Offering bhiksha to a Swamin/Brahmacharin is a revered tradition in Hindu culture. It’s an act of devotion, supporting those who have renounced worldly life for spiritual pursuits. This practice brings spiritual merit, connects the devotee to the divine, and preserves ancient cultural traditions. By offering bhiksha, you help spread the timeless wisdom of Vedanta and express your gratitude to our Guru Parampara. Your donation will be entirely dedicated to advancing the vision and mission of Chinmaya Mission.
Please read the guidelines so that you know what to expect. We will be happy to help you out with preparations, food, and clean up, we want you to enjoy the experience.
Volunteering Opportunity Exclusively For Our Sponsors!
Signup Required
Love is not love if it does not serve and sacrifice.
– Swami Chinmayananda
Hari OM!
As part of our commitment to giving back to the community, our team will remove litter from our adopted street—173rd Street from Cornell Rd to Walter Rd—on a quarterly basis. Beaverton City requires volunteers to be at least 12 years old. Volunteers aged 12-17 must print, sign, and bring the waiver form. The link also provides details about the Adopt-A-Roadway program, safety rules, FAQs, and more, which you may choose to review.
All volunteer work done for Chinmaya Mission Portland and CORDUSA counts toward your total volunteer hours. Volunteering not only enhances your resume but also enables you to give back and positively impact the community. After participating in the event, please ensure you get the initials of our Adopt-A-Roadway coordinator for your volunteer hours.
We also encourage donations to support the humanitarian activities carried out by Chinmaya Mission Portland through CORDUSA . These include efforts like cooking and feeding at homeless shelters, supporting the Oregon Food Bank, offering free English Language Learner programs, assisting refugees, donating school supplies, and more. Your donations will serve as seed money for these initiatives. Please check with your employer about matching grants to double the impact of your contribution today!
PLEASE NOTE: No one under 12 years of age is allowed to participate or to be on-site during a clean-up. Late arrival for the event is NOT possible.
Holi is wonderful because it reflects exactly what is occurring in nature at that time – when all the beautiful flowers of different colors are blossoming. By celebrating this event we feel a greater oneness with nature. The dominant idea behind this festival is that we should live more in harmony with nature instead of trying to destroy her and make her our slave.
– Swami Tejomayananda
Open to all with RSVP, No outside vendors or solicitations allowed
Holi – the festival of colors – is undoubtedly the most fun-filled and boisterous of Hindu festivals. It’s an occasion that brings out the child in you, no matter how old you are, joy and mirth, fun and play, music and dance, and, of course, lots of bright organic colors!
Chinmaya Mission Portland, in collaboration with THPRD, will celebrate Holi on Saturday, March 14, 2026.
We invite you to come and participate in the festivities! Our Holi celebration is open to all with RSVP **, please come with your family and friends, but do give us an accurate count when you RSVP!
Gita Panchamrit is a sacred sadhana marking 75 years of Chinmaya Mission, inviting seekers to partake in the timeless nectar of the Bhagavad Gita.
Five selected verses — each a universe in itself. With these five powerful shlokas at its core, this initiative brings daily clarity and devotion into Bharatiya homes, offering a luminous glimpse into the Gita’s eternal essence.
About the speaker:
Brahmacharini Shubhani Chaitanya is a disciple of Pujya Gurudev Swami Chinmayananda. Born in Manila, bred in New York, and built-in Bharat, she has grown through Chinmaya Mission as a Bala Vihar child, a dynamic CHYK (Chinmaya Yuva Kendra), and now a Brahmacharini posted in Chinmaya Mission New York.
She studied at the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City where she graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in International Trade and Marketing. After working in the fashion industry for around 7 years, she decided to take a sabbatical to find her true calling. This led her to join YEP – the Youth Empowerment Program where she was involved in writing/editing books, organizing camps and teaching in schools. She also assisted in the script-writing of Swami Chinmayananda’s movie – On a Quest, and later pursued her very own in Sandeepany Sadhanalaya, Mumbai.
She completed the Vedanta course in 2016 where she was initiated as Brahmacharini Shubhani Chaitanya. She brings natural wisdom and compassion to her classes and loves sharing with people the Science of Happiness that is Vedanta. She currently conducts classes on various Vedantic subjects.
Whatever you do, whatever you eat, whatever you offer in sacrifice, whatever you give in charity, whatever you practice as austerity, O Kaunteya! Do it as an offering to Me.
A devotional hymn composed by Kulaśekhara Ālvār, a saint-king, of Chera Kingdom (modern-day Kerala) expressing deep love and surrender to Lord Krishna. Continue the sacred journey of devotion and surrender as Swami Ishwaranandaji unfolds Mukundamala, continuing from his previous Yajna at Chinmaya Mission Portland — guiding us from worldly attachment toward divine refuge during this 3-day in-person Yajna.
About the speaker:
Swami Ishwarananda left his career as a professional software consultant to pursue the study of Vedanta. Inspired by Swami Chinmayananda and guided by Swami Brahmananda, he joined Sandeepany Sadhanalaya and has been a vital part of the Chinmaya Mission for over three decades. Swami Ishwarananda currently serves as the Director of Chinmaya Mission West. Known for his dynamic speaking style, he conducts numerous lectures and retreats on spiritual topics, including the practical application of Vedantic principles, stress management, and the spiritual enrichment of the workplace.
Volunteering Opportunity Exclusively For Our Sponsors!
Signup Required
Love is the heart of religions, the theme of all classical works of art and literature, the song of all devotees. Scientists know only what love does not what love is.
– Swami Chinmayananda
Hari OM!
Devotional Singing (Bhajans) and Namasmarana (repetition of the Divine name) have often been prescribed by eminent divine personalities and true spiritual leaders as an age-old tool for spiritual, mental, and emotional upliftment. In short, an end result is an act of purification to one’s being and surroundings.
If you are our Bala vihar participant and you or your child would like to sing Bhajans, here is the perfect opportunity, during our assembly! The bhajan singing slot is from 9:20 to-9:30am. Any devotional song, in any language, can be sung as long as all can sing along. Please prepare bhajan(s) to be sung in an assigned 10 minutes duration. You will need to be in the hall (or login to zoom) by 9:15 am. The lyrics of the bhajan need to reach our AV coordinators by Friday of the preceding week at the latest.
Please signup below and appreciate your flexibility about the date.
To give without sympathy is to build a temple without the idol and is as futile as to paint a picture with black ink on a black‑board!
– Swami Chimayananda
In 2023, we joyfully celebrated the 10th anniversary of Pujya Guruji Swami Tejomayananda’s blessing, when our center was graced with the sacred name Chinmaya Haridwar. In October 2026, we will mark a historic milestone—the Amrit Mahotsav (75th year) of the Chinmaya Movement. On this momentous occasion, we are reaching out to you, our valued supporter, with an exciting opportunity to create 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, more than a hundred Bala Vihar children have graduated from Chinmaya Mission Portland, making our center a proud pillar of this community. Our commitment is reflected in the heartfelt service of our Bala Vihar students, who dedicate themselves to preparing weekly meals for the homeless shelter, organizing quarterly street cleanups, leading impactful environmental awareness initiatives, and providing free English tutoring for immigrant families—just a few examples of our ongoing community outreach.
Together, let us honor Chinmaya Haridwar’s meaningful journey and support our cause: Vedanta in Action — Celebrating 75 Years of the Chinmaya Movement. With the collective strength of our sankalpa, we aspire to raise $500,000 to make our facility debt-free—an offering of love and gratitude to Pujya Gurudev Swami Chinmayananda.
We’re raising funds to support Chinmaya Mission. Every social media or email call helps us reach more people and multiply impact.
How to Create Your Own Fundraising Page for Chinmaya Mission Portland
On the campaign page, look for the button that says “Fundraise for us” and click it.
3. Sign In or Create a JustGiving Account
– If you already have a JustGiving account, click Sign In.
– If you’re new, click Sign Up to create an account (it only takes a minute).
4. Choose Your Fundraising Type
JustGiving will ask how you want to fundraise. Select the option that best fits your plan (for example, “Personal challenge,” “Birthday,” or “Other creative idea”).
5. Set Your Fundraising Goal
Decide how much you aim to raise. Even a small goal helps the mission! Enter your target amount in the space provided.
6. Create Your Fundraising Page Name
Give your page a personal touch, e.g., “[Your Name] for Chinmaya Mission Portland”.
7. Write Your Story
Add a short message about why you’re raising funds for Vedanta in Action: Amrit Mahotsav of Chinmaya Movement. You can use parts of the campaign message:
“I’m supporting Chinmaya Mission Portland to help Bala Vihar children, community programs, and spiritual initiatives. Join me in making an impact!”
8. Add a Photo or Video (Optional)
Personalize your page with a photo of yourself, your family, or something meaningful to the mission. It helps inspire donors.
9. Preview and Create Your Page
Review your information. If everything looks good, click “Create Your Page”.
10. Share Your Page
Once your page is live, share it with friends, family, and your network via email, WhatsApp, or social media. Encourage them to support your fundraising efforts!
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 positive transformation—enriching individual lives, promoting spiritual and cultural values, and enhancing community well-being. We believe in the power of collective giving to bring meaningful change, and we’re grateful to have you as part of our community.
Let’s make this year a celebration of generosity and positive change!
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 7th 2025 to June 14 2026). 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.
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.
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!
