Saturday, October 30, 2010

Tuesday, October 19, 2010

Gita Chanting Competition - 2010






"GCC 2010 Finals & Prize Distribution Function"

'The Viboothi Yoga' - X Chapter of ‘Bagavad Gita’ was chanted in unison with great devotion by the participants of 'Gita chanting Competition' held on the most auspicious day - Vijayadasami Day, in Setupathy Hr.Sec.School, Madurai, on 17.10.2010.

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Presided by Sri. M.S.Meenakshisundaram, the President of the 'Chinmaya Mission', the function started with lighting of 'Mangala vilakku' by Mrs. Padmalakshmi Seetharaman. Sri Gopalsamy Co-ordinator of the event, presented the report, while Acharya Sivayogananda, explained the details of the Competition. Lion Sri. SP. Annamalai, (Past Lions Governor) in his inaugural address, felicitated the sacred task of the Mission & the parents who play a vital role in motivating their wards. 'A right works in the right direction'..

Quarterly Magazine of Chinmaya Mission, Madurai, 'Chinmaya Meenakshi' was also released on this occasion.

The Prize Distribution Function was at 3 pm & the winners received fabulous I, II and III prizes (Titan Watches & Books) among thundering applaud, from Sri N. Srinivasan Exe. Director, M/s Reyvish Associates, Sri R. Premkumar, Premraj Furniture and Auditor Sri G. Pitchaimani. respectively. The participant schools, school co-ordinators, Judges, and sevaks, were also honored with the mementoes...Swami Sivayogananda in his key-note address gave the essence of the X chapter, of Sri Bagavad Gita.

The students & parents buzzing around the campus, bee-lining the book-stall, enjoying the grand lunch, and the Mission members, CHYKS & Devi group cascading the whole event was a feast to the eyes.

The Acharya exempted none in his acknowledgment. All the sponsors & donors were the special people to be thanked. Sri Krishnamoorthy, Treasurer, thanked all the people, behind the success of this project. The programme came to an end, with due reverence to Poojya Gurudev by reciting the pledge.

Navarathiri Celebrations - Oct. 2010








‘Navarathri the worship of ‘Trisakthi’ Durga, Lakshmi & Saraswathi is followed with fervor all over India & abroad.

As quoted by Swami Tejomayanandaji.. ”Music is a means of worshipping the Lord, who is present in the hearts of all beings, all the listeners too…”, the ‘Devi’ and ‘Balvihar’ groups of Chinmaya Mission, under the guidance of Swami Sivayogananda, made elaborate arrangements for all the nine days., from Nov. 8 to 16, to perform the Music Concerts, in ‘Chinmaya Meenakshi,’ Madurai.

Young artists in ‘Vocal’, ‘Mruthangam’, Dance & Instruments, were encouraged. Their performance was a feast to the eyes & ears. Enriching ‘Golu’., enlightening ‘Jyothirlingams’ and enticing township with a hill-temple., ‘Azhagar’ festival and so on, were arranged along with CHYKS & Balavihar kids.

The presiding deity, Sri Dakshinamoorthy presented Himself as ‘Saradha’, as a symbol of wisdom took the audience by surprise!

Saraswathi Pooja day & Vijayadasami Day were also hectic with finals of ‘Gita Chanting’ Competitions.

Large number of devotees and public, were attended the celebrations, in all the nine days…Be it receiving the audience or bading farewell, was carried out true to our Indian culture and rich tradition.

Monday, October 4, 2010

Chariot of Success - Youth Camp at Kodai 2010


'Chariot of Success' Residential Youth Camp - Oct. 2010


Chinmaya Yuva Kendra, Madurai, has organized a ‘three days residential youth camp’ at Chinmaya Tapovan, Kodaikkanal ,from October 1 to 3, 2010, for the ‘tough ones to get tougher !’

Really it is a ‘successful story’ for the 45 participants, from different schools, (three students from Hosur), as the name of the Camp - “Chariot of Success”….....

The idea of the residential camp, to youth at Kodaikkanal, was conceived by the Acharya Swami Sivayoganada to harnessing the youth potential through dynamic spirituality.

On Oct.1 (Friday) in the Inaugural function, Br. Sampoorna Chaithanya, Acharya, Chinmaya Mission Kodaikkanal, while welcoming the campers, expressed the students are always welcomed to organize such camps regularly..Br.Aniruth Chaithanya, Acharya from Karur, asked the students to use this opportunity for their betterment. Camp Acharya Swami Sivayogananda, in his address introduced the Chinmaya Mission activities and Guruji to the students.. He explained the following four shells that is to be broken from inside to blossom in their life.

*Society *Values *Patriotism *Surrender to God

Further he asked, the students to develop excellent values...It is a ‘fragrance of personality’... They should leave a mark in the place wherever they go!

Br. Aniruthji, explained the greatness of Hanumanji from Hanuman Chalisa and told that Hanumanji is a real role model to the students.

In the series of ‘Chariot of Success’ sessions Swamiji explained the gist of ‘Vibhisana Gita’ and the relevance of Ramayana , in the present time. “Goal Setting” session was handled by Sri Gopalsamy, with the message ‘Encash the opportunity..Empower your capacity’. The day consists of Group discussion, Bhajans and ends with cultural activities of the students.

The day II starts with Yoga by Sri Gopalsamy and followed by Br. Aniruthji’s talk. The day continues with the sessions “Chariot of Success” by Swamiji , and he explained, the higher practical values and wisdom to achieve success in the game of life ! The effect of ‘Positive Attitude’ was highlighted by Smt. Usha Gopalsamy. The students enjoyed ‘boat riding’ in the lake, when they have taken to outing.

Evening the chyks unfolded the ‘glory of India‘ to the youngsters, in the session ‘Awakening Indians to India’ and a special Archana / Aarthi to Pujya Gurudev was conducted, at the ashram premises. Smt Kanchana handled the session ‘Winning Mantras of Mahabaratha’..

Swamiji asked the students to follow the ‘four mantras’ for their success, in the Valedictory function’ on the Day III...

1. Start to finish..

2. Move to improve..

3. Work to inspire.. and

4. Accomplish to start.......

He invited the campers to participate in all the activities of the Chinmaya Mission, as the members of the Chinmaya Yuva Kendra..

The participants’ feedbacks were very encouraging and they thanked the Mission for giving them, such a wonderful experience..Also they expressed their thanks to the Chyks.., for the hospitality, sumptuous food, better accommodation and care... Participation Certificates’ were distributed, by Swamijis.

The campers attended ‘daily evening arthy’ in Hanumanji’s Sannadhi at the Ashram and recited Hanuman Chalisa! A local sightseeing trip was also arranged to the students and the camp ended with a note of Gurudev quoting‘if you rest, you will rust!’...Accomplish to start………..

Wednesday, September 22, 2010

Talks on Ishawasya Upanishad

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Swami Sivayogananda, Acharya, Chinmaya Mission, Madurai, conducted a "upanisad Jnana Yajana" on Ishawasya Upanishad at Chinmaya Meenakshi from September 15 to 19, 2010...It is a part of the series of lectures given by Swamiji, on Upanishads..

ISHAWASYA UPANISHAD

Just 18 verses, yet possesses a cascade of wisdom to be drenched within.

To taste some drops of nectar:

· All worldly objects & pleasures are the expression of ‘maya’. Once a person gets convinced about this knowledge, this conviction itself will relieve him of all ‘moha’, ‘suha’ & ‘dukka’.

· THAT SUPREME is eternally free not affected by anything !


Following four stages will bring more clarity !

· I Stage: ’Avyaktham’- Un manifested stage. Remains as ultimate truth. Omnipresent & Omniscient - 'Brahman'

· II Stage: ‘Vyaktham’ – desire to manifest. Remains as pure conscious.- Shivam

· III Stage: Conceives the manifesting potentiality. Ready to manifest in its full energy- Ishwara with ‘Shakthi’ within.

· IV Stage: Creation is revealed. There is rhythm in His creation. Thus He is manifested.

· He is known as ‘Kavihi’-represents cosmic intelligence. Yes, a poetic mind is more intuitive than intellectual. Ever perfect. ( Poets are unacknowledged legislators of the universe.-Shelley.)

· Thus cosmic intelligence (Ishwara) with cosmic mind (Shakthi ) frame the cosmic law.

· This cosmic law is to uplift a jiva to a higher state. Our duty is to obey Him.

· Obedience comes only when there is humility. Otherwise, power corrupts & pride induces arrogance.

· Humility coupled with ‘saguna upasana’ brings spiritual glory.

· This helps the seeker to see beyond light ..

* Then the individuality merges with totality.

Thus this Upanishad was very impressive, inspiring & empowering.

Sunday, September 19, 2010

Value camp for M/s TVS Community College Students





*** OneDay Value Camp' for the students of M/s TVS Community College students, was held on September 18, (Satuday) 2010, at Chinmaya Mission, Madurai. 58 students from Electrical and Electrical & Communication branches were attended the camp, with two of their teachers.

Swami Sivayoganada, handled the first session under the topic "Creativity and Motivation"., Sri Gopalsamy stressed the need to maintain "Mental Health" for their bright future and Sri Thilagar guided the students, 'how to face the situation and problems ' in their life.

The students clarified their doubts, with the Acharya, after the session, personally.