Sketches for Children
How to do Arati.
Detailed instructions were communicated through a beautiful drawing.
i. 3 times at neck.
ii. 3 times at belly.
iii. 3 times at His feet.
iv. 3 times at the entire length.
Between 3 and 4 bring the flame to points A and B.
When concluded at point X bring it to B, swing to A, and then take the flame clock wise from feet to head, back to feet…. 3 times (iv)
Then three times at the face. Stop it at Lords heart.
How to do Arati.
Detailed instructions were communicated through a beautiful drawing.
i. 3 times at neck.
ii. 3 times at belly.
iii. 3 times at His feet.
iv. 3 times at the entire length.
Between 3 and 4 bring the flame to points A and B.
When concluded at point X bring it to B, swing to A, and then take the flame clock wise from feet to head, back to feet…. 3 times (iv)
Then three times at the face. Stop it at Lords heart.
How to draw an elephant.
In a letter to Dilip and Deepak, Gurudev taught them step by step.
Draw as below in Stages of 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5.
The back side of an elephant!
MANY MANY HAPPY RETURNS.
LOVE TO BOTH OF YOU.
How to draw an elephant.
In a letter to Dilip and Deepak, Gurudev taught them step by step.
Draw as below in Stages of 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5.
The back side of an elephant!
MANY MANY HAPPY RETURNS.
LOVE TO BOTH OF YOU.
A puzzle for the child.
In a letter to Deepak, Gurudev drew up a puzzle!
Discover these letters in this picture.
BGhLLQMZZ
Learn to draw this.
A puzzle for the child.
In a letter to Deepak, Gurudev drew up a puzzle!
Discover these letters in this picture.
BGhLLQMZZ
Learn to draw this
An intricate drawing.
An intricate drawing!
Fresh flowers on a donkey!.
In a letter to Meenakshi, Gurudev writes:
I am sorry I couldn’t reply yours earlier. I have got only this stupid slow donkey to carry my flowers for your birthday, and it is loaded so much with my love that the stupid beast couldn’t walk faster!! Anyway we have reached you; and my flowers are still fresh with my love for you all and here I pay my special loyalty to your Birthday.
Fresh flowers on a donkey!
I am sorry I couldn’t reply yours earlier. I have got only this stupid slow donkey to carry my flowers for your birthday, and it is loaded so much with my love that the stupid beast couldn’t walk faster!! Anyway we have reached you; and my flowers are still fresh with my love for you all and here I pay my special loyalty to your Birthday.
A flourish of His pen
There are such moments in everyone’s life.
Stop worrying and sit back to watch and sing Om Namah Sivaya.
A flourish of His pen
There are such moments in everyone’s life. Stop worrying and sit back to watch and sing Om Namah Sivaya.
When the young Anjali bombarded him with letters, Swamiji replied with a sketch in mock desperation.
The headless one has to say “hands up”. Your methods are foul and I am quite defenceless. Please have mercy and stop writing to me. This is pure kindness – divine compassion. I can’t reply at the rate at which you write to me.
When the young Anjali bombarded him with letters, Swamiji replied with a sketch in mock desperation.
The headless one has to say “hands up”. Your methods are foul and I am quite defenceless. Please have mercy and stop writing to me. This is pure kindness – divine compassion. I can’t reply at the rate at which you write to me.
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Friend and Mentor for Youth
Introduction
Swami Chinmayananda had a special affinity with the youth. He said that the future of our country lies in their hands. Teenage and young adulthood is a difficult time. One tends to be rebellious, confused and resistant to any advice. But Gurudev had a way of connecting with them directly. After all, he had also been a very rebellious young man!
Most of the young people who were lucky enough to come into contact with Pujya Gurudev grew up to be highly responsible citizens that the country can be proud of. Many of them have become pillars of the Chinmaya Mission today.
And the tradition continues through the Chinmaya Yuva Kendra. The Youth Empowerment Programme has moulded and transformed young people, batch after batch. Having imbibed the sacred values and learnt to face the challenges of life, they launch out into the world, enriching it in a variety of ways.
Below are links to a collection of letters from Pujya Gurudev to youngsters.
Swami Chinmayananda had a special affinity with the youth. He said that the future of our country lies in their hands. Teenage and young adulthood is a difficult time. One tends to be rebellious, confused and resistant to any advice. But Gurudev had a way of connecting with them directly. After all, he had also been a very rebellious young man!
Most of the young people who were lucky enough to come into contact with Pujya Gurudev grew up to be highly responsible citizens that the country can be proud of. Many of them have become pillars of the Chinmaya Mission today.
And the tradition continues through the Chinmaya Yuva Kendra. The Youth Empowerment Programme has moulded and transformed young people, batch after batch. Having imbibed the sacred values and learnt to face the challenges of life, they launch out into the world, enriching it in a variety of ways.
Below are links to a collection of letters from Pujya Gurudev to youngsters.
Nothing found.
A Child among Children
Introduction
Children loved Gurudev and Gurudev loved children. He made each child feel very special. He treated them as individuals and talked to them at their level even when they came with the whole family. he always enquired about the children by name in his letters to householders. Sometimes he would enclose a separate sealed envelope with the child’s name on top with instructions that only the child was to open it. He took care that while writing to one child, the other one in the family does not feel neglected and we often find letters to siblings carrying the same date. And for two boys who were twins, he once wrote two letters on a single page with a vertical line dividing it!
In this section of the website we present a selection of letters from Swami Chinmayananda to children. To purchase the book ‘Yours Forever’ which has the full selection of letters please contact:
eshop@chinmayamission.com.
Select a category below:
Children loved Gurudev and Gurudev loved children. He made each child feel very special. He treated them as individuals and talked to them at their level even when they came with the whole family. he always enquired about the children by name in his letters to householders. Sometimes he would enclose a separate sealed envelope with the child’s name on top with instructions that only the child was to open it. He took care that while writing to one child, the other one in the family does not feel neglected and we often find letters to siblings carrying the same date. And for two boys who were twins, he once wrote two letters on a single page with a vertical line dividing it!
In this section of the website we present a selection of letters from Swami Chinmayananda to children. To purchase the book ‘Yours Forever’ which has the full selection of letters please contact:
eshop@chinmayamission.com.
Select a category below:
Nothing found.
Youth Life Skills
Most of the young people who were lucky enough to come into contact with Pujya Gurudev grew up to be highly responsible citizens that the country can be proud of. Many of them have become pillars of the Chinmaya Mission today.
He guided the young Bharati Sukhatankar, who was to do yeoman service in the Mission through the years.
Miss Bharathi
Life is a field. The more we cultivated the more is our profit. We have the freedom to be an idle farmer or an industrious one. If one is idle weeds shall grow; if active we shall gather a rich harvest.
Majority leave their wonderful extent fallow and allow weeds and therefore harbour poisonous crawlers among the luxurious weeds. If at all, they cultivate but the near courtyard of their life. The wide expanse, up to the boundaries, where the horizon dips, lie waiting for the plough-man and his life-giving touch of intelligent tenderness.
Now you choose. You are Bharathi. Look around? What is wrong with Bharat itself? Should you Bharathi then doubt? Hesitate? Jump at it. Finish the training. Whether you are going to be a teacher or not, the very training is a beautiful discipline. It cannot but give you a knowledge of some of the weaknesses inherent in our present educational system.
Carry the “torch”, wherever you go. Lovingly persuade your friends and students to think of the higher values. In your friendship let them gather the spirit of divine enthusiasm to seek, to strive and to reach the Essential Peace – the true joy of living. If teachers have culture and religion, children cannot be otherwise. Give my love to your mother and Damayanthi.
Swami Chinmayananda
Pujya Gurudev's reply to a young Sumithra, who today is Swamini Kaivalyananda, the force behind Chinmaya Archives.
Your kind letter of 20th September has come today on my return from Hubli. Your questions:
No. 1: After your dinner you are in the bed trying to sleep, you are “surrendering” yourself to sleep. The individual quietens his mind, invokes sleep and allows the sleep-state to conquor and overwhelm the tired exhausted fatigued individual. Similarly the individual “surrenders” himself and allow the Higher State of Consciousness, the Infinite Peace and Bliss to overwhelm him.
No. 2: At such a moment when the individual ego gets sucked into the Higher State of Consciousness, he experiences perfect knowledge. His mind then is zero as in the sleep your mind is zero.
Signed
Swami Chinmayananda
In a letter to Lakshmi Reddy Pujya Gurudev emphasises the importance of service and sacrifice.
Without pain joy is impossible. Without sacrifice gains are improbable. Learn to pour yourself out in the service of all others groaning in pain, but cheerful in mane – you be rewarded with joy, peace, love and kindness from above and all around.
Signed
Swami Chinmayananda
Gurudev wrote to young Siddhartha Reddy, who was unwell, not only to alleviate his immediate pain, but also to prepare him for adult life.
Your sweet letter. Life in this world is always like this — some pain will be with us all always. Even if we have no physical pains and all people love us, then we mentally create sorrows for ourselves. It has to be so.
Prayer is the only steady, joyous state. Surrender to Him all your pains. Be a hero and in spite of pains you SMILE!! You will soon get well – Jai Jai Jagadeeswara. Be regular in your japa. Do it lovingly, sincerely.
Love Love Love
Swami Chinmayananda
Gurudev teaches a young man who was training in military service how to face new situations and come to terms with the realities of life.
Children generally refuse to eat a thing which they didn’t like because of the “form” or “colour”. But when forced they come to “love” it and later on crave for it.
We also as soon as we meet a new challenge, consider it unconducive, dangerous, dirty and even abominable. But once you settle down to it, the very same situation appears comfortable, interesting and enjoyable.
Be ever ready to “face” all situations. Learn to meet all challenges and yet keep your inner balance. This is easy to one who is a devotee who can see everything as arranged by Him.
Signed
Swami Chinmayananda
Who could fail to be inspired when Gurudev wrote like this? Pranav Saran was a lucky boy to receive this letter:
Continue your daily exercises for health and strong body. Plunge yourself in study and score the best you can. The future career depends upon your healthy mind and continuous efforts. Be regular in your daily prayers and faith in yourself and in Lord’s protection fearlessly enter into your chosen field of honest action. You will never know what is failure!
Love
Swami Chinmayananda
Youngsters were drawn by Pujya Gurudev because he could relate to the ebullient joy of life innate in youth.
Sept. middle. Sept. mid. Mid Sept. to take up any new work. Get out of that place and breath some fresh air. See a few pictures. Suck at some ice – cones. Chew chocklets. Scream! Dance! Skip! Run. Dash. Mid Sept. Start work.
Signed
Swami Chinmayananda
Gurudev tells Gayatri, whose brother is now known as Br. Atharvana Chaitanya, how to handle stage-fright:
You chanted most fluently and in our mission tune. I was very happy.
It is always very frightening when you first sing or talk to an audience. This is because of one’s own self-consciousness, ego-sense. Can I do it? What will others say? Will they accept etc. Once you surrender to Him, you have no more fear – you discover self-confidence.
Signed
Swami Chinmayananda
Another letter questions the aggressive methods used these days in the pursuit of success:
Do you really need the so called aggressive qualities for success in life. By that process even if you succeed is it worthwhile. Do you like to have the mental fears and agitations of the aggressively acquisitive Ravana, or the qualities that Rama lived. Think!!
Signed
Swami Chinmayananda
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Youth Education
Many youngsters looked up to Pujya Gurudev for guidance when it came to academics. His prompt replies were not only reassuring but also made the recipient think about the bigger picture.
He encouraged originality and a creative approach, along with discipline and hard work. Here is his instruction to a young woman named Lakshmi Reddy, who became a staunch devotee later.
Prepare with study and meditation. Luck is not a mysterious something that descends upon us from nowhere – when preparation meets opportunity, there comes to manifest luck. And so ever be prepared to meet the demands. Soon the world will demand of you a great lead, and you must be ready for it.
Don’t merely read and try to understand others ideas only. Do your own research. Seek to discover new meanings new ideas. Research is to see what everybody has seen, but to think what nobody else has ever thought. Be original; it alone pays in joys. All studies and reflections together but form the platform for your original plunge.
Swami Chinmayananda
Pujya Gurudev with Lakshmi Reddy
Just a couple of months before Gurudev attained mahasamadhi, he reassured Shefali that study and work in this world do not contradict the spiritual aspirations of a person in any way.
Life must be fully lived. Take to one or another education course. This cannot contradict your spiritual life. Gather more and more knowledge of the world to stand you in good ease while living among others.
Jai Jai Jagadeeswara!
Love
Swami Chinmayananda
Poignant advice on how to handle examinations.
When you have fixed your goal, to get distinction in your final exam, you must be also heroic enough to put forth the required energy sincerely and continuously to climb up to your goal and snatch away your victory. Pray daily: surrender your fears and idleness at His Feet, and draw courage and a firm faith in yourself from His Altar.
Signed
Swami Chinmayananda
Pujya Gurudev explains what it takes for a spectacular achievement in life.
To pass an examination is no doubt, an art, but successfully to meet the challenges of life is a greater game. Consistency of purpose, spirit of industry, tireless self-application, inspired enthusiasm and undying sense of duty are the secrets without which no great man has ever succeeded anywhere. Added to these if there is a cheerful attitude and an uncompromising nobility of character with a ready anxiety to serve all others always you have in you all the features necessary to gain a spectacular achievement in life.”
Signed
Swami Chinmayananda
Gurudev could be quite playful with youngsters and communicate at their own wavelength. He teases the young Anjali Singh:
Anyway please write to me that you got your admission somewhere. Will there not be some college where they will accept you? Are you so bad? You will get admission – and thus the world will be safe for the next two years. This news will comfort me supremely.
Signed
Swami Chinmayananda
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Guidance for Householders
Pujya Gurudev with Smt. Leela Nambiar and family
Introduction
Pujya Gurudev travelled extensively and stayed with many householders as he moved from place to place conducting jnana yajnas and satsangs. He had the opportunity to observe people in their home settings. His keen eye would not miss a single detail, the slightest of gestures, the silent communication with pointed glances between family members – all these came in handy as examples in the yajnasala.
Below are links to a collection of letters from Pujya Gurudev that serve as a guiding light to householders.
Pujya Gurudev travelled extensively and stayed with many householders as he moved from place to place conducting jnana yajnas and satsangs. He had the opportunity to observe people in their home settings. His keen eye would not miss a single detail, the slightest of gestures, the silent communication with pointed glances between family members – all these came in handy as examples in the yajnasala.
Slowly as the householder devotees grow in spiritual stature, they discover their new identity as members of the large Chinmaya Family spread all over the globe. The narrow idea of “I and my family” expands and stretches to include all in a joyous spiritual embrace.
Below are links to a collection of letters from Pujya Gurudev that serve as a guiding light to householders.
Nothing found.
Pujya Gurudev travelled extensively and stayed with many householders as he moved from place to place conducting jnana yajnas and satsangs. He had the opportunity to observe people in their home settings. His keen eye would not miss a single detail, the slightest of gestures, the silent communication with pointed glances between family members – all these came in handy as examples in the yajnasala.
Slowly as the householder devotees grow in spiritual stature, they discover their new identity as members of the large Chinmaya Family spread all over the globe. The narrow idea of “I and my family” expands and stretches to include all in a joyous spiritual embrace.
Below are links to a collection of letters from Pujya Gurudev that serve as a guiding light to householders.
Nothing found.
Slowly as the householder devotees grow in spiritual stature, they discover their new identity as members of the large Chinmaya Family spread all over the globe. The narrow idea of “I and my family” expands and stretches to include all in a joyous spiritual embrace.
Advice for Balavihar
Pujya Gurudev encouraged people to start Balavihars and gave them clear guidelines about how to handle the children.
How much importance Gurudev gave to create the right atmosphere for children to learn is made clear by his suggestion for boards near a nursery school. He knew that children get distracted easily and wanted people to be aware of it too.
We must put a board in the parking yard there:
Careful. Silent.
Children learning to live!!
What do you think of it? In Ashas place and in our other schools we can have:
DRIVE SLOWLY
Children learning to LIVE.
In a letter to Pramila Modi in 1972 he shows how to balance love with discipline.
Children recognise and appreciate much more readily the love and sincerity in others. Pour out your love and sincerity to them: yet be strict for their own discipline. They will be a little wild in the beginning: soon they will be quiet and nice. The juniors: allow them more freedom than for teenagers.
Signed
Swami Chinmayananda
Be a common mother to them all. Love them sincerely.
Good that you started a Balavihar at your place. Keep them constantly in competition with each other in study, in story-telling, in singing, dancing, in scoring at school, in doing noble, heroic and good acts of kindness to men and animals.
In short, be a common mother to them all. Love them sincerely, intensively. They are as many Krishnas – each with His Gopas and Gopies all around Him!
Signed
Swami Chinmayananda
Even the minute details are carefully presented.
Don’t take the children’s class more than one hour. 1¾ is too much. They should never feel tired. Let them play under your own eyes … watch them and read their strengths and weaknesses. Guide them slowly …
Signed
Swami Chinmayananda
The goal of educating the children is beautifully explained in this short snippet.
Love the children. They alone are our only hope for the future. Let us try to leave in them some higher and nobler values. This done – we have then educated them for the highest achievements.
Love
Swami Chinmayananda
Pujya Gurudev encouraged people to start Balavihars and gave them clear guidelines about how to handle the children.
How much importance Gurudev gave to create the right atmosphere for children to learn is made clear by his suggestion for boards near a nursery school. He knew that children get distracted easily and wanted people to be aware of it too.
We must put a board in the parking yard there:
Careful. Silent.
Children learning to live!!
What do you think of it? In Ashas place and in our other schools we can have:
DRIVE SLOWLY
Children learning to LIVE.
In a letter to Pramila Modi in 1972 he writes about how to balance love and discipline.
Children recognise and appreciate much more readily the love and sincerity in others. Pour out your love and sincerity to them: yet be strict for their own discipline. They will be a little wild in the beginning: soon they will be quiet and nice. The juniors: allow them more freedom than for teenagers.
Signed
Swami Chinmayananda
Be a common mother to them all. Love them sincerely.
Good that you started a Balavihar at your place. Keep them constantly in competition with each other in study, in story-telling, in singing, dancing, in scoring at school, in doing noble, heroic and good acts of kindness to men and animals.
In short, be a common mother to them all. Love them sincerely, intensively. They are as many Krishnas – each with His Gopas and Gopies all around Him!
Signed
Swami Chinmayananda
Even the minute details are carefully presented.
Don’t take the children’s class more than one hour. 1¾ is too much. They should never feel tired. Let them play under your own eyes … watch them and read their strengths and weaknesses. Guide them slowly …
Signed
Swami Chinmayananda
The goal of educating the children is beautifully explained in this short snippet.
Love the children. They alone are our only hope for the future. Let us try to leave in them some higher and nobler values. This done – we have then educated them for the highest achievements.
Love
Swami Chinmayananda
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Sketches for Children_test
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Love for Children
Pujya Gurudev shared the spontaneous and uninhibited joy of children, responding to them in the same way with a dance of joy. Writing at a level that the child can understand.
Kochu Balan, who was taught to bow daily to Gurudev's Padukas, received a personal response from the Swami.
I am receiving every day your namaskarams at the Guru-Paduka. Thanks. Do you feel that I touch you when you prostrate?
You are growing a very very good boy.
Signed
Swami Chinmayananda
And while conveying his love, Gurudev made it lively with a sketch and an image that the children could understand and relate to.
I am crushed by the bear-hugs and choked with the candy ones!! God save me from such loving devotees!!
Your tendency is cruel! Why do you corner into your answer papers all the marks available for the questions? Should you not leave a bit more for others! You have bagged 77%. Great Looter Great!!
Looter Rama Looter Rama Rama Rama Loot O! Loot O!!
Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare!!
Signed
Swami Chinmayananda
Gurudev shared the spontaneous and uninhibited joy of children, responding to them in the same way with a dance of joy:
Thanks for your letter of 8th October.
Congratulations. I am lifting you over my head and running round and round your house in my joy. My Balan has got FIRST RANK in class!
Never give it up: BE FIRST.
Signed
Swami Chinmayananda
In his letter to Rama, a six year old child, he addresses her as "sister", perhaps because the child thought of him as a brother. Gurudev was 39 when he wrote this letter. He writes at a level that the child can understand, even using a clear handwriting.
My dear Sister,
Om Namah Sivaya!
Namasthe!!
I got your letter. I was so happy. I danced with joy. Everybody thought I am mad. What do they know that my Rama’s letter had come to me.
You must drive (away) the cow when it eats the flowers. Cows can eat grass. But beautiful flowers are for God.
My beard does not grow. We will have to wait for beards to grow. It grows in God’s own time. When grown we can cut it away; but we cannot make it grow without His Grace.
I am praying to Him to make it grow as long as my knees, white as lily, just like Uncle Santa.
Do you pray.
With Prem and Om,
My dear,
Swami Chinmayananda
Another gem from Gurudev. His response to the child is a dance of joy. Complete with a beautiful sketch and a simple instruction at the end.
Your letters – they gave me such a joy that it was with much difficulty that I kept sane and did not make a fool of myself. Think of a tall stupid Swami holding two pieces of paper in hand and dancing in and out of the Los Angeles traffic, with a posse of policemen whisking their head away, running helter skelter to catch the Swami!! And at the end of it all under T.V. lights they realise that it was all because of two girls in St. John’s and American police cannot reach you as you belong to another country!! HA! HA! HA!! HA!!!
Be regular. Be good. And remember ME always.
Swami Chinmayananda
Gurudev was careful with his handwriting when he addressed letters to children. Sometimes he used capital letters so that the child could understand.
Balan
Tattamangalam.
I got your letter. Thanks. I love you. Congratulations. HAPPY BIRTH DAY. MANY MANY HAPPY RETURNS.
BE A GOOD BOY. PRAY DAILY. LOVE YOUR MUM and DAD. TOUCH THEIR FEET.
LOVE.
SWAMI.
Since letters took time to reach, Swamiji drew an intricate sketch of a donkey carrying flowers to the child so she could understand.
I am sorry I couldn’t reply yours earlier. I have got only this stupid slow donkey to carry my flowers for your birthday, and it is loaded so much with my love that the stupid beast couldn’t walk faster!! Anyway we have reached you; and my flowers are still fresh with my love for you all and here I pay my special loyalty to your Birthday.
With Love Love Love,
Thy Own Self
Swami Chinmayananda
Pujya Gurudev shared the spontaneous and uninhibited joy of children, responding to them in the same way with a dance of joy. Writing at a level that the child can understand.
Kochu Balan, who was taught to bow daily to Gurudev's Padukas, received a personal response from the Swami.
I am receiving every day your namaskarams at the Guru-Paduka. Thanks. Do you feel that I touch you when you prostrate?
You are growing a very very good boy.
Signed
Swami Chinmayananda
And while conveying his love, Gurudev made it lively with a sketch and an image that the children could understand and relate to.
I am crushed by the bear-hugs and choked with the candy ones!! God save me from such loving devotees!!
Your tendency is cruel! Why do you corner into your answer papers all the marks available for the questions? Should you not leave a bit more for others! You have bagged 77%. Great Looter Great!!
Looter Rama Looter Rama Rama Rama Loot O! Loot O!!
Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare!!
Signed
Swami Chinmayananda
Gurudev shared the spontaneous and uninhibited joy of children, responding to them in the same way with a dance of joy:
Thanks for your letter of 8th October.
Congratulations. I am lifting you over my head and running round and round your house in my joy. My Balan has got FIRST RANK in class!
Never give it up: BE FIRST.
Swami Chinmayananda
In his letter to Rama, a six year old child, he addresses her as "sister", perhaps because the child thought of him as a brother. Gurudev was 39 when he wrote this letter. He writes at a level that the child can understand, even using a clear handwriting.
My dear Sister,
Om Namah Sivaya!
Namasthe!!
I got your letter. I was so happy. I danced with joy. Everybody thought I am mad. What do they know that my Rama’s letter had come to me.
You must drive (away) the cow when it eats the flowers. Cows can eat grass. But beautiful flowers are for God.
My beard does not grow. We will have to wait for beards to grow. It grows in God’s own time. When grown we can cut it away; but we cannot make it grow without His Grace.
I am praying to Him to make it grow as long as my knees, white as lily, just like Uncle Santa.
Do you pray.
With Prem and Om,
My dear,
Swami Chinmayananda
Another gem from Gurudev. His response to the child is a dance of joy. Complete with a beautiful sketch and a simple instruction at the end.
Your letters – they gave me such a joy that it was with much difficulty that I kept sane and did not make a fool of myself. Think of a tall stupid Swami holding two pieces of paper in hand and dancing in and out of the Los Angeles traffic, with a posse of policemen whisking their head away, running helter skelter to catch the Swami!! And at the end of it all under T.V. lights they realise that it was all because of two girls in St. John’s and American police cannot reach you as you belong to another country!! HA! HA! HA!! HA!!!
Be regular. Be good. And remember ME always.
Swami Chinmayananda
Gurudev was careful with his handwriting when he addressed letters to children. Sometimes he used capital letters so that the child could understand.
Balan
Tattamangalam.
I got your letter. Thanks. I love you. Congratulations. HAPPY BIRTH DAY. MANY MANY HAPPY RETURNS.
BE A GOOD BOY. PRAY DAILY. LOVE YOUR MUM and DAD. TOUCH THEIR FEET.
LOVE.
SWAMI.
Since letters took time to reach, Swamiji drew an intricate sketch of a donkey carrying flowers to the child so she could understand.
I am sorry I couldn’t reply yours earlier. I have got only this stupid slow donkey to carry my flowers for your birthday, and it is loaded so much with my love that the stupid beast couldn’t walk faster!! Anyway we have reached you; and my flowers are still fresh with my love for you all and here I pay my special loyalty to your Birthday.
With Love Love Love,
Thy Own Self
Swami Chinmayananda
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Advice for Children
Sometimes a line of advice from the Swami could have a great impact on a child. Rohit Nene wrote to Gurudev in detail about his dog and here is the reply he received:
Thank you for your dog-life letter!!
See what an amount of attention, effort, love are necessary to look after a mere dog. How much more your parents must struggle to mould you, train you and feed you to make you a perfect gentleman and a dynamic person capable of facing all ‘problems’ in your world!!!
Jai Jai Jagadeeswara!
Love
Swami Chinmayananda
In his dealings with children, Gurudev ensured that they develop the right values. Here is an incident that Swamini Kaivalyananda remembers.
Once Swamiji was staying with a host who had a grand-daughter. Every morning she would wear her uniform and come to Gurudev, who would feed her the first morsel from his breakfast. One day, she was not wearing her uniform, but was dressed in coloured clothes. Apparently it was the day the host was offering a bhiksha to Gurudev. “Why aren’t you going to school?” asked Gurudev, but the child did not reply, nor did she go to school. Gurudev ignored the child all through the morning and during the bhiksha. It was unusual because generally he would fuss over her and shower her with attention. The child was very upset at this and cried a lot. Later in the evening, Gurudev cuddled her as usual, making it very clear that she must not miss school on any account.
Narendra Veer Madnani, who joined a boarding school, received the following advice from Gurudev.
Score. Be free with all. Mingle with everyone. Make use of your tutors and house masters. Be friendly with all students.
Never for a day miss your prayers. If morning you cannot, do it in the evening. Let His grace flow towards you from all sides. Remember your noble father and divine mother each night and mentally prostrate to them.
Love, Love, Love
Swami Chinmayananda
At the same time, Gurudev made it very clear where the priority lay.
Now I heard all about your sports, games, fiddling from the roof etc. But these are all side-dishes. The main meal is your scholastic progress. No. This is very disappointing. Of what use is your health, games, sports, a few medals if you are not scoring in your studies. No…
Signed
Swami Chinmayananda
Two sisters received their instructions very clearly in this letter as to what the priority was.
It is not right that you two don’t go to school just because Swamiji has come. Religion and spiritual living should make the devotee more conscientious and dutiful towards life. Your duties now are to study and attend classes. That is your dharma. You should never give up your dharma.
Signed
Swami Chinmayananda
When a child was unable to cope with the studies and secure good marks, Gurudev was compassionate and supportive.
The very desire to get the ‘first’ is cheating you from your success. Surrender it to the Lord. Just study hard and be ready to accept whatever the Lord gives.
Signed
Swami Chinmayananda
Parents can learn a lot from the way Gurudev counselled children about handling the exams.
Relax. Don’t worry. Stop all excitements and unnecessary fears of exam. Then you will score more. When we have our surrender to “Wahe Guru”, relaxation comes automatically. You then work in inspired brilliancy, be it in sport or in work.
Signed
Swami Chinmayananda
Along with studies, Gurudev encouraged children to participate in extra-curricular activities.
How is your tennis play? Are you regular and fix your eyes on the ball on the time in each stroke?
Love
Swami Chinmayananda
He stressed all around development.
Never give up your daily prayers. Be the best student in the Eglon School both in studies, in games, and in hiking, mountaineering, camping out etc. Be an all-rounder. This means you will have to be alert and dynamic mentally at all times. Vacation time you can come home and meet parents.
Love your brothers. Respect your father. Revere your mother.
Signed
Swami Chinmayananda
Advice on how to take care of siblings, especially younger ones.
You are the elder brother and so should protect and love your twin brothers – even when they are mischievous. They are our brother always.
Signed
Swami Chinmayananda
Sometimes a line of advice from the Swami could have a great impact on a child.
Rohit Nene wrote to Gurudev in detail about his dog and here is the reply he received:
Thank you for your dog-life letter!!
See what an amount of attention, effort, love are necessary to look after a mere dog. How much more your parents must struggle to mould you, train you and feed you to make you a perfect gentleman and a dynamic person capable of facing all ‘problems’ in your world!!!
Jai Jai Jagadeeswara!
Love,
Swami Chinmayananda
In his dealings with children, Gurudev ensured that they develop the right values. Here is an incident that Swamini Kaivalyananda remembers.
Once Swamiji was staying with a host who had a grand-daughter. Every morning she would wear her uniform and come to Gurudev, who would feed her the first morsel from his breakfast. One day, she was not wearing her uniform, but was dressed in coloured clothes. Apparently it was the day the host was offering a bhiksha to Gurudev. “Why aren’t you going to school?” asked Gurudev, but the child did not reply, nor did she go to school. Gurudev ignored the child all through the morning and during the bhiksha. It was unusual because generally he would fuss over her and shower her with attention. The child was very upset at this and cried a lot. Later in the evening, Gurudev cuddled her as usual, making it very clear that she must not miss school on any account.
Narendra Veer Madnani, who joined a boarding school, received the following advice from Gurudev.
Score. Be free with all. Mingle with everyone. Make use of your tutors and house masters. Be friendly with all students.
Never for a day miss your prayers. If morning you cannot, do it in the evening. Let His grace flow towards you from all sides. Remember your noble father and divine mother each night and mentally prostrate to them.
Love, Love, Love
Swami Chinmayananda
At the same time, Gurudev made it very clear where the priority lay.
Now I heard all about your sports, games, fiddling from the roof etc. But these are all side-dishes. The main meal is your scholastic progress. No. This is very disappointing. Of what use is your health, games, sports, a few medals if you are not scoring in your studies. No…
Signed
Swami Chinmayananda
Two sisters received their instructions very clearly in this letter as to what the priority was.
It is not right that you two don’t go to school just because Swamiji has come. Religion and spiritual living should make the devotee more conscientious and dutiful towards life. Your duties now are to study and attend classes. That is your dharma. You should never give up your dharma.
Signed
Swami Chinmayananda
When a child was unable to cope with the studies and secure good marks, Gurudev was compassionate and supportive.
The very desire to get the ‘first’ is cheating you from your success. Surrender it to the Lord. Just study hard and be ready to accept whatever the Lord gives.
Signed
Swami Chinmayananda
Parents can learn a lot from the way Gurudev counselled children about handling the exams.
Relax. Don’t worry. Stop all excitements and unnecessary fears of exam. Then you will score more. When we have our surrender to “Wahe Guru”, relaxation comes automatically. You then work in inspired brilliancy, be it in sport or in work.
Signed
Swami Chinmayananda
Along with studies, Gurudev encouraged children to participate in extra-curricular activities.
Never give up your daily prayers. Be the best student in the Eglon School both in studies, in games, and in hiking, mountaineering, camping out etc. Be an all-rounder. This means you will have to be alert and dynamic mentally at all times. Vacation time you can come home and meet parents.
Love your brothers. Respect your father. Revere your mother.
Signed
Swami Chinmayananda
He stressed all around development.
How is your tennis play? Are you regular and fix your eyes on the ball on the time in each stroke?
Love
Swami Chinmayananda
Advice on how to take care of siblings, especially younger ones.
You are the elder brother and so should protect and love your twin brothers – even when they are mischievous. They are our brother always.
Signed
Swami Chinmayananda
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