should gear ourselves from now onward, so that the momentum will be created by the year Even though it will take some time to plan the details of the various programs to be conducted by each wing of the Mission, one thing can be done with immediate effect: To celebrate the three auspicious occasions Pujya Gurudev s birthday, Guru Purnima, and Pujya Gurudev s Mahasamadhi Day in a more organized and grand way. These days are, in any case, celebrated in all Mission centers each year. The suggested plan is to conduct a Samashti Paduka Puja as the main function in all Mission centers on these three occasions. Those who wish to participate in the puja can make individual offerings in their local currency. Alternative offerings, as listed below, can also be kept so that all are encouraged to participate in the paduka puja. Offerings for Samashti Paduka Puja: Puja: $108, Arati: $51, Prasad: $25, Mukhya Yajaman: (center to determine) Each center should have one mukhya yajaman for the main altar. The more people participate, the greater will be the joy for all. The funds raised thus can be disbursed as follows: 60% to be sent to Central Chinmaya Mission Trust and 40% can be retained by the local center. Centers can also promote book sales or organize some program (e.g., a devotional music recital). In His Service, 10

11 travelogue Vande Mataram by Varun Khanna Continued from CMW News, July 2009 d January 1 I have a special affinity for Goddess Durga. There is a temple 5 minutes from the house that is dedicated to Devi. In India, divine Mother is the Shakti, the eternal, cosmic Mother of the universe. She has become a constant underlying theme in many of my quests, travels, and life in general. I found out about the temple when I arrived, but did not get a chance to go there because of all the restrictions related to leaving the house. I got directions from Kalicharan Bhaiya (another house servant) and walked over. Again, everything was written in Hindi, so it took me some time to read what I could. It is a beautiful temple, half outdoors, half indoors, with 7 little shrines dedicated to several deities, the main one being Mother Durga. I was happy to be visiting a local temple in India on my own for the first time. I went through the temple gates and offered my prayers at each shrine, reading all the inscriptions and watching the locals perform their personal rituals. I stood and prayed to my Mother, and went up to the priest sitting at the foot of Her shrine. He touched my forehead with vermilion paste and put a tilaka. I extended my cupped hands to receive the holy water sanctified by the prayers and rituals offered to divine Mother. He poured the water into my hand and I drank it, re-extending my hand to receive prasadam. Apparently Kalicharan Bhaiya considered it his duty to escort me to the temple, because when I exited, he was standing there. He told me he had found my shoes outside, so he knew I was in the temple. He said he was watching over them, as there were lots of shoe-thieves in the area. I asked him why he had come in 11 the first place, and he said that he wanted to make sure that I had found my way all right. We returned home together. d January 5 Near the city of Buland, or Buland Shaher, there is a village. It is the home of my mom s mom s mom s mom s (yes, that s 4 moms) village. My mom s mom s mom s brother still lives there. We began our two-hour drive from Noida in the morning and visited some relatives along the way. Here they showed me photos of my great grandfather for the first time. I still couldn t believe I was going to meet my great grand-uncle. I guess that s how villages go, where everyone is in shape from working in the fields. The village of Pali is on the outskirts of Buland Shaher, in the state of Uttar Pradesh, inhabited by the nicest people I have ever met. When we arrived, we were greeted by a mass of people, who apparently are all my blood relatives! I was thrilled to meet all of them, still in disbelief that they were all my family. I would explain my relation to all of them if I could, but I can t even remember. There were six generations of family members gathered there. My great grand-uncle s house was made of clay and brick, and had no electricity. It was

12 one story and its floor was swept with cow dung, which cools, cleans, and acts as fuel. Here, everyone is so close to Nature. I knew I would like it here. I drank more chai on this trip than I ever have in my life. After eating lunch at my great great grandma s house, we took a tour of the fields. My grandma s brother, his mom s brother, and I went for a walk together in the fields, where they showed me the crops they were growing and other things. I saw animals I ve never heard of and trees of all sorts. I got to harvest potatoes and when we reached the sugarcane field, my cousins taught me how to eat it. At first it was difficult to tear off the hard outer layer with my teeth, but once I got the hang of it, I never wanted to stop. My cousins told me that s what they do to pass time. It makes sense: Your stomach fills up, it tastes really good, your teeth become stronger, and time passes by. d January 9-10 I m in Kashmir! My mom and I were picked up her friend, who is the wife of the chief engineer of the Indian army in Kashmir. We drive everywhere in an armored, bulletproof car. Brigadier Ashok Bhutani is the top gun here, and at his residence, we were greeted by several servants, who took our bags and showed us to our room. We freshened up and came to the living room where Anita Aunty offered us kahva, a traditional Kashmiri hot drink. I typically don t drink things that resemble chai or coffee, but I tried kahva with some Kashmiri honey it was unbelievably good! We had lunch, which was served royally, and left to visit the local Shankaracharya temple. like a local. We visited Gulmarg, known for its ski resorts, is at an altitude of 10,000 feet and had 3 feet of snow. Our vehicle got stuck in the snow right at the checkpoint before the resorts started. We waited for an hour and finally got out and walked over way over. This area was absolutely beautiful. I have never seen so much snow in my life. In the summer, this same resort is famous for its national and international golf tournaments. I went skiing for a short time, ate some authentic Kashmiri food, and then we returned home. The Kashmiris are such beautiful people! Their complexion is fair, their eyes are light, and they have classic features and intense expressions. The Kashmiris have gone through a lot in the past 30 years due to wars and other hardships. Many of them fled the state to settle in other parts of India or other parts of the world. Those who remain have been oppressed for long and still suffer. Since entry to Kashmir is extremely restricted, tourism has died down almost completely. Tourism is the main source of revenue for the locals, so it has been devastating for them. The driver showed me places that were bombed or blasted or gunned down. The Indian soldiers stand outside, through rain, shine, wind, sleet, snow, hail, protecting the land from infiltrators. I am amazed at their courage. They range from ages 18 to 35 and sacrifice everything for their country. Tomorrow I am going to the actual Kaman Post at the border between India and Pakistan, so I will see first hand what goes on there. d January 11 I got to spend more time with Ashok Uncle when we returned. He may be a brigadier, but he is also a lot fun, with a great sense of humor. That night we slept in heated sheets, because Kashmir s winter is so cold and there is no central heating. They use heated sheets and bukharis, or kerosene stove-like heaters. My Hindi is improving lots, day by day. My policy is this: Even if I m not speaking correctly, at least I m speaking. At the end of my six months here, I hope to be speaking 12 I stood 30 yards away from Pakistan. I saw the army bunkers in Mohura and they were complete with guns and other defensive structures and mechanisms. I ve never been to a war zone and I don t anticipate being this close to one ever again. The whole time, I felt a growing my sense of pride in India s sons who were serving her so well. I was so impressed with the soldiers crisp movements and bold enthusiasm that it made me want to join the army! Our navigator showed us all the major landmarks and historic sites along the

13 way. There were breathtaking views of the Himalayas and the Jhelum River. As we got closer to Kaman Post, three sides eventually became Pakistani land. The Jhelum River at this post is part of the Line of Control (LOC) between India and Pakistan. At 30 yards away from Pakistan, the guards were vigilant, and they, in turn, were also always being watched from the other side. I was a little nervous as I was shown the Pakistani bunkers on the other side and saw guns coming out of them. In this ceasefire, I zoomed in with my camera and had Pakistani soldiers looking directly back at me. I was informed that the Pakistani soldiers had already taken photos of me and my mom for their records. How exciting and terrifying! I was taken to see the Datta Temple, an ancient temple in ruins, which is said to house a large stone pot from which Bhima, one of the five Pandavas in the Mahabharata, drank. The next day brought travels into Verinag, along the Jhelum, in snow-laden lands, through a tunnel in Pir Panjal Mountain that connects Jammu and Kashmir to the rest of India, and into avalanche prone areas. to 10 p.m., we were kept busy with something or the other. The curriculum was so jam packed we were doing 2 years worth of work in 2 weeks! For almost 15 hours a day, we sat in class on the floor (marble floor, with our behinds frozen!). It was amazing. The people there were so friendly, so nice, so genuine. Our teachers were really fantastic. One was named Surendra Mahodaya ( mahodaya is said after each name to indicate respect) and he was an 18-year old Sanskrit scholar. Our other teacher was Giridhar Mahodaya, a post-graduate student, an excellent person, and now a friend. The main teacher was named Satish Mahodaya, also a Sanskrit scholar. He has been with the Sanskrit Bharati group for 4 years now and is a wow teacher. He also became my good friend by the end of the course. I still can t believe I can speak the oldest language in the world, one that is spoken by only a few (and I m one of them!). There are so many scriptural terms that I can now understand better, and still so much more to learn. Sanskrit is such a vast and perfect language that it could take a lifetime to learn. So far what I have gained is unimaginable. I saw the workings of a control room. What moved me most was the patriotism and how everyone was serving with such vigor despite the bare resources. I cannot say that I have ever been more emotionally charged. Verinag is where the Jhelum River originates, and you simply have to see it to understand its unearthly and seemingly impossible beauty. I now understand why they say, Kashmir is heaven on earth. The Jhelum originates from a spring that spouts 450 gallons of water per second. This controlled force is now a reservoir that feeds the river. The site is surrounded by majestic pine trees that stand against a mountainside backdrop. In this season, it is all about the breathtaking beauty of white. d January 31 My Hindi has improved considerably. And I just returned from completing my Sanskrit course. So much has changed. I can now speak in Sanskrit and think in Sanskrit. How did they do it? Don t even ask. Everyday, from 5 a.m. 13 The course students were all amazing as well. Not one person there spoke English. They had such interesting questions about America. For example, one guy asked me what kind of food they ate in America. I was like, Uh.. bread. He stopped me right there and said, What s bread? (All of this was in Sanskrit, of course). I was thinking, oh man, how do I explain this? Almost all the people there had a little choti (ponytail-tuft of hair, like Anakin Skywalker s). It was so interesting; I didn t know people actually still did that. They were all either studying to be Sanskrit shastris or Sanskrit shastris who were just learning to speak. I was rather in awe of them. Sanskrit will be the medium of instruction for all my future courses. I feel like I am jumping several thousand years into the past, learning works from the Vedas, in their original Sanskrit. I m quite excited. to be continued

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15 reflections Light The light was whole And joyful Until the prism came Splitting it Into seven Prism declared In ignorance I am stronger than you. For I have split you. Light smiled and said, You have split my body, But my essence Is still whole. - Roshni Jhanjee (Age 13) Teaching Speak to me only of life and death, That which will change me, like the breath Taken by one who needs the air To keep life s ongoings beyond care. It seems there is no time to change Into this absolute, eternal sage, Beyond existence of space and time, Beyond the ego to Self sublime. Shed the skin of mortality, See the end of duality. Love is now the present tense Of me my Self an end to pretense. The Master s voice rings loud and clear. Get up, get out, be free, end fear! Follow the path paved by the Lord s Grace To submerge at last in Brahman s embrace. - David Brown Composed at Dharma Sevak Course 2009; Dedicated to Pujya Guruji Swami Tejomayananda; Based on the mantra: Lead us from unreality to Reality, from darkness to Light, from death to Immortality 15

16 The Untying of Knots I was born with a lot of them, Big and small, weak and strong; Fine and gross, simple and intricate, The knots invaded my mind in a throng. Cumulative fruit of all my previous lives, They were the package my current life begot. Only I didn t realize then, how easy it is To get more knots added to this lot. Impressions, fears, prejudices, Experiences, judgments, and worries, Anger, desire, greed and lust, Attachment, jealousy and many others; These made the knots more tangled. As days, weeks, and months passed, I became the ignorant mind s helpless slave, And I, in all these knots, was strongly barred. I struggled by myself to untie a few, To come out of these bondages, and be free. But alas! I was unsuccessful in my attempt, And there was no hope or way out I could see. Then came to our house, a holy Saint, With just a pair of clothes, and a walking rod. His face shone like many a brilliant sun, Yet he was humble and soothing in his word. He is a real free man, I realized; Free from senses, mind, and intellect, Witnessing the Light that shines in all, He is one with the mighty King and the tiny ant. Who is he? With wonder I ask myself, He is the One who Unties the Knots, I could hear. From somewhere deep within my inner heart, It seemed he was sent just for me, to remove my fear. Holy Sire! I approach him with folded palms, Entangled I am, in many knots, as you see. Restless, and unable to behold 16 the inner Divine, I am confused and unsure, what to do and how to be. Caged I am, like a slave, in senses, mind, and ego, With these knots inescapable like an imposed burden. Is there a way I could revel in the inner Light? Away from the gloomy darkness of my mind s den? He looked at me with his love-pouring eyes, With kindness that I have never known before, And uttered softly in the sweetest of tones, Ah! There is only but one way since the days of yore! He whispered in my ear, Rama, and said, Utter it and all the knots will melt away. Repeat it and remember it, till your last and beyond, For this name alone keeps the knots at bay. Secret of Secrets, and the Master of all weapons, His name alone cuts asunder, this and that knot. Know it so: Rama and His name are One and the same, And repeat it, whether the mind likes it or not. Repeat did I, as he said, the wonderful name, But, resist and confront, did this knotty mind. It pulled me here and there, and I could not focus, And frequently were I caught in its bind. I lacked in many virtues, of faith and trust; Doubt did I, that name, life-saving and sweet. The mind performed many a shameful trick, But I stuck to the name, and my inner lamp was lit. I painted Rama, big and bold on my mind s canvas, To show through any color the mind would assume. And Rama it was, the brightest and loveliest of all,

17 Untying the deepest knots, and driving away the gloom. Rama! I would say in my dream. And with Rama! on my lips, I am awake. Day and night, it is Rama! in my thoughts. And to utter Rama! I live my life s sake. Life passed on, and age grew up on me, But Rama was fresh and aglow in me like the morning dew. I now not cared for the mind and its nonsense tricks, Just content in reveling in Rama and His enchanting hue. And one day, my heart became weak, skipping beats. Then I saw the holy Saint come to me at my deathbed. As loving and kind as ever, with such a pure heart, Taking me in his arms, loving tears he shed. He whispered Rama in my ears and I repeated, Amidst the binding knots of attachment and fear. I breathed my last, with Rama ringing in my heart, And wondered, where I would be sent, here or there. Then lo! Behold! In resplendence and radiance, Lord Shiva Himself, and Bhavani, His divine Consort, Chanting the name Rama, and untying this Jiva s bonds, Freed me from the clutches of each and every knot. Liberated was I, and complete in devotion, to Him, To Rama, who is the One in All, and the Ocean of Bliss, I merged in Him, my Indweller and the Supreme. And devoid of knots, at His lotus Feet, I am in Peace. - Aparna Nittala 17

18 - Designed by Renjth (CHYK)

19 C H I N M A Y A M I S S I O N W E S T S P E C I A L P O I N T S O F I N T E R E S T : DATES / ACHARYAS The course will commence on August 7, 2010 and conclude in August Full-time Resident Acharya Acharya Smt. Sharada Kumar Vedanta 2010 August 2010 ONE-YEAR, RESIDENTIAL, FULL-TIME, INTENSIVE VEDANTA COURSE AUGUST AT CMW S KRISHNALAYA ASHRAM IN NORTHERN CALIFORNIA, AMIDST SERENE REDWOODS CONDUCTED IN ENGLISH W ith the blessings of His Holiness Swami Tejomayananda, Head of Chinmaya Mission worldwide, Chinmaya Mission West (CMW) is pleased to announce its one-year, residential Vedanta Course at CMW's headquarters, the ashram of Krishnalaya in Northern California, amidst the serene Redwoods. This residential, full-time course, without any holidays, will be conducted in English. Pujya Guruji Swami Tejomayananda August-October 2010 Brahmachari Prabodh Chaitanya November-December 2010 Swami Ishwarananda January 2011 Swami Shantananda February-March 2011 Swami Ishwarananda April-May 2011 Brahmachari Prabodh Chaitanya July 2011 Acharya Smt. Sharada Kumar August 2011 Pujya Guruji Swami Tejomayananda TO REGISTER Complete the online form at All applications received will be reviewed. Eligible candidates will be asked to schedule a personal interview, the details of which will be provided at a later date. For more information: prabodh@chinmayamission.org (707) ENHANCES ONE S UNDERSTANDING AND CLARITY OF BASIC AND ADVANCED VEDANTIC CONCEPTS HARI OM ELIGIBILITY This Course is open to sincere seekers between the ages of 20 and 70 years. REGISTRATION $12,000 (covers registration, lodging, boarding, and books; payable in installments) TEXTS His Holiness Swami Tejomayananda: Mandukya Upanishad, Tattva Bodha, Essence of Shrimad Bhagavatam and Ramayana Swami Shantananda: Dakshinamurti Stotram, Sat Darshanam Swami Ishwarananda: Shrimad Bhagavad Gita Brahmachari Prabodh Chaitanya: Upadesha Sara, Atma Bodha, Drg Drshya Viveka, Panchadashi Ch. 1, and Upanishads (Ishavasya, Kena, Katha, Mundaka) Acharya Sharada Kumar: Taitteriya Upanishad, Vivekachudamani, Vedic Chanting, Sanskrit, Sahasranamavalis, Bhajans 19

20 news Pujya Guruji s North American Tour Pujya Guruji Swami Tejomayananda, head of Chinmaya Mission Worldwide, embarked on his 2009 North American tour on June 8 from Los Angeles, and completed it on August 4 in Toronto. Indeed, it was with overwhelming and overflowing love and inspiration that countless devotees met, spoke, and learned from him in over ten cities that spanned from coast to coast. CM Austin aptly wrote, His gentle demeanor, devotional heart, intellectual clarity, and joyful wit have earned him inter-generational appeal and have endeared him to myriad devotees worldwide. Below are reports on Guruji s talks and activities, submitted by the respective CM centers, which include some topics and programs taught or conducted for the first time in North America. d CM San Diego: Bhumi Puja at Chinmaya Jyoti, Gita Jnana Yajna, Happy Living Workshop, Birthday Celebrations by Gopal Racherla Chinmaya Mission San Diego (CMSD) was blessed to have Pujya Guruji Swami Tejomayananda visit San Diego, June 29-July 5. All the members had been eagerly awaiting Guruji s visit and they were rewarded by his satsanga and beautiful discourses, which combined the best of jnana and bhakti. On June 29, amidst over 130 excited members, Guruji presided over the bhumi puja of CMSD s recently acquired ashram property of Chinmaya Jyoti. Also present were Swami Ishwarananda, Brahmacharini Arpita, and Brahmacharini Aparna Chaitnya. The picturesque site has a beautiful hill in the background, affectionately known by all as Tapovan Giri. Spread over eight acres, Chinmaya Jyoti will house 20 a spacious hall for meditation and puja, classrooms for Vedantic studies, a meditation garden, an acharya s kutir, and other amenities. Later in the week, accompanied by thunderous applause, Guruji announced that Lord Shiva would be the presiding deity in the ashram s sanctum sanctorum. Guruji conducted a five-day jnana yajna on Shrimad Bhagavad Gita, Chapter 6 (the Yoga of Meditation ) before an audience of over 300. He was received at the yajnashala with the traditional purnakumbha, Vedic arati, and a special welcome song, Aavo Guruji, ham ne aapko pyaar se bulaayaa hai. Guruji s mastery of the Gita s teachings and Vedantic principles was evident in how easily he condensed complex and abstract ideas into practical tips for everyday living. Guruji s special weekend retreat, the first of its kind conducted in North America, was entitled, Tips for Happy Living. The talks, and newly released book, were based on Guruji s original Sanskrit composition, Jivan Sutrani, which consists of 66 aphorisms summarizing keen and objective observations of life experiences. These talks were marked by Guruji s classic simplicity, practicality, and humor, and attended by over 200 people from San Diego, Los Angeles, San Jose, Portland, Phoenix, Miami, and Tampa. CMSD was blessed to celebrate Guruji s 59 th birthday with him on June 30, on which day Guruji performed Pujya Gurudev s paduka puja at the home of Lakshmi Sukumar. Lunch prasadam was served to all attendees. At the evening lecture, as a birthday tribute, renowned violin artist, Kala Ramanath, a disciple of Pandit Jasraj, offered a spellbinding concert. She was accompanied on the table by

21 the adept Pandit Abhijit Banerjee. A fundraising banquet for Chinmaya Jyoti was held on July 4. Guruji and the many distinguished guests were entertained by a short and lively cultural program, which began with bhajans performed by CMSD s children s choir, Chinmaya Dhvani. This was followed by a soulful classical vocal rendition of a Tyagaraja krti by Bala Vihar students (Achintya and Anvitha Soordelu), and a humorous skit by CMSD CHYKs and Junior CHYKs. Guruji addressed the attendees, reiterating his full faith in the success of the Chinmaya Jyoti project, which he attributed to three main reasons: 1) the project is noble, 2) the project is relevant to the members, the local community, and all of society, and 3) the motive behind the project is pure. He stated, When these three things are present, along with God s grace and Pujya Gurudev s blessings, I have full faith in the nobility and generosity of the people, and that this project will be a great success in a short time. After the talk, all the attendees enjoyed a lavish feast prepared by CMSD members. of the Upanishad Ganga series. He informed that all the 52 episodes have completed filming and are now in the final editing process. Swami Ishwarananda was present throughout the week and graciously conducted a workshop for high school and college students on Résumé of Life, July 1-2. The opening questions for the workshop were: If you were to write a résumé of life, what would you include? And to whom would you address it? Over 25 youth attended the workshop, which included various discussions and group activities. During his trip, despite his busy schedule, Guruji always made ample time to provide satsanga and informal Q&A sessions for all the eager devotees. His affection for all, young and old, shone through in all that he did and spoke. Throughout the week, CMSD members continued to enthusiastically serve and reaffirm their pledge: Chinmaya Jyoti: We will keep it glowing. These memories, filled with much love and inspiring teachings, will be cherished for a long time to come. d CM Bakersfield: Jnana Yajna on Madhurashtakam by Komal Desai Guruji addressed all the CMSD sevaks, thanking them for their support of the Mission and its work, and sharing with them the various upcoming events and activities under the umbrellas of Chinmaya Mission Worldwide and Chinmaya Mission West. He encouraged them to continue participating in Mission activities and doing seva with the right attitude by following the credo of Work is worship. Guruji also elaborated on the grand plans of Chinmaya Mission Worldwide to celebrate Pujya Gurudev s birth centenary, He then treated all the sevaks to a video presentation of a thought-provoking episode 21 It was a great honor to welcome Pujya Guruji Swami Tejomayananda at Chinmaya Mission Bakersfield s Gokul ashram in for a three-day discourse on Madhurashtakam, June Three years ago, Guruji had inaugurated the center, which, by the Lord s grace, has grown significantly in its membership and activities. Guruji s delightful discourses on the sweetness of Lord Krishna were attended by over 100 devotees, who listened spellbound. Guruji s exposition detailed the beauty and significance of many aspects of the Lord s form, as well as some of His lilas.

22 July 7 marked Shri Guru Purnima or Shri Vyasa Purnima, and CM Austin devotees were blessed to celebrate this sacred festival in Pujya Guruji s presence at the Chinmaya Vatika ashram. The celebrations included a traditional Vedic puja of Pujya Gurudev s padukas, bhajans by Bala Vihar students, and Guruji s address on the glory of Maharishi Veda Vyasaji. On the last evening, a fundraising dinner was preceded by an enjoyable classical vocal program from Swagata Chakraborty. After her performance, Guruji and Swami Ishwarananda addressed the 150 attendees, inspiring them to donate their time, money, and skills for a good cause. d CM Austin: Gita Jnana Yajna Chinmaya Mission Austin was pleased and honored to host Pujya Guruji s Gita jnana yajna, July Three feature events were held at The Doubletree Hotel: Guruji s week-long yajna on Shrimad Bhagavad Gita, Chapter 9; Guruji s weekend workshop on his original Sanskrit composition, Jnana Sara; and CM Austin s annual fundraiser. CM Austin s grand fundraising banquet was held on July 11 and attended by over 400 devotees to show their support CM Austin s goal to build a modern, well-equipped ashram to better serve the local community with spiritual and cultural education. One of the banquet highlights was a captivating Carnatic vocal recital by Aparna Devi, who was accompanied by Narsimha Kikkeri on violin, and Arjun Narayanan on mrdangam. Included in her performance were devotional songs in many major languages of India. She said that the underpinning message of this variety of music was that devotion to God is a universal language. Another highlight of the evening was a silent auction, which featured a stunning original oil painting of Lord Rama and Sitaji, entitled, The Heart of Devotion. Donated to the Mission by gifted painter and CM Austin volunteer, Charu Mahajan, the work captured everyone s hearts and raised over $7,000 for CM Austin. Guruji s talks were well received and attended daily by over 300 devotees. In his characteristic style, Guruji epitomized simplicity, humility, and wisdom. His teachings on the wisdom of the Gita went straight to the heart of the listener, turning abstract concepts into palatable ideas that can broaden one s vision of life and be practiced daily. His discourses, while deeply profound, were peppered with humor, anecdotes, and observations about human nature. One regular attendee commented, He unfolded the import of the dense Sanskrit shlokas in a lucid manner. The practical examples of day-to-day life, told in his unique humorous style, resonated with me and kept me engaged the whole time.... I liked that the lectures were free and open to all. I felt that people belonging to any religion or creed would feel welcome there. To order CDs or DVDs of the talks, chykaustin@ gmail.com. 22 d CM Niagara Falls: Dynamic Dhara by Acharya Vivek Gupta A decade ago, Pujya Guruji had visited Niagara Falls, Canada. At that time he appointed key members of the community to work together to spread the message of Vedanta under the name of Chinmaya Mission Niagara (CMN). And so the seva began, with Bala Vihar classes, Study Groups and jnana yajnas being conducted, from house to house, school to school.

23 CHINMAYA PUBLICATIONS New CD Arrivals w w w. c h i n m a y a p u b l i c a t i o n s. c o m ( ) C M W - R E A D Abhinandanam Sanskrit greeting songs composed and sung by Swami Tejomayananda Chinmaya Samsmaranam Bhajans by Chinmaya Yuva Kendra Bangalore Come to Me, My Krishna Devotional songs for children in English by Brahmacharini Arpita His Eternal Smile Songs of devotion and meditation in English by Brahmacharini Arpita Om Chinmaya Sadgurave Namah Mantra chanting (continuous) by Pandit Ramesh Narayan Pooja Vidhi Puja chants by Swami Brahmananda Prarthana Bhajans by Brahmacharini Sunita Chaitanya and others Soundarya Lahari Chants by Subbalakshmi Krishnamoorthy Sundar Shyam Bhajans by Archana Venkatesh Bhaja Govindam and Nirvana Shatakam Talks by Swami Chinmayananda; Chanting by Sudha Malhotra

24 Now, after ten short years, CMN once again welcomed Guruji. This visit was different though. He did not go to a house or a school, but to his own home, his own center, his very own Chinmaya Dhara. travel schedule to bless our small center. Post satsanga, everyone enjoyed a wholesome dinner and quickly went their own way. Why? Everyone needed to rest and get ready for the next day, which marked the start of the 16 th Chinmaya Mahasamadhi Camp! d CM Columbus: Gita Jnana Yajna by Priya Arun Guruji, with dozens of Mission acharyas, members of the CMW Board of Directors, and devotees from all over North America gathered on July 28, 2009 to celebrate the inauguration of the Chinmaya Dhara ashram. The celebration was initiated at 5:30 p.m. as CMN sevaks began completing the final preparations. As the numbers turned from tens to hundreds, Guruji arrived. Outside, an unbroken line of devotees chanted Guru Stotram and offered handfuls of flowers along the path Guruji walked. At the entrance of Chinmaya Dhara, Guruji was garlanded by CMN President Vijay Gupta, taken on a short tour with other Board members, and welcomed in the lecture hall with purnakumbha and Vedic mantras. Auspicious summer days came to Chinmaya Mission Columbus July when Pujya Guruji Swami Tejomayananda arrived to conduct a Gita jnana yajna on Chapter 7. The yajna attracted over 300 devotees each day, including visitors from the neighboring cities of Dayton, Mansfield, Springfield, Cleveland, and Cincinnati. Guruji ascended the Vyasa pitha and explained the role that Chinmaya Dhara would play in the society, saying that the center is where seekers will be drenched in knowledge, and that it is this knowledge that will transform people s vision from dhara (flowing outward) to radha (flowing inward to the Self). Accordingly, CMN is planning for the installation of a Radha-Krishna murti next year a truly exciting time for both, the local members, and the Chinmaya Family. After Guruji s enlightening discourse, the CMN Family collectively offered guru dakshina as a symbol of gratitude to Guruji for taking time out of his unprecedented 24 In his unique style that splendidly combines devotion and wisdom, Guruji expounded the profound Vedantic concepts in those Gita verses and made them fathomable and easy for us to assimilate. Through his simple, humorous, yet powerful renderings and practical applications of Gita teachings in daily life, Guruji clarified so many questions in devotees minds. In addition to the discourses, bhajans were rendered by Mission devotees every day. Guruji also had informal satsangs and Q&A sessions with all who came to see him. During bhikshas, Guruji s gentle acts of love and kindness drenched the devotees with great

25 bliss. Guruji also met with the sevaks at the Chinmaya Archana ashram, during which he shared helpful insight and advice for the growth of the local center. He encouraged the sevaks to actively take part in the upcoming spiritual camps and Vedanta courses offered by the Mission, and inspired in every sevak s heart the spirit of selfless seva. Trpti Dipah, Chapter 7 of Shri Vidyaranya Swami s Panchadashi. This chapter entitled the Lamp of Contentment, contains an exhaustive 298 stanzas, of which 297 stanzas analyze but a single one from Brhadaranyaka Upanishad. On the concluding day of the jnana yajna, a samashti bhiksha was offered to Guruji at the yajnashala. Guruji s visit provided a wonderful opportunity for CM Columbus devotees to serve the lotus feet of Pujya Guruji and bask in his divine presence. Pine and redwood trees on the surrounding hills basked in the idyllic weather that persisted throughout the camp. Attendees arrived by bus or private transportation, and checked into humble but comfortable accommodations. d CMW Piercy: Dharma Sevak Course 2009 Guruji commenced the course by sketching the biography of Swami Vidyaranya (circa 1400 A.D.). Dispelling the popular myth that sannyasis do not work, Swami Vidyaranya helped establish the Vijayanagar Empire, and even in his senior years remained active politically and socially. by James Hausman Sadhakas flocked to Krishnalaya for CMW s two-week intensive Vedanta course, held June 13-27, and conducted by Pujya Guruji Swami Tejomayananda. The 2009 Dharma Sevak Course welcomed devotees from Canada s Vancouver; to USA s California, Washington, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, Michigan, Florida, Maryland, Oregon, Texas, New Mexico; and the Netherlands St. Maarten. The main text this year was 25 Panchadashi challenged beginner and advanced students alike. The text first defines the jiva by its relation-less relationship to Kutastha. Then it details the seven stages of the jiva, specifically: ignorance, veiling, projection, indirect knowledge, direct knowledge, liberation from sorrow, and infinite contentment. Guruji made the text accessible with his special finesse and brilliant clarity, answering questions such as: To whom does ignorance belong? By what process does the jiva attain enlightenment? Why doesn t prarabdha karma contradict Self-knowledge? What is the inner experience of a man of wisdom? Discussion groups were absolutely essential.

26 Scheduled in addition to the three daily lectures, they met in the lecture hall, the multi-purpose room, the temple, or in the sanctity of Gurudev s kutir. Each group was moderated by an acharya and it gained focus after Guruji announced a forthcoming test on the material. The questions, compiled by Brahmachari Prabodh Chaitanya, stumped many a test taker. Such a subtle philosophy, we learned, cannot be mastered in a mere two weeks, no matter how rigorous the effort. Evening satsangas were our chance to meet with Guruji in a more relaxed atmosphere. The program varied every evening. Guest speakers included Dr. D.V. Pillai, who utilizes Vedantic principles in his practice of psychiatry, and Dr. Arvind Bhagwat, a scientist who classifies bacteria in reference to the three gunas. The programs also featured Carnatic vocal performances, a katha of Lord Krishna rendered by Brahmacharini Aparna Chaitanya, a Hindi movie on ethics directed by the grand nephew of Pujya Gurudev, and an episode from the Upanishad Ganga series that told the story of none other than Swami Vidyaranya. Guruji also presented a slideshow depicting the landmark progress of Chinmaya Vibhooti. He described how good fortune supplied prestigious works of art within budget and encouraged everyone to visit the campus. Quite enthusiastically, he spoke about Chinmaya Naada Bindu, the Mission s new residential school for Indian classical music and dance to be housed at Chinmaya Vibhooti. of us who remembered. On the gravelled driveway outside the lecture hall, we lingered with Guruji, sad for our loss, but proud of Chinmaya Mission s continued legacy. On the weekend, midway through the camp, directors of CMW s Board arrived for their meeting with Guruji. Those days were the camp s busiest, also welcoming an influx of weekend visitors. Before meals, we chanted Chapter 15 of Gita, drumming the air with the added energy of so many worshippers. On those busy days, the menu, which generally consisted of rice, dal, vegetables, and fresh fruit, also included additional entrees and desserts. To include everyone, rather than saving the paduka puja for the end of camp, Guruji rescheduled it for that Sunday. The ceremony itself was heavenly, and Pujya Guruji sang Pujya Gurudev s 108 names in various ragas, while we followed in sync. Just as quickly as the camp filled to capacity, attendance returned to its status quo, approximately 60 people. By now, the schedule was routine. Recreational time came in the early afternoons, after lunch. Some used these hours to assist the kitchen staff. Others carted stones in wheelbarrows, reconstructing a water fountain memorial near the ashram s entrance. During these afternoon hours, a devotee could be seen through the temple window, adorning Lord Krishna s murti in colourful clothes and jewels. Others would swing on the patio bench, slicing a mango to share as prasad. Ladies picked wild peas in the pod alongside the freeway. Groups of contemplative souls walked along the road, parallel to the Eel River, getting their daily exercise. Pujya Gurudev this river Eel Ganga after sprinkling it with Ganga water. Some swam in its sacred waters, especially on hotter days. Most everyone napped in the afternoon to recharge before the next lecture. By four o clock, we reconvened in the dining hall, where cookies and masala chai awaited us. On another evening, we watched a short and old documentary on Krishnalaya in its early-90s heyday, under the loving leadership of Pujya Gurudev. Nostalgia overcame those 26 In the second week, a Vedic chanting class was conducted by Acharya Sharada Kumar, covering both, Margabandhu Stotram and a portion of Narayaniyam.

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28 Six groups were inspired to perform plays on the cultural night that would end the camp. In preparation, a few participants did not join the field trip into the Redwood forest. A buzz of intrigue filled the camp as individual groups practiced in secret. But only hours before the anticipated event, the electricity went out, leaving Krishnalaya without lights. Undeterred, that night we convened in the rear of the lecture hall, where Guruji held an impromptu satsanga. Actors wore their finest clothes, would-be costumes that no longer served a purpose. Rarely do people gather so intimately, with no diversion besides each other s company. We communed in darkness for over two hours, speaking in turns while shadows cloaked even Guruji s face. He led us in devotional breaks, singing songs accompanied by his harmonium. A feeling of contentment arose in those moments of simplicity, giving a glimpse of the Transcendental. video recorded the ceremony, it became evident that the heyday of Krishnalaya had never disappeared into past tense. The auspiciousness persists even today. Like the flickering candles, if we carefully tend to Gurudev s vision, and shelter it from the winds of change, we might preserve it for all time. d CM Minneapolis: Chinmaya Ganapati Inauguration and Gita Jnana Yajna Chinmaya Mission Minneapolis, officially known as Chinmaya Mission Twin Cities (CMTC), serves the cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul. The center has grown rapidly in membership (over 150 families and 220 Bala Vihar children) in its six years since inception. Its expansion led to the purchase of a new ashram, which Pujya Guruji Swami Tejomayananda named, Chinmaya Ganapati. The readymade, 13,000 sq. ft. building came with an auditorium with an altar, 15 classrooms, a bookstore, an office, a kitchen and dining area, a coat room, and a storage area. The ashram is situated on 13 acres of lush rolling hills, with wide open space for children to play and a parking lot with 125 spaces. The ashram is located in Chaska, 15 miles southwest of downtown Minneapolis, along a drive of miles of picturesque and serene countryside. The light positioned over the Krishna murti onstage was the first to turn on. While we filtered from the lecture hall for our beds, Guruji whispered that the evening demonstrated how to make the most out of a seemingly unfortunate circumstance. What a glorious lesson. The six performances went on as planned the next day, and made for good entertainment. At Guruji s behest, the final arati of the camp took place outside, before Kunja Vihari Krishna. A soft breeze through the trees played with the prayer candles. As a devotee digitally 28 Preparation and Transformation CMTC closed on the Chaska property on the auspicious day of Shri Chinmaya Jayanti, May 8, An elaborate puja and ceremony on July 4 initiated the preparations to transform the property into the Chinmaya Ganapati ashram. Core members and volunteers worked

29 tirelessly for the next ten days, with the zeal of planning a family wedding. Participants included local members and extended family in India. CM Kolkata members made garlands and offered a beautiful Tanjore painting of Lord Ganapati to the center. CM Delhi members sent a ten-foot long toran to adorn the altar and many decorative flower garlands. The theme of the inaugural speeches was Unity in Religion. The Mayor of Chaska spoke on the history of Minnesota and how the migration of ethnic groups had led to the vast diversity we see today in all places. The speaker on Islam spoke about the concept of Oneness in all. He quoted the Qur an in saying that all are equal and Rumi s I always thought I was me; but no, I was you. The Jewish rabbi chanted a few short lines from the Old Testament in Hebrew and said that her goal was to show that God only sees oneness in all. Lastly, Guruji spoke on the three layers of relationships within a family: outer circumstances and appearances, inner adversities, and the love and spiritual connection that bind people together. Inauguration Ceremony Pujya Guruji Swami Tejomayananda inaugurated Chinmaya Ganapati on July 13, 2009, in the presence of over 300 attendees, including the Mayor of Chaska and representative speakers from the faiths of Judaism and Islam. The Governor of Minnesota sent a congratulatory letter. CMTC sevaks directed the flow of traffic, answered questions from guests, and served refreshments prior to Guruji s arrival. Guruji arrived at 6:45 p.m. and was lovingly welcomed with purnakumbha and arati by the assembled guests outside the rangoli-decorated main entrance, where children offered flowers at his feet. He cut the ribbon to the front doors and took a brief tour of the ashram while the attendees got seated in the auditorium. Guruji lit the lamp and invoked Pujya Gurudev s blessings. The children of the local choir, Chinmaya Dhvani, sang a few bhajans. Ashlesha Madhok, president of CM Minneapolis, welcomed Guruji and all guests. 29 Gita Jnana Yajna Guruji s Gita jnana yajna on Chapter 14, themed Understanding Your Mind and Transforming Your Life, was well received and attended by over 200 people everyday, July With enlightening humor that filled the hall with roaring laughter, and profound teachings that pierced through seekers hearts and minds, Guruji s talks were inspiring and enlivening for all. He explained all concepts simply, yet in depth, and added practical tips to bring the message home. Guruji analogized the study of the Gita and the study of physics to receiving a gift of a mirror and a watch, respectively. He explained that the study of physics gives worldly knowledge like a watch, which one views with great interest, to obtain the knowledge of the time. However, the Gita, or any holy book, is like the gift of a mirror that shows one his own reflection, revealing one s own Self.

30 Gita Ch. 14 details the three gunas and includes teachings of jnana and bhakti, all of which Guruji effortlessly, comprehensively, and meticulously taught, adding countless examples and stories along the way. He expounded on various basic life-guidelines, from sleep, to food, to alertness, to promptness, to washing one s feet, to the most important of all, chanting the Lord s name, which Guruji said is precious and priceless. He added that unwavering devotion to the Lord automatically raises one s mind above the three gunas. by a student, Ganesh Raman, was also featured and greatly appreciated. Guruji and Swamiji both addressed all the devotees. The recitation of Gita, Chapter 15 preceded the delicious lunch prasadam. The ceremonies closed with much love, inspiration, and eager anticipation for Guruji s return for the ashram s murti sthapana (idol installation). Members bid Guruji farewell with heavy hearts, marking the end of their present wedding celebrations in their extended family. d CM Boston: Final Phase Completion by Shashi Dwarakanath Chinmaya Mission Boston was filled with inspired enthusiasm and overflowing joy on the grand occasion of the completion of its second and final construction phase of its ashram, Chinmaya Maruti. Pujya Guruji Swami Tejomayananda blessed the center with his presence and gave a moving discourse on Lord Hanuman, the presiding deity at the ashram. Swami Shantananda (CM Princeton) presided over the inaugural ceremonies. Banquet CM Minneapolis s banquet was held on July 18, with Guruji and Swami Ishwarananda (CM Tustin) presiding. The program began at 10:30 a.m. and was themed on Bhakti. Song and dance performances were offered by the Bala Vihar children. A classical Carnatic vocal 30

31 CIF s Correspondence Vedanta Course The Chinmaya International Foundation (CIF) is pleased to invite all spiritual students to enroll in its progressive home-study program for Vedantic studies. Objective The primary aim of these courses is to provide clarity and depth in a seeker s Vedantic studies. Each course covers, in a series of 24 detailed lessons, various central Vedantic concepts as taught in introductory texts such as Vivekachudamani, Atma Bodha, Tattva Bodha, Vakya Vritti, and Panchadashi. Levels CIF s one-year correspondence Vedanta Course is offered on two levels, Basic/Foundation and Advanced. While students must have general Vedantic knowledge before opting for the advanced course, CIF s specific basic course is not a pre-requisite to sign up for the advanced course, which provides an in-depth understanding of principal Vedantic concepts. About CIF Established in 1989, CIF is a research center for Sanskrit and Indology, recognized by the Mahatma Gandhi University, Kerala, India. Swami Chinmayananda visualized CIF as a bridge between East and West, past and present, science and spirituality, pundit and public. CIF is located in Kerala, India, at the maternal ancestral home and birthplace of the Advaita Vedantin, Adi Shankara. Registration Students may choose to enroll at any time during the year in either a postal correspondence course or an online correspondence course (lessons are sent via ). E-Course: US$100; Postal Course: US$175 Visit to register or get more details.

32 The festivities included the sacred ritual of the prana-pratishtha of Lord Maruti, who is now housed in a beautiful new shrine been constructed by a sthapati from Toronto. Over the weekend function, Swami Shantananda gave discourses on Hanuman Chalisa and conducted meditation sessions in the new meditation hall, Chinmaya, which is a circular room with twelve lit alcoves and twelve oval windows, situated on the ashram building s top floor. An audio recording of Pujya Gurudev s guided meditation talks thrilled the attendees in the inspiring sessions. The auditorium with a 360-person seating capacity has a state of the art sound system and a glass wall from floor to ceiling as the stage backdrop. The new facilities include 14 classrooms, a community hall for 250 people, quarters for resident and visiting acharyas, and a library. The Guru Paduka Puja on Sunday morning, July 26, was a grateful tribute to Pujya Gurudev Swami Chinmayananda for transforming so many lives and for giving all the devotees of CM Boston the opportunity to be a part of this wonderful seva. On the evening of July 26, Pujya Guruji was welcomed with a purnakumbha and the singing of his original composition, Prarthana Gitam. The sounds of a blowing conch filled the air as Guruji was taken on a guided tour of the new building. After offering arati to Lord Maruti, Ganesha, and Shri Rama parivaar, and offering his prostrations to Pujya Gurudev, he entered the auditorium. Members who had generously contributed to the completion of this expansion project were recognized. Pujya Guruji thanked them for supporting the vision and work of the Mission. As a token of appreciation, he presented each of them with a silver plate engraved with the Chinmaya Maruti ashram. Guruji s delightful discourse on Lord Hanuman was thoroughly enjoyed by one and all. People broke into spontaneous applause several times during the pravachan, and more so on hearing of his visit to CM Boston for a jnana yajna in July CM Boston devotees also hosted several Bhutanese refugees during the festivities, all of whom attended the religious ceremonies and were very happy to sense the commonality in prayers so far from their home. CM Boston prays for the Lord s grace and Pujya Gurudev s blessings in fulfilling the spiritual, educational, religious, cultural, and social needs of the community for generations to come. Click here for a virtual tour of the ashram. d CM San Jose: Satsanga Chinmaya Mission San Jose (CMSJ) was blessed to have Pujya Guruji Swami Tejomayananda spend a blissful June at our Sandeepany ashram. Many CMSJ members were able to spend valuable time with him and gain deeper spiritual insight through his informal talks, side conversations, and jokes. Guruji s first evening was spent in a one-hour informal evening satsanga with children and adults. The evening included bhajans and Guruji s discussion on the secret of making all the work we do enjoyable. Guruji s words were filled with humor and appealed to all ages. On Sunday morning, Guruji arrived to address a large public gathering of over 800 Mission devotees at the Jain temple in Milpitas, when there was an electrical power outage throughout the neighborhood. In spite of the power failure, and therefore no sound system, Guruji spoke. Loudly. He paid tribute to Pujya Gurudev, who, he said, had not only imparted to him spiritual wisdom, but also the training to address large gatherings under adverse conditions. He stated that power randomly goes out in India all the time, but now he was seeing this in the U.S. also. The electrical power was restored halfway through the discourse, but by then, another Power company had already taken care of the needful, leaving the devotees thrilled and the atmosphere charged. The discourse was, undoubtedly, an enriching and fulfilling experience for all the attendees, complete with Guruji s melodious bhajans. 32

33 d CM Ann Arbor: Young Married Couples Seminar by Sangita Shivakumar future. There were also enthusiastic requests to Guruji to conduct such seminars for older age groups as well. With love, humor, and wisdom, Pujya Guruji conveyed to the participants that Vedantic principles can be translated into practical life skills for young married couples facing a variety of modern day demands. He beautifully addressed pertinent topics through the songs and shlokas he had composed specifically for the occasion, giving advice and inspiration for improving marital happiness and using grhastha ashrama as a platform to gain moksha. For the very first time in the history of Chinmaya Mission, Pujya Guruji Swami Tejomayananda conducted a Young Married Couples Seminar, entitled, Marriage - A Melody, on the weekend of July 25-26, 2009, at the Chinmaya Avantika ashram of Chinmaya Mission Ann Arbor. This seminar was conducted for couples years of age and attended by 45 couples who came from various states across the U.S., and included one couple from the U.K. They ranged from being recently married to having been married for over ten years, and interestingly, the ratio of arranged versus love marriages was close to 50:50. On the first day, Guruji gave the vision of a successful married life and parenting. This was followed by practical everyday tips to a happy married life from Acharya Vilasiniji (CM Washington D.C.). Vilasiniji s afternoon sessions on Managing Negative Emotions, followed by structured Couples Dialogue sessions were highly effective. The couples were able to relate to, and articulate, the difficulty in following a structured process, but were convinced about the long-term advantage of practicing it. The day concluded with a captivating Q&A session with Pujya Guruji, followed by dinner and a cultural music and dance program. On the second day, Guruji s engaging talk on Harmony in Marriage, followed by the Q&A sessions with him and Vilasiniji, were well received and appreciated. This first-of-its-kind seminar received overwhelmingly positive feedback, indicating the need to organize more seminars in the 33 We, at CM Ann Arbor, were blessed to have hosted this seminar by Pujya Guruji, that too, on the eve of our 25th anniversary! New CMW Centers and Acharyas It is with great pleasure that CMW welcomes Chinmaya Mission Bentonville, Arkansas under its umbrella. May the Lord s grace and Pujya Gurudev s blessings grant this new center success in fulfilling Pujya Gurudev s vision and Mission for the spiritual growth of all. CMW is also pleased and honored to welcome two new acharyas into the Chinmaya Family: Shanker Pillai, Chinmaya Mission Chicago K. Sadananda, Chinmaya Mission Washington D.C. At the June 2009 CMW Board of Directors meeting, Pujya Guruji conferred on them the title of Acharya, in recognition of their long and dedicated seva in the field of Vedantic teaching, as well as their contribution to the establishment and growth of their respective centers. Brahmachari Bhasa Chaitanya, formerly at CM Houston, has been posted to Coimbatore, India to help conduct the Mission s one-year, residential Purohit Course. Acharya Nagaraju, formerly at CM Raleigh- Durham, has shifted his residence to Mysore, India, where he and his wife, Renuka, continue to actively serve the Mission.

34 Mother s Day Puja at Chinmaya Shivalaya by Akshay Wadera Mother s Day 2009, an auspicious day at Chinmaya Mission Toronto, was celebrated on May 8, with extensive preparations that included a Matr Puja in honor of all the mothers. Many newcomers, who had also been invited, attended. The puja commenced with a welcome address by resident acharya, Swamini Shivapriyananda, who, along with another devotee, also explained the purpose of the puja and why we worship the forms of divine Mother Durga, Lakshmi, Sarasvati, as well as all mothers of the world. The Bala Vihar children performed the puja beautifully, with Swaminiji explaining the significance of each step from showering the mothers with rose petals, to washing their feet, to chanting the sacred names of divine Mother. The children responded with great enthusiasm while the mothers received these honorable gestures with smiles and tears of joy. In conclusion, Swaminiji stirred the audience with a heartfelt story of a Bala Vihar student. The ceremony was followed by a sumptuous lunch cooked by all the fathers, which everyone thoroughly enjoyed. Rave reviews included, It tastes like it has been catered from a five-star restaurant! One youth recalled a quote: It takes a mother s love to make a house a home. It takes a mother s patience to bring a child up right. It takes a mother s thoughtfulness to mend the heart. It takes a mother s kindness to forgive us when we err. And it takes a mother s wisdom to recognize our needs. And that is why, in all the world, there could not be another who could fulfill God s purpose as completely as a mother. Mission San Diego (CMSD) enjoyed the center s sixth annual kids day camp, July Lakshmi Sukumar conducted the themed camp on Festive India. Many trained sevaks and yuva sevaks served at the camp with the spirit of I am CM. Each day commenced with opening prayers, two theme-related sessions, games, and arts and crafts. Each day concluded with closing prayers and Chinmaya Arati. The campers also learned how to chant Ganga Stotram, and how to sing Vande Mataram and other bhajans. The five-day camp focused on how every day of life is a holy day and a celebration. Topics covered included: What festive means Daily life and puja Temples and types of temple worship Music and dance Festivals Having learned the meaning and purpose of various festivals of India, the children watched a video on a Char Dham yatra. After learning the significance of a puja, the traditional 16 steps of a Vedic puja, and about temples, the children visited Shri Mandir and witnessed a Vedic puja being performed by the priest. They also went on a virtual tour of the Rameshvaram Temple. Lakshmiji taught the children about the Guru Parampara System (GPS) of our life, and inspired them to make a poster on their website of life: The children also learned the significance of the lotus flower, rangoli, wearing a bindi, Lord Nataraja, India s various music and dance forms, and how western church music evolved. They had hands-on demonstrations and practices in dance and music (violin, harmonium, flute, table, and vocal). CM San Diego s Festive India BV Camp by Mamatha Puttur With God s grace and Pujya Gurudev s blessings, 25 children (grades 1-8) from Chinmaya 34 An eagerly anticipated daily activity was the arts and crafts session. From painting a murti of Lord Vishnu; to making lotus flowers, temples, rakhis and colourful rangoli designs; to playing concentration games and a Ramayana quiz they enjoyed it all.

35 RELEASING SHORTLY NEW VERSION OF A peep into the features of the revised website - ϕ Read a new quotation every time you visit your login page ϕ Register for Igoogle & RSS Feeds receive updates right on your home page ϕ Buy books, CDs and Chinmaya Publication items online ϕ No need to issue cheques. Now donate online from wherever you are ϕ Check out contents of popular books with a special viewer ϕ Read FAQs, ask questions, provide feedback ϕ Add information about temples and Chinmaya Mission activities in your area ϕ Register and be notified of all announcements & updates to the site by ϕ Register online for any camp and assure your seat ϕ Create your Chinmaya ID, get a login and create your own profile ϕ Download Gurudev & Guruji s photographs, articles, audio files, etc. ϕ View events, activities in your area based on your location ϕ Privileged user? Download centers & acharyas labels, publication price lists, etc. ϕ An Acharya? You can upload your scheduled activities and itinerary And a host of other features to be added periodically... to continuously improve your experience of Online Spirituality Keep track of the updates to the new version of CCMT website:

36 The children learned how to apply many small and simple teachings, like Happiness is an attitude, Everyday is a gift from God, Prayer is showing gratitude to God, and May our mind be where our hands are. Each day, they wrote in their camp book what they had learnt. Wholesome vegetarian lunches and snacks were served everyday and many parents offered food contributions as well. Lunch was preceded by the chanting of Gita, Chapter 15. On the last day, each child chose a topic taught in the camp and prepared a presentation on it. The neatly arranged art exhibit included rangoli, posters, and all arts and crafts projects. The children wore festive dresses and all the attendees were in festive form. The valedictory function commenced with a Lord Vishnu puja by the children, the chanting of Ganga Stotram, and bhajans. The parents were entertained by the individual presentations. The children each received blessings of their grandparents, a certificate and a Lord Balaji pendant as camp prasadam. The camp concluded with prayers and a potluck dinner. Everyone was very appreciative of the inspirational and value-based teachings. The children did not want the camp to end, but they and their parents are now eagerly looking forward to the next summer camp. to Ishwara, will be published, featuring Pujya Guruji s talks on Svara Sangam. All Mission members are welcome to attend the inauguration and support the souvenir by placing advertisements in the souvenir in the form of corporate sponsorships and/or individual donations. Please do spread the word among your family and friends and help support this grand and noble project. Attendees may contact Chittaranjan Rao to reserve their room and make transportation arrangements: rao_chitta@rediffmail.com, (91) Pujya Guruji has written, Any form of art however beautiful it may be if it is devoid of the touch of divinity, it is like an artificial flower beautiful, but without fragrance. Chinmaya Naada Bindu, a residential school for Indian classical music and dance, aims at enriching the lives of students and teachers with such a divine touch, in order to help them grow spiritually within and be successful in the outer world. In this process, even these arts are elevated to new sublime heights, delighting one and all. In short, Swara to Ishwara is the vision of Chinmaya Naada Bindu. CM Trinidad Kids Camp: The Value of Values Chinmaya Naada Bindu Opens Central Chinmaya Mission Trust is pleased to announce the inauguration of Chinmaya Naada Bindu, the Mission s residential school for Indian classical music and dance, on September 13, The project will be housed at Chinmaya Vibhooti in Kolwan, India. The school will be inaugurated in the presence of Pujya Guruji Swami Tejomayananda, Chief Guest Padma Vibhushan Pandit Jasraj, and various dignitaries in the music and dance field. The evening s notable performers will be Rama and Shweta Bharadwaj (Bharatanatyam) and Pandit Ulhas Kashalkar (Hindustani classical vocal). For this special occasion, a souvenir, Swara 36 Chinmaya Mission Trinidad and CHYK Trinidad simultaneously conducted their annual camps, themed this year on The Value of Values, July 20-25, at the CM Trinidad ashram. Conducted by resident acharya Swami Prakashananda, the children s camp for ages 8-12 was a day camp and the youth camp for ages was a residential camp. The students were exposed to a wealth of information on select topics. The children s sessions were centered on Dashavataras and

37 the youth sessions focused on Hinduism s 16 samskaras. In addition, Swamiji gave talks for the children on Shrimad Bhagavad Gita, Chapter 16 and for the youth on Chapter 13, and taught them how to chant the verses as well. Interactive and creative sessions formed a big part of the camp as well, wherein the students were treated to crafts, viewing exotic animals from the University of the West Indies, Kung Fu and self-defense techniques, introductory Sanskrit, and a rousing, devotional music session. Story time was a favorite among all the kids and the Debate of the Day sessions sparked stimulating discussions among the youth. The hot topics moderated by Mission volunteers included the driving age limit, vegetarianism, abstinence, love and arranged marriage. Swamiji and the students of CM Trinidad s residential Vedanta course conducted satsanga every evening. The campers were receptive and even came together to share their own thoughts at the end of the camp. Their topics included abhayam, virata, and ahimsa. The seva performed by the campers cannot go without mention. Each subgroup, named after one of the ten avataras, was assigned a seva project every afternoon, all of which they completed to an exceptional degree. The camp ended with much inspiration, love, and joy, with everyone looking forward to spending more time together next year. CM Tustin Kids Camp: Five Powers to Empower Acharya Mahadevan, July The camp was a special week-long treat for 60 children, ages Themed, Five Powers to Empower, the camp highlighted love, faith, mindfulness, wisdom, and health as the five powers that the camp acharyas taught through stories, songs, quizzes, and games. Swamiji began each day with stories that were punctuated with his trademark humor and warmth. When he sang bhajans, the children joined him with gusto and enthusiasm. Thereafter, it was Mahadevanji s turn to enthrall the children with more stories. In his trademark style, he brought together the story as well as the meaning of the japa, harmoniously blending it to suit young minds. Watching the little ones pick up all the shlokas so effortlessly was indeed a treat for the teachers! After much exercise for the mind, it was time to stretch into yoga poses. Vidya (our yoga teacher) spent time with each group teaching them to form poses according to their age. The children learnt to stretch their little bodies into different asanas with much enjoyment. In the afternoon, the older groups assembled in the main hall for a fun-filled hour of games, Indian style. They played kho, langadi, and more, filling the main hall of Mithila with much merriment and laughter. The children spent the remainder of the afternoon finishing up their workbooks, and working on arts and crafts. In between all this, they also stenciled and painted a few meaningful phrases, chosen by Swamiji, onto Mithila s parking spaces. Chinmaya Mission Tustin s kids summer camp at the Chinmaya Mithila ashram was conducted by Swami Ishwarananda and 37 To feature the theme of good health, all the children were taken on a field trip to Peters Canyon Regional Park on the last day of the

38 camp. The hike was coordinated by Prem Saint, a veteran sevak and retired professor of geology, who strung together stories from Ramayana as well as Harry Potter to keep the children engaged and enchanted throughout the 2.5-mile hike. After the hike, everyone enjoyed a refreshing picnic lunch. Sudharma: $350 per seat Chinmaya Jivan Darshan: - Frescos (mural paintings in Chinmaya Jivan Darshan): $11,250 each - Pujya Gurudev s 108 names engraved in marble: $ 2,250 - Pujya Gurudev s sculpture in gold finish, 13 ft.: $ 37,500 - Pujya Gurudev s meditative clear-cast idol: $45,000 Pujya Gurudev s OM signature in Jaisalmer stone or 16 ft. brass: $22,500 each It was a great experience to watch the children bond with Swamiji and Mahadevanji. The kids all had a wonderful time helping, and learning from, each other. Everyone involved in the camp had a great time and are looking forward to many more such camps at Mithila in the coming years. Support Chinmaya Vibhooti Visit to see the latest progress at Chinmaya Vibhooti. To help support its continuing and vast expansions, Central Chinmaya Mission Trust welcomes devotees contributions. At present, IRs.40 crore are still needed to complete the project. The facilities yet to be completed are: Sudharma (a convention center with seating for 1,008 persons), the amphitheater (an open-air convention center with seating for over 2,000 persons), eight classrooms, library, central archives, 112 residential rooms, Pranava Ganesha Mandir, Enlightenment Park, landscaping, roadwork, and other minor expenses. We look forward to your generous and prompt support in contributions for this enthralling and majestic tribute to Pujya Gurudev and his work. Donations may also be specified as follows: Residential Rooms: $8,000 each Bhumi Daan: $4,500 per acre We once again solicit your continued contributions to carry on Pujya Gurudev s work and complete this Chinmaya Vision Center. All contributions are tax exempt under India s Section IT80G and may be sent to Central Chinmaya Mission Trust via wire transfer or check. Support CIF Chinmaya International Foundation (CIF), established in 1990, is the last project taken up by Pujya Gurudev Swami Chinmayananda during his lifetime. We request one and all to join hands to fulfill Pujya Gurudev s vision for CIF. The year 2016 marks Pujya Gurudev s birth centenary. CIF would like to complete the infrastructural enhancements by then and dedicate them to Pujya Gurudev. Please help support this noble cause. Details are given in the ad on page 27. CIF s New Sanskrit Accredited Online Certification Course The Chinmaya International Foundation (CIF) is pleased to announce its new accredited Certificate in Sanskrit, awarded upon the successful 38

39 just as a newborn cries from the confines of her crib to be nurtured and fed by her unseen mother so too do i turn the japa mala in the early hours of morning chanting the name of the Lord - Anonymous completion of a six-month online course being offered jointly with Indira Gandhi National Open University, New Delhi. Online tests are administered upon the completion of each module, as well as a final term-end examination. CIF s student-friendly, online Sanskrit course, developed under the guidance of Brahmachari Gagan Chaitanya, has been receiving high accolades worldwide. IGNOU is said to be the world s largest Open University, and its aim is the dissemination of knowledge through novel techniques and methodologies for the benefit of large sections of society. To get details or register, visit ignousanskrit. chinfo.org. The registration deadline for the first course was August 14, 2009, in which only the first 300 students were accepted. Inquiries: ignousanskrit@chinfo.org. - Designed by Renjth (CHYK)