2009 Souvenir Book - Chinmaya Mission Chicago

Seva and Sadhana

A MASTER’S SEVA

“Social responsibilities and the urge to serve one’s fellow men, the urgency rising in our mind to wipe the tears from the eyes of the sad, the melancholy, and the suffering is indeed sacred. It brings about an expansion of our heart. A gush of love fountains up from our heart and streams forth to bathe the life around us. When such acts of seva are undertaken in a spirit of dedication and love, surrender, and worship of the Lord, they hasten to cleanse the mind of its agitations, and such a purified ‘heart’ (mind-intellect equipment) discovers the poise and dash needed for contemplation. As a result of steady contemplation, the mind gets transcended to the timeless Essence, the God-state, in a direct subjective experience. After this realization, the master, saint, or sage returns to play with his old equipment. In the deepest sense of love for all, he cannot but get involved with the world. The seva he does now is the fulfillment of his realization. It is the Lord’s play through the saint or prophet.” -Swami Chinmayananda Swami Tejomayananda, Head of Chinmaya Mission worldwide, says of his Guru: “I saw him as a perfect jivammukta purusha – a person liberated while living. Many a time I have felt that it is easier to describe Brahman (the supreme Reality) than to describe a jivanmukta. We find very many verses in our scriptures in praise of such an enlightened soul. One such characteristic that comes to mind is that the enlightened person is one who is free from worrying over the past or being anxious about the future, one who is totally detached and objective in dealing with the present. Pujya Gurudev himself used to speak about such a person as someone like a mirror. A mirror accepts everything, rejects nothing, reflects everything, but keeps nothing! Pujya Gurudev indeed was that jivanmukta purusha.” (Ref: ‘At Every Breath, A Teaching’ by Rudite Emir)

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Chinmaya Mission Annual Banquet, 2009

TABLE OF CONTENTS No. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33

Description A Master's Seva Banquet Program Pujya Guruji - Swami Tejomayananda Message from Guruji Our Acharya - Swami Sharanananda Message from Swamiji Presiding Acharya - Swamini Shivapriyananda Message From Swamini Shivapriyananda Message from Ambassador Shri Ashok Kumar Attri Message from IL Governor, Mr. Pat Quinn Message from Mayor of Chicago, Mr. Richard Daley Upcoming Retreats with Acharya Vivekji Chinmaya Mission - Services & Programs Bala Vihar Program Discourses & Study Groups A Message from Gurudev Badri Bala Vihar Syllabus & Adult Study Groups Hanuman's Service - by Swami Tejomayananda Inspired Living - by Swami Chinmayananda Stuti Vandana Program & Winners Sacrifice & Service - Blood & Bone Marrow Drives, Food Drive The Secret of Management - by Swami Chinmayananda Vedanta in Action: Dr. Metre Bhagavad Gita Chapter XV Yamunotri Bala Vihar Syllabus & Adult Study Groups 10th Annual CHYK Retreat: Lifelines In Honor of Pujya Gurudev - by Drs. Prabhakar & Savita Joshi Badri Class pictures start at Yamunotri Class pictures start at A Word of Gratitude: Raffle Campaign Upcoming SAT/ACT Classes - starting Jan. 31, 2010 Index of Advertisers Chinmaya Mission Pledge Page 2

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Banquet Program Welcoming Ceremonies: Receiving Acharyas & Chief Guests with Purna Kumbham Invocation: Guru Stotram & Lamp Lighting Inaugural Welcome by Swami Sharanananda Address by Presiding Acharya Swamini Shivapriyananda Introduction of Chief Guests Address by Ambassador Ashok Kumar Attri Lord Ganesha Dance Address by President Shri Shanker Pillai Bharatanatyam Dance by Bala Vihar children Address by Shri Ashok Bhatia Bhajans by Bala Vihar children Bhagavad Gita XV – Chanting Dinner Service Tiruvaatira-kali: A Traditional Folk Dance (Performance by Women Participants) Bhajan Final Update Vote of Thanks Concluding Prayers

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Pujya Guruji H. H. Swami Tejomayananda Head of ChinmayaMission Worldwide

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s the spiritual head of Chinmaya Mission Worldwide, Pujya Guruji Swami Tejomayananda is fulfilling the vision that Pujya Gurudev Swami Chinmayananda charted. As he puts it, “I am not in Swamiji’s shoes, I am at His feet.” “While the Mission has continued to expand geographically, numerically and institutionally, Guruji has brought his own flavor to it. A gifted singer, completely trilingual (English, Marathi and Hindi), and the epitome of bhakti, he reaches out to a larger cross-section of society and is able to offer the same incisive talks in a language and tone that even the common man understands. In addition to the Upanishads and the Bhagavad Gita, he has made the Ramcharitamanasa of Tulsidas and the Bhagavatam known to an ever-widening audience just as a generation before, Gurudev had done with the Upanishads and the Gita. Through the medium of the common man’s literature, he highlights Vedantic principles bringing fresh insights into these texts. If Gurudev reveled in classical music and dance as an intrinsic aspect of Indian cultural heritage, Swami Tejomayananda has brought about, in addition, an appreciation of medieval bhakti literature and music. Above all, he has brought cohesiveness to the ever-expanding world body and given a global vision to many local groups, facilitating contact and cooperation among Chinmaya Centers and individual members across the country and the globe.” Excerpts taken from “Swami Chinmayananda Reader”, introduction by Anitha Raina Thapan.

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Our Acharya Swami Sharanananda Resident Acharya, ChinmayaMission Chicago

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wami 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. 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. Swamiji has been the resident Acharya of Chinmaya Mission Chicago since March of 1993.  Because of Swamiji’s dedication to Pujya Gurudev and his selfless service to Chinmaya Mission Chicago, the center has not only thrived, but has expanded to serve the spiritual needs of many neighboring communities.  Yamunotri in Graylake, IL and NW Indiana center in Munster, 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, Minnesota, Wisconsin and Michigan to conduct camps for children and discourses for adults. Swamiji also conducts yogasana and other scriptural classes during Chinmaya Mission family camps held throughout America and Canada.  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.

Alert and vigilant living itself is a `Sadhana' in the true sense. - Swami Chinmayananada

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Our Presiding Acharya Swamini Shivapriyananda

Senior Acharya, Chinmaya Mission Toronto

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wamini Shivapriyananda is the Senior Acharya for Chinmaya Mission Toronto – Shivalaya. Inspired by Pujya Swami Chinmayananda, Swamini Shivapriyananda completed the brahmachari course in Bombay in 1986 and was posted as Acharya of Chinmaya Mission Toronto. She received sannyasa initiation (diksha) from Pujya Swami Tejomayananda on Shivaratri in 2003. Swaminiji teaches adults and youth through lectures, seminars and workshops. Also, she conducts stress management courses as well as relaxation training. Swaminiji is an inspiration and guidance behind our Bala Vihar success.

Shivalaya - Chinmaya Mission (CM) Toronto, Canada Pujya Gurudev, Swami Chinamayananda, visited Toronto for the first time in 1972 on the invitation of the Vedanta Society of Toronto. His second visit in1974 resulted in the formation of Chinmaya Mission (CM) Toronto, with Charlotte Wallman as its first president. In 1988 Brahmacharini Sadhanaji returned as CM Toronto’s resident acharya after completing the brahmachari Vedanta course from ‘Sandeepany Sadhanalaya’ in Mumbai. She began the chapter’s first Bala Vihar classes. CM Toronto officially moved into its new Unionville home in July 1998. The inauguration of ‘Chinmaya Shivalaya’ was conducted in the presence of Swami Shantananda. July 2003 marked a milestone in CM Toronto’s history when the new ‘Chinmaya Shivalaya’ center was inaugurated by Pujya Guruji Swami Tejomayananda, head of Chinmaya Mission worldwide. In 2004, Brahmacharini Sadhanaji was initiated into sannyasa by Pujya Guruji as Swamini Shivapriyananda and she continues to be the inspiration at Chinmaya Mission Toronto as senior Acharya. What began with 5 children and 2 teachers has grown over the years to 125 children. Activities and classes continued to increase and Chinmaya Mission Toronto was formalized to serve the spiritual and cultural needs of communities around Toronto, for children, youth, university students, and adults.

Manava seva alone is the greatest Madhava seva. - Swami Chinmayananada

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November 17, 2009 In the life of a spiritual seeker, service (seva) is an essential element of his/her personal spiritual practices (sadhana). In fact, any work, whether it is designing computer programs, teaching, housework, or a hobby, when undertaken with right attitude (bhava) becomes sadhana. When you act in the world not for selfish gains but as an offering to the Higher, your work is being transformed into a yagna, and this is true sadhana. Of foremost importance is the bhava, as indicated in the Bhagavad Gita: Yat karoshi yadasnasi yjjuhosi dadassi yat Yat tapasyasi kaunteya tat karusha madarpanam

Whatever you do, whatever you eat, whatever you offer in sacrifice, whatever you give, whatever you practice as austerity, O Kaunteya, do it as an offering to Me. (Gita 9/27)

When engaged in the world (loka-samgraha) do so with the intense bhava that the whole world is a manifestation of the Lord, that you are serving Him in all names and forms offering all your actions and their results onto Him. With a sense of gratitude and surrender serve the world, in whatever capacity, as an instrument of the Lord’s benevolence. Be a flute in the hands of the flute player, let the divine melody flow through you to the world around.

Live in a true spirit of seva. Purify your heart. Then and then alone will you realize the true glory of spiritual life and reach moksha, the ultimate goal of sadhana. In Gurudev's Service,

Swamini Shivapriyananda

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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 300 Chinmaya Mission centers throughout the world, and close to 35 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 Music and Fine Arts Classes Yoga Classes Interfaith Dialogue and Prayers Community Health Fairs and Seminars Blood Drives Shrimad Bhagavad Gita Recitation Vedanta in Practice (Community Service Programs)

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. Page 18

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Badri - 11 S. 80, Rt 83, Willowbrook, IL, 60527 Badri currently has over 450 registered children and approximately 250 active adult participants in study groups. Badri serves the needs of families in the Chicago area and the surrounding suburbs. The study groups meet every Sunday, except a few major holiday weekends. • •

The first Session is from 9:00 am to 11:00 am. The second Session is from 12:00 to 2:00 pm

For further information regarding activities at Badri, please contact: Badri Shanker Pillai Nirmita Dholakia Ravi Sansguiri

Website:

Phone: 630-654-3370  Phone: 630-789-6607 Phone: 708-349-6396 Phone: 630-323-2010

email: email: email: email:

[email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]

www.chinmaya-chicago.org

Yamunotri - 30877 N. Fairfield Rd. Grayslake, IL, 60030 Yamunotri currently has over 360 registered children and approximately 120 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 2 sessions of Bala Vihar and Adult Study Groups every Saturday, except a few major holiday weekends. • The first session is from 10:00 am to Noon • The second session is from 2:00 to 4:00 pm. • Language classes including Hindi Level I, II & III, Tamil, & Telegu are from 12:30 – 1:30 pm. In addition, there are Bhagavad Gita Chanting, and Stuti Vandana chanting coaching classes. The Bala Vihar classes and the study groups meet every Saturday from 2:30 PM to 4:45 PM at Yamunotri, For further information regarding activities at Yamunotri, please contact: Yamunotri Rajul Bhalala Ashok Bhatia Premal Joshipura Shubi Mansukhani

Website:

Phone: 847-740-1215 Phone: 847-302-2383 Phone: 847-680-4735 Phone: 847-362-6073 Phone: 847-680-8555

email: email: email: email: email:

[email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]

www.chinmaya-yamunotri.org Please see following pages for the Syllabi and description of our activities.

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Bala Vihar

The greatest boon given by Pujya Gurudev Swami Chinmayananda to the younger generation is Bala Vihar. Bala Vihar provides a spiritual and cultural orientation to the children of the modern age. •

To train children and inculcate in them reverence for our ancient culture, and inspire them to live up to it with correct understanding.

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To create self-confidence to serve and act cheerfully.

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To generate a true affection in all contacts, inculcate personal discipline and a true spirit of leadership.

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To mold their capacity to express and assert their individuality.

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To bring out their dormant faculties and detect defects; cultivate and improve their creative abilities.

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To help children to develop a healthy resistance against temptations in the atmosphere in which they grow.

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To provide an atmosphere to grow with noble ideals, healthy emotions and physical discipline.

Motto:  To harness youth potential through dynamic spirituality. Purpose:  “The purpose of Bala Vihar is to impart values to the children and the art of right thinking among the youth.” To inculcate such values so that children “Look at Life as a Whole and Live a Whole Life.” The Vision:  • • • • •  

Integrated Development- Physical, mental, intellectual, spiritual Indian Culture Patriotism Universal Outlook Academic Education (information) + Value Education (transformation) = Complete Education

‘The end of education is character’

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Discourses and Study Groups The most important follow-up measure of the Gnyana 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 allotted member to offer his/her contributions. 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 is essential in understanding and in becoming familiar with Sanskrit verses. After the contributions are over, 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 the cream of the wisdom of the text under study by the technique of cooperative thinking.

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A Message from Gurudev

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hinmaya Yagnas have become very popular and sadly ritualistic. Monotonously it is repeating its pattern and has grown almost soul-less. To see your own handiwork thus dead in your own lap is not a pleasant experience.

The Yagnas are becoming a mere shell. The essential core is empty of any conscious creative pulsation. A Yagna Committee selecting a venue, advertising, gathering a crowd; and a Swami or a Brahmachari exhaustively discourses upon a chapter of the Geeta or an Upanishad; the sincere listener intelligently gathers the information, religiously purchases a copy of the book, congratulates himself and returns home Generally his sole pre-occupation thereafter is to wait for the next Yagna. In almost every town in the country we have successfully created a large number of automatons who regularly attend, gather the information and the books, diligently pay the Guru-dakshina, collect the Yagna prasad booklet and return home. But the question is, how much of what you have heard has been digested and assimilated to become part and parcel of your intellectual personality? Do these ideas add a new glow to your performance in life? Have they opened up a fountain of dynamism watering all your activities in life? From the very beginning of my Yagna sessions in Poona, even in my Yagna at Thirupathi, I have been repeating the same warning that your listening in large numbers will not add an inch to my stature nor an iota to the glory of the Chinmaya Mission. The Mission’s purpose is not to create spiritual parrots repeating our scriptures or the ideas contained in the Rishi declarations. Our purpose and goal are to add an extra dimension to the Hindu community exhibited in the beauty of their social and natural activities. In this we have nothing to congratulate ourselves. Mere listening will not add to your beauty. These ideas are to be reflected deeply and digested slowly. This process is hastened only when you discuss what you have studied with others. Study Groups constitute the heart of our Mission. The ideas gathered by you when discussed with others, not only they become deeply rooted in yourself, but as they become clearer in your own concept, in your own understanding, they also inspire those who listen to you. Thus each student while trying to strengthen his own understanding can become an instrument for the spread of this knowledge. This process is the dynamic STUDY SCHEME followed in the Vedantic tradition. This is not a Chinmaya methodology; it is the most ancient Vedantic tradition of study. I will not have more chances to repeat my call to you to join Study Groups and organize your own discussion groups. The earlier my community realizes the importance of this, the easier it shall be for the nation to feel proud of her ancient heritage. Chinmaya Mission has conceived plans and schemes to bring about this Unfoldment at all levels—junior children, junior teenagers, youth, middle-aged men and women. SWAMI CHINMAYANANDA

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Badri Bala Vihar Syllabus 2009-2010 All classes begin with chanting of Invocation Prayers, Guru Stotram and daily prayers. All classes leasrn recitation Bhagavad Gita Chapter IX, which is in the binder and prayers are in Hridi Bhavayami book. All text books have to be purchased. Every Student should have a copy of Hridi Bhavayami, which can be purchased from the book store.

Class

Texts

Kindergarten (Prahlada) Shankatanashana Ganesha Stotram My Prayers Ganesha Pancha R. Bhagavad Gita Ch.IX (Chanting) Tarangini Vol. 1 &2 Stories based on Values, Chinmaya Alphabets Tell Me A Story – Part 1 Arts, Crafts, Games & Pictorial quizzes Great Saints: Swami Chinmayananda, Swami Tejomayananda, Swami Vivekananda

Teachers: AM: Anju Bajaj, Lakshmi Narasimhan

PM: Sangeetha Pillai, Harita Khanna

Kindergarten (Dhruva) Shankatanashana Ganesha Stotram My Prayers Ganesha Pancha R. Bhagavad Gita Ch.IX (Chanting) Tarangini Vol. 1 &2 Stories based on Values, Chinmaya Alphabets Tell Me A Story – Part 1 Arts, Crafts, Games & Pictorial quizzes Great Saints: Swami Chinmayananda, Swami Tejomayananda, Swami Vivekananda

Teachers: AM: Suchi Achar, Priya Athanikar

PM: Nagamani Pandarvada, Vikram Vala

Grade 1 (Nachiketa) Sharada Stotram (Stuti Vandana) My Prayers Bhagavad Gita Ch. IX (Chanting) Bala Ramayana Stories based on values and texts Tarangini Vol. 3, 4, 5, 6 Arts, Crafts & Games, PIctoral Quizzes Tell Me A Story – Part 2 Great Saints: Swami Chinmayananda, Swami Tejomayananda, Swami Vivekananda

Teachers: AM: Lakshmi Warrier, Madhu Jindal PM: Rashmi Raghuvir, Neelima Andurkar Grade 2 (Gyaneshwara) Sharada Stotram, Ganga Stotram My Prayers Bhagavad Gita Ch. IX (Chanting) Bala Ramayana Stories based on values & Symbolism Tarangini Vol. 3, 4, 5, 6 Arts, Crafts, Quizzes & Geeta Quizzes Tell Me A Story – Part 2 Great Saints: Swami Chinmayananda, Swami Tejomayananda, Swami Vivekananda Teachers: AM: Madhu Ramani, Shanta Vedurmudi; PM: Medha Kelkar, Latha Seetharam Grades 3 & 4 (Shri Rama) Madhurastakam, Achyutashtakam My Prayers Bhagavad Gita Ch.IX (Chanting) Bala Bhagavatam Skits, Quizzes & Geeta Quiz Tarangini Vol. 7 Great Saints: Swami Chinmayananda, Swami Tejomayananda, Pride Goeth Before a Fall Shri Ramakrishna, Swami Vivekananda Art of God Symbolism Teachers: AM: Daksha Merai, Janaki Madugula, Donna Padhi, Asha Haran PM: Arpana Duggal, Lovina Saxena

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Badri Bala Vihar Syllabus 2009-2010 (contd.) Class

Texts

Grades 5 & 6 (Vyasa) Rama Stotram, Guru Paduka Stotram Bhagavad Gita Ch. IX (Chanting) Extempore Speeches, Skits, Tests & Quizzes Topics from ’Hindu Culture’ Great Saints: Swami Chinmayananda, Swami Tejomayananda Swami Shivananda, Kabir

My Prayers Parables I Love You Letters Tarangini Vol. 8 Values (Gita Ch. XII, v. 13-19)

Teachers: AM: Jyoti Madhavan, Nirmita Dholakia PM: Anil Pillai, Jyoti Shah Grades 7 & 8 (Shri Krishna) Lingashtakam, Tapovana Shatkam Bhagavad Gita Ch. IX (Chanting) Extempore Speeches, Skits, Quizzes & Geeta Quizzes Values - Gita Ch. XIII (sl. 7-11) Great Saints: Swami Tapovan Maharaj, Meerabai Swami Chinmayananda, Swami Tejomayananda Teachers:

My Prayers Art Of Living Hinduism - Sanatana Dharma Tarangini Vol. 9, 10

AM: Saroja Ravi , Anu Mirmira

Grades 9 & 10 (Vishwamitra) Nirvana Shatakam, Chinmayashtakam Bhagavad Gita Ch. IX (Chanting) Extempore Speeches, Skits, Geeta Quizzes Written Assignments Discussion & Debates on selected topics Great Saints: Bhagavan Adi Shankaracharya, Narsimha Mehta, Swami Chinmayananda, Swami Tejomayananda

My Prayers Self-Unfoldment Hindu Culture Frequently Asked Questions

Teachers: AM: Deepak Chande, Pauravi Shah PM: Sudha Gauthama, Shridhar Andurkar Grades 11 & 12 (Chinmaya) Shishyanushasanam, Taittiriya Upanishad, Geeta Dhyanam My Prayers Bhagavad Gita Ch. IX (Chanting) On Wings and Wheels Extempore Speeches, Skits, Geeta Quizzes The Art Of Man Making Written Assignments Frequently Asked Questions Discussion & Debates on selected current topics Lessons based on Values and Texts Great Saints: Jnanadev, Maa Sharada, Swami Chinmayananda, Swami Tejomayananda Teachers: AM: Rajiv Khanna, Shekhar Mayanil PM-Gr. 10-12: Madhav Gogawale, Shashikant V. Adult Study Group

Sevaka/Sevika for Session I

Sevaka/Sevika for Session II

Kindle Life

Sujata Patnaik, Asha Chhablani, & Shanker Pillai

Devendra Trivedi and Venkat Davarapalli

Bhaja Govindam

Devendra Trivedi & Mukund Bavare

Arun Mehrotra

Atma Bodha

Veliparambil GopalaKrishnan & Kaushik Sukumar Thanawala Joshi

Narada Bhakti Sutra

Arun Mehrotra & Ravi Sansguiri

Kenopanishad

Rashmi Mehrotra & Kanchan Patel Page 27

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Hanuman’s Service by Swami Tejomayananda (from Mananam: Service an Act of Worship)

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iving in this world, it is almost impossible for any individual to remain above criticism and to lead a blemish-free life. Whether right or wrong, criticism and accusations are leveled at everyone. If we study the great epic, the Rāmāyana, we find that even Lord Rama and Mother Sita were not spared. Though Lord Rama was an incarnation of righteousness and Mother Sita of purity, people did not see that. But there is one character in the Rāmāyana who is not touched by criticism and that is Shri Hanuman, the Lord’s greatest devotee. In the entire epic there is not a single incident for which Shri Hanuman is blamed or criticized. This noble son of Vayu and Anjana is the very embodiment of wisdom, devotion, and service. Hanumān Cālīsā, the famous composition of Saint Tulsidas, enumerates the great virtues of Shri Hanuman. It is believed that by repeating the Hanumān Cālīsā with faith one can imbibe the virtues of Shri Hanuman and find everlasting bliss. Hanuman is called son of the wind God. The wind is constantly blowing; it is a great purifier. When we walk into a room that has been closed off for a while, it feels stuffy, but the moment the windows are opened, air comes in and purifies the entire atmosphere. Shri Hanuman also purifies all that comes in contact with him. And being the greatest servant of the Lord he serves all His devotees. Secondly, the wind serves all silently. We all easily recognize the importance and the service of the sun because it is not available to us all the time. Yet the wind, which remains with us constantly, we often take for granted because it is not visible. Shri Hanuman has imbibed from his father, this rare and noble virtue of serving all without a trace of pride in his heart. He crossed the ocean in the service of Lord Rama and entered the formidable Lanka and burnt it. He discovered Mother Sita, and killed the evil forces of Ravana. He even pleased the Lord by saving the life of his dear brother Lakshmana. He served Lord Rama in so many ways that the Lord Himself felt overwhelmed with extreme love and gratitude, which wanted to express to Hanuman. But Hanuman, the true devotee, on hearing his own praise fell at the feet of the Lord with tears in his eyes, giving credit for all his achievements to Lord Rama alone. Shri Hanuman’s life is full of service to Lord Rama; he has no sense of pride, arrogance, or false ego. His goal is to serve the Lord continuously with humility and devotion. Let us also imbibe these qualities and serve others silently without any expectation of praise and reward. A True Master We are generally advised to imbibe this rare quality of serving our master with unswerving faith and devotion from Shri Hanuman’s character. Little do we realize, however, that before doing so, it is of extreme importance to know who should really be our master. He who is the Lord of the total universe, in serving whom our potential divinity comes to shine forth, He alone can be a true Master. Before meeting Lord Rama, Hanuman was in the service of Sugreeva and his abilities remained dormant. Sugreeva himself was fraught with mortal fear of death at the hands of his own brother Vali, and was dependent on Shri Hanuman for his own protection. How could such a person ever be a true inspiration to anyone? But when Shri Hanuman saw Lord Rama for the very first time he recognized his Master immediately. After that he not only became Lord Rama’s loyal and devoted servant but he also brought Lord Rama to Sugreeva. And when Sugreeva surrendered himself at the lotus feet of Lord Rama, Sugreeva also received the fruit of Shri Hanuman’s devotion. In Lanka, the she-demon Lankini and Vibhishana were serving Ravana, the mighty but ignoble king. They were serving with the idea that they should serve their Master, whoever he may be but Shri Hanuman helped them understand the significance and the strength of a true master. After recognizing their mistake they also became devotees of Lord Rama. Thus it is shown that neither a weakling like Sugreeva nor even a mighty king like Ravana can ever be a true master. Lord Rama alone can be that master who is great, not because he keeps all beings under His control like Ravana, but because he makes his devotees even greater than himself! May we all come to recognize Lord Rama as our Master and serve Him in the attitude of His great devotee Shri Hanuman, ever reveling in singing the Holy Name of Lord Rama.

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Inspired Living by Swami Chinmayananda (from Mananam: Choice is Yours) Service (Niskāma Karma) The Upanishads glorify service as the highest pinnacle of right living. Dedicated and noble work alone can polish an individual to a state of true culture and right discipline. To those who know what service is, work is not slavery or drudgery but is the joy of life. Man is not born to revel in idleness. Nature will whip the idle on to the road of right or wrong activity, and thereby evolve him steadily to a state of joy characterized by dynamic outer activity yet inner calm and peace. Vedanta has never permitted escapism, though many uninformed people contend that it does. The earliest Upanishads emphasized that one who cannot live the noble life of renunciation and self-restraint must unavoidably and honestly live a life of intense activity, striving to fulfill one’s desires through honest means; teaching oneself to live in cheerful enthusiasm all one’s life in the service of man and in the glorification of the Lord. The one who intensively plunges into life — eager and anxious to meet daily its new challenges, and at every turn doing one’s best to meet the challenges with truth and purity as the standards - to such a one, actions do not cling. Living the entire lifetime in a spirit of paying homage to the Lord, detached from the anxiety for the fruit of actions and from the egosense, is lauded not only by the Bhagavad Gītā but by the Upanishads also. Such actions are not bars to spiritual progress; in fact, they are necessary to prepare a student for the highest flights in meditation. To a seeker, dedicated work provides the means for inner purification of his vāsanā. Though the goal is Self-realization, which is experienced as perfect “inactivity” and realized through the path of renunciation — the stages of progress from “animal-man” to “Godman” are through an intermediary stage called “manman” The animal-man revels in inactivity (tamas), until he evolves to the state of man-man through an intensely active, desire-motivated (rajas) program of action (sakāma karma). Then, through a subtle life of activity that is pursued without motive or desire (niskāma karma), selfish work fulfills itself in selfless work, and selfless work accomplishes its goal of purifying the mind and intellect. Thereafter, the individual gains initiation into the path of meditation. All activities, whether social, economic, political, or domestic, when pursued in an attitude of detachment, can never bind the actor by their results. Results can cling to the doer only when he acts with expectation of and attachment to definite results. The seeker should, therefore, function purely in a spirit of work for work’s sake.

Charity (Dāna) Charity (dāna) comes from an inner sense of abundance. The desire to give charity springs from a sense of oneness in us — oneness between the giver and the recipient. Unless one is able to identify oneself with others, one will not have this noble urge to share all that one has with others who have not as much. Charity is born out of an ability to sublimate one’s instincts of acquisition and aggrandizement and to replace them with the spirit of sacrifice. Giving of charity can create feelings of egotism and vanity unless we give with modesty and humility, ever remembering Him who has given us whatever we have. Many may have the intellectual vision to judge the cause they are espousing, the large-heartedness to give in plenty and with appropriate modesty, yet they may not have that element of love that is necessary to feel a deep sympathy with the cause that they patronize. To give without sympathy is as futile as to build a temple without an idol. Sympathy generates love in us, and unless this love-element dominates us, compelling us to identify with the cause, we will not spiritually evolve along the path of charity. Charity, honeyed with the spirit of love and the joy of identification, blesses the giver with an inner abundance far outweighing that which was given. Continued on page - 31 Page 30

Seva and Sadhana Harmony (Ekabhāva) In nature, nothing is disharmonious. The sun and moon, the seasons, the plants and animals exist and function in perfect rhythm. It is only in human relationships that one finds bitterness and sorrow. Man alone is suffering, not the world of nature. Respect and consideration between individuals must be developed in order to bring about harmony in human relationships. Without a sense of harmony with others (ekabhāva), man suffers from pangs of separateness that condemn him to a life of loneliness. He becomes afraid, afraid of himself, afraid of others. This sense of separateness creates a thousand anxieties and sorrows. In their turn, these drive an individual to be selfish, cruel, angry, and even criminal. Love alone is the answer to this general problem of human suffering. All of humanity asks the same questions: How do we end the sense of separateness and rediscover oneness in love? How can we learn to rise above our sense of limitation and fear? How can we discover our oneness with the world around us? This demand for harmony is in all and has existed in all periods of history, in all cultures, races, and countries. Having carefully analyzed our human weaknesses, the saints and sages advise us to grow in love and gain mastery over our challenges by rising above our limited, egocentric view of life and by exercising a constant awareness of the totality of the world, the entirety of mankind, and the vastness of universal problems. When this total perception is developed, our individual problems pale into insignificance. When we view our problems from a purely egocentric angle without this vision of totality, the problems assume exaggerated proportions, crushing us down. To live a life of harmony is to recognize ourselves as members of an interdependent humanity, living in a composite universe. It is to merge our life with the resonant cadence of the whole and to bring about a beautiful melody of harmonious existence. This principle of living in harmony with the external world is not to be construed as a life of idle acceptance or unintelligent surrender to the challenges confronting us. The harmony envisaged by the great religious masters is based on an awareness of the oneness of the dynamic life-principle that is the Essence of the universe. This art of practicing harmony is to be applied in the din of the marketplace while we are sweating with exertion upon the narrow path of adversities. Living in harmony with the conditions around us brings to our heart an inward peace and poise. When we maintain poise, problems and challenges vanish like mist before the rising sun. Man has to be delivered from his own misconception of himself. When he develops respect for the divinity in him, ˙ he develops a sense of holiness, and his reverence toward other human beings increases. Then alone can all economic, political, and social disturbances end. Religion or philosophy, whether reached through the church, mosque, or temple, ˙ cultivates in man this self-reverence. The seeker is taught to perceive a greater Reality, a greater and more divine Presence in one and all.

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Faith is, `To believe what you do not see’, the reward of which is, `you see what you believed’. Swami Chinmayananda.

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Stuti Vandana The Stuti Vandana program is designed to encourage children to learn about and memorize selected shlokas and stotrams from our scriptures. It is a collection of 17 shlokas and stotrams selected by our Acharya Pooja Swami Sharanananda. Children memorize each one, and are tested by their teachers. Every Stuti that is properly chanted by memory earns a medal, and when all 17 items have been memorized and chanted, the medals are mounted on a plaque, which is awarded to the child with great solemnity and ceremony. Their participation makes them familiar with all the scriptural shlokas and stotrams of different deities, proper Sanskrit chanting and develops the faculty of single pointedness. Since the Stutis are taught with explanation, children learn good values through moral stories. Chanting of the Lord-Bhagavan's name is the best preparation for meditation, because it quietens the mind leading to blissful Happiness. It is important to know that when parents take an active interest in the program, it produces the best results, with the added bonus of the parents memorizing the Stutis as well. It brings the family together with love and harmony. Following are the 17 items of Stuti Vandana 1: 1. Invocation 2. Daily Prayers 3. Sri Guru Storam 4. Sankatnashana Ganesh Stotram 5. Sharada Stotram 6. Lingashtakam 7. Sri Narayansuktam 8. Sri Rama Stotram 9. Sri Achyuashtakam

10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. 17.

Nirvana Shatkam Gita Dhyanam Srimad Bhgavad Gita Ch.XII Srimad Bhagavad Gita Ch. XV Taittriya Upanishad Concluding Prayers Vedic Aarati Chinmaya Pledge (English) and Pratigya ( Sanskrit)

9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16.

Shri Madhuraashtakam Shri Guruvashtakam Gita Dhyanam Srimad Bhgavad Gita Ch.VIII Dashaavatara Stotram Shri Hanuman Chaalisaa Medhaa Suktam Shri Chinmaya Aarati

Following are the 16 items of Stuti Vandana II 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8.

Dhyaana Shlokaani Shri Guru Padukaa Stotram Shri Tapovan Shatkam Shri Chinmayashtakam Shri Ganesha Pancharatnam Kritajnaata Shri Gangaa Stotram Maatrastavanam

At Badri, the Stuti Vandana Teaching classes are on alternate Fridays, from 7-7:30 pm for Stuti Vandana 1; and 7:30-8:00pm for Stuti Vandana II (16 new items). They are conducted by Smt. Nirmita Dholakia; 708-349-6396 or [email protected]. At Yamunotri, the Stuti Vandana Teaching classes are on alternate Fridays, from 7-7:30 pm for Stuti Vandana 1; and 7:30-8:00pm for Stuti Vandana II (16 new items). Please contact Smt. Chandra Ramesh for the schedule, at 847-566-2266 or [email protected].

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Sacrifice and Service Blood & Bone Marrow Drives Food Drive for Homeless

Swami Sharananandaji Registering for Bone Marrow donation.

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edanta in Practice (V.I.P.) initiative of Chinmaya Mission Chicago periodically conducts blood and bone marrow drives and provides food service for the homeless.

Badri Gift of Life blood and marrow drive was started in 2004. There have been 3 bone marrow drives at Badri and 3 at Yamunotri since the inception of the program. The last bone marrow drive at Badri collected over 35 registrations of donors. There have been 12 blood drives at Badri. Over 420 units of blood have been collected from our volunteers. According to Life Source (blood bank), this has saved over 1250 lives. Typically, the blood drives are held in April and October of each year. In spite of the one year India visit exclusion, the volunteers have helped meet or exceed the target each time. True to the Vedantic principle of “give more to get more” the donation also benefits the blood donor. The blood is screened for many hidden infections, including Hepatitis A and Hepatitis B. It also minimizes iron deposits in body organs. Excessive iron deposits can result in complications. Some volunteers were diagnosed with Anemia and referred for further tests to their personal physicians. Yamunotri has had one blood drive, at which 16 units of blood were collected. The food service for the homeless started in 2005. Chinmaya volunteers cook, serve, and clean up on the 1st and 2nd Saturday of each month at a local shelter. To date, nearly 2250 delicious vegetarian meals have been served to the homeless people in the Chicagoland area. Volunteers and contributions are most welcome. Please contact any of the members below for participation and/or additional information. Blood Drive

Food Drive

Laxmi Narayan 630-920-9293

Mala Narayan 630-920-9293

Sai Kalluri 630-853-0291

Laxmi Narayan 630-920-9293

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The Secret of Management: Value-based Management by Swami Chinmayananda (Synopsis of a speech delivered by Pujya Gurudev in January 1986 at Taj Coromandel, Madras to a gathering of the Corporate Executives) (from Tapovan Prasad, April 2001) Friends, if there were no problems in life there would have been no managers at all. Managers are to face problems. Everywhere, at all times, all living beings have to face problems, situations and challenges. If you know how to face them, you win in the bargain. If you miss it, the world has no compunction, no charity, no mercy, whoever you may be. The world will crush you, be you an individual or be it a community or a nation. If the nation is not able to face its challenges it will be wiped out; if the community cannot manage its problems, that community, however majority it may be in, will be stampeded by the minority. A nation will have its problems; so will every community and society. Institutions must have their problems. And if you are not able to face them, nature wipes you out. How many animals have been wiped out! How many plant kingdoms and species have become extinct! Why? They could not face and adapt themselves to the changing environment. The same applies to human beings also. Where are the Greek culture, the Roman culture and the great Macedonian culture or Egyptian culture now? They are only recorded in books; they have been wiped out. Why? The people at that time were not competent to face the problems that they were challenged with. Think. So problems come up and we have to manage. We have to face them successfully. This is called management. Hence in this management, nobody can help anyone of you. You may say there is the government, the society, the community, the institutes. They all stand outside; when you are in a problem you have to face it yourself. Think. It may be a domestic problem, an institutional problem, political, economic, national or international one; whatever the problem, the individual has to face his own problems. To face problems is called life. So, to live dynamically in the world, I must know how to manage my problems. I am trying to make you understand that it is essentially a matter of self-management. I am supposed to manage others. How can I do that when I have not yet even an inkling of self-management? Remember, I can give only what I have. Only if I have money can I give it. With my body, I can give physical help. Only if I have love can I give you love. I can give only what I have. When you don’t know how to manage yourself, how are you going to manage others? What will you contribute to the management faculty unless you are managing yourself well? When the individual himself is a wreck, a moral and ethical wreck and he is trying to organize and manage people and situation with some techniques, it becomes an impossible task. Jesus did not know any technique, nor did Buddha. Could you give me another manager who has more management ability than these prophets of the old? They managed so beautifully. If you can absorb their qualities as much as you can, you are the greatest manager. But we ape the West. Their entire area of focus is the outside. So, a better office, wall-to-wall carpeting, plush furniture, soft music, coffee and 4 or 5 mini-skirted secretaries to run around you. For what? Efficiency? Is there an executive more competent and efficient than Jesus who never had a roof above him? He lived in barns, sleeping under bridges. He did not know whether or when the next meal would come, he never had a business suit, he had only a torn robe and worn-out footwear. What made him tick? Not the outside; it was something scintillating in him. A solitary man working 2½ years, and what an area and distance he has covered! Buddha never went round the world. He was in Sarnath under a tree. And he organized and trained some 500 disciples and sent them to China and Japan and conquered the whole area philosophically — in thought. Think of it. The management perfection of those people! Why? They knew how to manage themselves. Friends, it is not merely a question of techniques. Today, India alone possesses a grand philosophy of work. Others have got only techniques of work, methods of work, and you and I send our children to America for MBA! Continued on page 38 Page 37


The techniques of the West do not apply to the East. Because culturally we are so different. Our attitudes and values are so different. Each individual must know how to manage himself so that he will be able to manage others. When I say you must be able to manage yourself, it is a pure philosophical ideology. It is necessary that we must know how to apply our own vitality - the human resources - in the fields of our problems. It is never the body that meets any challenge in the world outside. The average man’s idea is that with a better dressed body, better home, better housing and better standard of living, his management abilities will increase. It will not. The thing that you achieve is done by the mind and not by the body. The body is only a tool in all your activities. It is the mind that ‘does’. Have you ever tried to manage your mind? Think. We never try to integrate the mind, to steady the mind, to make it sensitive and consistent in its application. The mind wanders. Reorientation of the mind is the secret of stepping up your efficiency and brilliance of performance. So management springs from your management of yourself. This idea is lost sight of because we are enamored of the various techniques in the system. They are useful but not by themselves; your integration, your mental poise is the thing. If that is lost, you are incompetent and inefficient in any field. Stability of the mind and firmness and devotion to an ideal, is unavoidable. Be he a great scientist or artist, a literary man or a businessman, everyone must have a goal in front of him or her. But our goal is “I must live comfortably, I and my wife. Minimum work, maximum profit, cheat, loot, plunder, but never mind!” When your goal is so low, the best in you can never come out. What is the meaning of a life spent that way? So, Sir, evolve; quieten the mind. I am not talking of great mantra, pūja and rituals. But have an ideal in your life that you want to be, though you may not be the greatest in your profession, and your organization the greatest. That way keep an eye on perfection and strive towards it. It is immaterial whether you reach it or not as in striving to reach it, you evolve and grow. Bring the mind where the hand is working, in everything. Try to do that and you shall find that your management improves. I am not saying that other techniques known and experimented are to be overlooked or that they are not necessary. They are all necessary. But the fundamental thing that you need is mental strength, psychic vitality. But if your mind is loose, always thinking of sensuous things only, there is no harm as the world is not going to end because of your sensuality, but it is your own suicidal disaster, because your mind gets dissipated; and a dissipated mind has little capacity to achieve anything great. Let us learn to integrate the mind and bring out the best in us. This extra glory of performance, the excellence in your work is that which is going to create not only a revolution in your own personality and life but also a change in the very destiny of our country.

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Wisdom is the assimilated knowledge in us, gained from an intelligent estimation and close study of our own direct and indirect experience in the world

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Swami Chinmayananda.

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Vedanta in Action: Dr. Metre by Viji Sundaram

In the serene beauty of the Kangra Valley, where the majestic snow-capped Dauladhar mountain ranges provide an awe-inspiring backdrop that subtly assaults your senses, security for many of the women living in the villages there, used to be an elusive concept. Girls were removed from school long before they became familiar with the three R’s, and many were married off even before they reached puberty. Spousal abuse and alcoholism were rampant, and most women suffered from low self-esteem. Then Dr. Kshama Metre, fondly known to the village folk as “Dr. Didi,” came along and changed all that. Where once the women cowered under the abuse of their husbands, where once they watched helplessly as their spouses drank their incomes away, today, some 8,000 of them have taken charge of their lives, thanks to the creative and inspired projects spawned by the Chinmaya Rural Primary Health Care and Training Center in Sidhabari, Himachal Pradesh. … Dr. Metre was drawn into the Chinmaya Mission after one meeting with Gurudev Swami Chinmayananda in 1984. The daughter of affluent parents, she was at the time a pediatric consultant at New Delhi’s Mother and Child Hospital. “When I saw Gurudev, it was like finding something I had been looking for all my life,” she said. She attended a spiritual camp in Sidhabari a few months later and knew those were the surroundings she wanted to be in for the rest of her life. On the last day of the camp, Gurudev, on learning of her desire, invited her to work for the Mission in its rural health programs in Kangra Valley. So inspired was Dr. Metre, she had no trouble giving up her high-powered career in one of the best hospitals in Delhi for one that was anything but glamorous. Dr. Metre embodies Vedanta in action. Thanks to her dedication in over 600 villages there are more than 60,000 participating villagers and over 300,000 indirect beneficiaries covered by Siddhabari Project alone. They are today living productive lives. Some are engaged in such activities as dress manufacturing, carpet weaving, organic farming, midwifery and holistic health care. Walk into the Chinmaya Seva Center, a stone’s throw from the Sandeepany (Him) ashram, on any day, and you will hear the hum of sewing machines as smartly dressed women, some of them with physical disabilities, some widowed, others deserted by their spouses, crank out stylish salwar-kameez dresses, woolen shawls on hand-operated looms, towels, bedspreads, wall hangings, shirts, and accessories such as handbags and shoes. In another part of the building on the same floor, women are busy manufacturing carpets. “All of them have been trained, the weavers and the seamstresses for eighteen months, and the carpet makers for twelve months,” said project director of the Chinmaya Seva Center. Before the establishment of the CSC, many women in similar circumstances would try to eke out a living brewing illicit liquor. After their training, women are given the option to either strike out on their own, or work at the center, where they can earn around Rs. 1,200 a month. The finished products make their way to outside markets, some as far away as Delhi. Some are sold at the shop housed in the Chinmaya Tapovan Trust at Sandeepany (Him). Transforming Lives “The transformation in the women is amazing,” observed longtime Mission devotee Gauri Sharma of New Delhi, who has helped market some of the products. “That in itself makes it all worthwhile.” On the ground floor of the same building, Dr. Metre, project director of the Chinmaya Tapovan Trust, and her assistants run an outpatient dispensary, which Dr. Metre began very soon after she arrived in Sidhabari. Here, women, plucked from the Kangra Valley, are turned into multi-purpose workers, receiving training in general family care, community health care which includes such skills as teaching the community about sanitation, hygiene and nutrition, and maternity and child health. Older women are trained in midwifery, with emphasis laid on sterilizing instruments and hygiene. “Most of the diseases rampant in the villages can be traced to ignorance and poverty,” Dr. Metre said, “That is why we work at the grass-roots level.” Continued on page 42 Page 41

Chinmaya Mission Annual Banquet, 2009 The focus of the Chinmaya Rural Primary Health Care and Training Center is on the empowerment of women because, as Gurudev often said, it is they who most influence the direction of the family. Toward that end, it provides resources to villagers in the areas of health care, nutrition, income generation, rehabilitation, education, and spirituality. In short, it is a totally holistic approach. Women are encouraged to take on positions of leadership and authority. They help to establish support systems for dealing with domestic abuse, violence, and injustice. Project workers like Harbansi and Urmila Devi often spend hours walking to homes and schools to provide resources for the tribal folks in whose homes you are most likely to find a picture of Gurudev rather than running water and electricity. His impact on their lives and land can be seen in the spring of their steps, and the familiar “Hari Om” greeting they exchange with each other. Harban Singh’s faith in Gurudev is touching. She said that when her oldest daughter got married, she placed the first wedding invitation in front of a picture of Gurudev she has in her home, before sending out any. “After all, he is the one who does everything” she said, “ I’ve dissolved myself in him.” Trained bāla-sevikā run the twenty or so bālavādī that operate in the villages. Working mothers drop their children off at the bālavādī, which serve as day care and kindergarten centers for children under the age of six. Dr. Metre never forgets to inject a large dose of spirituality into every endeavor of the Trust. Every mahilā mandala meeting starts with a prayer in simple Hindi prose: “God give us the courage to solve our problems, and teach us to endure what we cannot solve.” Women frequently pepper their conversations with such expressions as “If Gurudev wills ... “ or “With Gurudev’s blessing.” Project workers also participate in svādhyāya groups, where they study Gurudev’s books and engage in discussions. The success rate of the grassroots CTT projects has made them models for other non-government organizations, as well as government agencies. Dr. Metre is frequently sought after by them to share her expertise and provide guidance. In 1985, the Indian government’s Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, in conjunction with the United States Agency for International Development, was looking for pioneering nongovernment organizations seeking to make a difference in the lives of the most marginalized sections of the population. The CTT was one of the organizations that qualified. The many programs currently sponsored by the Trust cost around $ 100,000 a year, and Dr. Metre depends heavily on donations from individuals and organizations. There is always a scramble for funds, but the work goes on at the same level of intensity. Dr. Metre’s generosity of spirit has not gone unnoticed: In 1993, Ojaswini, a magazine devoted to women’s issues, recognized her and three other women in India for their outstanding achievements in a wide spectrum of activities. And in 1994, the The Week magazine, a widely read publication in India, named her “Woman of the Year.” During both those occasions, Dr. Metre modestly remarked that the recognition not only honors her but all the women workers who are involved in the projects. “This award is an honor to all the simple village women in the Kangra Valley where I have been working for the last fifteen years,” Dr. Metre said in her acceptance speech at the glittering Ojaswini Shikhar Sewa Alankaran award ceremony in Delhi. “Their growing self-confidence, independence, and positive self-image are a continuous inspiration for me to learn from and work with. The work is an offering at the feet of our Gurudev.” Dr. Metre’s work has been recognized by the country; she was awarded the presitious Padma Shri award in 2008. She is a member of 11th Planning Commission (Health Care) of Government of India for the period of 2007-2012.

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.

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Swami Chinmayananda.

Seva and Sadhana

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India House/ waterford place holder

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Chimaya centers photograph Kumon Licolnshire/VH Natraj

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Geeta Chapter XV The Supreme Self H ¤I p]rım≈tm]n‡ n]m˘ H ¤I p]rım≈tm]n‡ n]m˘

aT] p]ÇıdıxÁ%Dy≈y˘ aT] p]ÇıdıxÁ%Dy≈y˘

¤IB]g]v≈n∂v≈c] ¤IB]g]v≈n∂v≈c]

{$Dv]*mΩl]m]D]÷≈K]mÚ/ aùv]tT]\ pó≠hurıvy]y]mÚ/ | Cınd]\isÚ} y]sy] p]$N≈*inÚ} y]st]\ v‡dı s] v‡dıivÚ}tÚ/ || 1 || {$Dv]*mΩl]m]D]÷≈K]mÚ/ aùv]tT]\ pó≠hurıvy]y]mÚ/ | Cınd]\isÚ} y]sy] p]$N≈*inÚ} y]st]\ v‡dı s] v‡dıivÚ}tÚ/ || 1 || They (wise people) speak of the indestructible Peepul tree as having roots above and branches below, whose leaves are the Vedas; he who knows it is alone the Veda-knower.

aD]ço$Dv]\ pó˝s≥t≈st]sy] x≈K≈ g∂N]pó˝v≥£≠ ivÚ}S]y]pó˝v≈l≈: | aD]çı mΩl≈ny]n∂s]\t]t≈inÚ} è˝$m≈*n∂b]nD∆inÚ} m]n∂Sy]lÁèÜ || 2 || aD]ço$Dv]\ pó˝s≥t≈st]sy] x≈K≈ g∂N]pó˝v≥£≠ ivÚ}S]y]pó˝v≈l≈: | aD]çı mΩl≈ny]n∂s]\t]t≈inÚ} è˝$m≈*n∂b]nD∆inÚ} m]n∂Sy]lÁèÜ || 2 || Below and above are spread its branches, nourished by the Gunas; sense-objects are its buds; and below is the world of men stretch forth the roots, originating in action.

n] –p]m]sy‡hı t]TÁp]l]By]t‡ n≈ntÁ n] c≈id}$n]* c] s]\pó˝itÚ}SQ≠ | aùv]tT]m‡n]\ s∂ivÚ}–ZımΩl]mÚ/ as]Ø˝x]sà‡N] d&Zen] iC}tv≈ || 3 || n] –p]m]sy‡hı t]TÁp]l]By]t‡ n≈ntÁ n] c≈id}$n]* c] s]\pó˝itÚ}SQ≠ | aùv]tT]m‡n]\ s∂ivÚ}–ZımΩl]mÚ/ as]Ø˝x]sà‡N] d&Zen] iC}tv≈ || 3 ||

Continued on next page Page 47


Its form is not perceived here as such, neither its end, not its origin, nor its foundation, nor its resting place; having cut asunder this firm rooted Peepul-tree with the strong axe of nonattachment...

t]t˘ p]dı\ t]tp]ir}m≈$igÚ}*t]vy]\ y]ismÚ}ng]t]] n] inÚ}v]$t]*intÚ} BΩy˘ | t]m‡v] c≈ßı\ p∂ŒS]\ pó˝p]ße y]t˘ pó˝v≥iñÚ}: pó˝s≥t≈ p∂r≠N∆ || 4 || t]t˘ p]dı\ t]tp]ir}m≈$igÚ}*t]vy]\ y]ismÚ}ng]t]] n] inÚ}v]$t]*intÚ} BΩy˘ | t]m‡v] c≈ßı\ p∂ŒS]\ pó˝p]ße y]t˘ pó˝v≥iñÚ}: pó˝s≥t≈ p∂r≠N∆ || 4 || Then that Goal should be sought after, where having gone, none returns again. I seek refuge in that “primeval Purusha” from which streamed forth the ancient activity (or energy).

inÚ}$m≈*n]mÁh≠ ijÚ}t]s]Ø˝doS≈ aDy≈tm]inÚ}ty≈ ivÚ}inÚ}v≥ñ]è≠m≈: | ©ın©E$ivÚ}*m∂ï≠: s∂K]du:K]s]\ÌE: g]cCınty]mΩZ≠: p]dım]vy]y]\ t]tÚ/ || 5 || inÚ}$m≈*n]mÁh≠ ijÚ}t]s]Ø˝doS≈ aDy≈tm]inÚ}ty≈ ivÚ}inÚ}v≥ñ]è≠m≈: | ©ın©E$ivÚ}*m∂ï≠: s∂K]du:K]s]\ÌE: g]cCınty]mΩZ≠: p]dım]vy]y]\ t]tÚ/ || 5 || Free from pride and delusion, victorious over the evil of attachment, dwelling constantly in the Self, their desires having completely retired, freed from the pairs of opposites, such as - pleasure and pain, the undeluded reach that Goal Eternal.

n] t]§≠s]y]t‡ sΩ$yÁ* n] x]x≈ö n] p≈v]èî | y]d/g]tv≈ n] inÚ}v]$t]*nt‡ t]£≠m] p]rım]\ m]m] || 6 || n] t]§≠s]y]t‡ sΩ$yÁ* n] x]x≈ö n] p≈v]èî | y]d/g]tv≈ n] inÚ}v]$t]*nt‡ t]£≠m] p]rım]\ m]m] || 6 || Nor does the sun shine there, nor the moon, nor fire; to which having gone they return not; that is My Supreme Abode.

m]m�v≈\xÁ j∆v]lÁèÜ j∆v]BΩt˘ s]n≈t]n˘ m]n]: S]SQı≠n∆in®}y≈iNÚ} pó˝èÎitÚ}sT≈inÚ} è˝$S]*itÚ} || 7 || m]m�v≈\xÁ j∆v]lÁèÜ j∆v]BΩt˘ s]n≈t]n˘ m]n]: S]SQ≠n∆in®}y≈iNÚ} pó˝èÎitÚ}sT≈inÚ} è˝$S]*itÚ} || 7 || An eternal portion of Myself having become a living soul in the world of life, and abiding in Prakriti draws (to itself) the (five) senses with mind for the sixth.


Seva and Sadhana

x]rIrı\ y]dıv≈pnÁitÚ} y]cc≈py∂tfl˝]m]t∆ùv]rî | g≥hItv�t≈inÚ} s]\y≈itÚ} v≈y∂$g]*nD≈inÚ}v≈x]y≈tÚ/ || 8 || x]rIrı\ y]dıv≈pnÁitÚ} y]cc≈py∂tfl˝]m]t∆ùv]rî | g≥hItv�t≈inÚ} s]\y≈itÚ} v≈y∂$g]nD≈inÚ}v≈x]y≈tÚ/ || 8 || When the Lord obtains a body, and when He leaves it, He takes these and goes (with them) as the wind takes the scents from their seats (the flower).

¤oà]\ c]‹∂: sp]$x]*n]\ c] rıs]n]\ Gó≠N]m‡v] c] | aiDÚ}SQ≠y] m]n]ç≠y]\ ivÚ}x]y≈n∂p]s‡v]t‡ || 9 || ¤oà]\ c]‹∂: sp]$x]*n]\ c] rıs]n]\ Gó≠N]m‡v] c] | aiDÚ}SQ≠y] m]n]ç≠y]\ ivÚ}x]y≈n∂p]s‡v]t‡ || 9 ||

Presiding over the ear, the eye, the touch, the taste and the smell, so also the mind, He enjoys the sense objects.

[tfl≠m]nt]\ isTÚ}t]\ v≈ip] B∂ã≠n]\ v≈ g∂N≈invÚ}t]mÚ/ | ivÚ}mΩZ≠ n≈n∂p]xy]intÚ} p]xy]intÚ} Ì≠n]c]‹∂S˘ || 10 ||

[tfl≠m]nt]\ isTÚ}t]\ v≈ip] B∂ã≠n]\ v≈ g∂N≈invÚ}t]mÚ/ | ivÚ}mΩZ≠ n≈n∂p]xy]intÚ} p]xy]intÚ} Ì≠n]c]‹∂S˘ || 10 || Him who departs, stays and enjoys, who is united with the Gunas, the deluded do not see; but they behold who possess the Eye-of-Knowledge.

y]t]ntÁ yÁigÚ}n]çEn]\ p]xy]nty≈tm]ny]v]isTÚ}t]mÚ/ | y]t]ntÁ%py]èÎt≈tm≈nÁ n�n]\ p]xy]nty]c‡t]s˘ || 11 || y]t]ntÁ yÁigÚ}n]çEn]\ p]xy]nty≈tm]ny]v]isTÚ}t]mÚ/ | y]t]ntÁ%py]èÎt≈tm≈nÁ n�n]\ px]y]nty]c‡t]s˘ || 11 || The seekers striving (for perfection) be hold Him dwelling in the Self; but, the unrefined and unintelligent, even though striving, see Him not.

y]d≠id}ty]g]t]\ t‡jÁ j]g]§≠s]y]t‡%iKÚ}l]mÚ/ | y]cc]n®ım]isÚ} y]cc≈g¶Ë t]ñ‡jÁ ivÚ}i£} m≈m]è˝mÚ/ || 12 || y]d≠id}ty]g]t]\ t‡jÁ j]g]§≠s]y]t‡%iKÚ}l]mÚ/ | y]cc]n®ım]isÚ} y]cc≈g¶Ë t]ñ‡jÁ ivÚ}i£} m≈m]è˝mÚ/ || 12 || That light which is residing in the sun and which illumines the whole world, and that which is in the moon and in the fire - know that Light to be Mine.

g≈m]]ivÚ}xy] c] BΩt≈inÚ} D≈rıy≈my]hımÁj]s≈ | p∂SN≈imÚ} cËS]D∆: s]$v≈*: sÁmÁ BΩtv≈ rıs≈tm]èî || 13 || Continued on next page Page 49


g≈m]]ivÚ}xy] c] BΩt≈inÚ} D≈rıy≈my]hımÁj]s≈ | p∂SN≈imÚ} cËS]D∆: s]$v≈*: sÁmÁ BΩtv≈ rıs≈tm]èî || 13 || Permeating the earth I support all beings by (My) energy; and having become the liquid moon I nourish all herbs.

ahı\ v�ùv≈n]ro BΩtv≈ pó˝]iNÚ}n≈\ dehım≈i¤}t˘ | pó≠N≈p≈n]s]m≈y∂ïî p]c≈my]Ã]\ c]t∂$ivÚ}*D]mÚ/ || 14 || ahı\ v�ùv≈n]ro BΩtv≈ pó≠iNÚ}n≈\ dehım≈i¤}t˘ | pó≠N≈p≈n]s]m≈y∂ïî p]c≈my]Ã]\ c]t∂$ivÚ}*D]mÚ/ || 14 || I, having become (the fire) Vaisvanara, abide in the body of beings, and associated with Prana and Apana digest the four-fold food.

s]$v]*sy] c≈hı\ ºid} s]\inÚ}ivÚ}SQo m]ñ˘ sm≥itÚ}$Ì≠*n]m]pÁhın]\ c] | v‡dEçı s]$v�*rıhım‡v] v‡ßo v‡d≠nt]èÎ©edıivÚ}dev] c≈hımÚ/ || 15 || s]$v]*sy] c≈hı\ ºid} s]\inÚ}ivÚ}SQo m]ñ˘ sm≥itÚ}$Ì≠*n]m]pÁhın]\ c] | v‡dEçı s]$v�*rıhım‡v] v‡ßo v‡d≠nt]èÎ©edıivÚ}dev] c≈hımÚ/ || 15 || And I am seated in the hearts of all; from Me are memory, knowledge, as well as their absence. I am verily that which has to be known in all the Vedas; I am indeed the author of the Vedanta, and the “knower of the Vedas” am I.

©≠ivÚ}mË p∂ŒSË lÁèÜ ‹]rıç≠‹]rı Av] c] | ‹]rî s]$v≈*iNÚ} BΩt≈inÚ} è¯qısTÁ%‹]rı [cy]t‡ || 16 || ©≠ivÚ}mË p∂ŒSË lÁèÜ ‹]rıç≠‹]rı Av] c] | ‹]rî s]$v≈*iNÚ} BΩt≈inÚ} è¯qısTÁ%‹]rı [cy]t‡ || 16 || Two Purushas are there in this world, the Perishable and the Imperishable. All beings are the Perishable and the Kutasthah is called the the Imperishable.

[ñ]m˘ p∂ŒS]stv]ny˘ p]rım≈tm‡ty∂d≠ºt˘ | yÁ lÁè˝à]y]m≈ivÚ}xy] ibÚ}B]$ty]*vy]y] Wùv]rî || 17 || [ñ]m˘ p∂ŒS]stv]ny˘ p]rım≈tm‡ty∂d≠ºt˘ | yÁ lÁè˝à]y]m≈ivÚ}xy] ibÚ}B]$ty]*vy]y] Wùv]rî || 17 || But distinct is the Supreme Purusha called the Highest Self, the indestructible Lord, who pervading the three worlds (waking, dream, and deep-sleep), sustains them.


Seva and Sadhana

y]sm≈t‹]rım]t∆tÁ%hmÚ/ a‹]r≠dıipÚ} cÁñ]m˘ | atÁ%ismÚ} lÁèÜ v‡de c] pó˝iTÚ}t˘ p∂ŒSÁñ]m˘ || 18 || y]sm≈t‹]rım]t∆tÁ%hmÚ/ a‹]r≠dıipÚ} cÁñ]m˘ | atÁ%ismÚ} lÁèÜ v‡de c] pó˝iTÚ}t˘ p∂ŒSÁñ]m˘ || 18 || As I transcend the perishable and am even higher than the Imperishable; therefore, I am declared as the Purushottama (the Highest Purusha) in the world and in the Vedas.

yÁ m≈m‡v]m]s]\mΩZo j≈n≈itÚ} p∂ŒSÁñ]m]mÚ/ | s] s]$v]*ivÚ}§ıj]itÚ} m≈\ s]$v]*B≈v‡n] B≈rııt] || 19 || yÁ m≈m‡v]m]s]\mΩZo j≈n≈itÚ} p∂ŒSÁñ]m]mÚ/ | s] s]$v]*ivÚ}§ıj]itÚ} m≈\ s]$v]*B≈v‡n] B≈rıt] || 19 || He who, undeluded, thus knows Me, the Supreme Purusha, he, all-knowing, worships Me with his whole being, O Bharata.

witÚ} g∂¡ıt]m]\ x≈sà]mÚ/ wdıım∂ïı\ m]y≈n]G] | At]d/b∂d/Dv≈ b∂i£ım≈nsy≈tÚ/ èÎt]èÎty]çı B≈rıt] || 20 || witÚ} g∂¡ıt]m]\ x≈sà]mÚ/ wdıım∂ïı\ m]y≈n]G] | At]d/b∂d/Dv≈ b∂i£ım≈nsy≈tÚ/ èÎt]èÎty]çı B≈rıt] || 20 || Thus, this most secret science (teaching) has been taught by Me, O sinless one; knowing this, a man becomes wise, and all his duties are accomplished, O Bharata.

H t]ts]id}itÚ} ¤Im]§ıg]v]d/g∆t≈sΩp]inÚ}S]ts∂ bó˝¿ıivÚ}ß≠y≈\ yÁg]x≈sà‡ ¤IèÎSN≈$j∂*n]s]\v≈de p∂ŒSÁñ]m]yÁgÁ n≈m] p]ÇıdıxÁ%Dy≈y˘ || 15 || H t]ts]id}itÚ} ¤Im]§ıg]v]d/g∆t≈sΩp]inÚ}S]ts∂ bó˝¿ıivÚ}ß≠y≈\yÁg]x≈sà‡ ¤IèÎSN≈$j∂*n]s]\v≈de p∂ŒSÁñ]m]yÁgÁ n≈m] p]ÇıdıxÁ%Dy≈y˘ || 15 ||

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Manian for state Skybird travel Remax Practice management

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Chennikara Jewelars Direct floors

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Yamunotri Bala Vihar Syllabus 2009-2010 All classes begin with chanting of Invocation Prayers, Guru Stotram and daily prayers. Bhagavad Gita Chapter IX is in the binder and prayers are in Hridi Bhavayami book. All text books have to be purchased. Every Student should have a copy of Hridi Bhavayami, which can be purchased from the book store.

Class

Texts

Pre-KG (Prahlada) Ganesha Stotram (Sankatanashana - Stuti Vandana) My Prayers Bhagavad Gita Ch.IX (Chanting) Tarangini Vol. 1 &2 Stories based on Values, Chinmaya Alphabets Tell Me A Story – Part 1 Arts, Crafts & Games Great Saints: Swami Chinmayananda and Swami Tejomayananda

Teachers:

AM: Shilpa Ramprasad;

PM: Shilpa Ramprasad, Sharmila Radhakrishnan

KG (Dhruva) Ganesha Stotram (Ganesha Pancharatnam) My Prayers Bhagavad Gita Ch.IX (Chanting) Tarangini Vol. 1 &2 Stories based on Values, Chinmaya Alphabets Tell Me A Story – Part 1 Arts, Crafts & Games Great Saints: Swami Chinmayananda and Swami Tejomayananda

Teachers:

AM: Archana Anant, Deepa Chintapalli;

PM: Archana Anant, Haritha Kajjam

Grade 1 (Nachiketa) Sharada Stotram (Stuti Vandana) My Prayers Bhagavad Gita Ch. IX (Chanting) Bala Ramayana Stories based on values and texts Tarangini Vol. 3, 4, 5, 6 Arts, Crafts & Games Tell Me A Story – Part 2 Great Saints: Swami Chinmayananda and Swami Tejomayananda

Teachers:

AM: Jothi Arun ;

PM: Raji Prasad, Nangia Venkat, Priya Arun

Grade 2 (Gyaneshwara) Meenakshi Pancharatnam My Prayers Bhagavad Gita Ch. IX (Chanting) Bala Ramayana Stories based on values and texts Tarangini Vol. 3, 4, 5, 6 Arts, Crafts & Games Tell Me A Story – Part 2 Great Saints: Swami Chinmayananda and Swami Tejomayananda

Teachers:

AM: Anitha Bellary;

PM: Sushma Yadalam, Padmaja Kakuturu

Grades 3 & 4 (Aaruni) Madhurastakam (Stuti Vandana) Bhagavad Gita Ch.IX (Chanting) Skits, Tests & Quizzes Great Saints: Swami Vivekananda and Shree Ramakrishna

Teachers:

My Prayers Bala Bhagavatam Tarangini Vol. 7 Pride Goeth Before a Fall Art of God Symbolism

AM: Padmaja Khanna, Chandra Ramesh; PM: Shanmugasundaram Kanagasabapathy, Lakshmi Bhagavatula

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Seva and Sadhana

Yamunotri Bala Vihar Syllabus 2009-2010 (contd.) Class

Texts

Grades 5 & 6 (Shree Rama) Ramayan Vandanam, Sitarama Dhyanam Bhagavad Gita Ch. IX (Chanting) Extempore Speeches, Skits & Quizzes Stories and lessons based on texts Values - Gita Ch. XII (sl.13-19) Great Saints: Swami Sivananda and Swami Chidananda

Teachers:

AM: Rajul Bhalala;

My Prayers Parables I Love You Letters Tarangini Vol. 8

PM: Sinduja Kosgi, Anuja Naik

Grades 7 & 8 (Shree Krishna) Siva Manasa Puja (Stuti Vandana) Bhagavad Gita Ch. IX (Chanting) Extempore Speeches, Skits & Quizzes Values - Gita Ch. XIII (sl. 7-11) Great Saints: Swami Tapovan Maharaj and Meerabai

Teachers:

AM: Shankar Anant;

My Prayers Art Of Living Hinduism - Sanatana Dharma Tarangini Vol. 9, 10

PM: Indu Sriram, Shankar Anant

Grades 9 & 10 (Chinmaya) Geeta Dhyanam (Stuti Vandana) My Prayers Bhagavad Gita Ch. IX (Chanting) Self-Unfoldment Extempore Speeches & Skits Hindu Culture Written Assignments Discussion & Debates on selected topics Lessons based on Values and Texts Great Saints: Bhagavan Adi Shankaracharya, Maa Anandamayi

Teachers:

PM: Shubi Mansukhani, Ashok Kajjam

Grades 11 & 12 (Tapovan) Taittriya Upanishad (Stuti Vandana) Bhagavad Gita Ch. IX (Chanting) Extempore Speeches & Skits Written Assignments Discussion & Debates on selected current topics Lessons based on Values and Texts Great Saints: Bhagavan Vedavyasa, Sharadamaa

My Prayers On Wings and Wheels The Art Of Man Making

Teachers: PM: Krithika Mahesh, Rajul Bhalala

Adult Study Groups Study Group

Text

Vyasa - Sevaks: Premal Joshipura, Viney Kaushal

PM Text: Atma Bodha

Vasishtha - Sevaks: Sriram Chitti, Ganapathi Shankar

PM Text : Tattva Bodha

Vishwamitra - Sevaks: Kartik Ramprasad, Vivek Naik

PM Text: Bhaja Govindam

Valmiki - Sevaks : AM: Ashok Bhatia PM: Lakshmi Gollapudi, N.L.Sriram

AM Text: Kindle Life - Beginners PM Text: Kindle Life - Advanced

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10th Annual Chinmaya Yuva Kendra Retreat 2009: Lifelines

Y

oung adult lives are filled with stress, important decisions, and responsibilities. This is the time that our personality, character, and confidence are tested the most. How do I decide? Should I let my parents decide? Should my friends’ opinion be more important? Is there something more important to consider? Whether we feel invincible or insecure about our futures, we all have one thing in common: we all have questions. What defines our life and determines our success, is where we turn to for answers about our culture, dharma, and God. In July 2009, Chicago’s Chinmaya Mission Yuva Kendra (CHYKs) organized a retreat entitled, “Lifelines” that offered a venue to help young adults find answers. All of the attendees were swept off of their feet and catapulted into such a stimulating environment that everyone felt empowered to succeed in attaining happiness. The retreat lasted for six days, filled with sometimes physically and mentally challenging activities. Every morning we started at 6:45am with yoga and meditation, followed immediately by one half-hour of maunam. These were perhaps the most difficult activities of the day. Maunam was a time to reflect on our progress, and to discover our true character in complete silence. Just when we were supposed to focus our thoughts on just one mantra, our sneaky little minds would explore all the trivial thoughts and scenarios crouched in some nook or cranny of our brains. Our progress, however, in flexibility and concentration in just one week surprised us all. Even more astonishing is that many of us continue to meditate even after we returned to our daily lives. Pooja Merai, one of the main retreat coordinators, said it well a few months after the retreat, “I’ve been more diligent about taking some time to meditate most days of the week. Work can be stressful so conditioning my mind to be peaceful each morning has a significant impact throughout the day.” The positive reverberations from the retreat still inspire us to strive to become better people and more committed to spirituality. Continued on page 60

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Chinmaya Mission Annual Banquet, 2009 After a delicious warm breakfast, we attended thought-provoking discourses led by Brahmachari Prabodh Chaitanya, from San Jose, on Manah Shodhanam, a collection of verses compiled and written by Pujya Guruji (Swami Tejomayananda). The text revealed how to purify our minds to become happier and more successful people. As societal dwellers, we are accustomed to looking to other people and objects to complete ourselves. He skillfully made us realize that the world we experience is forever changing and unreal so the greed, anger, and attachment we have towards it are in fact trivial and a major impedance to our happiness. We learned that understanding the mind and learning to work with it is much more beneficial to our success, rather than discouraging it or letting our base desires rule over it. Br. Prabhodhji had each one of us design a customized plan that would help us purify our own mind. Acharya Vivek Gupta, from Niagara Falls, conducted discourses on how to be a spiritual student or more directly, the four qualities of a spiritual student as described and detailed by Adi Shankaracharya in the Vivekachudamani. He not only urged us to differentiate between the real and the unreal (vivekah) and to act accordingly (vairagya), but he also encouraged us through his own example. Of the shat sampatti, the “zip file” of six qualities that signify inner wealth (shama, dama, uprama, titiksha, shradha, and samadhanam), titiksha or forbearance proved to be the most intriguing and popular concept among the CHYKs. To Vivekji’s amusement, not only did we discuss titiksha endlessly, but we also found a way to include it in every skit, game, and as many conversations as possible. Finally, he talked about mumukshutvam, the concept of striving to liberate oneself from samsara, and convinced each one of us that we too were on this track. His lectures seamlessly tied into Br. Prabodhji’s lectures on Manah Shodhanam because each one ultimately had one purpose, to guide us in finding our own inner happiness. In-between lectures, we attended small group discussions. During these sessions, we discussed and summarized answers to thought provoking questions provided by Br. Prabodhji or Vivekji. Sometimes these sessions were so intense that the allotted one hour was simply not enough, especially when we were given the daunting task of proving that joy (unconditional happiness) is the true human nature. One group had to continue that discussion at night and it lasted until 4:00am! Along with discourses, each acharya held question-answer sessions open to topics such as career, family, love, and even marriage. Both retreat acharyas, along with Swami Sharanananda gave us the encouragement and knowledge we needed to become spiritual students. Sheena Agarwal, a student at Northwestern University, quickly noticed their impact on her spiritual growth and said, “I had been losing touch with spirituality since I started college, and being in the Chinmaya Mission environment brought me back to the center. At Mission, everyone is unified in a single desire to help each other become more spiritual and ultimately, happier.” Everyone’s enthusiasm, curiosity, and willingness to learn synergized to create a perfectly nurturing environment for maximizing our fun, happiness, and spiritual education. The evenings were usually reserved for recreational activities that allowed us to use our new spiritual knowledge practically and to have fun together. These activities included a spirituality themed scavenger hunt, ice cream social, an intense game of capture the flag, a wonderful Chicago outing (which included deep dish pizza and a boat tour), and an open mic night followed by everyone’s favorite Raas and Garba. One of our favorite activities was the music session with Vivekji. Before the retreat started we were all asked to choose a song that had a deep spiritual impact on us. At the music session everyone shared their song and explained what spiritual messages were intertwined in the lyrics or musical scores. We found Vedantic messages in songs by artists or bands such as Pearl Jam, Lifehouse, Michael Jackson, Death Cab for Cutie, The Beatles, A.R. Rahman, Lauryn Hill, and Red Hot Chili Peppers. We realized that Vedanta, indeed, is part of every culture, even in the noisy Western music culture that is sometimes dreaded by our parents. The Chicago CHYK Retreat allowed us to meet inspiring young adults, experience and learn Vedanta from our Western-Indian-Hindu culture, and most importantly to recharge our spiritual battery. Because we all came with the goal of empowering ourselves for improvement, we could rely on each other to constantly push ourselves forward. Pooja Merai added, “At the conclusion of retreat, individuals usually feel encouraged to make sweeping changes in their lives and be the people they’ve always envisioned. However, the acharyas emphasize making very small changes in one’s life. They don’t condone quitting your job/studies and meditating in the mountains; instead they encourage us to live more thoughtful lives” Thus we are encouraged to set small tangible goals to build upon them throughout our lives. This allows us to build our confidence in our success at not just worldly accomplishments but also spiritual accomplishments. Thus at this year’s “Lifelines” Retreat, each Chinmaya Yuva Kendra attendee took the opportunity to settle into the winner’s seat with three infallible lifelines: the Chinmaya education, infectious enthusiasm for happiness, and constant titiksha. Further information available at Chykwest.com.

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Seva and Sadhana

In honor of Pujya Gurudev By: Drs. Prabhakar G. & Savita P. Joshi, Libertyville, IL

W

e have had the good fortune to sit in front of Shri Chinmayanandaji and personally listen to his valuable discourses. We heard him in South Carolina, Massachusetts and California. Always there was rapt attention in the audience. On the first day of a one week lecture series in Columbia, SC, Gurudev came in front of the university audience full of patrons, and ascended the stage without the aid of steps. Everyone was amazed at his youthful & graceful gait, and physical ability. Right from the beginning he laid down the discipline that he expected: no one comes late, no one walks around, and no one looks back if someone comes late. Everyone loved and admired the way he conducted the lecture series. On the last day we invited him to Sumter, SC, 45 miles away. He said he had no time for lunches. But we humbly added that we were arranging his lecture for the whole community, whereupon he agreed immediately. His lecture on lessons from Vedas on efficiency in management was powerful, uplifting and logical, so much so that months after he left Sumter, people were asking us when Gurudev was going to come again for lectures. Readers will be amazed to read that the audience was 60% Americans including the Mayor, Sheriff, Chief of Police, Secretary of the Chamber of Commerce, and 40% Hindus. Some 28 years ago a temple by name Hindu Center was opened in Charlotte, NC. We were there from the formation of the organization. Swami Chinmayanandaji was the invited speaker for the opening ceremony. The main Vedanta Hall having 4 beautiful deities was packed with about 500 patrons. When Swamiji entered the hall everyone was amazed with awe, reverence, admiration & inspiration. He had rudramala around his neck and on his wrists, Bhasma on his forehead, and of course the usual saintly attire. In the middle of the anxiously waiting audience, in front of the deities, there was a 100 foot beautifully carpeted track on which Pujya Gurudev walked with his chest up as always, and a saintly expression on his face. In addition to the packed audience, hundreds were standing, peeping through the open windows. There was pin-drop silence and everyone’s eyes were on Gurudev. What a moving scene!

Now, after about 27 years, we have a place called Yamunotri to attend programs perfectly according to Pujya Gurudev’s plans. Pujya Gurudev published dozens of books and delivered thousands of lectures. All were nothing but for spiritual development of human beings. He never looked for any personal gains. We are fortunate to have Yamunotri built in his name, functioning well under the loving and able guidance of respected Swami Sharananandaji.

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Badri Session I :

Prahalada - Prekindergarten

Badri Session I :

Dhruva - Kindergarten

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Badri Session I :

Nachiketa - Grade 1

Badri Session I :

Gyaneshwara - Grade 2

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Badri Session I :

Shri Rama - Grade 3-4

Badri Session I :

Shri Rama 2- Grade 3-4

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Badri Session I :

Vyasa - Grade 5-6

Badri Session I :

Shri Krishna - Grade 7-8

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Badri Session I :

Vishwamitra - Grade 9-10

Badri Session I :

Chinmaya - Grade 11-12

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Badri Session II :

Prahalada & Dhruva - PreKG/KG

Badri Session II :

Nachiketa - Grade 1

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Badri Session I :


Badri Session II:

Shri Rama 2- Grade 3-4

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Badri Session II :

Vyasa - Grade 5-6

Badri Session II :


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Badri Session II :

Vishvamitra - Grade 9-12

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Badri Study Class :

Kindle Life - 1

Badri Study Class :

Kindle Life - 1-2

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Badri Study Class :

Bhaj Govindam - 1

Badri Study Class :

Bhaj Govindam - 2

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Badri Study Class :

Narad -Bhakti - Sutra

Badri Study Class :

Kenopanishad

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Badri Study Class :

Atma - Bodha

Badri Study Class :

Tattva - Bodha

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Probys

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Patel Brothers

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Executive Commitee Members, Badri

Executive Commitee Members, Yamunotri

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Yamunotri Session-I

Prahalada - PreKindergarten

Yamunotri Session-I


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Yamunotri Session-I

Nachiketa - Grade 1

Yamunotri Session-I


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Yamunotri Session-I

Aaruni - Grade 3-4

Yamunotri Session-I


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Yamunotri Session-I


Yamunotri Session-II

Prahalada - PreKindergarten

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Yamunotri Session II

Nachiketa - Grade 1

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Aaruni - Grade 3-4

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Chinmaya - Grade 9-10


Tapovan - Grade 11 - 12

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Yamunotri Study Group -I

Valmiki

Yamunotri Study Group -II

Valmiki

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Yamunotri Study Group II

Vishwamitra


Vashistha

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Vyasa

Yamunotri

Language Class Teachers

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Seva and Sadhana

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Chinmaya Mission Annual Banquet, 2009 Name

Name

Page

Page

1st Advantage Mortgage LLC

34

Dr. Jyotsana Sharma

68

A Beautiful World's Montessori

58

Dr. Manoj and Arpana Duggal

36

Aakash Chemicals & Dye-Stuffs Inc

88

Dr. Priti and Dilip Patel

95

Advanced Pain Specialist

99

Dr. Shailesh and Mrs. Rajeshri Joshi

79

Anil Maheshwari & Family

58

Drs. Dilip and Krishna Patel

93

Ansub Inc.

10

Drs. Renuka and Narendra Desai

28

Apics Chicago Chapter

34

Drs. Subash and Anita Arora

99

ATNT Home Health Care

74

Drs. Uma and Dilip Shah

44

Aurora Pharmacy

36

Dupage Internal Medicine LLC

68

Baird & Warner - Toral Bhansali

44

Farmers Insurance - Scott Johnson

70

Baxi Urology SC

14

HealthCore Clinic

90

Boling Medical Care

44

HELP Charitable Organization

95

Bowes Dental Care

70

Home Run Inn

16

CBS Systems Corporation

95

India House Restaurant & Banquets

45

CES

39

Jalota Academy of Music

39

Chem-Impex

103

Joshipura Family

23

Chennikara Jewellers

54

Kalapriya

64

Coldwell Banker- Rachna Jain

95

Kenneth Holz

36

Creative Montessori Learning Center

61

Kumon - Shorewood

74

Curewell Medical Center

58

Kumon Buffalo Grove

34

Diners World Travel

44

Kumon Hoffman Estates

34

Direct Floors

54

Kumon Lincolshire/VH

46

Doctors on Wheels

61

Law offices of Doug Boodt

23

Dr. Amee R Majmundar

36

Libertyville Toyota

14

Dr. Ishwar Patel.

86

Lifesource Blood Services

90

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Seva and Sadhana Name

Name

Page

Page

Manian for State Rep

53

Renu & Rajiv Advani Family

64

Medorizon, Inc.

52

Rishi Pharmacy, Inc.

28

Meeni Pharmacy, Inc.

23

Sachi Construction Inc.

73

MetLife - Mr. Rajgopalan

12

Saffron Restaurant

90

MetLife Financial Services

79

Sky Bird Travel & Tours

53

Microprint

64

Spectrum CardioVascular Lab

93

Morgan Park Academy

52

Spice Bazaar

64

Bk. Cover

Spice n Curry

79

MRMC Mrs. Kokilaben Jhala

25

Spot Printing & Mailing

74

Mysore Woodlands

58

Sudarshan Sharma & Family

25

Natraj Dance Academy

46

Sunita Malhotra/Prudential

55

Natya Dance Theatre

77

Suresh & Monisha Kumar

90

Northshore Home Health Care, Inc.

28

Technol Corp.

55

Our OB/GYN

23

The Agrawal Firm, LLC

79

Pain Management

68

United Grocers

103

Patel Brothers

84

Upgrade Pharmacy

73

PPG Management Consultants

68

Velu Palani

74

Practise Management

53

Vishwamitra class

52

Probys

83

Vyaasa Class

70

Professional Mortgage Solutions, Inc

88

Waterford Banquet & Conference Center

45

Pronger Smith Clinic

21

Wells Fargo Home Mortgage

Pronger-Smith Pharmacy

21

Womens Center OGM

Quiznos Sub

88

Rainbow Gems & Beads Corp.

28

Remax - Dana & Sadie

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inside Bk.cover

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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

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