Chinmaya Jyoti Reception at Chinmaya Saaket

Today June 04, 2016 was a very special day to celebrate many occasions.

1. Chinmaya Mission began here in the USA 25 years ago
2. This year is also our Pujya Gurudev’s birth centennial year (1916-2016.)
3. The 100th year celebrations launched the Chinmaya Jyoti Yatra 
   • In India and it travelled 33 states ending December 2015.
   • In USA, the yatra (journey) was divided into 4 different parts and included Trinidad to make five Jyoti-s. Two of them have arrived in Chinmaya Mission, Dallas Fort Worth.  Another Jyoti is in Beaumont and one is in Washington. When all four come we will have grand culmination at Chinmaya Mahasamdhi Camp.

We received the Jyoti-s with great pomp and a grand spectacular procession that included splendid lazhim, impressive garba and a delicate Dolayam dance, all very gracefully done. It was an honor and a blessing to witness the pradakshina (circumambulation) with Gurudev’s paduka-s (footwear), Gurudev carried in a palaki, the Jyoti-s, flag bearers and the entire procession. The Decoration and Puja team had beautifully decorated and created a great ambiance for an outstanding reception. After the purna kumbhamb and the processions, the congregation assembled indoors and were treated to melodious bhajans. One in particular, Shri Gurudev Ko Kare Naman Hum reminded us that it’s only natural to give back our best unto Him.

This magnificent event was possible only due to blessings of our guru Tapovan Maharaj who also blessed the Jnana Yagna movement that pujya Gurudev Swami Chinmayananda ji had started. In fact, nowadays all over India Jnana Yagna is an acceptable term thanks to the tireless 45 years of his relentless work. Pujya Gurudev has provided us the most valuable key of life – Moksha (liberation) which is the best prasad one can receive. In gratitude we really can’t give back anything! Gurudev is sarva santooshthaya namaha – what can we ever offer? Like Arjuna, we can only surrender and prostrate unto Him.

Swami Sarveshananda ji then performed the 16 steps Guru Paduka Puja, a tradition started by Bharat ji during Ramayan. Swamiji performed puja on behalf of everyone.

The program concluded with prize distribution for Gita Chanting competition and a sumptuous Maharashtrian meal.

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