Movie followed by dinner – Free & Open to all, registration is required
A biopic on the life and legacy of Swami Chinmayananda, the revered spiritual leader and founder of the Chinmaya Mission.
Swami Chinmayananda is revered as one of the foremost exponents of Vedanta, the philosophical core of Hinduism. His journey was anything but conventional—beginning as a spirited and mischievous child, transforming into a rebellious youth, a revolutionary freedom fighter, a sharp-witted journalist, and even a staunch atheist. How did Balakrishna Menon, a passionate and outspoken skeptic, evolve into the enlightened master Swami Chinmayananda?
The first-ever biopic on his life, On A Quest, directed by R.S. Prasanna, answers these questions. It provides an intimate glimpse into the making of a spiritual giant—one who not only inspired millions during his lifetime but continues to do so even decades after his passing.
Trinidad serves as a time capsule, preserving ancient Hindu practices and rituals, enriched by a joyful blend of Caribbean rhythms.
– Swami Prakashananda
Swami Prakashanandaji has personally invited us to visit Trinidad in November 2025, coinciding with Thanksgiving week. This is an incredible opportunity and there are only limited spots available, register today!
Trinidad, often dubbed the gem of the southern Caribbean, awaits us with its captivating beaches, ancient temples, and thrilling adventures. Join us for a group expedition where we’ll delve into new experiences, expand our horizons, and absorb knowledge that promises an unforgettable journey.
Our itinerary, which you can help plan by joining our team early, will be packed with visits to revered pilgrimage sites such as the “Temple in the Sea,” the towering 85-foot Hanumanji statue, and the serene Chinmaya ashram & Vidyalaya. These historical marvels not only offer breathtaking views but also narratives to ponder upon and insights to absorb.
As a finale to our adventure, we’ll trek up Tapovanam Hill, winding through the rainforest to reach the ashram at its peak. Traveling in Jeeps and pickup trucks, we’ll relish an incredible vista and experience.
With numerous sights to behold, ample moments for reflection, and a plethora of activities to engage in, this trip promises to be enriching in every way! As a crowning glory, Swami Prakashanandaji has offered to be there throughout the trip, conducting one Vedanta class in the morning and a Ramayana session in the evening for our spiritual upliftment.
To secure your spot, please complete the registration process and submit an initial fee of $200 per person. Upon finalizing the trip’s planning, the remaining amount of $600 per person (totaling $800 per person) will be due. This fee encompasses accommodation, meals, and local transportation throughout the trip. Airfare is not included; you may choose to book your flights separately or explore group rate options with us.
Give in plenty, with both hands give”
– Swami Chimayananda – Discourses on Taittiriya Upanisad
In 2023, we celebrated the joyous 10th anniversary of Pujya Guruji Swami Tejomayananda’s blessing bestowed upon our center, gracing it with the sacred name ‘Chinmaya Haridwar’. Join us in celebrating 10 Years of unity, growth, and community! May 8th, 2024 marks the 108th birth anniversary of our most beloved Pujya Gurudev Swami Chinmayananda.. On this momentous occasion we’re reaching out to you, our valued supporter, with an exciting opportunity to make a lasting impact.
Why is your contribution to Chinmaya Mission Portland (CMP) so vital? Because it goes beyond a simple donation. It’s a statement of your commitment to growing our Chinmaya family and a tangible expression of your belief in the power of collective giving. Join hands with us to create a debt-free community space! Contribute today to pay off the loan on our beloved center and ensure a brighter, more secure future for us all.
Since 1996, nearly a hundred Bala Vihar children have graduated from Chinmaya Mission Portland. We stand prominently as a pillar in this community. Our commitment shines through the ongoing dedication of our Bala Vihar students. They immerse themselves in preparing weekly meals for the homeless shelter, organizing quarterly street cleanups, spearheading impactful environmental awareness programs, and offering free English tutoring for immigrant families, just to highlight a few of our community activities.
Together let us honor Chinmaya Hardwar’s decade-long journey, and support our cause: ‘Vedanta in Action: Celebrate 10 years of Chinmaya Haridwar‘ Let’s harness the collective power of our sankalpa to raise $500,000 to make our facility debt-free as an offering to Pujya Gurudev Swami Chinmayananda on His 108th birth anniversary.
Here’s how you can participate and make a difference:
1. Create a Fundraising Challenge today:
Consider setting up a personal ‘Vedanta In Action: Celebrating 10 years of Chinmaya Haridwar‘ fundraising challenge. Don’t know how to get started? We’ve got everything set up for you, just go through the steps mentioned below to get started fast – 1-2-3!
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Go to “JustGiving” page and set up your user account.
Are you fundraising in the memory of someone? “No”
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Are you taking part in an activity? “Just fundraising”
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Are you fundraising for an occasion? “Skip this question”
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How much would you like to raise? Type your target, Aim High as Gurudev says!
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Optionally, personalize your page
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Kick off your fundraiser page! Bookmark the page so that you can send it to your friends & family, update the offline donations you collected and watch your campaign grow!
2. Share Your Giving Story:
Join us in spreading the spirit of giving! Share on social media why you support Chinmaya Mission Portland and encourage your friends and followers to join you in making a change for the sake of the community we serve. Use the hashtag #Haridwar10 #Gurudev108 #VedantaInAction #ChinmayaMissionPortland to be part of the conversation.
Challenge your network to match your donation or beat your contribution amount. Together, we can turn individual acts of kindness into a collective force for good.
Your support for Chinmaya Mission Portland is not just a donation; it’s an investment in the positive transformation it brings to individuals’ lives, the promotion of spiritual and cultural values, and its contributions to the well-being of communities. We believe in the power of collective giving to bring about meaningful change, and we’re grateful to have you as part of our community.
Let’s make 2024 a celebration of generosity and positive change.
Language is a major barrier for many immigrant students. As part of our community service, we offer in-person, one-on-one support to help them feel confident in seeking assistance. Supervised high school students tutor English language learners (ELLs) of all ages, if your family’s annual income is below $55,000. Please fill out the form below to register.
Are you passionate about food and love bringing people together through delicious meals? We’re calling on all culinary enthusiasts and food lovers to signup to cook for Shadras! Together, let’s create a warm and welcoming atmosphere where we can nurture both our bodies and our spirits.
📅 Schedule: We’re looking for volunteers who can commit to cooking sessions once a year, make it an offering on your special day or in memory of someone passed.
🍲 What’s Cooking: Bring your regional favorites! From soul-warming Sunday lunch to homeless shelter cooking and special events, our kitchen is always abuzz with opportunities to prepare delightful meals for our Chinmaya family and beyond. Share your culinary skills and explore new flavors as we create memorable lunch experiences.
✨ Why Volunteer with Us: By signing up to cook at Shadras, you’ll experience the joy of serving others and fostering a sense of community. Plus, you’ll have the chance to connect with like-minded individuals, expand your culinary repertoire, and make a difference in the lives of those we serve.
🆓 No Experience Necessary: Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a cooking novice, we welcome everyone! Our experienced volunteers and kitchen staff will provide training, guidance, and support every step of the way. All you need is a passion for cooking and a desire to make a positive impact.
🙏 Sign Up Today: Ready to embark on this adventure? Sign up now for the upcoming academic year, with your preferred date (Sundays from September 8th 2024 to June 15 2025). Please be flexible with the date as there could be some schedule shuffling later on. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to share your love for cooking and serve our Chinmaya community!
For any inquiries or further information, email us at – contact [at] cmportland [dot] org!
Thank you for considering this opportunity to cook with us. Together, let’s create a nourishing and loving environment that brings us closer as a Chinmaya family.
Volunteering Opportunity Exclusively For Our Sponsors!
Signup Required
Develop noble and enduring qualities. Watch in others for weaknesses that you should guard against, in yourself. Love all. Serve all. Love creates and lust destroys the peace in the heart of man.
– Swami Chinmayananda
Hari OM!
On Saturdays, we cook for a homeless shelter…
Since 2013, we have partnered with Transition Projects to support Portland’s most vulnerable residents. Every Saturday, volunteers cook and serve meals at a homeless shelter, providing for around 100-120 residents. Few service projects have such an immediate impact or offer as meaningful and personal an experience as preparing and serving a meal to those in need.
We invite you to sponsor a Saturday meal for the shelter ($250) through the button below. Your contribution will serve as dedicated seed funding for this essential work. Don’t forget to check with your employer about matching grants—they can double the impact of your donation today!
Thank you for your kindness & generosity in advance!
Hinduism places great importance on rituals, ceremonies, and pujas, where devotees seek blessings through offerings. In traditional practice, a “Yajmaan” serves as the patron of a puja or yajna, supporting the priest who conducts the ritual. The word “Yajmaan” comes from the Sanskrit root “Yaj,” meaning worship, and typically refers to the head of a family or community leading the sacrificial ceremony. After the puja, the Yajmaan offers Dakshina (a donation) to the priest, marking the completion of the ceremony.
At Chinmaya Mission, we strive to make these sacred rituals accessible to all. At Chinmaya Mission Portland, a different family is honored as the Yajmaan for each puja. The Yajmaan begins the ceremony with a “Sankalpa,” a firm, positive resolution or prayer offered to the Lord. They bring offerings such as flowers, fruits, and naivedyam (food offerings), and conclude by making a tax-deductible donation to the mission at the feet of Madhur Krishna, as an expression of gratitude. In return, the Yajmaan receives blessings and Puja Prasad from the priest, deepening their connection to the divine and inviting wisdom and positive energy.
Rest assured—our Festival team works closely with the Yajmaan every step of the way to ensure the experience is meaningful and enjoyable for all.
Please note that we are an all-volunteer organization, with our team members balancing daytime jobs to keep our overhead costs at zero. This ensures that 100% of your annual sponsorship goes directly towards maintaining the Chinmaya Haridwar building and its programs. Since tracking annual sponsorships requires considerable time, we would greatly appreciate your prompt attention to this matter. Closing it quickly will allow our volunteers to continue serving Chinmaya Mission Portland in the best possible way.
Exclusively for our sponsors & a yearly signup is required to participate.
Hari OM!
**Language classes, Vedic chanting, Swaranjali (Chinmaya Choir) and volunteering programs are all open only to our current annual sponsors.
Chinmaya Swaranjali Portland – the musical wing of CMP is open to singers and musicians, of *all ages*. No prior experience is needed.
Sign-up closes on Sept 14, 2024, Sunday morning. When registering, please mention any musical instruments you play, if applicable.
This year, we plan to meet after Bala Vihar classes. Re-registration is required even if you were part of Swaranjali last year. Attendance in Bala Vihar is mandatory for students to participate in Swaranjali.
Parent volunteers played a huge part in the success of Swaranjali in the last few years. If you would like to sign up to help with Swaranjali in any way; help with coordination, organization, acoustics, etc, please do mention that in the sign-up options.
