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Centre Articles
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November 20, 2017Why should we study the Bhagawad Geeta? We are all too familiar with the concept of an external journey, but rare are those who travel inwards. At present, our activities are so extrovert that we are ignorant about our divine inner core. Therefore, in the words of Pujya Gurudev Swami
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November 20, 2017“Food is also called a universal medicine. In the right doses, it blesses; in over doses, it kills,” declares Pujya Gurudev Swami Chinmayananda. The natural question that follows is, “If food is a medicine, what disease does it cure?” Providing an apt answer, Adi Shankaracharya sta
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November 20, 2017Hari Om! Welcome to today’s satsang. First, my humble pranams to Param Pujya Swami Tapovanji Maharaj; to Param Pujya Gurudev Swami Chinmayanandaji; to my dear, dear Guruji Swami Tejomayanandaji, and to one and all present here today. Today, the subject is not an Upa
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Global Articles
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June 14, 2023July 4, 2020, marked the beginning of a new era in my life as I was nearing 80 years old. Covid was at its height when I was unceremoniously dropped off at Amica — a senior home facility in London, Ontario. Of course, the “unceremonious” drop-off was not how it was, but it felt like it! NeitheRead More >>
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September 19, 2022We seek the spiritual path to free ourselves from the inevitable sorrows that accompany human existence. We seek permanent happiness, peace and contentment but don't find any lasting joy in our worldly pursuits and successes. They seem to elude us like a mirage. In this context, it is the Vedas thatRead More >>-
August 29, 2022Happiness is a subject dear to everyone's heart. From womb to tomb, all our actions are in the pursuit of happiness. Yet there is no definitive answer as to why we want happiness. We deceive ourselves into believing that the joy we seek lies in the materialistic objects of the world. We forget tRead More >>-
July 22, 2022Life as we know it is a culmination of all our past decisions. It is not a set chronology of events pre-determined by an extra-terrestrial force, but rather a personal trajectory. People often associate their present stature with the forces of Destiny or Luck. But, what if we got to know that these Read More >>-
July 11, 2022Born into different circumstances, we share a constant throughout existence – the goal to live a worthy life. There are some who constantly seek inspiration to achieve this goal, and some who possess everything they need, to be excellent. However, despite all this, some feel a sense of insecurity Read More >>-
June 23, 2022Often in life, we willfully take certain courses of action without knowing their consequences. Our choices are made from the seat of unawareness, and stem from the overpowering ego that blinds us with desire. Our actions impact others by either uplifting them or exerting a negative force on them, moRead More >>-
June 17, 2022Lord Hanuman, one of the most popular Hindu deities worshipped, is known for his valour and remarkable feats. He is not just one of the heroes of the Ramayana epic, but is also renowned for eliminating the tribulations of a large number of eminent personalities. Known as the remover of obstacles, heRead More >>-
June 16, 2022We often find ourselves caught in a philosophical debate around the purpose of life. We feel life would be easier if we could figure out its meaning. The answers can thankfully be found in the Vedic scriptures that explain the fundamentals of life in a myriad ways, unearthing the power to mold our dRead More >>-
June 8, 2022The Mahabharata, the longest epic ever written, is believed to have all of life’s lessons in it. By way of a tribute, Sage Veda Vyasa has said that any learnings not mentioned in the Mahabharata, just do not exist. Scriptures such as the Mahabharata contain a vast body of information that reveal tRead More >>-
April 13, 2022The Vedas declare that the one indivisible Truth, the Parabrahma Paramatma, is all-pervading and ever-present in all names and forms of the universe. Yet we do not see it. Just as the unmanifest fire in the wood manifests in a visible form on rubbing, the Truth, God, the Self of all, present in everRead More >>-
March 26, 2022We human beings are strange. It is common knowledge and we know that anyone who is born is going to die. Yet we live under the strong illusion that the day is far away. We refuse to appreciate the play of Time. The Time Factor Our life span perishes continuously. As we see, day by day, youthRead More >>-
March 15, 2022A 105-year-old man was asked the secret of his long life. He answered, “The secret is that I am not yet dead and that’s why I am living!” One who breathes is said to be living; even a person in coma is alive. A man earning to take care of basic needs like food, clothing, and shelter without Read More >>-
February 16, 2022At some point in our lives, many have pondered over the deeper meaning of life. Some think life is the sum total of everything we have or what we own – friends, family, property, vehicles and so on. Others think that life is what we do – love, play and work. So what constitutes life, and what isRead More >>
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February 2, 2022Sometimes in life, despite all our sincere efforts, we experience great sorrow. These sorrows come in many forms – personal conflicts, financial instability, disease or loss of a loved one. Many have tried to find a recourse for their dilemma, but have come up empty-handed; these answers are not eRead More >>
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January 7, 2022Born into different circumstances, we share a constant throughout existence – the goal to live a worthy life. There are some who constantly seek inspiration to achieve this goal, and some who possess everything they need to be excellent. However, despite all this, some feel a sense of insecurity aRead More >>
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December 7, 2021Human beings are the most advanced of all the species on earth. Possessing an intellect, we have the ability to ponder over, communicate, and comprehend issues. We also have the prowess to tackle the circumstances life throws at us. We can let harsh times overwhelm us or take what comes our way withRead More >>
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November 24, 2021The world we live in today is increasingly focused on material fulfillment. While chasing this intangible success, we find ourselves in never-ending pursuit of the impermanent. The enchantment with the glitter and glamour that accompanies the perception of a charmed life, more often than not, turns Read More >>
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November 3, 2021Our everyday life is mired in various forms of conflict on many different levels. We chase thoughts of pleasure, validation, comfort, security and success amongst others. Our mental landscape is fraught with worries around the future, or sorrows of the past, with increasingly less time to dwell on tRead More >>
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October 6, 2021These days I constantly hear youngsters say that technology has created multiple possibilities for humankind. I guess it has bridged the gap between distant lands, organizations, families and most importantly, brought every aspect of human need closer to its respective solution. Connectivity has becRead More >>
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September 30, 2021As we go about our day to day activities, often we are unaware that there is one force that prevails over our actions. That is our mind. We are in a constant flow of thoughts as they go through a myriad changes, without so much as a break for reflection. The mind rarely finds a way to be calm andRead More >>
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January 30, 2019We make commitments Socially…personally …even to the Lord. However…often…we end up: not keeping OUR WORD. breaching OUR COMMITMENT. SOMETIMES we are casual. We say… "I will definitely do it." But are: UNABLE to fulfil it FORGET to fulRead More >>-
January 17, 20191.There is nothing greater than Self -Knowledge as also the teacher who has realised. 2.God says, “First you apply.... then I’ll reply.” 3.“A person may have everything - Knowledge, wealth and virtues, but if he is not humble, all is in vain. All else becomes beautiful with humilityRead More >>-
January 17, 2019One big problem we face is… ANGER. At the very least provocation… We fly off the handle… The result…SORROW…DISCORD. Anger is a state of the mind. It expresses as irritability… as full blown explosive dramatics. To stay calm in every situation… we need to examine the very gRead More >>-
December 4, 2018All beings have been pre-programmed to balance work and rest. Man’s constitution, like most other beings, is made to work during the day and rest at night. Sleep, especially at night, rejuvenates and refreshes us. However, with the discovery of electricity, we play Read More >>-
November 14, 2018Life has three aspects: action…emotion…thought. They appear separate but we know that no action is possible without thought or feeling. At different times…in different situations they each have a different effect. Often…we struggle with our actions BECAUSE… MRead More >>-
November 9, 2018We see the sun ‘rising and setting’ but in fact it does not ‘rise or set’. Nor DOES THE MOON WAX OR WANE! THE EARTH THAT APPEARS STATIONARY is in fact rotating! We experience the world. Perceive it with our sense organs through the projections Read More >>-
November 2, 2018The world over…schools…colleges…universities place importance on reading…writing…projects… extracurricular activities…new methods of learning. The objective – make students worldly wise…smart…intellectually brilliant. There is no emphasis on imparting Read More >>-
October 20, 2018WE EACH HAVE A VISION OF LIFE an understanding of the path to follow. Armed with this… when we take up an assignment… either spiritual or worldly… we accept results will not be quick. DESPITE THIS we tend to get… tired…bored…impatient. As obstacles sprout…we are… DepressedRead More >>-
October 9, 2018At any point in time… even as the world of humans sleeps… quietly…efficiently…selflessly giving without expecting… NATURE IS AT WORK! This is Yagna…the spirit of sacrifice KARMA YOGA IN ACTION The action of each one… enables the next one to perform. In complete harmony with Read More >>-
September 29, 2018Better Than All GIFTS We are alive…we know it. We live…we see…hear…touch…feel. We also achieve..think…ideate. We interact…transact. WE ENJOY LIFE AND SEEK TO PRESERVE IT. From whence came this life? We cannot truly say our parents gave it…or that we cRead More >>-
September 22, 2018Is might Right or is right Might? What should we choose? Commonly power rests with physical, financial, military or political clout and most submit to these power centers; but some choose courage to stand by RIGHT. Be it the Puranas, Ramayan or the Mahabharata the RomaRead More >>-
September 17, 2018The Bhagavad Gita is not an eleventh hour remedy for the dying; It is a manual for living…for the living. Adorning it with silk and Dropping flowers on it Won’t help. But this is how most people deal with the Gita. Foreigners wonder and ask… ‘With this sRead More >>-
September 10, 2018Before we proceed with any work or worship… TO THE FAMED REMOVER OF OBSTACLES… to Lord Ganapathi… we offer the first prayer. Every aspect of HIS… as if…cleanses every aspect of ours HIS entire form is…WORTHY OF WORSHIP. His single tusk reminds us to: Drop dualRead More >>-
August 31, 2018Sri Krishna – Lila Purushottama Sri Krishna has been painted in different hues and shades. Heard of as…a dispassionate Yogi… great friend…best teacher…even a prankster. But Krishna’s actions often contradicted his words which are enshrined in the BhagaRead More >>-
August 27, 2018We may have great talents and abilities but cannot be any lasting gains if they are used only for worldly purposes. Akbar, the Moghul emperor had In his court a galaxy of renowned poets…musicians…scholars… Among them was his favourite… SANGEET SAMRAT…TRead More >>-
August 14, 2018SOME BELIEVE SUCCESS: is not for all needs connections in high places is based on luck Yet in the workplace… if the company fares poorly we blame it on poor management. If a junior fails we ask him: to own responsibility Read More >>-
August 7, 2018SWAMI CHINMAYANANDA worked for the joy of working… immersed in the moment… alive to the present. No clinging attachments to any labour…effort…people…place…past…future. Often asked what would happen to this huge Mission after he had gone? With total lack of concern…he would Read More >>-
July 23, 2018WHAT SHOULD WE OFFER IN WORSHIP? Every bhakta must express gratitude. How each one does it… depends upon individual choice. Many are the options open to us: Prayer Worshipping the Lord Singing His glories Choose the path of yRead More >>-
July 14, 2018Words wield immense power. Inherent in them is the strength to make or break a situation...a relationship. How and what we say… makes all the difference. THE CHOICE IS OURS. We often hear people say, “I acted on the spur of the moment, I neRead More >>-
July 10, 2018Our ancient rishis enumerated four goals of life: Dharma – Duty Artha – Material Wealth Kama – Desire Moksha – Liberation. The roles of these four pillars… and their unique fRead More >>-
June 14, 2018Take the Best from Each Experience SWAMI TEJOMAYANANDA Every experience is important. It can become meaningful and… contribute to what we are who we can become Through his childhood Sri Buddha’s father protected him from the Read More >>-
June 1, 2018We say SEEING IS BELIEVING. So…since God cannot be seen… we declare He does not exist… or say he is invisible. IS GOD INVISIBLE? When a baby is growing in the womb… there is A POWER that ensures its every organ and limb Read More >>-
May 22, 2018Every one is searching for: something to get something to become Other than… what we have what we are. From THIS limitation… we want FREEDOM. When we haveRead More >>-
May 14, 2018The Heart of Success Stay Ahead Different people respond differently to obstacles. SOME: do not take on great work give up when faced with. A rare few PERSIST and are successful. We think successful people never have difficulties or obstacles. HOWEVRead More >>-
May 8, 2018THE FLOW OF GRACE MY TEACHER – SWAMI CHINMAYANANDA HE SERVED TO DESERVE TODAY IS THE Day of my teacher… SWAMI CHINMAYANANDA Because HE IS…I AM The best of the knowers of Brahman… He imparted to me what I KNOW and What I in turn give others. It is HIS compassion… that Vedanta hasRead More >>-
May 5, 2018We often ask: WHY ARE OTHERS NOT LIKE ME? Why are they not unto me as I am unto them? LIKE the garden… has varieties of flowers… the WORLD has… people of different kinds The quality of each mind… made up with… intentions…attitudes…likes…dislikes… varies from person tRead More >>-
April 21, 2018All around us we see Chaos…Commotion…Destruction Loss of Human Values…Moral Degradation. All this causes us to worry about: the youth of TODAY the future generations BUT SUCH SITUATIONS ARE NOT NEW. If we read Narada Muni’s account of life of his times…it may well read liRead More >>-
April 16, 2018Human potential is INFINITE. How then is it that… human EFFORT is FINITE? Can we MULTIPLY our effort? Every machine whether man-made or God-made… is fraught with limitations… in form or function. So too HUMAN EFFORT…conditioned by Body..mind…intellect Time…circumstances is FINIRead More >>-
March 27, 2018Sri Rama is presented to us as the IDEAL… the IDOL to hold onto…follow… for He stood by dharma…righteousness No matter how severe… the trial or tribulation. EVEN if it caused personal pain… He faced each one… with faith… wiRead More >>-
March 21, 2018The sadhana for spiritual perfection is often described as a motion without movement. A physical movement implies a shift from place to place. But the spiritual evolution is a psychic ascent which has no space nor dimensions. It is a new vision gained becauseRead More >>
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March 20, 2018SATSANGA is association with the TRUTH… with goodness…nobility…good values…integrity. All goodness comes together in the company of a Realised Soul…the very epitome of Truth. This is the best association. SATSANGA is also: Reading about the lives of saints. Company of peoplRead More >>-
March 5, 2018CONTROLLING or mastering the mind has nothing to do with one's: stage in life age…education…prosperity…poverty It WORKS according to its own set of rules. IF it were possible to control the mind bRead More >>-
February 27, 2018What is this life? How should we really live it? EVERYDAY…WITHOUT FAIL… life comes with different flavours… pleasant…unpleasant…wonderful… boring…tiring…fulfilling... Life does not place choices before us. What you see is what you get. So, what can we do? TAKE one of two aRead More >>-
February 12, 2018Arjuna floundered on the battlefield… But Krishna was by his side to point him in the right direction… ALL ARE NOT SO BLESSED… most have no advisers… OR they are not dependable. To take correct decisions… first be clear and know your identity. SUPPOSE: The boss asks you to do someRead More >>-
February 5, 2018How can we distinguish… the chatter of Mind… from the urging of Conscience? It is difficult to tell… BECAUSE our desires are ever… trying to get the better of us. WHAT WE WANT is not always good Read More >>-
January 20, 2018What we get in the present is DESTINY… What we do with what we get is self-effort. SELF EFFORT is action done out of… our free will or choice Each moment in life we face …one situation or the other. Even though we have… no control over the situation… we choose how to deal with itRead More >>-
January 5, 2018Every moment is complete in itself. Think anew feel anew. The process of learning, leading to the HRead More >>-
December 27, 2017Scriptures and saints say…live as THE SELF. BUT How? Once born we acquire several identities… personalities… relationships… roles. We work to become great… We crave what we don’t have… Don't value what we have… Experience jealousy with what others have… No matterRead More >>-
December 12, 2017There are two schools of thought with regard to charity. ONE... Says give freely... without judging whether a person is fit or not. This emulates from Nature: the sun...moon...rivers...trees give of themselves with... no concern for the recipient. Once while seated under a mango tree aRead More >>-
December 2, 2017The Art of Listening PROVIDED WE LISTEN PROPERLY… listening (sravana) is a means of gaining knowledge – right knowledge that is free from all doubts and errors. Most problems in relationships arise because we do not actually listen to the other. We prefer to talk ratherRead More >>-
October 23, 2017Faith plays a crucial role in life… its power makes the impossible possible… Though an important aspect of life, its full meaning and implications are rarely appreciated. Generally taken as a negative quality it implies lack of intellectual maturity. It may appear as blind belief, but cRead More >>-
October 17, 2017IS THE LORD THE SAME TO ALL? For the Lord, all are equal. He guides all beings towards prosperity and well being. HOWEVER depending on their nature…His guidance differs. He taught the Pandavas.. punRead More >>-
October 11, 2017Progress and success in life need a disciplined and obedient mind … a mastery gained by preparing the mind in stages. Example: to study calculus one must first know algebra. WHY DISCIPLINE THE MIND? Because… The mind acts prompted by thoughts. Thoughts are triggered by objects or Read More >>-
October 4, 2017In the family...we play various roles. AT HOME a woman is...daughter...mother...wife... daughter-in-law...sister-in-law...and so on. In office...manager...worker...employer. For a man too it is similar. Every role comes with duties. Diverse and distinct. ... Different in each relationship..Read More >>-
October 4, 2017Uplift ourselves by your own efforts. Never allow yourself to fall. Don't wait for circumstances or people to help you. Put forth efforts yourself. Human Life is meant for our inner unfoldment. Don't waste it. Great heights are attained with self-effort, as the Grace of the Lord manifests wiRead More >>-
September 18, 2017MIND the faculty of thinking… is a continuous flow of thoughts. The body is only a tool the mind employs to accomplish its tasks. The body is the hardware and the mind …like the software of the computer. WHEN the software is infected with viruses it can cause problems and sometimes…evenRead More >>-
August 31, 2017Invocation to Lord Ganesha by Sant Tulsidas Gaiye Ganapati jagavandana Sankara suvana Bhavani nandana Gaiye Ganapati jagavandana Siddhisadana gajavadana Vinayaka Kripasindhu sundara saba layaka Gaiye Ganapati jagavandana SYMBOLICALLY…Ganesha stands for Read More >>-
August 21, 2017All religions teach the same simple truth of the underlying oneness and harmony. Yet we are aware of the differences and divisions between communities and religions. Our experiences of life show…we want to live happily, collectivelyRead More >>-
August 8, 2017We sleep with the faith that we will wake up in the morning We turn on the ignition in the faith the car will start. Faith is always about the unknown. The known needs no faith. It is known. Belief can be blind if not backed by intellectual inquiry or self- experRead More >>-
July 31, 2017Things and beings…experiences and situations in life… 'cause' joy or sorrow Maintain equanimity in the face of change. Change is a constant. It is inevitable. I. EQUANIMITY toward OBJECTS: Every object is important and has a place. Recognise…respect this…Do not accord undue valuRead More >>-
July 24, 2017The Gita Way of Life Every day we deal with people, things, experiences and situations. How we RESPOND to them depends on how we perceive them. Our PERCEPTIONS depend on our KNOWLEDGE of the thing…person or experience. Different people respond to the same situation differently. The difRead More >>-
July 17, 2017To understand fearlessness… WE NEED TO KNOW FEAR. Experienced by rich and poor alike… fear or fearlessness has no relation to the quantity of our possessions. Arising from different sources… We fear: o Losing something – tangible or intangible o The unknown – what does the Read More >>-
July 10, 2017In the Hindu tradition the Guru… is greatly revered…with a position even higher than that of the LORD HIMSELF. This staggering statement being so profound is difficult to accept. The high accolades the scriptures pay the Guru make the uninitiated wonder whether the worship of the GuruRead More >>-
June 27, 20171. We find it easier to live… with animals and pets BUT LIVING WITH HUMANS IS DIFFICULT. We don’t blame fire for burning us… we accept that it is fire’s nature. We accept the coolness of ice…the wetness of water as their nature. We don’t try to change themRead More >>-
June 17, 2017IS GOD A CREATION OF THE HUMAN MIND? IS GOD A CONCEPT? Concepts are finite and speak of only some aspects of GOD. Some are definitely beneficial. EXAMPLE…faith that God is the protector …that He is compassionate gives courage and solace. However…the InfiniRead More >>-
June 13, 2017GOD is the MOST TALKED ABOUT ENTITY in the world. To know how popular He is…just Google ‘God’! From time immemorial various views, beliefs and concepts about Him have existed. Even in Vaidika times some believed He existed some that He did not. We do not doubt oRead More >>-
June 6, 2017We cannot ignore or escape…Anger When we are angry we become agitated: lose all inner peace and tranquility Read More >>-
May 27, 2017Q How do I create my world? A The outer world of objects being the same for all… different PREFERENCES for them reside in each mind. Read More >>-
May 22, 2017From BABIES we do not have any expectations. We are happy to just watch them grow at their own pace. BUT as they mature, things change. Children …develop their own thoughts and feelings. Parents often …with increasing expectations and demands …without due consideration for th
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