On August 3, 1993, Swami Chinmayananda (Gurudev) attained Samādhi. Each year, August 3 is a special day for his devotees to come together as a family to express gratitude and honor the great master who brought the invaluable knowledge of Vedānta into homes across the world.
The Chinmaya Mahāsamādhi Ārādhanā Camp is organized by Chinmaya Mission West (CMW). It is hosted by one of the Chinmaya Mission centers in North America annually. This year, the 31st Chinmaya Mahāsamādhi Ārādhanā Camp was hosted by Chinmaya Mission Washington Regional Center (CMWRC) from Monday, July 29, to Saturday, August 3.
I had the opportunity to attend the Mahāsamādhi Ārādhanā Camp this year by the grace of my guru, Swami Dheerananda. The entire experience was truly unique and remarkable, and there were some moments that were particularly memorable to me.
Chinmaya Family
Witnessing approximately 650 devotees of Swami Chinmayananda come together was truly incredible. They were connected by their deep love and admiration for him. They were motivated to elevate themselves and others. The spirit of kindness and generosity was palpable throughout the camp.
Publications
I was fortunate to be involved in creating multiple publications over the past year and a half. All these publications were launched during the camp. It was truly heartwarming to witness everyone delighting in these publications and appreciating the hard work that went into them.
- His Names, His Glories (Chinmaya Mahima): a Mananam series book on Pujya Gurudev’s 108 names (glories) with reflections by 108 Swamins, Brahmacharins, and Vedanta teachers of Chinmaya Mission.
- Chinmaya Mahimā Pūjā Vidhānam: a book with step-by-step instructions on how to perform Pujya Gurudev’s Pāduka Pūjā with the right attitude.
- Chinmaya Smriti MSC Special Edition: a special edition of Chinmaya Smriti magazine focused on the camp with reflections from devotees.
- Sadguru Daśakam: a composition by Swami Ishwarananda.
Hopping Game
I had heard so much about the hopping game created by Swami Dheerananda. It has become incredibly popular with the children at the Summer Camp. Finally, I had the chance to see Swamiji in action as he conducted the game during the camp. It was truly astonishing to witness how much the children were able to learn through this seemingly simple hopping game. Swamiji created a game that not only entertains but also provides a valuable learning experience for the kids.
Hopper is the sādhakā (seeker). They must hop and catch 8 runners/sādhyās, which are qualities that one needs to evolve. This action is necessary to attain mumukṣutvam (freedom) and win the game. If the sādhakā is tired and needs rest, they can step out of the game. They should chant “Om Śrī Chinmayā Sadgurave Namaḥ” while looking into the eyes of Pujya Gurudev, balancing on one leg. They can then return to the game when ready. When the sādhakā catches a sādhyā, they must announce which one they caught from the list. All the other runners must repeat it loudly. This way, they learn about the qualities they need to develop.
- Viveka: Insight – I will do what is right
- Vairagya: Dispassion – I will conquer my likes and dislikes
- Śama: Peaceful Mind – I will keep my mind peaceful
- Dama: Sense Control – I will perceive good and do good
- Uparama: Silence – I will fulfill my duties
- Titikṣā: Endurance – I will endure pain and sorrow
- Śraddhā: Faith – I will develop faith and
- Samādhānam: Concentration – I will be quiet, alert, and vigilant
I observed that the game not only focuses on its primary objectives. It also promotes resilience, perseverance, and supportive behavior among children. For instance, there was a sādhakā (hopper) who managed to catch 7 sādhyās (runners) and was feeling exhausted. The child was given the option to take a break. He was unwavering in his determination to complete the game. Ultimately, he succeeded in catching the 8th sādhyā. Another hopper was struggling to keep up and was unable to tag any runners. After a short period, she expressed her desire to quit playing. However, the other children rallied around her, offering encouragement and support, motivating her to continue despite the challenges.
Interaction with Vedānta Teachers and Other Devotees
In between the lectures, during breaks, I manned the Pūja Vidhānam Book table. This gave me a wonderful opportunity to have interesting conversations with visiting Swamins, Brahmacharins, Vedanta Teachers, and Devotees.
One particularly memorable story came from a devotee named Nanik Hemrajani. He recounted an inspiring interaction with Pūjya Gurudev Swami Chinmayananda that left a profound impression on him. Nanikji hailed from the small Caribbean island of St. Thomas and had the opportunity to meet Gurudev during his visit to Virginia in 1991. During their encounter, Gurudev expressed his intention to visit Nanikji in St. Thomas. Initially, Nanikji did not take this promise seriously. However, shortly thereafter, he received a letter from Gurudev outlining the planned dates for his visit to St. Thomas. This unexpected turn of events left Nanikji feeling somewhat apprehensive. The local Indian community was not particularly large at that time. He was concerned about hosting and organizing satsangs. When the appointed time arrived, Gurudev made his visit. Nanikji was amazed to find that over 200 people from diverse backgrounds attended each day. They came to listen to Gurudev’s discourses.
I heard many similar narratives from others. These stories illustrate how Gurudev inspired numerous individuals. He did this through his captivating personality and enlightening discourses. He tirelessly dedicated himself to disseminating the Knowledge of Self.
Gifts of Love
I was completely taken by surprise when, during the camp, I received two incredibly thoughtful gifts from total strangers. One person presented a beautiful brocade purse just because she wanted to spread happiness. The other person gave me a USB drive with enlightening talks from various Swamins. These talks covered a wide range of scriptures. The kindness and generosity of these individuals were truly inspiring and uplifting.
Dance Drama Depicting Kaivalya Upanishad
On the evening of August 1st, during our spiritual gathering, an awe-inspiring dance drama was presented by the children. The performance beautifully depicted the profound essence of Kaivalya-upaniṣad through graceful movements and captivating expressions. The dedication and talent displayed by the young actors were remarkable. The seamless production also left a lasting impression on everyone in attendance, including me.
Mahāsamādhi Ārādhanā Day Pūjā
On the final morning of the camp, which fell on August 3, we experienced a truly remarkable highlight. Guided by children, we were in a meditative state performing the revered Padukā Pūjā of Pujya Gurudev on Mahāsamādhi Day. It was a deeply moving experience. More than 600 devotees were led through the sacred ritual by the children who had been trained by Swami Dheerananda and other dedicated sevaks at CMWRC. The air was filled with a profound sense of reverence and tranquility. This created a deeply moving and serene atmosphere that revealed Chinmaya Mahima (the glory of Chinmaya).
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