Cultural Activities (Bhakti Yoga) – Chinmaya Mission Twin Cities

a. CHILDREN’S ACTIVITIES

i. Assembly- Collective Prayers

"Prayer is the means, the path, the staff and the goal. Prayer is power"--Swami Chinmayananda.

Prayer helps us to quieten our minds to be able to reach the power of silence within. Also, prayer done in a group is that much more powerful.

Every weekend we gather in the assembly hall to pray together as one family The vibrations created by the harmonious chanting of OM and the beautiful prayers following it quietens the mind and helps it to soar to its Divinity. The divinized mind then automatically bows down in gratitude to our Gurus during the chanting of Sri Gurustotram and in turn receives their blessings to learn Bhagawad Gita chanting. Chanting of the Gita helps improve the concentration & alertness of the mind. The learnings in the classrooms are presented as skits/songs/shlokas by the children, coached by their teachers to learn stage presence, microphone handling and overcome stage fright. Melodious Bhajans and aarati, that sing the praise of the Lord, follow to soak the mind in sweetness of devotion.

We conclude the assembly by reciting the Chinmaya Mission pledge to reaffirm Pujya Gurudev, Swami Chinmayanada's, vision and to resolve to lead a life of service to all and to the pursuit of the highest goal.

ii. Language Classes (Tamil, Telugu, Hindi):

India is a land of great linguistic and regional diversities. The richness of our culture and heritage is reflected in the different languages spoken and scriptural texts composed in several regional languages. CMTC offers a unique opportunity to learn some of these languages with trained teachers as part of the weekend classes. Through the course, children will learn to speak and write in the language of choice. The long term goal is to have the curriculum accredited so it can be applied towards gaining high school credits.

iii. Gita Chanting in Assembly:

Pujya Gurudev, Swami Chinmayananda breathed, lived and taught Srimad Bhagavad Geeta throughout His life. According to Gurudev, Bhagawad Gita, the Divine Song, starts with the word “Dharma” and concludes with the word “Mama” (my); and therefore, the main content of the Gita is nothing but “My Dharma” (Mama Dharma).

Pujya Gurudev believed that when we learn to chant Srimad Bhagawad Gita, we will eventually develop the curiosity to know the meaning of the slokas. In the meaning of the slokas lie the secrets of actions leading to success, the goal of life and the art of right contact. Thus learning to chant the slokas of Bhagawad Gita is an irrevocable step in the journey towards inner transformation.

In keeping with HIS vision, children and adults alike are encouraged to learn to chant the Bhagawad Gita. Chanting of specific verses is taught every weekend during the assembly. Every year a specific chapter from the Gita, in accordance to the assembly syllabus is taught culminating in an annual Gita chanting day/competition. On this day, children and adults can recite from memory or read the verses as a family.

iv. Vedic Chanting Classes:

The Vedas are considered to be the foundation of the Sanatana Dharma. The Vedic mantras were revealed to the rishis in the deep state of meditation. The remarkable fact about the Vedas is that they not only communicate to us through uplifting ideas and lofty concepts but the words of the Vedas themselves have strength and power when we chant them. Vedas were transmitted by oral tradition only. CMTC offers a great avenue to learn Vedic chanting from a trained teacher, as part of the weekend classes. Adults and children get the opportunity to learn, chant and keep this knowledge and tradition alive.

v. Swaranjali:

Chinmaya Swaranjali provides opportunities to Balavihar students and parents to explore the world of devotional Indian vocal music [bhajans] supported by contemporary Indian and Western accompanying music instruments. Open to all Balavihar students (ages 7 and above) and parents, this group meets every Sunday at our Chaska Ashram for 1 hour from 9 am- 10 am to practice for upcoming performances.

The Balavihar students undergo an audition before being inducted into the vocal or instrumental groups. Students with basic training in vocal or instrumental music with a flair for reading music are encouraged to audition.

The instrumental group provides orchestration for songs sung by the Balavihar students. This includes Indian instruments such as Mridangam, Dholki and side percussion, Western instruments such as Violin, Flute, Clarinet, Saxophone and electronic keyboard. The Balavihar students Swaranjali regularly present their music at various mission events during the year and on special invitation from community based organizations.

Parents of Balavihar students learn to sing bhajans (devotional indian music) composed by Acharyas from the Chinmaya mission and chant Vishnu Sahasranamam as part of Chinmaya Swaranjali Adults group.

vi. Hindustani Classical Vocal Classes:

CMTC Raaga is a Hindustani Classical Vocal Training Program of Chinmaya Mission Twin Cities. The goal of this program is to preserve, teach and appreciate Hindustani Classical music. Students in this program follow a very traditional curriculum pertaining to the Mewati Gharana and have the

opportunity for musical growth while developing a deeper understanding and appreciation of this particular art form.

The program starts with Swar Sadhana before moving onto presentation of various Raagas. Classical based Bhajans, Vandanas etc. are also taught. Over and above the curriculum, students also work on technicalities of singing like enhancing voice throw, increasing vocal range etc. CMTC Raaga students perform multiple times throughout the year at various mission events and other community based events.

Classes are held on Sunday mornings from 9am to 10am at our Chaska ashram and is open (but not limited) to Balvihar students. Children ages 7 and above and adults are welcome. This is an audition only program. However, previous musical experience is not required, the student is primarily tested for aptitude to music.

The Program eventually will seek formal affiliation with PJIM(Pundit Jasraj Institute of Music).

vii. Summer Drama Camp:

Balvihar Drama Camp: 3 to 5 day camp that focuses on creating stage productions that will be showcased later in the summer. Students of all ages are welcome and will engage in training/activities related to acting, audio/visual design, set design and logistics.

b. ADULT ACTIVITIES

i. Assembly- Collective Prayers

"Prayer is the means, the path, the staff and the goal. Prayer is power"--Swami Chinmayananda.

Prayer helps us to quieten our minds to be able to reach the power of silence within. Also, prayer done in a group is that much more powerful.

ii. Swaranjali Bhajan Classes

Parents of Balavihar students learn to sing bhajans (devotional indian music) composed by Acharyas from the Chinmaya mission and chant Vishnu Sahasranamam as part of Chinmaya Swaranjali Adults group.

iii. Gita Chanting in Assembly

iv. Vedic Chanting Classes

v. Hindustani Vocal Classes:

opportunity for musical growth while developing a deeper understanding and appreciation of this particular art form.

Classes are held on Sunday mornings from 9am to 10am at our Chaska ashram and is open to Balvihar students. Children ages 7 and above and adults are welcome. This is an audition only program. However, previous musical experience is not required, the student is primarily tested for aptitude to music.

The Program eventually will seek formal affiliation with PJIM(Pundit Jasraj Institute of Music).

c. PUJAS, CELEBRATIONS, EVENTS & FESTIVITIES

i. New Year Puja: Each New Year is welcomed at CMTC by praying to our presiding deities, Sri Chinmaya Ganapati and Sri Ashtavinayaka. This is followed by samasthi (group) chanting of Sri Vishnusahasranamam, samasthi keerthanam, and light prasad

ii. Parent Puja: The first day of Balavihar in cold, January is full of excitement and warmth for a very special tradition: Parent Puja. At CMTC we believe in Matru Devo Bhava and Pitru Devo Bhava. Thus, the children start their New Year by performing a small puja and offering prostrations to their parents with love and gratitude. The Matrustavanam and Pitrustavanam, beautiful compositions written by Pujya Guruji, Swami Tejomayananda, are both chanted by the congregation and allow us to revel together in this bhava of gratitude and love.

iii. Gita Chanting Day/Competition: Each year, this event fills the last week of January with excitement. Pujya Gurudev, Swami Chinmayananda, believed that everyone should learn to chant Srimad Bhagawad Gita. Reciting its cantos will make us curious to know their meaning, which reveals the secrets of life. Recent studies have proven that chanting shlokas has a positive effect on our brains and improves our concentration and efficiency, even if we do not know the meaning of the verses.

iv. Maha Shivarathri Celebrations: The celebration of Maha Shivaratri is a tradition in Chinmaya Mission centers worldwide. Pujya Gurudev Himself would perform Abhishekam on Lord Shiva after long hours of meditation. Every year, Maha Shivaratri is celebrated at CMTC with a beautiful puja, abhishekam, and archana, all of which are conducted by a trained priest. The archana is followed by a simple prasaad dinner. The atmosphere possesses the serenity of Mount Kailash, and the entire surroundings reverberate with the chanting of Sri Rudram. The wider Twin Cities community is invited, and devotees flock from near and far to offer milk abhishekam and karma archana to the meditative Lord. Night-long abhishekams have also been performed in the past.

v. Sri Rama Navami Celebrations: 2019 will see the first Sri Ram Navami celebration at CMTC. The event will include a Ramayana puppet show and a prasaad lunch.

vi. Sri Hanuman Jayanti Celebrations: Sri Hanumanji is the best role model any child or youth could have. By remembering Hanumanji, one gains wisdom, strength, success, courage, fearlessness, good health, lack of sluggishness, and oratory skills. At CMTC, Sri Hanuman Jayanti is celebrated with a Sri Hanuman Chalisathon. This undertaking is organized by CMTC youth, who invite members of the wider Twin Cities community to come and chant Sri Hanuman Chalisa 108 times in order to ensure the safety and success of all children and youth.

vii. Holi Color Weave: On the joyous occasion of Holi, the Festival of Colors, CMTC arranges a celebration that aims to demonstrate unity in diversity and promotes its vision of oneness. The event includes different food stalls, activity and craft booths, cultural shows, and dandia raas. It is generally held in the Woodbury area, and the wider Twin Cities community is invited.

viii. Sri Gurudev Jayanti: On May 8 of each year, we celebrate the Jayanti of Pujya Gurudev, H.H. Swami Chinmayanandaji, with Paduka puja and Paduka abhishekam. This is followed by a birthday bash dinner that includes pizza and cake for all.

ix. Graduation Ceremony: Each year, our senior students are sent off to college with a very traditional and unique graduation event. It involves the chanting of Sikshavalli (convocation address from Taittiriya Upanisad), a convocation ceremony, speeches given by the graduating seniors, and a very festive lunch.

x. Mother’s Day Picnic and CORD Walkathon: The end of the school year and beginning of summer are joyously marked with a picnic that takes place in one of Minnesota’s many parks. As a celebration of Mother’s Day, the occasion also incorporates a unique tribute to all mothers: the CORD walkathon. The walkathon is held to raise awareness and funds for underprivileged women and children in India and Sri Lanka. CORD has been voted the leading non-profit in the United States for the past few years and has received many accolades in India as well. The wider Twin Cities is invited to attend.

xi. Chinmaya Ganapathi Anniversary on July 13: The anniversary of the inauguration of Chinmaya Ganapati ashram is celebrated in different ways each year. In the past, we have conducted Ganapati homam, Bhagawad saptaha, a Jnana yagna on the Bhagawad Gita, and cultural programs by Balavihar children. This year, the ashram’s tenth anniversary calls for a series of special events: a jnana yagna on Sampoorna Ramayana, Kumbhabishekam, and Pattabhishekam.

xii. Special Summer Activities: Each summer, we organize a special event that is open to the wider Twin Cities community. Sri Ashtavinayaka sthapana, Sri Bhagawad Saptaha, and Sampoorna Ramayana are examples of these. As mentioned above, these generally happen around the anniversary of Chinmaya Ganapati. Balavihar cultural and language classes are not held during the summer. However, both adult swaranjali and youth swaranjali (vocal and instrumental) classes, as well as Hindustani classical classes and study groups, are held as usual. In addition to these, we lead a children’s drama camp, during which kids practice roles and make props and costumes for a play that coincides with the special summer event. Please refer to the cultural, yagna, and study group section for more details.

xiii. Sri Guru Purnima: Every year, Sri Guru poornima is celebrated with great devotion through the performance of a paduka puja and abhishekam. This is followed by a light prasaad dinner.

xiv. Mahasamadhi/Aradhana Day Puja: Pujya Gurudev, H.H. Swami Chinmayananda, attained Mahasamadhi on August 3^rd 1993. This day has been dedicated as Aradhana Day. Each year, a beautiful and serene paduka puja and abhishekam are performed by devotees who seek to remember Pujya Gurudev and revel in His teachings.

xv. Sri Krishna Janmashtami/Gokulashtami Celebrations: Each year, the wider Twin Cities community is invited to participate in this very sweet summer celebration. Devotees conduct a short shodasa Krishna puja, and engage in samasthi chanting of Sri Vishnusahasranamam. This is generally followed by an enactment of Sri Krishna janma and Sri Krishna janma utsav, as celebrated in Gokul. Such activities include a beautiful jhoola ceremony, songs and dances, and makhan michri prasaad. In the end, the little Lord is put to bed with the Surdasji’s mesmerizing lullaby.

xvi. Sri Ganesh Chaturthi Celebrations: This is a very special celebration for CMTC, as our ishta devata is Sri Ganapati. The celebrations start with a traditional Palki yatra and continue with a Ganesha sthapana and abhishekam, followed by Sri Ganapati homam. Each of these is ceremonies is conducted by a priest from the Hindu Temple of Minnesota. The next few evenings are filled with joyous celebrations, such as a parayanam of Sri Ganapati Atharvasirsham, a bhajan and keertanam session, a Mumbai street food evening, and cultural programs. These activities culminate in a traditional visarjan at a nearby lake, complete with a palki yatra and lunch prasaadam.

xvii. Opening Day Celebration of Bala Vihar: All returning and new students of Balavihar are welcomed by our energetic Youth Welcoming Team. The ashram is abuzz with excitement, bubbles, balloons, and huge smiles. We then settle down in our prayer hall to start the year with a short Sri Ganapati puja. Each family receives an individual puja plate and is led through all the steps by an experienced Sevak/Sevika.

xviii. Navarathri Celebrations: At CMTC we celebrate Navaratri with a beautiful Devi puja, followed by Sri Lalithasahasranamam archana. Both are conducted by a priest from the Hindu Temple of Minnesota. This puja is arranged by our sevaks, so that all sevikas can participate in the archana. Each participating lady is given her own puja samagri for the archana. This event is open to the wider Twin Cities community.

xix. Diwali Celebrations: Sri Ganesh puja and Sri Lakshmi puja are conducted on the Sunday closest to Diwali. Thereafter, a Diwali mela is arranged on a later date. This celebration incorporates adult-run food stalls featuring home-cooked food and a wide array of arts, crafts, and games stalls that are set up by CMTC youth. The ashram is full of children and adults dressed in brightly-colored traditional attire and wearing brilliant smiles to go with it.

xx. Middle School Overnight Camp: The overnight camp marks a unique event that middle school children eagerly await for the entire year. This camp was started by CMTC Junior CHYKS a few years ago and continues to be planned and implemented by high school students, with the guidance of CMTC CHYKS (young adults). Each year, the camp has a different theme. Past themes have included carnival games and Harry Potter. The children arrive on a Friday evening and stay at the ashram until Saturday morning. There are always two physicians on the premises in case of an emergency.

xxi. Gita Jayanti and Sri Tapovan Maharaj Jayanti Celebrations: Srimad Bagawad Gita Jayanti and Sri Tapovan Maharaj Jayanti fall on the same day each year. We celebrate this very auspicious day by chanting all 18 chapters of the Bhagawad Gita, as well as Sri Tapovan Shatakam.

xxii. Swara to Iswara & Nartan to Paramatman Concerts: Chinmaya Mission is committed to preservation of traditional Indian music and dance forms. Therefore, CMTC has held several Indian classical dance concerts, and hosts three to four Indian classical and semi-classical music concerts each year. These can be vocal or instrumental. We invite well-known, seasoned artists, and also involve rising artists in order to give them a platform to showcase their talents. These concerts are open to the wider Twin Cities community.