Chinmayananda
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Swami Chinmayananda (स्वामी चिन्मयानन्द) (1916-1993) was born Balakrishna Menon (Balan) in Ernakulam, Kerala in a very devout Hindu family. Graduating from Lucknow University, he entered the field of journalism where he felt he could influence political, economic and social reform in India. But his life was changed when he met Swami Sivananda at Rishikesh and became very interested in the Hindu spiritual path.
Balakrishna Menon took sanyas/monkhood from Swami Sivananda to become Swami Chinmayananda - the one who is saturated in Bliss and Consciousness. Swami Shivananda saw the potential in Swami Chinmayananda and sent him to study under a great Guru in the Himalayas - Swami Tapovan Maharaj under whom he studied for 12 years. At the end of the education he decided to spread his teaching all over the world.
During his forty years of travelling and teaching, Gurudev opened numerous centres and ashrams worldwide, he also built many schools, hospitals, nursing homes and clinics. As well as reinvigorating India's rich cultural heritage, Swami Chinmayananda made Vedanta accessible to everybody regardless of age, nationality, or religious background.
On 3 August 1993, in San Diego, USA, Swami Chinmayananda attained Mahasamadhi. He work has created an international organization called the Chinmaya Mission.
- 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
Related links
- Chinmaya Mission (http://www.chinmayamission.org/)
- Survey_of_Hindu_organisations