To master the Self, there is no better scripture than the brilliant, mind-dissolving Mandukya Upanishad which was the focus of the 56-day, 60th Jnana Yajna. Then, the added richness of contemplation through the sessions of Bhagavad Gita chapters 2 & 3, made the avid seekers of Chennai slip into an ethereal realm, indescribably bountiful in experience.

To witness thousands of people, especially the youth, become immersed in the mystic text of Mandukya Upanishad and the guiding philosophical explanations of Gaudapada’s Karika was extraordinary. But it was no surprise – Pujya Gurudev as a teacher so unique, with His lucid, relatable anecdotes, and amazing analogies, made the audience revel and attempt to reach that state beyond. As Pujya Gurudev unfolded the significance of Om and the import of its syllables, meditation upon Om as the transcendent and immanent Self took on a deeply penetrative and equally pervasive perspective.

The Akanda Kirtan from September 12th infused the meditative atmosphere with the vibrance of devotion. Then, on September 17th, the Ganga-jal sprinkling ceremony drenched the hearts of the enthralled audience who came in record numbers for that magical experience at the hands of Pujya Gurudev. To give a taste of the deep introspection that Mandukya Upanishad extolled, Pujya Gurudev arranged for a sannyas-themed excursion to the Sathanur jungle. The engineering of Sathanur dam caused wonder, and the satsang with Gurudev where He posed  questions on the concepts sung in the second, third, and twelfth chapters of the Gita was further amazing. The acme of experience was when the seekers were asked to spread out in the jungle and contemplate in solitude on the Gita or the upanishad.The two hours of acute sadhana in the sylvan serene woods left the 400 seekers in a state of wordless bliss. Pujya Gurudev then led the group to another blissful meditation in Ramanasrama of Thiruvannamalai before they returned to Chennai, concluding a Upanishad cum Gita Jnana Yajna that equipped the aspirants with a new vision of Brahman all around and beyond.

A delightful event that occurred after the 60th Jnana Yajna was the All India Bala Mahotsav from September 27-29, 1959. Observing Pujya Gurudev inspire and enthuse children from the many flourishing Chinmaya Bala Vihars, it was evident that He moved effortlessly among the wisest sages and the most innocent children.

The 38 verses of Kenopanishad presented in four distinct chapters speak to seekers at different levels of spiritual sadhana. At the very outset, the all-pervasive Brahman illuminating all senses and yet beyond is revealed. In the second chapter, during the sublime exchange with the astute Teacher, the sincere student declares poetically and with great humility about the Truth Inexpressible admitting, “Not that I do not know; I know, and I do not know.” Thoughtful as the Guru is about the category of students who need a visual reinforcement, Chapters 3 and 4 of Kenopanishad are explained through an interesting story; a Yaksha (a mysterious spirit) challenges the Gods who forgot to credit the omnipotent Brahman for their victory over the asuras. When Agni, Vayu, and Indra are defeated by the Yaksha, Goddess Uma gives the knowledge of Brahman. 

Methodically, explaining each verse word by word in an easy language rich with His wit and amazing clarity, Pujya Gurudev made the ancient, difficult Kenopanishad truly contemporary and relevant in its perspective. For the upanishadic thought to gain strength, He ensured that the three-pronged preparation of Japa, Upasana, and Karma are integrated in the seekers’ lives. Hence, the Japa that he led in each session, the Laksha Archana to Bhagavan Krishna that he arranged on July 12, 1959, and the purifying act of the yatra and Avabhruta snanam that he included made Pujya Gurudev’s Jnana Yajnas a multifaceted spiritual reorientation.

The place of pilgrimage in the 59th yajna was Palani, the worshipful abode of Lord Karthikeya. On July 18th, a vibrant group of 300 devotees in six buses and a convoy of cars followed Pujya Gurudev for the Avabhruta Snanam in the river Amaravati and darshan of Lord Muruga. 

July 20, 1959, which was also Guru Purnima, marked the end of another momentous yajna. Thousands offered their pranams to a Guru extraordinaire in the lineage of Veda Vyasa, with hearts full of gratitude and some sadness to leave the yajnashala that had been their haven of bliss for three weeks.

The venue chosen for the 58th Jnana Yajna in Coimbatore was a palatial hall of a Kalyana Mandap (marriage hall). On the evening of June 7, 1959, the hoisted Om flag signaled that the beautiful hall had acquired a spiritual hue as Pujya Gurudev’s yajnashala. Sri Baburam Saxenner, a Sanskrit scholar and professor of the Allahabad University inaugurated the yajna, and Sri Venkataswami Naidu welcomed the honored guests and Pujya Gurudev. In that packed hall, Pujya Gurudev first clarified the role of religion and philosophy in nation-building: “World is a teamwork, a single event may be the result of infinite causes. And in this universal teamwork, if we do not know how to play the game of life, we will only kick and quarrel and ruin ourselves. Gita tells us our propositions, how they come, and how we must meet them and eke out of them maximum benefit and happiness. But to understand Gita, we must first come to understand the theme of life as such. Now while talking on Gita, I am giving you only suggestions. So, don’t accept them immediately, but independently think and then only come to any conclusion.”

In the morning classes, His richly illustrative Atma Bodha fostered the spirit of enquiry. Pujya Gurudev then unfolded the glory of the Highest Purushottama, the Truth Supreme, knowing which seekers gain real independence from all sorrows of the body, mind, and intellect.

In the Coimbatore Yajna, the  other sadhana features of Akhanda Kirtana, Laksharchana, or Havana could not be completed because of an unforeseen time constraint. Nevertheless, the divine vibrations that Pujya Gurudev created through His discourses were powerful enough to keep the aspirants steadfast in their spiritual quest.

The 57th Jnana Yajna was a labor of love collectively organized by the Dadar, Matunga, and Sion localities of Mumbai. The eminent Sri Ananthasayanam Iyengar, Speaker of the Lok Sabha, on inaugurating the yajna, prefaced that the chapter 3 of the Gita was “dedicated to the philosophy of action, which is the topic for today’s turmoil’s and failures of man. Our present condition is similar to Arjuna’s despair, of retreating when action is necessary.” To educate the huge gathering over 7000 of mixed aptitudes, Pujya Gurudev brought out the nuances of the path of action as expounded in the third chapter, Karma Yoga of the Gita. Powerful in its flow like the vigorous Ganga, His words swirled through the audience who wondered and pondered about duties that uplifted life.

The 6:30 am morning classes on Atma Bodha drew about a thousand spiritually thirsty aspirants; to encourage them to memorize and recite the poetic 68 verses, a prize was announced to be awarded when the yajna ended. Additionally, each evening between 7 pm and 7:50 pm, Sri T. Seshadri (whom Pujya Gurudev called “His Tamil mouth!”) translated the previous evening’s discourse for the Tamil-speaking public, and Sri Natarajan, the Editor of “Tyagi” chanted the slokas of the third chapter.

To bolster introspection with spiritual sadhana, the daylong Vishnu Laksharchana  from 7 am until 5 pm on May 23rd in the Jain Boarding Hall was a heavenly experience. The idol of Bhagavan Vishnu which glowed more with each arati after every round of chanting the Vishnu Sahasranama, the fragrant flowers and incense, the ardent devotees, and the inspiring presence of Pujya Gurudev in that hall – every aspect sparked the highest sense of worship.

A unique feature of the 57th yajna was a memorable 4-scene drama staged by the ex-students of the Dramatic Club on the story of the immortal devotee, Markandeya. Pujya Gurudev ensured all children aged 12 and under got front row seats to the well-enacted play.

 In the Guru Dakshina ceremony on May 29th, Pujya Gurudev handed the yajna prasad of ‘Japa Yoga and Gayatri.’ Every action in that 57th Jnana Yajna was performed with Grace and surrender.

Pujya Gurudev brought the attention of the Kolkata audience who braved the storm to the analysis of Kenopanishad. In the three weeks of discourses, He encouraged all seekers to focus on the core that energizes the ripples of life’s activities. In that fourth yajna at Kolkata, the admirable consistency of Pujya Gurudev shone through. It took one back to 1951, to His introduction to Kenopanishad in the very first yajna. Pujya Gurudev had narrated the way Chinmaya pointed the rising sliver of the crescent Moon to His companions on a bright cloudless sky. He had systematically guided the attention of the companions first to a mango tree nearby, then to its branch arching north, to the two leaves nodding in the breeze, carefully nudging their vision to look between the leaves, and finally up at the beautiful crescent in the sky. 

Using that proven way of Brahma Vidya to turn within and then ‘see the Unseen,’ Pujya Gurudev systematically prepared the audience of Kolkata to turn their vision from yonder to within – to the Truth, the Indescribable Self.

The frequency of yajnas across cities was increasing; Pujya Gurudev’s schedule was tight.  He had traveled all the way from  the 55th Jnana Yajna  at Kannur in Kerala to the 56th yajna in Kolkata, West Bengal.  But the miles of travel had no hold on Him. His energy had a transcendental source, and it was His incredible persistence that enabled people to strive for that crucial “about-turn” in vision.

Pujya Gurudev’s treatment through His Gita Jnana Yajnas was systematic so that the solutions could be long-acting. And, the 700 verses of Gita were the distilled essence apt for the many-faced Arjuna disease in the modern world. But first, the powerful remedy had to be brought from the decorated altar in puja rooms into the living spaces to heal and strengthen. Pujya Gurudev was facilitating that with keen estimation and consistent patience, choosing carefully the right chapter for each town or city.

For the quaint and small Kannur, in that brief Jnana Yajna, Pujya Gurudev chose Chapter 12, Bhakti Yoga. Over a thousand people gathered every evening in the yajnashala erected within the temple, careful not to miss Pujya Gurudev’s thought flow. Mindful that their questions were similar to what Arjuna asked, Pujya Gurudev explained the obstacles that arose when trying to attune the mind to an unmanifest Supreme Principle. Then what should be the way to worship a God with a form? Is a seeker who builds equipoise through detachment and meditates on the Infinite a better devotee? Clearly and thoroughly, the path of devotion and the promise of Bhagavan that a steadfast devotee undoubtedly reaches Him was laid out; When the earnest audience of Kannur heard Pujya Gurudev enumerate the thirty-six magnanimous qualities of a perfect devotee who is very dear to Bhagavan, they were deeply inspired. 

Though only for eleven days, the 55th Jnana Yajna made an indelible mark on the psyche of Kannur, endowing the people with the faith that Gita is a divine panacea.

The concluding words of the Chinmaya Mission Pledge  echoes how true revival is an individual and shared journey – “ We know our responsibilities. Give us the ability and courage to fulfill them.” Pujya Gurudev brought to the forefront how India’s ancient rishis had given the human race, through the upanishadic revelations, the know-how and ability to build an integrated life. And, with every Jnana Yajna, Pujya Gurudev kept reinforcing both the goal and the way. In Hyderabad, it was the unparalleled Kathopanishad that would illustrate the narrow path to expansive happiness.

It is an upanishad that tugs at the heart speaking to the Nachiketa that we all aspire to be. No wonder, the yajnashala couldn’t hold the crowds that rushed in even at 5 pm to find a place in front of Pujya Gurudev who strode in like a spiritual colossus at 6:30 pm. His words, expressions, jokes, warnings, and blinding clarity etched the verses of Kathopanishad in those ready hearts. 

On the Sunday of March 14th, Pujya Gurudev arranged a magnificent Vishnu Sahasranama Laksharchana.The daylong worship before a lustrous murti of Vishnu with continuous archana with beautiful flowers, fervent chanting, and many aratis transported everyone to the glorious realm of blissful Bhakti.

A truly spiritual bonanza, Pujya Gurudev elaborated on the glory of Gita’s Bhakti Yoga, Chapter 12, in the Balaji Bhavan Hall from 8 am to 9 am. Finishing that, He taught Aitareya Upanishad. From March 16th, He delved into Adi Shankara’s melodious five Praatah Smaraami verses. An exceptional feature was when Pujya Gurudev expounded on Viveka Choodamani from March 25th, this time sitting under a tree in the very early dawn. Hundreds gathered for those idyllic discourses. Apart from being bathed in exemplary Vedanta, the Avabhrta snaana on March 22nd in the sacred Krishna river and the divine prayers at the ancient Vedaadri temple was an experience beyond words. The 54th Jnana Yajna of Pujya Gurudev’s gave all the ability to rediscover the many blessings of Bharat.

When introducing the Aitareya Upanishad, Pujya Gurudev narrated how Mother Earth initiated the son of Itara, Mahidasa (a potter and servant of the earth) to realize the Infinite Perfection.  He drew attention to the way the Upanishad under study, belonging to Rg Veda, contained “similes and metaphors taken from the potter’s life, and to that extent, we may say that Aitareya Upanishad is the Scripture of the common man, the Bible of the proletarian, the Quran of the laborer.” As He elaborated on the great progression of thought in the Upanishad, the common examples began indicating the lofty Truth behind Creation, the journey of the jiva (individual soul), and the essence of unity declared by the well-known Mahavakya – Prajnanam Brahma, Consciousness is Brahman.

As this Upanishad Jnana Yajna ran parallel with the Gita Jnana Yajna, their paths united in a glorious Akanda Kirtan before a resplendent Krishna Vigraha in the Odakathur Mutt culminating in a grand Vishnu Sahasra Laksharchana. Pujya Gurudev explained how offering flowers in worship symbolized surrendering the negative vasanas (inherent tendencies) to purify and invoke the Divine within.

Always making time for children and youth amid the two Yajnas, Pujya Gurudev was overjoyed to listen to the “Chinmaya Bala Vihar” children of Chamarajpet recite the entire second chapter of the Gita. He also made sure to inspire the youth in various colleges in Bengaluru with His many lectures..

The Avabhrta Snaana at the sacred Kapila river near Nanjundeshwara temple with the bonus darshan at the renowned Chamundeshwari temple was an unforgettable immersion where kirtan, bhajan, meditation, Gita chanting, and satsang with Pujya Gurudev made over 500 devotees temporarily transcend their preoccupations with a mundane world.

The two yajnas were a Vedantic symphony. Pujya Gurudev, as the consummate conductor, made children, youth, and adults of all backgrounds reach a spiritual crescendo through several paths.

None wanted to miss the majestic entrance of Pujya Gurudev into the overflowing yajnashala at exactly 6 pm with the Elaya Raja of Travancore. The inaugural ceremony progressed smoothly with the energizing Om flag, the respectful welcome, an appreciative inaugural address by the royal dignitary, and the Krishna -Arjuna- Samvaada canvas unveiled. 

With His voice that could enter a million hearts at once, Pujya Gurudev invoked the power of Om and began with a metaphoric comparison. Like children who exhaust themselves in the playground, the majority run around the world scorched by life’s demands. And, religion, like the caring mother, watches and waits, ready to refresh the panting and the tired. Pujya Gurudev continued, “Rank materialism will not survive long, and mere spiritualism alone cannot thrive. There must be a harmonious blending – a happy nuptial between the two which alone will pave the way to prosperity and happiness.” Gita is for any age or stage. He emphasized how the second chapter, especially, was a sweeping and practical overview of the perfect science of life.

The second chapter of the Gita is a flight to the Highest, particularly when Pujya Gurudev pilots the learning. From verse to verse, He charted the course with the illuminating words of Bhagavan Krishna. To prepare the physical with selfless action, to purify the emotional with devotion, to educate the intellect with the Supreme Knowledge, and to sublimate the spiritual through renunciation, the second chapter with Pujya Gurudev was a lofty experience; the audience, captivated, grew in numbers. When one day, heavy rains just before a discourse flooded the yajnashala, drenched everyone, and interrupted electric supply, Pujya Gurudev sat with the wet, cold devotees singing bhajans ardently; Lord Varuna withdrew the rains and the rest of the yajna was an undisturbed flow from an eloquent, established Master.

Shri Tarachand Gupta, a business magnate of Mumbai, in his welcome address, proposed the idea of All India Radio broadcasting Pujya Gurudev’s discourses as a regular feature to reach millions across India. Shri Mangaldas Pakwasa, chairman of the yajna committee and a respected leader of Mumbai, inaugurated the Jnana Yajna recommending that the Bhagavad Gita should be central in every human’s life.

Then, the first sonorous Om uttered by Pujya Gurudev silenced all clamoring thoughts in the audience – the Chinmaya magic had unfolded yet again. The audience was in rapt attention; the crowds increased as the two hours every evening until January 19th became a time to marvel, assimilate, and meditate. Once Pujya Gurudev had established the important place of Chapter 12, Bhakti Yoga, as the door to the final six chapters of the Gita, He made hearts expand with the ideals that endear one to Bhagavan Krishna. To be in the rarefied heights of egoless and contented compassion, unagitated by the world and its wants, unsawed by extremes in the body, mind, and intellect – the vision of that unstinting devotion that Pujya Gurudev instilled day after day was overwhelming and inspiring. 

The final day of the Gita Jnana Yajna, 19th January, when Pujya Gurudev walked among the devotees making sure that at least a few sprinkles of the sacred Ganga-jala touched each one, it was a symbolic culmination. Devotion had to nourish  what He called “inward blossoming.” Looking at the spread of the different texts He taught in the first 108 Jnana yajnas, it is no surprise that Pujya Gurudev focused on Chapter 12 as much as the second chapter – about 15 times in the first 108 yajnas where He watered the Vedantic renaissance with the life-giving waters of devotion.