Upcoming Film Workshop for Teenagers - Registration is open!

Classes begin this fall!

Mahabharata: The 2nd Global CHYK Camp with Swami Swaroopananda

Hari Om,
After the success of the 1st Global CHYK Camp in 2006, Chinmaya Mission presents ‘Mahabharata’, the 2nd camp to bring together CHYKs across the world under the guidance of Swami Swaroopananda.
Mahabharata: the 2nd Global CHYK CampSwami SwaroopanandaDecember 24th 2009 to January 1st 2010Chinmaya International Residential School, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, IndiaCamp fee: $200 (USD)

Topic and Acharya
For most CHYKs across the world, Swami Swaroopananda needs no introduction. Director of the Chinmaya International Residential School, senior Acharya of the Chinmaya Mission and inspiration to tens of thousands of people across the world, the first global CHYK camp, ‘7 Days, 7 Powers’ in 2006 was Swamiji’s vision to bring together CHYKs from Australia, Africa, Europe, USA and Asia. The result was a truly uplifting 7 days that most attendees will never forget.
2009 sees the second such camp and the ambitious topic is the entire Mahabharata.
Probably the greatest epic in the history of the written word, the Mahabharata is a reflection of life: its verses filled with dilemma, moral ambiguity and ultimately spiritual truth. Its story contains the entire spectrum of human values: who better to guide us through it than Swamiji?

The Venue
The camp is fully residential and will take place at the Chinmaya International Residential School set in the lush and beautiful Nilgiris hills surrounding Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu. Accommodation and food are of international standard and the school’s grounds are simply breathtaking in their natural beauty.

Dates
The camp will commence on Thursday 24 December 2009 and end on Friday 1 January 2010.

Cost
The cost is $200 (US). This include all meals, accommodation and materials but excludes transport to and from CIRS.

Registration
The camp is open to young people across the world (aged 18-35). Contact your local Chinmaya Mission centre for detail of how to register or send an email to chyk@chinmayauk.org

Prayer before sleep

Sloka
Kara charana kritam vaak kaayajam Karmajam vaa Shravana nayanajam vaa Maanasam vaa aparaadham,Vihitamavihitam vaa sarvametat kshamasva Jaya Jaya karunaabdhee Shree Mahaadeva Shambo

Meaning:
Kara Charana Kritam = (faults) committed by (my) hands or feet Vaak = (or by) Speech Kaayajam Karmajam Vaa = or (through) actions associated with (my) body,Shravana Nayanajam Vaa = (faults)associated with (my) ears and eyes Maanaasam Vaa aparaadham = or faults of the mind Vihitam Avihitam Vaa = (faults born of actions) knowingly or unknowingly Sarvam Etat Kshamasva = Forgive (me for) all these Jaya Jaya Karunaabdhe = Victory be unto you, Ocean of sympathy Shri Mahaadeva Shambo = O Shambu, the Great Lord.

O Lord, kindly forgive all the wrong acts and omissions I have committed,whether I committed them knowingly or unknowingly,with my hands, feet, words, ears, eyes, or mind.Glory to you, Mahadeva, who is the ocean of kindness and compassion,and the cause of happiness.
Before going to sleep, one ends the day with this prayer.One asks the Lord for forgiveness for wrong acts that one may have knowingly or unknowingly committed during the day

Weekly Classes for Young Adults

CHYK Austin has started a weekly young adults' group with Brahmachari Girish Chaitanya (click here for a brief description of Girishji).

Girishji is a captivating speaker and facilitator, and being a young monk, he connects easily with young adults. He studied Electrical Engineering from University of California-Davis, and Sanskrit at Universtiy of California-Berkeley. He joined Chinmaya Mission as a monk in 2002. He moved from Los Angeles last year to head the Chinmaya Mission in Austin. The youth wing of the Chinmaya Mission is Chinmaya Yuva Kendra (CHYK).

The CHYK sessions will be on Thursdays, from 7.30pm-8.30pm at one of our members' houses in the Great Hills area. We have an evite that we have set up, if you would like to be on the list, please drop an email to chykaustin@gmail.com .

Here are some FAQs to consider:

Q: What are the classes about?

The classes are an opportunity for self-reflection of our daily lives. Think of it as a stopping to take a deep breath during your hectic week. Pausing in our modern context can be quite a luxury, but it is a necessity because it gives us some perspective about where we're at - with ourselves, our family, our relationships and our work. The class is a pause in your week, where you sit down and reflect on your thoughts, words & actions. Vedanta is a criteria to assess your actions and provides a framework for understanding why you think and behave the way you do. In addition, the class has a special focus on issues pertaining to young adults such as work-life balance, career as a means of self-development, parenting, etc.

Q: How are the classes conducted?

We have facilitated discussions. Girishji generally gaves an introduction to the topic, and we ask questions directly to him about the topic and everyone in the session shares thoughts. It's not a rigid lecture format, rather an opportunity to commune and reflect as a group.

Q: What are some of the topics of discussion?

We have thus far covered the basics of Vedanta philosophy and the applicability in our daily lives. Beginning May 2009, we will start on a series of topics from the Mananam series beginning with "Values in the Workplace" which takes a look at how we can apply spirituality in the workplace.

Q: Is this religious dogma?

No. Absolutely not. Vedanta is an accommodative framework of thinking, where the Universe is seen as One, not segmented by race, color, religion, national boundaries etc. Girishji will be presenting the basics of the Vedanta school of thought, and clarifying questions as well as commonly-held beliefs about Vedanta.

Q: What is the age-group of attendees?

Approximately 25-37years.

Q: Is there a charge for the classes?

The classes are free.

Q; Do I have to attend every week? What if I miss classes?

You are not obliged to attend every week. That said, the maximum benefit comes from attending class regularly. Most of the topics will be self-contained in the class.

Q: Can I come for one class to just see if this is for me?

Absolutely! Come see if this is your cup of tea! Drop us an email today to sign up for the evite list.

About Chinmaya Mission

What is Chinmaya Mission?

Under the guidance of His Holiness Swami Chinmayananda, devotees formed the nucleus of a spiritual renaissance movement that now encompasses a wide range of spiritual, educational, and charitable activities, ennobling the lives of thousands in India and worldwide.

Presently headed by His Holiness Swami Tejomayananda, the Mission is administered by Central Chinmaya Mission Trust (CCMT) in Mumbai, India. Under Swami Tejomayananda's guidance, the Mission has continued mushrooming across the universe and stands today with over 300 centres worldwide.

Mission Statement

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 society.

Mission Motto

To give maximum happiness to the maximum number for the maximum time is our religion.

What does Chinmaya Mission teach?

Advaita Vedanta

Following the Vedic teacher-student tradition (guru-shishya parampara), Chinmaya Mission makes available the ageless wisdom of Advaita Vedanta, the knowledge of Universal Oneness, and provides the tools to realize the 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.

Vedanta, the essential core of Hinduism, is the universal science of life, relevant to all people of all backgrounds and faiths. Vedanta inspires spiritual seekers to understand their own faith better. Thus, although Chinmaya Mission is a Hindu spiritual organization, it does not seek to convert other religious practitioners.

What does Chinmaya Mission do?

Many Services, One Goal

Chinmaya Mission is a movement that continues to touch and transform all aspects of human life. As a spiritual movement that aims for inner growth at individual and collective levels, the Mission offers a wide array of Vedanta study forums for all ages, promotes Indian classical art forms, and operates numerous social service projects. To date, millions worldwide have benefitted directly or indirectly from Chinmaya Mission's numerous centres, ashrams, classes, events, services, and projects.

Activities at Regional Centres

Chinmaya Bala Vihars (Value education classes for children)

Chinmaya Yuva Kendras - CHYK (Vedanta forums for youth)

Chinmaya Study Groups (Vedanta forums for adults) & Devi Groups (Vedanta forums for housewives)

Jnana Yajnas (Vedanta lecture series, seminars, workshops) and Spiritual Retreats and Camps (for all ages)

Chinmaya Swaranjali (Musical wing of Chinmaya Mission)

Chinmaya Vanaprastha Sansthan (Vedanta forums for senior citizens)