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The First Jnana Yajna
With four annas (currency unit formerly used in British India) in his pocket, Swami Chinmayananda alighted at the railway station of Pune (then known as Poona) on Dec. 23, 1951 and began his first discourse that very evening. In those days, yajna meant the long traditional havans, the elaborate fire rituals. Taking cue from the Bhagavad Gita, he brought alive the jnana yajna (A series of Spiritual Discourses), where the fire of spiritual knowledge is kindled and the primal ignorance is burnt forever. The 100-day Upanishad Jnana Yajna that followed was a saga par excellence.
The Gangotri Plan
An afternoon midsummer dream born on the banks of the roaring Ganga at Gangotri grew into an irresistible calling. The rushing waters of the mighty river sparked in the young Swami Chinmayananda the urge to carry down the enriching spiritual wealth to the corners of India. Gaining permission from a reluctant Swami Tapovan Maharaj, He set out on an All-India Tour from May to October of 1951. When He returned to Uttarkashi, Swami Chinmayananda carefully envisioned the Gangotri Plan.