Chinmaya Mission has developed a range of activities, events, and programs to cater to people of all age groups from various walks of life. Weekly classes strengthen the grassroots activities of the Mission for its members’ benefit, while lectures and camps by spiritual teachers reach a broader audience.
Chinmaya Mission Portland – In Service of the Community
Chinmaya Mission, now celebrating its Amrit Mahotsav (75th year), continues to inspire people of all ages and backgrounds through a rich array of spiritual, cultural, and service-based programs. Weekly classes strengthen grassroots involvement, while visiting spiritual teachers expand the Mission’s reach through lectures and camps.
At Chinmaya Mission Portland (CMP), our community actively engages in the following:
Community Service
We regularly participate in medical camps for seniors, food and coat drives, homeless shelter meal service, tutoring for ESL students, environmental cleanups, and global fundraising walkathons. Our efforts are supported by partners like the Beaverton City Council, Oregon Food Bank, Transition Projects, and CORD USA.
Study Groups & Yoga
A unique feature of Chinmaya Mission, Study Groups encourage collective reflection on Vedantic texts. We also offer weekly Hatha Yoga sessions for physical and spiritual well-being.
Scriptural Knowledge Sessions
CMP hosts visiting Acharyas from other centers throughout the year to conduct Jnana Yagnas (spiritual lecture series) on key scriptures.
Balavihar & Yuva Kendra
Our children’s program, Balavihar (Bala = child, Vihar = a joyful place), imparts cultural and spiritual values through age-appropriate lessons. As students mature, they transition into Yuva Kendra, where they engage in deeper discussions on identity, purpose, and values. We also offer classes in Indian languages and Vedic chanting.
Youth Leadership & Summer Camps
Our student-led summer camps foster leadership through activities such as speech & debate, crochet, carpentry, robotics, STEM, performing arts, and crafts like candle and soap making.
Senior Citizen Meetings
Seasonal weekly gatherings provide seniors a space for satsangs, bhajans, health talks, and shared meals—offering connection and reflection. Their wisdom and devotion are a vital part of our community.
Volunteer-Driven Spirit
From its inception, CMP has been entirely volunteer-run. Our dedicated Sevaks serve selflessly to maintain the center’s activities with love and care.
Bookstore & Shadras Café
Our bookstore offers spiritual books, CDs, and DVDs and is open Sundays after class. At the volunteer-run Shadras Café, members share delicious home-cooked regional cuisines with the community every week.
We remain deeply grateful for the continued participation and support of our members. Together, we strive to live Gurudev Swami Chinmayananda’s vision: To give maximum happiness to the maximum number for the maximum time.