Swami Chinmayananda's Jayanti & Mahasamadhi

You are aware of two most important aspects of Chinmaya Mission, namely, one’s own spiritual growth and positive contribution to society. Keeping this in view, in a recently held meeting of senior Swamis, it has been decided that Pujya Gurudev’s Jayanti (Birthday) – 8th May and His Aradhana (Mahasamadhi Day) – 3rd August will be observed by all of the Chinmaya Family as Seva Day and Sadhana Day respectively.
The Purpose
In our tradition, we observe vows (vratas) on days such as Shivaratri, Janmashtami etc. Similarly, the Seva Day and Sadhana Day should be observed collectively or individually, with commitment and intensity. The sanctity of these days should be nurtured by abstinence from smoking, drinking, consuming non-vegetarian food, partying etc. The birth of a mahatma is the beginning of his divine work. So it is appropriate that Gurudev’s Jayanti is celebrated as Seva Day. The Mahasamadhi Day should be one of introspection, meditation and other spiritual practices that keep us in communion with the Reality of the Master.
The Method
On Seva Day, while the special programmes like Guru Paduka pooja, satsang etc will continue at the Centre as usual, the highlight of the day will be some form of seva such as conducting medical camps, visiting hospitals, orphanages, old age homes, schools for the physically or mentally challenged and the like, with contributions in cash and/or kind for the inmates, poor feeding, blood donation or any other social welfare activity.
On Sadhana Day, one may spend the day in introspection, meditation, japa, spiritual reading and in remembrance of Pujya Gurudev. This will be done collectively at the Centre as usual but may also be done individually in one’s home.
In camps being conducted at that time, the camp delegates may plan the day as follows:
5:30 am – 6:00 am : Meditation on Pujya Gurudev and His influence on your life.
7:00 am – 8:00 am : Swadhyaya – reading of Gurudev’s books or commentaries.
10:30 am – 11:30 am : Introspection – collectively or individually on whether and to what extent we are living Gurudev’s ideals.
Egs. One may focus on questions based on the CM Pledge, Code of Conduct etc and answer these questions to oneself with complete honesty. For a sample, you may refer to Sri.Hamir Visanji’s guide to instrospection published in the April issue of Tapovan Prasad.
12:00 noon – 12.30 pm : Guru Paduka Pooja with a few minutes of chanting/japa of ‘Sri Chinmaya Sat Gurave Namah’.
6.30 pm – 8:00 pm : Satsang – talks/sessions that help us to remember Gurudev.
9:00 pm – 10:00 pm : Cultural programmes based on Gurudev’s life and teaching.
Through such sincere efforts, Pujya Gurudev who is ever installed in our hearts will become more and more radiant within and all around. May His grace flow through us to the world around us. Through such an attitude of seva and swadhyaya, may we come to realize that He and we are one.
With Prem and Om,
Swami Tejomayananda
Head of Chinmaya Mission Worldwide