Chinmaya Mission - Gita, Upanishads and Ancient Knowledge (Chinmaya Mission)

Swami Swaroopananda, Global Head of Chinmaya Mission, is a revered spiritual leader known for his clear, profound Vedanta teachings. His wisdom guides many towards self-discovery and inner peace, making complex concepts accessible and inspiring globally.

Chapter 2 Verse 55

Kathopanishad uses the metaphor of the chariot to explain our relationship with the True Self. For this inner journey, our chariot is the body, in which the in-dwelling 'jiva' is the master, intellect the charioteer, mind the reins, senses the horses and the sense objects the road. Swami Tejomayananda cautions us that for safety, the charioteer should remain on the path of devotion, right thinking and faith, avoiding the dangers lurking in the by-lanes of compromise.

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/ChinmayaChannel/

Swami Swaroopananda, Global Head of Chinmaya Mission, is a revered spiritual leader known for his clear, profound Vedanta teachings. His wisdom guides many towards self-discovery and inner peace, making complex concepts accessible and inspiring globally.

How do we know that the Self is separate from the body? Kathopanishad clarifies that man does not live purely because he breathes. Instead, Swami Tejomayananda elaborates on what causes bodies to function.  In every body, there is an individual jiva. When the jiva leaves the body, what remains? The functions of the body stop. This implies that there is something other than the body that causes it to function. The physical, physiological and senses work only because they are enlivened by Him, clarifying that the Atmatattva is separate from the body.

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/ChinmayaChannel/

Chapter 2 Verse 47

Chapter 3

Having failed at his initial attempts to dissuade Nachiketa, Lord Death now presents Nachiketa with an endless array of temptations including power, wealth, progeny, long life and the ability to enjoy all possible desires. Nachiketa remains unmoved, knowing that the nature of all objects and pleasures is temporary. Thus, he becomes even more determined to seek the third boon from Lord Death.

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/ChinmayaChannel/

Chapter 2 Verse 16

Swami Swaroopananda, Global Head of Chinmaya Mission, is a revered spiritual leader known for his clear, profound Vedanta teachings. His wisdom guides many towards self-discovery and inner peace, making complex concepts accessible and inspiring globally.

Swami Swaroopananda, Global Head of Chinmaya Mission, is a revered spiritual leader known for his clear, profound Vedanta teachings. His wisdom guides many towards self-discovery and inner peace, making complex concepts accessible and inspiring globally.

Chapter 3 Verse 15

Chapter 3 Verse 8

Swami Swaroopananda, Global Head of Chinmaya Mission, is a revered spiritual leader known for his clear, profound Vedanta teachings. His wisdom guides many towards self-discovery and inner peace, making complex concepts accessible and inspiring globally.

Grief like Arjuna’s leads one to enquire into what is the cause of one’s sorrow. How can we find permanent solutions to our problems and gain shreyas - the supreme good?

Swami Swaaroopananda explains how Krishna begins by calling out Arjuna’s despondency as ignoble and un-Aryan, in an attempt to prod at his pride and shake him out of self-pity.

The entire Geeta Marathon by Swami Swaroopananda can be caught at https://clix.chinmayamission.com/product/geeta-marathon/

Swami Swaroopananda, Global Head of Chinmaya Mission, is a revered spiritual leader known for his clear, profound Vedanta teachings. His wisdom guides many towards self-discovery and inner peace, making complex concepts accessible and inspiring globally.

Swami Swaroopananda, Global Head of Chinmaya Mission, is a revered spiritual leader known for his clear, profound Vedanta teachings. His wisdom guides many towards self-discovery and inner peace, making complex concepts accessible and inspiring globally.

Chapter 2 Verse 7: Correct meaning of prosperity, your well-being? What is the right path for you?

Chapter 3 Verse 33

Swami Swaroopananda, Global Head of Chinmaya Mission, is a revered spiritual leader known for his clear, profound Vedanta teachings. His wisdom guides many towards self-discovery and inner peace, making complex concepts accessible and inspiring globally.

Chapter 3 Verse 18

The 3 vyāhrtis Bhūh, Bhuvaḥ and Svaḥ, prefix the Gāyatrī Mantra, which Ādi Śaṅkararacharya tells us indicate the nature of the Truth. Oṃ, with which the Mantra begins, is the subtlest of all symbols for, and is the closest indicator of that same Truth. Swamiji gives us further insight into Oṃ, distilled from the vast knowledge of the Upaniṣads.

Often we experience difficulty reaching our goals. This practical talks shows us the means to integrate our minds and intellect, a key method by which we can achieve success. Our mind, because it is full of desires and distractions, often deters us from reaching our goals. However, when the mind and intellect are integrated and remain focused on the Truth, we recognise that we can achieve anything because we are not limited, but we are part of the Infinite. To bring about this integration, we need to focus on positive values and work on removing our pride, ignorance and ego. When all our actions are devoted to the Lord, the ego is dropped and integration can take place. With an integrated mind and intellect, anything is achievable!

Swami Swaroopananda, Global Head of Chinmaya Mission, is a revered spiritual leader known for his clear, profound Vedanta teachings. His wisdom guides many towards self-discovery and inner peace, making complex concepts accessible and inspiring globally.

Today we journey with Swami Swaroopananda into inspiring memories of Pujya Gurudev Swami Chinmayananda’s first ever Marathon Bhagavad Geeta camp in Sidhbari, at the foothills of the Himalayas. Swamiji goes on to explain how the knowledge of the Geeta can transform each and every one of us, effectively creating the change we wish to see in the world.

The entire Geeta Marathon by Swami Swaroopananda can be caught at https://clix.chinmayamission.com/product/geeta-marathon/

Chapter 1 Verse 3: Our thoughts belie our fears, expectations and self-estimation. Our mind are made up of thoughts. Be aware of your thoughts!

Chapter 3 Verse 26

After deep introspection, Nachiketa has come to know that the transcendental question of “Is there an existence after death?”, is not one that can be grasped by the mind or the intellect. Nachiketa therefore poses the question to the Lord of Death as only a Master who has realised the Truth, is able to reveal that Truth, which cannot be otherwise known by direct perception or inference.

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/ChinmayaChannel/

Chapter 2 Verse 41

Swami Swaroopananda, Global Head of Chinmaya Mission, is a revered spiritual leader known for his clear, profound Vedanta teachings. His wisdom guides many towards self-discovery and inner peace, making complex concepts accessible and inspiring globally.

Chapter 3 Verse 34

Chapter 2 Verse 45

All our experiences, happy or sad, have a beginning and an end. But the more we complain about what we cannot change, the more the sorrow and pain magnify!

When the mind is disturbed by sorrow, we brood over the change and become more easily influenced by future fluctuations. In forbearing the changes in the world outside, we can gradually come to identify with the changeless within us.

The entire Geeta Marathon by Swami Swaroopananda can be caught at https://clix.chinmayamission.com/product/geeta-marathon/

Swami Swaroopananda, Global Head of Chinmaya Mission, is a revered spiritual leader known for his clear, profound Vedanta teachings. His wisdom guides many towards self-discovery and inner peace, making complex concepts accessible and inspiring globally.

The benefit of the Geeta is to be experienced here and now. With amusing anecdotes, Swamiji clarifies how we can act in love and dedication. Applying the practice of karma yoga in whatever we do, enriches our work with efficiency and brings us peace and equanimity, regardless of the results that follow.

The entire Geeta Marathon by Swami Swaroopananda can be caught at https://clix.chinmayamission.com/product/geeta-marathon/

Although the Atman is unknown to us now, is it unknowable? Can we experience it via our senses or through perception? The Atman does not fall within the range of our sense perception. Kathopanishad shares the method of gaining this knowledge; listening, reflecting and then meditating. The student needs a purified mind and to have gained knowledge from a Guru. When a qualified student approaches the teacher, the Guru gives the knowledge. That is called Shravanam. Once we have heard, Mananam or reflection is required to  slowly reduce the mind’s attention from external objects to the internal. And finally, meditation.

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/ChinmayaChannel/

We experience the world around us as pairs of opposites, giving us joy or sorrow, based on our likes and dislikes. When our sense organs come into contact with the sense objects, then only do we experience these dualities, just as when we touch electricity, we get the shock! In this episode, Swamiji teaches us the secret to overcoming these ‘shocks’ around us!

The entire Geeta Marathon by Swami Swaroopananda can be caught at https://clix.chinmayamission.com/product/geeta-marathon/

Swami Swaroopananda, Global Head of Chinmaya Mission, is a revered spiritual leader known for his clear, profound Vedanta teachings. His wisdom guides many towards self-discovery and inner peace, making complex concepts accessible and inspiring globally.

Swami Swaroopananda gives us the fascinating history of how Krishna became Arjuna’s charioteer, and how Hanuman came to sit on his flagstaff. Wishing to view the armies of both sides and view those he must fight with, Arjuna tells Krishna to bring him to the middle of the battlefield. What a thrilling moment after all the tumult of the war instruments!

The entire Geeta Marathon by Swami Swaroopananda can be caught at https://clix.chinmayamission.com/product/geeta-marathon/

Chapter 2 Verse 20

Swami Swaroopananda, Global Head of Chinmaya Mission, is a revered spiritual leader known for his clear, profound Vedanta teachings. His wisdom guides many towards self-discovery and inner peace, making complex concepts accessible and inspiring globally.

Swami Swaroopananda, Global Head of Chinmaya Mission, is a revered spiritual leader known for his clear, profound Vedanta teachings. His wisdom guides many towards self-discovery and inner peace, making complex concepts accessible and inspiring globally.

How to explain the nature of this Atmatattva (essential nature of the Self)? Swami Tejomayananda gives a number of vivid examples to remind us that this Atman is everywhere. It is not energy, it is consciousness which manifests as life. Air does not have any particular shape, it takes the form of its containers. For example, when you blow a balloon, you breathe in air which is transferred to the balloon and then back to space when the balloon bursts. Just like this, the Atman is the same in all of us and is expressed as many because of the many Jivas and upadhis that exist. Again the Rishis remind us to wake up to the one alone that is appearing as many, that One is what you are.

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/ChinmayaChannel/

Chapter 2 Verse 11:

Swami Swaroopananda, Global Head of Chinmaya Mission, is a revered spiritual leader known for his clear, profound Vedanta teachings. His wisdom guides many towards self-discovery and inner peace, making complex concepts accessible and inspiring globally.

As we do our Japa of the Gāyatrī Mantra, the mind quietens.  We must deepen our Sādhana by contemplating that Truth which the Mantra is indicating. In this concluding episode, Swamiji explains how the Mantra reveals to us our true nature, that of Existence (Sat), Consciousness (Cit) and Bliss (Ānanda)!

What exists after death? Is there a Truth after that? Join Swami Tejomayananda as he takes us through the dialogue between the Lord of Death and Nachiketa. In this episode, he offers an introduction of the knowledge covered in the Kathopanishad; beginning with a detailed explanation of the invocatory prayer recited by the teacher and the student as they begin this journey.

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/ChinmayaChannel/

The family unit ensured that family traditions were passed down through the generations. As time goes by, we see this unit gradually decline, leading to great loss in cultural values. Drawing on real life situations, ranging from the collapse of the traditional joint family, to intercultural marriages, Swamiji shows us how the Geeta can help reconcile today’s generation gap.

The entire Geeta Marathon by Swami Swaroopananda can be caught at https://clix.chinmayamission.com/product/geeta-marathon/

Kathopanishad begins as the young Nachiketa questions the actions of his father, who is involved in a great sacrifice. Nachiketa taps into the two most important qualities of a student; Shraddha (faith) and Viveka (right thinking) to probe into the deeper significance of the sacrifice and the dissonance that he observes with his father’s actions.

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/ChinmayaChannel/

Without clear understanding that all that we seek outside is not going to bring us the peace we seek, the mind will always be restless. Swamiji delves deep into our mind’s flawed logic and tendency to dwell on the objects we desire. He also clearly illustrates the journey from agitation to quietness in the mind that we repeatedly go on when pursuing our desires.

The entire Geeta Marathon by Swami Swaroopananda can be caught at https://clix.chinmayamission.com/product/geeta-marathon/

Chapter 3 Verse 37

Chapter 2 Verse 45

Arjuna continues to justify his pacifism, telling Krishna that by killing a whole generation of men, the Vedic culture would be lost for future generations to follow. He even goes on to say he would rather the Kauravas kill him unarmed! Swami Swaroopananda talks about how Arjuna’s words have become today’s reality and reminds us to rise and take back our cultural heritage and pride.

The entire Geeta Marathon by Swami Swaroopananda can be caught at https://clix.chinmayamission.com/product/geeta-marathon/

In times of adversity, our true character and personality is revealed. Through the lens of Duryodhana and his words to his Guru Drona, Swami Swaroopananda gives us insight into the workings of a mind full of fear, pride and negativity towards others. A cautionary tale if we ever heard one!

The entire Geeta Marathon by Swami Swaroopananda can be caught at https://clix.chinmayamission.com/product/geeta-marathon/

Swami Tejomayananda expounds on the next few verses of the Kathopanishad where Lord Death tests the calibre of Nachiketa to determine if he is fit to receive the Knowledge. Despite the attempts by Lord Death to dissuade Nachiketa from seeking the Knowledge, Nachiketa remains relentlessly firm in his resolve. He knows that only with the grace of the Guru, is it possible to gain the Knowledge of the Infinite Truth.

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/ChinmayaChannel/

Swami Swaroopananda, Global Head of Chinmaya Mission, is a revered spiritual leader known for his clear, profound Vedanta teachings. His wisdom guides many towards self-discovery and inner peace, making complex concepts accessible and inspiring globally.

Swami Swaroopananda, Global Head of Chinmaya Mission, is a revered spiritual leader known for his clear, profound Vedanta teachings. His wisdom guides many towards self-discovery and inner peace, making complex concepts accessible and inspiring globally.

Chapter 3 Verse 30

Swami Swaroopananda, Global Head of Chinmaya Mission, is a revered spiritual leader known for his clear, profound Vedanta teachings. His wisdom guides many towards self-discovery and inner peace, making complex concepts accessible and inspiring globally.

Chapter 2 Verse 58

In this very important verse from the Bhagavad Geeta, Krishna shares a powerful analogy of how the jiva (soul) casts off the body and takes a new one just like how one would shed off old garments and wear new ones. Swamiji delves into the law of action and reaction as he sheds more light into this nuanced topic.

The entire Geeta Marathon by Swami Swaroopananda can be caught at https://clix.chinmayamission.com/product/geeta-marathon/

Swami Swaroopananda, Global Head of Chinmaya Mission, is a revered spiritual leader known for his clear, profound Vedanta teachings. His wisdom guides many towards self-discovery and inner peace, making complex concepts accessible and inspiring globally.

Swami Swaroopananda, Global Head of Chinmaya Mission, is a revered spiritual leader known for his clear, profound Vedanta teachings. His wisdom guides many towards self-discovery and inner peace, making complex concepts accessible and inspiring globally.

Swami Swaroopananda, Global Head of Chinmaya Mission, is a revered spiritual leader known for his clear, profound Vedanta teachings. His wisdom guides many towards self-discovery and inner peace, making complex concepts accessible and inspiring globally.

Swami Swaroopananda, Global Head of Chinmaya Mission, is a revered spiritual leader known for his clear, profound Vedanta teachings. His wisdom guides many towards self-discovery and inner peace, making complex concepts accessible and inspiring globally.

The Gāyatrī Mantra illustrates the brilliant values and qualities the Sun embodies, and gives an ideal to aspire to. Swamiji shines a light on how regular Japa (chanting) of the Gāyatrī Mantra leads us to develop a calm, concentrated, devoted mind, in which all noble values can be cultivated. As our practice of Gāyatrī Japa deepens, our intelligence gains clarity and our knowledge deepens.

Chapter 3 Verse 25

Swami Swaroopananda, Global Head of Chinmaya Mission, is a revered spiritual leader known for his clear, profound Vedanta teachings. His wisdom guides many towards self-discovery and inner peace, making complex concepts accessible and inspiring globally.

Working with the right attitude, the right Buddhi, can help us gain knowledge of the Truth.

By acting without the input of our own likes and dislikes, the mind becomes calm and unites us with the Buddhi, the means to gain knowledge. Gradually, we begin to work with our intelligence in tune with our higher Ideals, purifying us with each action we undertake!

The entire Geeta Marathon by Swami Swaroopananda can be caught at https://clix.chinmayamission.com/product/geeta-marathon/

Why worry? Shri Krishna reminds us time and time again that for His devotees there is no reason to worry. His devotees shall never perish. How do we keep reminding ourselves that we are always protected? Swamiji reminds us that even those who have committed multiple sins, when they turn their mind to the Divine, they are transformed. When that person experiences a sense of Oneness with the Lord, they experience eternal peace. Once one has surrendered completely to God, there is nothing to worry about.

Kathopanishad reveals the true nature of the Atman (the Self). The Atman is neither born nor dies. Neither is it an effect nor a cause.The Atman is changeless. As we listen to the glory of the Self as it is described, Swami Tejomayananda reminds us that the Upanishad is talking about our true nature! So go ahead and get acquainted with yourself.

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/ChinmayaChannel/

Swami Swaroopananda, Global Head of Chinmaya Mission, is a revered spiritual leader known for his clear, profound Vedanta teachings. His wisdom guides many towards self-discovery and inner peace, making complex concepts accessible and inspiring globally.

The subjective experience of the Atman - our True Self - cannot be gained by merely listening to discourses. One's study and reflection of the scriptures must be soaked in the intensity of faith. To the spiritual aspirant, who wants nothing else and diligently seeks the Atman, the Atman reveals Itself.

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/ChinmayaChannel/

We are introduced to the great history of the Mahabharata, which forms the background against which the teachings of Shri Krishna shine forth as a crest jewel. Swami Swaroopananda introduces the various meanings of ‘Dharma’ and how the Mahabharata navigates Dharma by introducing us to the epic’s numerous personalities.

The entire Geeta Marathon by Swami Swaroopananda can be caught at https://clix.chinmayamission.com/product/geeta-marathon/

Swami Swaroopananda, Global Head of Chinmaya Mission, is a revered spiritual leader known for his clear, profound Vedanta teachings. His wisdom guides many towards self-discovery and inner peace, making complex concepts accessible and inspiring globally.

Swami Swaroopananda, Global Head of Chinmaya Mission, is a revered spiritual leader known for his clear, profound Vedanta teachings. His wisdom guides many towards self-discovery and inner peace, making complex concepts accessible and inspiring globally.

Why do I continue to feel bound if this Atman (the Self) is liberated? Even though the Atman is free, since I do not know it, I feel I am bound. However a precious thing you may have, the joy is only in knowing its preciousness. If I have a diamond ring, the joy is not there if I do not know it is a diamond. Similarly if I do not know myself, there is no joy. Once I realise the Self, there is only bliss.

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/ChinmayaChannel/

Swami Swaroopananda, Global Head of Chinmaya Mission, is a revered spiritual leader known for his clear, profound Vedanta teachings. His wisdom guides many towards self-discovery and inner peace, making complex concepts accessible and inspiring globally.

Swami Swaroopananda, Global Head of Chinmaya Mission, is a revered spiritual leader known for his clear, profound Vedanta teachings. His wisdom guides many towards self-discovery and inner peace, making complex concepts accessible and inspiring globally.

A restless mind leads to an inefficient intellect, leading to nothing but more suffering! Doing our best and accepting the fruits of our action as the just results, regardless of whether it is what we desire or not, ensures a balanced mind. Swamiji elaborately explains the benefits of performing our duties with this attitude (and the downside of not!)

The entire Geeta Marathon by Swami Swaroopananda can be caught at https://clix.chinmayamission.com/product/geeta-marathon/

As Arjuna faces his family on the other side of the battlefield, he expresses strong emotional reactions. Swamiji explains how we face similar Arjuna-situations in life and take to misplaced compassion. Through the wisdom of the Geeta we can grow to realise what true compassion really means.

The entire Geeta Marathon by Swami Swaroopananda can be caught at https://clix.chinmayamission.com/product/geeta-marathon/

Swami Swaroopananda, Global Head of Chinmaya Mission, is a revered spiritual leader known for his clear, profound Vedanta teachings. His wisdom guides many towards self-discovery and inner peace, making complex concepts accessible and inspiring globally.

Swami Swaroopananda, Global Head of Chinmaya Mission, is a revered spiritual leader known for his clear, profound Vedanta teachings. His wisdom guides many towards self-discovery and inner peace, making complex concepts accessible and inspiring globally.

Chapter 2 Verse 40

Chapter 2 Verse 15

Swami Swaroopananda, Global Head of Chinmaya Mission, is a revered spiritual leader known for his clear, profound Vedanta teachings. His wisdom guides many towards self-discovery and inner peace, making complex concepts accessible and inspiring globally.

Swami Swaroopananda, Global Head of Chinmaya Mission, is a revered spiritual leader known for his clear, profound Vedanta teachings. His wisdom guides many towards self-discovery and inner peace, making complex concepts accessible and inspiring globally.

In moments of mental weakness, the bigger picture gets distorted as we zoom into our personal gains or losses in a situation. We even start to deny our true intentions, attempting to appear compassionate.
Swami Swaroopananda guides us to see what our mind denies, because in denial is our desire expressed. Only upon recognising those desires, can we actually do something about them!

The entire Geeta Marathon by Swami Swaroopananda can be caught at https://clix.chinmayamission.com/product/geeta-marathon/

In this episode, we hear from Swami Swaroopananda about Ādi Śaṅkararacharya’s commentary on the Gāyatrī Mantra, which tells us that the Gāyatrī Mantra reveals the truth about the relationship between the Jivatma and Paramatma. Swamiji breaks down the meaning of each word of the Mantra, taking us deeper in contemplation on the divine Gāyatrī Mantra!

To comfort Arjuna’s grief, Krishna reveals the truth of how there never was a time when any of us did not exist. The ‘I’ Krishna speaks of is the Self of everybody, not the individual ego-centric identity we associate with. Understanding the permanence of the one true Self is a hallmark of the wise student of the Bhagavad Geeta!

The entire Geeta Marathon by Swami Swaroopananda can be caught at https://clix.chinmayamission.com/product/geeta-marathon/

Swami Swaroopananda, Global Head of Chinmaya Mission, is a revered spiritual leader known for his clear, profound Vedanta teachings. His wisdom guides many towards self-discovery and inner peace, making complex concepts accessible and inspiring globally.