Can you believe that this academic year is already winding down? As a unified Chinmaya family, we’ve celebrated the joys of new unions and new births, while also experiencing the sadness of bidding farewell to beloved members. Through these highs and lows, our bond has deepened, reinforcing the unity of our extended Chinmaya family. The profound teachings of Vedanta have anchored us at our core, and the guidance of our gurus has illuminated the intricacies of life’s journey.
We’ve successfully reinstated the yagnas to their pre-pandemic frequency, with visiting Swamins/Brahmacharins from Chinmaya Mission joining us every quarter. These visits have provided invaluable learning experiences for us all. A heartfelt thanks goes out to the volunteers who graciously host these gurus during their stays and meticulously organize the yagnas. Their dedication shines through as they invest countless hours, even amidst their busy work schedules, to ensure smooth operations.
In December of this year, we experienced a three-day Yagna led by Brahmachari Stuti Chaitanya, focusing on the composition and commentary of Pujya Guruji Swami Tejomayananda’s “Jnana Sara.” Through a meticulous exploration of the text, intricate layers of thought unfolded, leading to a profound sense of Self-realization. Each day of the Yagna concluded with Stutiji’s enchanting bhajans, transporting us to realms of deep devotion. Stutiji serves as the Brahmacharini at Chinmaya Mission Columbus, Ohio. Additionally, she conducted a session tailored for our Devi groups, shedding light on women’s empowerment through the verses of Devi Mahatmyam, leaving a lasting impact on all who attended.
During the President’s Day weekend, we had the pleasure of hosting Brahmachari Soham Chaitanya from Chinmaya Mission San Jose. He enlightened us on Bhagavad Gita Chapter 6, delving into the practice of meditation and the discipline needed for self-realization. In this chapter, Lord Krishna shares practical insights on the importance of meditation, mastering the restless mind, the value of both meditation (Dhyana Yoga) and selfless action (Karma Yoga), maintaining mental equanimity, detachment from material possessions, and guidance on meditation techniques. Sohamji also elevated our experience with his soul-stirring bhajans at the start of each session, transporting us to higher realms. He serves as one of the coordinators for the CHYK (Chinmaya Yuva Kendra) West program.
In April, we were fortunate to host Swami Prakashanandaji from Chinmaya Mission Trinidad. He enlightened us with his discourse on Sundarkand, delving into the heroic deeds of Hanuman Ji during his journey to Lanka. His vibrant music and captivating storytelling transported us to higher realms of devotion, unveiling the profound meaning and significance of Hanuman Ji’s unwavering devotion. The way he illustrated how this devotion endowed Hanumanji with the power to overcome even mountains of obstacles was truly inspiring.
In May, we had the pleasure of hosting Shri Vivek Gupta from Chinmaya Mission Niagara Falls for an enlightening workshop centered on the teachings of the Bhagavad Gita. The workshop focused on mastering the practical art of disciplining actions, words, and thoughts to enhance acceptance and adaptability. These skills are essential to many as caregivers or care recipients, and Shri Vivek Gupta shared invaluable insights into cultivating discipline in thoughts and actions during this transformative session.
The visits of our busy Swamins/Brahmacharins require significant effort from our coordinators, yet they are invaluable for the spiritual upliftment and renewal we experience. Let’s actively contribute by offering to host, providing bhiksha, coordinating other essential tasks, and appreciating the tremendous work they do with joy. Together, let’s continue enriching our Chinmaya community.
