By Suresh Mulukutla Volunteer, Chinmaya Mission, Pittsburgh
Spiritual saints play a central role in the Indian ethos acting as catalysts to revitalize the Indian spirit by disseminating messages of love and unity. The annual Chinmaya Mission Mahasamadhi Camp this year celebrates the work of Swami Chinmayananda, and Pittsburgh is fortunate to host this week-long retreat from July 29 to August 4. In addition to the adult discourses, there will be special sessions for children from Pre-K to Grade 12, Yuva Kendra (ages 18-28), and Setukaris (ages 29-45). This year’s focus is Krishna Leela through which we will use the example of Lord Krishna to find clues to how we can transform our lives.
Krishna Leela: Krishna Leela is the heart of Bhagavad Purana. If we listen to Krishna Leela with an open heart, we learn how spirituality can be lived in day-to-day life. In today’s global age with innumerable distractions, how do we recognize the depth, beauty, and love all around?
Pujya Swami Swaroopanandaji will use Krishna Leela as a beacon guiding us towards spiritual triumph and effortless meditation. Swamiji will illustrate the parallels between Lord Krishna’s life and that of Balakrishna Menon, better known as Swami Chinmayananda in his later life.
Other key texts to be discussed include:
Akshara Brahma Yoga (Chapter 8 Bhagavad Gita): The 8th chapter of Srimad Bhagavad Gita is a profound teaching where Lord Krishna initiates a dialogue with Arjuna by stating that a mind centered upon the Lord is the one that attains Liberation. Dwelling on the relationship between the manifest and the unmanifest, Krishna draws out our essential nature as Brahman (eternal and infinite soul or presence). Pujya Swami Shantananda will use his gentle style to help us understand the powerful insights from the Lord’s teachings.
Purajana Gita: In Tulsi Ramayana, Lord Rama gives a sublime message of Dharma in His first address after His coronation as the King of Ayodhya. Just as the Lord established the foundational principles of Dharma to the residents of Ayodhya, Swami Prakashananda will continue the tradition as he continues to pass on this meaning of Dharma so that we may be able to live life filled with purpose and love.
Register at www.mahasamadhi2019.organd join us for a truly unique opportunity to discover the Lord within all of us. ♠