Unto Him Chinmaya Mission Pledge We stand as one family bound to each other with love and respect. We serve as an army, courageous and disciplined, ever ready to fight against all low tendencies and false values within and without us. We live honestly the noble life of sacrifice and service producing more than what we consume and giving more than what we take. We seek the Lord’s grace to keep us on the path of virtue, courage, and wisdom. May thy grace and blessings flow through us to the world around us. We believe that the service of our country is the service of the Lord of Lords, and devotion to the people is the devotion to the Supreme Self. We know our responsibilities; give us the ability and courage to fulfill them. OM TAT SAT
Love Divine From the book: Unto Him
Chinmaya Annual Fundraising Event, 2021 Table of Contents Love Divine - Swami Chinmayananda....................................................................1 Fundraising Event Program .....................................................................................3 Pujya Gurudev - Swami Chinmayananda............................................................... 4 Pujya Guruji - Swami Tejomayananda.................................................................... 5 Pujya Swami Swaroopananda................................................................................... 6 Message from Swami Swaroopananda.................................................................... 7 Swami Ishwarananda................................................................................................. 8 Message from Swami Ishwarananda........................................................................ 9 Swami Sharanananda .............................................................................................. 10 Message from Swami Sharanananda...................................................................... 11 Sri Jetindra K.Nayar................................................................................................. 12 Sri Sapna Nayar......................................................................................................... 13 Sri Dhiren Khatri...................................................................................................... 14 Unborn Mind - Swami Chinmayananda...............................................................15 Chinmaya Mission - Services and Programs........................................................ 18 Reminiscences of Pujya Gurudev .......................................................................... 24 Discourses and Study Groups................................................................................. 27 Badri Adult Study Classes - Description............................................................... 28 Two Wings of a Bird - Swami Chinmayananda................................................... 32 Guidance from Pujya Gurudev.............................................................................. 36 Yamunotri - Discourses by Spiritual Guides......................................................... 42 Bala Vihar.................................................................................................................. 47 Gangotri Weekly Activities..................................................................................... 51 Stuti Vandana............................................................................................................ 57 Chinmaya Mission Pledge....................................................................................... 63 Index of Sponsors and Advertisers ........................................................................64 Page 2
Unto Him Chinmaya Mission Chicago Program Purna Kumbha, Lamp lighting and Fundraiser inauguration Inspirational Messages from Swami Sharanananda and Swami Ishwaranananda Cultural Program by Bala Vihar Children & Chinmaya Youth Mission Status Updates Seva projects during pandemic Vote of Thanks and Concluding prayers by Bala Vihar children Page 3
Chinmaya Annual Fundraising Event, 2021 Pujya Gurudev H. H. Swami Chinmayananda Swami Chinmayananda (known to his followers as Gurudev) was born in 1916 in Kerala, India, and is preeminent among the wave of Vedantic teachers who emerged in the 1940s following the expansion of Vedānta to the West by Swami Vivekananda. He is a direct disciple of world-renowned Vedāntic luminaries Swami Sivananda and Swami Tapovan of Uttarkashi. Swami Chinmayananda is credited with the renaissance of spirituality and cultural values in India, because of his modern and dynamic approach to the spread of the ageless wisdom of Advaita Vedanta, as expounded by Adi Shankaracharya. Swami Chinmayananda attained mahasamadhi on August 3, 1993. His legacy remains in a wide variety of publication forms (books, videos, and audios); in various social service projects; in the innumerable Vedānta teachers he taught and inspired; and in the hundreds of Chinmaya Mission centers established worldwide, serving the spiritual and cultural needs of local communities. He inspired the Chinmaya Vishwavidyapeeth – a Deemed-to-be-University in the ‘de novo’ category that started in 2016. Page 4
Unto Him Pujya Guruji H. H. Swami Tejomayananda Swami Tejomayananda, Head of Chinmaya Mission Worldwide from 1993 to 2017, is one of the Mission’s preeminent senior teachers in India, teaching in English, Hindi and Marathi. Fondly addressed as Guruji and described by his own guru as an exquisite teacher. Swamiji, in his teaching, combines the erudite and penetrating vision of an established exponent of Advaita Vedanta with the soft heart and melodious voice of a bhakti yogi. Swami Tejomayananda continues the missionary work of his guru, offering Vedanta jñāna yajñas throughout India in an extraordinary yearly schedule, publishing highly readable commentaries on the Upanishads and other key texts and sponsoring cultural revival through patronage of an exemplary and prestigious program of music and dance tuition and concerts at Chinmaya Naada Bindu, the Fine Arts Department of the Chinmaya Vishwavidyapeeth University. Guruji received the Padma Bhushan award in 2016, the civilian award of the country for distinguished service. Page 5
Chinmaya Annual Fundraising Event, 2021 Pujya Swami Swaroopananda Global Head Chinmaya Mission Worldwide Swami Swaroopananda is the Global Head of Chinmaya Mission. A direct disciple of Swami Chinmayananda, he joined the Mission in his youth, trained in the Sandeepany Sadhanalaya seminary in Mumbai, and after several years of teaching, became Regional Head of the Mission in Australia, United Kingdom, Middle East, Africa, and the Far East. Presently, he is Chairman of the Chinmaya Vishwavidyapeeth Trust and Director of the Chinmaya International Residential School in Coimbatore, India. Swami Swaroopananda has a remarkable rapport with youth and has carried on the highly influential work of his Guru with young people to make spirituality a central pillar in their lives. His tremendous work in bringing out the essential wisdom and underlying unity of all religions has garnered him a place among the vanguards of self-development philosophy. Page 6
Unto Him Message from Hari Om! The presence of an altar of dedication makes all the difference, be it in one’s individual capacity or as a group. A job becomes a joy when it is performed with the attitude of selfless service; work becomes worship. We have seen it time and again in Chinmaya Mission. Pujya Gurudev has blessed us with countless opportunities to serve, each one of us unfolding to offer the best of ourselves as we do so. Each act of Seva is a chance to expand one’s vision, to be more and more inclusive and accommodating. Our Gurudev had long arms, physically as well as metaphorically, with which He embraced all those who came into contact with Him. With His universal outlook and timeless teachings, He even embraced those who did not. When we hear, speak, read or write the words ‘Unto Him’ we generally think of ‘Him’ as being Gurudev, and His form comes to mind. However, we must not forget that Gurudev always imparted a vision of limitlessness. His Truth, His essence, can never be limited to just one name and one form. The words ‘Unto Him’ are therefore all- inclusive. ‘Him’ is as much the Lord of our hearts as it is our brother, our neighbor, our fellow sevak. ‘Him’ is also oneself. What an honor and privilege it is to selflessly serve the totality in this way! When we see the potential that each one of us has in serving mankind, can we even imagine what can be achieved by the powerful coming together of sevaks and seekers from Badri, Yamunotri and Gangotri Chinmaya Mission centers to work towards a common goal? The sky is the limit and I wish you all a very successful and joyful online event on 4th December 2021. Pujya Gurudev’s blessings and my best wishes are with the entire Chinmaya Mission Chicago family. At His feet, Swami Swaroopananda Global Head, Chinmaya Mission When there is no enthusiasm or inspiration, consistency of purpose can never be. - Swami Chinmayananda - Page 7
Chinmaya Annual Fundraising Event, 2021 Swami Ishwarananda Spiritual Guide, Chinmaya Mission Los Angeles Inspired by Pujya Swami Chinmayananda, under the guidance of Pujya Swami Brahmananda (CM Bangalore), Swami Ishwarananda left his software profession and joined ‘Sandeepany Sadhanalaya’ in Mumbai, India, in 1991. Upon completing his training, he served as a Brahmachari in CM Bangalore and CM Kolkata, in India. In 1995, he was posted at Chinmaya Mission Southern California. In 2000, he received sannyasa diksha from Pujya Swami Tejomayananda. Swami Ishwarananda resided in Mumbai, India (2002-2004), as acharya of the 12th Vedanta course for Brahmacharis (2002-2004) at ‘Sandeepany Sadhanalaya’. Swamiji is a dynamic speaker and has given talks on Vedanta, stress and mind management, management techniques, and related topics. His clarity in Vedanta is apparent in his talks as he presents with ease, humor, and wit, complex philosophical subjects. He has also authored two highly acclaimed books: ‘Conscious Living’ and ‘Silent Search.’ Swamiji currently resides in Tustin, California, and serves CM Tustin and CM Bakersfield. Page 8
Unto Him Message from Swami Ishwarananda Hari Om! Pujya Gurudev said, ‘Action is the signature of life; no one can ever remain without action as long as one is alive.’ Gurudev himself had exemplified this statement through his tireless service to the humanity for over 4 decades. According to Bhagavad Gita: act, we must. But we have the option of choosing what we need to act on. It suggests that all our doings should lead to ‘Undoing’. The deep impressions, vasanas that prompt us to act selfishly, should be overcome by doing those action that will ‘undo’ those vasanas. So, what do we offer ‘Unto Him?’ Let us follow what Pujya Gurudev demonstrated in His life. Let us continue the process of undoing by seva and swadhyaya! My hearty wishes to Chinmaya Mission Chicago! With Prem & Om Ishwarananda What you have is all His Gift to you. What you do with what you have is your Gift to Him! - Swami Chinmayananda- Page 9
Chinmaya Annual Fundraising Event, 2021 Swami Sharanananda Spiritual Guide Chinmaya Mission Chicago - Badri Center Swami Sharanananda hails from Puri in Orissa. Having been inspired by Pujya Gurudev H.H. Swami Chinmayananda, he joined the two year brahmachari training course in Sandeepany Sadhanalaya, Mumbai, in the year 1986 and was trained by H.H. Swami Tejomayananda. He was given Brahmachari Diksha in 1988 and became Br. Sharana Chaitanya. He has served Chinmaya Mission centers in Anugul, Rourkela (Orissa) and Calcutta. In March 1993 Swamiji came to Chicago as our resident Acharya. On July 9, 1995 he was initiated into Sannyasa Diksha by H.H. Swami Tejomayananda and was named Swami Sharanananda. Swamiji places great importance on value based living. During Swamiji’s tenure at Chinmaya Mission Chicago, the center has not only thrived, but has expanded to serve the spiritual needs of many neighboring communities. Yamunotri in Grayslake, IL, Peoria, IL and NW Indiana center in Merrillville, IN are prime examples of the growth that CMC has experienced within the past several years. Swamiji periodically travels to the neighboring states of Iowa, Ohio and Minnesota, to conduct camps for children and discourses for adults. Swamiji also conducts scriptural and Bala Vihar classes during Chinmaya Mission family camps held throughout America. Swamiji’s loving and humble personality is a great source of inspiration to all that come in contact with him. His joyful exuberance and enthusiasm is contagious and uplifting to all that come in contact with him. Page 10
Unto Him Message from Swami Sharanananda Harih OM! In the spiritual arena, we always hear this word from different pulpits that surrender is the only way to spiritual success, that is liberation or discovery of Eternal happiness which is our true nature. In Srimad Bhagavad Geeta (Ch 7, V-14) Bhagavan Shri Krishna has told that, those who seek Him, overcome “Maya”, the delusive aspect of the creation. Again, the same principle is emphasized in Ch 18, Verse no 62 and 66. Now the question arises what is surrender? Is it the synonym of Shastanga pranaam?, How to surrender? What is really ours, which we can surrender to Him? Can one really surrender by doing some particular activities(rituals)? Actually, nobody can surrender as there is nobody else other than Him, but it just happens because of the profound realization that “He alone is in every form (as though) and is everywhere (Ch 6, V-31). In UpadeshaSara commentary Pujya Guruji has clearly explained that God is the Karmadhyksha and Karmaphaladata. Again “The ability to act” is His gift to the human beings (Ch 3, V-10). So to act for self-esteem and to prove the self-worth is delusory in nature. The best way to live happily in the world and to grow spiritually with in, is to do all our duties with the attitude of surrender ONTO HIM (Ishwara Arpitam) to glorify HIM and remaining away from ego flattering pursuits. Our mission is Pujya Gurudev’s body. All organizers are serving Him through different activities. Pray for everybody’s support to strengthen these activities by participating in them as a family to build happy families. May Pujya Gurudev’s blessings be with one and all. In Pujya Gurudev’s seva, 12/01/2021 Page 11
Chinmaya Annual Fundraising Event, 2021 Sri Jetindra K. Nayar Spiritual Guide Chinmaya Mission Chicago - Yamunotri Center Shri Jetindra K. Nayar was born in Ludhiana. He migrated with his parents thereafter to settle in Kolkata. After completing his masters degree in Commerce, and degrees in law and Chartered Accountancy, he practiced as an independent chartered accountant for over 40 years. His spiritual pursuit started in 1976, when he was attending spiritual discourses at Ramakrishna Mission and Bharat Sevashram Sangha in Kolkata. In 1988 Param Pujya Gurudev came for a Jnan Yagna in front of his residence. He was mesmerized by the discourse and longed to pursue further studies in Vedanta. Since 1995, he has been actively associated with Chinmaya Mission Kolkata in pursuit of spiritual studies. He served as Vice President, President of Vanprastha Sansthan, Kolkata chapter and also as Secretary of Chinmaya Mission Kolkata for more than a decade. He and his wife Smt. Swapna Nayar were very much inspired by Swami Advaitanandaji, who was Acharya of Chinmaya Mission Kolkata from the year 2000-2007. Under his guidance, he was ‘Sevak’ for multiple study classes in different parts of the city. With the grace of the Lord and entire Guru Parampara, he and his wife completed the residential 2 year Vedanta course at Sandeepany Sadhanalaya, Mumbai in 2013. They began their service as Acharyas of the Kolkata Mission, until their appointment by Pujya Guruji to be the resident Acharyas in the Chinmaya Mission in Chicago. Page 12
Unto Him Smt. Swapna Nayar Spiritual Guide Chinmaya Mission Chicago - Yamunotri Center Smt. Swapna was born and raised in a zamindar family in West Bengal, India. Being raised in a religious family with their own temples and shrines, she has had an inclination towards spirituality since childhood. After graduating in Arts from University of Calcutta, she spent the next twenty years in raising her daughters with her husband Sri Jetindra K. Nayar. She started Vedantic studies in 1995 at Chinmaya Mission Kolkata. This pursuit of knowledge continued for the next 16 years under the guidance of different Acharyas and Swamijis and Param Pujya Guruji at the Mission. Swami Advaitanandji created a great urge for ‘knowledge of self ’ in them during his residence at the Kolkata Mission from 2000 to 2007. Smt. Swapna was the ‘Sevak’ for multiple study classes. Having received formal training in Hindustani Classical Music since childhood, she also enjoyed singing Bhajans in different occasions / celebrations in the Mission. With the grace of the Lord and entire Guru Parampara, she and her husband completed the residential 2 year Vedanta course at Sandeepany Sadhanalaya, Mumbai in 2013. They began their service as Acharyas of the Kolkata Mission, until their appointment by Param Pujya Guruji to be the resident Acharyas in the Chinmaya Mission in Chicago. Page 13
Chinmaya Annual Fundraising Event, 2021 Sri Dhiren Khatri Spiritual Guide Chinmaya Mission Chicago Shri Dhiren Khatri was born and raised in Mumbai, India. He came to the U.S. as a child with his family and completed his high school and university studies here. After working for three years, he experienced a sense of discontentment that led him to seek a higher, more fulfilling purpose than a routine life of labor. With an intensified longing to know more about God, Hindu scriptures, and Vedantic philosophy, he soon learned of an opportunity to fulfill all these needs. And so he left to join the two-year course of study at ‘Sandeepany Sadhanalaya’ in Mumbai, India. There, under the guidance of Pujya Guruji Swami Tejomayananda, he studied under Swami Advayananda, the resident course Acharya, and Swami Sharadananda, the resident Upacharya. On the successful completion of the Vedanta Course in 2013, he was posted to CM Chicago, where he currently conducts Vedanta classes at Badri & Yamunotri. Email: [email protected] Silently hear everyone. Accept what is good. Reject and forget what is not. This is intelligent living. - Swami Chinmayananda - Page 14
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Chinmaya Annual Fundraising Event, 2021 Chinmaya Mission Services and Programs Mission Statement: The purpose of Chinmaya Mission is 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 the society. Chinmaya Mission makes available the ageless wisdom of Vedanta, the knowledge of the One Reality, and provides the tools to realize that wisdom in one’s life. “To give maximum happiness to the maximum number for the maximum time” is the tenet that drives Mission workers to uplift humanity beyond selfish and sectarian attitudes and activities. Each person’s gain is manifold: personal growth, heightened efficiency, contentment, and the ability to live with others in peace and harmony. There are over 340 Chinmaya Mission centers worldwide, and close to 40 centers in the United States. World-Wide activities: • Intensive Vedanta Courses (training for Chinmaya Mission’s order of brahmacharis) • Publications • Regional Centers • Temples and Shrines • Schools and Colleges • Medical Services and Training • Rural Village Development Projects • Pitamaha Sadans (senior citizens’ homes) • Management Courses and Services • Research in Sanskrit and Indology Local activities: • Gynana Yagnyas (Vedanta lecture series, seminars, workshops) • Bala Vihar (Vedanta forum through weekly classes for children and youth, grades Preschool through High School • Study Groups (Vedanta forum for adults) • Devi Groups (Vedanta study and discussion forum for women and homemakers) • Spiritual Retreats and Camps • Language Classes, Stuti Vandana (Stotras Chanting), Vishnu Sahasranam and Vedic Chanting • Music and Fine Arts Classes • Yoga Classes • Interfaith Dialogue and Prayers • Community Health Fairs and Seminars • Blood Drives • Charity events for the benefit of the local community (FMSC, book drives, toy drives, food drives, collection of funds in disaster struck areas locally and globally). Continued on next page... Page 18
Unto Him • Shrimad Bhagavad Gita coaching, recitation and competitions. • Vedanta in Practice (Community Service Programs) • Math Enrichment • ACT/SAT Preparation & Training • CHYK Forum (For College Students & Young Professionals) • Chinmaya Swaranjali (Devotional music/bhajan) • Rudram/Chamakam Chanting Chinmaya Mission is open to all members of the community and serves the spiritual needs of families through the two major centers in the greater Chicagoland area. Please contact the respective sevaks of each center for detailed information regarding each listed activity or visit the web site at: www.chinmaya-chicago.org for the activities at Badri, or www. chinmaya-yamunotri.org for the activities at Yamunotri. Badri 11S080, Rt 83 (Kingery Hwy) , Willowbrook, IL, 60527 Badri currently has about 400 registered children and approximately 300 active adult participants in study groups. Badri serves the needs of families in the Chicago area and the surrounding suburbs. The Bala Vihar and study groups meet every Sunday, except a few major holiday weekends. Sundays 9:30 am - 11:30 am For further information regarding activities at Badri, please contact: Swami Sharananandaji Phone: 630-654-3370 email: [email protected] Sri Shanker Pillai Phone: 630-789-6607 email: [email protected] Sri Dhiren Khatri Phone: 224-612-0403 email: [email protected] Ashok Dholakia Phone: 630-789-6396 email: [email protected] Website: www.mychinmaya.org Yamunotri 30877 N. Fairfield Rd. Grayslake, IL, 60030 Yamunotri currently has about 400 registered children and approximately 200 active adult participants in study groups. Yamunotri serves communities in the Northern Illinois and Southern Wisconsin areas, not limited to, but including Libertyville, Mundelein, Grayslake, Gurnee, Lake Forest, Lake Bluff, Arlington Heights, Buffalo Grove, Skokie, Vernon Hills, Hoffman Estates, Waukegan, Zion, Beach Park, Racine, WI, Kenosha, WI. Due to the increased enrollment, Yamunotri now has 2 sessions of Bala Vihar and Adult Study Groups; one session on Saturday, and one on Sunday. except a few major holiday weekends. Saturdays & Sundays: 11:00 am - 12:30 pm Language classes including Sanskrit, Tamil are from 1:30 – 2:30 pm on Saturday Continued on next page... Page 19
Chinmaya Annual Fundraising Event, 2021 For further information regarding activities at Yamunotri, please contact: Sri Jetindra Nayar Phone: 847-740-1215 email: [email protected] Sri Swapna Nayar Phone: 847-740-1215 email: [email protected] Sri Dhiren Khatri Phone: 224-612-0403 email: [email protected] Rajul Bhalala Phone: 847-302-2383 email: [email protected] Ashok Bhatia Phone: 847-680-4735 email: [email protected] Premal Joshipura Phone: 847-362-6073 email: [email protected] Shubi Mansukhani Phone: 847-707-8500 email: [email protected] Jothi Arun Phone: 224-430-0052 email: [email protected] Website: www.chinmaya-yamunotri.org Gangotri Bennett Day School, 955 W Grand Ave, Chicago, IL 60642 The Chicago City Center started in 2015 thanks to the work of a group of dedicated volunteers. In our fourth year, Bala Vihar classes from KG to High School are now being held on Sundays from 9:00 to 10:30 am at the Bennett Day School. On September 6, 2018 our center was given the blessed name of Gangotri by Pujya Swami Swaroopanandaji. Under the guidance of Swami Sharanananda and Shri Dhiren Khatri, Adult Study Groups and Bala Vihar classes are conducted by dedicated sevaks/sevikas. We are growing as a community and serve over 50 families in the city and surrounding areas. To accommodate the growing needs, Shishu Vihar, Sanskrit and Bhajan classes are slated to be introduced in the New Year. The vibrant Gangotri center has had talks from many visiting Swamijis of Chinmaya Mission, that have inculcated a hunger for continued satsanga in the minds of the members. For more information, please contact : Nitish Kanabar: 347-829- 9099 Meera Mahenthiran: 312-622- 3402 Website: https://www.chinmayagangotri.org Please see page 51 for the description of Gangotri weekly activities. Page 20
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Unto Him Discourses and Study Groups The most important follow-up measure of the Gyana Yagnyas (discourses) is the Study Group program. The basic concept of the Study Group is to study the scriptures by those who have a curiosity and thirst to benefit from the perennial wisdom of the Rishis. What is read or heard, in order to take root, must be thought over (tat chintanam). The test of clear thinking is in the ability to express our thoughts clearly (tat kathanam). Again, whether our understanding is right and proper, is brought out in the rational and mutual discussion of the Study Group members (anyonya prabodhanam). Thus, to the sincere and diligent student, the Study Group technique provides an opportunity and a forum for gaining a deep and quick perspective of our scriptures. The forum, in the Satsang atmosphere, also fosters and develops brotherly understanding amongst the members and strengthens the “One Family” concept. Each Study Group member is allotted a portion of the text. During the subsequent class the Sevak summarizes the proceedings of the last class and requests the designated member to give a presentation of the portion allotted. After the member has finished his contributions and raised questions, the Sevak requests other members for their supplementary contributions on the topic under discussion, and also answers to questions raised. Repetition of stanzas and word meanings given in the text under study are essential in understanding and in becoming familiar with Sanskrit verses. After all members of the group have shared their thoughts, the Sevak, as a member of the class, also makes his/her contributions. After the 60 minutes of class time, the Sevak will punctually close the class with the recitation of a prayer by all and quietly disperse with “Hari Om”. By following the procedure with sincerity and enthusiasm, members get clarity on the essence of the text under study, by the technique of cooperative thinking. The goal of the study group is not the attainment of anything in the outside world, but rather the inner ability to better face the world and its manifold challenges. Page 23
Chinmaya Annual Fundraising Event, 2021 Reminiscences of Pujya Gurudev Swami Chinmayananda Profound lessons can be learned through the simplicity of nature: * Smt. Bharati Sukhtankar: * Swamiji was in Uttarkashi with the first batch of brahmacārīs in the summer of 1968. There was an almond tree just outside Tapovan Kutiyā and the steps leading down. The sun was sending the long arms of its rays over the eastern mountains. The air was still and fragrant. Swamiji, in his deep stentorian voice, chanted the invocation. Just then, a tiny bird alighted on a branch of the almond tree. It opened wide its beak and trilled away till it seemed as though its heart would burst. Swamiji was quiet. We all listened intently to the bird that was in no hurry to stop its song. The seconds trailed into minutes. Finally, with a dramatic flutter of its wings, it flew away into the blue sky. Swamiji opened his eyes, looked at us, and then closed his Vivekacūdāmani book. “That was your morning class for today,” he said. From the book: Final Score: Love All How to recognize a saint: * Swamini Kaivalyananda: * During the Vivekacūdāmani camp at a satsanga, Br. Aniket asked Gurudev how to identify a saint. His concern was that because around that time some well-known saints had attained Mahāsamādhi — the saint population was getting scarce! Gurudev said, “India is a land which will always have saints. They could be anyone — a person who is making cow dung cakes [patties for fuel], or just sitting silently near a garbage pit, or even sitting under a tree. If you want to recognize saints, you should reach their level.” From the book: Final Score: Love All Continued on next page... Page 24
Unto Him Q: What is this ‘sixth sense’ in Wise People? * Smt. Nimrita Dholakia: * A: Swamiji had just landed at Chicago’s O’Hare airport, and had literally walked in, straight into the mandap (platform) for the bhümi puja (earth-breaking ceremony invoking the blessings of the Lord for ensuing construction) platform which had been prepared for Chinmaya Mission Chicago’s newly acquired, beautiful seven-acre property, “Chinmaya Badri.” At the time, the only structure on it was a landscaper’s little home, the “Little House on Prairie.” That night, Swamiji slept in the “Little House on Prairie” for the first time. At breakfast the next morning he informed us, “This house is sinking!” There was complete silence. We did not know what to think, or say! We asked an American devotee who knew about construction work to look into the matter. He went into the “crawl space” under the building, and sure enough, when he came out, he said; “Yes. The house is sinking on the north side! The foundation was not properly reinforced on that side, and the crawl space is actively deepening as we go north...!” Afterwards, the devotees themselves reinforced the foundation, and now Swami Sharanananda (Acharya, Chinmaya Mission Chicago) resides there quite safely. From the book: He Did It Page 25
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Chinmaya Annual Fundraising Event, 2021 Adult Study Classes at Badri - Description All adults are invited to attend these special classes for further study of our Scriptures Sunday School Activities – via zoom until a decision to return to Badri is made depending on COVID situation Bhagavad Gita Discourses in English Sundays, 9:30 am - 10:00 am The Bhagavad Gita is a “Manual of Life.” It is the “Song of the Lord.” It begins with the word ’dharma’ and ends with the word ’mama’. Together they mean ’my dharma’ or ’my essential nature’. To know our essential nature is the goal of our life. Vivekachoodamani Class Tuesdays, 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm Vedanta is truly the Science of Life. One of the greatest texts written by Bhagavan Adi Sankaracharya, the great interpreter of Vedanta, is the Vivekachoodamani. It means “The Crest-Jewel of Discrimination.” It is the cream of the Upanishads and the Bhagavad Geeta, and re-educates the student, in a systematic way, to provide him with a new vision of life. The Goal and the Path are both exhaustively dealt with. To one who is making a deep study of Vivekachoodamani, no other help is needed for leading him to a spiritual life, guiding him for his self improvement and attainment of the goal of life. Saddarsanaam Discourse Sundays, 8:30 am – 9:15 am Mandukya Upanisad Wednesdays, 7:00 pm - 8:15 pm Drik Drishya Viveka Saturdays, 8:00 am - 9:00 am Devi Group Wednesdays - 10:30 am - 11:30 am Ladies gather to learn Vedic Chanting & Sanskrit, and are covering Sri Rama Charita Manas Page 28 Continued on next page...
Unto Him Adult Study Groups Sundays, 10:00 am - 11:00 am Several adult study groups studying different texts: Kindle Life, Bhaja Govindam, Tattva Bodha, Atma Bodha, Bhagavad Gita Chapter I, Bhagavad Gita Chapter III, Bhagavad Gita Chapter XII. Vishnu Sahasranama Sundays 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm Stuti Vandana Tuesdays, 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm Gita Chanting Mondays, 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm Thursdays, 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm Vedic/Rudram-Chamakam Chanting Sundays, 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm Thursdays, 7:30 pm - 8:15 pm Chinmaya Swaranjali Bhajans Sundays, 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm Wednesdays, 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm Sanskrit Classes, Level I & II Level 1 - Sundays, 7:15 pm - 8:15 pm Level 2 - Mondays, 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm Page 29
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Chinmaya Annual Fundraising Event, 2021 From the book: Unto Him Page 32
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Chinmaya Annual Fundraising Event, 2021 Guidance from Pujya Gurudev Swami Chinmayananda Gurudev would answer questions from a student of the Postal Lesson Course about how to develop sincere dedication to the goals and ideals outlined in Vedānta. Q: The ideal of serving the community gives greater satisfaction than serving yourself. Why is it nobler to serve others rather than oneself? Swamiji: “In order to serve another, you will have to expand yourself to find accommodation for the other in your mind. The more the mind expands and discovers its identity with others around, not only the efficiency of the mind increases, but the joy content in the mind expands. The larger the field of your identification — with child, family, society, country, and the world, and so on — the greater is the sense of satisfaction and inner harmony. The moment you become self-centered in selfishness, then fear, confusion, despair, and a thousand other hosts that disturb the mind flood into your bosom. The above are some of the ideas. Think for yourself. Continue the Lesson Course.” From the book: Final Score: Love All An assessment of spiritual achievement: Letter to *Promila Modi:* “A taste for those inspired moments is good. But so long as you crave for it, you can only be away from it. End the craving and be quiet: you are in It. It is the One that illumines the craving; It is the subject ‘you,’ and craving is the object ‘that.’ Be in yourself! Everything springs from you!!” From the book: Final Score: Love All Continued on next page... Page 36
Unto Him All one needs is a focused mind to fulfill any desire: Q: Not all men use their mind for the invocation of the Supreme. There are scientists, artists, politicians, economists, authors, and others — each producing spectacular results, often products of some subtle inspiration. How do people in general get their inspiration? Swamiji: Subjectively, from the standpoint of man’s personality reconstruction, whatever be the mode of invocation, he gains the fulfillment of his desires, if the conditions are all fulfilled. With single-pointed intense consistency, one may invoke war and another peace; both shall have their desires gratified. There is nothing impossible for man — only he must be able to steady his mind and intelligently apply it with the required intensity and constancy; he shall gain what he wishes, be it spiritual unfoldment or material gain in this world. Every success and any splendid performance, anywhere and at any time, are all sparks from pure inspiration, which is a State of Self-hood. From the book: Final Score: Love All Page 37
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Chinmaya Annual Fundraising Event, 2021 Yamunotri - Discourses by Swamiji & Spiritual Guides All adults are invited to attend these special classes for further study of our Scriptures Bhagavad Gita Discourses in English Saturdays: 9:30 am - 10:00 am Sundays: 9:30 am - 10:00 am Zoom: 826 8959 9487, PW: CMCY2021 The Bhagavad Gita is a “manual of life.” It is the “Song of the Lord.” It begins with the word dharma and ends with the word mama. Together they mean ‘my dharma’ or ‘my essential nature’. To know our essential nature is the goal of our life. Tattva Bodhah Discourse by Swami Sharanananda Mondays: 7:30 pm - 8:30 pm Zoom: 858 1943 2833 , PW: Tattva Tattva Bodhah by Bhagavan Adi Shankaracharya is an introductory text that explains the basic concepts of Vedanta in simple terms. In a simple question-answer style, it expounds the essence of Vedantic terminology and philosophy. Dakshinamurti Storam by Shri Dhirenji Continued on next page... Thursdays: 8:30 to 9:30 PM Zoom ID: 606 414 6060 Hymns to Sri Dakshinamurti is worship combined with Advaita Vedanta philosophy. In 10 stanzas, all misconceptions, illogical arguments, and hasty conclusions are debunked, and a true understanding of Upanishadic literature is shown. Page 42
Unto Him Other Classes at Yamunotri Adult Study Groups Saturday and Sunday Sessions Due to pandemic, the number of adult study groups have been reduced temporarily from 11 to 7 in two sessions, studying different texts: Kindle Life, Bhaja Govindam, Tattva Bodhah, Narada Bhakti Sutra and Mukunda Mala. Sanskrit Classes, Level I & II Saturdays, 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm Conducted by Chinmaya Mission Chicago and Samskrita Bharati USA. Objectives: • Ability to speak in Samskritam • Vocabulary-building for everyday conversation • Ability to form sentences with multiple clauses • Ability to tell simple stories in Samskritam Language Classes: Tamil Saturdays, 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm All children registered for Bala Vihar are eligible to join the language class. Love is a consistent passion to give, not a meek persistent hope to receive. The only demand of life is the privilege to love all. - Swami Chinmayananda Page 43
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Chinmaya Annual Fundraising Event, 2021 Bala Vihar “All the activities in a Bala Vihar class or camp are specially designed for children. The primary aim is to teach children to look at life as a game. Further, they must understand that even though life is viewed as a sport, every sport has rules, and discipline is important; just because it’s a game, it does not mean we can skip the rules.” - Swami Tejomayananda The Chinmaya Bala Vihar program offers weekly spiritual Vedanta classes for children in their formative and molding years. The classes, categorized by varying age groups, start and end with Sanskrit prayers. They include chanting, bhajans, stories of devotion and moral values, interactive discussions, and creative games. The 90-minute classes are based on specially designed syllabi, with the aim of accomplishing the Bala Vihar rationale set by Swami Chinmayananda: • To inculcate in children and youth reverence and pride for our ancient culture, and give them a healthy • foundation to build their life • To provide an atmosphere of growth that is filled with physical discipline, healthy emotions and noble ideas • To create self-confidence to be able to act and serve cheerfully with true affection • To provide a vision that generates personal discipline and dynamic leadership • To nurture their dormant faculties, so that the children can improve, cultivate and express their creative abilities and individuality • To help our children and youth develop a healthy resistance against peer pressure and the temptations of ‘modern’ society • To develop love for God and forge a lasting relationship with Him During the weekly classes, and at special events and festival celebrations, both the children and sevaks/sevikas (teachers and administrators) learn the art of living in a loving, nurturing environment of discipline, where their personalities spontaneously blossom at the physical, emotional, intellectual and spiritual levels. The Chinmaya Bala Vihar curriculum includes various devotional, philosophical, and ethical texts and topics, focusing on developing love for God. In the elementary years emphasis is on learning and practicing values. Children are introduced to values in a fun way through Alphabet Safari and the Vedanta Alphabet. Complex questions like: ‘Where is God?’ ‘What does He do?’, ‘If He is everywhere, why can we not see Him?’ are logically answered. Through the medium of storytelling, they learn to love the Lord as Hanuman, Shri Rama and Shri Krishna, and strive to emulate their qualities. Later, in the teenage years, focus is on understanding spirituality and fundamental Vedantic principles. This is a unique and remarkable feature of the Curriculum. The intensive syllabus covers stories, topics and texts from Hinduism – the Vedas, Puranas, and Itihasa. The syllabus is child-friendly and taught in age-appropriate levels. Continued on next page... Page 46
Unto Him A typical curriculum includes: • ABC of Vedanta • Ramayana • Shrimad Bhagavatam • Mahabharata • Symbolism in Hinduism • Hanuman Chalisa • India and Festivals of India • Values from Shrimad Bhagavad Gita and Ramacharitamanasa • Characters of Ramayana and Mahabharata • Hindu Culture • Introduction to Shrimad Bhagavad GitaAdditional topics are developed and taught at Chinmaya Bala Vihar camps. Other classes for children Chinmaya Badri Swaranjali Friday from 7pm – 8pm via zoom The purpose of Chinmaya Swaranjali is to provide an avenue for the students of Chinmaya Mission, who are musically inclined, to learn bhajans and devotional songs, and perform both within Chinmaya Mission and local temples/organizations. ACT / SAT classes at Badri Sundays - January 17 - May 2nd via Zoom This program is primarily for students in ninth grade or higher. A few eighth grade students may be admitted, based on evaluation by the staff. www.mychinmaya.org/activities/activities-for-children/sat/ Page 47
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