CHINMAYA MISSION
True to the Chinmaya Mission’s beautiful motto, the establishment of ashrams around the world aims ‘to give maximum happiness to maximum people for maximum time’. Having been established in India in 1953 by His Holiness Swami Chinmayananda, this spiritual movement pursues inner growth at both the individual and collective levels. The Chinmaya Mission, as a global organisation, focuses on the teaching of Advaita Vedanta, which is understood as the science of the self as expounded in the Vedas. With over 300 centres internationally, the commitment to spiritual, educational, and charitable services has been not only embraced, but truly fortified.
Swami Chinmayananda
Swami Chinmayananda is an emblem of extraordinary spiritual strength, unconditional love, and perpetual service. With a single-pointed focus on uncovering the Eternal within, Swami Chinmayananda devoted his life to spreading knowledge, establishing multifarious service projects, and leaving an inedible mark on every individual he met.
Having been brought up in a family that was already very devout in their religious ways, Swami Chinmayananda was, at an early age, inspired and moulded for the spiritual path that laid ahead of him. As he grew older, Swami Chinmayananda was sent to study in the Himalayas under the guidance of Swami Tapovan. During this period of 12 years, Swami Chinmayananda found his light, and was inspirited to share his wisdom with the rest of humanity. What started as his first yagna in Pune to a mere three individuals quickly proliferated to his provision of 500 lectures with thousands of audiences.
Swami Chinmayananda spent four meaningful decades teaching what he learnt, travelling around the world, and building countless schools, hospitals, nursing homes, and clinics. Ultimately, he set up the Chinmaya International Foundation, alongside a dedicated community, such that the traditions and knowledge learnt would continually live on. By reinvigorating the profound cultural heritage that India so richly preserves, Swami Chinmayananda’s aim – to open Vedanta to whoever and whenever – was made possible.
Swamiji, Current head of the Chinmaya Mission
The Global Head of the Chinmaya Mission, Swami Swaroopananda, was born in Bombay, yet grew up in Hong Kong, where he met, and eventually became, a direct disciple of the world-renowned master of Vedanta, Swami Chinmayananda. The former embraced the pursuit of profound truths at a young age, recognising that life transcends superficial joys and sorrows. This conviction led him to delve into Vedantic and spiritual studies at the Chinmaya Mission, such that he may seek genuine answers to real-life hardships.
As a rare beacon of service to humanity, Swami Swaroopananda’s impact is unparalleled. Not only has he touched the lives of thousands of eager seekers, adults, youth, and children alike, but his teachings further resonate authentically with people from all walks of life, blending theory with self-practice and logic with compassion. His wisdom encompasses Vedanta’s insights and the universal oneness of religions, reminding us that there is a greater and more compelling Truth that provides the solutions to all problems. Even further, he actually was the one to build the Hong Kong Chinmaya Ashram as it stands today. As such, he captivates every individual, enabling them to live a truly happy and lighter life.
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Swami Swaroopananda’s influence extends beyond by establishing remarkable literary contributions. He has authored numerous commentaries and penned countless books on modern-day lifestyle topics. By channelling a harmonious fusion of spiritual wisdom and practical application, he has produced works including ‘Simplicity and Meditation,’ ‘Storm to Perform,’ ‘Managing the Manager,’ and ‘Journey into Health.’
Indeed, there are few men who are called to serve humanity in the same way that Swami Swaroopananda does. But there are even fewer who actually achieve the unique response that Swamiji does.
