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SWAMI CHINMAYANANDA

Life

Balakrishna Menon, the future ‘Swami Chinmayananda’ was born on May 8, 1916 in Kerala in the noble aristocratic family that strictly followed the ancient traditions. Balan, as he was fondly called, spent his early childhood receiving a lot of love and attention amongst a large extended family of cousins, uncles and aunts. Saints and Sages often visited the house; they too paid special attention on Balan, predicting that he will have a great future. He grew up as a charming and mischievous boy adored by all. Brilliant and intelligent as a student he loved reading, swimming and badminton. He was very good at mimicking everyone with great wit and humor. Balan attended English Modern School where he also learned Malayalam and Sanskrit.

The whole family had a tradition of gathering together for daily satsang and evening puja. Swamiji used to recall, "As I was sitting there in the puja room waiting for the arathi which meant the end of satsang, I used to gaze at the pictures of Gods right in front of me. The one I liked the most was Lord Siva. To pass time I developed my own private game. I used to look at Lord Siva with Ganga flowing out from his matted hair, with the serpent for a head-band and the crescent moon lighting his smiling compassionate eyes. Then, I would shut my eyes to see whether I could see Him in my own mind, then open the eyes again and compare the picture. I would do that again and again, until I got it right to the smallest detail.”

In 1940, young Balan joined the Lucknow University where he studied English literature and law. He was very active in the campus -- appeared in several dramas in the theater, became a member of the literary club, the debating club, and was on the University tennis team. But it wasn't all that he did. Sensitive to the life around him, in 1942 Balan joined the Indian Independence movement. He was involved in writing and distributing leaflets against the British government, organizing public strikes and giving speeches. His rare leadership qualities made him visible in the movement and he was soon caught and put in prison, wherein he spent several months, under terrible conditions.

In prison, he had plenty of time to reflect on his own life, as well as on ‘life’ in general. He had seen lifeless bodies being carried out daily - the reality of death could not be ignored. Questions such as: "What is the meaning of this life? Is there something more permanent and if so what is it?’ occupied his mind. Weakened by stay for months in the jail he fell ill with typhus fever. There was little hope for his recovery. Consequently, he was carried out into the night and tossed on the side of the road on the outskirts of the city.

Swamiji reports about the event, saying, “Luckily for me, a kindly Christian-Indian lady took me into her home and cared for me like a son. Later she told me that my nose reminded her of her son who was with the army. It could be said that I was 'saved by the nose'."

As soon as Balan regained his health, he went on to graduate in Law and English literature. In 1945 he moved to Delhi, and joined the editorial staff of ‘The National Herald’, the then very popular national newspaper. His innate compassion for man was reflected in all his writings.

Sri Bhagavan in the Old Hall

But, Balan soon discovered the emptiness of the so called "good life". Underneath the noisy parties, the expensive clothes and jewellery, and empty talks he sensed dissatisfaction, agitation and often despair. The old memories of his childhood - the joy of falling asleep with a mantra on his lips and the loving, reassuring picture of Lord Siva, in the puja room – all came back, flooding his mind.

He started chanting the mantra : ‘Om Nama Sivaya’ , every night before going to sleep.

It was at this crucial period that he came across the books of Swami Sivananda, Swami Vivekananda, Swami Ram Tirtha, Sri Aurobindo, Sri Ramana Maharshi; and, began reading them all, studiously. The writings of Swami Sivananda, who stressed, "Be good. Do good. Serve, love, purify, meditate, realize, and be free", had the most profound influence on Balan. But, doubts still lingered in the mind of the self-acclaimed agnostic. Determined to find answers to them, the radical young journalist landed at the Himalayan Ashram of Swami Sivananda in 1947.

However, the very first meeting with Swami Sivananda blew away Balan’s preconceived ideas about spirituality. The Master's dignity, his brilliant intelligence, the special aura of divinity captured him. Further more, the Ashram was not at all what he expected. It was a dynamic place where numerous spiritual and social projects were continuously going on, and yet in the midst of all, there prevailed peace and tranquility. Swami Sivananda, who recognized Balan’s great spiritual potential, paid him special attention and teased him, "Bala, God gave you such an intelligence! Why don't you use it for Him?! You can join us and become a Swami! "

On the 25th of February 1949, on the auspicious day of Maha Sivaratri, Swami Sivananda initiated Balan to the order of sannyas and gave him the name “Swami Chinmayananda Saraswati”, which meant “the one who revels in the Bliss of Pure Consciousness”. Swamiji studied and worked in the Ashram for some time. Swami Sivananda observed that the young Swami was drawn deeply only to Jnana Marga. He also said ‘I cannot sit in my room and meditate, I want to go to America and give talks.’ Swami Sivananda told him “You will thunder like Swami Vivekananda. But now you have little knowledge of Vedanta. I shall send you to a very good teacher.” He, guided him to Uttarkashi to study under the renowned Vedantic Master, Swami Tapovan Maharaj.

Swami Tapovan and Swami Chinmayananda

Swamiji spent eight years studying the scriptures at the feet of Swami Tapovan. It was not easy, for Swami Tapovan was a great disciplinarian and a very demanding teacher. He never repeated his lesson twice. During this period, Swamiji lived in the cowshed with a stone for a pillow. However, Chinmayananda was an uttama adhikari (most qualified for knowledge) - his burning inner urge for Self-Knowledge knew no obstacles. He was often seen sitting all night in meditation in a quiet forest or on the banks of the Ganges.

After finishing study of the Bhagavad Gita, Upanishads and Brahma Sutras, Swamiji prayed to his Guru, "I feel an immense urge to go down to the plains and share the wealth of the holy scriptures with my fellow countrymen. I want to run down like the Ganga which nourishes and inspires with its refreshing water."

Swami Tapovan did not share the enthusiasm of his disciple. "People are not yet ready, they will not understand you. Instead, take a trip down to plains wandering around as a renunciate, living as a beggar among those you once knew”.

Swamiji did as instructed and in November, 1951, he returned to Tapovan Kutir in Uttarkashi after a complete tour of India. But he came back even more convinced that his mission in life was to take Vedanta to every nook and corner of Mother India. Once again he pleaded with Swami Tapovan for permission. This time, Swami Tapovan acceded, “All right, go and start your Jnana Yagna but on one condition - you must have at least four people in the audience, including the speaker.” Truly enough the first Jnana Yagna started in Pune with exactly four people !

“…..Ganga flowing near Uttarkashi….”

Thus, Swami Chinmayananda came down from the Himalayas bringing with him the Wisdom of the Vedic Rishis and with it the revival of moral and spiritual values in the whole nation. His primary aim was, "To convert Hindus to Hinduism!”

Is it not a historical fact that for several centuries, India -- in particular Hindu tradition and culture -- was oppressed (and was almost at the verge of being ruined) by waves of foreign invasions – Mongol, Mughal, Muslim – culminating with the British culture and the Christian institutional domination ? It was Swami Chinmayananda who plunged himself – almost all alone – in reviving the Hindu culture back to its hoary heights ! One wandering Hindu monk at Varanasi said that what tens of stalwart Hindu religious leaders could not achieve jointly, Swamiji fulfilled triumphantly, single-handedly ! It is true, indeed !

The young radical Swami was taking the secret Knowledge of the Vedas to the streets by holding public lectures in English - the language of the foreigners!

Swamiji traveled through the country urging that all national activities should be organized around higher spiritual ideals, proving that spirituality is not a hindrance to progress, but enriches life and gives it a new meaning.

Swamiji worked tirelessly for 42 years in spite of his ill health. He used to say: "When I rest, I rust". His joyous presence brought inspiration and strength. He was ever punctual, never complaining, full of enthusiasm, ready to help and guide, never missed an appointment, even when sick. He taught the importance of spiritual knowledge in every day life. His style of presentation was novel and fresh - shockingly irresistible. He explained the philosophy of ancient scriptures with the logic of science and with the dynamism and humor that resonated with the modern youth. His charming smile cheered hearts, and the magnet of his clear strong voice soon started drawing earnest seekers after Truth, in the thousands.

Once a child asked, “Swamiji where do you live?” Swamiji answered: "At airports and train stations". And it was true! This great Saint did not have a home of his own. As a matter of fact he owned nothing. Up to the end of his life he never stayed in one place for more than a week. He used to say: "Vedanta makes you a better Hindu, a better Christian, a better Muslim as it makes you a better human being."

Apart from lecturing, Swami Chinmayananda wrote commentaries on major Vedantic texts, as well. His books dealt with different aspects of true religion and included books for children.

As early as in the sixties, the Chinmaya Mission had reached every corner of India. Then, Swamiji took the principles of Vedanta to the world. He started lecturing abroad, year after year. The Mission centers grew in numbers across the Globe. The Mission’s motto was simple yet profound : "Give maximum happiness to the maximum of people for the maximum of time.”

Chinmaya Mission has the unique credit of including in its study curriculum – in all their branches – the core teachings of Bhagavan Ramana, in Sanskrit verses, as one of their main text books : Sri Bhagavan’s “Upadesa Saram ” = “Essence of Instructions in Thirty Verses” and Sri Bhagavan’s “Sat Darshanam” = “Forty Verses on Reality”. Swamiji has truly thus honoured the “greatest Advaitin ever born on earth”, as he used to proudly adore Bhagavan Ramana !

Swamiji gave special attention and affection to children, for he saw them as the builders of the future. For them he organized the “Bala Vihar ” and “Yuva Kendra ” classes. These helped the youngsters to unfold their hidden potential in the light of dynamic spirituality. To see them prosper, Swamiji used to remark, was the best Guru dakshina he ever received.

Chinmaya Mission sponsors 62 schools in India where apart from the normal school curriculum children learn the Vedic heritage. There are also nursing and management schools to provide higher education. Swamiji also started Ashrams in India and America where new teachers, brahmacharis and Swamis of the Mission were trained according to the ancient gurukul tradition. The main Ashrams in India are in Bombay, and in Himalayas at Siddhabari. In America Ashrams are in Piercy, San Jose, Washington, Chicago, Flint, New York state, and Florida. In his great compassion Swamiji also set up free clinics, hospitals, vocational schools, orphanages, and a home for senior citizens.

In 1992, Swami Chinmayananda gave an address in the United Nations titled "Planet in Crisis". Just before his Mahasamadhi, Swamiji was recognized as a World renowned teacher of Vedanta and a Hindu religious leader. He was selected as President of Hindu Religion for the Centennial Conference of the Parliament of World Religions in Chicago, where Swami Vivekananda had given his historic address, almost a hundred years ago.

Swami Chinmayananda had chronic heart problems. He had his first heart attack in 1963, the year his Sannyasa guru Swami Sivananda attained Mahasamadhi. His treatment at the newly opened Chinmaya Mission Hospital in Bangalore made him its first patient. In the summer of 1980, when he was in the United States conducting a series of Jnana Yajnas, he had to undergo a multiple heart bypass surgery in Texas. On 29 July, 1993, he had emergency heart bypass surgery. His condition continued to be critical and he was put on a life-support system.

He dropped his body on 3rd August, 1993, in U.S.A.; and, his body was flown to India, taken to Siddhabari and interred there. His Samadhi shrine at Siddhabari has become a place of sanctuary for his arduous followers and other pilgrims, as well.

Swamiji with Bhagavan Sri Ramana

It was in the summer of 1936, during his college holidays, that the future Swamiji had his first darshan of Bhagavan Sri Ramana Maharshi. About this great event in his life, Swamiji said: “I was just emerging from high school, exams were over. On a package railway ticket I was roaming through South India. As the train chugged through the countryside at a halting speed, most of the passengers in my compartment suddenly peered through the windows in great excitement and bowed reverently to an elaborate temple beyond. Inquiring about it, I was told that it was Sri Arunachaleswara Temple.

“Thereafter, the talk of my fellow travellers turned to Sri Ramana Maharshi. The word ‘Maharshi ’ conjured up in my mind ancient forest retreats and superhuman beings of divine glow. Though I was at that time a convinced atheist, I was deeply drawn to visit the Maharshi’s Ashram. I chose to take the next available train to Tiruvannamalai.

At the Ashram I was told that the Maharshi was in the Hall and anybody was free to walk in and see him. As I entered, I saw on the couch an elderly man, wearing but a loincloth, reclining against a round bolster. I sat down at the very foot of the couch. The Maharshi suddenly opened his eyes and looked straight into mine: I looked into his. A mere look, that was all. I felt that the Maharshi was, in that split moment, looking deep into me – and I was sure that he saw all my shallowness, confusions, faithlessness, imperfections, and fears. I cannot explain what happened in that one split moment. I felt opened, cleaned, healed, and emptied! A whirl of confusions: my atheism dropping away, but skepticism flooding into question, wonder, and search. My reason gave me strength and I said to myself, ‘It is all mesmerism, my own foolishness.’ Thus assuring myself, I got up and walked away. But the boy who left the hall was not the boy who had gone in some ten minutes before. It was only many years later, when I started reading spiritual books seriously, before my sannyasa diksha, that I realised how blessed I had been by the kataaksha (‘Glance of Grace’) of a great Jnani. After my college days, my political work, and after my years of stay in Uttarkashi at the feet of my Master, Swami Tapovan, I knew that what I gained on the banks of the Ganges was that which had been given to me years before by the Sage of Arunachala on that hot summer day – by a mere look.”

Govindarajan, a devout devotee spent his last days at Arunachala. He was one of Swamiji’s close devotees as well ! He narrated two incidents from Swamiji’s life :

➢ One of Swamiji’s affluent devotees invited Swamiji home for giving him bhiksha (food-offering). That devotee was passionately praising Swamiji’s service to humanity. He started saying “Swamiji ! Saints like you and Bhagavan Sri Ramana Maharshi …”. Swamiji thundered : “STOP ! Do not compare missionaries with Generators. Sages like Bhagavan Sri Ramana are Generators. We are only distributors.”

➢ When Swamiji, as a young sannyasi came to Sri Bhagavan, he wanted to have a private session alone with the Maharshi.

The moment that thought arose in him, the few devotees who were sitting in the Hall left. Thus, Swamiji was left alone with Sri Bhagavan. He asked : “Bhagavan ! I wish to ask you…” Before Swamiji could complete the sentence, Sri Bhagavan said : “Let everyone go”.

Thinking that Sri Bhagavan was not aware that everyone had already left the Hall, Swamiji said : “All have left. I am alone…”. Sri Bhagavan gave him a piercing look and said : “Let that also go”.

Those words of Sri Bhagavan created an explosion in Swamiji’s awareness.

Sayings of Swami Chinmayananda

“The highest form of Grace is Silence.”

“Introspect daily, detect diligently, negate ruthlessly.”

“Every body dies. Nobody dies.”

“Comfort comes as guest. Lingers to become host and stays to enslave us.”

“He who submits to a discipline is a ‘disciple’.”

“Without devotion, knowledge is tasteless. Without knowledge, devotion is mere empty idol worship.”

“To remember the ever present Divine at all times, even while acting in the world, is the most positive practice for a seeker who is striving to evolve. He will thereby transform his inner personality from its present condition, to a state of harmony and efficiency.”

“Out of purity and silence come words of power.”

“Bhakti is the attitude of the ‘mind’. Jnana is the flow from the ‘Heart’. Both take one towards the Lord.”

Sri Bhagavan’s Birth Centenary celebrations at Tiruvanaikovil : “Sri Ramana is an experience” - Swami Chinmayananda. V.Ganesan who presided over the function presented Ashram Publications to Swamiji (on Dec 20,1982 )

SWAMIJI AND ME

The period was 1956-1958. I was staying at the Ashram, serving it and simultaneously seeking a job outside for earning my livelihood. Major Chadwick was in charge of raising funds for building Sri Bhagavan’s Samadhi Shrine. He told me that the inflow of donations was very scarce, in spite of his sending appeal after appeal to the devotees to send their donations, generously. He needed Rs.10,000 urgently to speed up the stone work on the construction of the temple over Sri Bhagavan’s Samadhi. As the amount was not forthcoming, he felt extremely upset and expressed his disappointment that though Sri Bhagavan was the greatest Sage born on earth, a simple monument for Him could not be raised in time. On the day that he told me this, I read in the newspaper about an ‘unknown’ young Swami in Pune, to whom devotees had offered Rs.100,000 as pada puja for giving him one biksha (lunch) in their home! This apparent contradiction disturbed me deeply - Rs.10,000 could not be collected for Sri Bhagavan’s Shrine while ten times that amount was offered to a young Swami for a mere visit to a house ! I showed it to Major Chadwick and expressed my anguish. In reply, he just gave a wry smile and brushed the whole thing aside! That young ‘unknown’ Swami in Pune, I came to know later was Swami Chinmayananda!

After that, I saw this name ‘Swami Chinmayananda’ in the editorial page of a monthly, The Call Divine, dedicated to Sri Bhagavan and published from Bombay. He was listed as its co-editor along with its editor, the reputed Swami Rajeswarananda. This too surprised me!

However, a significant event took place which made me very close to Swami Chinmayananda: My father, the Ashram President, was away on a tour and I was in charge of the administration of the Ashram. One day, I was contacted by a few V.I.Ps from Bangalore. They requested that the Ashram host a large entourage, led by a Swami for one whole day, which meant also providing them with lunch, afternoon tea, snacks and dinner at night. They informed me that they would leave the Ashram only late in the evening and that they would bear all the expenses incurred. The Ashram was in a very poor condition with regard to its resources and finance. There were not enough kitchen staff to cater to so many guests and it looked an impossible task for me and for the few who worked in the Ashram office. Yet, my teacher Pundit T.K. Sundaresa Iyer, who was devoted to Sages, Saints, Swamijis and Sadhus encouraged me to accept it by saying that he would help and guide me. I agreed. TKS reminded me of my school classmate Ramamurthy who then owned Park Hotel, the one and only hotel in the town, at that time. He said he would go and arrange for everything. My teacher was a colossus, a ‘Mount Everest’, in every which way, plus a true confidant, friend, philosopher and guide!

A few days later, a large group of officers from reputed factories in Bangalore arrived at the Ashram with their Managing Directors and General Managers, in seven large luxury buses. Who should step out first from a posh car that led the convoy? Swami Chinmayananda! He was all smiles and appreciated my taking the responsibility of looking after such a large entourage. The whole retreat took place in front of Cow Lakshmi’s Samadhi. Swamiji enthralled all with his brilliant speeches on Bhagavad Gita, almost throughout the day. My friend Ramamurthy himself supervised the catering of the food on time to the over three hundred VIP guests. Finally, he packed their dinner, in neat, individual packets, which helped them leave early in the evening back to Bangalore. Everyone looked truly very happy!

Before leaving, Swami Chinmayananda took me aside and spoke to me, “One day, during a talk, I was suddenly confronted by an important officer from a big organization. He wanted to understand what exactly renunciation was and how it would feel if one renounced all. I thought to myself, ‘Why only explain it to him alone, when I can give the taste of it to all the 300 odd devotees assembled there?’ So, I told the audience that I would give all of them the taste of renunciation, provided they all were prepared to surrender to me one whole day by following me wherever I go without question – no planning, no thinking about anything, except obeying the Teacher. They agreed. Sri Bhagavan guided me to bring them here and give them the true taste of renunciation. Is there anyone greater than Sri Bhagavan in having totally renounced everything! I prayed to Sri Bhagavan to bless every one of them. And so, here I am, Ganesa! I am happy you willingly helped me give them a true taste of renunciation! See! The true taste of renunciation is nothing but pure ‘happiness’ ! If I had only told them so in words, would they have understood? Thank you, Ganesa! ”

As reported in my account on Mother Rama Devi, I took up a job as a sub-editor in the English newspaper “Indian Express” at Chittoor. One day, a posh car came, picked me up and took me to the house of the wealthiest person in that town, V. Dwaraknath Reddy. I was taken aback by utter surprise! It was a grand lunch session given in honour of Swami Chinmayananda. There was a long table around which some very important dignitaries were sitting. At the head of the table sat Swamiji. He directed Dwaraknath to make me sit next to him. During lunch, Swamiji was, as always, in a jubilant mood and was making everyone burst into laughter with his stories. In between, he repeatedly turned to me and urged me to have more food, especially the special mango milk shake, as the fruits were plucked from the house garden of Reddy.

After lunch, there was a lively yet relaxed session in the living room. Here too, he made me sit next to him. In all seriousness, Swamiji told me, “You know, Ganesa! You and I belong to the same caste! You know that?” I was puzzled. But even before I could recover from my bewilderment, Swamiji roared, “We both belong to the ‘editor caste’ ! Years ago, I was a sub-editor in the ‘Free Press Journal’ in Bombay, now, you are a sub-editor, in the ‘Indian Express’, here!”.

Devotees bestowing keen interest in completing Sri Bhagavan’s Samadhi Shrine

Three very wealthy industrialists approached Swamiji and spoke to him: “Swamiji! We are planning to start a new factory. Should we start it or not? If you categorically confirm that we should, we will give you Rs.200,000 if that factory is successful. That is our part of the deal. Your part is that you should own the responsibility of saying, ‘Yes, start it’ and face the consequences if it fails.” Putting his fingers to his chin, Swamiji pretended to be pensively thinking about it. He then replied, “You are truly very fair. I also would be equally fair. So, you give me an advance of Rs.100, 000 now, right now. And, I will assure you that the new factory you start will be a tremendous success! You need not pay the balance before the factory runs successfully!” The industrialists were extremely happy over Swamiji’s fairness in arriving at this deal. After paying him Rs.100,000, they left.

After they left, Swamiji turned to me and said, “Look! I have gained this much money today. I need it for some ongoing construction work. The success of the factory depends on the Grace of God and on their own hard work. Am I a soothsayer to give predictions? Yet, people do need encouragement. I give them this - not unconditionally, but only with conditions that brings me also gain !” Swamiji then burst out into peels of laughter, in which all of us joined ! Later, Swamiji saw to it that I was dropped in the same posh car back to my drudgery office !

It was some time in March 1965. In those days, Sri Bhagavan’s Samadhi shrine was a thatched shed and there was a large open space in front of it. Every night, I slept in that open space, on a mat without a pillow or bed-sheet. I used to get up at 3.30 in the morning, sweep clean the precincts around Sri Bhagavan’s Samadhi and then do the same inside Sri Bhagavan’s Old Hall. Only then would I attend to my morning ablutions. One day, just before dawn, I saw two people were silently and reverently walking around Sri Bhagavan’s shrine. On approaching closer, I recognized them – they were Swami Chinmayananda and B.V. Reddy (uncle of Dwaraknath Reddy). From the Old Hall, I ran towards them and prostrated to Swamiji. He raised me up and patted me on my back and said, joyously, “Oho! Oho! Ganesa has caught us! Reddy and I wanted to come incognito, pay our homages to Sri Bhagavan and leave for U.S.A. Reddy had planned to take me directly from Bangalore to the Madras airport. But, I insisted that we take a detour, go to Arunachala and take the blessings of Sri Bhagavan before I take up this new venture of travelling abroad. Sri Bhagavan has fully blessed me, Ganesa! I am happy I met you, as well! Stay here and serve Sri Bhagavan! All will be well with you! Now, give me your good wishes and allow us to leave for the airport, direct from Sri Bhagavan’s Shrine of Grace!” I again prostrated to Swamiji - on that day he had revealed to me how fully surrendered Swamiji was to Satguru Ramana !

That was the time, when after my short stint of three months at the newspaper office in Chittoor, I started living at the Ashram. I started working hard to help complete the temple over the sacred shrine of Sri Bhagavan. Observing me, the seventeen members committee came to me one day and said they had decided to appoint me to collect the required funds. They said they needed Rs.10,000 very urgently and that I should collect it within a month. I accepted it as I felt honoured to do this service to my Sat Guru. I began in right earnest by writing letters of appeals to my closest industrialist-friends and to Swamijis of reputed Ashrams, requesting for funds!

V. Dwaraknath Reddy

One morning, at the construction work near Sri Bhagavan’s shrine, Dwaraknath Reddy suddenly appeared and asked me : “Ganesh! My Gurudev Swami Chinmayananda called me one day to come to Bombay urgently. On reaching there, he virtually scolded me: ‘Dwarak! What is the use of listening to my lessons on Advaita Vedanta, when the Samadhi shrine of the greatest Advaitin ever born on earth – Bhagavan Sri Ramana – remains incomplete and unfinished, even after so many years after his Mahasamadhi? Ganesa goes on sending us letters begging for funds! Shame on you, being such a wealthy man! Go! Go to Sri Bhagavan’s Ashram and see that the Samadhi shrine work is completed at the earliest !’ Yet, to be frank with you, Ganesh, I hear rumours that the funds are being misused. And that, they allege, is the real reason for the non-completion of the Samadhi shrine. But Gurudev insists that I help the Ashram. I am now in a dilemma. Will you help me?”

I too was frank with Reddy, in giving him a fitting reply: “Dear Brother! You know I came away from my job, giving up my attachment to money. Actually, Mataji Krishna Bai removed that demon-like attachment from my entire system. I am living inside the Ashram, all the 24 hours. Right now, we are conversing near and in front of Sri Bhagavan’s sacred Shrine. I swear that the conduct of the management is impeccable and beyond reproach. But there is no inflow of funds, despite sending many appeals to devotees. Believe me, dear brother, this is the truth!” He patted me on my back reassuringly, with an understanding smile. I went around the Holy Hill that night though it was very late. In the morning, my father called me into the office, proudly handing over a bundle of new currency notes, he said to me, “Dwaraknath Reddy left last night, after meeting me and giving me this large donation of Rs.10,000 towards the construction of Sri Bhagavan’s shrine. He requested me to thank you for the vital help you extended to him !” This was some time in 1966. This gave me a great fillip as it was an enormous help. Strangely, but happily, donations from others also started to pour in, as well – which helped us expedite the completion of the temple over the sacred ‘Ramaneswara Mahalingam’.

In 1967, the entire construction of the temple over Sri Bhagavan’s Shrine was completed and its Kumbhabhishekam ceremony was also performed. Of course, my grateful heart profusely thanked Swami Chinmayananda (who was then in America). Naturally, through the four days of the Kumbhabhishekam ceremony I grew much closer to Dwaraknath Reddy who had come to attend the function.

The next great event at Sri Ramanasramam was to celebrate Sri Bhagavan’s Birth Centenary in 1980 in as grand a manner as possible. The celebrations included the performance of Kumbhabhishekam to the shrines of Sri Bhagavan and the Mother, after elaborate renovation and some prescribed ritualistic alterations inside the two shrines. All this needed an enormous amount of money. For this, I had to travel from one big city to another and seek the financial support of devotees of Sri Bhagavan and from spiritually inclined people in general. With a grateful heart, I again record here, how kind Swami Chinmayananda was to me, in giving me encouragement and support.

I had gone to the ‘Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan’ office in Bombay to meet its powerful secretary, S. Ramakrishnan, and to offer my prostrations to him as he had met Sri Bhagavan and received his blessings even at a very young age. When I reached, there was a large crowd waiting outside its building which effectively kept me from entering it. A car suddenly arrived and Ramakrishnan rushed to it. Swami Chinmayananda emerged from the car and climbed a raised platform from where he was to give a talk. He then turned and looked around.

Seeing me at the back of the crowd, he bent towards Ramakrishnan and whispered something. Ramakrishna immediately came rushing towards me and took me along with him and Swamiji into the building. When the three of us reached Ramakrishnan’s office room, Swamiji gave me a seat next to him and with all affection, asked me whether I needed anything -- any help. When I told him that I had come only to prostrate to Ramakrishnan for his being an Old Devotee of Sri Bhagavan, Swamiji responded heartily, “Good! Now, you can prostrate to TWO Old Devotees of Sri Bhagavan!” He turned to Ramakrishna and said, “Ramakrishna! Ganesa is very dear to me. Whatever help he needs, you should extend it to him, unflinchingly! Will you, Ramakrishna?” That day, I was very emotionally moved realising the extraordinary love, kindness and support Swami Chinmayananda always extended to me! A similar situation took place at New Delhi, as well! What extraordinary attention showered by a world-renowned Swamiji on such a small fry like me!

In 1982, when I was continuously deeply involved in conducting Sri Bhagavan’s Birth Centenary celebrations, the Chinmaya Mission invited me to conduct and preside over a similar a function near Trichy – in the temple town Thiruvanaikaval. Swami Chinmayananda was the special speaker. At that time, Swamiji was conducting a Gita Jnana Yagna at Trichy. Swamiji compelled me to stay with him in the house of his host – a wealthy diamond merchant – who owned a palatial building on the outskirts of Trichy. Swamiji proudly asserted that it was I who helped him conduct his first Gita Jnana Yagna at the Shrine of Sri Bhagavan in Arunachala. At Thiruvanaikaval, in his special address, Swamiji paid very rich tributes to Sri Bhagavan: “Sri Ramana is not a theme for discussion; he is an experience; he is a state of consciousness. Sri Ramana is the highest reality and the cream of all scriptures in the world – the Bible, the Koran, the Upanishads. He was there for the entire society to see how a Master can live in perfect detachment from possessions – though living in the mortal form but living as the integrity, beauty and purity of the Infinite. Such a mighty Master was Sri Ramana.” The talk was a scintillating one, indeed!

That was the time when Swami Chinmayananda had returned from America after his heart surgery. An American lady-doctor devotee was accompanying Swamiji during his travels. In the evening, he would sit on an easy chair in the large verandah and devotees would meet with him and receive his blessings. Swamiji asked me to sit close to him. He clapped his hands and the lady-doctor brought two pills in a silver casket. Holding aloft the pills and turning to me, he said, “Ganesa! Look! These tablets are in between Swamiji and Yama, the God of Death! Two small tablets prevent the God of Death from taking away Swamiji along with him!” Swamiji was always full of jokes, most of them on himself!

That was the time Swamiji was burdened with the construction work to complete his Ashram ‘Sandeepani Sadhanalaya’ at Powai in Bombay. He said that corruption in the government was ruling the country and ruining it. He added vehemently, “Corruption should be rooted out from the country at all costs!” He further said that for the completion of a construction, they urgently needed a hundred bags of cement. There was a ration in the distribution of cement and the government was in control of it. The Chief Minister, the Public Works Minister – all were totally dedicated to Swamiji. He had pleaded with them to send him 100 bags of cement. They too had assured Swamiji that it would be done immediately. But the cement never arrived. An office clerk working under Swamiji approached him and humbly said, “Swamiji! No minister will help you, as they are themselves powerless in front of all the corruption. You will never get the cement in the right way. Give me Rs.1000/- more than the cost of the cement and I shall get it for you within two hours!” It was done, and the 100 bags of cement did arrive, within two hours!” This was narrated to me that evening by Swamiji, with his usual hearty laughter!

After some time, a bright looking young engineer employed in a big factory, prostrated to Swamiji and appealed to him, “Swamiji! I am very unhappy. My boss and my subordinates are all neck-deep in corruption. They are all forcing me to follow suit. But, Swamiji! I will never indulge in corruption. I want you to bless me that I continue to remain flawless and ever corruption-free.” Swamiji blessed him, “I bless you, my boy! Remain pure, aspire for purity! God’s blessings are fully on you! Never indulge in corruption!” The youth left holding his head high, and swearing to never indulge in corruption!

After he left, Swamiji turned to me and broke into his characteristic laugh! “Did you see the ‘drama’ I played? What else to do? If I had told him what I told you just before he came, he would have been shattered, psychologically! The youth’s stability is more important to me than anything else!”

V.Panchapakesan

Smt.Sarala Panchapakesan

In the 1990s, under the guidance of Yogi Ramsuratkumar, I was traveling abroad quite a lot. One oft visited venue was Hong Kong, where Smt. Sarala Panchapakesan and Sri. Panchapakesan -- a most compassionate couple dedicated to spiritual causes -- were my hosts. Their love and tender care always made me feel as if I was their child. I too looked upon them, with the greatest reverence and deepest affection! Their friends too were very evolved souls. One among them was the devout couple, Smt. Sashi Madnani and Vir Madnani. A delightful young man Vir was a successful industrialist and businessman in Hong Kong. Quite often, this very happy couple would come to Pancha’s house and take us all for morning walks on the hill. Soon, I became very fond of them.

One day, Vir and I walked quite fast and went far ahead from the rest. It took a long time for them to catch up with us. Meanwhile, we sat on a rock under the shade of a tree. Waiting for the rest of the group, I went into meditation. After a little while, when I opened my eyes, I saw Vir weeping. He was sobbing audibly. I did not panic since I only felt spiritual vibrations emanating. With tender love and deep affection, I touched Vir enquiringly. He gave me an affectionate embrace and said, “These are tears of joy and gratitude, Ganesan! Today is my Gurudev’s day and his very thought makes me melt into ecstatic joy!” “Who is your Gurudev, Vir?” “Swami Chinmayananda! Do you know Gurudev?” I happily narrated anecdotes that revealed how close Swamiji had permitted me to be to him. Vir listened keenly to every anecdote. Then, Vir unfolded to me a most intimate and thrilling turn of events that took place in his life, due entirely to the Grace of Swamiji. It was now my turn to listen to him with rapt attention, admiration, awe and wonder!

Vir Madnani

“Many do not know Gurudev’s true greatness,” started Vir. ”It’s a pity. They generally accuse him of being a money collecting machine! How cruel and unfair! Now, listen to my story! Late one night, my auditor and lawyer telephoned me and said that next morning I would be in the streets, as everything – all my shares -- had collapsed, wiping out every penny that I had invested in them. Though they expressed great sympathy, they couldn’t suggest any remedy. I was shocked and in intense suffering. I loved my wife and my twin sons so deeply that I didn’t want them to bear the brunt of bankruptcy. What to do, should I run away and abscond? I was literally writhing in pain, almost turning mad! Just then, another phone call came. It was from my Gurudev. He commanded me to come to the Hong Kong airport at 3 that morning, as Gurudev then had to fly to Australia at 6 a.m. from there. He ordered that under no circumstances should I inform anyone about Gurudev’s visit and that I should meet him, all alone. I waited at the airport lounge. Gurudev arrived, hurriedly sat me next to him and put a bag on my lap. He commanded me to open it up and look. He said that there were five million Hong Kong dollars in it. Enough to tackle my initial losses. He advised that I should, along with my auditor and lawyer, take appropriate action that very morning itself before anyone comes to know of the calamity that had struck. I was dumbfounded. But, Gurudev didn’t stop with that. He continued, ‘Send your wife and twin sons to Australia and I will keep them with myself. On coming to know from you that everything is under control and all right, I will send them back to you. I do not want them to be affected in any manner. Looking after them is my responsibility.’ I simply obeyed my Gurudev’s instructions to the letter. Ganesan! It took time for everything to be ironed out. Yet, by Gurudev’s grace, I started standing on my legs again. Look at me, now! How happy I am! My two sons are studying at the Cambridge University in England. Every one in our family is in excellent condition. Gurudev is a mighty personality and multi-dimensional too! He never afterwards talked about that money, never demanded it back! Can you believe it? A wandering Swami giving relief to a broke businessman by lending money, without any conditions, but purely out of true compassion! Now, tell me, Ganesan, am I not right to shed tears of joy, at a single thought of my beloved Gurudev?” It was my turn to give ‘Veer’ Vir an embrace so tight that it revealed all the joy that was welling up in my heart !

Sashi Madnani

Once, Swami Chinmayananda was asked: “What is so great about Sri Ramana Maharshi? Why does Swamiji revere him, over and above all other great masters?” Pat came Swamiji’s solid response, “While all other Masters solved the problems of suffering seekers, Sri Ramana Maharshi dissolved them all !”

My Obeisance to Swami Chinmayananda !