2.-ChinmayaSmrithi 19 Mar Vol29No2

A Bi-Monthly News Magazine of the Chinmaya Mission Washington Regional Center (CMWRC)
Volume 29, Number 2, March 2019
Om Jagadeeshwaraya Namah ! Om Chinmaya Somnathaya Namah !

Chinmaya Smrithi – Bi-Monthly News Magazine of Chinmaya Mission Washington Regional Center
Foreword: Swamiji’s Message
Editor’s Note: [Our beloved resident Swamiji, Swami Dheerananda is continuing his
weekly classes on Vivekachoodamani. Please find below an excerpt from his class on
verse 6].
As per Hindu Shastras, one day of Brahma is 432 million

human years. For the person who has not tuned
themselves, not even the lifetime of a hundred Brahmas
is enough for realization. But once you rediscover the
identity, you can realize here and now. A dreamer can
never realize the waker in the dreaming state- he needs
to wake up. Similarly, the thoughts of
perceiver/feeler/thinker can never be removed until one
awakes to one’s true consciousness.
The feeling of “I am BMI” is very strong. The goal of all

spiritual Sadhanas is to remove this erroneous
Meaning: Let erudite scholars quote all the scriptures, let identification. The idea is not that one should not perform
Gods be invoked through sacrifices, let elaborate rituals Pooja or visit temples or do social service. However, one
be performed, let personal Gods be propitiated – yet, should be aware that the goal of all these Sadhanas is to
without the experience of one’s identity with the Self, purify the body, mind and intellect. These activities
there shall be no Liberation for the individual, not even in should help the mind become quiet, alert and vigilant
the lifetime of a hundred Brahmas put together. which in turn is a fit instrument to contemplate. Once the
instruments are tuned, you can realize in a jiffy. When you
Adi Shankara states here the goal of a spiritual seeker.
have awakened to That, you neither remember or forget.
Let the people have extensive drawing room discussions
on the Shastras. Let the people who want to perform The same idea is brought out beautifully in the
extensive rituals perform them. Let those who want to do Bhajagovindam verse “Kurute Ganga Saagaragamanam”.
social service do service. But without knowing one’s own The verse refers to the need for a person to purify his
Self and rediscovering one’s identity with It, Mukti thoughts (represented by the river Ganga) and merge into
(liberation) is not possible. Liberation is not attained by the consciousness (represented by Saagara).
traveling anywhere in time and space but is possible in the
here and now. Forgetfulness of the Self is the ego.
Mar 2019 Page 1

Calendar and Upcoming Events

Upcoming Events
• April 5-13: A complete recital of Ramacharitmanas • April 18: Marga Darshana Dashakam – The glory of
(Tulsi Ramayan) by members at Chinmayam, Silver Swami Chinmayananda at Chinmaya Somnath from 7
Spring. to 8:15 p.m.– a talk by Swami Ishwarananda.
• May 19: Guru Charane – a musical showcase by Purvi • April 20 -21st: An interactive workshop by Swami
Nanavaty from 5 to 7 p.m. at Chinmayam. Ishwarananda at Chinmayam, Silver Spring based on
• May 4th: Chinmaya Jayanti celebrations at his book “The Life of I”. See flyer for more details
Chinmayam, Silver Spring. around registration.
• July 29th to August 4th: Discourses on Shri Krishna • April 26 – 27th: Shishu Vihar training camp for Sevaks
Leela by Swami Swaroopananda during the 26th and Sevikas conducted by Swamini Supriyananda at
Chinmaya Mahasamadhi Camp at Pittsburgh PA. Chinmaya Somnath.
• April 19th : Hanuman Jayanti celebrations at • May 11: Adi Shankara Jayanti at Chinmayam.
Chinmayam. • July 8 -12 – CHYK summer youth camp led by Vivekji
• May 18: Balavihar Graduation Tilak ceremony at 3 at Chinmaya Somnath.
p.m. at Chinmayam.
Study Groups
• Please contact Sri Ravi Ravichandran ji by email at ravi5211@yahoo.com , if you are interested in forming or learning
more about study groups.
Bookstore/Library
• Browse Books, CDs, DVDs, etc. online at www.chinmayapublications.com Contact Sevak to order (Vijay Singh at
Chinmayam, Subbarao Kari at Chinmaya Somnath and Bijay Dash at Frederick)
Next Edition of Chinmaya Smrithi

• Articles for the next regular bi-monthly edition – March 2019, are due by February, 2019
• Email submissions to smrithi-editor@chinmayadc.org.
• Browse Past editions at www.chinmayadc.org/Smrithi/Smrithi.htm
Useful Links:
Central Chinmaya Mission Trust www.chinmayamission.com
Chinmaya Mission West www.chinmayamission.org
Chinmaya International Foundation, E-Vedanta Courses www.chinfo.org
Chinmayam Chapter – Silver Spring MD website http://chinmayam.chinmayadc.org/chinmayam-chapter/
Chinmaya Somnath Chapter – Chantilly VA website www.chinmayasomnath.org
Chinmaya Frederick Chapter –Urbana MD website http://www.frederick.cmwrc.org/
Chinmaya Richmond Chapter – Richmond VA website www.chinmayarichmond.org
CMWRC – Washington Regional Center www.chinmayadc.org
Please Note
The opinions expressed here are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official views of
Chinmaya Mission or CMWRC
Editorial Staff: (smrithi-editor@chinmayadc.org)
Editor: K.A. Lakshmanan
Advisers: Sri Raju Chidambaram, Acharya Vilasiniji, Pujya Swami Dheeranandaji. Sitaram Kowtha
BV students – Bhuvan Devarsu
Please contact us if you are interested in joining the editorial staff!
Mar 2019 Page 2

News & Tidbits

Gita Chanting Competition CHYK retreat
The annual Gita chanting competition was held across all Brahmacharini Shubhani Chaitanyaji conducted a 2 day
three chapters in Frederick, Chinmayam and Chinmaya CHYK camp in preparation for the summer camp to be
Somnath on the weekend of March 23-24. As in previous conducted later in the year. She also conducted the
years, the competition had participants across multiple three Balavihar sessions at Chinmayam over the
age groups and gave an opportunity for participants to weekend of March 23-24 and provided an excellent
chant, read or reflect on the verses from Chapter 12. insight into the life and teachings of Bhagwan Veda
Vyasa – the theme for the upcoming summer camp this
Mahashivarathri year.
Mahashivarathri was celebrated with Puja and cultural Odissi dance performance
program offerings in all the three centers on Monday
March 4th. At Chinmayam, there was an opportunity for An inspiring, expressive and graceful Odissi dance was
meditation and reflection in the morning of 4th followed presented by Smaraki Dash on 30th March at
by Puja and various cultural programs in the evening and Chinmayam. The proceeds were donated to the mission.
concluded with a message by Swamiji. At Chinmaya Smaraki graduated from the Frederick Balavihar chapter
Somnath, the Puja was conducted across all 4 Kaalas. and is headed to medical school. She also volunteers as a
Please see inside this edition for an article on the Balavihar teacher at Chinmayam.
celebrations at Frederick as well as a collage of
photographs from Chinmaya Somnath.
Arpanam
Please refer to the CMWRC website to learn more about
this exciting new program. It offers the Chinmaya family
an opportunity to donate at various levels on an on-
going basis to support the current and future growth of
CMWRC. Inspired by Gurudev’s message that true loving
is not in passive taking but in dynamic giving, the
program is expected to help the mission pay down its
debt while also positioning it for future growth to
continue to spread the spiritual message of Vedanta.
Donors making an Arpanam pledge may fulfill the pledge
during the calendar year, and all tax-deductible
offerings, such as Gita chanting registration,
membership, Bala Vihar, enrichment, Guru Dakshina,
event sponsorship, etc. are recognized towards the
fulfillment of the pledge.
Bhajan Sandhya
A melodious Bhajan Sandhya “Devotionally Cinematic”
was presented at Chinmayam on Saturday Feb 2nd by
Deeti and Krishanu Majmundar. This was part of the
fund raising efforts for Chinmayanandam, the facility
being conceived and planned on the recently acquired
plot of land adjacent to Chinmayam.
Mar 2019 Page 3

Table of Contents
Foreword, Calendar and Events, Editorial Team, Contact Us

NEWS
News & Tidbits
Announcement & Flyers
Sannyasa Deeksha
By Swami Swaroopananda
Mahashivarathri at Frederick
Gayatri Thirumala
Chinmaya Somnath Mahashivarathri – A Collage
Photos submitted by Rajaram
Shraddhanjali to Swamini Mangalananda
By Swami Swaroopananda
Messages from an autobiography of a Mahatma - 11 (Iswara Darshana)
Sitaram Kowtha
Vedanta Series: Ishwara Darshan: Part 14

Acharya Sadananda
Gurudev Uvacha – a collection of quotes from Swami Chinmayananda
Mar 2019
Mar 2019 Page 4

Mar 2019 Page 5

Mar 2019 Page 6

Mar 2019 Page 7

Mar 2019 Page 8

Mar 2019 Page 9

Mar 2019 Page 10

Mar 2019 Page 11

Mar 2019 Page 12

Mar 2019 Page 13

Mar 2019 Page 14

Mar 2019 Page 15

Mar 2019 Page 16

Swami Advayananda’s presentation : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AO9ts04tSM8&feature=youtu.be
Chinmaya University: An appeal for support: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NADht0NBRxM
Chinmaya Shree: Bi-Annual newsletter of Chinmaya University:
https://gallery.mailchimp.com/80619a985e5d6e34c2ba01298/files/a46d5eac-b4e8-44f6-94b1-
9b553915eb57/CVV_Newsletter_Dec_2018_Volume_1_issue_1_Final.01.pdf
Learn more about Chinmaya University at: http://www.cvv.ac.in/
Mar 2019 Page 17

Mar 2019 Page 18

Swamins, Brahmacharins and Members of Chinmaya Mission Worldwide
Dear All,
Hari Om!
“When tired, I retire into my Self, which is Shiva,” said Pujya Gurudev.
To celebrate Shivaratri we share the documentary prepared by Chinmaya Archives and Chinmaya Mission Mumbai,
on the occasion of the Suvarna Mahotsava of the temple on November 10, 2018. The presiding deity of the first ever
temple built by Pujya Gurudev is Lord Shiva.
The video can be downloaded from : https://youtu.be/xWZX_y2Xhmg
Pujya Gurudev in the attached message directs us to the supreme state of perfection of the all auspicious Lord Shiva.
Mar 2019 Page 19

Pujya Swami Swaroopananda pays homage to the most worshipful Lord Shiva and seeks His blessings to remove the
sorrow and suffering from our lives. His video message is available at:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cnHr371KZok&feature=youtu.be
Please read, watch and share their messages.
May Lord Shiva be pleased and shower us with His grace and blessings.
With Prem & OM!

In His Service,
Manisha Khemlani
Chief Executive Officer
Mar 2019 Page 20

Mar 2019 Page 21

Sannyasa Deeksha
At Sandeepany Sadhnalaya by Swami Swaroopananda

ॐ
Hari Om! Greetings on this auspicious day of the 50thMahashivaratri celebrations at the Jagadeeshwara temple!
Today, in the holy precincts of Pujya Gurudev’s kutia, in Sandeepany Sadhanalaya, Mumbai, 4 of our Brahmacharis took
the holy vows of Sannyasa. They changed the colour of their robes to orange and dedicated themselves to spread Pujya
Gurudev’s message. I am happy to announce their new names:
1. Br Sankarshan – Swami Sadashivananda (CM Brahmapur, Odisha)
2. Br Garga – Swami Omkarananda (CM Jagatpur, Cuttack, Odisha)
3. Br Janardhan – Swami Ramapriyananda (CM Balangir, Odisha)
4. Br Piyush – Swami Chidghanananda (CM Bhubaneswar, Odisha)
May Lord Jagadeeshwara and Pujya Gurudev's grace and blessings be upon one and all.
A small video of the announcement of their new names can be viewed on the YouTube channel of Chinmaya Mission
at:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gLPsN_ip36M&feature=youtu.be
Love,
At His Feet
Swami Swaroopananda
Mar 2019 Page 22

Mahashivarathri at Frederick Chapter
Gayatri Thirumala
Mahashivaratri was auspiciously celebrated at Chinmaya .

Mission, Frederick chapter on Mar 10th, 2019, worshiping
Lord Jagadeeshwara, performed by Vallabhuni family as
yajman. The puja was guided with the 16 traditional steps
of Puja Vidhi, articulated and explained by children who
attend two Shloka enrichment classes. The dhyanam
verses of Sri Dakshinamurthi stotram and Margabandhu
stotram, were also beautifully chanted by the kids as part
of the devotional offerings!!
The puja concluded with a beautiful Shiva bhajan - "Adi

Deva Mahadeva", composed by our Guruji Swami
Tejomayananda, led by Sridhanya Thirumala, followed by
the melodious Lingashtakam chanting led by Harshini
Parandapalli.
The story of Lord Shiva, beautifully illustrated and shared

by Sitaram ji, with a capturing title, "Mr. Auspicious-Hero
for All", carried a wonderful message that Lord Shiva
remained Ever Auspicious, both before and after
consuming the poison. His heroic ever-readiness and act
to protect the world against the poison that came out first
during the churning of Milky ocean for Nectar, and His
great power and strength to not let the consumed poison
destroy Himself or the world within, by holding it forever
in His neck, made him "Mr. Auspicious-Hero for All", and
also gave him the name “Neelakantha”!! The story was
very well enjoyed by all and especially Balavihar kids,
inspiring them to be like "Hero Shiva".
It was a joyful Mahashivarathri celebration indeed with

everyone in Chinmaya family!!
Mar 2019 Page 23

Mahashivarathri at Chinmaya Somnath
Mar 2019 Page 24

Shraddhanjali
Samadhi of Swamini Mangalananda

ॐ
Dear All,
Hari Om!
Swamini Mangalananda took final refuge at the lotus feet of Pujya Gurudev, at 5.05 pm today, 24th March, while on
her way to the Akola ashram from Pune.
Devoted to the Chinmaya Mission, Swamini Mangalananda served as a Trustee of CST Maharashtra and Managing
Trustee of CST Akola.
Born in Akola, to a pious and educated family, she held a Masters Degree in Ayurveda. Drawn to the halls of satsang
from a very young age, Swamini Mangalananda lived a life of austerity and spiritual sadhana. She was fortunate to be
blessed by many saints.
In 1972 Swamini Mangalananda came in contact with Chinmaya Mission through Swami Purushottamanandaji. Under
the guidance of Swami Tejomayanandaji she completed the Vedanta Course in Sandeepany Sadhanalaya, Powai.
Subsequently, as Brni Aditi Chaitanya she continued to spread the knowledge of Vedanta, through Jnana Yajnas, which
she had begun even before doing the course.
Much sought after, Swamini Mangalananda was a leading pracharak in Maharashtra. She successfully conducted more
than 750 Jnana Yajnas, 11 shravan sadhanas and several camps at various places in India and Sri Lanka.
On the auspicious day of Mahashivaratri, on 4th March 2002, Brni Aditi was initiated into the Sannyasa Ashram and
became Swamini Mangalananda. She assisted Swami Purushottamanandaji in the conduct of the Vedanta course in
Marathi from 2008 - 2010, at Kolhapur.
In memory of Swami Purshottamanandaji, she was instrumental in setting up ‘Purushottam-Jeevan-Darshan’ in

Kolhapur.
Our respectful homage to Swamini Mangalananda.
At His Feet
Swami Swaroopananda
Mar 2019 Page 25

Messages from an autobiography of a Mahatma -11 (Iswara Darshan)
Sitaram Kowtha
Editor’s Note: In this series, selected excerpts from the As qualifications differ, duties too differ. Those who
book “Iswara Darshan” by Pujya Swami Tapovan Maharaj renounce worldly things, do not remain mute and
of Uttar Kashi, are provided by Sitaram Kowthaji to inspire motionless. On the contrary, their life is full of ceaseless,
the students of Vedanta to delve deeply into the glories of tireless activity.
a mahatma who inspired our sadhguru, Swami
Chinmayananda. The fourth ashrama is thus the noblest as it concentrates
itself on the realization of Truth by observance and
propagation. Subramania had chosen it deliberately for
himself, and in pursuit of his ideal, he had renounced
everything and got into the train.
Pangs of Separation
An unworthy thought began to assault him. His mind was

stricken with grief on account of his separation from his
native place and relatives. Brave and enthusiastic as he
was, his eyes welled up in tears. Oppressed with the
feelings of separation and assailed by varying thoughts,
relieved only now and then by characteristic thoughts of
God, he passed a sleepless night. He reached Bangalore
Part 2 Chapter 1 – Entry into Sannyasa Ashram - and spent two days in the large city and visited
Tyagananda Ramakrishna Mutt. There, Swami Nirmalananda, a great
sannyasin of Sri Ramakrishna order, shared information
Dispassion and Renunciation on holy places in North India and available
accommodations. Meeting Swamiji was edifying to the
All that is, is God. When this truth dawns upon one, the
mind and intellect of Subramania.
notions of “I” and “mine” arising out of ignorance, fade
away like glow worms in the rising sun. For one who has Leaving Bangalore, he headed to the famous Harihara
experienced the highest bliss in the realization of temple on the banks of Thungabhadra river. His onward
Brahman, can there be any attraction in joyless trifles? journey took him to Poona and then to Nasik, a place
He, who has given up the idea of limited Self and realized famous in the Hindu epic Ramayana. At Nasik, he bathed
oneness of the Self and the Supreme Self will no longer in the waters of river Godavari and worshipped Sri
think in terms of “I” and “mine”, “he” and “his”. Whether Ramachandra at the temple on her banks. He continued
it is wealth, country or home, it is all the same. Even in onward to Panchavati where Ravana had abducted Sita.
the modern times, as in ancient days, there have been The sight of the place brought back to his mind the entire
men, who, either out of the conviction that worldliness is story of Ramayana. Not far from Panchavati, Subramania
evil, or out of the realization of Truth have attained arrived at an ashram where Parama Hamsa Swami
dispassion and detachment. Hridayananda resided.
Renunciation is not the last refuge of the idler; on the Charmed by the generous welcome accorded by Swami
other hand, it is the state of having done all that is to be Hridayanandaji, Subramania chose to stay there while
done by way of what is good, pure and propitious. Sri studying Yoga Darshana, Mandukya Karika and Bhashyas,
Buddha, Sri Sankara, Sri Ramanuja, Sri Christ and other with the help of the learned Swamiji. Both in the morning
ideal men were the greatest exemplars of the sannyasin’s and in the evening, he retired to the forests around
way of life. Were they idle? Did they simply exist like Panchavati and passed several hours in meditation under
boulders of rock? Do we expect these masters, these the shade of some tree. Immersed in spiritual practices
preceptors of the spirit, to work like manual laborers? If and satsang with Swamiji, he gradually overcame the grief
they did no such thing, can we say they have lived in vain? of separation from his home and friends.
Mar 2019 Page 26

An Exchange between Subramania and Swami path with untiring, single-minded devotion. Mentally you
Hridayanandaji are already a Sannyasin. Physically too you can embrace
Sannyasa, if you so desire.
S: I left hearth and house out of desire to enter sannyasa
which alone can lead to ultimate good. Kindly instruct me Subramania to Tyagananda
as to when, where and from which Guru I should accept
Sannyasa. With such continued discussions with Swamiji and his
own reflections on those who successfully took up
Swamiji: If a person like you, rich in the spirit of Sannyasa never to turn back regardless of whether they
renunciation, dispassion and other noble qualities, went through sacred rites and rituals, and those who may
accepts Sannyasa, it will be a matter of pride and joy to have gone through sacred rites, but failed miserably,
the institution of Sannyasa and to the circle of Sannyasins. Subramania decided to no longer wait to take up
That is our view. We need not add that it will bring untold Sannyasa. He informed Swamiji of his decision and plan
blessings. We are very happy to find how blessed you are. and took leave of the ashram after receiving his blessings.
The rule regarding the acceptance of Sannyasa as laid
down by the scriptures is, One should be initiated He traveled Northward towards the town of Jabalpur on
according to rules into Sannyasa, during the sacred the banks of river Narmada. There he spent a few days in
Uttarayana period, by a Guru who is not only well-versed the company of a Swami Sankarananda. With the
in the scriptures but knows Brahman Himself. But such blessings from this venerable Swamiji, he set out to the
rules do not bind you. You have already known all that is banks of Narmada. On arriving at the banks of the holy
to be known. At your will, you can take up Sannyasa, river, which is dear to Lord Shiva, Subramania danced
when and where you will. with joy; his heart was full of devotion.
S: That may be true. But this is my request. You will be The very next day, before nine O’ clock, he went to
pleased to be my Acharya and order Brahmins to perform Narmada, prostrated to her with devotion like a child
all necessary rites and get everything ready for the saluting its mother and bathed in her sacred waters which
initiation. wash away all sins. He performed all necessary acts of
worship in due form and then according to the rules of
Swamiji: How! We do not desire to accept the status of Vidvat Sannyasa keeping the visible god, the Sun, as
your Acharya. Besides, you have already served several witness, and initiating guru, and repeating the secret
great masters like Sri Sankaracharya who know Brahman praisha mantra put on the ochre colored robe, with
and who are fully qualified to be gurus. Apart from him, trembling hands but with deep feeling of satisfaction.
why do you require another Guru? From your Having assumed the garb of Paramahamsa, he called
appearance as well as your character anybody can easily himself ‘Tyagananda’. He had already given up his
see that you were born in a rich and honorable family. spectacles and such things conducive to physical comfort
Who will light-heartedly dare give Sannyasa to a person as encumbrances. So now he had no possessions except
of such high qualifications? If you desire to enter his robe and his water pot (kamandala). Shorn of all other
Sannyasa at once, you can do so by yourself. As for you worldly possessions, he shone brightly.
who have cast off thoughts like “I” and “mine”, you are
fully entitled to “Vidvat Sannyasa”. It was to reach this goal that he had left his hearth and
home and today he initiated himself into the life of
In Vidvat Sannyasa, it is not necessary to bother about Sannyasin. Filled with joy at the consummation of his
scriptural rules or rites and ceremonies. Whether the time desire and intoxicated with it, he thought to himself “I am
or place is apt or inapt. Whether a Guru is present or really blessed today; so are my parents; so is my race; so
absent. So, with the Sun as who witnesses all actions and is Kerala, the land of my birth”.
who is the Veda incarnate, as your witness, pronounce
the matras like “Om Bhuh Sannyastam Maya”, don Paramahamsa Tyagananda
yourself devoutly in ochre-colored robes which is an
For the ignorant, poverty is the source of sorrow; for the
emblem of Sannyasa and accept your bhiksha (food) from
enlightened, it appears as a means to peace and self-
some person who honors and respects Sannyasins. In this
realization.
way, you can start upon the holy life of ‘tapas’, rarely
accessible even to the Gods; you can so follow the path of After leaving the bathing ghat, he went out in search of
Brahma Vidya which alone gives the true bliss. Follow the food (bhiksha). It was for the first time in his life and being
Mar 2019 Page 27

altogether new to the process, failed completely in the surrounded by the river Sarayu, was rendered holy by the
business. So, for the first day, he had to fall back upon a dust of the feet of Sri Ramachandra and Sita Devi.
feeding house for mendicants to appease his hunger. A Tyagananda felt the purpose of his life fulfilled on visiting
life among beggars helps remove the proud feeling “I am the city, which is teeming with temples, ashrams and
noble; I am high-born; I am learned”. sannyasins. He found comfortable lodging in a large
empty house. He spent time in satsang and meditation.
Though now a paramahamsa, Tyagananda’s outlook did His food needs were taken care of.
not change. His mind remained fixed on the idea of
equality between man and man. Superiority complex did A Vaishnava pundit challenged Swamiji on the Truth of
not taint him. He did not look down on fellow sannyasins Brahman with attributes and Brahman without attributes.
or house-holders. Difference in religion or in the stages Swamiji, with his characteristic humility met all such
of life did not diminish his respect for fellow men. Only arguments with remorseless logic and scriptural
fools regard Hinduism as the very best religion and all authority, firmly establishing in the end the existence of
other religions inferior to it. It is these erroneous ideas Brahman without attributes.
that lead to mutual hatred and bloody communal riots.
Well aware of this Truth, he always thought of harmony He set out journey northward on foot. He reached the
among religions. town of Faizabad and sought bhiksha. At a palatial
mansion, a Bengali officer told him light heartedly, “You
Tyagananda left the banks of Narmada via Jabalpur and see, I am a Sudra. It is well known that food served by
made his way to Prayag. At the holy confluence of the Sudra is unacceptable to sannyasins. How can I, therefor,
three great rivers, he had his ceremonial bath and sitting give you any food?”. Immediately, Swamiji answered,
down at the banks of Ganga, he repeated holy names and “You are a Sudra, you say. Be it so. It is not food given by
recited hymns with devotion. His mind got easily a Sudra, that is forbidden to the sadhus. So you may give
concentrated and he soon entered into a state of Brahmana (satwik) food, if you will”.
Samadhi. He spent several days at a nearby mutt and had
a portrait made in his Sannyasin garb. This he sent home He journeyed to Lucknow and then on to Haridwar, and
to his brother so this picture can be kept next to the one arrived at Hrishikesh, the abode of the hermits. This
taken while he was still a Brahmacharin. Along with the sacred neighborhood of the Himalayas, praised so
portrait, he sent a loving note to assuage separation, unreservedly by so many, was the goal of his journey.
“only by the grace of God can one enter the noble fold of
Tyagananda now embarked upon a regular routine of life.
Sannyasa; it is attainable only by persons of great merit.
Every morning he bathed in the Ganga and then engaged
If I have been able to become a Sannyasin, it is certainly
himself in worship, meditation, satsanga, scriptural study,
by the grace of the Ocean of Mercy. Don’t be worried
eating bhiksha, and remaining undisturbed in a world of
about it; don’t be saddened by it. Only fools will allow
divine experience.
themselves to be stricken with sorrow by such a
consummation. For years my mind has been laboring To Be Continued
hard to reach this goal. Now that I have reached it, I
expect you and other relations to pacify your minds,
abandoning all anxiety and sorrow on my score. From this
moment on, give up all though about this Self, abandon
all search and enquiry, live your span of life, abiding in
truth, doing your dharma, engaging yourself in your
rounds of worldly duties, always surrendering yourself to
the Divine Will”. To cut off a reply, he deliberately
withheld his address. He never more reverted to the
subject. He did not even try to guess whether this letter
of his brought relief to the sorrowing relations or only
added fuel to the fire.
Himalaya Bound
After spending a few days in Prayag, Swamiji

(Tyagananda) set out for Ayodhya. The holy city,
Mar 2019 Page 28

Iswara Darshanam - XIV
Discussion of the 11th Chapter of Gita – Acharya Sadanandaji

Krishna teaches the absolute law of conservation – that wars, and the destruction caused by terrorists. Geeta
which exists can never cease to exist and that which is not gives us two examples to illustrate the above two.
existing can never come into existence.
yathA nadInAm bahavOmbuvEgAH
nAsatO vidyatE bhAvO nAbhAvO vidyatE sataH. samudramEvAbhimukhA dravanti,
Hence nothing is really destroyed. What is destroyed is and

only superficial names and forms. When a ring is changed
into a bangle, the gold that the ring is made of is yathA pradIptam jvalanam patangA vishanti nAshAya
conserved – what changed is only name and form of a ring samRiddhavEgAH –
to bangle form. World is nothing but just names and
just as rivers naturally flow toward the ocean for their
forms which continuously change, while the substantive
destruction and slowly become one with the ocean; and
that which supports the whole universe, Brahman,
just as moths rush themselves for self-destruction due to
remains changeless.
their delusion into the burning fire. The first example of
Continuing… rivers running naturally towards ocean for self-
destruction depicts the jiiva being subjected to the
However, those who are attached to a particular BMI will natural death due to their praarabda. Natural destruction
fear the destruction of that particular BMI. Arjuna or calamities operate due to the collective praarabda of
appears to be in that state since it was that fear that jiivas involved. If the nature is deliberately abused for
contributed to the GeetOpadhEsha, as he felt that the personal gains such as pollution or mass scale destruction
destruction of the body is destruction of the individual or of natural resources like air, water, etc., which are
jiiva. Hence Krishna starts GetOpadhesha with the essential ingredients needed to sustain the life, nature
statement - Arjuna, you are crying where there is no responds with vengeance contributing to natural
reason for you to cry, since nothing gets destroyed in the destruction of life. The principle of karma operates across
universe, the board. In essence, the law of karma is none
suffers/enjoys unnecessarily, and everyone reaps their
asochyAn anva sochatvam. karma in one form or the other. We call one as lucky when
he wins millions in a lottery, and other as unlucky when
This is a teaching for all of us too to be remembered when
he lost everything in an accident; but both are reaping the
we start crying for the loss of our dear and near ones. We
benefits of what they deserve due to their praarabda.
are unborn therefore can never die also,
There are no accidents in life, but only incidents, as per
ajo nityaH shashvatOyam purAnaH. the law of karma. Understanding this helps a jnaani not to
be elated or depressed for the gains or losses –Hence
Arjuna is now seeing the extended vision that involves the Krishna says a jnaani is one who is –
vision of the future. Jnaani will only see the exalted vision.
To see the extended vision involving seeing the future as duHkheshu anudvigna manAH, sukhEshu vigatajvaraH
well as other subtler lokas, one needs some siddhis. –
Yogeshwara Krishna is providing that to Arjuna. Hence
he does not get depressed for the loss or sufferings, nor
Arjuna sees the destruction of the two armies as if they
forgets himself in the excitement when happy events
are heading into the fiery mouth of the VirAt swaruupa
occur due to praarabda during his life span.
Iswara.
----------
There are two types of massive destructions that can
happen, as illustrated in this Chapter. One is the natural To be continued
process that occurs due to natural calamities such as
earthquakes or tsunamis. The other is the man-made
calamities such as the destruction of life or causalities in
Mar 2019 Page 29

Gurudev Uvacha
Inspiring Quotes from Pujya Gurudev Chinmayananda

[Editor’s Note: Continuing the series of inspiring quotes
from Gurudev].
In Life to Handle Yourself use Your Head,
BUT to Handle Others Use Your Heart !

A successful man is one who can lay a firm
foundation with the bricks that others throw
at him. In the darkness of ignorance, we attach
ourselves to the unreal and fleeting world;In
Mind alone is Maya at play ! the light of Knowledge, we identify ourselves
with the real and permanent.
Avoid COMPARISON TRIPS. Be openly happy in the joys of others.

What you have now is His thoughtful gift. Be sincerely sympathetic in others’ sorrows.
Mar 2019 Page 30

2.-ChinmayaSmrithi 19 Mar Vol29No2

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

2.-ChinmayaSmrithi 19 Mar Vol29No2

Uploaded by

Document Information

Original Description:

Original Title

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

2.-ChinmayaSmrithi 19 Mar Vol29No2

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

A Bi-Monthly News Magazine of the Chinmaya Mission Washington Regional Center (CMWRC)

Volume 29, Number 2, March 2019

Om Jagadeeshwaraya Namah ! Om Chinmaya Somnathaya Namah !

Foreword: Swamiji’s Message

As per Hindu Shastras, one day of Brahma is 432 million

The feeling of “I am BMI” is very strong. The goal of all

Mar 2019 Page 1

Calendar and Upcoming Events

Next Edition of Chinmaya Smrithi

Mar 2019 Page 2

News & Tidbits

Mar 2019 Page 3

Foreword, Calendar and Events, Editorial Team, Contact Us

Announcement & Flyers

Vedanta Series: Ishwara Darshan: Part 14

Gurudev Uvacha – a collection of quotes from Swami Chinmayananda

Mar 2019 Page 4

Mar 2019 Page 5

Mar 2019 Page 6

Mar 2019 Page 7

Mar 2019 Page 8

Mar 2019 Page 9

Mar 2019 Page 10

Mar 2019 Page 11

Mar 2019 Page 12

Mar 2019 Page 13

Mar 2019 Page 14

Mar 2019 Page 15

Mar 2019 Page 16

Swami Advayananda’s presentation : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AO9ts04tSM8&feature=youtu.be

Chinmaya University: An appeal for support: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NADht0NBRxM

Chinmaya Shree: Bi-Annual newsletter of Chinmaya University:

Learn more about Chinmaya University at: http://www.cvv.ac.in/

Mar 2019 Page 17

Mar 2019 Page 18

Swamins, Brahmacharins and Members of Chinmaya Mission Worldwide

The video can be downloaded from : https://youtu.be/xWZX_y2Xhmg

Mar 2019 Page 19

Please read, watch and share their messages.

With Prem & OM!

Mar 2019 Page 20

Mar 2019 Page 21

At Sandeepany Sadhnalaya by Swami Swaroopananda

1. Br Sankarshan – Swami Sadashivananda (CM Brahmapur, Odisha)

2. Br Garga – Swami Omkarananda (CM Jagatpur, Cuttack, Odisha)

3. Br Janardhan – Swami Ramapriyananda (CM Balangir, Odisha)

4. Br Piyush – Swami Chidghanananda (CM Bhubaneswar, Odisha)

Mar 2019 Page 22

Mahashivarathri at Frederick Chapter

Mahashivaratri was auspiciously celebrated at Chinmaya .

The puja concluded with a beautiful Shiva bhajan - "Adi

The story of Lord Shiva, beautifully illustrated and shared

It was a joyful Mahashivarathri celebration indeed with

Mar 2019 Page 23

Mahashivarathri at Chinmaya Somnath

Mar 2019 Page 24

Samadhi of Swamini Mangalananda

In memory of Swami Purshottamanandaji, she was instrumental in setting up ‘Purushottam-Jeevan-Darshan’ in