Chinmayananda

Swami Chinmayananda
Born	Balakrishna Menon 8 May 1916 Ernakulam, Kerala, India
Died	3 August 1993 San Diego, California, USA
Nationality	Indian
Occupation	Spiritual leader, teacher
Known for	Founding the Chinmaya Mission

Swami Chinmayananda (born Balakrishna Menon; 8 May 1916 – 3 August 1993) was a renowned Indian spiritual leader and teacher who founded the Chinmaya Mission to spread the knowledge of Advaita Vedanta. His teachings and works have inspired millions around the world to pursue spiritual growth and understanding.

Early Life

Balakrishna Menon was born in Ernakulam, Kerala, India, into a devout Hindu family. He pursued his education in English literature and law, graduating from Madras University. During his college years, he was actively involved in the Indian independence movement and was influenced by the nationalist leaders of the time.

Spiritual Quest

After completing his education, Menon worked as a journalist and became increasingly interested in spiritual matters. His quest for spiritual knowledge led him to the Himalayas, where he met Swami Sivananda at the Divine Life Society in Rishikesh. Under Swami Sivananda's guidance, he studied the scriptures and was initiated into sannyasa (monastic life), receiving the name Swami Chinmayananda.

Founding of Chinmaya Mission

In 1951, Swami Chinmayananda began his mission to spread the teachings of Vedanta. He started giving public discourses on the Bhagavad Gita and the Upanishads, which attracted large audiences. Recognizing the need for an organized effort to disseminate these teachings, he founded the Chinmaya Mission in 1953. The mission has since grown into a global spiritual organization with centers worldwide.

Teachings and Philosophy

Swami Chinmayananda's teachings focused on the practical application of Vedantic principles in daily life. He emphasized the importance of self-knowledge, meditation, and ethical living. His approach made the ancient scriptures accessible to modern audiences, bridging the gap between traditional wisdom and contemporary life.

Legacy

Swami Chinmayananda's legacy continues through the work of the Chinmaya Mission, which runs numerous educational and spiritual programs, including schools, colleges, and ashrams. His commentaries on the Bhagavad Gita and the Upanishads are widely studied and respected.

Publications

Swami Chinmayananda authored several books and commentaries, including:

• The Holy Geeta
• Kindle Life
• Art of Man Making

See Also

• Advaita Vedanta
• Bhagavad Gita
• Swami Sivananda

References

• Chinmaya Mission. "About Swami Chinmayananda." Retrieved from [Chinmaya Mission website].
• Nair, R. (1994). Swami Chinmayananda: A Life of Inspiration and Service.

External Links

• [Chinmaya Mission Official Website]