PUJYA GURUDEV SWAMI CHINMAYANANDA

Some saw him as a wonder, others speak of him as a wonder, still there are those who hear of him as a wonder. This concept that is seen in the Srimad Bhagavwad Geeta, is truly what Swami Chinmayananda was.

The then Balakrishan Menon was born on May 8, 1916 in Cohin Kerala. He was the first born to Kuttan Menon an aristocratic lawyer. Each day, Balan would sit to do his puja with his aunts and it was during these times, he learned the art of meditation by concentrationg on Lord Shiva. Gurudev once said, “it was during those days of waiting for the conclusion of the service that Swami Chinmayananda was born”.

Balan began his university life in 1940. He excelled in Literature and began his primary degree in Law and later continued a Masters in Literature and Journalism. He was a freedom fighter for India and this eventually cost him time in prison. While in prison, he got severly ill and was thrown for dead into a ditch. An old Christian woman nursed him back to health and he continued to make his inroads into his career as a journalist.

It was here he decided to go to Rishikesh to “expose the whole racket” of the rishis. Balan met Swami Shivanananda and wanted to expose the “fake”, but to his amazement, he was attracted by Swami Shivananda’s involvement with lectures, correspondence, taking care of the sick and the poor. Swamiji began using young Balan to conduct lectures and this continued a self unfoldment in young Balan.

On February 25, 1949, Balan was ordained and given the name Swami Chinmayananda (one who revels in the Bliss which is Pure Consciousness). Swami Shivananda sent Swami Chinmayananda to Swami Tapovanam for further studies. During the eight years with his Guru Swami Chinmayananda learned the scriptures through listening and sitting at the feet of his Guru. He asked his Guru if he could go down to the plains and spread Vedantic knowledge to the common masses. After getting his blessings, Swami Chinmayananda conducted his first yagna in Pune in 1951.

Since then, the Chinmaya Movement has grown to over 250 centres globally. Many centres now cater to the youth with Bala Vihars, Yuva Kendras and Study Groups. His work has expanded to include hospitals, nursing schools, orphanages and boarding schools.

Swami Chinmayananda attained Mahasamadhi on August 3rd, 1993 in San Diego, USA. The members of Chinmaya Worldwide realized the selfless work that Pujya Swami Chinmayananda put forth tirelessly 365 days a year, almost 14-16 hours a day. May this inspiration, come forth within us all, to continue the work of Gurudev as a prayer unto him and his cause.

Om Shri Gurudevaya Namaha